Okay, so I got some inspiration recently and I didn't think I would for this story. I kind of just dropped it due to how this one just seemed like it wasn't as liked as my other stories. But here I am ready to write once again! I hope you guys enjoy this. I have a lot more time on my hands now though due to how I'm out of school now so YEAH!

"But Dad! He's so small!"

"It doesn't matter, Atlas. His kind is used to get Intel by our enemies on multiple occasions. They are noted to be thieves and cause chaos for our kind and our ideals. He will only cause harm if allowed out of these four walls."

I gulped and looked back at the small gnome that was shivering with fear. His hat was clutched before him, showing his bone that sprouted from the top of his head.

I pitied that small creature.

I looked back at my father. I knew the look in his eyes and that stance that he carried. There was no room for words any longer. Only actions.

I slowly pulled my sword out of the placement it carried on my back and held it tightly in my right hand. "I'm sorry little one, but there is nothing I can do." I watched it push itself up against the wall as I took another step closer. Cornering the small being as I approached.

"May you be guided to Grace. Ulesakum shrakuth thuritarg gorotu." I slashed my sword quickly and lightly over the small being.

I killed it.

I fucking killed it.

I dropped my sword and fell to my knees. My eyes blurring as I went down and I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I felt like I was going to be sick. I felt a hand collapsed over my shoulder which caused me to look up to see Strickler standing over me.

"The first kill is always the most ruining. But remember, young Atlas, you carry the world upon your shoulders. You do such actions to protect those who cannot protect themselves as well as though you love. To keep the peace, you must do what must be done. The blood will no longer seem like that of sin, but that of duty. Marking of your true intentions."

Ironic. Protecting those that cannot protect themselves by slaughtering the same type of beings.

I opened my eyes slowly to the light that poured in from the windowpane. My eyes blurry, most than the usual morning grogginess.

"Crying is always better than waking up in fear."

I opened my locker with a sigh. Today might have started better than normal, but it seemed like the world wanted to get to me today.

First, Strickler decided that he was going to pull a pop quiz out of the crack of his ass that was difficult, even for me.

And I lived with him and his bullshit teachings for years.

Next, Algebra was going to be the death of me. No, not a troll or goblins. Hell, not even Gunmar himself. Fucking Algebra. My only saving grace in that class right now was that the teacher believes that the school I went to in New Jersey wasn't up to par with the education system that Arcadia has in place. Oddly enough though, she is also my Advance English teacher too so she at least understands that I'm not a complete idiot.

But she will also be my theater director if I get in the cast.

Who is probably going to be strick as hell about how many rehearsals I miss? Which is also lovely when goblins and fucking changelings are deciding that this is the most wonderful time of year to want to fuck around.

I closed my eyes and placed my head against the side of the locker door with a sigh.

"You look stressed."

I opened my eyes and leaned back to see Claire standing there with a mildly worried look. I tried my best to give her a sleepy smile.

"Just a little bit. I stayed up last night a little longer than I expected to try to work more on my algebra homework."

"How'd that go for you?"

"Let's just say that the stuff I learned in New Jersey was nothing like that of the level of equations you guys do here. Is there like, something in the water that I missed out on when I moved? Because it seems only a genetically made brainiac can figure this stuff out."

I smiled fully as I heard her laugh at my shitty joke. I felt a little less angry at the world since she was here.

"I could always help you out, you know? I took Honors Algebra last year." I gave her a look that rewarded me with a laugh again. "And no I'm not a genetically made subject from some lab. Lo prometo."

I laughed as she lifted up two fingers in a scout's honor type of way.

Cute.

"I might take you up on that. Especially since I kind of need Miss Janeth to understand I'm not a complete idiot and I can memorize equations. I mean, if you have a student audition for a play but you know they can't even show that they remember the quadratic formula, then why would you give them a part that has to memorize over half the show?"

"If you give a good enough performance today, I don't think it will matter."

"You have more faith in me than myself, Nuñez." She shoved me lightly with a laugh.

"Oh come on! When you read as Hamlet yesterday, it was amazing! Did you even see the look on her face? You are bound to be her Romeo." I gave her a smile as I closed my locker.

"Oh yeah? Did you see how you almost had her in tears when you were being Ophelia?" She smiled proudly at me as she put her hand over her heart.

"A true actress always notices the reactions of her audience. They just never show it." She laughed at herself. "I always wanted to be one, you know."

We ended up walking in step as we headed toward the gym. A duffel bag hung lightly against my leg and it bounced off my thigh. I smiled at myself at the idea of it looking full but was filled with clothes. It was for looks, yes. I decided that if I dressed the part, then maybe it would give me an advantage.

Who needs a suit of armor made when I have one that can just appear?

"You know, it was smart of you to bring a suit of armor. I still hate how you wouldn't let me see it though." I smiled and nudged Claire lightly on the arm.

"You'll see soon enough."

I decided to go and "change" into my "costume" as the other kids were auditioning. I told Claire to text me once it was her turn so I could come and watch.

I ended up being right on time as I hid in the wings to watch her performance. She was effortlessly breathtaking. Her presence on stage was like she was born for that part she was playing. Quoting Juliet to the 'T' with her arms doing just the right amount of movement to express her emotions and not stopping at all to readjust to the audience.

It was perfect. I never expected anything less from her.

She walked off stage after her performance to the wing that I was residing with a smile.

"That was amazing, Claire." Her smile seemingly brightened at my words.

"Why thank you, my shining knight." She gave me a small laugh as she placed a hand on the shoulder part of my silver and blue armor. "This costume is amazing! I'm actually quite glad you kept this from me until now." I smiled back at her and placed a chain-mail covered hand over my heart.

"I do my best to serve." I chuckled at myself. I could have sworn that I saw a slight change of color on Claire's face.

It must be the lighting.

"Next please!"

I smiled back at Claire as she back away to give me space to move. "That's you. Knock 'em dead, Romeo." I gave her a nod before I took the same path she did to the stage.

Once I presented myself to the small audience that was before me, I heard a couple of gasp at my costume. I smiled sheepishly as I watched Claire take her seat among the openly gossiping peers of ours.

"Mr. Lake! What a wonderful costume! I must say, I was hoping you would be here. Especially after your performance as Hamlet yesterday in class. Would you mind stating your full name, please?"

"Atlas James Lake." I broadened my stance. I felt more at ease once she stated her peace. I looked back at Claire that gave me a thumbs up and a smile.

"Well, the stage is yours."

I took a deep breath and placed my hand upon my heart once more.

"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!"

I stared straight out and dropped my hand to my stomach as I took slow steps as I spoke. I smiled softly as I decided to take a pause.

"So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows' shows."

I took an overly exaggerated sigh and softened my body language before I continued. I looked off into the left into nothing with a longing look.

"The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand,

And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand." I held my hand before me and look at it in disbelief.

"Did my heart love till now?" I place it back onto my heart. "Forswear it, sight!"

I looked back out into the crowd. Almost straight at Claire.

"For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." I paused and allowed the audience to understand I was done before I heard applause begin to fill the gym. I knew it wasn't my best performance, but I bowed with the same pride as I always did while growing up.

When I came back up, I smiled at Claire who only smiled back. There was a slight change in color on her cheeks.

Definitely not the lighting.

I chuckled at myself and started to make my way to the wings. It didn't take long for Claire to meet me there.

"That was amazing!" I felt her collide into me and her arms wrapped around my neck. I laughed and reciprocated the hug. She pulled back not long after and placed her hands on my arms that decided to lay down by my sides. "There is no way you're not Romeo." I chuckled.

"Says the defiant Juliet."

She giggled at my reply. "Then I guess we're Romeo and Juliet then, aren't we?" I smiled at her.

I like the sound of that.

"Remember young Atlas, we do whatever we can to protect those we love."

"I'll text you, alright? I gotta start heading out before my parents start calling me again." I nodded silently with the same dopey smile on my face.

"They cannot protect themselves. So we do whatever we can to never let them know true pain."

"Alright. See you around." She walked away with a small wave before disappearing completely.

"That way, it won't kill us if anything was to happen to them."

My smile faded as the memory completed.

It would kill me if anything was to happen to you, Claire. But I'm too selfish to push you away. Not just yet. But trust me when I say that if anything was to happen to you, I would fight till my last breath. You might not understand what you're getting into when it comes to me, but I do. I will protect you from whatever comes your way.

I care for you, Claire.

My unsuspecting Juliet.