The Man With White Hair (just story)

[Saphire Reign]

okay, this is just for reading!! no posting lol

The Man with White Hair

Alexis

I peeked out from around the oak tree I was standing behind, so I could catch a glimpse of the man who destroyed my village. I made sure I only stuck my head out far enough that I could see him. He had striking white hair that was just over shoulder length long. I could not see his face because he was turned but I did see he was wearing a long sleeved shirt and around the elbow, his shirt slit open down the rest of his arm. His pants were black and they flared out at the feet.

I slowly pulled out my sword. There would be only one chance to take him. I closed my eyes and thought about my family’s faces. I heard him stop moving; I steadied my blade, took a deep breath, and stepped out from behind the tree.

He didn’t turn at once but kept his back to me “Can I help you?” I growled, “Only thing you can do to help me is die.” He didn’t even flinch “And why is that?”
“My family!”
“I have no quarrel with you or your family. I don’t even know you.”
“Liar! You destroyed the village of Laso and that included my family!” He didn’t say anything so I took it as a sign that he was remembering, I sneered “Do you remember then?” This time he turned to face me, his eyes looking me over “Yes, I remember quite well in fact.” I didn’t let my face change “Before I kill you I would like to know one thing.” A smile played on his lips “Oh, what’s that?”
“All I want to know is why, why did you kill them?” He sighed, “Well, I think it’s because one of them ticked me off. Ah, yes, a guy named Nathan was the one.”
“What did he do?”
“He wouldn’t leave me alone so I killed him and others got involved and wait just a second why didn’t I kill you?” Regret and guild filled my face before I could stop them “I had gone to another village for something for my mother.” I put my sword out in front of me “Enough talk, it’s your time to die.” I came at him, swinging my sword to the right. He looked as though he dissolved, then reappeared behind me “Shall we make a wager on this battle?” I swung again and he dodged, I growled, “I don’t see why not.” He came at me and I jumped back, he smirked “Shall we say this is what will happen: If you win, you can kill me, but if I win, you get to be my servant for six months. Deal?”
“Deal.”

I swung my sword from right to left but he jumped straight up. I jumped up after him and nailed a kick to his gut. He laughed and disappeared. He reappeared on the ground next to a tree “Well, well, she’s got some skill. Wouldn’t you say?” Another voice entered the little talking spree “I do say so master but why would you want a human as a servant, especially a girl.” I threw a look at the thing behind the voice. It was a 3’4” Maneka. It hid behind a tree “Mmmaster.” I heard him laugh “Don’t worry Lecto, she can’t kill you.” I flipped around, threw a punch at his stomach, and he backed up. All the sudden he was right in front of me, his hand came up and curled around my neck. He pushed me back against a tree and got right up next to me, he put his head next to my ear “You know what: I like someone who can stand up for themselves.” I put my hand on his stomach and put my fingers between his ribs “It’s time for you to BACK up.” I pushed hard and he stepped back and grabbed his side “You don’t know when to give up, do you?” I smiled and brought up my right food to kick him. He grabbed my leg and flipped me over. I landed hard on my back; he got on his knees over my stomach and put his hand on my throat “Now will you give up.” I shook my head “No!”
“Then you are going to pass out and when you wake up I’ll have won the wager.” His hand tightened around my neck. The last thought before my world went dark was ‘how is this guy so strong, how?’

My eyes flickered open to see twinkling stars in the night sky. I sat up slowly, grabbing my throat with my hand and trying to swallow. The guy stuck out a bottle of water “Here.” I took it from him and drank deeply.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, I spoke “So, um, what is your name anyway?” He grunted, “You didn’t even know my name yet you came to kill me.” I cleared my throat “So, what is your name?” He leaned back against a tree; his eyes closed “My name is Alec. What’s yours?”
“My name is Alexis.” He took a deep breath in and let it slowly out. I glanced at the fire “So, what are my duties to you?” Alec mumbled “Tomorrow.” I smiled and laid my head back down, closing my eyes.

As the sun came over the horizon, my eyes opened. Alec was nowhere to be found, so I was stuck with a sleeping Maneka. I stood up; it was a beautiful crisp morning. I felt something behind me and turned, Alec was standing at a tree “Lecto, wake up!” The little Maneka jumped up “What master, what?”
“Can you smell that?” Lecto sniffed the air several times then jerked his head back “It smells like Raco. How long has his sent been close?”
“To long.” I sat silently listening to the conversation, Alec glanced at me “I suppose you would like to know what we are talking about?” I shrugged my shoulders “I figured I would ketch on eventually.” No expression played on his face so I knew I needed to be careful about what I said. Lecto grabbed his little cane and stood next to Alec “What do you plan to do with this “human”?” All he did was stare at me.

[Saphire Reign]

Finally he sighed “She can come with us but you need to watch her, Lecto.” I raised my eyebrows “I honor my promises. I won’t run but you might want to watch your back.” Lecto’s eyes got huge and he freaked “You can’t talk to master Alec like that! Master Alec she can’t talk to you like that!” I looked at Lecto weird “I can talk to either of you however I want.” Lecto slowly turned Alec. I was kind of getting nervous. Alec turned and started walking down the road. Lecto followed close behind. I waited a few seconds, sighed, and followed.

After about ten minutes of walking, Alec stopped “We should see him come out right there.” He pointed to the left of the river. All the sudden a guy looking similar to Alec came out from the left of the river. He stopped when he saw us. Three others came out behind him. The guy, Raco, put his arm out in front of one of the girls. Raco spoke first “What are you doing here, Alec?”
“Wondering what you are doing here.” Raco caught my eye “And who’s this?” Alec stepped in his line of sight “How is your Mestalgo doing?” Raco growled, a smile played on Ales’c lips. Lecto spoke “Master Alec wants to know where Chikao is.” The other guy who had come along with Raco smirked “Apparently Alec needs someone to talk for him now.” One of the two girls, also with Raco, hit him on the shoulder. I smirked and Lecto jerked back at me so I stopped. Raco drew his sword “Do you have any information about Chikao?” Lecto growled, “I just asked you the same question!” Alec put his hand on Lecto’s shoulder “Enough Lecto.” He turned his head toward Raco “Little Brother, how fairs your search for the crystals?”
“It’s none of your business.”
“So, you lost them all to Leah and she gave them to Chikao, right?” I could see Raco’s face tighten at the name of Leah. I peaked my head around Alec “Yo, Raco, how many what are these crystals?” The girl who had hit the other guy on the shoulder cringed “Well, the crystals run these worlds but he’s still missing a few.” Raco glanced at the girl “He doesn’t need to know a thing.” Alec chuckled “I wasn’t even the one asking.”
“Yeah, but you put the questions in her head.”
“Gee whiz brother I don’t brain wash people. Besides this girl here tried to kill me yesterday and I didn’t know her before that.”
“Why the heck is she standing behind you then?”
“We made a deal.”
“You made a deal with a human that would keep her with you?” Alec sighed “You know what, we could fight about this all day but instead I have one question to ask.”
“What?”
“Have you ever come in contact with a Hemolo named Katsutoshi?”
“Katsutoshi. I don’t think so but you never know.” Alec rolled his eyes and turned “This was a waste of time and energy.” He started walking down the river, Lecto following close behind. I stayed for a second and looked at Raco “Are you his little brother.” He looked at me weird “Yeah, did he really make a bet with you?” I nodded, he shook his head “That’s very unnatural of him.” Lecto yelled “Human, come.” I turned and started after them, yelling “I have a name.”
“Get over it human.”
“Humph.”

We had been walking fast for two hours and I was falling behind. I wasn’t going to say anything thou because I didn’t want to hear anything out of either of them.

Finally, about twenty minutes later Alec looked behind him to see me around five yards behind them. He stopped “We’ll stay here tonight. I got to where they were and tried not to breath heavy.

After we got camp set up and were sitting around the fire Alec sighed “Alexis, I think I should tell you want I want you to do now.” I sighed “OK, what’s my punishment?”
“You will make every meal for us and get our water.” He smiled and lay against a tree. I suspiciously looked at him “Is that it?” He nodded so I dropped it.

My eyes opened before the sunrise this morning. I sat up and looked at the fire, it was almost dead. I took in a deep breath and it smelled of rain. I stood up and stoked the fire.

When Alec’s eyes opened, I smiled “Breakfast is done.” He unsurely took the scrambled eggs “This won’t kill me, will it?” I laughed evilly “You never know.” I turned back to the fire as Alec smirked.

The sun finally came over the horizon and Alec handed me back the plate “I’ve not had a homemade food for a while now.” I smiled “You never know when I’ll poison you.” He cocked his head “Now, now.” All the sudden Lecto woke up and saw the plate Alec had handed me “Master, did you eat something that the human made?!” He nodded; Lecto freaked “No, no master. She could try to poison you, never eat her stuff without me tasting it first.” Alec glared at him “Who is the Master here and who is the servant?” Lecto backed up “SORRY, master. Sorry.” Alec nodded. I smirked and handed Lecto a plate of eggs. He took it, sneered at me, and started eating.

Around 8:00am I asked Alec “So, “master” Alec, what’s your plan?”
“First off we need to find a Hemolo by the name of Katsutoshi.”
“OK, and how are we supposed to find this Katsutoshi?”
“Oh, he makes himself easy enough to find.”
“I’ll ask again, were?”
“Once we hit the land of Ai, he will find us.” I slowly nodded “Well what are we waiting for then?” Alec stood up “We are going to run today, shall I carry you?” Lecto nodded “Yes master you can carry me.” He rolled his eyes “Not you stupid, you can keep up with me. Alexis.” I looked at him, somewhat surprised “Um, sure.” He knelt down and I got on us back. He put his hands under my butt to hold me in place “Hold on, Alexis.” I felt my face flush a little as I put my arms around his neck. I felt him tense, surprisingly. Lecto cleared his throat “Well let’s go shall we?” Alec nodded “Yep, let’s go.” He started running down the road.

After about an hour, we came to a fast flowing river and Alec stopped “Lecto, when did this river get here?” He came up beside us “I don’t know master, it wasn’t here last time, and I didn’t know of any other river developing.” Alec slowly set me down and I walked over to the water. I bent down and dipped my fingers in the water then pulled them out. I looked at my fingers and it looked as if black goop was running off them “Um, Alec, this isn’t a river.” He was next to me, looking at my fingers. I wiped them on the grass and stepped back but the goop followed me “Alec, Alec, do something.” He stepped on the goop and it went back into the water. I peaked around Alec at the goop; he looked down at me “OK, what happened to the girl who wanted to kill me?” I looked up at him “She doesn’t like black goop that follows her.” Lecto came up next to us “Well where do we go now?” Alec sighed and looked to the sky “We have about an hour left till lunch. We can walk till then.”

An hour later, we stopped under a tree and I started fixing lunch, which was sandwiches.

Alec and Lecto had fallen asleep under a tree after lunch. I smiled and looked into the sky; it was crisp and blue. All I could hear were the birds chirping and the grass swaying. I put the rest of my sandwich in my mouth and glanced back the way we came. It seemed dark and dreary. My mind started to wander when Alec’s voice startled me “What are you thinking about?” I glanced at him “It looks dreary the way we came.” Alec’s eyes still closed “What were you really thinking about?”
“Nothing that you would be concerned about.” One of his eyes popped open “Come on.” I sighed “I was thinking about my brother.”
“Why?”
“It was on a day like this when he got married.
“How old was he?”
“When he married or when you killed him?” Alec was silent; I continued “Sorry.”
“There is nothing to apologize for.” He stood up “Let’s go Lecto.” He sat up “OK, master.”

We got things cleaned up and Alec bent down “Get back on, Alexis.” I got back on and he started running.

Around 9:00pm we stopped for the night. He put me down and we got camp around.

I woke up, again, before sunrise and started to make breakfast. Alec’s voice scared me “What the heck are you doing up so early?” I was a little taken a back because of how he talked to me “Well for yo---“ Lecto ran over to me and shook his head “Master isn’t in a good mood today. No comments or anything rash should come out of your mouth.” I glanced at Alec then back at Lecto “Not that I understand what exactly going on but I’ll play it cool.” I turned back to Alec “I’m making your breakfast, Alec.” I could see him roll his eyes “We aren’t having those eggs you made yesterday, are we?” My face heated up and I gritted my teeth “Not if you don’t want to.” Lecto put his hand on my arm “Why don’t you go and fetch some water Alexis, I’ll start the toast.” I nodded and headed to the water.

I shook my head as I filled up the water and wondered what had ticked Alec off so bad.

When I got back to the camp Alec was asleep, again, and Lecto was frying bacon. I whispered, “Where did you get the bacon?” Lecto looked up “Oh, this was in my pack.” I nodded and sat next to him “So, what puts Alec in such a bad mood?”
“I don’t think I should be the one to tell you that.”
“Well, why not?” Lecto sighed “You haven’t known him for long enough to understand his emotions.” I shrugged “He was fine yesterday.”
“Like I said, I think he should be the one to tell you.” I sighed as the sun came up over the horizon.

Alec glanced at us “What were you two talking about?” I shook my head “Nothing.” He snapped his fingers “Lecto, give me some bread and bacon!” He nodded and handed Alec bread and bacon. I stood up “So, where are we going today?” Alec glanced at me; his eyes were dark “Who says we are moving?” I sighed, “Alright, since we apparently aren’t going anywhere today, I’m going to take a bath, in the river.” Alec rolled his eyes “Yeah, yeah.”

I went to the river; made sure no one was looking, striped, and got into the water.

As I was washing, I sensed something foul. I glanced around, not liking my situation. I couldn’t see anything but I knew something was there, watching me. My heart started to beat faster and my adrenaline kicked in. I yelled, “Um, Lecto, something’s wrong!” He didn’t answer and neither did anyone else. I started to get very nervous. I yelled again “Lecto, get you tinny butt over here!” Still no answer, maybe he was the peeping tom. I dunked further into the water, now I was up to my neck.

All the sudden a man walked right out into the open, looking at me, standing on the bank. I felt my eyes get large and my face flush “Excuse me! What the heck are you doing?!” He just stood there, starring. He had blond hair and orange eyes.

Finally I yelled “Alec, Alec, can you get your grumpy butt over here?!” I heard a rustle in the woods behind the man. The man slightly turned as Alec came walking into the open “Bout time.” He glanced at me then at the man “Why are you watching her bathe?” He shrugged “She was pretty.” My face got even redder. Alec continued, “I think it would be best for you to leave, now!”
“Do you even know who I am?” Alec shook his head “I don’t know and frankly I don’t care.” The man’s eyes narrowed “You are Alec the Eastora?” Alec nodded “What’s it to you?”
“Chikao is looking for ya.” Alec’s facial expression changed “What do you know of Chikao?!”
“I am actually one of Chikao’s servants.” Faster than your eyes could see, Alec’s hand was at his throat and he hissed, “I’ll ask you once and only once, where is Chikao?” The man smirked “Did you really think I would answer that?” I could see Alec’s hand begin to squeeze “When you woke up this morning did you plan on dying?”
“If I tell you about where he is, will you kill me?” Alec cocked his head “Depends on if the information is good or not.” “He is near Oka Mountain.” Alec sighed, “If you are lying.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry.” I cleared my throat “OK, nice talk and all but I need to get out of the water and so…” Alec picked up the guy by the throat and took him into the woods. I rolled my eyes, quickly got out, and got dressed.

I went back to camp and glanced around, Alec was sitting against a tree and Lecto was stoking the fire, I walked over to him “And why the heck didn’t you come when I called?!” He glanced up at me “Sorry Human.” I sat next to Alec and laid my head on my knees. Alec sighed “Lecto, did you not hear her?”
“No, I heard her but I was busy.”
“Do you remember what I told you?”
“What master?”
“I told you to keep an eye on Alexis.”
“Oh, um, yes.”
“Well, why didn’t you?” I glanced up at Lecto, who was shaking in his boots. Alec laid his head back against the tree, apparently, his message had been sent, and he continued, “At least we know where Chikao is.” I grabbed my pack and laid my head on it, stretching out on the ground “By the way, Alec, what did you do with the peeping tom?” He didn’t even open his eyes “Killed him.” That took me by surprise but I didn’t question him because of how he answered.

Later in the day, around 5:00pm, I started making supper. Alec had gone out for some wood and Lecto had gone to the river for water. I decided to make the rice balls Lecto had given me. The rain I had smelled yesterday still hadn’t come. I glanced up into the sky, the cloud cover had increased. Alec’s voice startled me “It’s going to rain tomorrow.” He dumped the wood by the fire “Tomorrow will be a better day thou.” He sat close to the fire and warmed his hands, I glanced at him “Can I ask you something?” He nodded so I continued, “What did the peeping tom mean by Alec the Eastra?”
“Eastra is a slang name for half breed.”
“So he was really saying Alec the half breed?”
“Yes.”
“Well, why did he call you that?”
“My mother was human but my father was from the royal line of the Argyll.”
“So you’re half human and half Argyll?” He nodded “So is Raco.” I nodded “And I am assuming that you and he don’t get along?” Alec shrugged “We’ve never gotten into it but we’ve just never seen eye-to-eye, if you get my meaning.” Lecto came running through the trees “Master, the river changed to the black goop as I was filling up the water!” Alec didn’t even stand up “And what does that have to do with me?” Lecto shrugged his shoulders “OK, master.” I stood up “I’m going to go check it out.” Alec shook his head “No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am.” I started toward the water, Alec jumped up “Fine, I’m coming.” I smiled as he followed me.

We came to the water and I knelt down to touch it but Alec grabbed my arm “Don’t touch it.”
“Why not?”
“This smells different then the other river.” I thought for a second “Is it because the other one wasn’t a real river and this is?” He sighed, “We need to leave this area, now!” Lecto glanced at Alec “Why?” Alec picked me up, in a princess hold, and started running. Lecto freaked and followed.

We reached our camp and quickly packed everything up. Alec had me get on his back and he started running. I spoke in his ear “What’s wrong?” I could see a small amount of fear in his face “Something isn’t right. I don’t know what but something isn’t right.” Lecto came up beside of us “Master, do you sense that Hemolo.”
“Yes, but something else is also here.” All the sudden Alec came to a stop “It’s here. I tried to beat it but apparently it’s faster then what I can run with Alexis on my back.” He put me down and turned toward the pathway to the mountain. A man stepped out “Well, well, well what do we have here? An Esatra, a Maneka, and a human.” Alec put his hand on his sword “I wouldn’t have guessed I’d see an Argyll.” He didn’t even wince “We’ve been wondering where you and your brother “hopped” off to.”
“Well, why didn’t you check your bunny book.” He held up his finger “That’s enough, Aleccwa.”
“My name is Alec.” The guy shook his head “You know what, I think it’s time for you to come back home.”
“No!”
“Shall I go ask your brother to come back.” Alec drew his sword “Malec, I really suggest you leave.”
“Now why would I do that?”
“I’m having one of my bad days.” Malec pulled his sword “Then does that mean you want to kill me?” Alec was behind Malec, hands on his neck “Yeah, I’d like to kill you, I’d really like to kill you but Alexis is watching and I don’t think she wants to see me kill someone.” I saw Malec smirk “You’re faster than last time, little rabbit.” He disappeared and appeared next to me “Now, why would a little human like you be traveling with an Esatra, like him?” I stood up and pulled my sword, he smiled “Oh, does the wittle human have a scawy sword?” It was at his neck before he could blink “I’m not stupid, rabbit trainer.” He growled “You little we-. “ Alec was right next to us, his head next to Malec “Now, now, that wasn’t very nice Malec.” His head whirled around “You.” He disappeared and reappeared behind us “Now, now, no ganging up.” Alec smirked as his eyes glowed bright blue. Their swords clashed and wind rippled out from around their feet, I was surprised they could move that fast. Alec moved his right foot and nailed a kick to Malec’s gut. Malec tottered but landed a punch to the side of Alec’s head. Alec fell to the ground, bringing up his sword to block Malec. Alec flipped up backward, standing on his feet. Malec jumped forward and Alec blocked his sword, grabbing Malec’s neck with his other hand “Ho, ho, what do we have here; I made it to your neck.” Malec spun away from Alec and swept his leg over the ground, tripping Alec. He fell to the ground on his back; Malec dug his right knee into Alec’s chest “Now boy, I think this fight is over!” I moved, my fist connected with his face before he even knew what had happened. He flew back and hit the ground. Alec jumped up and stepped in front of me as Malec came at me. Blood was dripping from Malec’s face; he wiped it and looked at his fingers “I haven’t seen my blood in a very long time.” Malec’s eyes looked different, more uncontrolled. I saw Alec’s hand shaking a small amount, I whispered, “Alec, are you O-.” He turned to look at me and his eyes scared me “Why would you do that?!” I took a step back “What?”
“Protect me! You shouldn’t have gotten involved.” I was a little taken aback by how violent he sounded, he must’ve noticed how big my eyes were because he softened a bit “I appreciate that you tried to help but I don’t need to worry about protecting you and protecting me.” I nodded and took a step back, my face flushing. He sighed and turned back to Malec “I think this fight needs to end.” Malec growled and sped forward. Alec brought his arms up to block Malec’s punch but Malec grabbed Alec’s leg and twisted, flipping Alec onto his stomach. Alec growled and kicked at Malec’s head, who then let go of his leg.

All the sudden they both looked up into the sky, something had happened. Alec reacted quicker; he played dirty and kicked Malec in the crotch, who went down immediately. Lecto came over to me and waited for Alec.

I could tell he was hurting but he picked me up and the three of us started running toward the mountain.

Alec set me down in a small cave on the mountain and plopped down against the wall. Lecto went out to gather wood and I started to get the water around.

Alec was still breathing heavily after we got the fire going. Lecto was sleeping soundly but I was still awake, surprisingly, worried about Alec. I heard him take in a deep breath and I turned over, toward him “Are you still not doing any better?” His eyes were closed but he shook his head and wheezed “No, not really.” I stood up, grabbed some water, and went to Alec “You didn’t even wipe the blood of your face.” He smirked; I dipped a rag in the water, and started cleaning off his face. He had several cuts from the battle. His face was caked with blood and he winced as I was cleaning it off.

When I was done he opened his eyes “By the way, what time is it?” I glanced around “Um, I think it’s around 12:30pm.” He sighed “Good.” I started cleaning a sword wound on his arm “Can I ask you a question?” He cringed as I put some alcohol on his arm, he nodded “Yeah, but one thing first: how did you get this alcohol?” I smiled “My mother made me take a small first aid kit when I left the village to get stuff for her.” His face hardened but then went back to normal “OK, now your question.” I continued cleaning his arm “Can I ask you why, why you have bad days?” I felt him take a breath “Well, no one else really knows why.”
“Lecto does.”
“Lecto is the only one.” I glanced at him “So, you aren’t going to tell me?” He sighed as I set down the rag and handed the bottle of water to him “I’ll tell you this: Part of the reason I have bad days is because of what comes two days after the bad day and because of a small matter of my conscience.” He took a drink, I swallowed “So, is that all I’m going to get?” He nodded but I had one other question “Um, this would help me a lot, were you having a bad day when you slaughtered my village?” He took another drink and nodded. I cleared my throat “OK, enough talk for tonight, I’m tired.” I grabbed my pack, laid my head down, and closed my eyes. Alec whispered “Goodnight.” I smiled “Goodnight.”

I woke up; the sun was streaming into the cave. I stood up; it was like 9:00am. My face fell, Alec had to fix his own breakfast. I glanced around, Lecto and Alec weren’t in the cave “Guys?” No one answered. I stepped outside the cave and glanced around, it was a beautiful area. It was chillier then normal and it had started to sprinkle rain. I turned in a circle as the quietness engulfed me. A voice startled me “Hi.” I turned and it was a girl, around my age, who had black hair and green eyes “Are you lost?” I shook my head “Um, no.” Lecto and Alec appeared next to me and I jumped. Leto laughed but Alec hit him upside the head “Leah, what are you doing here.” I glanced at Alec then at Leah and back again “Leah, Leah, or some other Leah?” Alec smirked “Oh this is Leah, Leah.” She chuckled “What are you two talking about?” Alec laughed “She met Raco a few days ago.”
“Oh. Anyway, how are you Alec?” I looked her over and she seemed to be a little slutty “He’s doing fine, thank you very much.” She looked at me weird “No offence but I asked Alec, not you.” She turned toward Alec “Now, what happened to your face and arm?” He shrugged “I got into a fight with Malec.” Her eyes bugged out, she disappeared and reappeared behind Alec “Did you win?” He shook his head “It was a tie.” She put her arm over his shoulder and I turned, walking back into the cave. Alec yelled “Yo, Alexis, why are you leaving?” I sat by the fire and yelled back to him “Well I was getting cold so I’m sitting by the fire!” He came into the cave “Come on, Leah’s only kidding around.” I glanced up and saw a smirk on his face; he sat down next to me “You know what, for wanting to kill me, you sure are jealous.” I whirled around “I am not!” He held up his hands “OK, OK!” He went back out to Leah and Lecto.

I sat near the back of the cave and sighed, I wondered how my brother’s kid would look now. The day he was killed my brother and his wife found out they were going to have a baby. I sighed and whispered, “Oh, I wonder what my parents would say about me now, or my brother?”

I sensed something near me; a sweet voice sounded near me “Why are you so sad, little one?” I looked up, tears playing in my eyes “Who said that?” A guy was sitting next to me; he put his arm around my shoulder “Did something happen to your family?” I nodded “There all dead.”
“Dead?!” I nodded “The guy out there, Alec, killed them all.”
“And here’s the obvious question: what are you doing with him?”
“Oh, I made a deal with him that if I lost the fight, we had, I would have to work for him for six months.” The man nodded “I have a gift for you.”
“What?” He handed me a small necklace “Here you go.” He put it around my neck “It’ll bring you good luck so don’t take it off, OK?” I nodded “OK.” The man disappeared and I went back to the fire.

I walked out of the cave to see Leah hugging on Alec, I sighed, “Um, do you want me fix lunch now?” He looked over at me “Lecto, help her.” Lecto and I headed to the river to ketch some fish.

[Saphire Reign]

Lecto caught the first fish, as he was cleaning it he asked, “How do you like Leah?” I shrugged “I can tell she’s not my favorite person but I assume she’s OK.” He glanced at me “She’s not a little slutty?” I smiled “I was trying not to be so forward.” He nodded “Besides you, she is the person I least like in the world.”
“Ha-ha, very funny but thanks for the vote of confidence there.” He smiled and went back to cleaning his fish.

We went back to the cave and started cooking the fish, we caught a few extra incase Leah was staying for lunch. Alec and Leah came into the cave and sat near the fire. We started eating.

It seemed like all of the sudden Alec noticed my necklace, his face tensed “Um, Alexis, where did you get that necklace?” I reached for it and took a look at the jewel on the end “Oh, this old thing, I’ve had it for a while.”
“How come I’ve never seen it?”
“I don’t know, maybe you’ve never taken the time to look.” He quieted down and started eating. This conversation might come back to haunt me.

Leah finally left us towards evening and the three of us relaxed in the cave. I asked “Alec, what was it that you and Malec sensed?” He sighed, “I don’t think that’s something we need to discuss.” I glanced at him “Um, did I do something to piss you off?” He kept his eyes closed “What do you mean?”
“Well you sounded like you were mad at me earlier and now you just sound not caring.” He huffed “I don’t.” I was a little taken aback “Oh, sorry.” One of his eyes popped open and he sighed, “Do you remember what I had said earlier, about something that happens two days after my bad day?” I nodded “Yeah.”
“Well I’m ticked about that.” I saw Lecto glance at Alec “Um, master-. “ Alec held up his hand “I think she needs to know.” I glanced from Lecto to Alec “If it’s a problem I don’t need to know.” Alec shook his head “No, it’s fine. You know how I’m an Esatra.” I nodded, he sighed, “Well that means I have some, some, limits.” My face wrinkled “What limits?”
“Once a month my limits hit me full force.”
“What limits?!”
“Once a month, on the day when the moon his half full, I lose my powers.” I sighed “OK. What powers that you have do you lose?”
“Well my eye sight, my strength, and things like that.” I was silent, he sat up and opened both eyes “We can’t do anything tomorrow because all my strength will be gone.”
“So, are we going to stay here?”
“No, Leah knows where we are so we have to move.” I smirked “Why? What would she do, she’s just a little vixen.” I held up my hands “No offence intended.” Alec smiled “She’s not as trustworthy as you might think.”
“Ha-ha.” Alec sighed “Lecto, let’s get our stuff around and get ready to leave.” Lecto nodded and starteda- getting stuff around.

We moved through the dark forest quickly.

Finally around 11:45pm we came to a gigantic rock wall. Lecto cleared his throat “OK, master, 15 minutes.” Alec set me down and touched the wall. A small hole appeared in the wall and Alec smiled “Let’s go.” My eyes got big “How did? How? What?” Alec laughed “No one, I mean no one has ever been inside this wall, except me.” We walked through the wall.

[Saphire Reign]

Around ten minutes later, we sat next to a tree and Lecto built a small fire. I kept glancing at Alec wondering what was going to happen.

Finally, Alec sighed, “OK, enough Alexis, quit looking at me. It’s getting very annoying.” I looked down “Sorry, I just want to know what’s going to happen.” He smiled “Don’t worry, in about 60 seconds you’ll find out what happens to me, don’t watch me till then.” I smiled.

55 seconds later I looked over at him, he smiled “Well, here goes.” His eyes went from purple to a bright blue. I watched in amazement, as his eyes seemed to become less cold.

After a few minutes, he laughed, “OK, you can stop gawking now.” I blinked and shook my head “Sorry.” He smiled, again. That was twice in a few seconds. He slowly stood up “Do I really look that different?” I nodded; Alec stretched “I feel so weak.” Lecto glanced up at us “I’m going to sleep now. Master if you need help just ask.” Lecto closed his eyes. Alec glanced at me “Follow me.” He pulled me up.

He led me to a line of trees and stopped “OK, close your eyes.” I closed them tight. I felt Alec grab my hand and I let him pull me.

He stopped and whispered, “Open your eyes.” I slowly opened my eyes to see a fountain flowing with pink water. The moon light reflected off everything around it. The fountain sat in a stone courtyard with benches scattered all around. I smiled “Wow, this is beautiful.” Alec nodded “When I lose my powers, I also have stronger emotions. I like to come here because I think this place is beautiful and I normally don’t like beautiful things.” I walked to the fountain “Can I touch the water?” He nodded “Yeah.” I dipped my fingers into the cool water. It felt like little ants were crawling across my hand and I pulled back “That’s not normal water.” He laughed “No, it’s not. This is precious water, water that was used by the people who used to live here.” I turned to face him “What happened to the people who lived here?” Alec cleared his throat “They all died.” I stood up “Why?”
“A meteor hit this place five centuries ago and killed everyone. Now everyone call his unholy ground and no one is supposed to come here.”

All the sudden I sensed something in the forest “Alec-.” He interrupted me “Yeah, I sensed it too. LECTO!” Lecto came running over to us “Yes master?”
“Something else is here.” Lecto took two breaths and brought up his cane “OK, I’ll be watching. Do you both have your swords?” We nodded. Lecto cleared his throat “I’m going back to get our stuff, we should camp here.” Alec nodded and Lecto took off.

He came back a few minutes later and laid our stuff down “I’m going to try and go back to sleep, if you sense anything let me know.” Alec nodded as Lecto went to sleep.

I sat on the ground with my back to the fountain “I think I’m going to get some sleep as well.” Alec plopped down next to me “Might as well.” I closed my eyes and heard Alec sigh, today was going to be interesting.

A few short hours later, the sun woke me up. I groaned and glanced around, Alec was still asleep next to me, and Lecto was asleep by out bags. I slowly stood up, trying not to wake Alec, and looked at the fountain. It still had pink water but it wasn’t as bright now. I took in a deep breath and looked at the sky, it was cloudy. I listened; it was all quiet except for the occasional bird chirp.

All the sudden I sensed something behind me and turned. A man was standing there, it was the one that gave me the necklace “Hello again.” His face stayed stone cold “Hello, Miss Alexis. How was your night?” I realized that this guy was probably strong and Alec didn’t have his powers. I didn’t even know if this guy was dangerous “Um, who are you?”
“No one you should be concerned about but I do have one question.”
“Yes?”
“Where is Alec?”
“I’m not sure.” Alec shifted next to me; thankfully, he was behind the fountain. I cleared my throat “I get the feeling that you aren’t exactly the good guy.” He smirked “Oh and why would you get that feeling?”
“I don’t know, I think it was the way that Alec reacted when he saw the necklace.”
“Alec doesn’t know what he is talking about.”
“Says who, he’s been right about everything so far.”
“He killed your entire family yet you answer his every beck and call. Plus you actually look like you are starting to “enjoy” his company, if you get my meaning.” My face flushed and I sensed Alec waking up. I hardened my voice “I suggest you leave, now.” The man cocked his head “Is Alec waking up?” I took a deep breath “I don’t know where Alec is and I suggest you leave.” Alec heard me and stayed still. The man cocked his head “I thought I would get a different response out of you, because of Leah and all.” I said nothing; he smiled “Shall I be asking for my necklace back?” I took a step back and grabbed the necklace “I think I’ll hang onto it.” He cocked his head, smiled, laughed, and disappeared.

Alec stood up slowly, watching me. I looked down. He cocked his head “And who was that?”
“I know as much about him as you do.” Alec reached out and took hold of the jewel on my necklace “Apparently you know a little more then you say.” I turned so my back was facing him “I’m sorry. He gave me the necklace when I first met Leah.”
“Oh that explains everything.” He put his hand on my shoulder “Leah did tick you off didn’t she?” I smirked “That she did.” He turned me around “Could you let that go?” I sighed and glanced at the sky “Will tomorrow come?” He smiled “Yes it will, yes it will.”

Alec stood up “Guys I want to show you something.” Lecto and I looked up from playing cards “OK.”

We followed him about half a mile into the woods, Lecto smirked “What are we going to see?” Alec smirked “Something you haven’t seen before Lecto.”
“No kidding, we don’t normally leave the fountain area so of course you wouldn’t have seen this.”

We walked out of the forest to a beautiful pink river. My eyes lit up “Wow that is beautiful.” Alec smiled “You can swim if you want.” I glanced at him “Seriously?” He nodded “Yeah, go ahead.” I ran to the water and stepped in; I fell in over my head. I grabbed for something but nothing was there. I stuck my hands up out of the water, felt someone grab one, and pull me up. My eyes opened to Alec’s laughing face “Sorry, guess I should have told you about the drop off.” I spat water out of my mouth “No kidding!” He sat me on the edge of the water “Get used to the water before going back in.” Alec stepped back “Lecto, are you going to take a dip?” Lecto shook his head “Me and water = bad and death.” Lecto hopped back into the woods. Alec looked at me “Are you OK now?” I nodded “Yeah that was just a little weird. I’ve never just stepped off the edge of land before.” Alec sat down next to me “Apparently, you haven’t had enough adventures in your lifetime.” He kicked the water with his feet; it went sparkling through the air. He smiled “I’ve fallen off the edge several times during my life.” I glanced at him; his eyes looked like they were far away. I decided not to interrupt and slowly lowered myself into the water.

I swam around in the pink water; it wasn’t too cold or too hot. I swam to the middle of the lake and went under. I couldn’t touch the bottom even after 25 seconds. I came back up taking a deep breath of air. I glanced back at Alec; he was laying on the edge of the water soaking in the sun. I smiled and swam toward him.

When I got about 5 feet away from him I pulled up my hands and splashed him. He jumped up and I laughed. He jumped into the water and dunked me under. I came up, laughing. He smiled.

All the sudden the sky darkened and a man appeared on the edge of the water. Alec’s face darkened “What the heck do you want?” The man smiled “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Alec was out of the water and behind the man before I could blink. The man’s smile disappeared “Oh, and here I was thinking you lost your speed as well as your power. Silly me.” A smirk played on Alec’s face “One of my natural talents is speed. I can’t lose that.” The man cocked his head “What were you doing just now, in the water?” A small knife appeared at the man’s neck “None of your business.” The man cleared his throat “I have a message to deliver.” Alec hissed, “How did you find us?”
“Oh we have our ways.”
“What is your message?”
“Chikao sends his greetings and has a favor to ask.”
“What?!”
“You’ve heard of a man named Katsutoshi?” Alec nodded; I sensed something in the water and started swimming toward the shore. The man continued talking “Well he would like you to dispose of him.”
“Heck no.”
“In exchange the battle between you, your brother, and him would be postponed.” Alec thought for a second “Why doesn’t Chikao take care of the little problem on his own?” The man gritted his teeth “He can’t.”
“Is the enemy of my enemy my friend or my enemy?” The man nodded “Yes, so to speak.” I got about one foot from the edge of the land when I felt something on my leg. I whirled around in the water but nothing was there. I felt it again, except this time it latched onto my foot. My adrenaline kicked in “Alec! Something’s got me!!” Alec’s face jerked up, the thing pulled me out into even deeper water.

All the sudden the man was at my side, above the water. He grabbed my shoulders and pulled. The thing on my right leg loosened as he pulled and I kicked on it with my other leg.

Finally, the guy pulled me out of the water and took me back to the land. He set me down and Alec stepped up “What happened?” I shook my head, breathing slowly “I-I don’t know.” Alec glanced at the man “Why did you help her?” The man smiled “Chikao wants your help very badly.” Alec sighed, “And what is your name?” A smile played on the man’s lips “Hideaki.”
“Well, Hideaki. What does Chikao want us to do?” Hideaki smirked “First of all, he wanted me to get you to help, and then he wanted me to give you this.” He handed Alec a piece of paper, glanced at me, then at the sky “Well, I need to be going, Chikao is calling me.” Alec let out a small warning as Hideaki looked at me again. Hideaki smiled “I’ll be seeing you later.” He disappeared.

Alec opened the paper and I saw his eyes moving over it. When he got to the end, he sighed, “Well this is interesting.” I walked over to him and glanced at the paper, it read “Alec, if you are reading this then I am assuming you are willing to help me out. This man Katsutoshi is becoming a thorn in my side and I don’t have time to deal with him. Would you mind taking him out? Oh, and if you’re thinking that all I’m doing is telling you to do stuff for me, I’m not. This letter is endowed with special gifts to help enhance your abilities.” I looked at the bottom of the paper “P.S. Tell the human girl you picked up that I’ll be looking forward to seeing her. Oh, and by the way, I put a gift in the abilities for her too.” I glanced up at Alec “O.K. what does this mean?” Alec sighed, “Apparently this means we’ve just been hired as mercenaries.” I walked to the water’s edge, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath in “Are we walking towards the edge?” I turned to look at Alec who had disappeared into the woods.

I sighed and stood up, glancing at the sky, it was getting dark. Alec still hadn’t come back to the fountain, after three hours. I was getting worried “Lecto, what’s the longest Alec’s ever been gone?”
“In which form?”
“Human.”
“Um, probably four hours.” I paced around the fountain; Lecto laughed “Relax, he didn’t leave you.”
“Excuse me?” Lecto sighed, “This might be a little hard for you to hear, but I think you’re getting attached to Alec.” I whirled around “What?!”
“Even though he killed your parents and almost killed you, you are getting attached to him.”
“I don’t….What are….How did….” Lecto laughed, an actual real laugh “Right there, you won’t deny it but you won’t accept it either.” I could feel my face flushing “O.K. enough. I’m going for a walk and I don’t want this conversation to ever, ever, come up again. Understand?” Leto, with a smirk on his face, answered, “We’ll see, we’ll just see.” I took off into the forest.

Around thirty minutes later, I was utterly and completely lost. The sky was getting darker by the minute, a storm approaching “Ah.” I glanced around, I had absolutely no idea where I was, and the rain started.

I found a small cave and sat down with a sigh, hopefully Alec would find me soon. No, no, I can’t be having thoughts like that. I laid my head against the side of the cave and closed my eyes.

I woke with a start to Alec’s bright blue eyes. He had a worried look on his face “Why did you leave the fountain?” I sat up with a sigh “What?”
“Why did you go away from the fountain?”
“I was getting annoyed with Lecto.”
“Why?”
“Because he said….Wait, why do you want to know?” Alec stood up “Didn’t mean to intrude but I was a little worried when I came back and didn’t fine you.” I stood up “You were the one that left.” Alec put his hands out “What did I do to piss you off?” I shook my head “Never mind.”
“I don’t think so. I’m going to be with you for the next six months and I don’t want a weird thing between us. How did I piss you off?” I sighed “It’s not you.”
“Oh, don’t tell me, it’s you.” I nodded “Yeah.”
“What about you then?”
“I have to deal with it?”
“What?!”
“My feelings.” I stopped as my face turned red. Alec looked a little taken a back as I turned around, my back to him. I heard him clear his throat “O.K. apparently I shouldn’t have asked.” I could feel my face burning as the rain sprinkled down around us. Alec cleared his throat again “Let’s go back to the fountain; I’ll be turning back to my normal self tonight.” He headed into the woods and I followed closely.

As we came back to the fountain I saw a smirk still playing on Lecto’s face “Well, how far away was she master?” Alec walked to the fountain and sat down “She was about ten miles east of here.”
“Doing what?”
“Sleeping.” Lecto glanced at me and I looked away “Wake me when you are about to change back, Alec.” I sat down next to a tree, Alec glanced at me “You shouldn’t sleep underneath that tree.”
“Why not?”
“The trees around here are poisonous.” I stood up and walked over to Lecto, Alec spoke again “Don’t sit by him either.” I crunched my fingers together “And why not?”
“He is also poisonous.” I turned around “What?!” He glanced at the ground; I shook my head and sat on the other side of the fountain.

Lecto shook me awake “In about two minutes Alec will change.” I stood up with a sigh “Where is he?”
“On the other side of the fountain.” I walked over to him, he smiled “Well, here goes.” Alec’s eyes went from light blue to light purple. His smile disappeared as he turned toward us “It’s good to be back.” Lecto smiled “Master.” Alec glanced at me and I just shook my head “That is so weird.”

Alec woke me up “It’s time to leave.” I stood up “Have you made a decision about Chikao?” He rubbed his eyes and glanced around “Yeah, I think we are going to do it.” I sighed as we walked toward the exit of this weird forest.

Alec opened the wall and we walked back into the normal world.

Lecto’s head shot up as we came through the wall “Master.”
“Yes Lecto I sense it.” I glanced around, not knowing what they could sense. Alec grabbed my arm, tight “Don’t move, no matter what.” I glanced around the forest, grabbing Alec’s arm “What?”
“Darn it. I knew we should’ve left earlier.”
“What?!”
“Katsutoshi is here.” My eyes widened, as Alec’s other arm reached for his sword “Katsutoshi, I know you’re here. Come out so we can play.” I heard a chuckle behind us then to the right, left, and then ahead “Now, now Alec, why would you want to play with me?” Katsutoshi walked into the open, his black hair sparkling in the moonlight “I thought I told you to never mention my name out loud again.”
“Screw you.” They both moved, Alec letting go of my arm, Lecto taking it and pulling me back.

As they collided, wind whirled around them. Alec sword vibrated in his hands as he brought it down to his side. Katsutoshi smirked as he brought his sword forward “Your sword is still scared?” Alec laughed an actually-like-funny laugh “My sword, scared, never. It’s vibrating with excitement. It wants to annihilate you.” Katsutoshi’s face never even changed “Annihilate? Ha-ha, you have to be kidding me. You know of a man named Chikao, correct?” Alec nodded “I know of him, yes.” Katsutoshi continued “He is a very devious man, are you or aren’t you his enemy?”
“I am.”
“Then why are we fighting?”
“You tell me?”
“Well, you started it.”
“I did not. You were the one going around and slaughtering villagers.”
“Now, now, that wasn’t me.”
“Oh, really. Who else would have dark black hair that sparkles in the moon and sapphire eyes?”
“Chikao.”
“No he doesn’t.”
“Have you ever seen him?”
“No, but have you?”
“Heck yes.”
“When?”
“When we were born. He and I are twin brothers.” It was as if the whole earth went quiet, no wind, no birds, and no nothing. I stepped forward, between Alec and Katsutoshi “Wait one second. I don’t know the whole situation or what Chikao has been doing but what I do know is you two need to put your swords away.” Katsutoshi sheathed his sword and sat underneath a tree “O.K.” Alec sheathed his sword but didn’t sit “O.K.” I cleared my throat “Now, how do we know you’re telling the truth, Katsutoshi?”
“You can’t.” I sighed, Alec grunted “Yeah, real good answer.” Katsutoshi raised his eyebrows “Oh and how am I supposed to know that you are really Chikao’s enemy?” Alec threw his hands up in the air “Apparently you can’t.” I looked from Katsutoshi to Alec “Now, we have established that I can’t trust either of you.” Alec spoke up “Now wait a minute, you can trust me and Lecto.”
“Oh really? You killed my entire village and I’m supposed to trust you?” I glanced at Katsutoshi “And how am I supposed to trust you? You pop out of now where and try to attack Alec.” Katsutoshi growled “Yeah, sorry about that. I’m just used to getting what I want after I beat the person down.” I nodded “O.K. we’ve got that settled, now why is Chikao so evil?” Alec answered first “He murdered thousands of innocent people.” Katsutoshi spoke next “He killed our parents and the rest of our clan.” I put my hands up “O.K. we can all agree that Chikao is a bad guy but how can we tell you, Katsutoshi, and your brother apart?”
“My brother has a scar, which I gave him, right above his left eye.” I nodded “O.K., would it matter if we accepted a gift from him?”
“What gift?”
“I’m not sure; did you figure it out Alec?” Alec sighed “Yeah, it was nothing.”
“What?!”
“Yeah, he was just trying to get us to take care of one of his problems.” I sighed, “Last question, what are we going to do now?” Alec laughed, “I am not teaming up with Katsutoshi, not if my life depended on it.” Katsutoshi glared at Alec “Do I really look that evil?” Katsutoshi stood up “O.K. now, I think, if you aren’t going to take advantage of Alexis’s abilities than I think I will.” Alec flipped out “What?! I don’t think so. What abilities?”
“Oh, you mean she hasn’t told you?” I stepped back toward Alec “What the heck are you talking about Katsutoshi?”
“You have the power to manipulate certain things.”
“Oh really and what might those things be?” He cleared his throat and sighed, “Are you honestly telling me you don’t know what I’m talking about?” I nodded, he continued “Have you noticed that every once and a while you sense something, something you didn’t understand?” I could feel my face start to flush “I don’t think I like this conversation anymore.” Alec stepped up “Enough, Katsutoshi, I don’t like this conversation and apparently neither does Alexis.” Katsutoshi put his hands up “O.K. no more.” Alec stepped in front of me “Times up, this conversation is over. I’ll tell Chikao you’re dead. So you can leave.” Katsutoshi shook his head “Apparently I over stepped my bounds. I think I shall retire for now but don’t worry you will see me again-.” He started to disappear into the night “at the end of all things.” He completely disappeared into the shadows of the night.

Alec turned and looked me over, then met my eyes “Should I wait to ask you about this?” I nodded “Y-yeah, give me time, just give me time.” Alec turned with his back to me, I sighed, all my emotions started to come undone so I babbled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble, even though you are kind of mean, and that gives me no excuse to be troublesome. On the other hand you’re the one who pulled your sword on Katsutoshi first but then he did try to take me.” Alec turned back to me, and put his hands on my shoulders “Alexis, stop babbling. You’re probably just tired. Sit and sleep.” He sat me down underneath a tree “Close your eyes and rest.” I obeyed.

I opened my eyes to Lecto’s ugly little face and he smiled “Ah, good you’re awake now.”
“How long did I sleep?”
“About six hours.”
“Six hours!!”
“Don’t we need to get moving?” Lecto nodded “Yes but master wanted you to get your rest, you are only human after all.” Alec’s sharp voice stopped Lecto from continuing “That’ll be all Lecto, thank you for watching her.” Lecto rolled his eyes but stepped away from me. I stood up “Why didn’t you wake me?” Alec threw another log on the fire “We, me and Lecto, can’t push a human too far or else they will die.” I sat by him, near the fire “So when do we leave then?” Alec glanced at the sky then back at the fire “Probably in about an hour.” I nodded and warmed my hands by the flickering fire.

An hour later Alec stood up, “Alright, it’s time to go.” Lecto doused the fire and I climbed onto Alec’s back “Oh, by the way, where are we going now?”
“We are going to see my lil brother.”
“Raco?”
“Yes, I have something I need to ask him.”
“Can I ask what, just so I’m in the loop and all?” Alec smirked and began to run “I’m going to ask him how the search for the crystals are coming, and then after he tells me, I’m going to tell him about Katsutoshi and Chikao.” I put my arms around his neck and lay my head against his back “Wake me when we are close.” I felt his body involuntarily tense up as my head touched his back, I wondered if I was over stepping my boundaries.

After a few seconds, he relaxed and I started to fall asleep.

Alec stopped moving and that woke me up. I pulled my head up and cleared my throat “Is something wrong?”
“No, sorry, I just stopped to get a drink; I was going to wake you in about ten minutes.” He set me down and I stretched “Where’s Lecto?”
“Getting water.”
“Isn’t that my job?”
“Yeah but you were sleeping.”

About two minutes later Lecto came back and gave both of us some water.

All the sudden Alec looked up, Lecto sighed, “Apparently he found us this time.” Raco with-friends-in-toe walked through the clearing. I stood up and moved behind Lecto and Alec, who smirked “Little brother, what do I own this pleasure?” The girl who Raco had put his arm in front of the last time we met them answered, “We needed to ask you a question.” Raco looked unhappy; the girl continued, “You know that man you asked us about, Katsutoshi?” Alec nodded; she continued, “What do you know about him?”
“Why would I answer that?” Raco sighed “See, Mizuki, I told you he wouldn’t help.” Alec grunted “All I asked is why.”
“She doesn’t need to tell you.”
“Do you want my knowledge or not?” Raco sighed as Mizuki continued “We think he might have stolen one of our crystals, now can you answer?” Alec glanced at the sky then back at Mizuki “He has black hair that sparkles in the moon light and sapphire eyes.”
“That sounds like the person who did it.” Mizuki turned toward Raco and they started to walk off. I poked Alec, who sighed, “It probably wasn’t him.” They stopped and turned, the other guy questioned “What do you mean?”
“It was probably his twin brother.”
“Who is his twin brother?”
“Chikao.” They froze; a different look crossed each of their faces. The girl: fear/love for someone. The guy: hope/love for someone/fear for her safety. Mizuki: jealousy/fear/happiness. Raco, on the other hand: anger/regret/jealousy/a need to protect someone. Alec continued, “We met with Katsutoshi last night.” Raco looked over his brother “How did that go?”
“It was around 12:30am and we were walking through some woods when Katsutoshi popped out. He attacked but Alexis stopped us. Then he told us about Chikao and how they were twins and blah, blah, blah.” Raco glanced at the guy “Is he telling the truth Nick?” Nick nodded so Raco turned to face Alec “What do you want?”
“What makes you think I want something?”
“In the eighteen years I’ve known you, you’ve never volunteered information without wanting something in return.” Alec smirked “You know me to well brother.”
“Well?” I figured Alec was about to ask something I had no idea about because he had already told Raco everything he was supposed to. I braced myself as Alec continued, “Do you where Leah is?” My eyes involuntarily shot up to his face, he didn’t look at me. Raco met his brother’s eyes, not looking at Mizuki “Why do you want to know where she is?” I glanced at Mizuki, she was watching Raco closely. Nick and the other girl were looking from Mizuki to Raco and back again. Something was definitely off, just at the mention of Leah everyone tensed. I glanced at Lecto, who was looking at me. He was waiting for something to happen. I took a step back toward him, giving Alec room; he didn’t seem to notice, because he was concentrating on Raco. Lecto grabbed my arm so I didn’t move anymore, he whispered “Do not; I repeat do not move again.” I nodded and looked back up at the brothers. Alec continued “I have a question that needs answered.”
“You can’t find her?” Alec growled and Raco smirked “Don’t get all uptight.” He cleared his throat “Yes, I know where she is but how do I know she wants to see you?” Alec growled again “She saw me a few days ago.”
“What?!” I was starting to get annoyed with the petty game they were playing. I glanced at Mizuki who glanced up at me. We shared a look then glanced back at the brothers. Alec sighed, “Just tell me. I get tired of looking and looking for her then having her pop our right in front of me.” I turned to walk toward the river, this arguing was getting annoying. Alec stopped me “Alexis, where are you going?” I didn’t even turn around “I’m going to take a bath; I’m tired of hearing Leah’s name, and tired of you and your brother arguing.” I continued walking into the woods; I could sense Alec’s anxiety but I kept walking. Mizuki voice rang out from behind me “I’ll come along, if you don’t mind?” I shook my head “Not in the least.” I felt her come up beside me “Can Reka come as well?” Assuming that was the other girl, I nodded. The three of us headed toward the water, I could feel Alec, Raco, Mike, and Lecto’s eyes following us as we disappeared into the woods.

We changed into our bathing suits and got into the water. Mizuki spoke first “So, how is traveling with Alec?” I cleared my throat “Well, it’s been interesting I’ll tell you that much. First off, do you anything about my situation?” Both the girls shook their heads so I continued, “O.K. Alec killed my entire village.” Reka laughed, “This ought to be interesting.” I smirked and started to tell them the story.

Around an hour later, someone suddenly appeared on the bank of the river, Mizuki and Reka jumped, I cocked my head “And who might you be?” I could see the man smirk “Well, well, well, just my luck, three lovely ladies swimming in a river.” Mizuki smirked “One word and you would be dead, dear sir.” The man’s expression didn’t change “Say the word then little princess.” I glanced at Mizuki who cleared her throat, Reka nodded “Do it.” Mizuki yelled “Raco!!” Within a millisecond, Raco and Alec were standing next to the man, swords to his neck. The man chuckled “Two, what a surprise.” I smiled as Alec glanced at us “Well now, three little princesses all alone.” Raco growled “And a man who doesn’t know when not to intrude.” I cleared my throat “Now boys, be nice to the man who scared us.” Alec smirked “There’s the Alexis I know.” The three of us started getting out of the water, the man smirked “I wouldn’t move if I were you.” The three of us stopped, Raco’s sword dug into the man’s neck “And why not?”
“Because the water is poisonous.” My breathing quickened, Alec growled, “Get out of the water now!” The three of us started running toward the guys. The man put his hand out “Stop!!” We stopped “In less you want to die I suggest you keep some part of your bodies in that water.” I could sense Alec was getting pissed “Who are you and why the heck can’t they leave the water?”
“My name is Vince and a guy named Chikao poisoned this river.”
“And how would you know this?”
“I used to work for him.” Raco about cut off his head “Did he send you here to kill us?”
“No, I left him and he poisoned this river to get back at me.”
“Why would you care about a river?”
“Well, I live here, I buried my entire family in the river, and my powers come from the water.” Alec and Raco slowly removed their swords. Vince touched his neck and cracked his neck “I know of an antidote.” The three of us girls sat down in the water. Vince glanced from Alec to Raco “Are you two their protectors?” Mike and Lecto came walking out of the woods behind Alec and Raco. Vince glanced at them “Are they the back up?” Raco growled, “I suggest you get them the antidote, right now.” Vince chuckled “Don’t worry, I’ll get it now.”
“Five minutes.”
“What?”
“You’ve got five minutes till I come after you.” Vince nodded and disappeared.

Raco and Mike started talking as Alec came over to the edge of the water. I stood up and walked as far over to him as I could “Thank you for coming.” He nodded “You seem happier now.” I smirked “For some odd reason, yes.” He sighed “Yet another bump on the road.” I glanced up at the sky; it started to darken “The sky is mad.” I could feel Alec’s eyes on me as I watched the sky, a smile started to play on my flushing cheeks “Alec.”
“Hmm?”
“Take your eyes off me, people might wonder. We aren’t in the woods anymore.” I could feel his eyes quickly leave me and glance at the others. My body started to feel weak and my legs started to shake. Alec noticed and turned back “What’s wrong.”
“I-I’m not sure, I just feel really weak.”
“Get further back into the water.” I stepped backward into water up to my knees. I started feeling better immediately. Alec cleared his throat “Um….Can we talk later, about things, if you know what I mean?” I laughed, “After I get cured from this poison and we go back on our mission, whatever that actually is, we can talk.” For just a second Alec got a sloppy grin on his face, it disappeared within a millisecond. I sighed, Alec was an interesting guy.

Four minutes later Raco was getting antsy. His legs were bouncing as he sat on the ground “Where is that guy?” Mizuki sighed, “Calm down Raco, he’s got some time left.” Raco growled, “I don’t care. I’m still nervous.” Mizuki pointed behind him “He’s back.” The guys whirled around as Vince stepped out “Getting worried, were ya?” Raco growled, “Did you get it?” Vince nodded “Almost died getting it but here it is.” He held up a small vile of green liquid. Raco smiled “Give it to them.” Vince folded it back in his hand “Ah, ah, ah I think I want something in return for this antidote.” Raco and Alec slowly pulled their swords out of their sheath “I suggest you just give us the green goop.” Vince shook his head and looked from Alec to Raco “You two really love those girls don’t you.” Alec and Raco moved, swords to Vince’s neck. He held up the vile “Now, now, boys don’t get upset.” Alec grabbed the vile and stepped to the water’s edge. Raco kept his sword on Vince’s neck. I walked toward Alec but my legs started to get weak again. I stopped, took a breath, and quickly went forward. I grabbed the vile and about fell over as I walked back into deeper water. Alec about stepped into the water but I held up my hand “Stop, don’t step in the water!” He stopped, Mizuki and Reka helped me up, Alec glanced at Vince “How much do they take?”
“Why should I tell you?” Raco’s sword cut into Vince’s neck “I think we’ve been like this before but this time I will take your head off.” Vince let out a big sigh “Each of the girls needs to take one small sip of the vile.” I took off the cap and lifted the vile to my lips. I closed my eyes and swallowed a small sip. I felt woozy and my world went black.

My eyes opened to Alec’s smell. He was looking down at me “You’re awake.” I groaned, “What happened?” He sat me up “That was the antidote but we accidentally decapitated Vince.” A smile played on my lips “Thank you.” A weird expression played on Alec’s face “Turns out that you have to pass out for the antidote to work but we didn’t know that till we slashed Vince, those were his last words.” Alec stood me up, my head felt like it was spinning, I put my hand to my head “Ah.”
“What?”
“My head feels like it’s going to explode.” Alec put his hands on my shoulders and pointed me towards Mizuki, Reka, Mike, Raco, and Lecto, who were all sleeping “Their all asleep.”
“So?” He turned me toward him, leaned down, and kissed me. Shock filled my body as my eyes closed.

My eyes opened to see Lecto standing over me “She’s awake, she’s awake.” Everyone gathered around me, I sat up and looked around “What happened?” Lecto answered “Vince said that you would pass out after you took the antidote.”
“Um, is Vince dead?”
“No, Raco let him go after you guys took the antidote.” I sucked in a big sigh and glanced around, Alec wasn’t here “W-where’s Alec?” Lecto looked around “Oh, he probably went to see Alisha’s grave.” Mizuki hit Lecto in the arm. I sighed and stood up “Whose Alisha?” Raco cleared his throat “She’s Leah’s older sister.” I nodded “O.K. Um, I’m going to take a walk, I’ll be back later.” As I walked into the woods, my heart was still pounding, even though it was only a dream it had felt so real. I touched my lips and shook my head; these thoughts aren’t the thoughts I should be having. He killed my family I should hate him but I just, I just can’t.

Two hours later I sat against a tree and looked up at the sky; it was still dark and getting darker. I sighed; I can’t believe I was having these feelings about Alec. I cleared my throat and spoke into the air “Well, daddy, what would you think of Alec? Besides the killing you part.” A voice rang out behind me “Alexis, where are you?” I stood up “Over here.” Alec walked out from behind a line of trees, my face flushed “Did you hear anything I said?”
“About what?”
“The stuff I just said a second ago?”
“No.” I sighed, he cocked his head “Why?”
“No reason.” I turned with my back to him “So, I hear you were visiting a grave.”
“Yes.” I sighed “Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“Back to your brother.”
“Why?”
“Because everyone is there.”
“Just Lecto and he’ll ketch up later.”
“Fine, where do we go now then?”
“Let’s continue going after Chikao.”
“And after that?”
“Let’s discuss that when we come to it.” I nodded and we started walking.

An hour later we stopped. Alec stretched “It’s time to stop for the night.” Lecto all the sudden popped out behind us “Finally, I found you.” Alec sat “Finally, I thought you weren’t going to show up.”
“Yeah right.” I sat down next to Alec and closed my eyes. I felt Lecto look at Alec. Alec cleared his throat “Sit down Lecto.” I heard Lecto sit next to me “Master, you were quite kind to your brother today.”
“I needed information.”
“Did you get it?”
“Most of it.” I sighed “Boys I’m trying to sleep so zip it.” They went quiet but I heard them chuckle.

My eyes opened to a foggy mist. I was soaked to my bone and stood up, shivering. The sun still wasn’t quite up yet and as I glanced around. I sensed no one “Guys, anyone here?” A figure appeared in the fog “Hello, daughter.” I took a step back “Dad?” He walked toward me and I could see him, it was my dad, with him white hair and blue eyes. He came forward “Alexis.”
“How are you here?”
“You’re dreaming.”
“Why are you here?”
“To answer one of your questions.”
“Um, which one?”
“The one about Alec.”
“Alec?”
“Yes, the man that killed us.”
“I’m sorry dad. I tried to hate him but something got in the way. I’m sorry.” He put his hands on my shoulders “Honey, I love you and want you to me happy. I hear he has an excuse for killing us?”
I nodded “It was on one of his bad days.”
“Butterfly, don’t live your life thinking about what your mother or I or your brother would want you to do.”
“I want to avenge you, I don’t want your deaths to be in veins.”
“We are already dead.”
“I know but-.”
“There are no buts about it, we are dead and you are alive. Can I ask you something?” I nodded; he continued “Do you like this guy?” My face flushed and I nodded. He lifted my head up with his fingers “Answer me.”
“Yes, dad, I do like him.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
“I wanted to avenge-.”
“No more, no more, I release you from trying to avenge us and free you to live your life.” A tear rolled down my cheeks “I love you dad.” He pulled me to him, hugged me hard, and whispered “I always have and always will love you, my dear daughter. Oh and by the way I-I approve of him, even though he killed us, for some strange reason I approve of him.” He started to disappear “Dad, please don’t go.” The wind blew my hair and the rest of his body disappeared “Daddy!!”

My eyes opened and I felt tears on my cheeks. I wiped my eyes and glanced around. Alec was lying next to me, watching me “Are you O.K.?” I nodded and glanced at Lecto then back to Alec. He sat up “Why were you crying in your sleep?” I looked down “I saw my father.” I looked up and he waited for me to continue “He spoke to me and answered my question. He gave me an interesting answer.” Alec looked into the sky “Today is going to be a hot day. Can I ask what question?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll tell you when I’m ready.” He nodded and glanced at the sleeping Lecto “Wake up, Lecto!” His eyes opened and he stood up “Yes master?”
“Time to go.” He glanced at me “Why is your face red?” I pulled my hand to my face “Um” Alec shook his head “She’s just hot Lecto.” He nodded “O.K….Next question, where are we going?” Alec glanced around the forest “We need to find Chikao.”
“Why?”
“First off I need to ask him a question then depending on his answer I may let him live.” Something about the way he said that didn’t let me question him, I just looked down. Alec sighed “Well, let’s get going.” He turned and bent down, I cleared my throat and stepped up to him “You want me to get on?”
“Why else would I be crouching down on the ground like this?” I took a shaky breath and climbed on. He stood up and started running, Lecto following closely.

About two hours later Alec stopped and glanced at the sky “We are near Mt. KillaMan.” He slowly walked through a meadow, not putting me down; and whispered “Are you feeling better now Alexis?” I nodded “Yes, thank you. Why are we going onto a mountain name Kill a Man?”
“KillaMan.”
“What?”
“It’s Mt. KillaMan not Kill a Man.”
“Oh, so why are we going to Mt. KillaMan?”
“To meet someone.”
“Who?”
“Someone who can answer one of my questions.”
“You sure do have a lot of questions that need answers.” He chuckled “Yes, that is true but for an Esatra from the royal line of Argyll I need to have many questions.”
“About your Argyll part or your human part?” He set me down, put his head near my ear, and whispered “Both.” Then continued walking through the flowing meadow. I shook my head and followed after him.

Lecto came up next to me as a gigantic mountain came into focus “This is a very sacred mountain, human, so you need to obey everything I or Alec tell you. Understand?” I responded loud enough for Alec to hear “And what would happen if I didn’t?” Lecto growled as Alec turned “Are you just trying to annoy him Alexis?”
“Sorry.”
“You will do as we say when we reach the mountain. Since you are fully human you will have a harder time surviving.” I stopped “You mean I might die?” Alec turned all the way around “Now what in all the time we’ve spent together makes you think I would let you die?” I shrugged my shoulders “Apparently nothing.” Surprisingly a smile played on his lips then disappeared “Lecto, watch her and tell me when she starts to weaken.” He nodded and we continued walking.

We reached the base of the mountain at dusk, Alec stopped in a small clearing “We can rest her tonight.” Lecto nodded and dropped the bags. Beads of sweat rolled down my neck, I wiped at them with my hand. Alec glanced over at me “You can be the first, go take a bath.” I nodded “What direction is the lake in and how far is it?” Alec smirked “It’s about 10 seconds north. The water might be a little cold cause we’re so close to the mountain.” I nodded and headed toward the lake.

I found the lake within nine seconds and dipped my toe in. It about froze off, I yelled “Yo, Alec, I know you can hear me, this water isn’t just cold it down right freezing.” I heard him laugh, a heartfelt laugh “Ah, well, my mistake.” I glanced around and spotted a hot spring. I walked over to it, striped and slowly got in. It felt wonderful on my tired bones; I sighed and looked up at the starry sky “So beautiful.”

About 30 minutes later I sighed and decided it was time to get out. I dried off and put my clothes back on. The air had turned crisp; I wrapped my arms around myself and started walking back toward camp.

I came into the camp clearing to see Alec finishing starting the fire and Lecto asleep underneath a tree. Alec glanced up as he heard me come in “Did you have a good bath?” I nodded, my arms still around me “I wish I had a coat though. I’ve never had enough money for a good coat.” I sat next to the fire “Are you going to get a bath Alec?” He nodded “There is a got spring right?” I nodded and he turned to head over to the water.

A few seconds later I heard a moan from the forests; I whirled around, adrenaline rushing. No one was there “Lecto wake up.” His eyes shot open “What---.” He looked around, my breath came fast “Did you sense that Lecto?” He nodded “It’s nothing right now but when Alec comes back from bathing he needs to know.”
“How did you know he was bathing?”
“He said once you got back he was going to take a bath. Anyway, Alec can’t sense this particular thing.”
“And we can?” He nodded “This is one of the biggest threats to Esatra’s.”
“What is it?”
“It’s other Esatra’s.” I glanced all around the dark forest “Another Esatra?” He nodded “It won’t attack till after Alec gets back.” He sat next to me at the camp fire and we waited.

About fifteen minutes Alec came back to camp, Lecto was asleep so I jumped up and ran over to him “We’ve got a problem.”
“What?” I glanced around “Lecto said you couldn’t sense it so I had to tell you when you came back.”
“What?”
“Lecto says there is another Esatra in the woods.” I could see Alec’s senses heighten as he glanced around the forest; he put his hands on my shoulders “Go sit by the fire.” I obeyed but kept a watchful eye on Alec.

A few minutes later Alec sat next to me by the fire “I doubt it will attack tonight, in fact it might not even attack at all.” I sighed “So, what, do we just go to sleep?” He nodded “Yeah, I’ll wake you in the morning.” I nodded and closed my eyes, laying my head against his shoulder.

My eyes slowly opened and I glanced around, it was still pitch dark. I slowly lifted my head off Alec’s shoulder, so not to wake him up, and stood up, glancing all around. Something had woken me up. I walked around the clearing, trying to sense anything; the only thing I could hear was my breathing. My eyes darted around the clearing and I took in a shaky breath, I didn’t know what got me so riled up. I glanced back at Alec and Lecto, they were still sleeping soundly. All the sudden a hand covered my mouth and a whisper came in my ear “Do no move.” My eyes darted around as I tried to think of something. The whisper was back “Do not even think of moving, if you do I will shove my sword through your friend Alec’s heart, understand?” I nodded, as my adrenaline increased tenfold. The persons other hand came to my waist “Now, I’m going to remove my hand and you will not scream. I’m going to ask you a few questions and you will whisper the answer back to me. Understand?” I nodded and he slowly removed his hand. I took a deep breath and turned to look at the guy, he had dark red hair and blue eyes. He smirked at me “You are beautiful, I’ll give him that.”
“Who?”
“Why are you here?”
“Alec, the guy over there, wants to find someone on this mountain.”
“Why?”
“To ask him a question.”
“What?”
“I’ve got no idea.” The guy shook his head and looked at Alec “Is that Alec guy an Esatra?” I nodded and slowly pulled my sword out of its sheath. The man kept his eyes on Alec as I got ready to pierce my sword through him “Why are you here?” He didn’t even look back at me “I’m here to kill; my purpose on his earth is to kill all Esatra’s who are half human.” I pulled my sword up and with a oomph I shoved it through his chest. He fell back, blood splirting everywhere, he screamed. Alec and Lecto’s eyes flew open as I pushed my sword through his chest to the ground, blood splashing onto my hands. I felt him breath in and out, still screaming. I felt his chest rise and fall, and not rise again. My hands