Author's Note-

Welcome to Chapter 7! I managed to get this one posted just a day in between yesterday's two updates. I am on a roll guys! Actually, I'm sick with the flu so I really don't have anything better to do right now. Hee hee ^_^

Anyways, special thanks to DarkWizard for your awesome and constructive reviews! You are very helpful! :) *hugs*

In this chapter, we'll get to see something scary happen, so ya'll can read it just for that. Also, reflecting on her feelings, things that happened during the time jump (this chapter takes place a little over a month since the last chapter), thoughts and other information that will be important to know for future chapters.

Thank goodness that Aiden and Father Kahn had run into some traveling obstacles. Well, it wasn't really a good thing, but it sure did relieve Esther somewhat. Wedding arrangements would be put off until their return, thus Esther had some time to contemplate and worry about other things...for now. It was unsure what she would do once Aiden did return. But for now, she would relax and find other things to busy herself with.

She was laying in bed one night, with a terrible headache. These things had happened every once in a while, but for some reason they became more frequent. She figured it was due to all the stress in her life, and now with the added conflict of marriage, they had worsened. They hadn't really been this painful ever since her eye had been mended by Seras's father, who was a strange yet gifted healer.

Also, she began to notice a change in the two village brats, Sheska and Lillian. They seemed a little more...fearful lately. They still were obnoxious as hell to her, but when Esther watched them without them knowing, they were extra jumpy, turning their heads towards every sound around them, being extra surprised when someone approached them. Not only that, but when Maxi first arrived in their village, they ogled over him, but now they became so rude in his presence. The brats probably realized that he was out of their league, saw that he had become friends with Esther, so they decided to lash out at him. It's what they did to anyone who treated her kindly.

Ophelia had calmed down somewhat from their argument about a month ago, though she still didn't trust him very much, and it was obvious. Every time she looked at him, it was a look of disapproval. Esther could only sigh and apologize when Ophelia wasn't around.

But speaking of Maxi, she was starting to find herself more...well, she didn't know how to describe it. Was it fascination? Ever since he had stood up to Ophelia in Esther's defense, she couldn't help it. Perhaps Leah had influenced Esther somewhat. All she knew was that he was indeed attractive, but he in general was starting to enter her thoughts more often. Damn it all, Esther always had a thing for tall dark and handsome individuals.

Not to mention, she'd seen him practicing with his nunchaku a couple times. Since he had recovered quite a bit more since the last time he attempted to use them, he could manage to do a couple things. Most of his maneuvers were basic, but he definitely could handle himself. She had to admit, watching his form swing Soryuju so gracefully in the field had really contributed to her fascination.

Esther felt her head be pushed into the ground by Seras's hand, pointing her sword at her from where she stood over the girl.

"You're not concentrating," Seras observed, keeping her strong grip on Esther's head.

Esther faked limpness as to fool her teacher, then brought her leg up over the elbow belonging to the arm Seras was holding her head down with. Quickly, she managed to make her stumble just a bit, but it was enough for Esther to wriggle her way out and completely swap positions with her. "Sorry. I was just thinking about something."

Seras parried Esther's following sword-strike. "It's been a long time since I was able to put you in that hold. Don't get distracted."

Another headache began to push it's way at her temples. Oh for hell sakes, Esther thought. Not right now!

They pushed each other back after a long guard against one another, equal strength from each side. Esther lost her balance for one moment, falling to her knee. Seras, like a flash of lightning, darted at Esther's position. She crossed her black blades only inches from Esther's neck, staring down at the girl with her emotionless dark brown eyes.

Esther frowned. Seras sheathed her blades and stepped back. "Now what was that all about?"

"I don't know," Esther put a finger to the aching spot, which was just off from the top of her scar. "These damn headaches..."

A thoughtful look passed over Seras's face. "Hmm. Perhaps you should go home and rest."

"Probably," Esther agreed.

"Esther?"

"Yes?"

Her teacher helped her up. "Are these headaches happening frequently?"

"Yeah. It's a real pain in the ass." She answered, sheathing her own sapphire-colored swords.

"Hmm. If they continue to get any worse, tell me. It might be time to take you to my father for another session again."

"Alright." She began to leave the clearing.

"Be careful on your way back." Seras then offered, "Do you want me to come with you?"

Esther shook her head. "No, I'll be fine."

The minute Esther came into her village, something was indeed wrong.

"Esther! Help!" She saw Leah screamingly frantically from where she stood. It was apparent that some sort of commotion was going on.

In the center of the trading area, there stood Lillian and Sheska. Normally she would have ignored them, especially now because of the increasing magnitude of this God awful headache, but then she noticed Natasha at their feet, a bruise on her cheek.

Lillian had the girl by her hair, and Sheska had her hand in the air. When she struck the poor girl across the face, that was when Esther had no choice but to intervene.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Esther demanded, smacking Sheska to the ground. The girl fell on her backside, a few surprised tears edging at her eyes.

Pathetic brat! An outraged voice in Esther's head screamed. She was disgusted by the audacity of these girls, and she had been for years now. Violently, she yanked Lillian's hand from her grip on Natasha's hair. She then used her other hand to hold the girl up to the wall by her neck. Her blood felt as if it were boiling with rage. Not only was her rage seemingly uncontrolled towards the two girls, but also at Natasha. She couldn't understand what it was, but she had an urge to kill all of them right on the spot.

The sadistic voice entered her thoughts again, and her eye began to burn. That's right...kill them...the sword hungers...

"Esther, stop!" Cried the voice of Leah.

Even that didn't stop her. Her hand began to tighten over Lillian's neck. The girl choked out pleas to let go of her. From behind, Sheska was screaming in terror.

Leah walked over and stood next to her, her face about three inches from Esther's. She bellowed, "Esther! You're killing her! Stop this now!"
Esther blinked. The voice vanished, and she groggily realized what she was doing. Immediately upon that realization, she released Lillian. The girl fell to the ground, coughing and gasping for air.

"Oh my god..." She backed away, almost afraid of herself. "What the hell..."

"What's wrong with you?" Leah asked, her eyes showing complete shock, but then softening a little once Esther fell to the ground as well.

"Let's get out of here!" Sheska helped her sister up, and the two ran from the area.

Esther continued to pant. "I'm so sorry...I don't...I don't know what happened..."

"I'd say that they totally deserved it, but I think you need to take it easy."

"I know...I don't-" And with that, the head-ache increased, and her vision began to dissipate.

Natasha fixed her eyes on her in a look she had never seen from the girl before. However, she couldn't really describe it, nor think about it too much as she lost consciousness.

Author's Note-

Esther got a little scary there huh? Though, I think her sister is right. I really don't like those sisters...I think they got what everyone wanted to have happen to them.

I've got the first part of Chapter 8 typed already! ;D