Shou glowered at the man standing over him, berating him like a child. How he wished he could throttle the man with his bare hands right now. He would surely enjoy watching the life fade from his eyes. No that wasn't good enough. He wanted blood and lots of it. Shou lost himself dreaming about the ways he could mutilate the man until eventually there was nothing left. He was so absorbed in his dreams he didn't realize the man had stopped talking.

"Oh by all means finish your mighty important day dreams." the man said cynically. The change of tone caught Shou's attention. His glare returned.

"Trust me, it was important indeed." He retorted. The man's long silver hair caught the sunlight, lending him an ethereal aura. The features of his face left none who laid eyes on him to doubt from whence came. Although, they would wonder why one such as him was meeting with the rebels.

"Trust you? I have erred in doing exactly so. You have failed me most shamefully!"

"I have not failed!"

"Then prove your worth! The vessel seeks the Oracle as we speak. The Fates are on our side. He has none but two to aid him. It should not be a difficult task, even for you."

Shou was thoughtful. It wasn't quite right. The obnoxious and so called king would not let him go without an honorary guard. He eyed the man suspiciously. He wasn't telling him all the details.

"What of the honorary guard? Why only two?"

The man waved his hand dismissively, "He has no honorary guard."

"Who are the two?" Shou caught a flash of something in the man's eyes he couldn't quite fathom but it was quickly disguised. Now Shou was ridden with suspicion. "Who are they?" he pressed.

"One that calls himself Lord Rei and the Marshal."

Hatred boiled in the pit of his stomach. It wasn't just the 'Marshal' that was the recipient of that hatred. That pompous fool that dared to claim the title 'Lord Rei'; Shou's spies had been caught by that magic wielding bastard more times than he can count. With difficulty he forced his thoughts away from lingering on the pair. They will soon face whatever delicious suffering Shou plan for them. Soon...but for now he will have to suck information out of the man before him. After that he can design a plan for each of them.

"Did you not say the council wanted the vessel to come to them?" Shou questioned.

"Indeed they did. Victoria failed, overridden by simpletons. But perhaps she had done us a favour. It is much easier this way. You would not be able to infiltrate the Nerieh." Although he spoke in a nonchalant manner, Shou knew the fear he bore for Victoria. She was not someone to mess with. He wasn't particularly fond of the Nerieh and as soon as he had the entire kingdom in the palm of his hands he plan to erase their existence out it. They were too meddlesome for his liking. They would never accept him anyway.

The afternoon melted into evening. Shou had wormed his way back into the man's good graces. He smirked at how easily he could play up his charm. All he had to do now was to find what he had lost and he knew exactly where to start the search. Once the man had gone, he summoned Hiroto and Saga.

"But we just came from there! I'm exhausted." Hiroto whined.

"Does it look like I care? I want you both gone this evening." Shou swore if one more word of protest left the short one's mouth he would sew it shut. Saga, probably sensing the dangerous direction Hiroto was heading in, interfered.

"As you say."

Impatiently, Shou got rid of them. He wanted rest. The journey back to the fortress had been tiring and if he wanted to lay out an impressive neigh inescapable ambush he would need his mind to be alert.

Rika hugged herself in the cold. Damn, she thought to herself, she should've stolen a coat from someone. Maybe she left the little town too early. The rain from before had created quite a gloomy atmosphere and the skies were still gray. It was bringing her mood down.

Rika's hands travelled to her pockets and a smile crept up on her face. At least she's got that little jewelled ring from the traveller. She has no idea how much it's worth, but it does look very expensive.

Suddenly, with a loud splash, she'd accidentally stepped into a big puddle. She stared sombrely at her wet and soggy shoes drenched in the mud and heaved a sigh. She really should be more focused...

Rika squinted, bending down to see the puddle more carefully. Was that some traces of red in it? Her eyes followed the colour and realized that the water was streaming slowly from a forest nearby. Someone must be injured in there...

She had her doubts... whoever is in there is a complete stranger... Why should she care whether that person lives or dies? Shrugging, Rika turned back to her path. Wait... if the person is a rich man... and he dies and leaves behind his belongings... it'd be hers for the taking!

She follows the running water mixed with blood, careful not to lose her way. She was quite bad with direction most of the time. A faint rustle caught her attention. She lifted her head and let out a slight gasp. A man was sitting, his back against a tree. The blood was coming from a gaping wound on his shoulder. Rika's eyes then travelled from it to his face. My... how handsome. His clothes were all crumpled and soaked and rainwater was dripping from every strand of his black hair and yet he still manages to look good.

Pushing aside her fixation with his appearance, Rika carefully approached him, "Are you alright?" she asked.

The man grunted in response, eying her suspiciously. He inched a little bit away from her. "I'm fine, leave me be," he muttered, averting his eyes drearily to the side.

"I can't do that," Rika sighed, walking over to him and sitting herself down near his leg, "Oh that is a very deep wound you got there."

"Where'd you get it?" she asked, turning to look at him. He said nothing.

"Hmm..." Rika drawled, "You need to stop the bleeding, at least." Without another word, she proceeded to rip a good amount of the cheap fabric from her skirt.

"Hey!" the man yelled, his expression suggesting a strange sort of fear, and a hint of embarrassment. Rika was always great at reading people's emotions, especially since her line of work required her to lie and fake her own feelings a lot.

Rika carefully tied the cloth around his leg and the light blue of her skirt immediately soaked in red. "You can't stay here! You're bleeding and its freezing cold," Rika commented honestly, staring at him with concern, "I'll take you to a warm and dry place."

"I'm Rika," she continued. She offered him her hand. The man stared at her for while before deciding to take it. He stood up, stumbling slightly but Rika managed to find their balance. A girlish little pang of excitement ran through her as she realized she was so physically close to such a handsome man.

"What's your name?" she asked, as they begin to walk slowly.

"To...Toshi," the man replied hesitantly.

Rika pouted a bit. He was lying... And she was stupid enough to tell him her real name too.

Dawn was near. Even with the dense trees surrounding them, Kiera could sense dawn approaching. They had ridden till Kai fell asleep on Reita's back and Uruha's weight was heavy on her own back. He had been breathing into her neck when she finally announced they would make camp for the night. Kiera vowed as soon as they get to the next town, she would buy horses for them and teach them to ride. It had been a strange kind of torture having Uruha so close for so long. Though she had pretended ignorance, her heartbeat has set off in a wild race every time he buried his face in her hair. He tended to do that often, she noticed.

Kiera looked around their camp. A small fire crackled giving light to their immediate surroundings. Reita slumped against a tree, completely relaxed. If the glint of the fire hadn't been reflected in his eyes, one would think him asleep. Uruha was curled up on a makeshift bed on the leafy floor fast asleep with Kai. Kiera searched for Takeru only to find him perched upside down from a tree branch directly above her. His large eyes stared at her. Used to the little demon's starring, she turned her attention back to Reita.

"You should be resting." She told him, her voice barely above a whisper. A smile broke out on his handsome face.

"So should you. I can see you're restless Kiki. What is it?"

Kiera was not surprised he had noticed her restlessness. Her senses were warning her of impending danger. At first she had written it off as the forest giving her the spooks but the feeling would not leave her be.

"Perhaps it is nothing."

Reita grinned widely, "Is it Uruha? Does he bother you?"

Kiera sent him a frown. How did he get to that assumption? She would never understand. She opened her mouth to reply when a noise somewhere to her right distracted her. All of a sudden, her senses were on high alert. Takeru dropped down from his perch, landing on all fours like a cat. His pupils transformed into silts as his nails sharpened. Kiera didn't need another warning. Drawing her twin blades, she went over to the sleeping figures.

"Get up." she whispered, shaking both Uruha and Kai awake. "Stay close to Lord Rei. Go. Now."

Perhaps it was the urgent tone or perhaps it was the swords she didn't know, all she knew was that they scrambled off to Reita who was still seated exactly where he was. As if on cue, Takeru let out a feral growl. Kiera turned coming face to face with a saliva dripping beast. She smirked, her heart slowing its rhythmic beat. She had not fought wild beasts in awhile; this was going to be fun.

Uruha thought he'd never have to experience something as ridiculous as "hiding behind Reita for fear of being eaten by a gigantic drooling fanged beast". But here he was, doing just that. The panic he felt in his heart cannot be compared. He though he'd go mad any second now. If the demon himself was growling at this thing, it can't be anything but dangerous. This towering beast, of black fur and glowing green eyes, was approaching them slowly, its hunger for flesh evident.

Kiera stood her ground, the look in her eyes not of terror but of anticipation. She was like no woman he's ever seen. He felt newfound admiration for her and somehow, he felt his fear subside a little after seeing her bravery.

Reita, on the other hand, seemed absolutely unperturbed... bored even! Something is seriously wrong with him! Isn't he someone they all called "lord"? Shouldn't someone who holds such a title be more heroic?

"Reita, help her!" Uruha hissed at him in anger, his fear for his own safety now replaced by his fear of Kiera's safety.

"Nah, pass," Reita replied, yawning, "she's got it." He then called out to Kiera, "Kiki! You got this don't you?"

"Leave it to me." She called back to Reita.

As though prompted by her voice, the beast charged. Kiera crouched, using it's massive snout as leverage she kicked off sprinting up above its head. In the process, she had managed to place a large gash on the thing's face. It howled in rage as blood spurted out of the wound. Seeing as how she was now situated on its furry back, when it began to thrash around wildly. she had to jump off quickly before she was thrown off. The beast gave a blood curdling cry, charging straight at her again. Just as it reached her, Kiera easily slid under its thick limbs. With as much force as she could muster, she thrust both her blades into the underside of the beast's neck. Quickly dodging the spraying of the thick blood, she rolled away. The beast let out another cry, dying in a pool of its own blood.

Kiera had barely wiped the blood on the thing's back when she heard the unmistakable sound of thunderous hoofs. More were coming. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. She would need to bathe later. Judging from the noise, it wouldn't be just the one beast that she killed today. Kiera looked back at Reita, checking if Uruha and Kai were unharmed. She smiled at them hoping to reassure them. Her veins were throbbing with excitement.

Uruha stared in absolute awe as Kiera killed the giant monster. It was like he's witnessing a 3D battle scene in a fantasy movie. Like an idiot, he stood up and clapped. "Kiera that was awesome!" he gasped.

She looked at him with surprised disbelief briefly but before she could say anything, a rumbling sound interrupted them. Oh god... are more coming? Uruha thought, his momentary relief all gone.

"Tsk this is troublesome," Reita sighed and made to walk towards Kiera. Instinctively Uruha grasped his arm. "Wh-where are you going?" he asked, realizing that he and Kai's shield is abandoning them.

"Weren't you the one asking me to help Kiera?" Reita answered exasperatedly, "I'm going to help her of course." He had the tone of an impatient father lecturing his child. Despite the situation, Uruha found himself irritated by it.

The demon Takeru slumped back as Reita walked to the front. The resounding sound of hooves was getting louder.

"E-even you're here?" Uruha whispered to Takeru as he crouched next to him, "There're more beasts coming aren't there? Just how scary are they?" Uruha was honestly afraid of his answer.

Takeru shook his head indignantly. "I'm not hiding from them," he said, "I'm hiding from Lord Rei. What he's about to do is not something demons of my rank can tolerate."

Uruha turned his attention fearfully back on Reita. He's not sure he's ready to see this side of his friend.

Kai was sure if he could see himself right then he'd feel ashamed. Frankly he was terrified. There he was cowering when a girl kills a monster easily thrice her size. Not that he could help her or anything. All he can do is bang on his drums, fighting was beyond him. When Reita left them to join Kiera, the little demon joined them.

"Wh-What is he going to do?" he asked Takeru, he couldn't control the fear in his voice. Uruha didn't seem to fare much better. Kai never got to hear Takeru's answer.

Just then, a thundering cry rang out all around them. The hooves that had sounded close was now like a thunderstorm. He didn't need to be an expert to know monsters were coming from every direction. There was only Kiera and Reita to fight them. Even a complete moron can see they were tragically outnumbered. Kai wished he had returned his mother's call the other day. He would've liked to say good bye to her. He also wished he had gotten married and had experienced being pampered by his wife before he was trampled to death by ugly monsters.

Kai watched Kiera easily kill off the first monster that appeared. It was followed by several more. If he should ever survive this day, he would make sure to never to piss her off. She looked too happy with her swords. He was so mesmerized by her that he momentarily forgot Reita. When he finally did, his eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets.

Reita stood surrounded by monsters, his expression so calm it scared Kai more than the monsters. His eyes had gone completely white. He held on his palms globes of light so pure it hurt to look at it. For a moment everything seems to slow in time, the very air felt as if it was frozen. In the next heartbeat, Kai felt a tremor in the atmosphere and suddenly the monsters around Reita began to explode simultaneously. One by one as if they had dynamites in their stomach. A mess of flesh and guts flew in every direction.

Bile rose up in his throat at the massacre. Kai hid his head between his knees unable to watch the gore. He heard a hiss from the demon beside him. He didn't have the courage to look at his two hiding partners.

Then everything became silent.

Uruha was cowering in the darkness, not sure what was happening around him. He could see that Kai was just as afraid as he was. But Uruha didn't know whether he was more afraid of the monsters or of Reita at this point. The sudden quiet that embraced the atmosphere was incredibly unsettling. For some reason, Uruha felt the roaring hooves and screams of earlier much more comforting.

Reita rubbed his palms together, like one would casually do so after having dirtied them with something minor like... dust or sand... not specks of monster meat. So this is what gave Reita the title of "Lord Rei". No wonder every guard in King Sondalle's castle bowed in respect and fear. No one would want to be on the receiving end of such a diabolical attack. Uruha felt chills run down his spine at the thought of having bullied and teased Reita countless times before. What has he been doing? What if one day, Reita just... snaps...

The spectacle before him was just purely abhorrent. There were chunks of flesh everywhere, as if it had just rained an unholy and bloody downpour of cruelty. Uruha averted his eyes from the scene, not wanting to puke and seem utterly useless in Kiera's view.

Instead he settled on Reita, wondering what he had to say for himself after performing such a terrifying feat.

"So..." Reita drawled, his eyes now returning to their normal appearance, "I think we need to find another place to camp."

Kiera sheathed her swords first cleaning them in the fur of one of the beasts she had slain. The calm after the battle was almost too quiet for her ears. Kiera scowled at Reita. His display of power, she did not mind, in fact she was glad for it. It would have taken longer to physically kill off all the beasts. However, she did not appreciate blood and gore dirtying her. It was a miracle she was not smothered under all the filth. Her gaze fell on the huddled figures. She hurried to them, suddenly afraid they might have been harmed.

"Are you alright?" she asked upon reaching them. She examined Uruha and Kai, apart from their pale faces there was no sign of hurt. The little demon was trembling. Being a demon of the lower class, he could not tolerate Reita's power. Kiera was just thankful, Takeru had not been hurt too greatly. Kiera turned to Uruha who was staring wide eyed at Reita. She held his arm gently, coaxing him to stand along with Takeru and Kai.

"Come. We must leave. A river runs not far from here, I shall need to bathe." Kiera shot another scowl at Reita. He grinned back at her sheepishly with a shrug.

Uruha had followed the rest of the group in a daze towards the river. He didn't even know how they finally reached there. The water in the river was clear and flowed at a calming pace. Uruha stared at it for a while to calm himself down after the ordeal earlier. That certainly was what you'd call a traumatic experience. He's going to need intense therapy when he gets back to Earth... IF he gets back to earth...

"Kiki and I need to get cleaned up," Reita's voice jolted Uruha from his thoughts. Instinctively, Uruha recoiled at Reita's close proximity and he nearly fell into the river. It didn't help that Reita is now soaked and sullied with the blood of the monsters he just slaughtered.

Uruha laughed nervously, moving away from Reita in what he hoped would appear to be an unnoticeable manner. "Alright," Uruha answered, his voice a slight tremble, "We'll just wait for you here then!"

Reita didn't seem to have perceived Uruha's sudden fear of him... or if he is aware of it, he's pretending not to be. In any case, as Reita and Kiera proceed towards the end of the river where there are less rocks and more space to clean, Uruha hurried to where Kai and Takeru were sitting.

"K-kai," Uruha said quietly, joining them and stealing one last glance at Reita, "A-are you ok? I'm incredibly freaked out, man! Freaked out! I'm going to lose it any second now, we have to talk about this!"

"What is the meaning of that?" Takeru, instead of Kai answered. He was still faintly trembling from earlier but seemed to be recovering. "What are you going to lose?" Takeru asked, curiosity written all over his face.

Uruha blinked, not sure if Takeru should be there during their gossip. But looking at his weak little face, he didn't really have the heart to tell him to beat it.

Kai was still slightly unsettled by the earlier ordeal. He shook his head as if that might help to clear it. He glanced at the demon beside him but decided he was harmless. Takeru doesn't even like Reita. Whatever they said, he wouldn't repeat it to Reita.

"Just when I thought things were going ok. He throws something like that in our face and act like its as normal as him playing the bass." Kai said, keeping his voice quiet. He peeked at Reita who was taking off his shirt at the edge of the river. Kai's face became exceedingly red when he noticed Kiera emerging from the river. He quickly looked away. Hopefully, Uruha didn't turn around.

"We better not do anything stupid around him." He continued.

Uruha nodded in agreement. "Yeah," he sighed, "I can't believe we've actually bullied Reita a lot. I mean, apart from his bass skills, we basically tease him about everything else back in Japan."

Takeru looked absolutely lost, not understanding anything they're saying. "What are bass skills? Lord Rei has them?" he asked, interrupting the flow of their conversation once again.

"Reita plays bass guitar," explained Uruha, although not sure why he was explaining in the first place, "It's a musical instrument."

"...an instrument made out of a fish?" Takeru had the look of pure awe on his face.

"No... wh-where'd the fish come from?"

"Bass is a type of fish-"

"It's impossible to make a musical instrument out of THAT bass."

"Yes, but Lord Rei has many magical powers. Perhaps making a musical instrument out of a fish is not that difficult a task."

"It's not what I meant. It's an entirely diff-"

They were interrupted by Kai clearing his throat in impatience. The two of them shut up instantly. Wow, Kai has leader skills over Takeru too.

"Sorry," Uruha replied, getting back on track, "In any case, Kai, I don't think we should treat Reita lightly anymore."

Kai nodded his agreement, "And just to be safe. Be really nice to him." then remembering Takeru's words, "What other magical powers does he have?"

Was it just his imagination or did he see the slight change of expression on Takeru's face.

"Lord Rei can read your every thought. His powers do not work on demons though."

Kai's jaw could've hit the ground. Read minds? Oh they were screwed. Big time.

Uruha felt a sense of despair wash over him at Takeru's words. "R-really? He reads minds?" Uruha repeats, hoping that maybe he'd heard Takeru wrongly.

"Yes, in precise detail," Takeru answers, his face solemn, "He also sees your dreams. Lord Rei is a master of the mind."

Uruha's heart sank. If Reita knew he and Kai were having suspicions and doubts about him... he'd definitely get mad. In fact, he's probably already mad at them now!

"We're goners," Uruha moaned, burying his face in his hands.

"Oh, but there are exceptions to this," Takeru interrupted, bringing Uruha's attention back up, "If you stay closer to Lord Rei, it will cause your thoughts to be dishevelled and he will be unable to decipher your thought pattern."

"How close are we talking about?" Uruha remembered being pretty close to Reita earlier, while he was thinking about how frightening Reita is.

"Perhaps a distance where you are able to physically touch each other with your hands without help from other objects," Takeru offered and Uruha heaved a sigh of relief. They were much closer than that. Reita couldn't have known his thoughts.

"And the dream thing?"

"You must sleep in a particular position. Both of your arms must face the east while your right leg faces west and your left leg faces south. Your head must remain neutral and not follow any direction."

"My body's going to be twisted beyond discomfort! How can i fall asleep?"

Takeru shrugged sadly. "This is the sole resolution I can commend. Without this exact posture, Lord Rei will be free to enter into your dreams as he pleases. If you do not wish this to be the case... then I'm afraid to say there is no other option."

"It is not necessary to hold my clothes, Lord Rei." Kiera said, as she took the pile of clothes Reita offered to her.

"But I want to. A gentleman never neglects the comfort of ladies." Reita grinned cheekily at her. "I shall guard you while you change!"

"Perhaps you should guard me from yourself." Kiera mumbled under her breath, walking away behind a large tree.

With Reita's arm heavily slung across her shoulders, they walked back to join the others. To her surprise, Takeru was huddled between Kai and Uruha. They seemed to be in a discussion. Takeru seeing them approach, grinned up at her. The mischief obvious in his expression. Kiera vaguely wondered what he was up to. She cast a quick glance towards where their horses were tattered.

"What you two gossiping about?" Reita asked jovially. Kiera raised her brow at their reactions. Kai had literally jumped at Reita's voice. Uruha seem to shrink back several steps then as though remembering something he came back closer to Reita.

"Oh no nothing important, just about... the dangers we might be facing in the future!" Uruha said quickly, laughing nervously.

"Um... Uruha," Reita drawled, staring at the man who was practically just a few inches away from him, "You're standing too close to me."

"Oh is that... INCONVENIENT for you?" Uruha asked, standing even closer, raising his eyebrows at his friend. Reita must be trying to make him move away so he can read his mind.

"Actually yes," Reita said, pushing him away curtly but was interrupted by Kai who was also standing very close to him.

"Ahhhh!" Reita suddenly said, pointing at his friends, "You guys are afraid of more monsters right? Don't worry!" He put his arms around both Uruha and Kai and Uruha felt more scared than comforted. "I'll keep them away from you, no problems. You don't have to stick to me like magnets. God!"

It might be his imagination but Uruha thought he saw Takeru snicker at them. But his suspicions about that disappeared when he saw Kiera. She was no longer covered in blood. Her skin was so radiant now and her whole figure seemed to glow with a surreal beauty. She was staring at him perplexedly and it made her even cuter. Goofily, Uruha waved at her.

Kiera wondered if this was their normal behavior with each other. She figured it was when Uruha waved at her. Besides, Reita seemed content with it, thus she dismissed it. She turned to Takeru.

"Have you recovered?" She knew he had but she had to ask. He sometimes caused her feel the need to protect him. The little demon grinned, offering his open palm to her. A gesture she knew well. Kiera could not help the smile that broke on her lips.

"At the next town. You have my word." She told him. Takeru seemed satisfied at her answer.

"Do you wish to rest, Lord Rei? I would not suggest it though. The forest harbors many creatures. Should we travel now, by sunset I presume we should have reached a small town that lies beyond the forest."

"I agree," Reita said to Kiera, "We should get going. As much as I want to, using magic a second time would be bad for... " His eyes landed on Takeru and a wry smile curved around his lips. "Well, let's just say it's not wise to use too much pure magic in the company of evil."

Takeru didn't respond, instead just threw Reita a dirty look. Despite looking incredibly angry, Takeru seemed like he didn't want to anger Reita at this stage.

Uruha bounced near Kiera, happy to know that they'd be riding again and he doesn't have to sleep in that ridiculous posture Takeru described in front of her. If they were to rest in a small town, they must have separate rooms, which means Kiera won't be able to see it.

"So are we riding again?" Uruha asked her cheerfully.

Kiera starred wide eyed at the cheerful Uruha. Where had the change of mood come from? Was he not fidgety just a moment ago? He was too unpredictable. Kiera suddenly realized he was too close to her as well. Discreetly, she shrank back a little. It was one thing to have him behind her back, it was a completely different situation while face to face.

"Yes. Let us go now."

Kiera recalled something as their little company mounted their respective horses. She helped Uruha pull himself into the saddle before turning Nyx to face the others.

"Soon we shall be entering the heart of the forest. Do not let your eyes stray to the sides." Seeing the look of terror on Kai's face, she added "I shall lead the way. So long as you keep your eyes on me, no harm shall befall you." Kai nodded, managing a slight smile. Kiera nudged Nyx to a trot, leading the way through the dense forest.

Uruha didnt like the sound of what Kiera's saying. After the unpleasant experience with exploding monsters earlier, Uruha had hoped for a less eventful journey.

The forest was dark, with sparse lighting here and there. Even though Uruha could see nothing else apart from their group in the dense canopy, he had the disturbing feeling that they weren't alone. And whoever else is in this place was a lot worse than the monsters from before.

Although Kiera had said it was fine as long as he looked at her, Uruha felt like she wasn't telling him the complete story. With fear in his heart, Uruha asked Kiera in a soft whisper, "Why? What's in this forest?"

Kiera wondered if she should tell him. Unlike Kai, Uruha seem to be a very inquisitive being. Kiera had not forgotten how he does exactly the opposite of what she says. She decided perhaps it would keep him in check, if he knew what dangers lies around them.

"They're named Corrigan. I do not know what they look like or what they are exactly. One look and they can ensnare you in their enchantments. It appears they have taken a liking to the flesh of humans."

Kiera felt Uruha shudder against her. His arms around her torso tightening.

Uruha hugged Kiera tighter, panic rising at the pit of his stomach. He buried his face in her hair and closed his eyes shut. Despite the fear he's feeling, Uruha felt relaxed against Kiera's back. Her hair smelt nice, which was quite weird considering she just battled a horde of bloodthirsty beasts.

With her warmth, the light breeze on his face and the stable treading of the horse, Uruha found himself drifting off to sleep. The last thing he remembered was thinking "Oh no.. no, don't sleep... Reita can read your dreams.. "

With a sudden gasp, Uruha woke up later, bumping Kiera's head with his a little. "Oh! Oops, sorry sorry" he exclaimed apologetically. Before Kiera could reply, Reita had interrupted.

"How convenient, Uruha, falling asleep while we passed through that literal sea of demonic savages. The Corrigans were about to eat Kiera's face off but she couldn't do anything because you were in dreamland and your big stupid head was blocking, lying on her shoulder," Reita said, looking seriously angry.

"Eh!" Uruha gasped, "Really! I'm so sorry, so sorry!" He felt like he wanted to cry. How useless he is!

"Lord Rei, lying is a bad habit," the demon Takeru said with an innocent expression on his face.

"Oh of course Takeru, how rude of me," Reita replied sarcastically, "I should follow your example of being honest and well-behaved all the time."

"But I am always honest and well-behaved!" Takeru teased, seeming to have fully recovered from Reita's earlier magic.

"Wait wait, so... that didn't happen?" Uruha cut in, relief settling in my heart.

"Of course not, Uru-chan," Reita said with a big grin, "You're so ridiculously gullible."

He took a moment to take in the scenery and realized that they were very near the village now. He could see the litter of houses in the near distance. Relieved but slightly angry at Reita, Uruha returned his head on Kiera's shoulder.

"Mean, isn't he?" he said to her, pouting.

Kiera let out a laugh at their childish behavior. Uruha had been a dead weight on her back for the past few hours. She had not woken him as it was probably much safer for him that way. Although his breath on her neck made her lose focus several times. Now his head was back on her shoulder, she was almost getting accustomed to the feeling.

"Isn't he always." Kiera commented wryly.

Uruha felt good to be in civilization now. Human civilization. None of those horned beasts or Corrigans or anything like that. The little village wasn't much but it seemed lively enough. They passed through what looked like a marketplace and everybody was rowdily buying and selling things put a smile on his face.

A lot of the people stared at them as they passed and Uruha wondered if it was because of Reita and Kiera being from the kingdom... or because they had two grown men sitting behind them on the same horse. Uruha hoped it was the first one.

After the marketplace, they arrived at a cozy little inn. Uruha looked forward to lying on a bed. He wasn't particularly sleepy, but he just wanted to feel some soft mattress against his back. He's not used to riding horses and all this bouncing up and down all day was making his entire body ache.

Kiera scanned the village; at the first sight of an inn she dismounted Nyx. Making sure Uruha was secure in the saddle, she led them to the inn's stable. Kiera had adorned her brooch indicating her as the King's Marshal. Upon seeing it, the grooms rushed to handle the horses.

"Find me your innkeeper." Kiera said to them. One of the grooms ran out to do her bidding.

Even before her companions had all dismounted, the innkeeper made his appearance. The burly man surprised her with the customary salute for soldiers of the King's army. Kiera noted that one of his legs was made of stumpy wood.

"Lady Marshal, I am Joseph. I once had the pleasure of serving under your command. It would be my honour to have you and your company stay at my inn." the man said.

"As it is mine to be here." Kiera replied.

"Allow me to escort you a private parlour; I shall have 2 rooms set up immediately. I'm afraid I cannot offer you more for the other rooms are occupied."

"It will do."

Kai's ass was aching rather badly. Horse riding was not as comfortable as they made it look in movies. He was sore and sleepy. Unlike Uruha, he didn't have a nice female body to sleep on. Reita was made of bones and hard muscles. Even his horse was a lot fleshier. Reita dismounted gracefully. Kai wasn't so graceful neither was Uruha.

The big muscular innkeeper, Joseph, led them in. Kai wondered if it was a weekday when they passed through what looked like the inn's pub room. The place barely had any people. The ones that sat around the little square tables looked like a suspicious bunch of people. People with cloaks and hoods over their faces. Some sat nursing their drinks talking quietly with their partners.

Kai stopped dead in his track. Uruha who was right behind him almost collided into him. Kai ignored his questioning look. The couple in one of the shadowy corner tables had caught his eye. The stylishly cut dark hair and the lip piercing...Kai didn't need to see the full head to know who it was he was starring at. Without thinking he called out.

"Tora!"