Disclaimer: Read Chapter 1

I started this right after I posted chapter 1, so I'm not sure how long it will take me to finish.

Chapter 2 'Starting the Routine'

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"Say what now?" Nina cried out in disbelief "You're saying my parents were immortals? Immortals on opposite ends of a war? That is just a little hard to believe. This isn't another prank, like when you stole Mr. Gerald's smoking pipe and hid it, all because he called you old?" Nina tried to reason

"Nina listen to me, if this was a prank why would their be a dead demon body outside right now? Why is it that the flowers grow so well around here? Not just the flowers but everything within your territory is thriving. This is because of your mothers side of you. Whenever you sing to yourself animals and people seem to showup just to listen to you sing, why? Because you were hypnotizing them, even if you didn't realize it." Emand wasn't giving in, he had to convice the young demi that what he was saying was true.

"Emand, I don't know if I can believe it. My parents died, protecting what they loved, only because others feared they're power, that's horrible. Emand why was that demon here? What was it after if my parents...my land has already been destroyed?" Nina asked on the verge of tears after the amazing revalation handed to her.

'This is the hardest part,' Emand thought 'Telling her what she must do, because of some idiots.'

"Nina, Princess. We must run, I will train you as well as I can, but my biggest priority is getting you to Alberna, the Mage City. We must leave immeditally, before the demon's masters realize it hasn't reported in. Only get what you can carry, clothes, mementos, things like that." Emand finished his message and started packing supplies hidden throughout the house, carefully setting one long, slim package to the side.

'Princess? Of what. My home was destroyed' Nina thought darkly. Nina went to her room and began to pack away various clothes and other items, like the hairbrush that Emand said was her mothers, and the a few rings that were her fathers, into a leather pack that Emand had given her.

Nina, lastly put on the necklace that was from both her parents, it was a silver colored chain, but Emand said that wasn't what it was made of, and held a heart-shaped pendant that Nina had been unable to open.

Before going back to Emand, Nina headed for her garden. Nina entered her safe haven and kneeled in the center of her flowers.

"I'm going on a trip, I don't now when I'll be back." The plants seem to droop, "I hope you all will be okay. I just came to say goodbye and that I hope to be back soon." The plants started to move back and forth, Nina got the message as 'Don't worry, we'll be fine' Nina nodded, tears in her eyes. Nina stood up, wiped her eyes and went back into the house. Emand was waiting there, a large pack on his shoulder, and a cloth wrapped object in his arms.

"This was a gift I was to give you if trouble arose. I will teach you how to use it later, for now just get used to carrying it." Emand unwrapped the object, revealing a thin rapier and shealth "Your father had it made before I left, it is made for parrying to avoid your target and find a opening. It won't ever break and it will slice through anything with ease, once you know how to use it, that is." Emand handed Nina the blade and it's shealth.

"Thank you" Nina futher examined the sword "Its beautiful" Nina said in awe. It's handle fitted her small hand perfectly, and was very light, easy to use. The hilt was decorated with various gems, made to enhance the power of the blade and give it a stylish look as well. The blade itself was long and thin, its color a light blue. The rapier's shealth was also decorated with gems, strong enough to take a full blow, and light enough not to be a hassle to carry. It, too, was light blue.

"We really need to be going." Nina nodded, shealthed the blade, and strapped it to her side. Picking up her pack, Nina followed Emand out the door.

'I think I'll call it Oscuriluz (1).Thats a fitting name.' Nina admired the sword at her side, trying, if only for a short time, to forget all that has happened in that day.

---------------------------------------------------------

Later, about 15 miles from the village, darkness was coming and the duo had set up camp. Emand was sharpening his axe with a whetstone he had packed, and Nina was poking at the fire with a makeshift walking stick.

"We made good time, considering the short time we have traveled, but we'll have to double time it for awhile, in case the Darkies(I know its stupid, but i don't know what to really call them) catch on." Nina nodded and they both fell into silence, only the sound of Emand sharpening his axe and the many insects chirpping around them interupted the akward silence.

"Emand, what is it we're looking for in Aberna? Why do we need to go there?" Nina spoke wanting to find out more about their destination, also trying to end the akward silence between the two. Emand just continued to sharpen his axe, not looking up or showing any sign he heard Nina.

"We're looking for a woman," Emand finally said, "she is old and said to be crazy, but she is the best person at teaching both white and black magic from." Emand just looked down and continued to sharpen his axe, more of a nervous habit then the blade actually needing sharpened.

Nina was amazed, 'Real magic?'

"Why do you want to know how to use magic?" Nina asked, totally oblivious to his meaning.

"Princess, I'm not the one learning magic, you are. Your mother, the queen, requested that I find someone to teach you magic to defend yourself." Emand was worried about Nina's reaction, if she didn't learn magic things would get complicated.

"Really? Actual magic? That's amazing!" Nina was very giddy, if she knew magic she could protect those in need and help people.

Or crush those who oppose you.

What was that? Who are you?

Nina's head shot up and looked around for the voice.

Why I'm you princess. Your darker half.

What do you mean darker half?

Nina asked the voice.

You'll find out in time my princess.

"What?" Nina was so shocked that she didn't realize she spoke aloud 'What does...well it sounded like a girl so, she mean by 'my princess.' Who was that? Better yet we're did she come from?'

"Princess are you well?" Emand asked at her sudden outburst.

"What? Oh, Emand. I'm fine. Don't worry." Nina was panting slightly, still in slight shock of what just occured.

"If your sure, then here. Its time to start your training. We'll start with the basics." Emand handed Nina a wooden sword, seeing as how the actual thing would create unsightly scars and gashes.

"What? But I don't know how to use a sword."

"Thats the point princess, I'll be teaching you how to use it." Emand didn't laugh, but his smirk showed he really wanted to.

"A-alright, if I need to." Nina shakily took the play sword and held it at her side.

"Good. Now we'll start with your stance."

----------------------------------------------------

(1) Spanish words Oscuridad, which means Darkness, and Luz, which means light.

Okay, that was tough and excuse me for any grammer mistakes, like I said I'm new.

What is this darker side of Nina, Who is the woman that the duo are headed to meet, and what of the forces that are trailing. Will Nina's training go well or will she be a complete failure? Find out in chapter 3 'Darkness Strikes'