Chapter 4

Much to Alya's surprise she slept well that night. Being away from her father had relaxed her more than she though. As she woke up she looked over to the other bed where the purple haired man was passed out and lightly snoring. A soft smile graced her face until she noticed that he was almost naked! She turned away quickly as her face scorched from the blush, she did not want to be in the room when he woke up. Seeing as the sun was up she figured she would wandering the building until he woke up. As she snuck out the door she had another idea! He said he was traveling with some men. If they were anything like Sinbad they must be good men but she wanted to meet them before she gave him an answer.

She walked over to the room across from theirs and quietly listened for any one or any movement. After some time and not hearing anything she was about to walk away when the door opened to reveal a rather large man with bright long blue hair. He had a kind face but his size was a little unnerving to Alya, and she was starting to second guess if she was at the right room. Im sure they would notice who I was if they were with Sin. I hate that I have no idea what any of them look like!

Hina's smile grew as he registered who the young woman before him was.

"Hey! It's you! How are you feeling? I'm Hina, where's Sin? I hope he behaved himself." He rambled. She smiled to herself, she felt better now that she knew this was the correct room and that he seemed nice enough. Although she had to admit to herself, she was still a little nervous about meeting the men.

"He-hello." She stuttered, "I'm Alya. Sinbad is still sleeping. I was wondering if you guys had a minute to sit and talk while he wakes up. We had talked last night and yes he was very kind."

At this Hina's smile grew even wider. "Yes! Come in and sit! Everyone is up and I'll introduce you."

She made her way into the room where she saw a red haired man sitting on one bed and another very young man with white hair and sharp green eyes sitting at the small table in the corner. The red haired man named Spartos, smiled and waved at her. While the one with the intense eyes named Ja'far just nodded his head. Well three out of four isn't bad, right?

She noticed Hina giving Ja'far a look then proceeded to tell Alya to make herself at home. She wasn't about to sit next to Ja'far so she decided to sit at the end of the unoccupied bed. She took a long breath and cleared her head. She had to make sure that the men were okay with her tagging along with them and more importantly, she wanted to make sure she knew they all got along. She didn't want to start trouble, as much as she didn't want to leave Sin… My god you see one handsome face and you start to lose your mind!

"First off, I would like to thank every one of you for taking care of me. I'm sure you have questions, but if you all don't mind I would like to ask you something first."

The men looked at each other for a moment, intrigued about what the young woman would say next. Hina told her to go on and she did.

"Well Sinbad and I spoke last night, and after talking for wile he asked me if I wanted to join you on your journey. I told him I wanted to think about it, and really I wanted to meet and ask you all first how you felt about it. He only offered to train me how to protect myself and of course I would pull my own weight with whatever you needed." She was almost out of breath. "He also mentioned that it may be good to have a female presence to some of the countries you go to."

"Well I'm okay with it! Anyone woman who could survive most of the night by themselves and especially with a wound like that is good enough for our group. And it would be nice to look at something other than your two ugly mugs!" Spartos belted.

Alya blushed at his comment and then Hina spoke up. "Ja'far, what do you think? Alya here has been very diplomatic about all of this, coming to us and getting as much information as possible, which I believe speaks highly of her character."

Ja'far looked up at Hina for a moment; he then glanced at something across the room shortly before returning his gaze at Hina. "Yeah, She is alright I guess. It really doesn't make a difference to me."

Hina and Spartos audible sighed, "You will get used to him, Ja'far here isn't really a people person." Hina explained much to Alya's relief.

Hina then looked serious for a moment when he asked, "What is your reason for joining us? We don't have much to offer, and you don't really know us yet, but I'm curious."

Alya was a little taken aback by his question. She was quiet for a moment obviously thinking about the question when she answered, "I know I don't know you men, but I truly feel that you are good men. To follow and have such loyalty to someone…"she trailed off. "I have never seen that before, and I didn't honestly know that existed. Where I come from it doesn't, but I can see it in your eyes. Anyway, when Sin and I were talking he said something that I haven't been able to stop thing about. He offered me to be a part of something that will change the world, and… and I truly want to be a part of that."

"You much of had a difficult childhood, almost like someone else I know" Hina had a knowing smile. "Well Alya, we welcome you with open arms, and if you ever need to talk we are here for you just like we are here for each other."

"I told you she was special Hina." Sinbad's voice boomed startling everyone except Ja'far, who knew he was there the whole time.

Alya whipped around and looked into those honey eyes. She knew she hadn't been dreaming about how handsome he was. She also wondered how long he had been there.

"In deeded Sin, a special one in deeded." Hina chuckled.

Alya didn't think she was special, she was lucky, she was strong and she tried to be prepared. She was just grateful to find such a great group of men. Hina seemed like a gentle giant, and Spartos seemed like a person who was just happy to experience life. Ja'far seemed slightly annoyed by her presence but Hina assured her this was normal. He wasn't mean, just a little rude and kept to himself.

Sin was too happy to find the attractive young woman with his men. He had to admit he was nervous when he woke up and found her bed empty. He hoped it had nothing to do him practically being nude. He had a bad habit of shedding his clothing in his sleep. The guys hate it actually. He started laughing to himself.

He had heard almost the entire conversation and he was…proud? Who was this woman? She took it upon herself to meet his comrades and discuss the offer I gave her. She was very diplomatic about the whole thing but she still came across as being genuine. She was open and honest and the men could see that as well. I knew they trusted my judgment but it was nice to know they agreed, she should be a part of their rag tag group!

Sin came in the room and noticed the leftover eaten breakfast on the table. He looked at Alya, "Have you eaten?"

"No I haven't, I was just getting to know your men until you woke." She said with a smile.

"Well sense it looks like you boys have eaten already, I believe I'm going to take Alya out for some breakfast. Some fresh air should do you good, if you feel up to it, you still need to take it easy."

"That sounds great! I am a little hungry." She said sheepishly.

Taking her hand in his he escorted her out of the room, she stopped at the door and waved bye to her new friends.

"Well, you never gave me you official answer."

Alya slowed down and looked up at Sin, she knew what her answer was but she liked making him sweat. "Well, you men are wonderful. Ja'far seems a bit…distant. But it's you I'm worried about."

"Me!?" he looked shocked. What did I do? Did I make her uncomfortable? I haven't even used my charm on her yet…yet? Should I try? Maybe it will work.

Grabbing both her hands in his, he pulled her up agents himself. Startling her a bit, they were standing there and he started to work his charm. His eyes glistening he began to speak, but before his smooth voice left his lips she started laughing. She laughed so hard she lost her balance and had to grab him for support. He was completely lost at what to do. This had never happened to him before.

Trying to talk through the laughter, "What…was…that!"

Trying to play it cool he just shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing, Just forget about it." He started to walk away.

"Are you upset? I was just teasing you; I pretty much decided last night that I wanted to join you in your travels. I just hope I can be of help and not slow you all down." She was frowning now.

He turned to see her sad form standing there. He immediately felt bad for walking away from her and acting childish. Walking back towards her he decided to be honest and he told her as much.

"Look, I'm sorry. I have his ability to swoon ladies and honestly it has worked every up until now. I'm not going to lie, I really want you to want to come with us. So I may have been attempting to convince you." He said with his eyes cast downward.

"So what you're saying is you're a ladies man? Can't say I'm surprised." She was a little disheartened, though she tried not to let it show. She still wanted to travel with them, but she just met this man and she was not going to get hurt.

"Really, no need to apologize. Just please don't try that again, you look ridiculous. If you want to convince me of something then just talk to me. Okay?" She was trying to fake a smile now.

He could tell she was upset, but he didn't know if it was from him trying to charm her or if it was something he said. He would drop if for now. He just told her okay and took her hand to lead her to the market to find some good grub. Just as soon as they reached the market there was some commotion going on up ahead. Then she saw him. Her heart leaped into her throat, and he feet planted into the ground. Sinbad who had been holding her hand was jerked to a stop and Alya was squeezing his hand so hard it was losing circulation.

"What's wrong Alya?" He noticed it looked like she had seen a ghost.

She didn't answer at first, she couldn't. He put both hands on her shoulders and shook her just a bit to try to get her attention. "Are you feeling okay? Do we need to go back to the inn?"

"Yes" was all she could get out. Her eyes were transfixed on someone or something in the distance.

"Okay, but tell me, what is it? He pleaded'

"It's him. My father, I-I don't know how he found me so quickly. We need to go, I need to go." She started to panic.

Looking back I saw a older balding man who looked like he was half drunk following guards. They seemed to be looking for someone and then her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Her father, that's who she has been running from. All of a sudden images of her back and the dozens and dozens of scars came rushing into my mind.

Angrily I asked her, "Is he the one who whipped you!? Is he the reason you have all those scars on your back!?" He practically yelled.

She stumbled back and shook her head yes. "How did you know about those? Never mind can we just leave, please!?"

Sinbad was furious. "Go back to the inn and I'll be there soon."

"No, just come with me, I don't want there to be trouble for you! I'm sure he will give up his search and we will be long gone anyways."

"Go to the inn, I'll take care of that bastard. And trust me you will never he to worry about him again." He was seething.

"What are you going to do? Please don't kill him, he's not worth it." she was pulling his arm now so he would look at her.

"How is he not worth it? He beat you! What kind of an excuse of a father is that!?"

She looked like she was about to cry. "I just don't… I don't want you getting hurt over me, okay!"

He grabbed her chin so she would look up at him. "Trust me Alya, I'm not going to get hurt. If it makes you feel better, I'll just scare the shit out of him and he will never mess with you again. Okay?

"Okay" was all she said.