Author's Notes: I haven't touched this story for awhile. So I read over it and decided to edit odd parts and start fresh. Enjoy.

Chapter 1: Rumors…

"Nina! Wait up!" A young boy called out. He ran along the old dirt path clumsily. A gentle breeze brushed against the boy's slightly tanned skin as he strained to keep up with the figure ahead. Constant huffing and puffing kept the boy determined and going.

"Come on you slowpoke. We're gonna go exploring today!" The girl called back. Like the boy she was also in her youth. Her golden-blonde hair billowed gently as the air brushed past her while her clear cerulean eyes reflected a calm lake's beauty and serenity. She moved fluidly and with great ease. More running and then finally she stopped. She gazed out into the open. The sun was just setting, portraying brilliant colors of red and gold I the sky. The grass glistened from the falling light and the girl couldn't help but smile at the sight before her. Behind her, the boy had finally caught up. He took in several deep breaths and gasped.

"I don't...pant...understand how someone can run that fast in a dress!" Again he took a few more breaths. The girl placed her hands to her hips in a gesture and turned to gaze at the boy.

"Silly. Just because I'm a Princess doesn't mean I have to be dainty and lady-like." She responded while giving the boy a stern look. Meanwhile, he had regained his breath and now spoke normally.

"That's right you are a Princess, Nina. What would your mother say if she saw us?" Nina grinned and put her forehead against the boy's.

"That's why this is our little secret. You don't say anything and I don't say anything." She tapped his head with her finger and then turned once more. Nina stepped towards the entrance of the great forest, seldom visited by any man. From within, all that could be heard were the sounds of the wind and the creatures singing softly. Nina took another step forward but was held back by the boy's hand on her shoulder. His misty-gray eyes were fueled with great concern.

"Are you sure about this? They could've just been rumors." He said to her. Nina shook her head and laughed.

"Come on Lee. Rumors aren't true until proven right? Well that's what we're here for." Nina took Lee's hands in her own and jerked him forward. "You're not afrrraaaiidd…are you Lee?" she giggled. The cautious youth felt a flush come to his face. He shook his head furiously.

"I am not! I'm just…worried that's all." Lee responded while fidgeting slightly. Nina laughed more and nodded.

"Then let's go!" she maintained her grip on Lee and marched into the forest. As they pawed deeper and deeper into the foliage Nina thought back on the information they'd heard. 'So what exactly are we looking for? I know I told Lee it was something…but what exactly? I heard that that a bright light flashed in the sky and that a ferocious roar was heard from deep within the forest. Most people were terrified to even come near the forest due to recent events. What does the roaring have to do with the light? Could it be a monster?'

"Hey Nina let's go back. It's getting late." A worried Lee said. His voice broke Nina out of her thoughts.

"Huh? Oh come on. Just a bit more Lee…I can feel it. We're going to find something soon." She reassured him. So they kept going. The area around them seemed to get darker and darker and it became difficult to make out the path. Nina felt her frustration grow with each passing second. That alone coupled with Lee's persistent whining didn't make things any better.

"Can we turn back now?" It was a pitiful plea with his golden-haired companion. Nina looked down, her head drooping in defeat. She reluctantly nodded. As they began to turn an incredible roar broke the silence around them. Nina and Lee screamed and began running. They didn't stop, only ran with whatever strength they had left. Everywhere was darkness, complete night. Everything seemed hopeless until Nina noticed a light in the distance.

"Over there!" She and Lee ran faster than before. Both came closer and closer until they finally tumbled out of the woods. The town lights were in the distance. The two sighed with relief as they stood up. However, that relief came to an abrupt end when another roar was heard directly behind them. Nina and Lee whipped around only to come face to face with a large beast like creature. It donned multiple heads consisting of a lion, some sort of reptile and a bird. The beast's body was large and ridged with sharp scales. Its tail swished back in forth in a deadly manner. They backed away as the monstrosity began coming closer baring its teeth.

"Oh my god! It's a Chimera, Nina! What do we do?" Lee desperately cried out. Nina continued backing away.

/What to do…what to do/ Nina's mind frantically sought ideas. She looked around the area seeing if there was anything they could use. /Not a lot of options…guess that leaves one thing/ She took a fighting stance and glanced to Lee. "Let's take it down!"

Lee looked back at her in disbelief but then slowly nodded. The Chimera lunged at the duo. Nina and Lee jumped away on time and landed safely. Now in a safer position, Nina began focusing her mind to a point of clarity. Her spirit began churning inside as she connected with herself. Her hands tingled with the magic that flowed from within. The intimidating essence of wind mixed with the raging soul of fire. She let the power gather into one single point and released it in one go.

"Simoon!" Nina shouted. A blast of hot flame and wind engulfed the monster. It roared in pain as parts of its body seared black. Now irritated further, the Chimera quickly retaliated with a running tackle at Nina. She motioned to avoid it but was caught on her right side. The sickening sound of ribs cracking echoed in the night. Nina hit the ground hard and cried out in pain. Lee quickly jumped over to where Nina lay hurt.

"Nina! Just hang on." Lee placed his hands on the noticeably damaged area and began chanting words of holy prayer. "Let the spirits around me hear my prayer. Grant me soothing stability. Heal"

Slowly, her bones began to mend. Nina gasped as she felt the sharp pain shrink to a mere soreness. The Chimera wasn't ready to give up on a free meal. It charged once more while roaring. Lee brought Nina to her feet and used his hands to support her. He quickly motioned something with his hands. Nina coughed and nodded in agreement. The two faced the oncoming beast. Once more Nina focused on her power. She stood next to Lee for assistance and felt his energy intertwine with hers. Both raised and extended their hands out to the danger ahead. Nina took in the familiar essence of wind and released the concentrated force. Next, Lee added a spell of his onto hers. The end result created a combined frigid wind. The Chimera began slowing down in its movement. The cold environment had apparently taken its toll. Deciding the battle could not be won, the Chimera turned and fled back into the forest.

Nina collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Lee joined her on the cool grass and wiped the sweat of his brow.

"I'm tired…" Nina whispered.

"No kidding. Come on then. Let's go home Nina."

"Okay?" Nina responded quietly. The two stood shakily and began the long walk back to town. They smiled when they finally reached the cobble steps of the streets.

"Lee? I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused today. Forgive me"? Nina gave her best puppy dog look. Lee chuckled and nodded.

"Sure whatever." They headed toward the castle. As soon as they reached the gates a red-faced maid came rushing out. She began scolding Nina relentlessly. The princess apologized and said reassured her maid that everything was all right. As Nina walked in she turned to say goodnight to Lee.

"Night Lee. Get some rest okay?"

"Sure thing." He sighed. Exhausted and about ready to collapse, Lee trudged home as the night sky illuminated his path.