Chapter ~ Seven (sorry it took so long!!)

Chapter ~ Seven

             A maze of death

Zaydie:

I had no idea where we were. I really didn’t.
We had been following Sav, who dashed down a long flight of stairs and got swallowed up into darkness. I had used my light Power to see by, but as soon as I did, I wish I hadn’t.
The whole place was made out of bones.

We tried to find Savrin again, but we had no idea where he went! The Catacombs broke off in several different places.
Lexi suddenly screamed and she too disappeared.
We started running. To no where.
It was Kigo that left next, then Kylun’s hand was ripped right out of mine, and soon enough it was just me.
I could hear someone behind me and I knew it wasn’t anyone from my gang. So I ran for it.
That’s when I called Quorra.
I knew she would be catching up with us and I couldn’t let her get caught too.

In middle of the phone call was when I was jumped. I screamed when I suddenly felt hands on me. I went into over mode and struck out punches where I could.
The man I was fighting was good. He blocked most of my punches. But it was dark, and it was hard to see where he was exactly.
We stood there fighting for several minutes, before he got a grip on my neck and started to squeeze. I wove my arm in and out through his and gave it a twist. Knocking his grip on my throat. He swung forward and I gripped his shoulder, pulling him over my knee, I rammed his stomach several times. Then I flung him into the wall.
[violent girl isn’t she?]
He stumbled around, then came back and hit me in the head with what felt like the butt of a sword.
I fell to the ground and cried out.
I could hear other commotion going on, and then I heard him talking into my cell phone.
He hung it up and I watched as he crushed it with the heel of his boot.
He pulled me up by my shirt and lifted me off the ground.
I was able to see his face for the first time.
He was definitely from The Fallen. I just didn’t recognize him from my short time there.
“You caused me a lot of trouble.” He muttered. Then I felt something in my stomach and I was suddenly over come by pain and spasms. He tossed me back on the ground and the lights went out.

When I woke up I found that my hands were shackled above my head, and it seemed like we were still in the dark corridors of the Catacombs.
I looked around and saw that there were torches lit along the wall. Which just made the bones lying on the floor, all that more noticeable.
I shook my head to get the dizziness and ringing to stop.
“She’s awake.” I heard someone say.
I looked up and nearly screamed. Willa.
“Ah. Good.” I looked past her as she walked back in that sassy way of hers. Holly molly. Not him again!
“I suspect you didn’t think you’d see me again, huh?”
A man knelt down only inches from me. Coming to eye level, I was met face to face with a ghost.
“Hello Captain.” I said through gritted teeth. “Smell a little like ashes. Is that a new trend?” I vexed.
Which earned me a slap on the cheek.
“Don’t touch her.” Kylun growled from somewhere to my left.
“Don’t tell me what to do boy.” He snapped back. He stood up and looked at all of us.
I found that Kigo and Lexi were on my immediate left and right, Sav was after Kigo, and Kylun after Lexi.
“Look at you all. Ha. Haven’t changed a bit. Still running off to save some damsel in distress. Well, you won’t be saving this one.” He moved away and we all gasped as we found Venila lying on the floor.
“You hardly can keep yourselves alive. See that’s what I don’t get.” He started to pace in front of us all. “You think your so good! That you just have to save everybody who happens to need help. When obviously,” He spread out his arms to emphasize. “You can’t even take care of yourselves! Well we’re going to fix that aren’t we my sweet?” He asked, turning to Willa. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight. Giving him a curt nod, but with her cold eyes on us.
“We’ll see just how brave, and how good you really are. When you’re on your own.” Suddenly four doors opened in between all of us. I peered into one and just saw darkness.
“There are miles, and miles of Catacombs under Ulrikima. They connect everything. It’s easy for one to get lost down here. Now, there are parts of it that lead up to the surface. Those tunnels are all pointing north.” He pointed north. Where was he going with this? “Now, I wonder, how far you can get through this maze of tunnels, with out dying.” He said turning to look at each of us in turn.
“But we’re not cruel. We wouldn’t send you out there with nothing. No, here are supplies. Get them while they last.” He waved a hand, and another door opened, a long with our shackles, causing all of us to fall on our hands to catch ourselves.
I looked up and saw that the new door held tons and tons of supplies. But they were all guarded by vicious dogs on leashes.
The Captain laughed at our surprised looks.
“Oh and one more thing. We’ll be watching.” He said. More people suddenly came up and lined the room. The Captain and Willa left with a man carrying the unconscious Venila on his shoulders, but we were quickly preoccupied with the dogs that were now running strait for us with foamy mouths, and sharp teeth.
Creator help us!!
I quickly summoned Takara and rose to my feet.
I sensed the others rise from the ground, and we dove for the dogs.
But soon it wasn’t just the dogs we were fighting.
The other members had jumped in as well.

Kigo, Sav, Lexi and I went in head first, pulling our weapons out, we were covered by Kylun’s ice shards.
I cut down a dog in one slash, and quickly turned to a bigger problem.
My sword clashed with the metal of gun barrels crossed in front of my opponent.
I met his icy gaze and pushed against him. We spun around each other, and when my back was turned for just one second, I heard gunshots.
I spun around instinctively, pulling up my armor. Trying to figure out who he had aimed for. I found that he had aimed for me.
I felt two bullets hit my stomach.
I was thrown backwards, but besides the shock, I was fine.
I gasped when something jolted inside me. I placed a hand on my stomach and felt something move.
I quickly looked up and found Kylun fighting right next to me.
He spun Shiro above his head, then struck down with a yell, knocking the guy who had just shot me, senseless.
He caught me watching him, he glanced down and saw me clutching my stomach.
He gave me a questioning look. It was easy to forget that my body wasn’t my own anymore.

“Your going to have to be more careful.” Kylun warned, coming up next to me.
I nodded in agreement.
“You stay out of the battles from now on.” He ordered.
I turned to him with a slacked jaw. But his face was set. Oh dear.
“How about I stay out of direct combat, and instead I’ll use my Powers to cover for everyone else?” I improvised.
He nodded, and we quickly turned back to the fight... only there wasn’t one.
Lexi had just cut down the last person with her throwing knives.
The three of them then turned to us.
“You done yet?” Kigo asked in a bored tone.
I pointed Takara at him, and a wind smacked his face.
“Your just jealous.” Lexi said with a smug grin. We all moved over to the supply stack.
“Are you kidding?” Kigo asked. “I am anything but jealous! I feel sorry for Kylun, actually. I’d hate to have to constantly look out for her.” He said, pointing an accusing finger at me. “Little kid, always getting her nose into trouble, can’t help but jump into every fight!”
“I do not!” I protested. Everybody shot me a look. “Do I?”
Everyone burst out laughing.
Kylun came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my stomach.
“Yes. Yes you do.” He stated through all the laughing.
I was about to slap him, when the baby moved again.
“Whoa!” He cried, jumping away in shock.
It was my turn to laugh.
“It’s not going to hurt you.” I said with a grin. Kylun looked like someone one had just slapped him across the face then handed him a thousand creds.
“Did she move?” Lexi asked. I nodded at her with a big smile. The baby moved again.
“See.” I took her hand and placed it on my stomach.
Lexi’s eyes light up and she squealed.
“That’s so weird!!” She cried, stepping away.
I laughed and nodded.
“Yes it is.” I said quietly. “Here come here Kylun. She can’t hurt you.” I said, turning around and taking his hand. I placed it on my abdomen, and watched his expression.
He still looked bewildered, yet now it was mixed in with amazement and pure joy.
[Didn’t know a boy could feel so much at one time.]
Be nice Quorra!

“Weird huh?” I asked with a crooked grin.
“You think?!” He exclaimed. We all laughed.
“But it goes just proves how amazing the Creator is!” Lexi exclaimed. I turned to her and nodded. “I mean think about it!” She continued. “There is a little itty-bitty human growing inside you!! And only He could have pulled that off!! I mean to make sure the baby gets enough food from you, and oxygen, and so on and so on! It’s just mind-boggling!!”
I smiled and nodded.
“Not to be Mr. Johnny Rain Cloud or anything, but we need to find a way out of here.” Kigo pointed out.
Right.... oh brother.

Chapter ~ Six

Chapter ~ Six

      Just one more job to do... sheesh.

Quorra:

After the Governor's incredibility long and boring speech, everyone started to eat talk. Soon it was too loud to even talk to the person sitting next to you!!

None of us ate much, our stomachs wouldn't settle... well, except for Kigo. He apparently doesn't have a stomach. He has an endless pit instead.
"Will you stop eating!" Lexi cried. Slapping Kigo upside the head.
"Why? This is a feast isn't it?" He asked, with his mouth full of gojers leg.
"Yes, but we have a job to do!!" She snapped back. Looking him strait in the eye. "and that does not involve eating!!"
Kigo rolled his eye and still went back to eating.
Ugh. Boys.

There was a sudden shouting, and then we heard a high pitched scream.
All six of us jumped up and tried to find the source.
Most people didn't hear it over all of the noise already going on.

I was the first to see and figure out what was going on.
At the head of the table, the Governor was slowly falling out of his chair, and Vinela had disappeared.
I jumped out of the bench, and dashed up to the end of the room.
I was surprised when I passed the fallen guards, that now lay dead on the floor.
I turned my attention ahead, and dashed around the table.
Dastion was kneeling down next to the fallen Governor.
I fell to my knees next to him.
I looked at his wound. He had been stabbed in the back, and it looked like it went down into his stomach.

He coughed and sputtered blood onto my face.
"My daughter." He muttered. His breathing was short and he grunted with pain.
I was slightly confused, did he mean Venila? or me?
I pulled down the scarf from my face and head.
I heard Dastion gasp, and Reese's eyes grew big.
"I wondered if you would ever com back..."
My brow creased.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
He struggled to breath for a moment, and I glanced up at Dastion, who was watching me with shock.
"I am glad..." I turned back to Reese. He was smiling up at me with a tender look. "I was able... to see you..."
He grasped my hand tightly.
"One last time... Venila." He said through his struggle from oxygen.
"I'm not Venila." I said. I glanced up looked around to see that the rest of the gang had left.
Where?
They failed to tell me.

"I'm Quorra. From Konsor. And I've never met you before." I said. Turning back to Reese.
He chuckled, which quickly turned into a coughed.
"Get the other. Together... you'll figure it out... she'll know... where to start."
His grip on my loosened and his eyes rolled back into his head.

I stayed there for a moment, trying to decipher his last words.
I snapped out of it suddenly and jumped up.
I ran down the hall to Juwela's mother. Not caring if people saw my face. Or the blood on it.
"Where did the others go?" I asked.
"They were chasing a man in black, up there." She said, pointing to the balcony. "He has the princess, but there was two of them."
I nodded. I jumped up onto the table, then jumped up onto the balcony all in one movement.

I summoned my guns and disappeared into a door way.
I suddenly heard something behind me.
Spinning on my heel, I raised my guns in defense.
"Take another step and not only will I put two bullets in your heart, I'll stone you to death as well." I threatened through gritted teeth.
I couldn't see who it was because no candles had been lit, and the sun had gone down a while ago.
"You have the same wit she does." I didn't recognize the voice, so I didn't lower my guns.
The boy stepped into what little moonlight that poured through the windows.
It was prince Dastion.

He had his hands raised, but I noticed a sword in his left hand.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I want to help you get Venila back." He said. I was still hesitant.
He took his sword to his right hand.
"What are you doing?" I asked cautiously.
He sliced his palm, and my jaw dropped as he stuck out his hand for me to shake.
"I make a blood oath to you, that I won't hurt you in anyway, or displace what ever little trust you have in me."
I wasn't exactly sure what to do.
How could he think that I had any trust in him?! I had only just met him!
Oh Creator, please protect me. I prayed.
I lowered my guns and shook Dastion's bloody hand.

He nodded in satisfaction, and I turned to keep walking.
I wasn't to sure what I had just gotten myself into, but I'd rather have him close and keep an eye on him, then not and be on my toes the whole time.
Not that I wasn't already.
But that's besides the point.

We walked silently down the halls of the palace. Tense as ever, weapons braced, and cold sweat running down my back.
Ring, Ring, Ring.
I jumped before I realized that it was my phone.
I pulled it out of my skirt pocket.
"Hello?"
"Quorra! Get out!!" Zaydie screamed.
I could hear commotion in the background.
"Zaydie where are you?" I asked.
"I don't know. A member of The Fallen took Venila." She sounded out of breath. Like she was running.
"We followed him, but there was two of them! It's too dark-can't see anything-cold-don't know-" She was breaking up.
"Zaydie?!" I cried.
"-where the others are-lost Kylun-can't loose you too-GET OUT QUORRA!!!" I then heard a really loud scream.
"Zaydie?!" No response. "Zaydie!!"
I heard heavy breathing on the other end. I don't know, I guess that half of me was hoping she had gotten a hold of the phone again. But... that obviously wasn't the case.
"Figure out your past." It was a stranger's voice. I didn't know him. But then the line disconnected.
I starred at the phone. Trying to figure out what had just happened.
"What's wrong?" Dastion asked. Snapping me out of my daze.
"Is there some place here that's dark and cold?" I asked.
He hesitated for a minute.
"yes."
"Where?"
"Down, below the palace. The Catacombs."
I started to walk again. Using the Power over the earth that my guns gave me, I could sense the Catacombs down below. It was just one huge maze! Oh my.
“But you can’t go down there!” He cried, jumping forward and grabbing my shoulder. I hit his arm away and kept walking with determined steps.
“Quorra, Venila. Who ever you are!” He cried, jumping in front of me. “You can’t go down there! It’s forbidden! It’s full of harpies, and dangerous things.”
“Do you really think that’s going to stop me from getting my sister back?” I asked.
He groaned. “The man said figure out your past. And the only way to do that is with Venila. Find her, figure out your past, then find your sister. And it has to be done in that order!”
I honestly felt like punching him. And I would have if I wasn’t so busy pacing.
“Fine. But we have to figure out where your love bird is first.” I snapped.
I knelt down and placed my hand on the floor of the palace.
Using my only Power, I searched through the earth, looking for Vanila’s energy mark.
[She can do that. Duh.]
Ha! no kidding. I can find anyone, and tell where their going by the energy mark they give off. Seeing as no one’s is the same.

I found her, along with two other people who seemed to be pushing her, or leading her. I couldn’t tell which. They were already outside, and were walking fast.
“Come on!” I yelled. I ran right through one of the windows.
[she always thought that would be so cool to do]
Yeah well. It just stung.
I landed softly and took off running down the streets. I could “see” Dastion behind me, and so I turned my attention ahead.
I found her energy mark again, and drove myself harder. I jumped over people, dove under, and around them. I was shocked by how easy Dastion kept up.
“Their heading out of the city. We have to catch them if we want to get her back in decent time. Or else we’ll be traipsing all over Dresher.” I said as he came up next to me.
He nodded.
I suddenly noticed a cart coming right for us. I dashed sideways and stepped up onto a ledge on a wall. I ran up it for a second then flipped over behind the cart and kept going.
Ha! That sure did raise Dastion’s eyebrows!!

Chapter ~ Five

Chapter ~ Five

      Ulrikima at it's finest!

Zaydie:

I'll say one thing, Hakeam sure is a little dare devil!
[is that all you have to say about him? haha]
Oh Quorra!

"Come on! Just make sure you do exactly as I do." Hakeam shouted over his shoulder.
"Um ok." I said looking at Kylun. He shrugged silently.
He suddenly started to scale up the side of a house. Like a monkey!!
"come on! Just trust that the Creator will show you where to step!" He called down at us.
Quorra rubbed her hands together, and Lexi was jumping a little to loosen up.
"I'm all for it!" They both shouted.
"Race you to the top!" Quorra challenged. Dashing up to the wall.
The two started to scale the wall, slower then Hakeam, but at least they made it.
Haha.
The boys weren't so lucky.
After the three of us girls had climbed the wall with ease, we watched as the boys attempted to climb the wall.
"Boy. If they can't get this, their going to be in big trouble!" Hakeam stated, bending down to watch the boys try and climb up the walls.
"Oh use Sindo already!" I called.
Sav used Sindo and jumped up to the roof, with the rest of us. But... Kigo and Kylun didn't.
"Oh.."
I glanced at the others.
"Just... learn the hard way." Quorra shouted.
Kylun rolled his eyes and jumped halfway up the wall. He then grabbed the window sill and climbed up to the top of the window. He swung his left arm up to a decorative piece of tile that stuck out of the wall. Gripping it he swung his other hand onto the roof shingles.
From there he pulled himself up to the roof.
"There. Happy?" He asked Quorra with a grin.
Quorra shrugged.
"I'll take it. But I could do better." She said.
Kylun rolled his eyes.
Kigo came up after several tries, but he finally got here.
"Come on!"
And Hakeam was at it again. This time he ran over to the side of the building and leapt off it!!
"Hakeam!" I cried, dashing over to the edge of the roof. "Whoa!"
I found him giggling as he slid down a waterway.
I laughed. Despite the cold, the water was still in it's liquid form.
I jumped down and slid down the waterway myself.
"Right behind you!" Quorra yelled.
"Me tooooo!" Lexi screamed. I chuckled then realized that the end came.
Hakeam jumped from right before the end of the waterway, and threw himself in the air.
The end came sooner then I thought, and all I could do was jump.
I screamed. And I know that for a fact.
[haha. I'm so glad you have ears.]
Oh shut up.

My fingers gripped on something and I held tight. I was slammed into a wall, and I hit my head.
"Ouch." I muttered. I suddenly remembered Quorra and Lexi behind me. I quickly looked up and saw that I was holding onto a beam.
I pulled myself up onto it and ran onto the roof. Just in time to hear Quorra scream. And then hear a big thud.
[hey be nice.]
Ha!

Soon the rest of us were up on the next roof. Our boots and pants, or skirts, were wet, but other then that we were good!
Hakeam moved on to the next obstacle.
As we moved along the top of the roofs, he showed us interesting things about the city.
I had to admit, it sure was different seeing the world from an eagle's perspective.
Not my particular preference. But it was definitely interesting.
The city sure was something to be admired. It was made of low, round houses built close together. But it all had an elegance about it that I've never seen in a city before. It was beautiful. I loved how they kept it all bright. Even with the skies as grey as they are, the city was lively, and active.
"I love how each street has their own little band. It's really cool." Quorra said. I nodded in agreement.
"Come on. The party's starting! Don't want to be late for that!" Hakeam called. Diving off another roof. We all looked down as he landed in several bales of hay.
I shrugged and followed in his suit. But careful to keep my skirt down. Which is quiet difficult when you think about it.

****

"Ah there you are. I was beginning to wonder where Hakeam had taken you." His mother said as we stepped into the warm room and went strait over to the fire to warm our frozen hands.
"All over the place." I answered with a shiver.
Kylun placed his arm around me to try and warm me up.
"Yes, that is what he likes to do all day! Climb those walls, jump those roofs, try new stunts. It was horrible when he started out! So many scrapes and burses! but now nothing bigger then a black eye." His mother said. I smiled as I heard of how proud she was in her son.
"Now we must be going. You will get something to warm your hands latter. I wish I could offer you finer clothes, but I am afraid we are not doing so well financially." She said with a tone of regret.
"Don't worry. It is perfectly fine. These clothes help us blend in and that's all that we need." I said with a smile. Turning to her and giving her a hug.
"Oh well! I'm glad that we have been able to help in some way. Now come. Let us go." We followed Juwela and her family out of the house and down the street to the palace.

The guards let us in no problem, but the six of us were on the look out. I kept count to see how many guards there was in all. Six guarding just the door. Probably many more on the inside
And of course, my years of Shieven training proved my assumptions to be correct.
Inside someone took our coats for us and we looked around the palace.
The inside, was just as beautiful as the outside.
The domed shape roof was tall, and made of stained glass.
Along the outer rim of the ballroom,
[where we were]
was a balcony, supported by white painted pillars that had green vines growing around them.

If I though that the last part I went to was crowded, ha! That was nothing compared to this one!!
[Well it might have something to do with the fact that practically everybody from Ulrikima was there!]
... true.
We followed Hakeam's mom through the crowd.
Quorra tried to avoid friendly chit-chat as we waited for the Governor and the new couple.

A trumpet fanfare played and the princess stepped through a set of doors, and came into view on the balcony.
The crowd cheered as the princess smiled down at them.
Her gold hair was curled, and a ring of gold was placed on her head.
She wore a gold dress that flattered her figure in a very modest way.

She looked from the crowd to the opposit side of the balcony. we all turned to see prince Dastion come out and smile back at her.
He wore navy blue and white. A military uniform by the looks of it.
The two of them walked to the stairs on the opposite side of the room.
Meeting in the middle, Dastion held out his arm, and the princess placed her own gloved arm through it.
Together they walked down the steps, meeting the Governor at the bottom.

"So not only has my sister been taken away, my own identity has been too!" Quorra muttered under her breath.
I sighed and both Lexi and I gave her a hug.
"We'll get to the bottom of this." I said quietly. "I promise."
She let out a sigh and pulled her scarf up.

The couple mingled around with the people. The princess picked up a little girl and placed her on her hip.
Dastion tickled the cute girl who giggled, and the parents chuckled.
The couple move don with the Governor right behind them.

The princess came up to Juwela and her family. They chatted for a moment, then Juwela's mother bowed, and the princess noticed us.
"Hello. I don't believe I've seen you all before." She said kindly.
She was definitely proper. She pronounced every word specifically. She held herself erect and tall.
[Oh so your saying that I'm not proper?!]
Compared to her? yeah.
[oh shut up]

"We're just visiting." I said with a smile.
"Oh! Well I hope you enjoy the feast. I am princess Venila, and please if you need anything, just let me know.”
We all smiled and nodded. “I don’t believe I got your names.”
I glanced behind me and found that Quorra had slipped away.
We quickly introduced ourselves.
“Very unique names.” Venila complemented.
“Venila.” She turned to see Dastion come up next to her.
“Hello Dastion.” she said kindly. He gave us a nod and a charming smile.
“Hello. Keeping her out of trouble?” he joked.
She scolded him playfully.
“Come on princess. I believe it is time we found our seats.” Dastion said to his bride-to-be.
She nodded and gave us all a curtsy.
“I am honored to have met the Chosen Three. Please enjoy yourselves.” She said.
We all curtsied, or bowed, back, and she was led away by a stunned Dastion.

The whole multitude of people, made their way to the feasting hall.
Inside the hall, four long tables were lined up against the four walls of the room.
Servants were running around lighting candles, and placing last minute platters of food down on the tables.
Juwela and her family slid down on one of the benches. We slid down with them, followed by tons of other people.

I looked around, it seemed that every room had a balcony!
This one however was lined with guards. I made quick count as my leg started to bounce under the table.
“I count six on this side. All armed with bows and swords.” I said, fiddling with my necklace.
“Six on the other side too. All with bows and swords as well.” Kylun said. Leaning on the table with his arms.
I nodded and looked around mindlessly. My leg still bouncing.
“Zaydie. Your making me nervous.” Kylun said quietly, placing his hand on my leg to keep it from bouncing.
“Oh. Sorry. Can’t help it.” I muttered. He nodded and we looked down at the end of the hall, to the Governor and the prince and princess.

Chapter ~ Four

Chapter ~ Four

      One? or Two?!

Quorra:

Juwela's mom was really nice. She was part of The Averse. The people scattered all over Dresher willing to help the Chosen Three with what ever their mission in life is.
So she was planning on helping us get into the palace.

"It is still amazing that you resemble the princess. I wonder how that happened." She said to herself, looking at me. I shifted uneasily. "Well for now wear this, to conceal your face so people won't start suspect you." She handed me a large scarf that I draped over my head and then wrapped around my shoulders. I left apart of it loose around my neck so I could pull it up over my nose if I had to.
"Now, the Governor will be making an appearance with his daughter this afternoon near the palace. I will help get you there. But make sure you do exactly as I say. Alright?" We all nodded. "Juwela will take you there. I am afraid I have matters to attend to."
We all rose and Juwela placed a coat over herself and handed us girls colorful cloaks, and Kylun a dark one.
"Let us go." She said. And we silently slipped out into the streets of Ulrikima.

****

The streets were crowded with people, and it seemed that we were standing right in front of the palace. Which was a big building that had a domed shaped roof that was decoratively painted.
In front of the palace was a garden, with a fountain, above the doors that allowed people entrance to the palace was a low balcony. Up there stood a man in his late thirties, early forties. His brown hair was slicked back, and he wore the expensive suite of a Governor.
Next to him stood a girl that looked to be around my height. She wore a scarf around her hair, but I could see her face as plain as day.
I pulled my scarf up over my nose.
No wonder everyone was confused.
She did look exactly like me!!
I bet she even had blond hair under that scarf!
I gripped Savrin's arm hard, and he pulled me under his arm.
"What is going on?" I whispered. Sav didn't say anything, he just squeezed me a little tighter.
The people started to clap for the Governor and his daughter. He raised his hands and the clapping died down.
"Thank you. Thank you. You are all too kind."
We all shifted as he started to speak. There was something odd about this man. He looked at the people with kindness. With the kind of look a father would give to his son.
This was weird.
"I am sure that most of you are well aware of the fact that my daughter, is now fifteen. And upon this, she has also been betrothed!"
The crowd cheered and rose their fists.
I looked around in shock.
She's only fifteen, and already she's betrothed?!
"Yes, it is a fine day for all of us. But do you not wish to see who your future Governor is?" He asked with a raised voice, so to be heard over the crowd.
Again they beat their fists in the air, and cried out in agreement.
Juwela did so as well. It was only the six of use that didn't move.
"Well here he is!" The Governor moved away from the door and a young boy stepped up next to the princess.
My jaw dropped.
"Oh this is so weird. Talk about an alternate reality!" I said.
The boy looked similar to Sav!!
Now if you made them stand side by side it would be obvious that they were two different people, [unlike you and the princess]
yeah if you lined us up, you wouldn't be able to tell a single difference!
The boy had brown shaggy hair that looked freshly washed and cut. He wore expensive clothing, and held himself with honor and diginity. Not that Sav doesn't, Sav just tends to duck his head and blend into the crowd. Where as this guy would stick out like a soar thumb.
'Meet your future Governor. Prince Dastion!"
Everybody broke out into wild cheers as the new couple was presented. They were obviously happy about this arranged marriage.
The two kids looked out at the people with smiles on their faces. Like they were happy about this!
Something is definitely wrong with this picture...
"Everyone is invited to a feast tonight in honor of this great union!" The Governor continued.
Everyone cheered, and drums started up. A great song called up from the crowd. Giving a great joy over the city.
The princess and prince exchanged smiles and then were escorted inside.
Juwela turned to us.
"Isn't it just grand?" She asked excitedly.
"Is it?" I asked.
She nodded.
"With our princes betrothed with the prince of Vecina, our two cities can be united once again, and that way we won't have to wage war with each other!" She cried.
We nodded and looked back at the palace.
Well it might be a good political solution, but I still didn't like it.
"Come. the feast will begin in a moment." Juwela said with a smile on her face. She really thought this was a good thing.

People started to spread out. Go their own ways, waiting for the festivities to begin.
"When will it begin?" I asked, getting out from under Sav's arm.
Juwela led us back to her house where Hakeam and his mom sat in the floor.
"It will begin in a few hours. It will give you a few minutes to look around." Juwela said.
I nodded.
"Let's check out Ulrikima!" I said clasping my hands and turning to the rest of the gang.
They all nodded enthusiastically.
"Come on! I'll show you how us kids run this place." Hakeam stated, stepping forward with his hands on his hips.
"Oh you can, can you?" I asked, bending down and meeting his eye level.
'Yup!" He said. I shook my head, and turned to the others.
"Why pass up the opportunity to see the city through a child's eyes?" I asked. They all laughed.
"Why not? Show us the way Hakeam. but make sure it's alright with your mother." Zaydie said.
Hakeam looked over his shoulder and at his mother.
She nodded.
"Go."
Hakeam giggled, grabbing me and my sister's hands and dragging us out the door.
And off we go.

Chapter ~ Three

Chapter ~ Three

           Princess?!

Zaydie:

When Sav and Quorra came in, I smelled the blood right away.
"Which one of you is hurt?" I asked getting up from the table and marching over to the two of them. Quorra moved out of the way and I saw her white scarf wrapped around Savrin's arm, now blood red.
I removed it and gave it back to my sister.
[oh yes because she thought that I was going to use it again!]
Oh psh.

I healed his arm quickly, then turned to my sister.
"What happened?"
She stuttered.
"We were attacked. By some boy in the woods." She explained.
"What did he look like?" Kylun asked, stepping over to her.
She hesitated then looked him in the eye.
"Like you."
We all froze.
"Not the blond-haired you, the other you. Black hair, red eyes."
"Havrin's back." Sav said. "I thought you destroyed him?" He addressed Kylun.
"I said I kicked him out, I never destroyed him!" Kylun snapped back.
I squeezed his arm and he calmed down a little.
"Ok... so what are we going to do?" I asked.
"Nothing. We'll deal with him when the time comes. Right now we have to find Reese." Kylun said.
"That shouldn't be to hard." Brax cut in. We all moved into the room and sat down various places.
"We found out that not only is he the Governor of Ulrikima. He's also a father."
"What?!" Kylun and I shouted.
Braxlin nodded.
"Who's he married to?" I asked.
"That's just it. He's not. Never has been. And from the research Vegg has been able to do for us, he's never once been seen with a woman other then parties." Brinlynn explained.
"Who's his child?"
They shrugged.
"That's anyone's best guess. She's only appeared a few times in pictures. but she always wears a dark vale of some sort. So no one really knows."
I nodded.
"So..?"
"Well I would like to figure out who this girl is, and what she can offer. Then we'll go from there." Braxlin said.
"It's not much of a plan." Sav said hesitantly.
"Well we know for a fact that we somehow have to get rid of Reese so his daughter might be able to prove helpful." Brax stated.
"Alright. who's all going this time?" Kylun asked. "Not you." He pointed at me. I immediately got defense.
"Oh yes I am. You are not going anywhere with out me. So get use to it." I stated. "Besides what would you do with out me there to snatch you back from death's grip huh?" I asked with a hard look yet a playful grin.
He groaned.
"Fine. Brax? Brin?"
"Oh no. We're staying here. We took the liberty of calling up a few friends though. So you'll have plenty of help." Brin said with a grin.
The door opened and we all turned around.
A girl skipped into the room wearing jeans and a jacket. Her short black hair fell around her face and she wore a black and white band around her head.
"Lexi!" I cried jumping up and giving her a hug.
"Hey girl! miss me?"
We all chuckled.
Kigo came up behind her in his usual trench coat and pants with his green band around his neck this time, instead of his head. His red hair fell over his black eye patch, but it didn't hide the grin.
"Hey sweetheart. How's the hubby?"
I rolled my eyes and slugged his arm.
"Ask him yourself." I stated.
Kylun rose and the two of them shook hands. As did Savrin.
Lexi gave hugs all around and soon we were all sitting back down again.
"Wow... this is a lot of people." Kylun muttered.
"Make more then one trip." I said. He nodded.
"Right."
"So you need us to help you beat up another bad guy huh?" Kigo asked.
Quorra didn't take it as an insult. She just nodded and smiled. "Yup."
[Was I suppose to take it as an insult?!]
Well it kind of was one. But never mind now.

We shook ourselves out of the deep thought we were all in.
"Well! Let's get to it then." Kylun said. Jumping up to his feet and giving me a hand.
"Come on."
Three of us linked hands while Kigo and Lexi waited patiently for Kylun to return.

Ulrikima was nothing like I expected! Nothing!!
The city was made of stones, beautiful arches and gazeboes were found everywhere.
The stones themselves were painted white or cream.
Music was played along every street. All creating one melodic harmony that ran through the entire city.
All of the woman and men dressed differently. The men were the only ones who wore trousers.
The woman were the ones with skirts, only they fell down to their ankles and they looked more like gypsies. Sort of. They all wore bright colors and smiles on their faces.
Seeing as it was snowing, everyone wore layers and boots.
I glanced down at my own skirt and shook my head. Oh bother.

Sav Quorra and I moved off towards the sidewalk to get out of the way of people walking in the streets as Kylun went back to get Kigo and Lexi.
We looked around and were shocked by how friendly people were to us. Complete foreigners!
"Are you Zaydie?"
I turned around. Why is it that I'm so worldly known?
A little boy with a hat to big for his head stood behind me.
"Yes, and who are you if I may be so bold to ask of such a dashing young man." I flattered, bending down and lifting the tip of his hat so i could see his face.
He giggled.
"I'm Hakeam. My mommy want's to see you." he said pulling at my hand.
I looked around to see if Kylun was back yet. he wasn't.
"Would she be mad if we waited for our friends?" I asked.
The little boy looked over my shoulder and nodded.
"Ok. How long will it take?" he asked.
"Mmm..." I looked over my shoulder and spotted my husbands blond hair in the crowd.
"here they are." I said. I rose up and smiled at Kylun, Kigo and Lexi.
"Ok now come on!" The little boy pulled at my hand. I motioned for everyone to follow.
"You sure do attract little kids don't you?" Kylun asked. I laughed.
"Well..." I said with a smile. What could I say to that?
[you could have said, well at least they run to me, and not run away screaming on the top of their little lungs.']
Oh Quorra.

The little boy led us to one of the houses that was a little ways from the street. He led us through the front door and we found ourselves in a cozy home.
A girl sat weaving a basket on the floor with some thick blankets wrapped around her shoulder. She looked to be about my age.
she saw us and the little boy ran into her arms.
"I see you found them Hakeam." She said. Rising to her feet. She gave Hakeam a squeeze and turned to us.
"What... unusual clothes you wear." She muttered. We all glanced down and stammered.
"I am Juwela. You must be Zaydie, Savrin, Kylun. And-" She suddenly gasped as Quorra stepped into view. She looked down at herself to see if something was wrong with her outfit.
"My lady, what are you doing out of the palace?"
Our eyes got wide and we all looked at Quorra.
"Excuse me?" She asked, stepping forward.
"You are the princess are you not?" Juwela asked.
Quorra shook her head.
"No. Never stepped foot in a palace in my life. Do I look fit to be a princess?" Quorra asked with a chuckle.
"But I don't understand... you look very much like her... it's probably something the Creator has planned." She added to herself. "My mother has gone out. But she shall return in a short while. She left me in charge to take care of you, so please my ladies, you may borrow some of my clothes, and gentlemen, I'm sure I can find you some clothes of my mother's late husband."
Juwela took Quorra, Lexi and I to another room off the living room. It looked to be her own. It was decorated with flowers, and paintings of beautiful scenery. She opened a large chest that sat at the end of her bed.
She pulled out several multicolor skirts and handed each to us.
They were thick and heavy skirts to ward against the cold.
She then pulled out several shirts and long-sleeves.
We all quickly changed.
I kept my tights on for the sake of warmth along with my boots.
We layered our skirts with heavy slips so our legs were quiet warm.
The shirts were layered, I wore a heavy white long sleeve shirt, with a light pink corset over top.
This was extremely old fashioned. But at least it was practical!

Lexi, and Quorra's outfits were exactly the same besides the colors. Quorra's shirts was blue and purple, and Lexi's were brown and green.
"We can't thank you enough Juwela!" I said. Turning to her and taking her hands in mine. "The Creator surely has big plans for you." She blushed.
"You flattery is kind my lady, but I am simply a servant of His Lord."
"And He always rewards his servants." I said. She nodded.
"Let me go tend to the young men." She stepped outside and the us girls plopped down on the bed.
"Well these might slow us down in a fight." Quorra said, looking at her patchwork skirt.
"At least they'll keep us warm though." Lexi said, rubbing her sleeves.
I nodded in agreement.
Juwela came to tell us that we could go back into the living room a few minutes latter.
In there we found the three boys dressed in thick slacks with the cuffs tucked into their boots.
The shirts they wore were long and the sleeves were taken in at the cuffs. They also wore vests or jackets, or both.
Kigo wore a long coat that had cuffed sleeves, and a belt that he left undone.
Savrin wore a vest that was not buttoned up, and a jacket that wasn't buttoned up as well.
Kylun wore just the vest. But his vest was long and fell to his ankles. The leather was cut into four strips that fell around his legs. I vaguely wondered how on earth he was going to keep warm. But by the looks of it, his shirt was thick and he probably had another one underneath it.
"Well, it looks like my daughter has done well in getting you situated."
We all turned to see Juwela and Hakeam's mom walk through the front door.
We all smiled.
"Yes, she has done very well." I said kindly.
"Good you bring honor to our family Juwela." Her mother said, Juwela smiled and made a bow from the waist.
This city sure was odd.

Chapter ~ Two

Chapter ~ Two

          Something... definitely unexpected!


Quorra:

I knew exactly what the box was. Everyone did, and we all got the idea of what was going on. Yes even sleepy head Kylun.
We waited eagerly for Zaydie to finish. And when she did I was the first to ask her.
"so did it turn out positive?"
Zaydie still looked stunned.
"Well?" I asked shaking her shoulders.
She nodded slowly.
I squealed and jumped up and down.
"Oh I'm so happy for you guys!!!" I screamed.
"What does positive mean?" Kylun asked. I was to happy to slap him upside the head.
"Kylun... " Zaydie started taking a step forward and looking him in the eye. "Your going to be a dad." She finished slowly.
Kylun was stunned and utterly speechless! NO JOKE! he was!!
"Are-are you serious?" He stuttered.
A smile crept up onto Zaydie's face as she nodded.
"yeah." He suddenly got real hyper. He picked her up and swung her around the room.
They both laughed as I smiled for them.
But then the feeling hit me again. I was getting left behind again. Now not only was my sister married, she was pregnant too!
 I faded into the background and pulled on some jeans and a loose white long-sleeve.
I fiddled with a wooden necklace that's hung around my neck for the past ten years.
I chuckled when I remembered who gave it to me.
It was a Christmas present actually. By the one boy that I ever liked.

I sighed and pulled my hair into a messy bun.
"Get a grip girl! face it, your going to end up an old maid!..." I studied myself in the mirror. Zaydie was always the one that looked pretty. I was just the plain girl-next-door type. Nothing special.
"You'll always live alone and own lots of cats." I stated to the girl in the mirror.
I shoved my feet into my knee high boots and grabbed my mittens, scarf, hat, and coat. I then opened the window of the bedroom and jumped down to the frozen floor below.
I shoved my hands into my gloves and wrapped my scarf around my neck several times while I buttoned up my jacket.

I trudged through the snow and kept off the streets. I could hear bells jingling as people came in and out of store, carolers singing on the edge of main street.
I turned away and walked to the woods that were to the outskirts of the city.
I was finally greeted by the sent of pines, and the quietness of solitude.

I didn't waist any time plunging into the heart of the forest.
"Creator what's wrong with me?" I asked. "Why do I feel so rejected? I know I should be happy for Zaydie and Kylun, and Brinlynn and Braxlin. But I feel so left out!" I had no idea where I was going, I was just walking. "So what do I do?!" I cried. Falling to my knees in middle of a clearing. "I don't know what to do! I feel so... angry." My fists balled up and it was all I could do not to punch something. "I feel like everything in my life is being torn away from me! And I can't... stop it! Creator you have to help me!" I lifted my eyes and searched the grey skies.
"You have to show me... where to go. What to do. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be on my own." tears started to fall, and they froze on my cheeks. I looked back at the ground and let the tears fall. "I don't want to be left behind." I muttered through the sobs.
Someone came up behind me and wrapped their arms around my shoulders.
"Your never alone Quorra."
I shook my head when I heard Savrin's voice.
"Well it definitely feels that way." I managed to say.
"But your not. And that's a fact." He squeezed me tighter. "You'll always have someone around you. No matter what you do, or where you go."
"Then why does it hurt so bad?" I cried. "Why does it feel like everything is getting ripped out of my hands? And that I won't get it back?"
He was quiet for a moment as I cried.
"Your not the only one going through this Quorra." He said finally. "I lost a mentor, and my best friend in the span of a month. I know a best friend isn't as strong as a sister, but I still know to some extent what your going through. Because I'm going through the same thing."
That wasn't really helping.
"so we face it together."
I tried to force my tears to stop. I got shaky breaths as I calmed down.
"What?" I asked, turning around and looking Sav in the eye.
"We face it together. That way neither of us has to be alone."
I wiped the tears away from my face and tried to see if he was being serious.
"I won't leave you alone. Ok?" He asked, standing up and offering me his hand. I looked at it, then to his face.
I nodded and took his hand. He pulled me to my feet and I hugged his waist.
We only stood there for a minute before I heard a twig snap behind us.
I looked over my shoulder, but couldn't see anything. I could feel Savrin start to tense as he slowly pushed me behind him.
I peaked around him to see if I could see anyone yet.
"Isn't this sweet?" I gasped as I saw a shadow from the past. Someone I hadn't seen for a year. Yet... he looked different.
He stepped out from the woods, He wore simply black pants, and a short-sleeved trench coat.
His tussled black hair fell in his eyes.
That were blood red.
"Havrin." Sav muttered through gritted teeth.
Havrin cocked his head and grinned. "'Ello Sav. Who's the girlfriend? don't believe I've seen her before. Well at least not me personally. Though I know he did."
Sav's hands balled up into fists at his side.
"Quorra... run." He muttered.
I looked up at him and then back to Havrin. Sav's good, but he's not that good!
[oh well aren't you nice]
Hey I'm just saying.

"Sav you can't take him by yourself." I argued.
He looked down at me with determination in his eyes.
"Then I suggest you get the rest over here." He whispered.
He turned back to Havrin and the blue jagged blade of Ryota appeared in his hand.
Havrin smirked.
"Do you really think that's such a good idea?" He asked.
"I don't know. But let's find out!"
Sav dove forward and Havrin spun out of the way.
There was suddenly what looked like a long stick in Havrin's hands. I couldn't see it very clearly, but he was real good with it.
Sav jumped back and did one of those air jump things where he pretty much just hovered close to the ground.
The two boys fought back and forth, clashing their weapons together. I was shocked that Ryota hadn't broken the stick yet!
But then I noticed something I hadn't seen before.
Havrin took the stick and spun it around, then he aimed the end at Savrin's face. Sav just jumped back in time to see a long curved blade at the end.
My jaw dropped.
He was the stinkin' grim reaper!
I bent down low and readied myself. Oh boy this was going to hurt.

Sav did pretty good with dodging the blade, but he was starting to get worn down, and Havrin didn't look like he was going to stop any time soon.
I waited till Havrin's back was to me then I ran forward as fast as I could. Ignoring Sav's glare.
I kicked Havrin's side with my foot, then spun around just in time to miss the blade. I summoned my guns, and used their power to bring up large pieces of earth.
I threw them at Havrin while I squeezed the trigger of my guns.
He was quick, and I was surprised by how fast he could move that reaper. He managed to deflect most of the rocks, but I saw one bullet pierce his arm.
It's just not fair.
I flipped backwards, avoiding another swing with the blade and skidded to a stop.
I looked up with a hard face as Havrin laughed.
I jumped at him, keeping the rocks flying at him. I dove under the blade and punched him square in the stomach.
I then spun myself around him and Savrin grasped my out reached hand. He spun me around and then threw me up higher into the air.
I floated there for a few seconds and I shot Havrin in the stomach.
I flipped down to the ground again and Sav landed beside me.
"I told you to run." He said.
"And it's a good thing I didn't, or we'd be in huge trouble." I retorted.
We turned out attention to Havrin who was clutching his stomach, that was bleeding. I have to say I did feel a little proud of myself at the moment. Haha.
He looked at us with a hard face, then disappeared into wisps of shadows.
"What was that?" I asked, meaning the shadow thing.
"I have no clue. Come on." Sav groaned and clutched his arm. Our weapons disappeared and I dashed in front of him.
"What's wrong?" I asked, looking at his arm.
"Nothing. It's just a scratch." He argued, pushing my hands away.
"Well it's obviously not! Stop moving." I snapped, gripping his hand and moving it away from his arm.
His black coat was now turning darker as blood soaked into it.
I pushed his sleeve up his arm gently. He had a deep cut running down his forearm.
I unwrapped my scarf from my neck and placed it on the wound.
"Of course it's you that gets hurt." I said with a playful chuckle.
"Hey I was the one taking the blow for you." He said in his defense.
I laughed, and kept dabbing the wound.
"Yeah... thanks." I muttered quietly.
"Your welcome. But next time run when I tell you."
I punched his stomach playfully.
"Humph. We'll see how well that goes." I said, wrapping the scarf around his arm several times and tying it there.
"That'll do till we get back so Zaydie can fix you up again."
I said as I turned around to lead the way out of the forest.
Sav grasped my shoulder and turned me around.
His eyes searched my face for a moment, then his hand went to my neck and he picked up the necklace chain.
Out from under my shirt came the necklace with the wooden pendent on it. I looked down at it as he fingered it. Running his thumb across the tree.
"You still have this?" He asked, looking back up at me. I smiled.
"yeah. Why would I get rid of it?"
He chuckled.
"Because it looks really bad."
"You were seven, and I was five. I didn't really care at the moment, and I still don't." I said with my hands on my hips.
"I just still can't believe you've kept it all these years." He muttered. Letting go of the necklace and my shoulder.
"Well believe it buddy." I stated turning around and marching off into the forest.
A smile crept up onto my face.
Crazy boy.

Chapter ~ One

Chapter ~ One

         New beginnings

Zaydie:

Ring, ring, ring, ring

I groaned and slapped my hand on the alarm clock. The ringing didn't stop.
I didn't set the alarm clock. I said in my head. I forced my groggy eyes open and saw that my thing cell phone was the dumb thing that was ringing.
I looked at the clock next to it.
4:00am.

I groaned and dug my head under my pillow.
That didn't help.
[Ha!]
hush Quorra!
I finally gave in and picked it up.
"What?" I said harshly.
"Zaydie?"
"... Savrin?"
"Yeah."
I sighed.
"what the heck are you doing, calling me on my honeymoon, and at 4:00 in the morning?!"
He was silent on the other end.
"It's 4:00 in the morning there?"
"yeah!"
"Oh... well you can go back to sleep now-"
"Don't bother you've already woken me up. What do you want?" I inturrupted.
[I have such a lovely sister]
"We have a lead on Reese."
It took me a minute to figure out what he had said.
"Sorry to cut your honeymoon short, but just get here sometime around 10:00."
"Fine. You owe me big time Sav. And I mean it!" I then snapped the phone shut and curled back up in to a ball. Trying to ward off the cold.
"Who was that?" Kylun asked, from right beside me.
"Savrin." I muttered as I tried to go back to sleep. Not like it worked well with my husband breathing down my neck.
[Ok it's just really weird to hear you call him that!]
Well it's true!

"What did he want?"
"Do you really want to know?" I asked. He was quiet for a moment.
"I don't know, do I?"
I shook my head and grinned.
"No. You don't. At least not until morning."
He sighed.
"Well let's go under the impression that I do."
I laughed.
"They have a lead on Reese."
He groaned and moved around.
"Your right. I didn't want to hear that."
I laughed.
"Told you so."
"Yeah shut up." He said playfully. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close.
"Well I'm not doing anything about it now. I'm going to sleep for the rest of the night-"
"Morning." I corrected as I buried my poor frozen nose under the covers.
"What ever."
Then he started to snore again. I chuckled and fell into sleep again.

****

The next morning I was the first one up. And at the crack of dawn. I slid out from under Kylun's arm and put my feet into my fuzzy slippers as I wrapped a blanket around me.
I shuffled into the kitchen and started to see what we could have for breakfast, when the nausea hit me.
I gripped the counter and closed my eyes.
"Not again." I muttered.
I fumbled for the fridge door and pulled out the orange juice and a glass from the counter. I drank it slowly and the nausea went away a little. But I could still tell it was there.
I sighed as I set the empty cup in the sink.
I looked out the floor-to-ceiling pained windows in the front of the small cabin we had rented, and looked out as the snow fell down gently. Covering up what ever tracks that had been made in the snow before it.
Giving it a new coat. A new chance to be pure again.

Kylun wrapped his arms around my stomach and rested his chin on my shoulder.
"Pretty isn't it?" He asked.
I smiled.
"Yup. My favorite time of the year. To bad it only comes once, then it's gone till next year." I muttered.
"Yeah but that's what makes it so special. Because if it stuck around all year long then you'd get sick of it." Kylun pointed out.
"... true." I smiled and gave him a kiss then turned back to the kitchen. "What should we have for breakfast?"
"Hmm... Let's start with hot chocolate. Because I'm freezing!"
I laughed and pulled down some mugs and set the kettle on the stove.
"I'll go stoke the fire." He shuffled off to work on the fire in the living room and I took out plates.
Gripping the side of the counter as the nausea washed over me yet again.

I fixed up French toast and put the powdered sugar on the counter along with the syrup.
"Ok breakfast is ready." I called. Kylun got up from the carpeted floor in the living room and walked over. I could already tell that he was eager to eat.
"What is it?" He asked after looking at it for a minute. I laughed.
"French toast."
He looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Trust me, you'll like it." I said dusting the top of the toast with powdered sugar and poring syrup on it. "Here. Make sure you use the knife and fork." I said with a grin.
"I do know how use silverware!" He called over his shoulder as he made his way to the table.
"Well one never knows." I said following him with my own plate.
We sat down and linked hands, while Kylun said the blessing.
Then he tried his first French toast! Oh boy do I feel special!
[was that sarcasm?]
No! I really do feel special!
[haha! okay then sis]
Oh shut up Quorra. Haha.

****

After we had our showers, I got dressed in my new favorite outfit.
It was a gold pleated skirt with black tights.
[You wear tights?]
yeah... you saw me wearing them! Like all the time!
[oohh yeah... right]
I wore a black turtle neck shirt with it and I put a coat over top of it. So it kind of resembled a school uniform. Except I wore fuzzy brown boots that had the fuzzy balls hanging off the laces.
"Ready to go?" Kylun asked.
His blond hair was spiked again, and he wore jeans with a long sleeve shirt and a jacket. I nodded as I slipped into my winter coat.
"Yup."
He held out his hand and I grasped it hard.
Then with a whoosh, we were in the main street of Konsor again.
I took a deep breath as a smile crept across my face.
"Good to be home huh?"
I nodded.
We trudged through the snow, using each other for support. We passed little shops that were decorated for Christmas. Decorative lights twinkled and flashed. I could see trees in almost every window.
The snow fell on my eyelashes, and in my hair. I chuckled as I watched the little kids running and screaming. We passed the park and I saw people ice skating on a frozen river.
"Ooh! I want to do that!" I exclaimed, jutting a finger in front of Kylun and nearly poking his eye out.
He leaned back and looked down to the park.
"What ice skate?"
I nodded enthusiastically. "yeah! I haven't been in forever it would be so much fun!!"
He nodded.
"Ok we'll do it before we leave." He promised. I grinned and hugged his arm.
"We don't have to if you don't want to." I said kindly.
"Nah. It's fine. I don't mind it. We just have to find skates." He's too sweet.
[ok Zaydie, don't start.]
Ugh fine! chicken!
[I am not a chicken! I'm just thinking that we want to keep this rated PG at the highest!]
Oh fine ok, ok, you win.

We knocked on Brinlynn's door and it opened almost immediately.
And we were greeted by screaming.
"Zaydie!! Your back from your one and a half week honeymoon! I'm so happy to see you again!" Quorra exclaimed, choking me with her usual bear hugs.
"uh... Quorra... choking here." I muttered.
"Oh right!" She let go and I got a full breath.
"Come on, come on! So how was your honeymoon in the mountains of Talking Food?"
I groaned and stepped inside.
"It's Talki'fuid." I corrected.
"Psh. I like my version better." She stated.
"Of course you do. Hi Quorra." Kylun said giving her a hug as he walked through the door.
"Hi!" She exclaimed excitedly.
I walked strait over to Sav, who stood up from the couch and gave me a gentle hug.
"Did you finish sleeping?" He asked as a joke.
I punched his arm.
"yes I did, no thanks to you!"
He laughed.
Brin and Brax gave us hugs and we got situatied as to who was sleeping where. Sense there wasn't enough beds, all the girls got the bedroom while the boys camped out on the floor.

"You know it's weird, I'm like the only single girl now!" Quorra randomly piped up during dinner.
We all laughed. Well that was a true statement.
"Is that a bad thing?" Brin asked.
"Well no. And yes. I mean come on my own sister is married now!!" She shouted. "And now that's just.... weird. I guess I just feel left behind that's all." She added quietly. Looking down at her food and messing with it. With this sad and dejected look on her face.
I leaned over and gave her a hug.
"I won't leave you behind. I promise." I said.
"Hmm." She sighed. "I'm going to bed. Night." She stated, getting up from the table with her head hanging.
I watched her with a sad look as she closed the door behind her.
"Is she alright?" I asked. My eyes still lingering on the closed door.
"The weddings have hit her hard. I don't think she knows how to cope with it all yet." Brin said gently.
I sighed and started to pick at my food.
"Hmmm... I just can't seem to make everyone happy can I?" I mumbled.
"You don't have to. That's for the Creator to do." Braxlin said as he got up and started to clear the table.
I sighed and pushed my bowl away.
"Go get some sleep. We'll talk about everything tomorrow." Brax ordered. I smiled tiredly and got up from the table.
"Night everyone." I called after I gave Kylun a quick kiss.
"Good night." Everyone called after me.

****

The next morning I found Quorra still asleep on the floor. I quickly changed back into my outfit I wore yesterday and stepped out of the room.
I found a note on the counter of the kitchen.

Gone shopping, we'll get back soon!
Brinlynn + Braxlin

I sighed and got down the hot chocolate. I froze when I heard someone stirring in the living room.
I turned to see Sav's head peak out of the covers on the floor.
He rubbed his eyes and looked at me incoherently
"Zaydie?"
I smiled and set the cup down.
"Did I wake you?" I whispered. Kylun was still sleeping.
"No. I was already awake." He muttered. Coming up off the floor, and wrapping his blanket around him.
"Want some hot chocolate?" I asked. He nodded and I grabbed another cup.
I walked over to the island with it in hand when a massive wave of nausea hit me. Hard! I fell to the floor and the glass rolled out of my hand as I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Zaydie!"
Sav dashed around the island and picked me up.
"I'm ok." I muttered, trying to get rid of the headache.
"No your not! you just fell flat on your face on a flat surface!"
I sighed.
"It's been happening for most of the week now." I muttered.
"What?" He asked.
"I've been getting dizzy spells, and massive headaches each morning."
Savrin froze.
"How long has this been going on?"
"Um... half a week."
"Stay right here!"
he then disappeared!
"What... was that about?" I muttered. I rose to my feet and poured my own hot chocolate and kept the kettle on the stove so the water would keep warm.

Ten or twenty minutes latter, Sav came back holding a plastic bag.
I was sitting at the table by the window and was watching the snow fall.
"Take it." He ordered, handing me a box.
I glanced down at it and looked up at him in shock.
"You can't be serious!"
He gave me a serious look.
"I've only been married a week Sav! It can't happen that fast." I argued in hushed tones.
[Kylun was still asleep]
I saw his still serious face.
"Can it?"
"Hey guys- what's that?!" Quorra asked, pointing to the box I held in my hand.
"Shh! He's still asleep." I said.
She walked over and took up the box.
"Are you-"
"What are you guys doing?"
Ok so he wasn't asleep anymore.
"Quorra what are you doing with that?!" He exclaimed. Pointing to the box.
"It's not mine! Kylun come on do you really think I'd go around and do something like-"
"Oh give me that!" I snatched the box back and got up.
"What are you doing with it?!" Kylun asked.
"I will tell you once I get back. Fuss at him." I said pointing to Sav.
"Hey I don't want to take any chances!" He said in his defense.
"What are you doing going around and buying -"
I didn't hear the rest of the argument.