CelestaRedFlower: Celesta here! First of all, I don't know if there were police in the world of Sorcerous Stabber Orphen and if there were, what they were called. I just stuck with 'the authorities' and I made their methods for dealing with crime scenes different. Also, the 'Commander' is what I guess would be the equivalent to a police chief…person. I'm really uneducated when it comes to things like this so please bear with me. I don't know to what extent their technology and science reached either. I hope it's okay that I made things up a bit. (By the way, that thing with M-alchemy…yeah, I made that up too…for those who may have been wondering…) Anyway! On with the story! And before I forget…
Disclaimer: I do not own Sorcerous Stabber Orphen

"Okay, what just happened?" Majic asked.

"I have no idea," Orphen smirked at Cleo, "So; I'm not supposed to touch you am I?"

"Like I'd let you," Cleo scoffed.

"I think it's more accurate to say, like I ever would," Orphen challenged.

Cleo glared at Orphen ferociously. It was a face that truly said 'your end is near' and Orphen was enjoying every bit of it.

"Master, I have a few questions. How did you appear out of no where and how did Kira disappear?"

"Well, first I teleported back but then I heard you guys talking about me, so I used a cloaking spell to hide my presence," Majic blushed slightly ashamed and Cleo stared at the ground in response to his statement.

"I didn't expect to see Kira appear behind you. My guess is she appeared the same way she disappeared, by using M-alchemy."

Orphen glared at Majic. He was a little irked by the fact that Cleo felt more comfortable talking with Majic than him. He wasn't angry so much as annoyed. He didn't even know why. Was he…jealous…? Orphen dismissed the thought almost as soon as it came. He decided not to push the matter any farther.

"But how, Master? What was it that Kira traced in the air?" Majic asked, dismissing Orphen's glare.

"Damnit Majic! How the hell should I know? I told you everything I know about M-alchemy so you should be able to come up with answers on your own, it's not like that taught this stuff at the tower," Orphen was starting to lose patience with his dense apprentice, "My guess is that she traced runes in the air, and from what I gathered from your conversation, she somehow took the characteristics of the air…and I don't know, turned into air?"

"So, what do we do now?" Cleo asked drawing Orphen's attention away from Majic's questions.

"Well, the authorities are coming to do their thing. They want us to stay here and wait until they arrive, which shouldn't take too long," Orphen stretched and sat down on the ground with his back against the wall. "Wake me when they get here," he yawned.

True to Orphen's words, the authorities arrived a little while later to collect statements and to inspect the house and bodies. A crew of people came to gather all the broken furniture pieces, sweep up the glass, and bring the bodies to the local church to be buried.

Within that time Orphen discovered that there was no inn in Perthro because it was such a small town. He thought it best that they head straight to Totokanta and didn't sleep outside in these parts for fear of what might be lurking in the shadows. He also decided to check on all the doors that were entrances into the estate. He looked for marks betraying any signs of breaking and entering or magic. There weren't any.

"What! We're heading straight to Totokanta!" Majic and Cleo asked in unison.

"Yep. Don't look so surprised, Cleo. You've been to this town before and already know there isn't an inn. You're just going to have to suck it up and start walking."

Cleo didn't want to walk anymore today than they already had. She was tired, confused, hungry, dirty, and worried. She also knew that Majic was just as tired and (although he would never admit it) that Orphen was exhausted. Cleo decided to work a little 'magic' of her own. She hurried over to the Commander, who was about to leave.

Majic and Orphen watched her. They were too far away to actually hear their conversation but understood some of her hand gestures, something about a horse…and a box? They waited as she went running back to them.

"I have good news! I convinced the Commander to lend us a carriage. We get a driver too. They felt really sorry for our losses and since they don't have an inn, they offered us a ride instead," Cleo smiled proudly.

"Wow that is good news!" Majic sighed gratefully.

"What did you do, threaten to talk him to death if he didn't agree?" Orphen had to ask. She looked so pleased with herself that he had to tease her.

"For your information, I asked him once and politely! You could try and be a little more grateful, you know! I did most of this for you, I know we're all tired, but you're the worst out of the three of us!" Cleo put her hands on her hips daring him to contradict her.

Orphen stayed silent. After minutes of waiting in silence, the Commander approached them.

"Miss, the carriage you requested is here," he informed.

"Thank you very much! Majic, get the bags!" Cleo ordered.

Majic groaned but did as he was told. The three of them boarded the carriage, Majic sat on the left side while Cleo and Orphen sat on the right side.

Shortly after boarding, Majic fell asleep to the steady rhythm of the carriage. Leki curled up into a ball and slept in the emptiest corner. Cleo lost herself in her thoughts and stared into nothingness.

"Normally I would be enjoying the peace and quiet but your silence is beginning to scare me. What are you thinking about?" Orphen asked.

"Just the last things Kira said before she disappeared, 'they didn't mean to do it' and 'it was an accident'," Cleo groaned loudly, "I just wish I knew what the hell happened! It's so frustrating!" Cleo cried.

Orphen nodded. "What do you think happened to her parents? They were the only ones who weren't at the house."

"I don't know. I'm not sure I want to know," Cleo's voice trailed off as images of the mangled bodies entered her mind. She tried to push them back but failed.

"I just can't get those images out of my head. I mean I've seen dead bodies before but never…so gruesome," Cleo paled as she remembered stepping on a torn limb when she first entered the room.

"Yeah," Orphen replied lazily as he began nodding off to sleep.

"Hey. Hey, are you listening to me?" Cleo asked annoyed. Her question was answered b his snoring. She was the only one awake and unpleasantly so. Deciding to follow her companions' example, she rested her head back and closed her eyes ready to drift off to sleep.

The carriage's steady rhythm was broken by a mild bump and Cleo felt something fall into her lap. She opened her eyes gazed down at Orphen's head resting comfortably on her legs. Cleo blushed and smiled to herself. 'Oooh…I am so going to pick on him later for this,' she thought mischievously.

Her legs started to go numb and her position became increasingly uncomfortable. She tried to shift her legs so that they were straight but before she moved too far away, Orphen squeezed her around the waist.

'Is he really sleeping…?' Cleo's eyes narrowed suspiciously. She blushed deeper as his hands gripped lower.

"Hey, hey! Watch your hands, buddy!" Cleo whispered heatedly. She poked and prodded him to see if he would wake, when he didn't she sighed and gave up. She hadn't been trying hard to wake him up in the first place. Honestly, she was actually enjoying his touch.

"Oh, well…" Cleo sighed again, exasperated and continued to try and relax. Each time she struggled to lie down, he would slide up her body to prevent his precious 'pillow' from escaping. When she finally succeeded, Orphen's head ended up resting comfortably on her chest. Upon finding the softest part of her body, he fell into a more restful sleep.

Cleo's face grew hotter making her even more tired. Eventually exhaustion overtook her and she fell fast asleep.

Majic smirked to himself, he had been awake long enough to see Orphen and Cleo's 'display'. At first he thought Orphen was finally making a move on Cleo but was disappointed when he realized that Orphen was actually sleeping. Asleep or not, Majic was quite interested to see how his master was going to react to the lovely sight below him when he did wake.

About half an hour later, Orphen began to stir in his sleep. He opened his eyes to see Cleo's ample bust below him. All he could do was stare in shock as his face burned.

"Enjoying the view, Master?" Majic grinned broadly.

"Majic?" Orphen whispered hoarsely, "How long have I been sleeping like that?"

"Quite some time."

"And you didn't try to wake me?"

"No," Majic replied but when Orphen was about to start up again, Majic added quickly, "but Cleo did. She eventually gave up and let you sleep there."

Orphen's face flushed so red you could barely tell the difference between his skin and his headband. "She was awake when I…?"

Majic couldn't resist this perfect opportunity of getting his master back for all the humiliations he caused him to suffer. Majic had never been one to seek revenge for anything, but this was too funny. He just had to tease Orphen even if it meant death.

"Yeah, she tried to wake you up but you just started groping her. And when she tried to get away you crawled on top of her. And I mean crawled. You practically molested her on your way up," Majic paused to witness Orphen's face. He had never seen his master so completely and utterly flustered. All of what he said was true for the most part, though slightly exaggerated. Majic decided to add one last thing for the finale. "But don't worry Master; if she's pregnant, I'm sure Cleo's mother will be thrilled."

"WHAT!" This time Orphen didn't even bother to keep his voice down.

Cleo shot up and Leki's ears perked. Eyes glowing, he growled wondering who dared to wake him from his nap.

"What the hell is the matter with you!" Cleo stood up and punched Orphen as hard as she could.

"You're not…sore at all?" Orphen asked rubbing his throbbing arm.

"No…? But you're gonna be if you don't tell why you just woke up everyone in a ten mile radius!" Cleo held up her fist threateningly.

Orphen groaned at his own naivety. Of course they hadn't…done anything; it was so obvious. He had been too shaken up to process the situation. Majic blanched at the murderous expression on Orphen's face.

"Well, Cleo. I guess it's just going to be the two of us traveling together," Orphen said calmly cracking his knuckles.

Cleo dropped her fist. "Huh? Why?"

"Because I'm going to kill Majic," Orphen replied with the same icy calmness.

Majic gulped. 'Well, I asked for this…' Majic thought and winced anticipating a long beating, which Orphen was obliged to give him.

The driver stopped and let them out at the main road that led to Totokanta.

"You're going to have to walk the rest of the way there. I'm stopping here for ol' Brownie because she needs some rest. So do I for that matter, after listening to you kids squabble, I feel like I've lost my hearing for the second time in my life," the old man mumbled.

They thanked the man for his services and started on the road to Totokanta.

Cleo laughed hysterically when she learned the story Majic had told to Orphen.

"It isn't funny," Orphen growled.

"Yes, it is! You seriously believed that?" Cleo wiped away tears from her eyes.

Orphen grunted disgustedly, "I don't know what part of his little tale was worse the ending or the part with me climbing on top of you."

"Actually that part was true," Cleo skipped over a puddle in the street that led to her house. Leki quickened his pace to catch up to his mistress and Majic stayed out of sight just in case Orphen felt the need to hit something.

"Oh, so you two little demons are in on it together, huh? Orphen glared.

"I could care less if you believe me or not, but if you have another explanation as to how you got on me and if I was 'in on it' as you said, why I would degrade myself so low, I would love to hear it," Cleo challenged him.

"I don't know how you did it but I know I sure as hell wouldn't have done it intentionally, asleep or not!" Orphen spat.

"Uh...guys, you might want to keep your voices down. It is the middle of the night, you know."

"Shut up!" Orphen and Cleo shouted in unison.

"Well you were asleep, so now I'm curious, what were you dreaming about?"

"None of your damn business!" Orphen roared.

Cleo grunted indignantly and sped up her pace hurrying ahead of the others to reach the front door of her mansion. She knocked impatiently on the door and was greeted by Mariabella.

"Cleo? What are you doing here at this time of the night?" Mariabella asked rubbing her eyes.

"Mariabella? I thought one of the servants would answer," Cleo stepped inside motioning to Orphen and Majic that they were welcome, "What's up?" she asked anxiously.

Majic stepped in to set down Cleo's bags. He stretched his arms in the air and cracked his back.

"Man, I swear that bag is getting heavier by the day," Majic struggled to catch his breath. Orphen glared at him causing Majic to cower slightly. He hadn't quite forgiven Majic for his little prank yet.

"Mariabella?" Cleo tried to get her sister's attention, "What's the matter?"

"Well, you see, you remember our little cousin Linnea, right?" When Cleo nodded Mariabella continued, "Her thirteenth birthday is coming up, so we sent a letter to her parents about a week ago asking what we should get her. We sent our fastest messenger and when he didn't come back we got worried. Mother had some free time so we decided to go over for a quick visit to Berkano. When we got there…," Mariabella put a hand over her mouth and tried to compose herself, "When we got there, the roof was completely destroyed, as if some monster was inside and just jumped through the top. The servants were murdered and strewn across the yard in bits and pieces. Linnea, Aunt Nora, Uncle Gerald, and Beatrice were nowhere to be found," Mariabella choked, "Excuse me!" she cried and made her way to the bathroom.

Cleo slumped against the wall and slid down to cradle herself in a ball.

"It's the same," she mumbled, "Exactly the same."

Orphen and Majic kneeled down close to her.

"Don't worry Cleo. Everything will turn out fine in the end, I'm sure of it," Majic held her hand tightly.

"Don't worry…? How can you tell me not to worry, when seven of my relatives disappear and only one comes back to try and tell me something and I don't even listen to her…not to mention that ten people or more have been murdered and I don't know how or why. How can I not worry!" Cleo wailed.

"Hey," Orphen cupped her face tenderly in order to calm her down, "We don't know anything yet. I'm not going to give you false hope and say everything is perfectly fine and dandy, but that doesn't mean that they've all been brutally slaughtered either. I have a feeling that they're alive only because it wouldn't make sense just to kill the servants at the houses and kill your family in another place, now does it?"

"No, no it doesn't."

"Getting all worked up doesn't solve anything. You have to stay calm," Orphen took both of her hands and pulled her to her feet.

Majic had to hand it to him; Orphen was the only person he knew that could handle Cleo so well in these situations, although the reverse could be said when it came to Cleo handling Orphen. 'I find it incredibly ironic that the one who tells Cleo to stay calm is the one that is the most hotheaded," Majic mused.

Their quiet moment was broken by Cleo's mother, Tistiny, screaming, "That is outrageous! Surely there's something you sorcerers can do!"

Cleo, Majic, and Orphen gave each other a side glance at what they knew was coming.

And sure enough, an all too familiar voice replied, "I'm sorry, but we don't have enough information right now. There's nothing we can do but gather as much information as we can. I'm truly sorry, but you're just going to have to wait a bit."

The conversation ended and the door to the downstairs study opened.

"Wow, Hartia. You really get stuck with the worst jobs, don't you?" Orphen snickered.

"Krylancelo!" Hartia cried, startled.

"Hey, Shrimp man, what were you talking about in there?" Majic asked.

"Don't call me…oh, I give up. We were talking about the disappearances of Linnea, Gerald, Beatrice, and Nora Everlasting. I saw the house; this is defiantly concerning some sort of beast. The way the bodies were torn up…." Hartia stopped upon realizing that Cleo was standing there, "I'm sorry."

The door to the study opened a second time and Cleo's mother joined the crowd of people that had gathered in her house.

"Oh! Cleo, you're back! I'm afraid I have some disturbing news--"

"I know, mom," Cleo interrupted, "I heard. Actually, I have something to add…"

"What! Kiraza, Gregory, and Annette have gone missing too?" Tistiny screamed. She staggered a bit feeling dizzy but managed to collapse in a nearby arm chair. "Why?" she asked breathlessly.

"The same circumstances and this Kira girl could use M-alchemy…this is very unnerving," Hartia whispered.

"Yeah, I find it strange that Kira was the only one who hadn't gone missing. I wonder why that is. Unfortunately, she left before she was able to tell us anything," Orphen grabbed his things and prepared to leave. "Well it's getting late," Orphen yawned, motioning Majic that it was time to go, "I'll see you later. You know where to find us."

Majic and Orphen departed for Bagups's tavern, leaving Cleo, Tistiny, and Hartia to sit in silence. Mariabella had gone to bed and Leki slept curled up in his mistress's lap.

"I think it best that we all went to bed to get some rest. Don't you think?" Tistiny stood and walked with Cleo to the stairs. "Do you have a place to stay Hartia?" She asked kindly.

"I have to report back to the Tower of Fang, but thanks for asking," Hartia bowed slightly in appreciation then teleported to the tower.

After Cleo finished taking her bath, she dressed in a blue nightgown and sat on the edge of her bed. Leki jumped beside her and licked her hand. She smiled weakly at her faithful companion and scratched him behind the ears. Her vision began to blur as exhaustion began to take its toll again. She crawled under her covers and switched off her lamp.

She fell into a light sleep when she heard a light tap on the glass door to her balcony.

'Must be the wind,' she thought lazily and drifted to sleep again.

But the tapping grew louder and turned into a long, painful shriek, like nails on a chalkboard. Leki's eyes began to glow and he started growling ferociously. Cleo sat upright, alarmed, sweat began to gather on her forehead and her heart hammered in her chest.

She glanced over to the glass door to find big, bright green eyes staring at her.

It was Kira.

CelestaRedFlower: My longest chapter yet….ugh, I didn't expect it to take SO long. A little fact about Perthro and Berkano: these are actually the names of two runes. I'm no good at coming up with names on my own, but I have creative ways of finding them! Piece of good news: This is the first story that I've ever written and thought out the WHOLE ENTIRE storyline. I'm sorry that the beginning was a little slow, in chapter four things are really gonna get going. Some questions that the characters (or you might have) will be answered. Send your reviews…please? I love getting reviews, unless they are unnecessary flames. Until next time!