Chapter 1

In the shadows of the lush but deadly forest, rustling and swift movements are constant throughout the forest. Streaks of black are chasing after a striate of white. Their subtle but quick movements are sudden bursts of energy as they hunt the mysterious white figure. The white figure flies through the treetops in acrobatic movements to show its skill as well as tactics to drive away its pursuers.

"Come on now Alca, these woods are not safe for little girls like us." A pretty girl now jogs slowly below the trees, a beautiful snowy owl soars overhead. The girl has blond silky hair, eyes like emerald rubies, and a firm but angelic body. The snowy owl is the same except its eyes are ebony in contrast to its pure white feathers. The girl skips along the wooden trail as she hums a beautiful lullaby. The girl is energetic and has boundless amounts of vim to stir even the sleepiest dwarves from sleep.

The black shadows are now men covered in sleek sable clothes and the white figure is a paradox, the exact opposite of the darkly men. The boy jump flips from a tree and lands on the ground. From there, he runs to a pile of large stones forming a mound. The dark men throw black shurikens at the boy, the raven stars rip through the air to subdue the boy. The boy senses the stars and quickly slashes at the shurikens with his silver dagger. The boy continues to run and jumps high over the mound and climbs up a tree. He stands still and he slants his eyes at the dark men, challenging them to fight.

The girl is now skipping through the road with her rod used as a baton. The rod is made of oak wood and the handle is curved. The owl flows through the air effortlessly; her silent movements are matched only by her free spirit. The owl suddenly stops and lets out a hoot, the girl understands and runs with her owl towards the sensed danger. She takes out the rod and her eyes glow with intensity. She stops at the sight in front of her. The owl stops also and her talons reflect the sunlight, a deadly battle has begun. The girl sees a white small boy standing on a tree while black clothed persons are coming at him.

The boy now knows he must not lose this battle, or his head will be on a platter. The boy flips forward to a nearby tree and propels his own shurikens at the enemies, the stars are ivory and strikes 2 of his opponents. By this time, the shadowy men are in close range; the boy takes out his dagger and uppercuts one and strikes down on the forehead on the other while coming down from a jump. More men were coming he didn't know if he could survive.

"Look Alca, ninjas! Real life ninjas!" The girl gets excited from the action and her earrings jingle. Alca does not dally, she beckons the girl to come forth and aid the boy. The girl notices the black ninjas with skulls, she immediately places her rods firmly into her hands and the ruby on top glows a deep red. Alca swiftly flies towards the dark men and slashes one in the eyes.

It happened so suddenly that the boy almost lost his balance. A magnificent owl aiding him was almost miraculous, he was sure nature is on his side. The boy gains new confidence and attains new momentum. He rapidly strikes at the men one by one, his dagger spins like a whirlwind devastating the dark ninjas from the treetops. Then, a black ninja sneaks up from behind and grabs the boy. He squirms, he is helpless.

The dark ninja positions a knife to the boy's neck. The blade is dried with old blood and a skull brings unwelcoming thoughts. The knife slowly digs deep into the throat, blood starts to pour. The boy closes his eyes, he accepts his defeat. Suddenly, his hold is broken. The black ninja bursts into flames and falls from the tree.

"Whew! That was a close one." The girl was relieved that she wasn't too late, the blade might have killed the boy. She smiles at him and winks, the boy merely stares in astonishment. He's cute, she thought.

The boy returns to his battle, his neck is healing rapidly. Soon the ninjas are defeated and the remaining runs. The boy jumps gracefully from a tree branch and does a swan dive back but throws a ball of teal energy at the running ninjas. The ball explodes, the ninjas seem desecrated, The girl grins but raven shurikens are flung from the explosion, the girl screams. The owl in a flash strikes the shuriken going at the girl with a dive and the boy flip kicks to dodge the shurikens. The girl gets fed up and she chants an ancient song. Shots of lightening bolts inflame the remaining ninjas.

"Hah! That's what happens when you mess with me or Alca!" She screams at them. She glances at the boy. "Oh yeah, him too!" The boy is silent, he watches her every movement. The girl notices the awkward silence and exclaims, "My name is Chirpdee, but my friends call me Birdie!" The boy nods and gives her a Japanese-style bow, " I am the . relic hunter from the Overlander Brigands Guild. I thank you for your help, I am Steve."