BAHD 7: Foot of the Mountains

I've been busy lately, so little time for updating and responding ^^"" Also I'm working on a massive meme that takes up a lot of time.

As usual, sorry if this is hard to understand!!

(Ending portion is probably my favorite)

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The Foot of the Mountains
Chapter 7

Taj walked with Kaira ahead of Kyo, fuming. He always knew Kaira was just a nice person, but why him of all people?
"Why'd you bring him with us?" Taj asked Kaira.
"He's all alone out here, I don't want him being alone..." Kaira said, looking back at Kyo. He stared back with blue eyes. Kaira blinked and looked away. She could have sworn his eyes were silver before.
Everyone looked up in surprise when they saw Taj and Kaira return with a stranger.
"Who's that?" Davis asked Taj when he angrily sat next to him.
"I don't know! It was Kaira's idea to bring him with us!" Taj said angrily.
"This is Kyo!" Kaira announced happily, pulling Kyo along with her to Steel. "He's all by himself, so I thought he could come with us."
Steel looked Kyo over once, disapproval on his face. "We're not bringing anyone with us who'll slow us down." Kyo looked towards Taj, who was still glaring.
"What Element does he use?" Kyo asked, mentioning Taj.
"Taj? He's a Water User," Kaira said.
"I'm a Water User too..." Kyo said, smiling, he turned back to Steel. "How about you test me against him? If I win, I'll come with you, and if I lose, I'll leave." Everyone stared at Steel expectantly. Taj couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"If it suits you," Steel said lowly. "Have at him."
Kyo smirked, instantly summoning the power of Water. Before Taj had a chance to move a geyser spouted beneath him, throwing Taj into the air. Kyo focused harder on the Water once Taj was suspended in midair above everyone else. The water surrounded Taj and trapped in a giant sphere of water, hovering above everyone's head. Everyone was surprised that Kyo was able to dominate so easily against Taj. Dimi stood watching his son, eating his pot sticker.
"Aren't you worried for your son at all Dimi?" Leo asked.
"No, I'm not worried about him. I taught him how to hold his breath!" Dimi said almost too proudly.
"Hold his breath?! For how long?" Dimi stopped and thought for a moment.
"Last time I checked it was only about five seconds."
"Five seconds?! What kind of father-figure are you?!"
Dimi took a proud stance. "The thin kind, with blue hair! And I look damn good in these clothes too!"
Kyo summoned another geyser beneath him. The geyser erupted in water, sending Kyo flying gracefully through the air. He unsheathed his sword, and drew the blade across Taj's prison water sphere. The sphere broke apart and Taj fell through the air, hitting branches of trees as he did. Kyo landed gracefully in a tree. He flipped out of the tree and landed effortlessly back in front of Steel before Taj could hit the ground.
"I like him," Ken said, smiling at Kyo.
Steel gave off a small, deep chuckle. He's arrogant, Steel thought, But he's definitely skilled in what he does. He could prove useful to me...
Kalon laughed at the sight of Dimi's only son defeated. "Who needs cigarettes? This is awesome!" he laughed. "I think he should come with us!"
"He is," Steel said.
Taj slowly sat up drenched and feeling humiliated. His forehead was still trickling a small stream of blood. Dimi slowly walked over and looked down on his son.
"I can't believe I let a guy like him beat me so easily..." Taj muttered to his father.
"Don't worry Son! You'll always be a champion in my eyes!" Dimi said with his trademark smile. Taj looked up at him with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Really?"
Dimi snorted a laugh. "No! I was just trying to make you feel better!"
"Dad! How about a little emotional support!"
"What was I supposed to say?!" Dimi asked. " 'Great job coming in last Son'? 'I'm proud of you and your kicked ass'? 'Keep on losing'?" Taj looked down in shame. He hoped Kaira wasn't as disappointed in him as he was.

The next day Steel had them all moving at dawn. He led them into the forest where they found a small grassy trail that led further upward into the mountains. Ryo walked slowly, Kaira holding onto his arm with Kyo on her other side. She always seemed to happy and full of life, Ryo wasn't used to it. Taj walked slower than anyone, falling behind at the back of the group. He walked alone and stared at the ground, grumbling to himself.
"Demon," Steel called back. It took Ryo a moment to remember Steel was referring him, and he looked up. "Walk with me." Ryo gave Steel a hard look, but joined him at the head of the line.
"Your father can use all of the Elements?" Kyo asked Kaira, mildly surprised.
"Yeah, as far as we know, he's the only one," Kaira said, watching her father join Steel. She looked up at Kyo and noticed his eyes were a deep violet color.
"What?" Kyo asked when he noticed Kaira staring at him.
"Your eyes are violet," she said. "But...first they were silver, then blue, now they're violet..."
"Oh...it's nothing. They change colors all the time."
Kaira looked back at Taj at the very back of the group. No one was walking with him, not even his best friend Davis was talking to him. Kyo noticed her concern. "I'll go..." he said, and slowed down to meet Kyo. Taj gave him a bad look.
"What do you want?" Taj asked in a cold voice.
"I'm sorry to burst your bubble back there," Kyo said. Taj didn't appreciate the pun. "And I didn't mean to immaculate you in front of your girlfriend." Taj glanced ahead at Kaira, walking with her cousin Davis.
"You mean Kaira?! It's not like that!" Taj said quickly.
"Really?" Kyo asked lightly, looking ahead at Kaira as well. Taj saw a spark of interest in Kyo's eyes when he looked at Kaira. Kaira saw them staring at her and smiled, walking back to join them.
"Are you both better now?" she asked Kyo. Taj grew more furious at Kyo's interest in Kaira, and threw a punch at him. Kyo barely dodged Taj's fist, and caught it with his own. Kyo gripped Taj's fist, looking slightly surprised. Taj's confidence fell.
"Oh shit I lost the element of surprise! Go get someone quick!" Taj yelled at Kaira. She quickly ran ahead to get Ken and Davis, while Kyo punched Taj across the jaw. Taj fell to the ground, with Kyo on top of him, holding him up by his cuffs.
"What's the matter with you?!" Kyo demanded. Taj punched Kyo in the jaw and rolled over and forced Kyo down.
"You know why! You have no right--" Ken tackled Taj off of Kyo, and slammed him into the ground. Kyo got up and joined Ken in hitting Taj.
"Get off him!" Davis said, grabbing Ken from behind and dragging him away. "We're all traveling together! You could at least act like adults and try to get along!" Ken shoved Davis off before walking away calmly, like nothing had happened. Kyo stood up by himself, casually dusting his clothes off.
"You shouldn't be such a pissy little bitch," Kyo said to Taj before walking away. Taj glared at Kyo with pure hatred, rubbing his chin with the back of his hand. Davis offered his hand to help Taj up.
"You know, you did start it..." Davis said bluntly, helping Taj.
"Shut up," Taj said. "It wasn't my fault..."
At the head of the group, Ryo looked back and briefly saw the end of the fight. He wondered if Kaira ever suspected anything.
"We need to talk about Kain, Demon," Steel said, not looking at Ryo or Leo. Both of his sons walked on either side of him.
"What about him?" Ryo said.
"When we get to the Razada House, we're all going to have to face him."
"I'm not going back there," Ryo said. "Are you Leo?"
Leo looked down in thought. "I don't want to," he said simply. Steel smiled his wicked smile.
"All of us are going to have to meet him. And I need you two to help if we want to get the Lightning User." Steel said, smiling. Ryo gave him a curious look.
"Who's the Lightning User..." Ryo asked slowly.
"Oh, come one Demon. You must know who I'm talking about." Leo's eyes grew slightly.
"You're not talking about Roxanne, are you?" he asked.
"Roxanne?" Ryo said. "Roxanne is our Lightning User?"
Steel smirked. "Correct. We need to convince Kain to release her from service to accompany us."
"But why Roxanne? Isn't there someone better than her?" Ryo asked.
"I thought you liked Roxanne?" Leo asked curiously. Steel remained silent.
"Well...I do, just, not like that!" Ryo said, angry Steel wouldn't answer his question. "But why her?"
"Because...." Steel continued. "She was the best. And our job required the best in every Element."
"What are we even doing Steel?" Leo asked. "We've been walking for days, and none of us even know what we're doing following you!" Steel considered this for a moment, his dark maroon eyes wandering.
"I'll explain more after we get Roxanne," he said. "But for now, I need both of you to cooperate to get Kain to release Roxanne."
"What would we have to do?" Ryo asked, miserable.
"Both of you will have to face Kain. Lion will ask for Roxanne to join us, and Demon..." Steel looked into Ryo's green eyes. "You'll have to do whatever Kain tells you to." Ryo didn't say anything. He wanted Roxanne to be released, but he wasn't thrilled about working for Kain once again.
"What excuse can I use to convince him?" Leo said.
"I told him I was collecting seven of you to bring to Camaria before I left," Steel said. "You won’t have to say much. His mind is deteriorating at his old age." Ryo and Leo both gave Steel a sideways glance. Steel didn't appear to be much older than them, but they both knew he was much older.
"How old are you Steel..." Ryo asked cautiously.
Steel looked at Ryo, his eyes were dark and menacing. "That's nothing for you to be concerned about Demon."
Steel stopped walking and looked to his right. Everyone stopped and stared at him.
"What is it?" Jim asked, looking to the right as well.
"There's a dragon," Steel said quietly. "Just there..." A deep growl came out of the forest to their right. The ground started to shake, gently at first, but grew into a violent quake. The earth exploded just right of the path, scattering the party in different directions. A great serpent slithered from the hole made in the explosion. It was huge, with a snake-like body covered in sapphire scales. The head was shaped like a dragon with a snout and horns growing from its head. It looked around at the humans around it and growled deep.
Kalon let out a laugh. "This just keeps getting better!" he yelled, pulling on his leather gloves.
"Father, no!" Ken screamed, but it was too late. Kalon ran at the dragon's hide, his fists glowing with the energy of Earth. He punched the dragon in the side, his fist digging deep into the dragon's scales, and making the body shift in his place from the impact. The dragon roared, and took in a breath. It exhales deeply, fire erupting from its mouth. Kalon dove behind boulder, the flames barely missing him.
"Idiot!" Ken yelled at his father.
"Shut up!" Kalon yelled back, still dodging the flames.
Kyo saw an opening in the Dragon's neck, and pulled out his silver sword. He leaped on the dragons back, and ran towards the neck. At the right moment, Kyo summoned Water eneryg to his sword and gorged it between the dragon's scales on the back of its neck. The sword sunk slightly in between the scales, but not deep enough. The scales shifted from the dragon's movements, and the pressure cracked Kyo's blade down the middle. Kyo cursed before flipping off the dragon's back. The dragon roared again loudly, tossing its head trying to dislodge the shattered blade in its neck.
Steel stood a distance away, gazing at the magnificent beast his army was battling. It was an Elemental Dragon of the Mountains. Extremely rare, but of no use. They could not be tamed, and only reaped havoc upon humans.
Ryo focused on summoning the Element of Fire. He focused the red energy into a beam of power that he fired at the Dragon. The energy beam struck the dragon's back, but did not wound it. The Elemental energy reflected off the dragon's scales and was sent flying in scattered directions.
Kalon punched both fists into the ground bidding the Earth to form spikes that moved along the ground towards the Dragon's back. Dimi summoned a violent torrent of water, and sent it flying towards the Dragon's left side. Caza muttered a small incantation, and a whirlwind of blades was summoned, and swiftly headed towards the dragon's right side. Leo muttered his own incantation, and a great tornado of fire was sent at the dragon's front. All four attacks struck the dragon from different sides at one. The Earth spiked shattered against the dragon's scales, the flames failed to scorch, the windstorm broke apart once it hit the dragon, and the water splashed against the dragon's scales, and trickled down.
"It's immune to everything!" Kaira said hopelessly.
The dragon roared and thrashed its tail, attempting to hit one of its attackers. Kyo watched in, his mind searching for some sort of clue to it's weakness. He saw the dragon open its mouth, preparing to breathe fire again. He saw a glimpse of the inside of the dragon's mouth. It was fleshy, without scales. Kyo saw its ultimate weakness, and ran around to be in front of it.
The dragon spotted Kyo with its black eyes, and inhaled, preparing another breath of fire. Kyo stood still, holding his ground, timing his attack. The dragon exhaled its fiery breath, and Kyo leaped in the air over the flames. To everyone's amazement, Kyo hovered in midair. Water Users couldn't fly.
Kyo summoned a stream of water, and sent it down the dragon's throat, extinguishing the flames. He focused a bit harder, and summoned Lightning, sending a surge of Electricity to travel down the stream of Water into the Dragon's mouth. The Dragon attempted to roar, and started jerking its head violently, the electrified water burning and destroying its insides. It slowly started to sway, then finally crashed into the ground, smoke and dying flames emitting from its open mouth.
The entire party stared at the giant dead dragon for a minute, unsure if it was really dead. Then they all turned their attention to Kyo, who was standing distantly, looking slightly disappointed.
"You can use more than just Water?!" Jim asked. Kyo looked away.
"Yeah..."
"What else can you use?" Steel asked, interested. Ryo stood at the back of the group, staring at Kyo.
"Well...all of them," Kyo answered, still looking down. "But I can only use Water, Ice, and Lightning efficiently..."
"You can use all of them...?" Kaira said softly. "You're just like Dad! He can use them all too! Isn't that awesome?!" She looked at Ryo happily. He didn't say anything. He always thought he was the only one. He wondered where this Kyo grew up, and how he learned to use all six Elements.
Kaira saw her father's thoughts and decided to leave him alone. She wandered closer to the dead dragon. She gently reached out and rubbed its sapphire scales. She felt a little sad that it was dead. A small glimmer caught her eye. It came from the hole the Dragon had slithered out of. She walked a little closer and knelt by the hole. On the edge of the hole, half buried in the dirt was an emerald stone. Kaira's heart sank, and she carefully dug up the emerald stone.
"What is it?" Ryo asked, walking up behind her.
"It was a mom dragon..." Kaira said sadly. "It was trying to protect its egg..." She held a slightly large emerald egg that resembled a stone.
"That's an egg?" Ken asked, kneeling down next to Kaira and inspecting the egg. "I think we should leave it. We don't want another one of those things..."
"It's just an egg! It'll be a baby when it hatches!" Kaira said, holding the egg close to her. She looked up at Ryo. "I can keep it can't I?"
"I don't see any reason why not..." Ryo muttered, not wanting the attention. Steel sneered at the egg, but said nothing. Kaira smiled happily and gently rubbed the egg. At her gently rub, the egg shuttered, making Kaira gasp. Dimi shoved past Ken and Kalon and knelt next to Kaira and the egg. Kaira held the egg close, and carefully rubbed the egg again. The second time, the egg shook violently, then a single crack emerged from the side. Kaira squealed happily and rubbed faster.
"It's hatching!" Dimi said happily and joined Kaira in rubbing the egg. Everyone except Steel crowded around the hatching egg. The crack slowly grew across the outer shell, inspired by Kaira and Dimi's rubbing. The egg gave one last violent shake, then a piece of emerald eggshell fell off. A small, chubby, dark green tail popped out of the hole and wriggled.
"It's so cute!" Kaira exclaimed happily. Ryo couldn't help but smile at her happiness. The small, short tail wriggled, stuck in the hole. Kaira carefully started pulling more pieces of shell off the egg. The emerald shell of the egg collapsed, revealing a small creature. It was short and stout, without legs and arms of any kind. It had no horns, and a short round snout. The small dragon wriggled helplessly in Kaira's arms until it was resting on its stomach. It produced a small squeak and started sniffing Kaira's shirt. It sniffed up towards her face, where it opened it's small black beady eyes. It stared up at Kaira, instantly accepting her as its mother. It made another squeak, and started wriggling again.
"Aww, I want it!" Dimi whined. "I’ll trade you anything you want for it!"
"Shut up!" Kalon said, grabbing the scruff of Dimi's shirt and dragging him away.
"What are you going to name him?" Kyo asked, kneeling and rubbing the dragon's head.
Kaira raised her head, thinking for a moment. "Ryo," she said. "It's the same color as Dad's eyes."

~

"Demon, you're wanted at the gate," a maid said hastily to Demon. She left him as soon as she said her message. Demon looked up from his work, scrubbing the floors of Kain's patio view of the garden. He decided he was finished with his work for the day and put his supplies away. His hair was messy and dirty, and he wore a simple gray outfit all of the maids and servants wore. The outfit was missing the right sleeve, clearly showing his black tattoo around his right arm.
He left into the hallway, slowly making his way toward the entrance. He wondered what he could be needed for at the front gate. He prayed he didn't have to work anymore. It was nightfall, and he was tired, and only wished to find something to eat, then sleep. As Demon passed the stairs he saw Lion descending them, looking just as tired,
"Hey Lion," Demon said, slightly happier. "I didn't see you yesterday, happy birthday."
"Yeah, you too, " Lion said joining his brother. They were both eight years old. Lion had his own bedroom to himself while Demon now occupied a room in the servants’ quarter. Demon spent everyday cleaning floor, and doing random tasks for the older maids and servants. Lion spent everyday with one of his three tutors, studying, sparring, or learning rites and manners.
"I stole this for you," Lion said, handing Demon a sandwich. Demon took it quickly and started to eat. Since he was seven, he had been denied food. The only way Kain allowed for him to survive was if Demon could manage to steal food without getting caught. And every time he got caught he was punished severely. Lion stole food for him often, but Demon was on his own for the most part. Lion was given almost anything he could desire. Being the prodigy of the Razada House, Kain favored him.
"Do you know what we're wanted for?" Demon asked with a mouthful of food.
"I saw a carriage when I looked out my window," Lion said. "But I didn't see much else..."
They reached the front door and Demon wrapped the sandwich back up and placed in his front pocket for after. Demon opened the door for Lion and let him pass through first. A carriage was pulled up near the door, and Steel stood next to it, his arms crossed. Demon was careful to keep his head lowered in his presence.
"About time," Steel said coldly.
"We're sorry..." Lion said softly.
"Shut up!" Steel snapped. He opened the carriage door, and a girl stepped out. She had dark brown hair that was tied back in a tight bun. Her eyes were a light strawberry color, and she wore a fancy white dress with gloves. She gave them a smile.
"This is Bella, she's your fiancée, Lion," Steel said, nudging Bella closer to Lion. Lion's eyes widened in shock
"Fiancée?! But I'm only eight!"
"You'll get married when you turn eighteen. You have ten years to learn to like each other," Steel said coldly. Bella gave Lion a smile, but he didn't smile back. "Bring her to the second spare bedroom, that's where she'll be staying. You’ll be required to spend one day a week with her."
Bella continued to smile blankly. Lion sighed, and slowly left, leading Bella into the house. Demon watched them go, afraid there was another girl in the carriage for him. Night had fallen, leaving Demon and Steel standing outside in the cold. It began snowing lightly, with the only light source coming from inside the house.
Steel reached into the carriage and roughly dragged out a second girl. She was crying, with one arm covering her eyes. Her hair was long and blonde, looking like it hadn't been combed in awhile. She wore a messy and torn black dress. She appeared to be a few years younger than Demon. Steel shoved her towards Demon, making him catch her from falling.
"She's yours," Steel said. "She'll be sharing a room with you, and helping you with your chores from now on." Without another word or glance, Steel left them and went inside. The girl kept sniffling and crying, hiding her face. Demon didn't know what to do for her.
"Um...do you wanna see our room?" Demon asked.
"No!" the girl sobbed. "I wanna see my mom!" Demon felt sorry for her. Considering she was now at the Razada House, working as a servant, he knew something must have happened to her mother, causing her to be orphaned and taken in.
"Well...come on." Demon said awkwardly, taking her hand and leading her inside. She walked slow, still crying, but followed him. He led her to the servant’s quarters section of the house.
"This is both of our bedrooms," Demon said opening his room's door. There were two beds on either wall, two nightstands, and a bay window that opened to a small ledge. "You can have the left bed..." She slowly walked to the bed and sat down. Demon tried to think of something he could do to make her stop crying already.
"What's your name?" Demon asked sitting on his bed across from her. She slowly looked up at him.
"Roxanne..." she said, her sobs slowly dying down.
"Roxanne..." Demon repeated. "You can call me Demon..."
"Why....?"
"Because, that's what they call me..." Roxanne finally removed both hands away from her face, her tears finally stopping. She had light green eyes.
"I don't think you're a demon..." she said softly. Demon was surprised.
"Roxanne, do you hate green eyes?"
"No...why?"
"Nothing," Demon said, looking down. "Are you hungry?" Roxanne nodded. "Well, from now on, we have to steal food, and not get caught, or else we get in trouble."
"Why?"
"Because, Kain hates us. Here." Demon pulled out the sandwich Lion had given him earlier. He thought she might need it more than him. She took it and slowly started eating it.
"I like you..." she said finally. "You're the first nice person I've met since they took me away from my mom at the hospital."
"Well you haven't met my brothers. Or my sister. she's really nice, you'll like them." Roxanne gave him a concerned look.
"Do we have to get married?" she asked.
"I guess so..." Demon said shyly. "Everything we do here is controlled by Kain..."
"I wont mind..." Roxanne said. She gave Demon the first smile he'd seen from her. "I don't mind staying here as long as you're around."

Chapter 6: Across the Dead Lands

Once again, I've changed minor parts about the characters past, but for the most part, they're still the same. SORRY IF IT'S HARD TO UNDERSTAND! ><

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Across the Dead Lands

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" Ryo yelled, jumping on his twin brother's bed. Leo slowly sat up, and rubbed his eyes.
"I'm up..." he said softly to his twin.
"Come on!" Ryo whined, trying to pull Leo out of bed. "May said she's gonna have a surprise for us! Hurry!"
Leo sat in bed lazily blinking. They were twins, but he wasn't as energetic as Ryo. Ryo continued to jump around the room they shared happily. He didn't know what day of the year it was, he only knew that it was his fifth birthday and May had a surprise for them. Leo looked at his upper left arm. The day before he and Ryo had both received tattoos on their upper arms. Leo's was on his left arm while Ryo's was on his right. The tattoo didn't hurt, but Leo wasn't used to it. Steel had offered no explanation as to why they each had to get one the day before they turned five.
"Come OOOOON!" Ryo begged, pulling on Leo's hand.
"Okay..." Leo said quietly, letting Ryo drag him out of bed. Ryo pulled Leo across the floor to their closet, having fun by dragging his twin. Leo slowly got dressed in his normal white and red outfit, while Ryo waited, already dressed in his black and green identical outfit. They left their room together, and made their way towards their older sister's bedroom. It was still early morning and most of the servants in the Razada House were still asleep or in the process of waking up.
"Let's walk outside past the garden!" Ryo said, pushing open one of the sliding doors that led outside. Leo said nothing and followed, still rubbing his eyes. The garden was large, with snow blanketing everything. It was midwinter, and all the trees and plants were dead. The small pond was frozen over as well as the various fountains around the garden. Ryo quickly ran across the garden, leaving a trail of footprints where he went. It was cold out, but they could still quickly walk across the garden to the other side without freezing. Leo followed closely behind, shivering.
Ryo closed the sliding door behind Leo. "How come you're not excited?" Ryo asked.
"I am...." Leo said in a low voice. "I just don't feel good..."
"Why?"
"I just don't feel very good..." Leo said. He gave his brother a sad look. "I just feel like something bad's gonna happen..."
"Nothing bad will happen!" Ryo said. They were finally at May's room, and Ryo knocked on the door. Nayota opened the door slightly, peeking out.
"Just a minute!" Nayota said. His eyes were still light red, and his hair was black and white spiked. Ryo and Leo both smiled while they waited. May and Nayota were always busy studying and working, yet they always seemed to have time for their younger brothers.
Finally Nayota opened the door. May was sitting on her bed, holding a small homemade cake with chocolate frosting and five lit candles. "Happy Birthday!" May said happily, holding out their cake to them. Ryo stared at their cake in amazement. Leo just stared.
"I thought we weren't allowed at eat cake for breakfast," Leo said, looking up at his older brother.
"I wont tell if you wont tell," Nayota said, nudging Leo and Ryo closer to the cake. "Hurry, we need to eat this before we go see Father and Grandfather..." Ryo and Leo both quickly blew out their candles and ate their cake. The whole time Ryo was happy and excited, Leo sat quietly, hardly picking at his slice of cake.
"What's wrong?" May asked in a concerned voice.
"He feels like something bad will happen..." Ryo answered.
May and Nayota exchanged quick, but nervous glances that Leo saw. "What? Will something bad happen?"
"No, just get ready, we're gonna go see Father and Grandfather now..." May said quickly. Nayota and May escorted Ryo and Leo to the audience hall of the Razada House in silence. Once outside, May turned to her little brothers, and attempted to fix their hair.
"It's just gonna get messy again!" Ryo whined.
"Just remember, Leo is Lion in Grandfather's presence. And Ryo--"
"Is Demon," Leo finished.
Nayota opened the door, and May led Ryo and Leo inside. The room was in a rectangular shape, with sliding doors to on the right wall that opened up to the garden. On the far side of the room was a throne. It was made from various metals and stones, mainly marble and gold. The floor was made from mats made from straw and grass, soft enough to kneel on for long periods of time. There were six people in the room waiting for them. Three men stood against the left wall, all wearing proper robes. They stood in silence, and they all stared at Leo in silence when he entered. A maid stood separate from the three men, looking worried. In the shadows of the brilliant throne stood Steel. His arms were held behind his back, and he stood completely still. His dark maroon eyes pierced the darkness he stood in and gazed upon his youngest sons. His look was of hatred, and it was cold. It sent shivers down both Leo and Ryo's spine. Neither of them ever spent much time with their father, but they knew they didn't like him.
Sitting on the throne was their grandfather, Head of the Razada House, Kain. He looked about the same age as Steel, but he was much older. His face was slightly wrinkled, and his eyes were red, but they were closed in thought. His clothes were completely white, complimented by his long gray hair that fell past his shoulders. He sat on the throne, with one elbow on the armrest, and his head resting on his hand. He looked old, and almost weak. But no one in the House dared object to anything he said. Alera had been the only person able to get her ways from him, but she was gone. Now it was Steel who was closest to Kain. But even he loathed his father. Kain's eyes flashed open, revealing his red eyes, as Leo and Ryo entered the room. His face remain emotionless, as they were positioned in the center of the room, standing side by side facing Kain on his throne.
Kain remained sitting, observing his two youngest grandsons. Both of their outfits revealed the black tattoos on their upper arms. Kain saw the twin with the tattoo on the left arm, and knew it was Lion. The Twin with the Red Eyes. The other was Demon. The Twin with the Green Eyes. Kain sneered at Demon. He remembered his beloved daughter-in-law, Alera, and the way she bad begged for his life. Kain closed his eyes again. If it hadn't been for his love for Alera, he would have had Demon killed at birth. May the Gods damn him for his sin.
Ryo stood close to his brother. May and Nayota had left and were standing next to the door at their respectable places. Ryo stared at the floor the way he had been told to. He was forbidden to look at his father or grandfather directly in the eyes, because of his green ones.
Kain stood up slowly, and walked towards the two children before him. Lion stood close to his brother perfectly still, staring up at his grandfather. Kain stopped in front of Lion and knelt down closer to his height.
"Let me see your eyes," Kain demanded more than asked. Lion lifted his head more and looked into Kain's eyes. Kain grabbed Lion by the chin and turned his head to the left and right slowly, observing Lion's fiery red eyes. A wicked toothy smile spread across his face, sending fear into Leo's heart. Kain stood and slowly started circling Leo, completely shoving Demon out of his way as he passed.
"This one's eyes..." Kain said loud enough for everyone to hear, "are the same color as mine. They have the same fire...and elegance. Alera was right in her prediction for this one. The Blood of Angels runs strong in his veins..." Kain stopped in front of Leo once again, this time he remained standing, looking down at Leo. Leo stared back with a confused look on his face. Next to him, Ryo remained silent, ignoring the pain in his shoulder where Kain had shoved him.
"This one..." Kain continued, gripping Leo by the shoulders and walking him towards the three men, "will take Nayota's place as my heir. You will study, learn manners, and practice your sword with these men from now on." Leo looked at the three men in fear. Kain released his shoulder and swiftly turned away, letting the three men take Leo by the shoulders and rush him from the room. Ryo watched as Leo left. They exchanged one last look before the door closed, leaving him alone with Kain, Steel, Nayota, May, and the maid.
Kain turned his attention to Ryo, his smile gone. His eyes were cold and heartless. "Look at me."
Ryo slowly and hesitantly raised his head and looked at his grandfather. The instant his green eyes met Kain's, a sharp pain inflicted the left side of his face, jerking his head to the right. Ryo made a small noise in pain before Kain's hand gripped his hair and tugged it back, forcing him to look up at his grandfather.
"You should have known better," Kain said with no sympathy, his eyes still cold, but furious. "You're no longer a part of this family. Never...look into the eyes of a Razada again." Kain threw Ryo by his hair onto the floor in front of the maid. "Give him his work."
The maid quickly swooped down and picked up Ryo. Ryo held his head where Kain had grabbed his hair sniffling. "Don't cry now," the maid cooed, leaving the room with him, "You'll be working with me now, just do as I say and he wont hurt you again, all right?"
She brought him to a section of a hallway. At the end was a bucket and washrag. She placed Ryo next to the bucket and put the washrag in his hand. "You have to clean now, okay? Just run up and down this hallway leaning on that rag and wash it. It'll be hard at first, but you'll get used to it. Do this and find me for another task, all right?" Then without another word, she turned away and left Ryo alone in the hallway.
Ryo stood for a long time looking after her, his hand rubbing his left cheek. He looked at the long hallway, wondering how he was supposed to clean the whole thing. He knelt down and rested his hands on the washrag the way she had instructed, and tried running to the other side of the hall. He fell numerous times, and finally made it.

~

Steel ordered Davis to burn the table he had carved the map onto before they left. Ryo didn't want to follow Steel north, but he left quietly anyway. He wanted to at least see Mel before he left again, but Steel had other plans. Steel led them out of the Hollow Palace and into the maze of streets. He looked back at his small army. There was eleven of them in all, he just needed two more to complete the group, and begin the real task.
"Where are we going?" Kaira asked Steel politely. Steel ignored her.
"To the lab," Kalon answered in a miserable, almost angry tone.
"Why there?"
"You'll see..."
Steel led them to a desolate part of the city, and to a great white house. The house was two stories high with a dark green roof and broad windows with steps leading up to the entrance. It looked expensive compared to the surrounding buildings. At the foot of the stairs stood a boy near Taj and Davis' age. He had straight black hair that hung over his eyes and gray eyes similar to Kalon's. He wore a white button up shirt with white pants and shoes Ryo looked at Ken with slight surprise. He had never thought of Kalon as being much of a father, or even Caza for that matter.
Ken saw them coming and walked out to meet him. "The professor is inside," Ken said in a very formal tone.
"Yeah, yeah, we know..." Kalon said, passing his son and up the stairs inside. Ken gave his father a bad look, but followed him inside with everyone else.
The inside of the building was darker than Ryo expected it to be. There were sheets covering all of the windows and only few other lights. But the house didn't appear to be a house at all. The whole first floor appeared to be nothing but a library.
"They're all here!" Ken yelled into a door that led to the basement. From somewhere in the basement Ryo heard an odd voice answer something back.
"Professor Bob's an expert on technology lost in the Great War," Ken explained, looking slightly embarrassed, waiting by the basement door. "Steel's asked us to show you some things we've found before we left."
"Why?" Leo asked, looking at Steel, who was still by the door standing in the darkest shadows. "When are we gonna need to know about these things?"
"As I said before I'll explain after we get the Ice and Lightning Users, now stop asking!" Steel snapped.
From the door emerged an old man with untamed white hair and a bushy mustache. He wore square glasses that enlarged his eyes to look twice their size and he wore a white lab coat. "What?!" he asked in a loud, obnoxious voice. Something told Ryo he wouldn't like him.
"They're here," Ken said softer, motioning to the rest of the people in the house. Prof. Bob looked around, and singled out Kalon, at the back of the group, smoking.
"Kalon! Is that a cigarette I see in your mouth?! I told you my studies have proven the harmful effects of smoking tobacco! Even in this ancient book are records of a thing called lung cancer! You'll die from it!"
"See?! See?! I told you it was bad Kalon! Even this dude thinks so!" Dimi bursted out, looking at Kalon and pointing at Prof. Bob. The mad professor looked Dimi over next.
"Why, you must be the Dimi I've heard Kalon complain about so much! Now Kalon! Put out that cigarette at once!" Kalon glared at his adoptive father, before taking one last drag of his cigarette and putting it out.
Professor Bob gave his adoptive son a look of approval, then looked around at everyone. There was a long awkward silence. Ryo could tell no one in the room wanted to get singled out by this assumed brilliant scientist. "Well introduce yourselves!" Prof. Bon said, waving his arms in the air.
Kaira took a brave step forward and offered her hand to him. "I'm Kaira...." she said shyly. The professor grabbed Kaira's hand, and to everyone's surprise, shock, and Ryo's horror, pulled her in for a hug. Kaira let out a small scream but was released right after, looking terrified. Professor Bob gave her a warm, yet creepy, smile and looked around at everyone else.
"Well? Who's next?" Everyone took a step back and Kaira retreated behind Taj and Davis.
"Can't we skip introductions already?!" Kalon yelled out, storming past the group and disappearing into the basement. "Let's just get this over with!"
"Don't mind him," Professor Bob whispered to the rest of the group as he led them behind Kalon. "He's just angry because his body isn't receiving the nicotine it's grown addicted to. That and I suspect he's just an angry person."
"What's nicotine?" Ryo asked Leo.
"A drug that's addicting. I guess it's in cigarettes..."
Kalon flipped on the lights and revealed the basement. There were tables all across the large room, all of them holding random lab equipment or objects covered with white sheets.
"All right! This one is one you'll most defiantly encounter on your travels! It's called..." Prof. Bob pulled a sheet off a large object, revealing it. "An automobile!"
Ryo wasn't impressed. It looked like a piece of bent metal with places to sit inside. "I'm not quite finished with this one. BUT! When it's fully operational, it will be able to move by itself! And people can ride in it and control where the automobile takes them! Isn't that exciting!"
"Impossible..." Taj commented quietly, but Ken heard him.
"Nothing Grandfather says is a lie. It's all true," Ken said, sounding annoyed. Taj scoffed, ignoring him.
"And over here!" the Professor said, bounding to the other side of the room, "Is another thing to show you that is very important! It's a--Kalon! Pay attention!--a weapon used very commonly before the Great War! Shame they turned this ingenious invention against each other..." he revealed a small piece of metal, with a barrel and handle. "People used this to fire small pieces of metal, like this, and it would fly at incredible speeds! It could pierce human flesh, and they used it against each other in the Great War...."
Ryo decided he didn't like it. The Professor was incredibly odd, more so than even Dimi, but Ryo didn't mind too much. He had given Ryo an actual lesson, even if it was brief.
"Now, onto something more exciting! I know you're on a busy schedule!" he waved his finger at Kalon, who gritted his teeth. Professor Bob went to the far wall where there was a small storage closet. "Steel asked me several years ago to create weapons that would specialize in one Element. So that makes one of each of you--wait. He counted the adults and stared at Steel in confusion. "I thought there would be seven Steel! There's only five!"
"We'll bring the others their weapons," Steel said quietly. "Just give them their weapons and we'll be on our way."
"Hmm. Very well..." Professor Bob opened the storage closet and fished out two thin short swords. Both had dark blue velvet sheaths, with the sign for water on the hilt.
"DIBS!" Dimi called out, shoving Jim and Caza out of his way, diving for the swords. Professor Bob raised his hairy eyebrows.
"They were for the Water User among you, so no need to worry!" He handed the twin swords to Dimi, who took them happily, and turned back to the closet. "Well, let's see who's next! Who here is the Wind User?" Caza took a small step forward, but remained silent. "There are for you! Specialty for Wind Users! They'll always come back to you if you will them to!"
Professor Bob presented Caza with a pair of metal chakrams. Both were the size of Caza's forearms with grasps in the middle. They were made from a bright metal that almost appeared to make it's own light. They were both circular with ten spikes. In the center where Caza gripped it was the sign of Wind. Caza raised his eyebrows slightly at his given weapon, as though surprised, but took them without saying a word.
"The Fire User? Who is that?" Professor Bob asked, looking idly around. Leo took a cautious step forward. "Oh you! You must be Leo! Come here, let me hug you..." Professor made a move toward Leo, but Leo jumped back out of reach.
"Well fine!" the professor said, not noticing snickers coming from Taj and Davis. "Here's your weapons Steel required I make for you." He handed Leo a bag. From the bag Leo drew a dagger made from black metal with a red carvings all along the blade. On the handle was the sign for Fire. "Those are your weapons. You can throw them at enemies, and if you wish, you can cause them to explode! Just try not to lose all of them, there's only about fifty or so, I forgot to count...." Leo muttered a thanks.
Ryo looked between him and Kalon, the only two left. He wondered to himself what their weapons were.
"Ice User? Oh Ice User!" the professor called out.
"Give it to Leo, he'll take it to out Ice User," Steel said, sounding annoyed and impatient. "Give Ryo the Lightning User's weapon as well."
"Oh, all right!" Bob said, handing Leo a bow made from light blue wood and arrows, while throwing a small pouch at Ryo. "Now! All that's left if for the Earth User's weapon! That's you Kalon!"
Kalon glared at the professor, his gray eyes piercing through him. "No thanks. I don't need anything..."
"I suggest you take them father," Ken said in a cold voice that held no respect. "You could use them." Ryo looked at Kalon and Ken, wondering why neither of them seemed to have any respect for each other.
"You'll like it Kalon! Here! Look! Gloves!" The professor held up a pair of leather gloves that were identical to the ones Kalon wore regularly. "I modeled them after your dirty old gloves, but I made them more efficient for an Earth User! Look! It has the Earth symbol on the back part here!" Kalon's expression looked slightly surprised, almost pleased for a second, as he took the gloves from the professor.
"Let's get going!" Steel ordered, speaking lousily. "We've wasted enough time here."
"Don't I get something?" Ryo asked.
"You?" The professor looked surprised, big oversized eyes scanning Ryo. " What's your Element?"
Ryo thought a second before answering. "Uh...well...all of them..."
"Oh you already have your special weapon!" the professor laughed. "You have the sword the Steward Eliazar gave you don't you?"
Ryo looked down. It was tied to his waist.
"That sword has the symbols for all six Elements, and is very capable with any Element you summon! The late Steward asked me to make it for him, when he was just a young lad..."
A felt a sharp pain in his mind at the mentioning of Eliazar, but shrugged it off. "Oh...okay..." he said, before turning to leave with the others, who were already gone.

"Oh my god, it's so hot out here!" Dimi whined.
"It doesn't bother me..." Ryo said. "But I've been living out here for half my life, I'm probably just used to it. Just summon some more water and dump it on yourself."
The party had been walking for hours nonstop for several days in a row, only stopping at night in the Dead Lands. Steel led them on with no sympathy or compassion. They all walked behind Steel in pairs, making a caravan. Leo and Davis walked directly behind Steel, followed by Taj and Kaira, with Ryo and Dimi following them, Ken and Jim following them, and Kalon and Caza bringing up the rear. Everyone walked on miserably, but Dimi was the only one complaining. He summoned a sphere of water, then let it rain over himself and Ryo. "I'll just have to do it again in a little while..." Dimi said sadly, shaking water out of his long blue hair.
"Hey Water Sprite! Rain some water over me now!" Kalon said catching up to walk next to Dimi and Ryo.
"Not you too..." Dimi whined, but summoned water and rained it over Kalon. Kalon faced up and let it rain over his face.
"Good to know you're worth something Water Sprite."
"Hey, I'm not worthless! And stop calling me Water Sprite!" Ryo sighed and fell behind to walk next to Caza. Caza said nothing to Ryo and kept walking with his expressionless face. He had never been one to talk much, but Ryo decided he had nothing better to do than try.
"Are you doing all right?" Caza glanced at Ryo, then returned to staring ahead, but nodded. Ryo tried thinking of something else. He saw Ken and Jim ahead of them.
"I never knew you had a son...where's his mother?" he asked, hoping his question was all right. Caza didn't answer. He kept staring ahead with his expressionless face. His golden eyes seeming empty. Ryo sighed, deciding to give up, when Dimi suddenly appeared between him and Caza.
"Hello Caza! Didn't you hear Ryo?" Dimi asked, leaning close to Caza. "He was trying to ask you a question. Hello? Don't you hear me Caza?!" Ryo saw Caza's eyebrows lower slightly but he kept walking in silence. Dimi didn't give up and kept asking. "Hello? Caza? Don't you hear me? Echo! Dimi to Caza!" Caza kept walking, ignoring Dimi's annoying questions. Ryo had half the mind to stop Dimi, but was curious as to how Dimi's pestering would end. Jim looked behind at his father with concerned eyes.
"Dimi to Caza! I know you hear me!" Dimi sighed, and started mocking. "Well, there's no intelligent life on Planet Caza! Might as well go home Ryo--"
"WHAT?!" Caza snapped at Dimi, making him and Ryo stop. Kalon, Ken, and Jim even looked back, surprised at Caza's outburst. Dimi jumped back from Caza and pointed at him.
"OH MY GOD IT SPEAKS!" Dimi said in a loud, surprised voice. Caza closed his eyes in annoyance and stalked ahead to walk with Kalon. "She's dead, all right?" he said as he left. Dimi gave Caza one last surprised look, then put his hands behind his head. "I didn't mean to hurt the guy's nonexistent feelings..."
Ryo sighed. He knew Dimi always had good intentions. His methods just weren't always the right ones. He opened his eyes and saw Kaira running back towards him.
"Dad! Look!" Kaira yelled pointing ahead. "Taj and Davis spotted the mountains!" Ryo looked past and through the heat haze, saw mountains rise out of the sand, hidden behind the mirages of water. The mountains rose from the sand suddenly on the horizon, with snow on the peaks and green vegetation at the bases. Between the two mountains directly ahead of them was a narrow, but traversable pass through the mountains.
"If we run we'll make it there before nightfall!" Kalon said, talking to no one in particular. He dropped his bag and took off running towards the mountains.
"Kalon! Wait for me! I wanna race too!" Dimi yelled ahead, dropping his bag and swords and running after Kalon ahead of the group. Caza stared idly ahead, then kicked off the ground into the air, flying ahead of both Kalon and Dimi towards the mountains. Jim stared after his father for a second, then followed him.
"Dimi!" Ryo yelled hopelessly after his friend. He bent over and picked up Kalon and Dimi's bags. He saw Ken standing near him, staring after his father and Dimi. "Do you wanna carry your dad's bag?" Ryo asked Ken, holding out Kalon's bag to him. Ken stared at his father's bag with disgust, but took it from Ryo.
"That idiot..." Ken said under his breath, but so Ryo could hear. "If he doesn't want to lose his stuff he shouldn't drop them."
Ryo gave Ken a strange look. He still didn't understand why Ken loathed Kalon. Everyone seemed happier now that the mountains were in sight. Steel's face was serious. He stared at the mountains, his eyes looking past the mountains. Ryo saw this and wondered what Steel was planning for all of them. Kaira was happy, hugging her cousin and Taj, congratulating them for seeing the mountains first. Ryo could have sworn he saw Taj's face reddening.
Ryo looked towards the mountains, a part of him seeing the Razada House just beyond the frozen peaks. He also saw Dimi tackle Kalon from behind in an effort to get ahead in their 'race'.

Night was falling fast by the time Ryo and the rest of the party reached the edge of the forest at the foot of the mountains. Caza was leaning against a tree with Jim next to him, looking bored waiting. Kalon and Dimi were both on the ground panting.
"Ha...I...totally...beat your ass..." Kalon panted, smiling to himself at his success.
"No....no you didn't...I was this....this much ahead...of you...." Dimi moaned, holding his side with one hand and putting his fingers close together with his other.
"Shut...shut up....Dimi," Kalon panted, reaching for Dimi's neck, but found that he was too far to strangle, and gave up.
Steel dropped his heafty bag on the ground next to a tree. "Someone go out and find something to eat," he said to no one in his demanding voice.
"I'll go..." Leo said, sounding tired. "Come on Davis..." Davis set down his bag then followed his father into the forest. Everyone else sat down, relieved to be out of the Dead Lands and that night had arrived. Kaira sat next to Ryo happily, with Taj on her other side. Ryo gave her a sideways glance. Ever since they had left Hollow, she had slept right next to him every night. And every night she asked him every question she could come up with, trying to get to know her father better. But Ryo had never asked her anything. Taj was always at her side.
"Jim?" Ryo asked leaning away from Kaira and towards Jim. "How old is Kaira anyway?" Jim looked slightly surprised.
"Kaira? I think she turned seventeen not too long ago..." he answered politely. Ryo thanked him, and turned back to Kaira. She was seventeen. That meant nearly twelve years had passed since Ryo had left to the Dead Lands a second time.
Ken sat next to Taj, watching his father and Dimi wrestle in the dirt over who won the race. "Your father's an idiot Taj," he commented.
"He's not an idiot!" Taj said defensivly. "He just doesn't pay attention to details."
"Which means he's an idiot. My father clearly won that race."
"Why does it even matter you don't even like Kalon!"
"Liking has nothing to do with it."
Taj clenched his teeth, and balled his fists, ready to start a fight. Ken saw this and lowered his eyes. "Don't start something you can't finish," Ken mocked. Taj raised his fist, when Kaira gently grabbed his arm.
"Please don't fight Taj, not now. We all have to travel together..." Kaira said, looking up at him with soft eyes. Taj hesitated, then slowly lowered his fist. He was still furious.
"Goddamn it..." he muttered, getting up and walking away into the forest. Kaira looked after Taj and got up to follow him, giving Ken an apologetic look.
"Shouldn't we stop our kids?" Ryo asked as Dimi collapsed next to him, defeated by Kalon. Dimi looked after his son, then shook his head.
"I don't worry about him. He's eighteen, he can take care of himself."
Taj walked briskly into the forest, hardly paying attention to where he was going. Kaira followed him trying to think of something to say to help him calm down. He exited the forest furthur down the tree line away from where the rest were setting up camp. Taj stamped his foot and let out an agitated yell. Kaira stood a ways away, watching her friend with compassion.
"That dick..." Taj muttered, looking down. A rock the size of his fist caught his eye. He was already pissed. He saw no reason why he shouldn't throw a rock. He picked up the rock and tossed it up and down a few times. Then he gripped the rock tightly and with all his might, he threw it into the forest. Taj stood watching his rock fly gracefully into a tree. To his and Kaita's surprise, there was the clank as the rock hit the tree, sending the rock flying back towards Taj, striking him in the forehead. Taj let out a yell, and fell backwards, holding his forehead. Kaira let out a small scream and knelt to help Taj up.
"Are you all right?" Kaira asked, sounding concerned.
"Son of a bitch!" Taj hissed, holding his head where a small trickle of blood started flowing. He stood up and ran towards the tree. "What the hell?! Who's up there?!" Kaira ran to where Taj stood below the tree and looked up.
Sitting on a tree branch high up in the tree sat a man. He sat on the branch and leaned against the trunk of the tree. He appeared to be near Taj's age, wearing black cotton pants and a short-sleeve black shirt with a studded belt. A silver cross hung around his neck, and a black trenchcoat hung on a branch next to him. His head was tilted slightly downward, letting his slightly longer black hair cover his eyes. In his hand he held a silver sword he was examining for dents.
"Hey asshole! What the hell was that for?!" Taj yelled up angrily.
"You threw a rock at me," the man said simply in his deep voice.
"I wasn't aiming for you!"
"The rock was heading towards me. It's natural instinct for someone to protect themselves..."
Taj growled in anger, and turned to leave. "Whatever Monkeyboy! Jackass like you...come on Kaira!" She remained where she was, looking up at the mysterious man.
"I'm Kaira!" she yelled up. "What's your name?"
"Kaira, don't waste your breath on him, come on..." Taj said, gently tugging on her hand. Kaira pulled her hand away, waiting for an answer. The man turned his head slightly towards Kaira.
"Kyo..." he said.
"Kyo..." Kaira repeated. She wondered where he lived. "Do you live here?"
"Kaira..." Taj said, glaring up at Kyo.
"This is where I stay, yes..." Kyo answered.
"I turned seventeen last month, how old are you?" Kaira asked.
"Don't give this guy all of your info!" Taj said, pulling on her arm again. "Let's get out of here, the guy's a freak."
Kyo lifted his head and looked at Kaira. She saw his sharp silver eyes for the first time. "I'm almost eighteen..." he said looking at her.
"Do you wanna come with us through the mountains? I'm sure you'd be welcome to come," Kaira said.
"Kaira!" Taj said in disbelief. "He's not coming with us!" Kyo stared at Kaira a moment, considering her offer. He sheathed his sword and grabbed his trenchcoat before gracefully and flawlessly leaping down out of the tree directly in front of Kaira.
"I might..." Kyo answered Kaira. Taj glared at Kyo, who ignored him.

BAHD, Chapter 4: Mother

I know I'm really spurratic with these chapters. XP This is probably the only chapter from this series I even liked.

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Blood of Angels, Hearts of Demons

Mother
Chapter 4

"Wake up brother," May's soft voice drifted into Demon's dream. He felt her lift him into a sitting position. He whimpered and rubbed his eyes. Next to him, he felt his twin brother, sit up by himself. May, his older sister by two years, wiped his face and smiled at him. Her eyes were a red amber color, and her hair was the same shade of brown as Ryo's, and was long, almost reaching her waist. She was only five, but she was very mature for her age, taking care of her baby twin brothers. She was sitting on the edge of his and Lion's bed, with two pairs of almost matching clothes. The oldest brother, Nayota, was on the other side of the bed, helping Lion up. Nayota was older than Demon and Lion by five years, three years for May, and was a very mature eight year old. His hair was spiked, with some spiked being white hair, while others were black. His hair was naturally black and white. His eyes were a light red color.
"Wake up Lion..." he said softly to his younger brother. “We need to hurry and get dressed.”
"But why...? I'm still sleepy," Lion whined.
"We're going to visit Mother," May said, lifting Demon's shirt over his head. At the mention of their mother, Lion and Demon smiled, wide awake. "But we need to hurry," May said, giving Lion's clothes to Nayota. She held up Demon's clothes for him to look at, while Nayota held up Lion's. They were exactly the same, except for the waist sash. Lion's was red, the color of the Razada House, while Demon's was green, the cursed color of the Demon.
"I don't wanna wear green!" Demon whined to his older sister. "Everybody hates green!"
"We don't hate it," May tried coaxing, "And it goes so well with your eyes..."
"But how come Dad and everyone hates me because my eyes are green?" Demon asked.
"It's the color of a curse, a Demon," Nayota said sadly to his baby brother.
"I'll wear the green one!" Lion said reaching for Demon's outfit.
May held it away. "No Lion, you'll get in trouble." Nayota and May quickly dressed the twins and led them into the hallway. May walked holding Demon's hand while Nayota walked holding Lion's hand. They led the twins to a far bedroom of the house. Their mother's bedroom. It was still very early in the morning, and the sun wasn't even on the horizon. Lion tried looking out the windows at the stars while Nayota pulled on his hand to follow. When they came to the door, Nayota turned and faced his little brothers.
"Okay," he started, kneeling down to their height, "You two must do your best to behave, okay? Father and Grandfather are gonna be in there with us, and you know what that means. Don't make Father or Grandfather angry..."
May turned and gently knocked on the door. "Come in," came their father's voice from the inside. The four siblings slowly opened the door and entered the room. A young woman was lying in the bed her eyes closed, resting. She had long, natural white hair, and lightly tanned skin, and when she opened her eyes, they were light red. Two men stood in the corner of the room, behind the door. The younger one was a man with a sharp face, his hair graying, with dark maroon eyes. He was their father, Steel. His face was expressionless, and he didn't acknowledge any of his children once they entered the room. Lion and Demon didn't pay any attention back. They hardly ever saw their father, and barely remembered him. The other man was older, his face wrinkled and just as expressionless as Steel's. He didn't move when the children entered the room, and remained staring at his daughter-in-law, lying sick in bed. His hair was long and gray, his eyes were red, and empty. He was their Grandfather, and head of the Razada House.
The woman in bed smiled, seeing her children, especially her two youngest sons. "Come here," she said weakly, reaching for them. May and Nayota remained by the door, looking down at the floor sadly, while Demon and Lion happily climbed up on the bed next to their mother. She had been sick, sleeping so much lately, they hadn't seen much of her. Alera smiled weakly as her two youngest crawled next to her.
"Are you done being sick?" Lion asked his mother. She smiled and kissed his forehead.
"No, Mommy's still sick..." she said. Her twins didn't seem too downtrodden by it. She held her sons close, trying not to cry in front of them. "Lion, can you do me a favor?" she asked softly. Lion nodded his head, looking curious. She gave him a weak smile. For a three-year-old, her son Lion was very smart, and observative. "Can you promise me, you'll always look after your brother?" she said weakly. Lion cocked his head.
"Na'ota?" he said, attempting to say Nayota's name. Alera smiled.
"No...Demon. Your brother Demon," she said looking at Lion's twin. Lion nodded his head. "Okay...."
Alera smiled at the both of them, silent tears running down her face. Lion was the first to feel that something was wrong. "Mom...?" he asked in a concerned voice. She just smiled and rubbed both of their heads. "I love you two..." she said slowly and quietly, closing her eyes.
"Get them out of here," Steel said sternly to Nayota and May, who was crying. Nayota, without looking at his mother quickly went over and grabbed Demon, while May gently helped Lion slide off the bed.
"What's wrong with Mom?" Demon asked on the way out, looking back. Nayota shushed him and closed the door, leaving Steel and the Head of the Razada House alone. Steel sighed, and walked over to the bed. He slid a sheet over the head of his late wife, and stood silently looking down on her.
"What are you going to do with him?" Steel asked his father. The old man shook his head, and sighed himself. "She begged you to let him live."
"I don't know what to do with him," the older man sighed. "He has the eyes of a Demon, a bad omen..."
"Then kill him!" Steel suddenly yelled, turning to face his father. "If the readings of the Angels are true, then green eyes are the Mark of a Demon! Do what you think will preserve our way of life!"
The old man said nothing to his son’s raves, and stood with his eyes closed. "She begged me...me dear Alera, to give him life...it was her last wish, I cannot ignore it." He turned away from Steel and the bed, his hand over his face and eyes closed. He heard Steel exhale deeply.
"What should we do? The only reason he lived this long was because she begged for his life. Even in Death she begs for his life..." Steel said lowly.
The old man opened his eyes. "A Demon among Angels will bring the destruction of our very way of life...how do we keep him from destroying us and alive at the same time?"
Steel thought for a moment then looked up. "Release him," he said, "Leave him in Hollow to be raised by humans."
"No," said the Head of the Razada House. "We cannot afford to have him out of our sights." He lowered his hands and opened the door to leave. "He will become a servant," he said, "When Lion begins his training and schooling, Demon will serve me in this house until he's eighteen. He'll still receive the rites of passage, like any other member of the House, but he will work here for the rest of his life after."
Steel said nothing. It seemed like the only real thing to do. That and he couldn't argue with his own father. "Then he'll need an engagement as well....I'll search for one suitable for a Demon among Angels."

~~~

Ryo sat alone in his dark, cold, wet dungeon cell. He didn't try to resist when military personnel found him with Janon's dead body and his sword, covered in Janon's blood. He could have tried explaining that it was his father, Steel, and his party that did it, but at the time he thought no one would believe him. He rested his head against the wall and closed his eyes. He remembered the look on Leo and Dimi's face when they saw him being escorted away by five soldiers. Even Kalon and Caza stared at him in disbelief that he had killed another Steward. Ryo hoped Leo would be clever enough to figure out it wasn't him who killed Janon, and would try and get him out.
His cell was stone, and a guard was outside the door, to watch him and make sure he didn't use his Element to help him escape. Ryo lowered his head again. He wondered if the two maids he saved informed anyone of authority that he could use more than one Element. No, he thought, they were too scared, they probably won’t.
A small metal door at the bottom of the cell's entrance opened up, and a plate of food was given to him. Ryo ignored it the way he had ignored the last three meals he received. They all sat on the far corner, feeding mice brave enough to wander into his cell. Ryo kicked the new plate of food away to join them, scattering the rats feeding on his previous meals. He knew better than to eat meals given to traitors.
"You should eat," said the soldier outside. It was someone Ryo didn't know.
"No thanks...." Ryo replied. He had tried talking to the soldier, just out of boredom, but it never led anywhere. He had given up what he felt might have been a day ago. There were no windows, and he knew he was underground. He had no idea how long had passed since he was brought here.
From out in the hallway, he heard a door creak open. Ryo stood up, used to moving with his hands handcuffed now. He walked to the door and pressed his ear against it. He heard Mel's voice.
"I wish to speak with prisoner in cell K-78," she asked the soldier outside politely, but with authority in her voice. The soldier stuttered to reply.
"I would love to, Miss, Ma'am, er, Stewardess, but I got strict orders from the Council--"
"Then I'll take the consequences," Mel said simply, "Now take me to him."
Ryo heard footsteps coming closer to his cell. Clanking noises of a key being inserted in the door echoed in his ear and he backed up. If Mel was intending for him to do what he thought she was, he was ready. The door opened and light flooded his cell. Ryo raised his hands to shield his eyes, but he saw the silhouette of Mel and a tall man in armor. Mel turned to the soldier and gave him a smile. "Thank you, you'll be rewarded....eventually." The soldier gave her a questioning look. In an instant, Mel opened her palm, and blew a power in his face. The soldier jerked away, coughing from the powder. He reached for his sword, but Ryo was faster. With both hands, Ryo grasped the soldier's sword and held it at his neck.
"Relax," Ryo said, as the soldier slumped over against the door coughing and hacking.
"It'll just knock you out," Mel said before the soldier finally closed his eyes and ceased to cough. Ryo lowered the sword and sighed.
"What are you doing?" Ryo said, still looking at the unconscious soldier.
Mel reached back and pulled a hair pin out of her hair. "I'm releasing you," she said, handing Ryo the pin. Ryo look it in his hands and used it to pick his handcuffs loose. "You can use that to get into the armory," Mel continued, "And get your sword back."
Ryo looked up at her. "Why didn't you tell me Kaira was my daughter?"
Mel closed her eyes. "Because, I didn't want you to think you had to take care of us..."
"I would have done it anyway! Did you know you were pregnant when I left?"
"No..." she turned away and sighed. "I found out right after you did....I choose Janon because...." she turned back to him, crying, "Because the Council couldn't find out..."
Ryo sighed, feeling like shit for making her cry again. "You could have told me..." he said quietly. Mel walked past him into the bright hallway. "We need to get you out of here. The Council wants you executed."
Ryo followed her out. "Why?! Didn't you or someone tell them I didn't do it?!"
"We tried," Mel said, leading him to the armory, "But they won’t believe it. They think me and Leo are just trying to get you out because you're family..." she stopped in front of the armory door and kept watch while Ryo picked the lock. The door clicked open and Ryo and Mel slipped inside. "Find your sword..." Mel said quietly.
Ryo started to look, then stopped. "Mel..." he said quietly, not looking at her. She stared at him, waiting. "I wanna tell you something..."
"Okay...what?"
"About when your father died..." He heard Mel exhale deeply behind him, probably to keep herself from crying.
"Not now Ryo," she said weakly. "I know you didn't kill him..."
"I still want you to know what happened..." Mel looked out the door.
"We don't have time..."
"It won’t take long..." Ryo said. Mel sat down on a bench and stared at Ryo, who still wasn't looking at her. "You know how...we were always together back then?" Ryo started, "And I started off as your personal bodyguard?" Mel nodded silently. "You know Dimi...he couldn't keep it quiet that he was dating your best friend, and me and you were..." his voice trailed off.
"It's okay..." Mel said quietly.
"Well...the other guards...soldiers didn't like me because of it, they thought I was taking advantage. Then, when your dad was going on that trip, to the Temple of the Eastern Sky, he asked me to come with him...."

~

Ryo walked behind the caravan, separate from the other soldiers and guards of the Steward of Hollow. They were marching across a prairie, and everyone was tired and hot from the scorching sun. He felt bad for not telling Mel he left but it was a last minute decision, and he couldn't read or write to leave a note. Ahead, he heard the other soldiers talking about him and Mel. He looked down at the ground as he walked in his stifling hot military uniform. The only reason he came was because Mel's father, Eliazar asked him to come. Ever since Ryo had been recruited into the military, and positioned as Mel's bodyguard, Eliazar had taken a liking to Ryo. He taught Ryo how to play chess, and given him his old sword, that Ryo cherished.
Ryo liked Eliazar, as a friend, and saw him as a father figure. His own father, Steel, had never been a father to him as far back as he cared to remember. Eliazar was considerate of him, and he thought Eliazar was just a good person.
Ryo snapped back to reality at the sound of his name being called. "Ryo! Come here!" Ryo recognized it as Eliazar's voice and quickly made his way to the Steward's coach. Eliazar had the coach door open, and was leaning out when Ryo approached.
"Yes sir?" Ryo asked, walking alongside the still-moving coach.
"I told you, don't be so polite around me Son!" Eliazar said happily. "Are you hot Son?" Eliazar had gotten into the habit of calling Ryo 'Son' since he found out he was dating his daughter. A couple he thought 'promised blessings'.
Ryo looked down. Eliazar didn't seem to notice, but the other, older soldiers were glaring at him for getting special attention from the Steward. "Just as hot as everyone else here," he replied.
"Well get in! It's much cooler in here!"
Ryo still didn't look up. "I'd much rather walk, sir. The heat doesn't bother me," Ryo said, barely loud enough for the Steward to hear him."
"Nonsense! No one likes being uncomfortable! Now get in, that's an order," Eliazar said, retreating back into his coach. Ryo slowly entered the coach, still feeling the stares of the other soldiers on his back as he entered. It was much cooler inside the coach. Eliazar motioned for Ryo to sit across from him. Ryo sat obediently.
"You shouldn't give me special treatment, sir..." Ryo mumbled, embarrassed. "The other soldiers think you favor me...”
"But I do!" Eliazar said happily. Ryo couldn't help but smile. "I have something I wanted to tell you anyways..." Ryo looked up at him. "Do you love my daughter Ryo?" he asked casually. Ryo felt his face blush.
"I suppose I do..."
An older soldier named Bron stuck his head into the coach, interrupting Eliazar. "Excuse me sir," he said, bowing his head and ignoring Ryo, "But we're gonna be passing through the forest now. We need water, but we don't have time to stop. Ryo is our youngest, and fastest runner, he'll need to fetch us water."
Ryo looked to Eliazar for permission. He knew the only reason he was going was because the other soldiers wanted him to get out of the coach and do some work. Eliazar motioned his hand for Ryo to go. "Just hurry back, all right Son?" Ryo nodded and left him in the coach alone. As soon as he stepped outside, Bron shoved several empty canteens into Ryo's stomach, making him drop them all.
"We'll be taking this path here," he said pointing to the only path at the edge of the forest they were about to enter. "We'll be going down that path. You go that way," he pointed to the south, through the woods, "and you'll find a stream. Fill all of these canteens then catch up with us."
Ryo nodded and left, thankful to get away from the rest of the soldiers. He wondered why he didn't think about asking for Dimi to come along with them before they left. Even Kalon or Caza would have made better company then Bron.

Night had fallen and Ryo was still trying to catch up with the rest of the caravan. He had several full canteens of water slung over his shoulders, and they kept slowing him down. His head was lowered and he panted, stopping again for a break. He sat under a tree and looked up at the stars. Even the caravan stopped at night, he knew he was getting closer.
In the distance came a sound of an explosion, followed by a flash of yellow light. Ryo stood up and watched, as falling pieces of wood and limbs fell around him from the blast. He saw the limbs, and started running down the path, leaving the canteens behind. In the distance, he heard screams, and the sound of thunder
"Lightning Users?!" Ryo said to himself as he ran. He came into a clearing, where the caravan had stopped, and apparently set up camp. Ryo looked around and saw the coach was on fire. Strewn along the ground were the bodies of the other soldiers. Ryo ran over the bodies, searching among them for Eliazar, if he was there. Ryo called his name, but didn't receive an answer. Ryo cursed loudly.
"Oh there you are..." came a voice from the darkness. "I knew I was missing one body." Ryo drew the sword Eliazar had given him, searching for the source of the voice.
"Who are you?!"
"I," said the voice in a suave tone, "Am an assassin." Suddenly a man landed in front of Ryo. He was as fast as the lightning he summoned, and slender. He wore dark gray and his hair was held back by a bandana. "Janon will not be pleased you survived. He put so much emphasis in his words when he specified to me that you should be killed." He looked at the dead bodies around him. "Shame I used all my Lightning Seals on these..."
"Wait....Janon?" Ryo asked in disbelief. "Janon hired you to kill me?!"
"And the Steward, but he was no problem...I'm sorry to disappoint you, but if I were to fight you now, I'd be killed," he said slyly, eyeing Ryo's sword. As suddenly as he appeared, he was gone. Ryo stared into the darkness, wondering if he was bluffing to catch him of guard. He decided to ignore him for now, and continued to search for Eliazar.
Ryo saw, laying, a body that wore the white robes of the Steward. "Eliazar!" Ryo said, as he collapsed next to the body. He flipped the body over and was surprised. It was Bron in the Stewards robes. Ryo looked back up, at all the bodies dressed in Military uniforms. He dropped Bron and began flipping over bodies, looking for Mel's father, slowly slipping into a panic. All were dead.,. their hearts frozen from being electrocuted.
"Ryo..." a weak raspy voice called out. Ryo turned, and saw Eliazar, in Bron's military uniform, lying on his back, hiding a wound in his stomach. "Ryo...." his voice was weaker.
"Eliazar! It's all right..." Ryo said, trying to hold down his own panic. "It's gonna be okay...' Ryo said, holding back tears, and trying to convince himself it was going to be okay.
"Don't fool yourself....I know I'm dying...." Eliazar said weakly, but he was still smiling. "I'm old...I've lived my life..."
"Don't say that..." Ryo said, starting to cry. "Don't say that, I'm gonna get you back home..." Ryo tried lifting him, but he only caused him more pain.
"Ryo...Ryo take this..." Eliazar almost whispered, digging into his shirt, and pulling out a red pendant, and putting it in Ryo's hands. "Take this.....and....marry Mel..." Ryo stared at Eliazar in silence. He was really dying, and giving him everything. "Marry her, and...overthrow the Council, Ryo...make Hollow...a...better place...without the Council...I know you can..." His grip on Ryo's hand loosened, and then lost all its feeling.
Ryo sat up, and looked around hopelessly. He couldn't go back to Hollow, not now. The Council was too corrupt, they'd pin this on him. Janon would make it so to claim the throne. He'd have to wait before returning to Hollow. Ryo saw his bag with his spare change of clothes, and a canteen, half-full of water. He grabbed both, and started walking towards the North, where he knew the Dead Lands were.

~

Ryo started walking to the West, towards the Dead Lands. Mel and Leo had both helped him escape. He couldn't see Kaira, for she was under the careful watch of the corrupt Council. Leo and Dimi had both promised to watch her and make sure she was taken care of. He told Mel how her father had died, and why. There was nothing else he needed to do.
Ryo saw the border to the Dead Lands and sighed. The possibility of returning was bleak, and almost nonexistent. But it was the only thing to do, if he wished to live. Ryo took one last look back. He could see the city of Hollow in the distant. Its towers and cathedrals were needles on the horizon in contrast to the setting sun. He stood for a moment, taking in the sight, before turning away towards the Dead Lands.

Chapter 1-Ryo (sample)

WARNING: This is from like, almost two eyars ago, and I KNOW my writing has gotten so much better than this. Like I said, I wanted to re-write it, but I don't think I'l have time for that for a long while yet, so here's the first chapter (It's really short) to see how it goes over. I can hardly read it anymore, that's how ashamed of it I am ^^" Maybe if I get more confident I'll make another world for just my stories.

If you got an opinion on it, lemme have it, even if you say it sucks XD

(I'm sorry for spelling errors and everything! This was before spellcheck and I was dumb XP)

Ryo
Chapter 1

He didn't have many belongings. A small bag that carried his few supplies, the clothes on his back, and an old, yet decorated sword. He held it out in front of him for a moment, simply staring at its beauty. It was an old sword, older than him, with silver designs of the known Elements; Fire, Water, Ice, Air, Earth, Lightning. It was what the sword represented. The Elements all working together to create the recovering world. No Element was meant to be better than the others, and they were all combined into this single Blade. The man smiled at his gleaming sword, yet it pained him. Of course it was beautiful, and costed more than his own life, but it was a priceless heirloom given to him.
He shook off the feelings the sword awoken in him and tied it to his waist in it's usual position. He'd spent enough time looking at it since he received it nearly six years ago. There was no use trying to think back on the dead. It wouldn't bring them back.
The first rays of light of the oncoming dawn were peaking over the horizon. The man smiled to himself, lifting his small empty bag over his shoulder. He was doing his best to be quiet, though he was sure he had nothing to be worried about. He was in an abandoned building in the Dead Lands, the outcast desert that surrounded Hollow and possibly the known world.
The man brushed aside the cloth covering the doorway to the abandoned building and shook himself in the morning air, facing the close dawn. He was almost twenty-eight, and fairly tall, with brown hair that spiked in the front, but was shorter in the back. It was messy, but he preferred it that way. His eyes were a deep green color, almost unnaturally deep for most people. He wore black pants and boots that went halfway to his knees, with a simple black shirt. He wore other small accessories, but nothing of great importance.
The man turned slowly around, away from the slowly rising sun, to take one last look at what was his home for the last six years. The city had been abandoned for as long as anyone alive could remember. It was the remains of a much greater city that fell in the Great War, thousands of years earlier. Most of the city was in rubble, but the few remaining buildings gave shelter to the banished people of the Dead Lands.
The man smirked. Dead Lands. Whoever named it wasn't being very creative. The land itself was nearly barren, hardly producing anything for the always hungry people who lived in the waste. Water was scarce, and hardly ever suitable for drinking. Most of the world was in this condition, as far as the country of Hollow was concerned. Hollow was the only real country. No other lands existed that supported humans was known to them. After the Great War, most of the land was poisonous, and Hollow was the only land where people could thrive.
The man smiled again to himself. He had been one of the few who could manage a living in this unforgiving terrain, but he had to leave. The Border was to the east, and he turned away from the city and started walking along with the rising sun. The warmth of the day slowly started to heat the earth, but it didn't bother him. He had grown used to it. The dusty earth blew up with the wind, but he didn't mind. The Dead Lands didn't bother him anymore.
By noon the sun was in the sky, burning bright. The man kept walking, and through the heat haze a wall came into view. The man saw the wall, and started walking faster. He wished he could fly, to save him time, but he couldn't use his Air powers now. He was a Fire User in Hollow, one who manipulated and summoned Fire to do his bidding. Flying was out of the question for now.
As he approached the barrier a gate came into view, and with it, guards. Positioned upon their tower, soldiers of the empire looked down upon the earth where the man walked. He approached the gate with no concerns.
"Stop right there," yelled down a soldier. The man stopped and stood patiently. He knew what was to come. Soon a soldier came out of a doorway that left to the gate's watchtower, followed by a scribe. The soldier and the scribe walked closer to the man, the soldier dressed in the Imperial Blue of the Army of Hollow and carrying a spear. The scribe wore the simple white robe of a monk, and carried a small clipboard of paper and a pencil. The man did his best to give them a smile. The soldier stopped several feet from the man, not even looking at the brown haired man.
"Name?" he asked. The scribe held his clipboard readily.
The man smiled. "Ryo," he answered simply. The scribe gasped, and the soldier flinched. Soldiers observing from the watchtower held their arrows at the ready from the soldier's reaction.
"Ryo?!" he said in disbelief. Ryo nodded. The scribe looked at his charts and names and dates.
"It's been six years to the day," Ryo told the scribe, being polite. The scribe looked up, then nodded. Ryo then turned to the soldier. "Is the Council still running the country?" Ryo asked. The soldier nodded. "Then the laws haven't changed, have they?"
"No..." answered the soldier. “But they might still try and do something to you. We shouldn't even let you pass without alerting someone at the palace..."
"Don't worry!" Ryo said happily. "I have someone at the palace who might help me, I should be fine." He started walking past the scribe and soldier, then added, "I didn't betray anyone, it was all a misunderstanding..."
The soldier just nodded, then yelled up at the gateways soldiers to open the gate. Slowly, the great stone doors of Hollow opened for Ryo. He made a thankful motion towards the soldier and walked through hastily before they closed again.
The other side of the gate was completely different from the Dead Lands. Grass grew alongside the road towards the capital city of Hollow. The great city glistened in the morning light and Ryo welcomed the sight. Six years he had been gone, and finally he was returning.
Ryo started summoning the energy to fly, then stopped. He couldn't. Not anymore. In this country, he was a Fire User. Fire Users couldn't use wind. He shrugged it off and began running. Farms and fields surrounded the city of Hollow. No one from any of the farms paid any attention of Ryo as he ran down their roads towards the city. Ryo preferred it this way, he didn't want to have to stop and talk to anyone until he got to Hollow.
There was no wall around Hollow. The city was open to anyone who came, being the capital and holy city.
Ryo entered the city's streets and found himself in the market. Merchants and vendors called out their items and prices and Ryo made his way through the crowd of people doing their shopping. He made his way out of the market and onto one of the many main streets leading to the city's center, a great palace of marble and stone.
The city's main square was located outside the great palace, and people loomed about, doing their business. Ryo walked across the great square, looking around him in amazement. The city had hardly changed in the six years he'd been gone. He stopped in at the palace gate and rang the small bell. A slot opened in the door and a male's voice spoke.
"Sorry, no visitor’s to the palace today."
Ryo couldn't see the face, but he recognized the voice.
"Open the door, it's Ryo!" From the other side of the door he heard something heavy-sounding fall, then a curse, then came the voice again.
"Ryo?! No way!" The door opened and there stood a man in the military's blue uniform with straight shoulder length blue hair and cerulean blue eyes. His eyes were wide with shock and disbelief as he stared. He stood still and gaped at Ryo a few seconds more.
"Oh my God...." he finally said. Ryo braced himself, and two seconds later his best friend was squeezing the life out of him. He started talking really fast, "I thought you were dead man! The just disappeared and no one knew where you were! Kima made me look everywhere! EVERYWHERE! And you know me; I'm incompetent, or whatever! People said they thought you were dead! I thought you were dead! Oh, my god-Where the hell have you been?! I never gave up on you, but the Council did, and I had to be interviewed to see if I was helping you, and--Leo! Leo was looking for you too!"
"DIMI!" Ryo half screamed, half wheezed from within Dimi's death grip. He instantly let Ryo go. Ryo wheezed a small laugh. Dimi had always been a funny, weird and unique individual. Ryo was one of the few people that could tolerate him without becoming annoyed too easily.
"What...did you say?" he asked.
"Yeah!" Dimi said, still excited and talking fast. "After the ordeal with you and Mel's dad word got out about you, we all went looking for you! We looked and looked, but you were nowhere to be found! Everyone was beginning to think you were dead, and--"
"That's nice Dimi," Ryo interrupted.
Dimi gave off his trademark, goofy smile and went on. "I can't believe you're here! Kima's gonna be so happy to see you! And--"
"What about Mel?" Ryo asked, interrupting again. Dimi's happy face suddenly fell a little. Ryo tilted his head a little confused. "Dimi?"
Dimi looked down a little rubbing his head.
"I dunno how to tell you...but you should see her right away. She probably wants to see you. You can stay with me after, if you want....me and Leo are still bunking at the old spot." The old spot had once been an abandoned mansion at the edge of town, for poor construction. When they were younger, Ryo, Leo and Dimi bought it cheap and fixed it up themselves.
Ryo nodded and entered the palace courtyard, shoving his bag into Dimi.
"I'll see you guys later then." he said quickly, leaving Dimi alone at the gate. Dimi stood for a few moments watching Ryo leave towards the castle entrance.
"I wonder if he's gonna be okay..." he said to himself.