Chapter Two

A silence filled the room as everyone was speechless. The only sound heard was Alice's nervous giggles and Alyssa asking what was the matter. Finally Margaret was able to speak

"How? When?" she was overcome with a feeling that surprised her. It was jealousy. Although she hadn't seen Yuri for years part of her still hoped for them to be together. But now, being told that he and Alice had a kid…

" How? I'm sure you're pretty familiar with the process of making babies Mag" Yuri laughed, making Alice blush and Margaret giving him a killer stare.

" Now, now. Let's take it easy. First of all, congratulations. I didn't know you had gotten married" said Keith, looking at Alice's hand, where a silver wedding ring shone.

" Wait a minute, you got married and didn't invite us!" it was the first time that Zhuzhen looked so angry.

" Hey it wasn't our fault." Yuri replied.

" We're sorry, really. At the time we tried to contact you but…" Alice was interrupted by Yuri.

" You guys were all busy. Miss spy here was on a mission, Halley was in America with his mom, you old man were exorcising some old mansion in the middle of nowhere that even our letters didn't reach and our friendly vampire was taking his little nap"

" Well, what about when you received my letter? You could have told us about her." Margaret glanced at Alyssa. No, she couldn't possibly blame the child for what she was feeling. She had an innocent look, she was just like Alice when they met, but much younger.

" We wanted to surprise you, that's why we didn't say anything. I'm sorry" Alice smiled.

"Ah. That's okay. Past is past. Now let me take a look at you lovely daughter. What's your name miss?" Zhuzhen tried with his best smile. He had no idea how to talk to children.

Alyssa stepped forward staring at the strange group. Although it was her first time seeing them she recognized them from the stories she had heard.

" My name is Alyssa Anne Hyuga, mister. You are an wizard aren't you? Mama told me." Alyssa smiled.

" You parents told you about us? I can imagine what Yuri's version" Margaret shot an accusingly stare at Yuri

" What?" he tried to put an innocent look on his face. He was beginning to regret the descriptions he had added to the stories he told Alyssa at bed time.

" Papa told me everything about you." The child went on confidently. " There was a blonde lady that was mean and a vampire that kept falling asleep and a boy that…" Yuri put his hand on her shoulder, making her stop talking.

" Ha ha. Isn't it funny, what kids make up?" he laughed uncomfortably.

" So I'm a mean lady aren't I Yuri?" Margaret asked gazing at him dangerously. Keith just laughed, not mad at all about the things Yuri had told his daughter.

Suddenly the big clock stroke eleven pm.

"That time already? Alright, it's past bed time dear." Alice got up and held her daughter.

" But mama I want to stay…" the child complained.

" Common, now. You will have plenty of time tomorrow to talk with them." Was Alice's response.

"Actually we should also go to bed. We have to get up early tomorrow." Zhuzhen said.

" Are you going somewhere?" asked Yuri.

" We were talking about it before you guys arrived." answered Halley. " Old Roger says he's been hearing strange noises from the ruins. He wants us to go check it out."

" It could be just the usual monsters. But it's better to be sure" added Keith

" Mind if I joined you guys? I haven't beat any monsters for a long time." Asked Yuri. " What do you think Alice? Wanna come along? We might need your healing skills."

" But who is going to look after Alyssa?" Alice had just put her daughter in bed.

" Don't worry, I bet old Roger is up to the task." Yuri glanced to the mummy like old man snoring on a chair.

" I'm not sure about that" Alice giggled. " But alright, I'll come. I could use the exercise"

"Then it's settled. First thing in the morning it's off to Nemeaton!" Halley shouted enthusiastically.

Hidden behind a door that led to the rooms was the silhouette of a little girl.

" So they're planning a trip and don't want me to come along. It's not fair!" she thought. Being obedient most of the time, she was now decided to disobey just this time. " I have to plan how to follow them tomorrow. I want to see the place papa told me about." With that she went off to bed and fell asleep.

So how's that did you like it? Looks like Alyssa is being influenced by her papa's stories. I decided to make her personality a bit more mischievous just to match Yuri's. Read and Review please!