Seven

Seven

Clank, clank, clank. The sound of many boots on the rock floors of the cave came echoing out of the darkness of the tunnel before us. Slowly, six shadowed figures came to light. The first one was a warrior, as were the next four, the sixth one, however, remained in the shadows. They all had the characteristic color less faces, and similar black armor, as Clare did. The first one's hair was tied back in a kind of half ponytail, with some of her layered hair still framing her face, the second had hair so short she could have passed for a man, if it weren't for her eyes, the third had her hair in pigtails, wrapped towards the ends. The fourth had plain hair, with one long strand down the middle of her face. The last one had a long braid running down her back.

"Welcome back, Clare, Helen. Rubel, it's been a long time. It's great to see you all. Now, I see we have a new ally. May I ask your name?" the first warrior spoke, she had a nice voice, but one that carried an air of command. She was definitely the leader, a good one too.

"I'm Teresa."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Miria, and this is Deneve, Cynthia, Uma, Tabatha," One by one they all nodded as their names were called. Then, as Miria continued, Clare looked slightly confused, as if there shouldn't be anymore people there. "And the person standing all the way back there, is Raki." Shyly, the figure stepped forward, the joy on his rugged features turning to shock as he clearly saw the people in front of him for the first time.

"Father? Why are you here? We were all told you were, were dead!" I half whispered, afraid this was all a dream. A voice so small it was barely audible whispered, "Raki." Next to my ear. It was Clare. I looked at her, and found that the expression of indifference that had seemed so set in her face had vanished. She was crying. But they were tears of joy. I never really knew her so, I didn't think that emotion this strong even existed in her. I had never been so wrong.

Later that night, after everyone got caught up on what was happening, I was trying to sleep but I couldn't get what Raki ad said out of my head.

"Listen, Teresa, I have something I need to tell you. I'm not really your father." I had started to say something, to argue, but he cut me off. "Listen to me. I was going to tell you sooner, but when I saw an opportunity, I had to try and get out of there. I knew you'd understand that I had to leave, and I hoped that you would find a way out too." He looked down, "I'm so sorry."

"Then why did you even pretend to be my dad?! If you were just going to leave, why bother?!" I was shouting then. I still feel bad about what I said, but I do have a right to know.

"Your real parents were killed soon after you were born. That's why you don't remember them. I was alone then, and when I heard what happened, and that no one else was able to take you in, I offered to do it. I know you probably didn't want to hear this now, but please believe me when I say this at least. Your mother named you. She asked the midwife to name you Teresa." Well, this is just wonderful. In one day, I not only find out that I'm an orphan, but I'm living with a bunch of complete strangers. I wonder what Kyoko would say about this? Probably something like, 'how could you be so STUPID?! You should know better than to trust some random person, especially if they come from the other side!' I hope she's okay. Maybe I'll stop by for a visit one day, if either of us can live that long.