When morning eventually came, the white shine casting over the mountain, it was time to move.
Haku opened his eyes and looked over in Winter's direction. ''Winter, are you awake?'' Haku spoke, his tone soft and quiet to ensure he wouldn't cause any disturbances.
''Winter-'' Haku spoke but was cut off by Winter getting up and brushing off his clothes. ''Come, we have a job to do,'' Winter hurriedly spoke, stepping out of his temple and continuing toward the city of lust without waiting for Haku's response.
Haku hurried out of the temple, grabbing a small package before leaving. ''Wait up!'' Haku called out, managing to catch up to Winter who had gradually slowed his pace without saying anything. ''Can you tell me more about it?'' Haku requested, looking at Winter who just kept on walking. ''You'll see it when we get there. Don't talk to anyone.'' Winter replied in a stern tone as he went just around the corner.
After a while of walking back and forth, the two eventually reached the entrance to the city of lust. ''Hm, still as messy as I remember,'' Winter spoke to himself before heading inside, this time making sure Haku was following.
As soon as they walked in, they were met with the sight of multiple brothels and various shops for 'special' entertainment.
Haku looked around with a concerned yet disturbed expression etched on his face while Winter seemed more calm and unbothered about it all.
Haku stopped in his tracks at one of the windows, inside was a whole row of different 'toys', his eyes went wide as he stared in utter silence. Suddenly Winter came and grabbed his arm, pulling him along.
''Come. It's not appropriate to look at such things when you're studying innocence.'' Winter spoke harshly but deep down it was simply because he cared for the boy and his safety around these parts.
''Oh- sorry...'' Haku mumbled and continued along with Winter until they reached the grand attraction: Valentino's temple.
Winter stepped into the temple, Haku following close behind. Inside there were a few people, all dressed up to look fancy yet obviously all being Valentino's chosen subordinates. Both genders are included.
Winter gestured for Haku to stay behind before stepping forward and approaching the throne that Valentino was seated on.
''Ah, Winter is that you?'' Valentino spoke, his voice low and husky as expected. ''And... oh, who's this?'' Valentino added, gesturing towards Haku with one finger.
Winter's eyes narrowed, glancing at Haku for a split second before averting his gaze back toward Valentino. ''That's not why I'm here,'' Winter replied harshly to protect Haku from the eyes of Valentino.
''I need to investigate your seals,'' Winter demanded, causing Valentino to raise an eyebrow. ''As you wish,'' Valentino spoke, getting up and leading Winter toward where he kept his seals. ''My apprentice shall keep your little follower safe,'' Valentino commented, gesturing to another immortal who went over to Haku not soon after.
''I'm Yuan, Valentino's apprentice.'' Valentino's apprentice spoke, looking at Haku with curious eyes. Haku looked at the immortal with a confused expression. ''Uh huh... I'm Haku.'' Haku replied, extracting his hand, and offering a handshake which was left unanswered.
''You're Winter's apprentice, are you not?'' Yuan asked, a small grin spreading on his lips as he started to circle Haku who just stood there in confusion. ''Yeah, that's true...'' Haku responded with a nod, his nostrils filled with the smell of expensive candles and this unfamiliar smell.
Yuan stepped up close to Haku, running a hand along his arm. ''Huh. You're not so strong, are you?'' He asked Haku, almost mocking him for his physique. Haku looked confused yet slightly lost but before he could ask for answers, Yuan took his hand back and let go.
In the back of the temple: Winter stood next to Valentino, seemingly waiting for him to unlock said seals. ''Go on. I've been waiting for too long already.'' Winter spoke, gesturing towards Valentino as if to tell him to hurry up.
After a while of unlocking seals and checking through to see if the items were corrupted, Winter was left without answers.
''This can't be, how is everything already corrupted?'' Winter mumbled to himself before walking right past Valentino and towards the main entrance of the temple. ''Hey, wait a moment,'' Valentino spoke, following Winter.
''Is there no way to fix this?'' Valentino asked as Winter sighed. ''I don't know for sure,'' Winter responded and went back to where he had left Haku. He looked around the room, spotting the many subordinates when he realised something.
''Where is Haku?''