Thanks waiting again! This chapter actually wrote itself pretty much. BTW sorry if you see a random update in the same day, sadly it doesn't mean that i've completed another chapter, that normally takes a few days, but instead it's me going back and re-reading over the chapter and seeing small, silly typos that slipped by me the first time. (still trying to get familiar with the editing process on this website) So i apologize for any other grammar/spelling errors in advance :P My hand almost couldn't keep up with my thoughts haha Enjoy! and again thanks for clicking on my story :)

They walked out of the store with a new resolve as Cruz led the way closely followed by Blade, Eve and then Gido. With the expectation of completing their journey across the barren land in one day they were in need of better transportation other than their legs.

So they asked around and were informed about horse stables at the eve of town in the opposite direction; good thing Leos wasn't a large town.

When they arrived they explained their situation to the owner, excluding the fine details of course. With much reluctance and a negotiation involving a hefty sum of money the stable master agreed to sell three horses for their use.

Because of the lack of money, four horses were too much, so Eve volunteered to ride with Blade.

Cruz and Gido looked at them skeptically, this would definitely pose as a problem later, but with little choice they decided to ignore it for now.

Once the money was exchanged the stable master went to fetch the horses. He handed off the reins to Cruz, Gido and Blade.

They were about to leave when he told them to wait another moment, unless they intended to ride bareback.

He turned his head and called out the name "Mira".

Seconds later a young girl appeared with long brown hair and hazel eyes. The man asked her to go and bring back three saddle and stirrup sets; and without a word she spun on her heels to fulfill the request.

When she was out of earshot Blade elbowed the stable master and smirked.

"Quite a beautiful wife you got there."

The other three rolled their eyes as the man gave him an impatient look.

"She isn't my wife. She is my assistant. Quite curiously she asked to help me only yesterday."

"So she's available then?" Blade asked ignoring most of the man's statement.

"By the sound of it you won't have time for women on your journey."

"HA! you'd be surprised." Blade bellowed back.

Cruz chuckled in reply. It was not unusual for Blade to seem so pigheaded.

Minutes later the girl called Mira reappeared carrying all three saddles.

Cruz rushed over to her.

"Would you like some help?" he smiled warmly.

The girl seemed taken aback at his words, but then nodded slowly.

"hai." she replied in a barely audible meek voice.

Cruz quickly took two of the three saddles from her and waled over to the horses with the others.

Once everything was secured and situated the four of them mounted the horses and nodded their thanks to the stable master and the young girl.

As they galloped away Cruz took one last look behind him and could've sworn he saw the girl's face full of regret, but shrugged it off and waved one last time until they were out of sight.

When the group had been well on their way for a good several minutes the man stretched and let out a long yawn.

"Such strange youngsters… well i'm off to take a catnap. Be sure to feed the horses in an hour."

The girl nodded as he turned and headed into the main house and closed the door.

But she made no effort to move, she waited until a figure emerged from the shadows cast by the pillars holding up the roof over the large porch.

A man in a black hooded cloak walked across the wooden floor planks and towards the door.

"Nice work, Mira. Wanna help me with this guy?"

By the sound of his voice she could tell that he was sneering, it was disgusting.

"Drop dead you bastard." she spat back.

He chuckled and tossed her a cloak matching his own.

"Temper temper." he mockingly sung as if scolding a small child.

She ignored him as she put the cloak on and turned her head, quickly pulling up the hood so she wouldn't see him turn the doorknob and walk into the house.

Mira stood like a stone until painful screams erupted from the house, and winced as they were immediately silenced by a sharp series of cracks, followed by a heavy thud.

She pulled her hood down further over her face as footsteps approached her from the house and stopped right beside her.

"It's always too easy. And not nearly as satisfying as it used to be." He said simply as he tilted his head to the side to crack it.

Mira did her best to keep her voice steady.

"Let's go, Sam; he's waiting."

The man let out a long breath and put his hood back up.

"Always such a killjoy. You're only obedient because he has your sister."

"Shuddup." she hissed back.

And with that they both vanished.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are always appreciated :) I'll try to have Aruka make an appearance in the next chapter :P Until next time!