Chapter 2: Being Silent
Caryna!!! Caryna!!!
Are you all right?
Where are you now?
Where are Juno and Vesta?
Where is everybody?
Mother?
Father?
Where is everyone?
Where am I?
Why is it so dark in here?
Is there anyone here at all?
Don't leave me alone for this battle.
Help me!!!
It's tearing at my heart!!!
It hurts a lot!!!
Anyone!!! Help!!!
" Miss!!" a voice appeared in her mind, "Wake up!!" Wake up? She was asleep? She was dreaming? Open your eyes, end these terror!!
She pushed her eyelids up with much force. Light. She sees light. Her vision blurred for a moment. Then, she saw the face of a boy, teenage. She tried to sit up but the wound at her neck and her heart did not allow her to. She swallowed back a groan. She let herself sit up with the help of the teenager. While doing that, she had looked into the dark brown eyes that had locked with her gaze. She felt as if her soul was being pulled into his enchanting eyes. The attraction, the enchantment, the window to his soul...
The boy sat next to her in bed. He smiled at her warmly. He was not an enemy it seems. She felt a little dizzy. The boy reached out and touched her cheek. She just stared, wondering what was happening. It seemed he had just brushed off some tears. She touched her cheeks. Yes, she cried while she was unconscious just now.
" What is your name, miss?" he asked her softly. She opened her mouth to speak, wanting to ask who he was before telling him her name. But, no voice was heard. No!!! She wanted to scream out. Her voice!!! Not at this moment!!! She needed her voice.
" Are you alright?" the boy leaned over. She hugged her legs close to herself and buried her face in her knees on the bed, crying silent tears. She ignored the pain in her neck and the dampness she caused on the blanket that wrapped around her bare legs. She felt so hopeless; she did not know what to do. She has never felt so alone before in her life.
He felt so bad for the girl. He was about to leave the room when he heard groans behind him. He turned to see the girl wriggling in his bed and groaning, she must have been having bad dreams. He tried to wake her up as she squeezed the blanket around her in her hands as if clinging on for dear life. He tried to wake the girl up, hoping to bring her out of the nightmares. She must have gone through a lot as he glanced at the bandage around her neck. And now she broke down as she tried to speak.
He put a hand around her shoulder to comfort her. He felt her shiver as she wept. The girl did not move at all from her position as she cried. Slowly, her body began to stop shivering. Thinking she had calmed down, he whispered comforting words into her ear and let her lie back. As he did so, he noticed she began closing her weary eyes slowly. He smiled down at her and pulled the blanket up to her chin.
He changed his shirt and sat next to the girl, in case she might have her nightmares once more, he would be there to comfort her. He sat there wondering why the girl was in the middle of the road when he found her. He brushed away some strands of his hair away from his eyes and leant back on the bed stand and fell asleep.
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The sun came up, shooting rays of light into his room through the closed windows. He stood up and walked over to the windows. He reached his hands out and pulled on the curtains to block most of the sunlight from disturbing the girl's sleep. He turned and looked at the sleeping figure on his bed. He had not really slept soundly that night, listening for any slight sound that may indicate the girl's movement but thankfully, she did not seem to have any trouble in her mind as she slept away her weariness.
His mother came in the room and saw her son in the room, sitting on a chair and resting. She walked over to the bed and put a pair of shorts on the blankets. Then she went over to her son and told him to be down for breakfast when he was ready. Her son nodded. She walked out of the room quietly, closing the door behind her.
He closed his eyes once more, taking in the peace and quiet into his mind. He was drifting into his own thoughts as he heard a slight groan. His eyes shot up. He turned to look at the girl. She had turned herself onto her side and left herself at an uncomfortable position. The uneasiness had awoken her. Now, she tried to sit up.
He went over to help her sit up in bed. She looked at him as she grabbed the blankets up to her bosom. He smiled at her warmly and handed the pair of shorts to her before walking to the corner to leave her some privacy. He knew he could have gone through the door but he did not want to let the girl to climb out of the window and escape from them in this state of hers.
She saw the guy moved to a corner to leave her to put on the shorts that was offered. After having a hard time putting them on, she tried to call out to him but no voice came out. She confirmed that she had lost her voice. She did not cry this time but moved out of the bed slowly. She walked up to the guy quietly and patted on his shoulder.
Surprised, he felt a light hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw the girl in front of him. She was about six inches shorter than him or less. She smiled weakly at him. He led her to sit on the bed as he sat next to her, "So, what is your name?" The girl looked lost as she looked around. He tried asking again but the girl only opened her mouth and spoke nothing.
"You must have lost your voice last night, haven't you?"
She nodded. Then she found what she was looking for. She pointed at his study table. He looked there and saw what she was pointing at. He went over and took the pencil and a notebook there. He handed the stationeries to her. She took them and scribbled on it.
"Thank you for helping me last night."
The scribbles on the notebook read. He noticed that she must have practiced writing for a few hours everyday to have such nice handwriting. He told her it was nothing and was glad to help, adding that his mother did most of the bandages. He then asked for her name.
She did not know what name to tell him. She had figured that she was on Earth as she had learnt that humans for many millenniums had occupied the planet. She could not tell him she was the princess of an unknown world to him. Yet, she was not the Grave Goddess, at least that was not what her heart had told her. She made up her mind and began scribbling once more.
"Crystania Sygel Sunsets." "That is quite a name. I am Gaven Nick Siera. What happened to you last night?"
She had used her real name, as she does not want anyone to call her Lady here. But how was she to explain to this human that she was cast away from 'Paradise' and accidentally fell onto this planet? He would think that she was insane or that she was a witch and be put to death like the customs in Salem that she had read through books when she was home. The thoughts of home brought tears to her eyes. Her vision blurred and she had trouble keeping her suddenly heavy head up. Gaven reached out and laid her back so she could lean on the bed stand.
"You don't have to answer that question if you are not ready yet. It's okay. Don't cry, Miss Sunsets."
She did not know what to say to him. Here he was treating her so hospitably and politely when she was accused as the Grave Goddess who had the powers to destroy not only him, but also his family, his friends, his neighborhood and bringing the whole world along with them. What was she to do at this time? She knew she could not lie nor could she explain everything to him. Perhaps, one day, maybe she would tell this kind person here all about herself.
"A bad accident. I had nowhere to go to. My parents are very far away and I do not have a home."
She replied silently on the piece of paper, her only way of communication with others. Her hand was shaking lightly as she wrote. She blinked away her tears, trying hard not to break down. She wondered what would become of her once she got out of the house. She knew she could not manage the journey to Jupiter alone when she was drained of her strength and powers.
"Would you like to rest some more or have breakfast now, Miss Sunsets?"
She smiled lightly as she scribbled more words on the notebook.
"Please, Crystal will do, Sir Siera. And I guess some breakfast will do just fine."
Gaven read the note and laughed, "If that is so, Crystal, please, just Gaven. I shall ask my mother to make you some breakfast so you may have it here as I see that body do not allow you to move around conveniently."
Crystal smiled at Gaven warmly and nodded her head, agreeing silently. Gaven smiled back at her, glad that she was improving. Then he made his way out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where his mother was. Crystal heard some talking in the kitchen. Perhaps Gaven was talking to his mother about what she had told him earlier. She also heard some pans clanging and figured they were fixing breakfast at the moment.
Crystal moved out of the bed, walking cautiously and slowly towards the room's window. She pushed the curtains aside and looked out. She looked out towards a world she did not know and only knew about in books. She noticed the fact that this world has only one sun. She smiled back at the warm light the sun gave her. She placed her right hand on the window, as if trying to touch the sunlight.
Her hand slid down slowly on the window, until, she felt some marks on the window with her smooth fingertips. She bent down slightly so as not to cause any unnecessary pain throughout her body. There she noticed that there were some light scratch marks on the smooth glass. The scratches looked like they were made by a cat, but the paw seemed larger than a regular house cat. She did not get to study the marks further as she heard someone coming in the room.
She stood up straight once more and looked at the person who came in. She bowed slightly, showing respect to the elder woman who came in with a tray of breakfast. The woman smiled at her and gestured her to come back to the bed. Crystal obeyed her and climbed back into the bed. The woman placed the tray on her lap. Crystal smiled at the woman, hoping she knows that she was trying to say thank you to her and making a guess that that woman was Gaven's mother.
After that she turned her attention towards the food on the tray. There were egg sandwiches and tuna sandwiches on a plate with a glass of fresh milk at the side. She started her meal as Gaven walked in with his tray and sat down in the nearby chair. His mother told him to keep Crystal company until she had gotten better. Then, his mother went out to continue her house chores.
The both of them sat in silence, tasting their breakfast thoroughly before swallowing. Gaven stole glances at the girl on the bed occasionally, wondering how to tell the girl what his mother had told him earlier in the kitchen downstairs. He knew it was very unlikely that his parents had decided so quickly after he told them about the girl being homeless. But the fact is that they had told him to let the girl know once she had finished her breakfast.
Gaven stuffed another tuna sandwich into his mouth. He chewed as he looked up to look at the girl again. Sunlight shone in through the window and fell beautifully on the bed where Crystal was. It was then when he noticed that her movements were very ladylike as if trained to do so since young. She placed her sandwich into her mouth slowly and took a small bite. She chewed on it slowly and swallowed. Another bite followed. It was like looking at a real-life princess.
The first to finish the meal was obviously Gaven. He set aside his tray and drank his chocolate milk slowly. Soon, Crystal was done with the sandwiches and was sipping her milk. Gaven looked towards the window and saw that she had drawn the curtains. She must like the light a lot. He continued to sit there quietly, wondering how he was to let her know of the new news. When he decided it was time he should let her know, he walked over and sat at the side of the bed.
"Crystal, my parents have decided that you should stay here for the time being until you have healed completely. Then we will try to contact your parents or find you a home with your relatives. Is that fine with you?"
Crystal was startled. They have treated her nicely enough and now they offered her a shelter until she gets a home for herself. She did not know what to say. She could not stay and live a lie in front of them. Them, who had treated her like no one should towards a Grave Goddess. But yet, she had nowhere to go. Who could she turn to? Where could she hide? She took the notebook and pencil in her hands.
"I cannot bother your family further yet I have no relatives or parents who may be of any help. I am on my own. I will find myself a shelter once I have my change of clothes once more."
"The more you should stay with us for the time being, Crystal. I am sure there will be no trouble for you to stay with us until you find yourself a home. But I do hope that one day you will share with us what you have gone through to be in a state as this."
Crystal felt bad deep down in her heart. He was right. There was nowhere else she could go. She has not even another set of clothes other than the royal gown she wore on her way here. She shall have to settle down here where they accept her until she comes across any other options. But about herself...One day, perhaps one day, when she gets to leave this place or if there will be a need to expose her past...One day...
"One day, Gaven, one day I will explain everything to you. You help me without questioning who I was last night. I am grateful. I shall, then; I shall stay until I find myself a new place where I will call home."
Gaven smiled at her. He felt that he would not be surprised if he was told that she was a princess or a duchess for she exudes a soothing presence of gentleness, authority, calmness, love and her words were of formality. His sister had gone overseas to study. Perhaps this girl would keep him company while his sister was away as he could be of her company too.
"We will see how things should be done when the time comes. Meanwhile you just make yourself at home and recover. I will bring the trays down and ask my mother to come up to check on your wounds."
Gaven wanted to get up from the edge of his bed when Crystal grabbed his sleeve. He turned to her, wondering what she wanted. Crystal shook her head. He wondered what she meant. She scribbled on the notebook telling him that it would not be necessary to check on her wounds, as she will do it on her own. Gaven disagreed, stating that she would not be able to move around much as she will cause herself more pain. Gaven went on his way. Crystal did not make any further objections.
Crystal thought of what Gaven had said to her earlier, "...you just make yourself at home..." If she could laugh without tearing the gash at her neck further, she would do it out loud as she recalls what she does at home. As soon as she woke up, she would kick a hanging sandbag hanging in the gym room connected to her bedroom. After about a half of an hour, she would proceed to her washing up in the bathroom then to the study where she buries her face in another novel twice as thick as the telephone directory on Earth for the next three hours before finally going to the dining room for her lunch as she does not have any breakfast in the morning.
After breakfast she would have her daily training. But before that, she would have to change to comfortable clothes for her martial arts training which lasts till evening comes. This is when she has her bath and joins her family for dinner before helping her parents in some projects and diplomatic problems. When Caryna had grown older, she brought her younger sister along to expose her to some of the 'work' that one has to face as a ruler of a land. Sometimes they would end staying up late in the nights to help their parents.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Caryna. Mom. Dad. She missed them so much. Her elder sister. The one who always becomes jealous of her because she alone was nicknamed after their mother and that she, Lady Rayne, holds a special place in their parents' heart. Casmy. She, who had brought her out of insanity when she 'killed' Lord Zeithes with that poisonous royal dagger of hers. She, who had brought her homeland peace and safety by handing her to the court for a court case.
The bedroom door creaked. Crystal looked up at the elder woman who had a basin of clean cloth, bandages and a set of new clothes. Crystal forced a smile up at her, tears streaming down her face unknowingly to her. Gaven's mother set aside the basin and took a piece of tissue from the nearby table. Whispering comforting words to the weeping younger girl in bed, she dapped the tissue lightly on the girl's cheek, absorbing the liquid into the tissue. The girl calmed herself down and gave a grateful smile to the kind elder woman.
After that, Gaven's mother went to fill the basin with cool clean water and came back to sit by her son's bed. She then proceeded to examine the bruises on Crystal's arms and thighs when she noticed that the scratches and blue bruises from last night were gone, without a single trace. She felt strange but still continued to uncover the bandage that was covering a deep cut in her right thigh. As she was about to expose the wound to the air, she turned around and grabbed for a damp towel to clean the wound.
But once she turned back to the wound, she took a slight gasp and dropped the towel to the floor. She regained her expression almost immediately but her face still looked pale as she picked the towel back from the floor. The turned back to the basin and got another clean towel. The towel was dapped carefully onto the creamy smooth skin cooling the skin around the wound. Despite how Crystal had looked weirdly at the elder woman, Gaven's mother continued what she was doing silently.
The deep cut!!! The deep ugly cut that she had cleaned and bandaged last night had transformed into a simple light and casual cut overnight. She looked at the younger girl who winced when she had accidentally pressed on the open wound too harshly. Who was this mysterious silent girl who has no family and home that can heal her own wounds so quickly?
She studied the woman's face. She had looked shock when she saw the wound, but she continued what she was doing as if nothing had happened. Crystal wondered what the elder had been surprised about. Her eyes pried on the wound that was being cleaned. It was just a light cut, that was all. But...yeooww!! She winced as the towel was pressed onto the wound harshly. But if it were just a light cut, the kind woman would not bandage the wound as if it was very bad.
She looked at the bandage that was loosened earlier and currently left unheeded on the floor. The bandage was covered with a huge patch of dark crimson blood, so dark that no normal human would have. It must mean that the wound was very bad last night and that she had healed herself. However that was so impossible!!! Her mother had taken her powers away. Would that not take her power to heal away too? Unless...unless there was no power of healing but that her blood was the one that had healed her since young and not some practiced powers!!!
Crystal smiled to herself. At least she knew she did not lose everything. After Gaven's mother was done with that wound, she bandaged the wound once more and moved to another. Crystal felt the cool damp cloth being dapped lightly on her wounds. It brought a refreshing feeling surging through her body. She wanted to thank the woman but remembered that she could not speak. So, all she could do was flash Gaven's mother with the warmest smile possible before she went out with the basin, towels and blood- stained bandages.
The elder woman left the girl with a new set of clothes that she took from her daughter's wardrobe. Her daughter was away studying in another place and she thought that she might be able to lend the girl some garments before getting new ones for her. Crystal slipped the garments onto her slim body. Somehow the garments seemed slightly bigger than her well-built body. But, no matter, she was glad that she was not treated badly by strangers.
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Gaven was about to climb up the stairs to his room to see the girl when he saw his mother coming down. But before he could ascend further, his mother grabbed his right arm and pulled him to the living room, leaving him to gasp surprisingly at his mother's sudden movement. His mother hushed him as she glanced up towards his room. Gaven was surprised at his mother's weird actions. His father was sitting on the sofa nearby reading the newspaper of the day when he noticed his wife's weird doings and shifted the attention to his beloved.
An expression of terror and caution was plastered on the woman's face as she whispered dangerously to her husband and son, "That is not a human we have upstairs." Her husband looked at his wife ridiculously, "You think too much, woman, she is merely a harmless child who is in need of a home." His wife grinned at her husband, taking away the awful expression she had on a while ago, "That was what I thought too, husband."
She paused mysteriously as if waiting for some reply. When none came, she continued, "Both of you should know very well how hurt she was last night and we were to send her to the hospital today. But, if you were to see her wounds now, I will assure you that it will be a smart idea to be extremely careful of this girl, whatever she is; for she can heal so quickly that her worst wounds had healed to be so minor that it would be a laugh of the town to send her to the hospital."
Her husband seemed to be lost in his thoughts as she looked at her son for some weird expressions. However, she was in for disappointment when she noted how unsurprised her son looked. Gaven noted the questioning look from the woman and replied her silent question, "Yes, I do believe she is not the commons as I now remember how light she was when I carried her back here last night. She could have the weight of a six year old child for all I know and-"
He stopped in mid sentence when he thought of how beautiful she looked even at a glance. He was sure no commons would have such fascinating beauty. He also thought of how the girl was homeless with no relatives nearby. Surely there would be important reasons to why she was homeless all of a sudden and met with a bad accident last night. Gaven seemed very sure that all that has got to do her identity.
"Wipe that look of your face, Gaven," his mother hissed, pulling him out of his thoughts, "You should know better than to be so trusting towards the one up there. No matter how innocent one may look, you should always be very careful when it comes to inhuman females." Her husband turned back to his newspaper while grinning, "Look who's talking, son. I should know better than to trust females moreover falling for and marrying one of them."
Gaven laughed, erasing some tension from the air. His mother took a towel and whacked her husband's shoulder with it. Gaven turned towards the stairs, only to be pulled back by his mother again. She whispered cautiously into his ear, "If there is anything wrong with her, do not hesitate to kill her instantly." Gaven turned to his mother, shocked by what that had came out from her mouth. She continued, "I do not want another of our family members to be cursed, son. You should know the torture well."
Without another word, her son began ascending the stairs towards his room where he paused for a moment at the door; he thought of what his mother had said to him earlier. After some time, he shrugged and let out all the tension in a small sigh before turning the knob. He stepped into his room and saw that Crystal was sitting upright on the bed, cross-legged as if meditating. He closed the door behind him and glanced at Crystal.
The look on her face was so calm and peaceful. She had the perfect features. Her long dark mahogany layered hair covered about two-thirds of her back. Her body was just at the right size as he noticed that she must have gone through a lot of physical training to maintain such well-built body. Her fingers were slim and long as well as her legs. He took in the beautiful view of her.
Suddenly he realized that the cut on her right cheek was healing right before his eyes. The fair skin healed itself, closing the cut. The bad gash at her neck was not bandaged so the flesh that was exposed was clearly seen by him. He noticed how slowly the cut took to heal compared to the cut on her cheek but the wound did heal completely, without leaving a trace or a scar to show that the flesh there had been badly hurt once. Next was the wound at her thigh. Gaven looked away, feeling his cheeks flushing already.
Soon, he found himself looking at her face once more and noticed that she looked pale. Perhaps she was drained of energy. He saw her body sway for a moment and that was all he needed to see before he quickly got hold of Crystal's shoulders and lay her back down onto the bed. Crystal's eyes shot up at his touch and looked at him. Unintentionally, both had locked their eyes together as she laid herself down and let him cover her with the blanket.
She felt as if she was pulled into the depths of his dark brown eyes. The colour of his eyes was so beautiful. His stare was so mesmerizing. She could not find herself to pull away from the gaze. He could not pull himself away from the gaze as he noticed how beautiful and matching her dark mahogany eyes were. He felt as if he was being pulled into another world as he looked deeper into her eyes. He could have sworn he saw a beautiful crystal palace in her eyes instead of his own reflection. She could have sworn she saw wild green in the depths of his dark brown eyes.
Suddenly, Gaven turned away and slapped his left arm. After the sudden action, he revealed a freshly smashed flat mosquito on the palm of his right hand. For once Gaven was happy that a mosquito was around- to distract himself from the girl. He looked back at Crystal, this time avoiding her eyes. He told her to rest for a while until he comes back to discuss about what they shall do that day.
Crystal was shocked when she was snapped back into the reality by the sudden sound of a slap. She did not know what had come over her when they had their staring competition. She had never looked at someone in this way before. She noticed that Gaven turned to her once more but she avoided having contact with his eyes. Why? She was not sure too. Gaven told her he would be back soon to think of what they shall do that day. She nodded, turning her head to the other side, facing the window.
Gaven went out. Crystal closed her eyes and rested her weary body. After some time, she sat up, leant on the bed stand and looked around. Her eyes fell on the notebook and pencil, her way of communication. She reached out and grabbed them. Holding them closer, she thought of what she needed to say to him. She thought of her family. Smile came slowly to her pale lips as she started writing.
He stood and walked out the door, closing the door behind him quickly but silently. With the sound of click, Gaven felt as if the whole world was lifted off his shoulders. He leant against the door and cleared his mind. Then he started pondering. Crystal did not hide her ability to heal quickly. She must have known that his mother knows about it. But soon enough he found himself thinking about what had happened in his room a while ago. He had no idea why he had done it but the feeling of serenity that flows through him was so soothing he did not want to let go.
Crystal had finished writing when the door opened once more revealing Gaven at the door. She smiled up at him, although there were tears in her eyes that were threatening to fall from her lovely dark mahogany eyes. She tried to blink them away but the tears fell onto her cheeks instead. Before she could think of wiping them away, Gaven had already done that for her. Crystal handed the notebook to Gaven as he sat beside her in bed.
"I used to stay with my parents. I had an elder sister, eighteen which means she is four years elder, who moved out and a younger sister who is very kind but playful despite being thirteen this year. The elder one is Casmy and the younger one who is Caryna."
Gaven turned to Crystal, "I have an elder sister too who is also four years elder than me. She had gone overseas to study so I will be occupying her room while you may stay in mine. My father had retired recently while my mother is a housewife." He continued reading,
"I have been taught leadership and people's need in general. I guess my father wants me to serve the country. I have only my father's employees as my friends but we talked so rarely that I do not think we should be called friends. I work alone, I learn alone and I help my father with his work. Only occasionally I have Caryna as my company."
Gaven did not know what to say, a girl like her would have no friends? With her looks she could have guys waiting for her in the cold at her doorstep!! He did not say anything and continued to the next line,
"I guess you already know that my blood can heal my wounds. Well, that is all I can do actually. It can be called as a gift I was born with."
Gaven frowned as he thought, "As like the curse I was born with." His eyes widened once more when he read the last line,
"Will you be my friend as I start a new life here until I find a home?"
He looked at Crystal. Gaven smiled, "I am already a friend of yours, Crystal, unless you do not want me to be one..." Crystal smiled happily at him, forgetting all her sorrow. Once more they captured each other with the beauty of their eyes. A moment passed... Two moments... Three mo-
"GGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!"
Both were as startled as they looked at the door, as if waiting for it to burst open at any time. When it did not, Gaven walked towards the stairs and looked over, shouting down a reply that he would be down in a moment, he went back to his room. He saw Crystal looking at him with a questioning look. He told her he had to go down. Crystal shook her head as she climbed out of the bed easily. However, she could not stand well as her wound at her thigh was still hurting her.
Gaven held Crystal up. He understood that she wanted to go out of the room too and told her not to bother herself walking down the stairs. Crystal wanted to shake her head to let him know she would be following no matter what but Gaven had swept her off her feet into his arms as she gave a shriek. Both giggled as he carried her out the door.
He descended the stairs easily with Crystal so light. Gaven glanced down at the bundle he was carrying. She seemed so tiny but that was an illusion to the mind because he compared her to himself. Her wavy hair waved at he descended. Her hands were wrapped around his neck and her face was buried in his broad chest, not wanting to look if she was about to be dropped then and there. He held her closer, trying to let her know she was safe and will not land on her bottom. But the action sent shivers down to his stomach and he forced himself to resist the curse he had been living with for years.
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Crystal giggled as she was lifted into his arms easily. She put her hands around his neck for support. As they reached the stairs, Crystal's 'ride' became bumpy as Gaven descended. It had reminded her about the time when Vesta had learnt how to fly and offered Crystal a 'ride' in his arms to prove his abilities to his best friend. She remembered how Vesta had almost dropped her into the sea and on the rocky mountains. Her mind trembled at the thought.
Unconsciously, Crystal snuggled closer to Gaven's chest, afraid that he might drop her on the way. Soon, she felt Gaven pulling her closer to his body as if he had sensed her fear and trying to assure her that she will be safe in his arms. She smiled inwardly as she had found a person who cares for her. She would not be feeling lonely as she spends her days in this world.
Suddenly she felt Gaven putting her feet down to the floor. She tried to stand properly with Gaven holding her up in his arms. He turned to his mother who was at the door leading to the dining hall, "Don't worry, Mom, she's an angel." His mother smiled a little at his words assuring her that the young girl will not bring any harm to her family.
However, Crystal's face turned paler and almost fell to the floor at Gaven's words if he had not caught her in time. How did they know she was an angel? She observed Gaven and his mother for some time before realizing they were only using the word 'angel' as a metaphor. She gave a sigh of relief and looked around the living room. She noticed the family photos along the stairway.
"Hey, Gaven!!"
Crystal gave a shriek as she was shocked by the sudden loud voice.
"When did you get yourself such a pretty chic staying at your house?"
Crystal turned to hide behind Gaven as she noticed a guy, similar age with Gaven, walking towards them.
"Man!!! You can't even let her out of your arms for a second while coming down, eh?"
Gaven was about to say something when the guy sprang at Crystal to 'fool' around. Crystal was suspecting the guy as one of the killers who was out to get her and was very afraid as she did not have any weapons against assassinators. She dodged and was in front of Gaven in no time. Her rush of blood as she was shocked had healed her wound at her thigh.
The guy thought it was fun and began chasing Crystal around Gaven. Gaven looked at the two. He noticed how scared Crystal looked so he pulled the guy at his collar as he was about to pass Gaven's sight,
"IRVINE!!! Stop it already, you're scaring the lady."
Irvine was upset he could not continue the 'game' and wondered who the girl was. He pulled his shirt's collar back from Gaven's hand and straighten his shirt, "Okay, man, whatever. So, who is this chic here?" Crystal was clutching the front of Gaven's shirt so tightly he thought she could rip it anytime. Gaven held her shoulders and told her he was his friend and he was playing around with her.
Irvine came over slowly and stuck his hands out, "Hello, I am Irvine Smith Leonhart, one of Gaven's close friends." Crystal stared at his hand as if it had some deadly virus on it. Finally she shook it and retrieved her hand as quickly as she shook it.
"This is Crystania Sunsets. I found her injured and homeless so we took her in. She had lost her voice so she can't answer you." Gaven explained.
"Oh, I see, so where's your mother's cake you had been telling me the other day to try today?" Irvine said, looking around and rubbing his hands together.
As if on cue, the woman came out to the living room with a tray of cake, plates, and forks. They sat on the couch and began their munching. Irvine finished a slice of the cake like a piece of cake and took another slice. Crystal was playing with the white cream with her fork when the cream went flying off her fork and landed on Gaven's nose.
Crystal gasped. Irvine looked up from his cake. Gaven froze. Then Gaven wiped the cream off his nose and reached over to Crystal, wanting to put it on her cheek but Crystal stood up from the couch. The next moment Gaven was chasing Crystal around the living room, climbing on couches and tables. Irvine struggled hard not to laugh as Crystal ran down the hallway towards the door.
She opened the door and dodged behind it. Gaven could not stop and crashed into the person at the doorstep who was just as surprised when the door opened before his finger touched the doorbell. PAP-THUMPH!!! Both fell to the floor as Crystal giggled. Gaven stood up and placed the cream nicely on her nose. Crystal pouted as if to say that it was not fair.
Then she saw another stranger and hid behind Gaven, leaving the cream on his arm as she did so. Gaven pulled her from behind and introduced her to his other best friend, "Crystal Sunsets. Lost her voice and very agile." The guy at the door, who had pulled himself up from his former position on the ground, was surprised to find a girl at his house.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kevin Lee Collins."
Crystal smiled at him while Irvine came up behind her and yanked her hair. Crystal gave a cry of surprise and spun around, chasing Irvine around the living room.
Caryna!!! Caryna!!!
Are you all right?
Where are you now?
Where are Juno and Vesta?
Where is everybody?
Mother?
Father?
Where is everyone?
Where am I?
Why is it so dark in here?
Is there anyone here at all?
Don't leave me alone for this battle.
Help me!!!
It's tearing at my heart!!!
It hurts a lot!!!
Anyone!!! Help!!!
" Miss!!" a voice appeared in her mind, "Wake up!!" Wake up? She was asleep? She was dreaming? Open your eyes, end these terror!!
She pushed her eyelids up with much force. Light. She sees light. Her vision blurred for a moment. Then, she saw the face of a boy, teenage. She tried to sit up but the wound at her neck and her heart did not allow her to. She swallowed back a groan. She let herself sit up with the help of the teenager. While doing that, she had looked into the dark brown eyes that had locked with her gaze. She felt as if her soul was being pulled into his enchanting eyes. The attraction, the enchantment, the window to his soul...
The boy sat next to her in bed. He smiled at her warmly. He was not an enemy it seems. She felt a little dizzy. The boy reached out and touched her cheek. She just stared, wondering what was happening. It seemed he had just brushed off some tears. She touched her cheeks. Yes, she cried while she was unconscious just now.
" What is your name, miss?" he asked her softly. She opened her mouth to speak, wanting to ask who he was before telling him her name. But, no voice was heard. No!!! She wanted to scream out. Her voice!!! Not at this moment!!! She needed her voice.
" Are you alright?" the boy leaned over. She hugged her legs close to herself and buried her face in her knees on the bed, crying silent tears. She ignored the pain in her neck and the dampness she caused on the blanket that wrapped around her bare legs. She felt so hopeless; she did not know what to do. She has never felt so alone before in her life.
He felt so bad for the girl. He was about to leave the room when he heard groans behind him. He turned to see the girl wriggling in his bed and groaning, she must have been having bad dreams. He tried to wake her up as she squeezed the blanket around her in her hands as if clinging on for dear life. He tried to wake the girl up, hoping to bring her out of the nightmares. She must have gone through a lot as he glanced at the bandage around her neck. And now she broke down as she tried to speak.
He put a hand around her shoulder to comfort her. He felt her shiver as she wept. The girl did not move at all from her position as she cried. Slowly, her body began to stop shivering. Thinking she had calmed down, he whispered comforting words into her ear and let her lie back. As he did so, he noticed she began closing her weary eyes slowly. He smiled down at her and pulled the blanket up to her chin.
He changed his shirt and sat next to the girl, in case she might have her nightmares once more, he would be there to comfort her. He sat there wondering why the girl was in the middle of the road when he found her. He brushed away some strands of his hair away from his eyes and leant back on the bed stand and fell asleep.
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The sun came up, shooting rays of light into his room through the closed windows. He stood up and walked over to the windows. He reached his hands out and pulled on the curtains to block most of the sunlight from disturbing the girl's sleep. He turned and looked at the sleeping figure on his bed. He had not really slept soundly that night, listening for any slight sound that may indicate the girl's movement but thankfully, she did not seem to have any trouble in her mind as she slept away her weariness.
His mother came in the room and saw her son in the room, sitting on a chair and resting. She walked over to the bed and put a pair of shorts on the blankets. Then she went over to her son and told him to be down for breakfast when he was ready. Her son nodded. She walked out of the room quietly, closing the door behind her.
He closed his eyes once more, taking in the peace and quiet into his mind. He was drifting into his own thoughts as he heard a slight groan. His eyes shot up. He turned to look at the girl. She had turned herself onto her side and left herself at an uncomfortable position. The uneasiness had awoken her. Now, she tried to sit up.
He went over to help her sit up in bed. She looked at him as she grabbed the blankets up to her bosom. He smiled at her warmly and handed the pair of shorts to her before walking to the corner to leave her some privacy. He knew he could have gone through the door but he did not want to let the girl to climb out of the window and escape from them in this state of hers.
She saw the guy moved to a corner to leave her to put on the shorts that was offered. After having a hard time putting them on, she tried to call out to him but no voice came out. She confirmed that she had lost her voice. She did not cry this time but moved out of the bed slowly. She walked up to the guy quietly and patted on his shoulder.
Surprised, he felt a light hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw the girl in front of him. She was about six inches shorter than him or less. She smiled weakly at him. He led her to sit on the bed as he sat next to her, "So, what is your name?" The girl looked lost as she looked around. He tried asking again but the girl only opened her mouth and spoke nothing.
"You must have lost your voice last night, haven't you?"
She nodded. Then she found what she was looking for. She pointed at his study table. He looked there and saw what she was pointing at. He went over and took the pencil and a notebook there. He handed the stationeries to her. She took them and scribbled on it.
"Thank you for helping me last night."
The scribbles on the notebook read. He noticed that she must have practiced writing for a few hours everyday to have such nice handwriting. He told her it was nothing and was glad to help, adding that his mother did most of the bandages. He then asked for her name.
She did not know what name to tell him. She had figured that she was on Earth as she had learnt that humans for many millenniums had occupied the planet. She could not tell him she was the princess of an unknown world to him. Yet, she was not the Grave Goddess, at least that was not what her heart had told her. She made up her mind and began scribbling once more.
"Crystania Sygel Sunsets." "That is quite a name. I am Gaven Nick Siera. What happened to you last night?"
She had used her real name, as she does not want anyone to call her Lady here. But how was she to explain to this human that she was cast away from 'Paradise' and accidentally fell onto this planet? He would think that she was insane or that she was a witch and be put to death like the customs in Salem that she had read through books when she was home. The thoughts of home brought tears to her eyes. Her vision blurred and she had trouble keeping her suddenly heavy head up. Gaven reached out and laid her back so she could lean on the bed stand.
"You don't have to answer that question if you are not ready yet. It's okay. Don't cry, Miss Sunsets."
She did not know what to say to him. Here he was treating her so hospitably and politely when she was accused as the Grave Goddess who had the powers to destroy not only him, but also his family, his friends, his neighborhood and bringing the whole world along with them. What was she to do at this time? She knew she could not lie nor could she explain everything to him. Perhaps, one day, maybe she would tell this kind person here all about herself.
"A bad accident. I had nowhere to go to. My parents are very far away and I do not have a home."
She replied silently on the piece of paper, her only way of communication with others. Her hand was shaking lightly as she wrote. She blinked away her tears, trying hard not to break down. She wondered what would become of her once she got out of the house. She knew she could not manage the journey to Jupiter alone when she was drained of her strength and powers.
"Would you like to rest some more or have breakfast now, Miss Sunsets?"
She smiled lightly as she scribbled more words on the notebook.
"Please, Crystal will do, Sir Siera. And I guess some breakfast will do just fine."
Gaven read the note and laughed, "If that is so, Crystal, please, just Gaven. I shall ask my mother to make you some breakfast so you may have it here as I see that body do not allow you to move around conveniently."
Crystal smiled at Gaven warmly and nodded her head, agreeing silently. Gaven smiled back at her, glad that she was improving. Then he made his way out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where his mother was. Crystal heard some talking in the kitchen. Perhaps Gaven was talking to his mother about what she had told him earlier. She also heard some pans clanging and figured they were fixing breakfast at the moment.
Crystal moved out of the bed, walking cautiously and slowly towards the room's window. She pushed the curtains aside and looked out. She looked out towards a world she did not know and only knew about in books. She noticed the fact that this world has only one sun. She smiled back at the warm light the sun gave her. She placed her right hand on the window, as if trying to touch the sunlight.
Her hand slid down slowly on the window, until, she felt some marks on the window with her smooth fingertips. She bent down slightly so as not to cause any unnecessary pain throughout her body. There she noticed that there were some light scratch marks on the smooth glass. The scratches looked like they were made by a cat, but the paw seemed larger than a regular house cat. She did not get to study the marks further as she heard someone coming in the room.
She stood up straight once more and looked at the person who came in. She bowed slightly, showing respect to the elder woman who came in with a tray of breakfast. The woman smiled at her and gestured her to come back to the bed. Crystal obeyed her and climbed back into the bed. The woman placed the tray on her lap. Crystal smiled at the woman, hoping she knows that she was trying to say thank you to her and making a guess that that woman was Gaven's mother.
After that she turned her attention towards the food on the tray. There were egg sandwiches and tuna sandwiches on a plate with a glass of fresh milk at the side. She started her meal as Gaven walked in with his tray and sat down in the nearby chair. His mother told him to keep Crystal company until she had gotten better. Then, his mother went out to continue her house chores.
The both of them sat in silence, tasting their breakfast thoroughly before swallowing. Gaven stole glances at the girl on the bed occasionally, wondering how to tell the girl what his mother had told him earlier in the kitchen downstairs. He knew it was very unlikely that his parents had decided so quickly after he told them about the girl being homeless. But the fact is that they had told him to let the girl know once she had finished her breakfast.
Gaven stuffed another tuna sandwich into his mouth. He chewed as he looked up to look at the girl again. Sunlight shone in through the window and fell beautifully on the bed where Crystal was. It was then when he noticed that her movements were very ladylike as if trained to do so since young. She placed her sandwich into her mouth slowly and took a small bite. She chewed on it slowly and swallowed. Another bite followed. It was like looking at a real-life princess.
The first to finish the meal was obviously Gaven. He set aside his tray and drank his chocolate milk slowly. Soon, Crystal was done with the sandwiches and was sipping her milk. Gaven looked towards the window and saw that she had drawn the curtains. She must like the light a lot. He continued to sit there quietly, wondering how he was to let her know of the new news. When he decided it was time he should let her know, he walked over and sat at the side of the bed.
"Crystal, my parents have decided that you should stay here for the time being until you have healed completely. Then we will try to contact your parents or find you a home with your relatives. Is that fine with you?"
Crystal was startled. They have treated her nicely enough and now they offered her a shelter until she gets a home for herself. She did not know what to say. She could not stay and live a lie in front of them. Them, who had treated her like no one should towards a Grave Goddess. But yet, she had nowhere to go. Who could she turn to? Where could she hide? She took the notebook and pencil in her hands.
"I cannot bother your family further yet I have no relatives or parents who may be of any help. I am on my own. I will find myself a shelter once I have my change of clothes once more."
"The more you should stay with us for the time being, Crystal. I am sure there will be no trouble for you to stay with us until you find yourself a home. But I do hope that one day you will share with us what you have gone through to be in a state as this."
Crystal felt bad deep down in her heart. He was right. There was nowhere else she could go. She has not even another set of clothes other than the royal gown she wore on her way here. She shall have to settle down here where they accept her until she comes across any other options. But about herself...One day, perhaps one day, when she gets to leave this place or if there will be a need to expose her past...One day...
"One day, Gaven, one day I will explain everything to you. You help me without questioning who I was last night. I am grateful. I shall, then; I shall stay until I find myself a new place where I will call home."
Gaven smiled at her. He felt that he would not be surprised if he was told that she was a princess or a duchess for she exudes a soothing presence of gentleness, authority, calmness, love and her words were of formality. His sister had gone overseas to study. Perhaps this girl would keep him company while his sister was away as he could be of her company too.
"We will see how things should be done when the time comes. Meanwhile you just make yourself at home and recover. I will bring the trays down and ask my mother to come up to check on your wounds."
Gaven wanted to get up from the edge of his bed when Crystal grabbed his sleeve. He turned to her, wondering what she wanted. Crystal shook her head. He wondered what she meant. She scribbled on the notebook telling him that it would not be necessary to check on her wounds, as she will do it on her own. Gaven disagreed, stating that she would not be able to move around much as she will cause herself more pain. Gaven went on his way. Crystal did not make any further objections.
Crystal thought of what Gaven had said to her earlier, "...you just make yourself at home..." If she could laugh without tearing the gash at her neck further, she would do it out loud as she recalls what she does at home. As soon as she woke up, she would kick a hanging sandbag hanging in the gym room connected to her bedroom. After about a half of an hour, she would proceed to her washing up in the bathroom then to the study where she buries her face in another novel twice as thick as the telephone directory on Earth for the next three hours before finally going to the dining room for her lunch as she does not have any breakfast in the morning.
After breakfast she would have her daily training. But before that, she would have to change to comfortable clothes for her martial arts training which lasts till evening comes. This is when she has her bath and joins her family for dinner before helping her parents in some projects and diplomatic problems. When Caryna had grown older, she brought her younger sister along to expose her to some of the 'work' that one has to face as a ruler of a land. Sometimes they would end staying up late in the nights to help their parents.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Caryna. Mom. Dad. She missed them so much. Her elder sister. The one who always becomes jealous of her because she alone was nicknamed after their mother and that she, Lady Rayne, holds a special place in their parents' heart. Casmy. She, who had brought her out of insanity when she 'killed' Lord Zeithes with that poisonous royal dagger of hers. She, who had brought her homeland peace and safety by handing her to the court for a court case.
The bedroom door creaked. Crystal looked up at the elder woman who had a basin of clean cloth, bandages and a set of new clothes. Crystal forced a smile up at her, tears streaming down her face unknowingly to her. Gaven's mother set aside the basin and took a piece of tissue from the nearby table. Whispering comforting words to the weeping younger girl in bed, she dapped the tissue lightly on the girl's cheek, absorbing the liquid into the tissue. The girl calmed herself down and gave a grateful smile to the kind elder woman.
After that, Gaven's mother went to fill the basin with cool clean water and came back to sit by her son's bed. She then proceeded to examine the bruises on Crystal's arms and thighs when she noticed that the scratches and blue bruises from last night were gone, without a single trace. She felt strange but still continued to uncover the bandage that was covering a deep cut in her right thigh. As she was about to expose the wound to the air, she turned around and grabbed for a damp towel to clean the wound.
But once she turned back to the wound, she took a slight gasp and dropped the towel to the floor. She regained her expression almost immediately but her face still looked pale as she picked the towel back from the floor. The turned back to the basin and got another clean towel. The towel was dapped carefully onto the creamy smooth skin cooling the skin around the wound. Despite how Crystal had looked weirdly at the elder woman, Gaven's mother continued what she was doing silently.
The deep cut!!! The deep ugly cut that she had cleaned and bandaged last night had transformed into a simple light and casual cut overnight. She looked at the younger girl who winced when she had accidentally pressed on the open wound too harshly. Who was this mysterious silent girl who has no family and home that can heal her own wounds so quickly?
She studied the woman's face. She had looked shock when she saw the wound, but she continued what she was doing as if nothing had happened. Crystal wondered what the elder had been surprised about. Her eyes pried on the wound that was being cleaned. It was just a light cut, that was all. But...yeooww!! She winced as the towel was pressed onto the wound harshly. But if it were just a light cut, the kind woman would not bandage the wound as if it was very bad.
She looked at the bandage that was loosened earlier and currently left unheeded on the floor. The bandage was covered with a huge patch of dark crimson blood, so dark that no normal human would have. It must mean that the wound was very bad last night and that she had healed herself. However that was so impossible!!! Her mother had taken her powers away. Would that not take her power to heal away too? Unless...unless there was no power of healing but that her blood was the one that had healed her since young and not some practiced powers!!!
Crystal smiled to herself. At least she knew she did not lose everything. After Gaven's mother was done with that wound, she bandaged the wound once more and moved to another. Crystal felt the cool damp cloth being dapped lightly on her wounds. It brought a refreshing feeling surging through her body. She wanted to thank the woman but remembered that she could not speak. So, all she could do was flash Gaven's mother with the warmest smile possible before she went out with the basin, towels and blood- stained bandages.
The elder woman left the girl with a new set of clothes that she took from her daughter's wardrobe. Her daughter was away studying in another place and she thought that she might be able to lend the girl some garments before getting new ones for her. Crystal slipped the garments onto her slim body. Somehow the garments seemed slightly bigger than her well-built body. But, no matter, she was glad that she was not treated badly by strangers.
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Gaven was about to climb up the stairs to his room to see the girl when he saw his mother coming down. But before he could ascend further, his mother grabbed his right arm and pulled him to the living room, leaving him to gasp surprisingly at his mother's sudden movement. His mother hushed him as she glanced up towards his room. Gaven was surprised at his mother's weird actions. His father was sitting on the sofa nearby reading the newspaper of the day when he noticed his wife's weird doings and shifted the attention to his beloved.
An expression of terror and caution was plastered on the woman's face as she whispered dangerously to her husband and son, "That is not a human we have upstairs." Her husband looked at his wife ridiculously, "You think too much, woman, she is merely a harmless child who is in need of a home." His wife grinned at her husband, taking away the awful expression she had on a while ago, "That was what I thought too, husband."
She paused mysteriously as if waiting for some reply. When none came, she continued, "Both of you should know very well how hurt she was last night and we were to send her to the hospital today. But, if you were to see her wounds now, I will assure you that it will be a smart idea to be extremely careful of this girl, whatever she is; for she can heal so quickly that her worst wounds had healed to be so minor that it would be a laugh of the town to send her to the hospital."
Her husband seemed to be lost in his thoughts as she looked at her son for some weird expressions. However, she was in for disappointment when she noted how unsurprised her son looked. Gaven noted the questioning look from the woman and replied her silent question, "Yes, I do believe she is not the commons as I now remember how light she was when I carried her back here last night. She could have the weight of a six year old child for all I know and-"
He stopped in mid sentence when he thought of how beautiful she looked even at a glance. He was sure no commons would have such fascinating beauty. He also thought of how the girl was homeless with no relatives nearby. Surely there would be important reasons to why she was homeless all of a sudden and met with a bad accident last night. Gaven seemed very sure that all that has got to do her identity.
"Wipe that look of your face, Gaven," his mother hissed, pulling him out of his thoughts, "You should know better than to be so trusting towards the one up there. No matter how innocent one may look, you should always be very careful when it comes to inhuman females." Her husband turned back to his newspaper while grinning, "Look who's talking, son. I should know better than to trust females moreover falling for and marrying one of them."
Gaven laughed, erasing some tension from the air. His mother took a towel and whacked her husband's shoulder with it. Gaven turned towards the stairs, only to be pulled back by his mother again. She whispered cautiously into his ear, "If there is anything wrong with her, do not hesitate to kill her instantly." Gaven turned to his mother, shocked by what that had came out from her mouth. She continued, "I do not want another of our family members to be cursed, son. You should know the torture well."
Without another word, her son began ascending the stairs towards his room where he paused for a moment at the door; he thought of what his mother had said to him earlier. After some time, he shrugged and let out all the tension in a small sigh before turning the knob. He stepped into his room and saw that Crystal was sitting upright on the bed, cross-legged as if meditating. He closed the door behind him and glanced at Crystal.
The look on her face was so calm and peaceful. She had the perfect features. Her long dark mahogany layered hair covered about two-thirds of her back. Her body was just at the right size as he noticed that she must have gone through a lot of physical training to maintain such well-built body. Her fingers were slim and long as well as her legs. He took in the beautiful view of her.
Suddenly he realized that the cut on her right cheek was healing right before his eyes. The fair skin healed itself, closing the cut. The bad gash at her neck was not bandaged so the flesh that was exposed was clearly seen by him. He noticed how slowly the cut took to heal compared to the cut on her cheek but the wound did heal completely, without leaving a trace or a scar to show that the flesh there had been badly hurt once. Next was the wound at her thigh. Gaven looked away, feeling his cheeks flushing already.
Soon, he found himself looking at her face once more and noticed that she looked pale. Perhaps she was drained of energy. He saw her body sway for a moment and that was all he needed to see before he quickly got hold of Crystal's shoulders and lay her back down onto the bed. Crystal's eyes shot up at his touch and looked at him. Unintentionally, both had locked their eyes together as she laid herself down and let him cover her with the blanket.
She felt as if she was pulled into the depths of his dark brown eyes. The colour of his eyes was so beautiful. His stare was so mesmerizing. She could not find herself to pull away from the gaze. He could not pull himself away from the gaze as he noticed how beautiful and matching her dark mahogany eyes were. He felt as if he was being pulled into another world as he looked deeper into her eyes. He could have sworn he saw a beautiful crystal palace in her eyes instead of his own reflection. She could have sworn she saw wild green in the depths of his dark brown eyes.
Suddenly, Gaven turned away and slapped his left arm. After the sudden action, he revealed a freshly smashed flat mosquito on the palm of his right hand. For once Gaven was happy that a mosquito was around- to distract himself from the girl. He looked back at Crystal, this time avoiding her eyes. He told her to rest for a while until he comes back to discuss about what they shall do that day.
Crystal was shocked when she was snapped back into the reality by the sudden sound of a slap. She did not know what had come over her when they had their staring competition. She had never looked at someone in this way before. She noticed that Gaven turned to her once more but she avoided having contact with his eyes. Why? She was not sure too. Gaven told her he would be back soon to think of what they shall do that day. She nodded, turning her head to the other side, facing the window.
Gaven went out. Crystal closed her eyes and rested her weary body. After some time, she sat up, leant on the bed stand and looked around. Her eyes fell on the notebook and pencil, her way of communication. She reached out and grabbed them. Holding them closer, she thought of what she needed to say to him. She thought of her family. Smile came slowly to her pale lips as she started writing.
He stood and walked out the door, closing the door behind him quickly but silently. With the sound of click, Gaven felt as if the whole world was lifted off his shoulders. He leant against the door and cleared his mind. Then he started pondering. Crystal did not hide her ability to heal quickly. She must have known that his mother knows about it. But soon enough he found himself thinking about what had happened in his room a while ago. He had no idea why he had done it but the feeling of serenity that flows through him was so soothing he did not want to let go.
Crystal had finished writing when the door opened once more revealing Gaven at the door. She smiled up at him, although there were tears in her eyes that were threatening to fall from her lovely dark mahogany eyes. She tried to blink them away but the tears fell onto her cheeks instead. Before she could think of wiping them away, Gaven had already done that for her. Crystal handed the notebook to Gaven as he sat beside her in bed.
"I used to stay with my parents. I had an elder sister, eighteen which means she is four years elder, who moved out and a younger sister who is very kind but playful despite being thirteen this year. The elder one is Casmy and the younger one who is Caryna."
Gaven turned to Crystal, "I have an elder sister too who is also four years elder than me. She had gone overseas to study so I will be occupying her room while you may stay in mine. My father had retired recently while my mother is a housewife." He continued reading,
"I have been taught leadership and people's need in general. I guess my father wants me to serve the country. I have only my father's employees as my friends but we talked so rarely that I do not think we should be called friends. I work alone, I learn alone and I help my father with his work. Only occasionally I have Caryna as my company."
Gaven did not know what to say, a girl like her would have no friends? With her looks she could have guys waiting for her in the cold at her doorstep!! He did not say anything and continued to the next line,
"I guess you already know that my blood can heal my wounds. Well, that is all I can do actually. It can be called as a gift I was born with."
Gaven frowned as he thought, "As like the curse I was born with." His eyes widened once more when he read the last line,
"Will you be my friend as I start a new life here until I find a home?"
He looked at Crystal. Gaven smiled, "I am already a friend of yours, Crystal, unless you do not want me to be one..." Crystal smiled happily at him, forgetting all her sorrow. Once more they captured each other with the beauty of their eyes. A moment passed... Two moments... Three mo-
"GGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!"
Both were as startled as they looked at the door, as if waiting for it to burst open at any time. When it did not, Gaven walked towards the stairs and looked over, shouting down a reply that he would be down in a moment, he went back to his room. He saw Crystal looking at him with a questioning look. He told her he had to go down. Crystal shook her head as she climbed out of the bed easily. However, she could not stand well as her wound at her thigh was still hurting her.
Gaven held Crystal up. He understood that she wanted to go out of the room too and told her not to bother herself walking down the stairs. Crystal wanted to shake her head to let him know she would be following no matter what but Gaven had swept her off her feet into his arms as she gave a shriek. Both giggled as he carried her out the door.
He descended the stairs easily with Crystal so light. Gaven glanced down at the bundle he was carrying. She seemed so tiny but that was an illusion to the mind because he compared her to himself. Her wavy hair waved at he descended. Her hands were wrapped around his neck and her face was buried in his broad chest, not wanting to look if she was about to be dropped then and there. He held her closer, trying to let her know she was safe and will not land on her bottom. But the action sent shivers down to his stomach and he forced himself to resist the curse he had been living with for years.
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Crystal giggled as she was lifted into his arms easily. She put her hands around his neck for support. As they reached the stairs, Crystal's 'ride' became bumpy as Gaven descended. It had reminded her about the time when Vesta had learnt how to fly and offered Crystal a 'ride' in his arms to prove his abilities to his best friend. She remembered how Vesta had almost dropped her into the sea and on the rocky mountains. Her mind trembled at the thought.
Unconsciously, Crystal snuggled closer to Gaven's chest, afraid that he might drop her on the way. Soon, she felt Gaven pulling her closer to his body as if he had sensed her fear and trying to assure her that she will be safe in his arms. She smiled inwardly as she had found a person who cares for her. She would not be feeling lonely as she spends her days in this world.
Suddenly she felt Gaven putting her feet down to the floor. She tried to stand properly with Gaven holding her up in his arms. He turned to his mother who was at the door leading to the dining hall, "Don't worry, Mom, she's an angel." His mother smiled a little at his words assuring her that the young girl will not bring any harm to her family.
However, Crystal's face turned paler and almost fell to the floor at Gaven's words if he had not caught her in time. How did they know she was an angel? She observed Gaven and his mother for some time before realizing they were only using the word 'angel' as a metaphor. She gave a sigh of relief and looked around the living room. She noticed the family photos along the stairway.
"Hey, Gaven!!"
Crystal gave a shriek as she was shocked by the sudden loud voice.
"When did you get yourself such a pretty chic staying at your house?"
Crystal turned to hide behind Gaven as she noticed a guy, similar age with Gaven, walking towards them.
"Man!!! You can't even let her out of your arms for a second while coming down, eh?"
Gaven was about to say something when the guy sprang at Crystal to 'fool' around. Crystal was suspecting the guy as one of the killers who was out to get her and was very afraid as she did not have any weapons against assassinators. She dodged and was in front of Gaven in no time. Her rush of blood as she was shocked had healed her wound at her thigh.
The guy thought it was fun and began chasing Crystal around Gaven. Gaven looked at the two. He noticed how scared Crystal looked so he pulled the guy at his collar as he was about to pass Gaven's sight,
"IRVINE!!! Stop it already, you're scaring the lady."
Irvine was upset he could not continue the 'game' and wondered who the girl was. He pulled his shirt's collar back from Gaven's hand and straighten his shirt, "Okay, man, whatever. So, who is this chic here?" Crystal was clutching the front of Gaven's shirt so tightly he thought she could rip it anytime. Gaven held her shoulders and told her he was his friend and he was playing around with her.
Irvine came over slowly and stuck his hands out, "Hello, I am Irvine Smith Leonhart, one of Gaven's close friends." Crystal stared at his hand as if it had some deadly virus on it. Finally she shook it and retrieved her hand as quickly as she shook it.
"This is Crystania Sunsets. I found her injured and homeless so we took her in. She had lost her voice so she can't answer you." Gaven explained.
"Oh, I see, so where's your mother's cake you had been telling me the other day to try today?" Irvine said, looking around and rubbing his hands together.
As if on cue, the woman came out to the living room with a tray of cake, plates, and forks. They sat on the couch and began their munching. Irvine finished a slice of the cake like a piece of cake and took another slice. Crystal was playing with the white cream with her fork when the cream went flying off her fork and landed on Gaven's nose.
Crystal gasped. Irvine looked up from his cake. Gaven froze. Then Gaven wiped the cream off his nose and reached over to Crystal, wanting to put it on her cheek but Crystal stood up from the couch. The next moment Gaven was chasing Crystal around the living room, climbing on couches and tables. Irvine struggled hard not to laugh as Crystal ran down the hallway towards the door.
She opened the door and dodged behind it. Gaven could not stop and crashed into the person at the doorstep who was just as surprised when the door opened before his finger touched the doorbell. PAP-THUMPH!!! Both fell to the floor as Crystal giggled. Gaven stood up and placed the cream nicely on her nose. Crystal pouted as if to say that it was not fair.
Then she saw another stranger and hid behind Gaven, leaving the cream on his arm as she did so. Gaven pulled her from behind and introduced her to his other best friend, "Crystal Sunsets. Lost her voice and very agile." The guy at the door, who had pulled himself up from his former position on the ground, was surprised to find a girl at his house.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kevin Lee Collins."
Crystal smiled at him while Irvine came up behind her and yanked her hair. Crystal gave a cry of surprise and spun around, chasing Irvine around the living room.