AN: I would really like to thank Krissy! Yeah, without her I'd be a chicken running around with my head cut off. I really am clueless when it comes to computers. So this chappie is for her because she's such a great friend. Yep

Into Darkness

Chapter 2: Relative Tranquility

A few months later….

Jajuka carefully marched down the windy corridors with a tray in hand. His brow was creased with worry for the little girl under his care. I hope the examination went well. I hope she's still well. He said a tiny prayer of hope inside his head as he unlocked her door. The lock lurched open with a metallic grind and he stepped into the room. Jajuka let go of a breath that he'd unconsciously been holding.

" There you are Jajuka!" Te little girl stood smiling happily at the beastman's entrance. " You're three minutes late!" She ran over to him giggling along the way and gave him a warm hug. Jajuka patted her head fondly. He tried to take a step forward to place the tray of food onto her table but she was hanging onto him stubbornly.

" Celena !" He laughed. " Let go of me for just a second. I need to put this down." She giggled in reply and complied. Still smiling, Jajuka placed the tray down onto the table. " Alright here you go, breakfast is served." He pulled a chair out for her thoughtfully. She wiggled onto the chair and started to dig in. Jajuka rolled his eyes and pushed her chair in. " Why are you in such a rush today?" He sat down on the chair next to her.

Celena forced words out of her mouth between mouthfuls of food. Jajuka shook his head in dismay. He couldn't understand a word she was saying. "Chew ,Swallow ,then talk." He lectured.

Celena gulped down the food she was munching on. " We're going out to the garden today right? I really want to visit the garden today. Can we? I've been really good. The sorcerers were very pleased with me. They said that I was just what they were looking for. Please?" She smiled brightly and waited patiently for an answer.

Jajuka's face became quite grave. " What were they so pleased about Celena? What were they looking for?"

She shrugged. "They didn't say, what's the matter Jajuka?" her eyes became wide when she noticed his distress.

Surely they won't start the experiment soon. She's just too young. How much time do I have to find her family? He knew that she had a brother and mother but he didn't know her family name. He didn't even know where she used to live. There were thousands of Allens out there in Gaea. A search for her family would be futile. He really wanted to help her escape this wretched fate. To be experimented on and mutilated for the rest of her life. This was not the kind of life she deserved.

" Listen to me Celena. I will try to get you out of here. You are not safe here. I will try my best to get you back to your family safe." his soft eyes welled up with compassionate tears. Celena looked about ready to cry as well. " You don't belong here." he whispered gently. He fought hard to keep the tears back.

Celena placed her small hand on his large furry one. " Don't cry Jajuka. I'll be alright. I will see my brother and mother again. I just know I will."

Jajuka looked down at her tiny pale hand. You really are a wonderful child, Celena. I'm sure you'll get through this. I'll see to that.

AN: Kinda short but meh. I'll try to update soon. Toddles!