Darren placed his hand on Ella's forehead. The method was working, but slowly. "I know you'll get out of it, Ella…I just know it." He whispered under his breath as he noticed something on Ella's cheek. He gently touched the cut as Ella flinched a little, "Huh? I wonder when did she get this."

The memory of my two parents were not happy ones, but my aunt and uncle took me in like I was their own child. I miss them. As I was brought back to the present, I opened my eyes to see that I'm still in the dark. I then wiped my eyes as to I was crying earlier. I stood up as I looked around, "Hello? Is anyone here?" I then saw a figure facing me, the figure wasn't clear. I blinked my eyes a few times to finally identify the figure as Darren.

"Darren?" I quickly ran up to him as I hugged him tightly. "Oh Darren, I'm so glad you made it out alive from the attack. I was so scared." There was something wrong, this just didn't feel…quite right to me.

I looked up at Darren, "Darren? Is everything ok?" I then felt something stab at my heart, as Looked down at my chest, I didn't see anything, the stabbing got worse and I fell to the ground instantly, Darren started walking up to me as he had a knife in his hand, "Darren? Darren? What are you doing?" I tried to crawl away from Darren as far as possible, but I was too weak to even move. Darren was now in front of me as he swung the knife at me, I closed my eyes as I waited for this attack to end it all.

"Darren..Darren…no stop!!" My eyes flew wide open as I sat straight up, breathing heavily as if I just came back from the dead.

I then looked around to see where I was as Darren instantly awoke, "Ella? Oh god, finally you have awakened. I thought I was going to lose you." He then hugs me without thinking.

"Darren?" I noticed that he didn't have a shirt on and as I looked down at myself, I had no clothes on either, "Um..Darren." I tried my best not to freak out.

"Ya?" He let go of me as he realized that we were in bed, without clothes on.

"Uh, why do we not have clothes on?" I started blushing like mad as I pulled the blankets closer to me.

"Oh well…I'll actually explain that later. But right now, I think you should get dressed and I think I should as well." Darren then got out of bed as he gathered his clothes. "Are you feeling ok?"

"I'm still a bit weak, but I feel fine." I smiled at him.

"Ok. I'll explain to you all of this after we get dressed. I'm going to close the curtains to give you some privacy." Before he closed the curtains he said to me, "I'm glad you're back. I thought I was going to lose you for good." He then closed the curtains and as he closed the curtains, I swore I saw him smile, so I smiled shyly back. I then found my clothes on the end of my bed. I got them and first started getting my upper half dressed. When I finished, it was time to dress my bottom half. I quickly hurried as I could barely see through the curtains that Darren had his shirt on already, I then finished putting on my clothes as I opened the curtains. Darren came over to me as he sat down on the bed.

"You feeling alright?" Darren asked me for the millionth time, when it was only three times that he asked me this question. He touched my forehead with his hand. His hand felt cool against my skin.

"I'm fine Darren, really. Just a little dizzy that's all." I smiled weakly to give him some reassurance that I was going to be o.k.

"Your temperature is still a bit warm, maybe you should get some rest." Darren was apparently ignoring my words.

"Darren, I said I'm fine. I just need some food is all." I then looked around as I remembered everyone else.

"Where is Ms. Okami and Kira? Is Evra and Mr. Crepsley here with you also?"

"They're all downstairs eating dinner. Oh and about why we didn't have our clothes on. Ms. Okami told me about a method where in order to cool down a person's body heat, you have to create equilibrium between the two people. In other words, what you saw me doing when you woke up." Darren explained.

"Oh, I see. I was trying my absolute hardest not to freak out, to be honest." I let out a small laugh.

"Trust me, it was much harder on me." Darren let out a small laugh as well.

That led me to thinking, "Did you hesitate to think at all about what Ms. Okami asked you to do?" I asked Darren.

"To be honest, no. What I was worried about was what you were going to think when you woke up and if you would forgive me or not." Darren looked down at his hands.

I then took his hands in mine as I looked at him, "Thank you, for what you did and yes I do forgive you even though you did nothing wrong." I smiled. "That reminds me, where is everyone else?" I looked around.

"They're downstairs eating dinner, would you like to join them?" Darren asked as he got up with my hands still in his.

"Yes, please." Darren then helped me out of bed as he took me downstairs. As we walked down to dinner, I had so many questions on my mind because last time I remembered, only Kira and Ms. Okami were with me. Darren, Evra and Mr. Crepsley must have joined in later. "When did the three of you come in? Last time I remember, I was with Ms. Okami and Kira."

"Well, we were on our way to the first checkpoint, but then we heard some voices and we came across Kira and Ms. Okami and you as well, but you…" Darren seemed distant as he was about to finish the sentence. "But you…you were unconscious when we saw you."

"Unconscious? All I remembered was that I walked into the waterfall and…"

"You walked into the Waterfall of Tranquility, it's where when a person walks into the waterfall, they get taken back to memories that have happened in their past while their physical state is unconscious, The time limit to get out of the memories is 60 minutes. You got out of your memories just in time."

"Is this what Mr. Tall meant by obstacles trying to stop us?" I asked, Darren nodded. "Anyways, let's not think about this for now, I'm starved." We finally reached the bottom of the stairs where there were other inn guests eating at the tables. I then spotted Ms. Okami and everyone else. Kira was the first one to notice me.

"ELLA!" Kira ran over to me and hugged me tight as I hugged her back, "Oh my gosh, I didn't think I would ever see you again. We never lost hope in you. How are you feeling?" Kira started rambling.

"I'm fine, really. I'm just hungry, that's all." I walked over with Darren and Kira as I took a seat beside Ms. Okami. Kira sat beside me as Darren sat beside Evra and Mr. Crepsley.

"Ella, you're awake, finally. How are you feeling?" Ms. Okami gave me a small hug as I did the same to her.

"A little dizzy, but I feel alright." I then saw Evra and Mr. Crepsley, "Hi Evra, Hi Mr. Crepsley." I smiled.

"Hey Ella, feeling better?" Evra asked. I nodded.

"Ah, Ella, feeling better I see?" Mr. Crepsley asked. I nodded.

I then looked at the table with the food on it. It looked untouched, "Did you guys get a chance to eat yet?"

"Actually, we were waiting for you and Darren to come downstairs." Ms. Okami replied.

"Well, now that we are here, what are we waiting for? Let's dig in!" We then all started to ear the food that was prepared for us on the table. I can tell we would need our energy and strength for what was about to come.

When dinner was over, Kira went up to bed first and so did Evra, the only people left at the table were Ms. Okami, Darren, Mr. Crepsley, and I. I didn't feel sleepy since I was kind of in a deep sleep earlier.

"When are we leaving here, Ms. Okami?" I asked eagerly to get back onto our journey to Death Mountain.

"We will probably leave during dawn. Are you feeling alright to leave that early?" Ms. Okami looked concerned.

"Yes, Ms. Okami. I'll be fine." I gave her a reassuring smile. Ever since I had to leave my family, Ms. Okami has always been like a mother to me.

"Well, ok. How about you and Darren go on to bed?" Ms. Okami stroked my hair. "We're leaving bright and early tomorrow and you, especially, Ella need your strength. You as well Darren."

"Yes, Ms. Okami." Darren then stood up, "Come on, Ella. I'll walk you upstairs."

"Ok, Goodnight Ms. Okami." I gave her a hug as I stood up. "Goodnight, Mr. Crepsley." I stood in front of him as I searched his face to see if it was alright to hug him.

"Goodnight, Ella." He then stood up as he went over to hug me. He then parted as I walked upstairs with Darren. "I swear if I hear another person ask me if I'm alright, I will go insane." I whispered to Darren as other guests were also getting ready for bed.

Darren then stroked his chin in thought, "Are you feeling alright, Ella?" He then laughed.

"Hey! You did that on purpose!" I then hit his shoulder as I ran down the hall to where our rooms were. Darren ran after me and as I reached the door of my room, he then caught me from behind. I started laughing, "Come on Darren, let go." I didn't really struggle and I didn't really resist. Since he was half vampire, he was just as strong as I was. I started laughing as he still held on to me in a playful way. "Darren, let go!" I laughed. His grip on me started to loosen as I stopped struggling. I then looked up at him as his eyes were filled with compassion and worry, I then leaned in to kiss him.

"Ella…promise me something." He said as our lips parted.

"Sure thing, what is it?"

"Promise me you won't worry me like that ever again."

"I promise I won't worry you like that ever again." I promised him.

"Ok, now get some sleep, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. I'll see you in the morning." His long fingers then stretched out to caress my cheek. His icy touch sent a chill through my spine. He then turned his back to me as he went inside his room to join Evra.

I went in my room to join Kira, but as I opened the door a pillow went flying to my face, but I caught it in time to prevent the pillow from knocking me over. "Hey! What was that for?" I threw the pillow back at Kira.

"So..how was your walk up here with Darren?" Kira said teasingly as she got up, walking towards me. I realized she was already dressed in her pajamas.

"Oh, stop being nosy." I went to sat down on my bed as there were only two beds. I wonder where Ms. Okami is going to sleep. I started taking off my shoes.

"Aww, come on. I'm your best friend, aren't I?" Kira asked, I nodded. "Well then tell me what happened."

I then started getting dressed into my pajamas, "You're always so nosy."

"Ya, Evra tells me that all the time. Tell me something that's not new." Kira rolled her eyes.

I sighed in defeat, "Ok, fine I'll tell you, but don't hate me if you don't think it's interesting." I then told Kira what had happened from when she left to go upstairs to when I walked into the room.

"Not interesting? Are you crazy? I do wonder what Mr. Crepsley and Ms. Okami are talking about though. Want to go check it out?" Kira sprang up from her bed as I plopped down on my bed and pulled the covers on my head.

"You can go, but as for me. I'm going to sleep." I then remembered what happened before dinner as I took in the scent of the blankets as it still had Darren's scent on it. I then started to blush, but just as I closed my eyes, the doorknob turned. I then turned my head as I saw who was coming in. It was Ms. Okami, I stared at the clock. It said 10 P.M. Ms. Okami didn't close the door immediately as she was still talking to Mr. Crepsley about something important, I guess. Kira then went back to her bed as quietly as she could, her eyes locked on the two adults speaking. Turns out, Kira wasn't paying attention to where she was going and she tripped over a chair. She landed with a loud thud and Ms. Okami instantly turned her head towards us.

"Ow. That hurt." Kira said rubbing her head.

I couldn't help but laugh. I then got up as I took Kira's hand and helped her up. "Be more careful next time will you?"

"That was not funny." Kira stomped back to her bed as she pulled the covers over her head in embarrassment.

"Goodnight, Larten." Ms. Okami said her goodbye to the vampire as she closed the door behind her. I assumed that they had to stop their conversation short due to Kira's fall. "Kira, are you alright?" Ms. Okami asked.

"Ya, I'm fine, Ms. Okami." Kira said as she turned her head towards her.

"Ok, good. We wouldn't want another one of you to be hurt. Now, you girls get some sleep. We have to be up bright and early tomorrow." Ms. Okami said as she laid out a blanket on the floor. I assumed that's where she was sleeping for the night. "Goodnight girls."

"Goodnight Ms. Okami." Kira and I said in unison as I turned my body towards the window, staring out into the starry night. The lights went out as I closed my eyes, wondering what tomorrow is going to be like.

"Ella? Ella? Ella!!" I felt something nudging me. I recognized the voice as it belonged to Kira.

I then woke up as I rubbed my eyes, "Ugh..what time is it?" I looked outside the window, it was barely morning.

"5 A.M." Kira said as I saw her already dressed.

"You're usually the one that I have to wake up. Is Ms. Okami awake?" I looked around the room as I slowly got up and started changing.

"Ya, she's downstairs eating breakfast. I think Evra's still in bed, he was always like this back home. I'm not so sure about Darren though. I did see Mr. Crepsley wake up around the same time as Ms. Okami though."

"This journey is going to be a long one. How longer is it to the first check in point?" I asked as I put on my jacket. Although it may be morning, the sun was still hiding behind the hills.

"Hmm…I'm not sure, but I think we have at least 5 more hours or so. That shouldn't be a problem for you, right? Darren can just carry you." Kira said teasingly.

"Oh, hush up. I doubt he would carry me anyways." I opened the door as Kira followed me from behind.

"Oh really? Well if I remember correctly, he was carrying you the whole time yesterday when you were unconscious. Evra wanted to carry you as well, but Darren wouldn't let him. Are you two getting serious?" Kira's tone was serious now.

"I don't know really. I hope we are, I mean I really like him. We have so much in common and…" The door to the boy's room opened as Evra came out, yawning.

It didn't take long for him to notice us, "Oh hey there sis, hey Ella. Feeling better?"

"Loads, thanks Evra." I then looked behind him to see if there was anybody else in there. "Um…"

"If you're looking for Darren, he's downstairs already." Evra smiled.

"Oh, thanks." I then started quickening my pace as I wanted to see Darren.

"Wow, they must be getting serious, huh?" Evra whispered over to Kira as they followed behind me.

"Ya, I know, right? Ella couldn't stop talking about Darren at all last night." Kira whispered back. "By the way, how long has Darren been downstairs?"

"Hmm… I woke up around 5 minutes ago and Darren was already gone." Evra shrugged as the three of us arrived downstairs. Only one or two groups of people were eating downstairs.

I then spotted Mr. Crepsley, Ms. Okami and Darren. I walked to them as I took my place beside Darren. Kira and Evra sat next to Mr. Crepsley. "Good morning everyone." I smiled.

"Good morning, Ella. We didn't think you would wake up until later on, but good thing Kira woke you up. We were just about to go up and pack." Ms. Okami said.

"That's fine, you can go upstairs if you like, I'll just stay down here with Evra, Kira, and Darren." I smiled at Ms. Okami.

"Well, ok. If you're sure. I'll see you in a bit." Ms. Okami got up as she went upstairs.

"I might as well go pack up too. The boys' room was such a mess." Mr. Crepsley let out a small chuckle.

"Hey! Evra is the messy one!" Darren argued.

"I am not! Darren's the pig!" Evra argued back. I found this somewhat entertaining. I then started eating the food that was left on the table.

"Boys." Mr. Crepsley rolled his eyes as he got up. "I'll see you all in a little bit." Mr. Crepsley nodded as he walked upstairs.

"Can you believe them?' Kira said across the table to me.

"I know, huh? Boys are so immature." I took another bite out of my bread.

"And don't think we didn't hear that." Darren turned to me as he smiled. I didn't really notice before, but there was something about his smile that just made my heart skip a beat.

I smiled nervously back and then I shrugged at him as I continued to eat. Ms. Okami told me once that wolves were big eaters and turns out I was turning into one. "

"Didn't you finish eating, Darren?" Kira asked as she started picking food up with her chopsticks and putting them on her plate.

"Ya, but I'll stay down here with you guys. I don't mind." Darren then looked at me as he smiled.

Even though I didn't look at him, I could feel his eyes searching me. We were sitting to the part where our elbows touched and that touch sent up an electric spark into me.

A few minutes later, I finished eating as I stood up, "I'll be upstairs packing as well. If any of you guys need me, you know where to find me." I smiled at them.

"I'll come with you." Darren stood up. "I'll see you guys in a little bit." He directed that toward Kira and Evra.

We both then walked upstairs as more people started coming down for breakfast or to go out.

"Thank you, so much for your hospitality." Ms. Okami returned both of the keys to the boy's room and the girl's room.

"Oh no, thank you. We hope you enjoyed your stay." The inn keeper then took the keys as he hanged it up back on the wall.

"Thank you again. Tell your daughter thank you for us." Ms. Okami bowed as the inn keeper bowed back. We were already outside waiting for Ms. Okami. "Come on, let's go. This is going to be another long journey." We then started walking back to the forest. "Now, everyone stay together. We wouldn't want another one of you getting hurt." I knew Ms. Okami was referring to me.

5 hours later…

With some complaining of if we were there yet and with the noises of the forest, we finally reached at the first checkpoint. Evra and Kira quickly ran to the checkpoint, looking around. I had a feeling they were looking for their sisters. I then heard a shriek coming from one of the tents.

"OH MY GOSH! Is that you, Kira and Evra?" A figure ran out of the tent, I could make the figure out as one of their sisters, Kristy, the youngest of their family. "Hey Krystal! Kira and Evra made it!" Their older sister, Krystal came running out of the tent. The two sisters then hugged their middle sister and their big brother.

I smiled a smile that caught Darren's attention, "Something the matter, Ella?"

"Oh, I just miss my family is all. Hopefully I get to see them again one day." I then started walked to where Ms. Okami and Mr. Crepsley were, they were at the check in desk.

"Ya, I know how you feel. I had a little sister when I was human and I didn't get along with her too well, but we still got along once in a while." It seemed like after the incident with the waterfall, Darren seemed to be hesitant to leave my side, he also seemed…

A voice knocked my thoughts away, "Ella! I got our tent. Come along." It was Ms. Okami.

"Ok, I'll see you later Darren?" I started towards Ms. Okami.

"Ya, I'll see you later." He smiled, but for some reason I could see the sorrow in his eyes.

"Let's see…Tent 13. One of my favorite numbers." Ms. Okami smiled as she walked in with Crescent. I realized Crescent was quiet for most of the time. I wonder why.

I walked in the tent as well, but inside was no ordinary camping tent. My mouth fell in open shock as I looked around, it was like a regular home. I guess this is what they meant by don't judge a book by it's cover or in this case, a tent by it's cover. There were two beds, a kitchen, a small living room, and pretty much all the works. The interior design was absolutely gorgeous. It was red linen with gold designs on it. I then went to a bed and slumped on it and sighed. This was really going to be a long adventure, but I'm up for anything as long as I'm with Darren. I then smiled as I hugged the pillow on the bed.