I watched in horror as Akira violently thrashed about on the floor. Her eyes bulged and her throat swelled as she choked and sputtered about on the rocky floor. She rolled over on her side and blood dripped from her lips as her frantic heart slowed its beats and her lungs refused to take in the arid air.

She is allergic to the liquid for a drop of the substance would kill a small baby but not a young woman... Oh God... Forgive me...

I felt absolutely helpless as Akira's body began to stiffen and soon cease movement. All my thoughts revolved around what I had done to Akira and her after ceased to exist for the moment.

"What have I done?" I breathed as Akira's father began to waken.

My red eyes drifted over towards the drowsy father as he began to stir.

Run... Run... Run...

This word echoed throughout my mind, sending shivers down my spine, and my body obeyed. I dashed to the small bedroom in which I had left my things and I took them quickly. Searching over the room to make sure I left nothing, I heard soft murmurs coming from within the other room.

I must hurry...

I dashed out of the bedroom, through the dining room in which Akira's body lay motionless and her father beginning to stir. I paused only a moment to stare back at the room in which death flittered about like gulls around a sea port before continuing to the stable for Cavaliere.

He was stamping about in the sandy pen as I approached, he acted as if he sensed urgency and that something has happened.

"Come on tavares, we must leave at once." I breathed as I strapped the small bag back on his saddle and led him from the stable.

I heard shouts from within Akira's house and I acted quickly.

"I must hide my face." I breathed as I searched through the small bag, "My black mask is gone... but..."

I slowly reached down and held up Christian's beautiful mask in the sun's foreboding light.

"I don't think he would mind, do you tavares?" I inquired as I slipped the small mask onto the left side of my face.

Cavaliere nickered as I climbed onto his back and set him in a trot as we entered the small city streets. Regaining my composure, I climbed off of Cavaliere and bartered with one of the shopkeeper's. Returning to my horse I slipped on a shroud that covered my head from the sun's rays and helped to conceal my face from the harsh world. It was ebony and it accented Christian's white mask and my red eyes. I then slipped a change of clothes into the small bag on Cavaliere's saddle.

I will change when I come to a resting spot.

The people of this small city starred curiously as I rode by. They spoke to each other in their native tongue hoping and praying that I couldn't understand them... but I did...

I did learn about Akira's language rather quickly after I read through a few of her books. My mother had always said that I was an extremely fast learner and she was right... I suppose.

As I rode along, I began to hear that small clink coming from my pocket. I rode for about an hour pondering over the small sound before feeling the effects of the burning sun. Becoming fatigued, I saw up ahead what appeared to be small inn of some sort for weary travelers. I stopped my horse there, paid a small fee for entry, and checked in for the rest of the day and night.

As I was led to my room by an elderly woman who was very kind; she did not fear me as did all the other people that were staying in the main room of this small rest-stop.

"Here is your room Miss Phantess." She spoke smiling as she moved back a piece of tarp.

"Thank you..." I spoke a bit shocked.

Everyone knows me... How?

She stood for a moment in the doorway before walking off to yell at a few trouble makers near the entrance. I smiled as I heard the old woman's shouts; Even though she was speaking in her language, I understood her perfectly which shocked me.

"You meddlers! Keep out of this place! Miss Phantess is staying here! Do you want her to come out here?! Now Leave!"

When she spoke of my name, it sent my usually solemn face into a fit of smiles.

They fear me? What a surprise...

I unpacked a few of my things, going through my pocket to search for the mysterious clinking sound to reveal a small... locket. It was in the shape of a heart and it was made of pure silver. It had small initials carved on it...

N. C. ... Peculiar...

I tried to open it yet could not; discouragement did not come so I slipped it around my neck and hooked it in the back. It was the perfect length and it was so light, it felt as though there was nothing hanging on my neck but the dry air.

I then changed into the clothes that I had bartered for. They were nice clothes, black as ebony and very comfortable. They were extremely cool as well, unlike the dress that I was wearing. I slipped on the shirt which fit perfectly; it was sleeve-less and fit snuggly against my pale skin. I then put on the pants which puffed out a bit; they fit perfectly against my hips. I then slipped on the baggy shirt which was to protect me from the harsh sandstorms. The doing the same with the baggy pants as well.

Finally, I slipped on the shoes. I had a pair of sandals and a pair of boots. I debated over which pair for a few moments, looking them over before deciding to go with the boots; the sandals weren't as sturdy. I packed away all of my older clothes and set the bag down beside the straw bed.

"You look nice." I heard a voice coo.