"So how do you know this Leine guy anyway?" Aika asked later over dinner.
Gilder sighed. "It's kind of a long story," he said. "I don't even remember all of the details."
"To hell with details," Vyse said. "We're just curious as to how you know him."
"Alright," Gilder said. " About…maybe around seven or eight years ago, I happened to be in Maramba. While I was there, I found this kid passed out on the ground. He looked like he hadn't eaten in days, and the only possessions he had were the clothes on his back and this weird sword. So I took care of him for a while, bought him some stuff, you know."
"And I thought you didn't remember the details," Aika interrupted. "It sounds like there's a lot more."
"There IS a lot more. And I DON'T remember all the details," Gilder said, giving Aika a dirty look. "Anyway, one day, he let it slip that he was a Flame Sorcerer. You know, one of those people who can control fire without the use of Moon Stones. I started to get worried, mainly because he had a horrible temper, and he was impulsive. So if he was a Flame Sorcerer, he could easily reduce a town to ashes if he got angry enough. But back to the main point. Though I took care of him and got him what he wanted, he hated me. Anyone could see that. One day, we got into the mother of all arguments at Sailor's Island. He left and nearly burned down the whole island. I never saw him since. That is, until earlier today."
"And that kid was Leine," Vyse said.
Gilder nodded. "Yep. And if I were you, I'd avoid him at all costs."
"Sounds fair," Vyse said. "But he wants to fight me. So what do I do?"
"Good question," Gilder said.
Rei turned around, suddenly aware of another presence behind him. "It's you," he said through gritted teeth.
Leine grinned cockily. "Of course," he said, "who else would it be?"
"What are you doing here?" Rei asked.
"Just visiting my best friend," Leine answered calmly.
Rei flinched. "You're no friend of mine."
"Either way, you know why I'm here," Leine said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Give me the Black Moon Stone."
"Never," Rei spat.
Leine narrowed his eyes and backhanded Rei. "I've had enough of your little games," Leine said coldly. "I want that Moon Stone now, and if you don't hand it over, I'll blow your freaking head off right here."
To Leine's surprise, Rei laughed. "You say that every time," he said. "Don't you realize that you'll never do it?"
Leine sucked in a breath. "I hate you," he hissed. He picked Rei up by the front of his black trenchcoat and slammed him into the wall. "I can't stand your very existence."
"Wait a second," Rei said. "Just a minute ago, you were saying that you were my friend." He laughed again.
Leine dropped Rei and glared at him for a second. We'll see how much he can laugh in battle, he thought. But not now. I need to take my anger out on someone else for now…