The next chapter is here and I hope it meet everyone expectations. Things will start to develop more quickly, but things will remain in a relatively slow pace.

Thanks once again to Key to Soul and Frostbit for their feedback and any reviews are welcome. Feedback gives me power and encourage me to make an even better story for your reading pleasure. In any case, please enjoy.

Chapter 6: Wings

The next two days passed without incident and the group was almost halfway to Kriton. The atmosphere around the group was calm, considering. The air was slightly cool as gray clouds gathered in the distance.

"Looks like we're going to have rain today." Eric said somberly.

"I didn't bring a rain jacket with me." Mithos said shyly.

"Hopefully, we will reach the next town before the rain hits." Gem stated.

"It shouldn't rain until tonight." Martel said matter-of-factly.

Eric glanced at Martel from the corner of his eyes. "And how do you know this?"

"I am very in tune with nature." Martel said before she blushed slightly. "It's a gift I was born with."

"Do all elves have this talent?" Eric said as he raised one of his eyebrows.

Martel shook her head. "It's a special trait only carry by a few. My mother just happened to be one of them."

"It make sense consider how close to nature elves live." Eric said. "Although, I didn't know half-elves had so many elven's abilities other than being able to use and sense mana."

"Well, it's depends on the half-elf." Martel said. "I was just born with stronger elven blood."

"Martel was the lucky one." Mithos stated with a bit of bitterness. "My human blood is completely useless. I can't even use magic right."

Gem rubbed his head in thought. "Well, they have to some advantage of having stronger human blood. It can't be completely one sided."

"Half-elves like Mithos tends to be physically stronger and more fit than an elf." Kratos suddenly stated.

Mithos was stunned by the revelation. "Really?"

"Humans hold more physical strength and stamina than an elf." Kratos continued. "So, a half-elf who has stronger human genes would naturally be as well."

"I never heard that before." Martel said in awe. "How do you know this, Kratos?"

"A friend of mines told me." Kratos answered.

"Being a half-elf is more complex than I thought." Gem said.

"Indeed, it does make you take a new look on things." Eric said. "Although, I guess it makes sense. However, Mithos seems to lack physical strength." Mithos gave Eric a dark look.

"Mithos is still young." Martel defended him. "I am certain that he will become very strong one day."

Mithos looked near tears. "Thanks, Martel." Kratos suddenly stopped in the middle of the road, causing all conversations to stop.

"Are we being watch?" Eric said as he sensed around for any danger.

"There has been an attack here recently." Kratos said. Scattered on the ground was a basket of fruit, a walking stick, and a straw hat. Even a little teddy bear was discarded along the road.

Martel gasped when she saw the scene. "Who could have done this?"

"Fahrer, has to be." Eric growled. "No solider would attack civilians this far off in the country."

"I am afraid you are right." Kratos said. "From the condition of the fruits, this was a fairly recent assault. Maybe only a day or two ago."

"Why would they do this?" Martel asked in disbelief.

"They most likely capture this group to sell them in the slave trade." Kratos answered neutrally.

"Those damn Fahrer." Gem growled in anger.

"Can't the authorities do anything about the Fahrer?" Martel asked desperately.

Eric gave a humorless laugh. "The authorities have no power over the Fahrer. They are protected by both sides and local patrols can't touch them."

Mithos shook his head in anger. "So, they can do whatever they want!?"

"Pretty much." Eric said as he crossed his arms. "Which is why they are all corrupted. Although, they have gotten alot bolder in recent years."

"In any case, we better keep our eyes open." Kratos advised. "The Fahrer will still be in the area. Mithos is also in increase danger." He eyed the Cruxis Crystal on Mithos' neck.

Martel's eyes narrowed in determination. "I won't let them touch Mithos."

"Don't worry, Martel." Gem assured with coldness in his voice. "We will all protect Mithos with our lives."

"Mithos, Martel, for now on stay next to either me or Kratos." Eric said to the kids. He then turned his attention towards Gem. "You, cover the back. We don't want to be caught by a surprise attack."

So, the journey resumed with Mithos and Martel being place in the middle of the group of soldiers. Just like the first day they travel, everyone was on edge. Martel decided to lighten the mood by singing an old elven sung. It was mostly to keep Mithos calm, who was once again clinging to her.

"That is a beautiful sung." Gem finally said. "It reminds me of summer."

"It is a sung praising the Summon Spirit, Efreet." Mithos answered, not wanted Martel to stop.

"I forgot, elves and half-elves worship the summon spirits." Gem said.

Mithos tilted his head. "Don't you humans?"

"We humans stopped worshipping the spirits centuries years ago." Eric stated. "Although, some cities still celebrates holidays related to them, such as the Season of Celsius and Gnome's Harvest."

"What do you humans believe in then?" Mithos asked curiously.

"As the war bragged on, we humans have lost interest in any faith." Eric said. "We believe that we can only depend on ourselves and it is foolish to ask for help from any deity. If one even exist, that is."

"That sounds so sad." Martel suddenly stopped singing. "To have no faith at all."

"In my opinion, that is the best way to live." Eric said. "If there were some godlike being, it would have ended this foolish war a long time ago. As people, we can only depend on ourselves."

"The summon spirits are godlike!" Mithos countered. "They control the elements of the world."

"There is no doubting that the summon spirits are powerful." Eric shrugged. "But, they are far from gods. They are just as powerless to stop this war as any human. And even if they had the power, they wouldn't waste is on humans."

"You underestimate the summon spirits." Mithos countered again. "They can control nature itself and reshape the entire world if they wanted. We are nothing but ants to them."

"Which is why we shouldn't depend on them." Eric answered back. "Once anyone reach a certain level of power, the needs of a few mortals become unimportant. As long as the conflict doesn't effect them, they are willing to watch people destroy themselves."

Mithos looked up at Gem. "What do you believe?"

"I...I'm not really sure." Gem admitted. "I can understand why people chose not to worship the summon spirits, but I cannot fully believe we are just floating here by chance. I mean we couldn't all be here by accident."

"That is what I believe too." Martel smiled. "Eric is right that we shouldn't depend on any spirit to protect us, but I believe that we always have someone watching over us, giving us a purpose to live."

"Martel's right." Mithos said with no doubt in his voice. "Everyone is born with a purpose."

Eric's eyes narrowed. "Even if that purpose was just to die?"

Martel looked horrified to hear this. "Born to die!?"

"Everyday, people die in horrible ways with very little purpose." Eric explained. "But, sometimes their death can be a benefice. So, wasn't that person born to die at that moment in time for the benefice of others?"

"You mean a sacrifice?" Gem asked.

Martel shook her head. "Why would anyone be born just to die? I mean........there has to be another reason or a person's life up until that point would had been meaningless."

"A child's response." Eric huffed.

"Take that back!" Mithos yelled. "Martel is no child! She's smarter than you are!"

"Mithos." Martel lightly scolded him, stopping his rant.

"As you grow up, you will see how this world truly works." Eric said. There was darkness in his voice. "If you can hold on to that ideal once you see how ugly and cold this world can be, then I may consider your words more than child talk."

Gem chuckled. "You have such a morbid point of view."

Mithos nodded in agreement. "I hope I never become like you. I mean, it much sucks being old and bitter all the time." Eric's eyes widen at this statement. Both Gem and Martel giggled at the reaction.

"I'm not that old." Eric countered. "I simply speak from experiments."

"Yeah, whatever." Mithos said in a bored voice.

Kratos noticed something in the distance. "The Fahrer." Causing the party to stop.

Not too far off the main road was a large caravan with several soldiers dress in black and silver uniforms. Behind them was a large group of people chained together in a long line. They had to be at least fifty prisoners in all.

"No doubt about." Eric said. "And looks like they got a fresh haul."

"Are all of them townspeople?" Martel asked in horror.

"Can't be, unless they raided an entire town." Gem said.

"They are all soldiers." Kratos said. "They all have the same undergarments of a Tethe'alla's brigade."

"Stinking Fahrer." Eric growled. "To think they would become so bold to attack an army unit. Do they want to start a conflict with Tethe'alla?"

Gem shook his head in confusion. "How can a handful of Fahrer take down an entire brigade? It can't be physically possible."

"Does it matter?" Martel asked. "Those people need our help."

"It would be unwise to leave an enemy at our back." Eric said in thought.

"What's the call, Kratos?" Gem questioned.

Kratos unsheathed his sword. "As Eric said, we can't leave an enemy at our backs."

Gem gave a fury smile as he pulled out his sword as well. "Now you're talking."

"Eric, stay behind and guard Mithos and Martel." Kratos ordered. He then ran off with Gem following shortly behind him.

They manage to cover the distance to the camp in a few seconds. Since it was an open field, there was no point in attempting a sneak attack. The Fahrer were immediately on guard when they saw them.

"Intruders alert!" A Fahrer yelled. Kratos gutted the man before he could yell anything else. Several Fahrer soldier charged Kratos, but Gem headed him off and manage to kill a man before they could reach his commander.

Kratos and Gem were doing well in guarding against the Fahrer's onslaught when a flare suddenly went up. All color drained from Kratos' face when he saw it. From his back, he could hear the thumping of horses.

"Damn, they have backup." Kratos said as he dispatch another man.

Gem kicked a Fahrer away from him. "Looks like we bit off a little too much."

From the distance, Eric saw the flare and pulled out his own weapon. "Be on guard." He scanned the field quickly before he saw at least ten Fahrer on horseback heading for his teammates.

"They are going to be surrounded!" Mithos yelled in horror.

"Martel, cover me." Eric ordered. He then turned towards Mithos. Eric reached into his belt and unsheathed his wakizashi. "Take this."

Mithos was stunned by the order. "I can't use a sword."

"I don't care!" Eric yelled. "Take it! It's better than no protection."

Mithos hesitantly took the sword. Although it was smaller than an average sword it was about the right size for Mithos small frame. Eric didn't waste another moment before he ran into the field to intercept the horsemen. Using the long reach of his spear, he swung hard and beheaded a man without the horse noticing. The other horsemen stopped to face their advisory.

"Turn back or you will meet you end by me." Eric sneered in a deadly voice.

"Like hell we're going to lose to you, human!" One of the Fahrer yelled as he jumped off his horse and changed Eric. Using the advantage of his spear, he impaled the man before he had the chance to reach him.

Using their comrade's death to their advantage, the other eight horsemen changed in and surrounded Eric. He was now force to defend againt attacks from all angles. He managed to land some hits, but he also began to get covered in injuries.

Seeing that Eric was in trouble, Martel raised her staff. "First Aid!" The healing energy washed over Eric, given him a second wind.

This got the attention of one of the Fahrer. "They have a healing!"

"Over there!" Another yelled, pointing to Martel.

"Take her out!!" One of the horsemen broke off from the group and ran towards the two half-elves."

"Shit!" Eric cursed as he parried another attack. He made an upper arch and ripped the man apart from his stomach to his shoulder blades.

Mithos saw the oncoming Fahrer and stood between Martel and the assassin. He raised the wakizashi in front of him. "Stay away!"

The Fahrer slowed to a trot when he saw them. "Just some kids." He laughed.

"I'm warning you." Mithos said in his bravest voice.

The Fahrer chuckled darkly. "Listen kid, I'm willing to give you a small break. Given that we're kin and all."

Mithos' eyes widen in disbelief. "You're a half-elf?"

"The same." Fahrer smiled. "All you have to do is mind your own business and let us kill those humans and you will be left unharmed."

"We won't abandon our friends!" Martel yelled fiercely.

"Like a human can ever be friends with a half-elf." The man laughed. He looked back down when he noticed something on Mithos' neck. "That's.........that's the Cruxis Crystal we've been looking for! How did you get it!?"

"Huh?" Mithos asked in surprise. He had completely forgotten about the crystal.

Martel, however, had not forgotten. "You're the ones who attacked that wagon the other day."

The Fahrer ignored the girl. "Give us that crystal! You have no idea how powerful that thing is."

"No, you can't have it!" Mithos yelled back.

"Then I take it by force, you stupid child!" His horse reared up, ready to stomp Mithos.

"Move!" Martel yelled as she pushed him out of the way. The horse came down hard and knocked Martel off her feet. Mithos could hear the bones in her arm snapped from the impact.

"MARTEL!!!" Mithos yelled in horror.

"Don't get in the way!" The Fahrer yelled, turning his attention back towards Mithos.

Mithos eyes had fire in them as he stared at the half-elf with all of his hate. "How dare you hurt my sister." He hissed.

"She's lucky to still be alive." Fahrer said unsympathetically. "You, on the other hand, won't be able to say that if you don't give me that crystal."

"Go to hell!" Mithos yelled as he charged the man, raising his sword. The horseman, however, easily knocked him over.

"You shouldn't be in such a hurry to die." The man growled. "But, I won't hesitate to kill you. Even a fellow half-elf."

"Damn you....." Mithos hissed. He couldn't' beat this guy he was too strong. Where were Kratos and the others?

"Are you going to keep depending on that human to save you?" A deep voice asked viciously. Its voice echoed in Mithos' head.

He flinched when he heard the voice. "Who....who was that?" Mithos asked himself.

"If you desire strength, use the power of the Cruxis Crystal." The voice said.

"How.........how do I do that?" Mithos asked the voice.

"Seize the crystal's power with your will." The voice answered. "If you are worthy, you will be its master."

"Seize its power with my will?" Mithos asked out loud.

"Finish daydreaming, kid." The Fahrer's voice snapped him back to reality. "Give me that crystal!"

"Proton!" Martel yelled. The half-elf screamed in pain as an explosion of light knocked him off his horse. "Mithos, run away!"

"Martel." Mithos said in surprise.

The Fahrer stood up in fury. "That's it. You're dead, girl." He ran like a mad man at the helpless girl.

"Don't you dare touch her!!" Mithos screamed. The Cruxis Crystal suddenly erupted to life, catching the attention of the Fahrer.

"No, the crystal is awaking." The Fahrer said in fear. Eric, who managed to kill off two more Fahrer, caught sight of the light and all action stopped.

"What the hell is that?" Eric asked.

The other Fahrer were equally surprise. "It's the Cruxis Crystal. That kid had it." The light grew brighter until it suddenly dissipated. Mithos now stood before them with long wings that flared with a rainbow of colors.

"You hurt my sister." Mithos hissed in a voice unlike himself. "You will pay for that." The half-elf turned his attention away from Martel. Sweet poured down his face before his features harden.

"You damn kid!" He yelled before he ran in for a final attack. His sword was position to take Mithos' head in one swoop. When he got within range, he swung down hard only to miss. Mithos flew up and took the Fahrer's head with one grateful swing. With the head gone, the body crumpled to the ground.

"What the hell!!" Eric yelled in disbelief. "Not only did he dodge that blow, but he decapitated a grown man with one swing."

The other Fahrer were equally stun by the turn in events. "Damn, retreat for now." One of them ordered. The remaining five horsemen galloped off, leaving the remaining Fahrer to their faiths.

Eric let off a shaky breath as he put away his spear. He checked up ahead and saw Kratos and Gem were dispatching the remaining Fahrer. Seeing that his allies were alright, he began to walk back towards Mithos and Martel.

Mithos was still hovering above the ground, staring blankly at the corpse. Martel made her way to her brother, not quite sure what to say.

"Is everyone okay?" Eric asked when he reached the siblings.

"My arm is fracture, but nothing too bad." Martel said, her eyes never leaving Mithos.

Eric also noticed that Mithos hadn't move. "Snap out of it, kid. The danger has passed." Mithos still did nothing. "Mithos......" Before Eric could finish his sentence, Mithos collapsed to the ground.