Regis took a sip of his tea and began to speak. "It all started three months ago. A strange object appeared in the sky and began to draw closer to Expel. We were unsure of what it was until it collided with our planet on the continent of El." Regis noticed the sudden frown that marred Gabriel's features. "Strange occurrences have happened since then. Formerly docile creatures have become violent. Many have been turned into monsters, but that isn't all. Other things have happened. Earthquakes and floods have been the most prevalent."

Gabriel interrupted. "Let me guess the rest. Your warrior is supposed to show up and defeat all these monsters, find out what is causing it, and destroy the source?"

Regis nodded. "Yes. Ever since the Sorcery Globe fell, we've been waiting for him to come."

Gabriel dropped the teacup, spilling the tea on his lap. He didn't even seem to notice. "The /what/?!"

"The Sorcery Globe." Regis seemed confused by the reaction as did Rena.

Rena picked up a napkin and began dabbing at the stain on Gabriel's white robe. He didn't even bother to pull away. "I'm not your Warrior and I will not go chasing after this sorcery globe." He looked at Rena for a moment, then knocked her hand away as he stood up and walked out of the house.

Gabriel stood outside in the cool night. He closed his eyes and let the wind wash over him. //Why did that sound so familiar. I've forgotten something. Something important… but what?// He barely registered Rena's presence by his side. //The only way I will find out is to go there. I know that, but what if these people are right and I am this warrior… I can't save a planet. Not when I don't even know who I am or why I'm here.// Gabriel opened his eyes and turned to face Rena.

The two Nedians regarded each other for a moment before Gabriel looked toward the Mayor's house. He wasn't surprised to see Regis standing there. "I'll consider going." Gabriel looked back to Rena. "However, I'm tired. I should rest."

Rena nodded and looked toward the Mayor. "I'll let him rest in my house. Thank you, Mayor Regis." She led Gabriel to her mother's house where dinner would be waiting. She let Gabriel enter first, and then closed the door behind her as she stepped in.

Gabriel fought to keep a straight face when he noticed the amount of food that had been prepared. He made the mistake of looking at a flustered Rena and cracked a smile. He had to look away to keep from bursting out laughing at the situation.

An hour later Gabriel was laying down in the guest room upstairs. Rena had just left him alone and he was stuffed. He couldn't remember having that much to eat in a long time. Come to think of it, he couldn't remember much of anything other than a void.

Gabriel stood up and walked downstairs. He took note that the other two had gone to bed as he slipped out of the house. He sat down on the riverbank where he had been before and looked at the water. He saw the reflection of one of the moons and looked up. //Who am I?//

***********************************

Gabriel woke to the sound of knocking at the guest room door. He turned over and muttered something. The knocking continued. He pulled the pillow over his head and grumbled. He had almost drifted back to sleep when he felt a touch on his bare shoulder. He flipped over and sat up in shock.

Rena fell over backward as Gabriel sat up. She managed to keep from crying out as her wrists were tightly gripped and she was pulled forward to compensate. Apparently, Gabriel didn't know how strong he was as Rena fell forward, knocking him backwards.

Gabriel wasn't able to imitate Rena's control as he did cry out. He closed his eyes and waited for Rena to get up. //What is wrong with me! Why should a touch be so painful? Especially one that I would welcome…// He fought back the tears that threatened to escape. His eyes flew open as Rena's lips touched his briefly. The hidden tears began to flow as the pain showed on his face.

Rena scrambled off of the bed in embarrassment. "Sorry!" She stared at the floor. "I… I… thought you'd like to know that breakfast is ready." She turned and fled from the room, not hearing her name being called behind her.

Gabriel lie there catching his breath for several moments. //I would have welcomed her advances. Why can't I touch her without pain? That pendant she wears is so familiar. Could that have something to do with it? Is it even just her?// He sighed as he started to sit up. //She was willing, but I thought she had someone already. She's just lonely. That's all.//

Gabriel fairly growled as he stood up and grabbed his robe. He slipped it on and fastened it with a half smile when he noticed the tea stain was gone. He took one moment to glance in the mirror and fixed his hair so that his pointed ears were hidden behind the crimson locks.

Rena and Westa looked at the stairs as Gabriel came down. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Westa set a plate down at the table and motioned for him to sit.

Gabriel shrugged. "As well as can be expected." He didn't elaborate. He picked at the food on his plate, eating only a small bit.

Rena frowned as she watched Gabriel. "Why don't you take the day and explore Arlia?" She reached over, but pulled back.

Gabriel watched the hesitant hand, and then nodded. "That sounds like a good idea. Maybe someone around here will know something." He frowned and stood up. He felt the two pair of eyes on him as he walked out of the house.