I want to thank the two people who reviewed this story. It means a lot and I'm so glad you are enjoying it so far. ^_^

He weaved through the people as he ran through the village. She was closing in and he refused to let himself get caught. He soon took refuge behind a crate to try to slow his beating heart. After a moment, he took a risk and peeked out from his hiding spot. His eyes quickly scanned the area, but saw no sign of his pursuer.

Two hands landed on his shoulders making him jump. He turned around to see his friend laughing.

"I caught you!" She said.

Pinocchio smiled. "You're sneaky, Iliya."

"I have to be to catch you." Iliya smiled. "I believe that is now five points for me and four points for you."

"Not for long."

The two of them stood, ready to start the next round of their game.

"I'll race you to the edge of town," Pinocchio said.

"You're on."

On the count of three, the two of them took off running. Iliya pulled ahead. The edge of town came into view and she was sure she was going to win. She took a glance back to see how far Pinocchio was. He was gaining on her. She turned her focus back in front of her only to see someone walk in her path. She tried to change direction, but tripped over her own feet and fell to the ground. By the time she managed to get back up Pinocchio ran ahead.

As Pinocchio reached the edge of the town, he jumped in victory. He turned just as Iliya had caught up.

"I believe that's another point for me." Pinocchio smiled. "Now, we're tied."

"Only until I win this next round."

The two friends smiled at each other as they prepared for their next game.

As Pinocchio stood in the forest of a new land, his mind went to his best friend Iliya. How he wished she was here with him. She and her parents had left before the curse came. His father told him they left because they were scared. He missed Iliya greatly and often wondered what had become of her. Maybe their paths would cross again someday…someday when the curse was broken.

Crying brought Pinocchio out of his thoughts. Looking down at the baby in his arms, he gently rocked her. "Shh, it's all right, Emma. We'll find somewhere to stay, I promise." He then chose a direction and began walking.

Now more than ever he wished Iliya was here with him. Taking care of a baby would be much better with another person to help him. He was only seven. What did he know about taking care of a baby? When he thought about the future he never thought something like this would happen. He always thought he would be with his father and he and Iliya would grow up together.

Snap.

Pinocchio stopped in his tracks as he glanced around. It was probably just an animal…he hoped. But what if it wasn't? How was he supposed to defend him and Emma? He had no weapon. Even if he did he wouldn't know how to use one.

After a moment had passed and no danger was present, Pinocchio sighed with relief. He had no idea what to expect in this new land. He had already seen something weird in the sky, he can only imagine what other strange things he would see.

"This reminds me of a time Iliya and I got lost in the woods," Pinocchio said as he continued walking. "We were told never to go in the woods without an adult. We weren't going far, but we somehow ended up lost. It was dark by the time we found our way out, but together we were able to find our way." Pinocchio looked down at Emma. "As long as we stay together we can find our way."

Even though he wished Iliya was here with him he wasn't alone. He had Emma and as long as they stayed together they would be ok.

Pinocchio walked until the trees soon parted to reveal a building where people were walking in and out. Yes, they would be ok as long as they stayed together.

They had found help in that diner and taken to an orphanage. Spending a few days in this new land Pinocchio saw just how different it was from his home in the Enchanted Forest. But, at the same time it was the same, if that were possible.

Taking care of a baby, however, was not easy. If they ever did find a new family they had to stay together. He promised his father he would look after Emma and that was what he planned to do. He soon learned though that most families did not want two children. Whether it was the fact that they were two children, or a seven-year-old and a baby, he did not know the reason for sure.

As the days went on Pinocchio became more aware of just how much care a baby needed. Whenever he tried playing with the other kids, or even tried to get a moment alone, Emma would cry and because he promised his father Pinocchio would take care of her. He didn't mind, but sometimes he just wished he could do things he wanted to do without worrying about her. If Iliya were here it would be much easier.

Pinocchio spent most of his time making sure Emma was all right. The crib she was using had broken. It was only one of the legs that was broken so it was an easy fix. He went to fix the leg when a man entered.

"Do those tools belong to you?"

Pinocchio glanced up. "I was just trying to fix the crib so Emma won't fall out."

"Don't ever touch anything in this house again. Nothing belongs to you."

"Yes, Mr. Raskind."

Mr. Raskind took the tool box then left the room as his words echoed in Pinocchio's mind. Nothing belonged to him. That was true. There was nothing in this new land that belonged to him, nothing to call his own.

Pinocchio tried to be strong. He had to be so he could protect Emma and teach her about where they came from, make her believe so she could save everyone from the curse and he could see his father again. He missed his home. He missed learning things from his father, he missed playing with Iliya, he missed when things weren't so hard.

"Hey, you ok?"

Pinocchio looked up to see one of the boys walked in. Pinocchio just nodded.

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Yes."

The boy pulled out a wad of cash.

"Wow, where did you get that?"

"I stole it from the sock drawer. There is enough here to buy all of us tickets out of here. We're leaving right now. You want to come?"

"Can Emma come? I told my father I would take care of her."

"We can't take care of a baby. If you want to stay here for the rest of your life, be my guest." The boy turned to leave.

"Wait."

Pinocchio turned his attention to Emma. He had made a promise, but his father expected a lot out of him. He had to take care of Emma. He had to protect her. He had to make her believe because she was the one who was going to break the curse. That was a lot of responsibility for anyone. His father didn't even ask him if he wanted to do it. And twenty-eight years was a long time.

Maybe he could find her later. He could find her and explain everything. He would leave for now, but he could still keep his promise. This would not be the last that he saw Emma. He just needed to leave for a little while, but he would be back.

Making up his mind, he kissed his hand and placed it upon Emma's forehead. "I'm sorry, Emma." He then turned and left with the other kids.

As he left, he did feel a little guilty. He had promised his father he would look after Emma, but here he was, leaving her behind. Pinocchio told himself he wasn't truly leaving her. He would find her again and still keep the promise to his father. People loved babies and he was sure Emma would get adopted if it was just her.

Pinocchio stopped when he was a few feet down the street and looked back at the orphanage. Was this the right decision? What would his father say if he knew he was leaving Emma behind? What would Iliya say? Well, it didn't matter what they would say. They weren't here.

He took a step toward the orphanage, doubting if what he was doing was right. Maybe Emma did need him there.

Pinocchio shook his head. No, Emma would be better off without him. A nice family would adopt her and she would be happy.

"Hey, are you coming or not?"

Pinocchio looked back at the boy. "Yeah, I'm coming." He then ran to catch up to the group of kids, hoping Emma would have a good life.

As he followed the other kids, Pinocchio thought about a change of name. When he first mentioned his name, he was greeted with laughs. Was his name that funny? Not only would people not take him seriously because he was a child, but also, they thought his name was funny. But what would be a good name?

Pinocchio thought back to a time when he and Iliya were playing one of their games.

Pinocchio picked up the wooden knight and held it out to Iliya. "This is another knight that is trying to stop the dark knight. Do you want to play with him? He doesn't have a name yet."

Iliya took the knight. "I think I will name him…Augustine, but everyone calls him August. August the knight." Iliya smiled.

August was a good name. He would go by August and hopefully he could live up to the name.