[ Oh, yep, that sure is a hug now. That's... actually not bad? Kinda nice? It's warm, for all that Kirk is so cold. Xenk would never make him pull away, not when he needs this. For once, he understands the fear of being so young and weak. Of being in circumstances beyond his control, with no say in the matter.

Xenk had wished for the same strength, to overcome his father and free his family. It had not come in time, but it came in the end. Though he knows it wouldn't have helped him at all if he'd known when he was Kirk's age. ]

I know. And you will find the strength to surpass this.

[ Certainly that has to be the case, since Kirk survived. The only question is, how many of the others did? Xenk does not know, nor will he expect the answer to be satisfactory. But he can keep hugging Kirk, even as the boy cries and clings to him. It feels... strange that he finds he enjoys providing him with comfort. But there it is. ]

There will come a day when you will become a vampire. You will be strong, and none shall be able to take from you again.