"…That means you have it, don't you?"

Nukpana stepped back, feeling the ground shift slightly. No…it wasn't shifting, it was mud! They had to be near the pond for, from the feel and sense of things, there had been a few floods. That was why the ground was slightly squishy and engulfed anything that stepped on it. The question was…where exactly was the pond?

"The Elder Lady…she gave it to me in her will." She whispered softly, unsure if her voice would hold still as she spoke the rest, "She died just moments ago, Master. Oh how she looked so frail, so ill! She asked about you, about us…She told me many things."

"Many rains have passed child but I know when you're holding something back."

"She knew me well, remembered me…I told her everything."

"Nukpana…You are not evil. You are simply a good person who's led a bad life. I knew from the moment I heard your name that you'd be pure in heart. I knew that you'd never become corrupt and cruel. You're kind and caring to love this man and for him to love you back. Love is never evil or good; love is just deep emotions of caring. It's never right nor is it ever wrong."

Her words echoed loudly in her mind. Finally she finished what she was saying, "She told me many things, advise. She told me that…"

"Enough of this nonsense!" Fiske snapped without warning. She jumped, almost sliding to the ground because of the mud. "Give me the amulet now, girl!" His voice was booming with authority.

His gray eyes, which were once a warm yet cold blue, were covered with a tint of insanity. They showed a menacing lust for power which frightened Nukpana deeply. His outstretched fur covered hand was merely inches away from her, demanding.

Nukpana stared at his hand for a moment, her hand subconsciously going towards the jewel in her pocket. When she took it out, the sun shined at least twice as bright. The red necklace sparkled bright, almost blinding all except for the red eyed girl. She stared at it, seeing what looked like swirling storm clouds appear in it.

She was only a child, only a teenager. In her country, she was a woman and a spinster for not being married yet. In almost every other country, she was a free spirited and spoiled teenager. And yet…and yet, she knew what power this thing held. She could feel it radiating off the jewel. Wave after wave, she felt it wash upon her.

Should such great power be given to one man who was believed to be evil? Or should it be given to a 'good' person? The Old Lady had said that she was a good person who had bad things happen to. If that was true, then it made sense that a bad person could do good deeds just like a good person could make bad choices.

What should she do?

Give it to Kim? Or Monty?

Monty Fiske was a man who took her in even after she stole from him and nearly got him killed from the quick sand. He had taken her in, given her food, shelter and clothes. He trained her to fight, taught her to meditate and speak English. However, he had also stolen before and hurt people.

Did this make him bad?

Her mind said yes while her heart said no.

"Nukpana…" A hint of impatience was in his tone. "Hand it over now."

Suddenly she knew…she knew what had to be done. She tossed it in the air, watching it float as though a thin feather. The wind was soft, barely a breeze and yet it seemed to hold the jewel up.

When the realization of the situation finally sunk in, it was too late. Kim had run and jumped, just like Nukpana planned. She grabbed the jewel and landed on her feet with a certain experienced grace.

"Why did you bloody do that?!" Monty questioned, his open hand closing into a shaking fist.

"…You would have used it for something bad, even if you are a good person in my eyes Monty." She whispered softly, feeling a certain calm and wisdom upon her. Was it just her imagination or was her feet sinking deep? Not daring to risk a glance, she kept her eyes on the man before her.

"Where do your loyalties lie, girl?!" Monkey Fist's voice rang sharp and clear with the pure unadulterated rage he was feeling.

At this, she turned her head to the side. Anger, however, had made her plan change; Monty slapped her across the face. Her face snapped to the other side and she stumbled, nearly falling. Her feet sand deep but she ignored it.

"You…you hit me!" A shocked voice screeched.

"You betrayed me! After all I've done for you! I give you a huge castle to protect you from the weather; I give you the finest richest foods in all the lands; I give you the most expensive clothes to make your beauty shine! And what do you do? Throw it all away; betray me for some little friendship that means nothing! Do you honestly think they'll remain friends with a villain's sidekick?!" He shouted, stepping closer.

"Apparently that's all I do, according to you; I betray!" Bitterness overtook her and without warning, Ronald tackled Monty away from her. As she watched them fight for the amulet, as she felt her feet sink slowly…she wondered…

Would they stay her friends after this?

Or would she lose her love, Monty Fiske?

Next chapter: During the fight, Nukpana thinks. She thinks about the past; we see memories! YAY! Then…something awful happens. Monty loses his temper and gets her killed…or does he? Review please!