Chapter 3: Kidnapped

Finally the day arrived when Ray and Kai could head towards town. They packed up and Kai took a bag from a nearby closet to take with them to carry the goods they were gonna bring back. Kai slung it over his shoulder and beckoned Ray to follow him to a shed by the side of the house. He pushed open the door and Uma sat inside eating a bale of hay.

"Hey Uma!" Kai greeted the horse stroking its back. "Sorry I haven't taken you out for a while now. But we'll need to ride on your back after you finish eating, alright?"

The horse neighed as if she understood what Kai had just said. She looked up at Kai then went over to her water and took a few laps of it. She then walked back over to Kai and knelt down. Kai took Ray's hand and led him to the side of the horse and helped him up. Ray didn't need as much help to get on Uma as he did the first time now. Kai got on himself and walked the horse out of the shed. Wow… Ray thought looking at the size of the shed. It must be at least ten feet tall! I wonder if Kai built it.

"How long will it take to get to town?" Ray asked looking back to Kai who sat behind him. "Will it take long?"

"It will take a while, but not forever." Kai replied smiling down at the cute face Ray usually made when he asked questions. "Don't worry. There's a lot to see on the way."

Uma started walking down the path to the right, because the left one lead to the foxes. Along the way they passed a bunch of trees, bushes, flowers, and birds. As inspiring as the view may be it started to get dull. Ray still kept his excited spirit. Every now and then Ray would look back at Kai and Kai would smile at him. Other than that the journey was silent. They continued down the path for a few more minutes and then they reached a tall gate with a sign reading "Mikomi Village".

"This village has a nice name." Ray said reading the sign out loud. "Hope…"

"Remember. Stay close." Kai reminded Ray holding his hand. The gates opened and they walked inside together. "Hold on to me even if I let go of your hand." Ray nodded and walked closer to Kai.

They headed for a nearby stand selling food and clothes. Kai asked for a few things and grabbed the bag she held out for him. On the opposite side the man was selling weapons. Ray stared at them scared. A man started walking towards him and Kai. He tugged at his shirt.

"Can we go now?" Ray asked as the man started to run. "Are we done yet?"

"Not really." Kai replied holding Ray's hand in his. "It'll be a little longer. Don't worry." Kai spotted the man gasping. "T-this way!" Kai pulled Ray into a nearby alleyway.

"What's wrong Kai?" Ray questioned worriedly. "Is that man bad?"

"He… does bad things." Kai said pulling Ray closer to him. They saw a shadow at the edge of the alleyway. The footsteps screamed in Kai's ear. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. Nothing."

The man stepped into the alley heading towards them. Kai unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the man. They both backed up as the man came closer. Ray felt something on his mouth and gasped kicking. It was a cloth! It was making him sleepier, and sleepier. The man who had ambushed Ray from the back started to run out the alleyway leaving a worried expression on Kai's face.

"Ray!" Kai screamed out dodging some knives the man threw at him. "Damn you!" He stabbed the man blocking his way and ran after the unconscious Ray. I won't let anything happen to you Ray. Kai thought as tears started pouring from his eyes. He won't hurt you. I promise.

Kai continued to follow the man as he headed for the village gates.

Sorry the best I could do. Forgive me. T-T