Chapter 22: Lost

At first Endymion stood frozen, watching, calculating his strategy. All he had was a hunters knife and a couple of arrows. He had ran out of the cab in in a crazed state last night and had just grab b ed what was near b y. He hadn't prepared very well and life was going to punish him for it. His chances of sub duing four men was slim, with the weapons he had. He wished he would have thought to grab his sword. As it is, he may b e ab le to kill a couple of them b efore they got the upper hand. But what was that unarmed woman's chances?

He watched the woman move along the path, he watched the strange shadow men follow. Crouching low, hiding within the long grass that grew at the edge of his vantage point atop the cliff. Deftly he knocked an arrow in his b ow. Muscles tight and hard as he focused his eyes upon his first target. His heart was racing, if his tactics didn't work then he would b e dead along with the woman he was trying to save.

The mid-day sun was hot on his face, his b reathing had b ecome shallow as he concentrated. Endymion knew there was a smaller trail cutting off from the one she was currently on. It was just a few yards ahead of her position. He ran threw the terrain in his mind, long memorized in his youth. If she stayed on the main trail he could wait for her here. The trail would lead her over a tiny stone b ridge where the river narrowed and then upward towards this hillside. But first he had to thin the ranks of how many adversaries he would have to deal with.

As long as she stayed on that trail...

Then what? Her journey up here would b e to long? Those men would b e on top of her b efore then.

He let fly his first arrow, it struck the last man dead b etween the eyes. The one in front turned in alarm, just as Endymion sent another arrow towards him. It went wide and cut into the b ushes.

"Damn!" Endymion hissed.

The first two were to far away to take heed of his attack, b ut the third darted into cover amid the trees.

Endymion took flight in that moment, as his new strategy was taking shape. He sprang up from the tall grass and started running down the trail. Intent on reaching her b efore the two men caught her. He would then take her up the fork off the trail. That b ranch of trail would take them out of the forest and out onto the plains to the main road that led towards the village.

If he was quick enough, he could hide their tracks. The last three men would not b e ab le to figure out they had left the main trail. They would continue on at least for some time b efore figuring it all out.

He hoped to have her safely away at that point.

Still winded from his earlier run, Endymion lab oured to take in enough air. Panting and urging his b ody to move faster. The path had quickly twisted b ack into the trees, concealing him from sight. Shafts of sunlight flashed over the ground as he raced head long into troub le. Old pine and spruce lined his path, leaving a dried carpet of needles that crunched under his b oots.

He rushed across the stone b ridge, driving himself onward into the trees just b eyond the mossy b ank.

Looking for the side trail as the trees emb raced him again. He couldn't b e sure how far he had gone, the continuous forest offered no concrete landmark to find the fork. He didn't rememb er exactly where the cut off was. It was small and would b e very easy to miss. Rounding another b end he hoped to find the fork in the trail. When nothing stood out, he pushed on. Struggling to figure out what he was going to say to the woman when he caught up to her. His thoughts raced as fast as his legs. She might not trust him, she might not b elieve him...or b e frightened b y him. It was more likely she would flee from him.

He wouldn't have much time to convince her of his good intentions. That she needed to go with him, that he wanted to help.

Ascending a rise, he looked franticly for that fork in the path, not finding it and then kept running. Now his b reath was coming in ragged gasps. He knew that if he didn't reach that split b efore she did, they would b e trapped. Then they only

had two options, fight or flee up the main trail and try and outrun the men. He was far to winded for that.

So he drove himself harder, sweat ran down his neck, trickling down his b ack making his tunic stick to his skin. The coolness of the gentle b reeze rushing through the forest did nothing to cool him. The air was hot, and far to humid from the rain. His exertion only increased his discomfort. The forest passed in a b lur on the periphery of his vision as he ran.

The trail cut sharply to the right and at last he came upon the cut off, almost missing it in his desperate flight. He made a quick search for tracks, hoping she hadn't taken that small path without him. There were none.

Relief washed over him as he b ent doub le over his knees heaving for b reath. Heat b lossomed then faded from his b ody, as his skin cooled. Then he squatted over his heels in exhaustion trying to catch his b reath. He had b eaten her here, now he had to make her b elieve him b efore it was to late.

With a groan he stood b ack up, holding his left hand over a painful stitch in his side. Still trying to regain his b reath and his composure. He worried he might look silly. She was rather small, she migh girl?

Perhaps it was just a sister and her b rother's playing a game? If that was the case, he would look the fool and everyone would have a good laugh b ut him.

But those men didn't move right? The had a long, ungainly stride as if their limb s were to long for their b odies. Their skin had b een dark, far darker then an average human. Black even, as if they had b een b athed in tar. He looked up at the sky, he hadn't b een seeing things. He had seen a shadow swinging threw the trees. Human b ut not human? He thought ab out how she was walking. Slowly, cautiously, uncertain as to where she was or where to go. Girl or woman she did not want to b e in the forest. He swallowed hard, the cold fear at seeing those men shadowing her made his mouth dry.

He knew what he had seen. They were not playing a game, they were hunting her.

He was pacing trying to work out the kinks in his strained muscles. When his eyes fell upon the young woman as she came around the b end in front of him. His b reath caught, leaving him staring awestruck at her remarkab le b eauty. Her b londe hair was so pale it seemed silver, it was lush, full and extremely long. Spun up into two b uns, the twin tails streaming down her b ack like elegant rib b ons. Complementing the contours of her slim, hourglass b ody as they swayed to her graceful movements. She was quite short, b arely coming up to his chest. Her face was sweet, angelic, yet mature. She wasn't a child...yet not a full adult either? Her b lue eyes were wide and innocent. So clear, so pure, they held him with an unearthly fascination.

The dress she wore was like nothing he had ever seen. Made of a white sheer fab ric, the could b e silk, satin or some material he knew nothing of. Its weave was fine and smooth, almost glistening. It was elegant in it's simplicity. With a plunging neckline that was folded and b unched like flower petals around her dainty b reasts and upon her small shoulders. Beaded with golden half moons upon her waistline.

The flowing skirts trailed down her legs all the way to her slippered feet. The fab ric was more sheer then the b odice, teasing him. He wondered if he stared hard enough, if he could catch a glimpse of her smooth, unb lemished skin. She halted and the long graceful folds regally trailed her, gathering ab out her legs in waves of white.

Endymion approached and stopped a few strides away, taking in how stained the hem was upon her dress. The dirt and grim caked upon her ankles, her arms and smeared like soot over her face. How haggered and strained she looked. Yet she stood straight and still, her arms at her sides. The pearls upon her left wrist twinkled in the mid-day sun as if made from starlight. It caught his eye for b ut a second, b efore he b rought his focus b ack upon her face.

Her eyeb rows were thin and had a graceful arch. She hid her fear b ehind a cool gaze, taking his measure sub tly. The connection was so intense that it threatened to drown him, losing all sense of who he was. As she b ecame the whole of his existence. He felt that perhaps he had always known her, that she had b een a part of him in some unseen way. She held him with her gaze as surely as one would grip the hilt of a sword. Searching his eyes for assurance, searching his soul, seeking an answer that only he could give.

(I am here to help you.) He urged in his mind, his sincerity was so powerful she seemed to relax.

Her stare warming and loosening its hold upon him.

In her eyes he saw an attraction that mirrored his own. Along with intelligence, sub tle and tranquil in it's own way. There was a sense of integrity and fortitude b urning deep within her. It filled him with confidence, that she would see the goodness in him as well.

A warning flashed through his mind as he regained his senses. Making him rememb er why he was here and that they

had no time to dally upon this open trail.

"I was up there." He pointed vaguely towards the cliffside, high upon the far off hill. "I saw you."

She looked to where he pointed, her expression was confused b ut hopeful. He looked too, finding that the forest was so thick here. He was pointing to a tangle of tree limb s. Neither of them could see that far off hill. He groaned and dropped his arm in humiliation. Her eyes returned to his, waiting.

Endymion cleared his throat and started again. Keeping his voice low, in a hushed whisper. "I saw you walking upon the path b y the river. There are some men following you."

Her eyes flew wide in terror and she spun around as if she might catch sight of the men. All colour drained from her face, as she surveyed the woods. Scanning the shadows b riefly, then looked b ack to him once more. Her eyes were moist and pleading for him to protect her. Her emotions were so pure, so raw that they overwhelmed him. Before his mind could form a proper thought, he heard himself say.

"I will protect you."

Her eyes dried and the wondrous smile she b lessed him with, warmed him right down to his very soul.

"What would you have us do?" She asked quietly, her voice was soft, sweet and as melodic as a love song.

"There's a small trail that turns off from this one. If we take it and they stay on this one, we could get away unnoticed." he stated, his voice strong with conviction.

"And if they don't..." She b it her lower lip nervously.

"I'll hide our tracks." He nodded, trying to reassure her. "They will not follow." He sighed and scrub b ed a hand through his thick b lack hair. "Look, we have no time..."

"But if they do?" She cut him off, her voice high pitched and frightened. "Then what is your plan?"

He studied her face for a moment, taking in the uncertainty and fear. He had to force himself to b reath, the look of b lind terror that was shimmering in her eyes was b reaking his heart.

He grab b ed her hand and ran. She dutifully allowed him to lead her down the path.

"The trail is narrow and sheer. They will not b e ab le to surround us."

"Do you have a weapon?" She called hopefully.

"I have a knife." He responded b riskly, so angry with himself for not equipping more appropriately.

"Ok, then lets b e off then." She nodded, keeping pace with him now b ut not taking her hand b ack from his.

They didn't speak, not wanting to give away their position. Endymion was quick to conceal their tracks as they hurried onto the side trail. He motioned for her to go first so that he woul etween her and the strange men. She didn't hesitate, the folds of her dress flowing b ehind like a river a white silk as she trotted down the narrow path. The lush, young greenwood pressed tight at their sides. They made their way deeper into the forest. The path was quick to narrow, it was dark and thick with green walls of over grown pine and spruce. The path cut through the b rush and b ranches, a b arely discernib le goat trail the made speed more difficult. They could see nothing, Endymion kept checking over his shoulder as they went. He couldn't see anything b ut trees and shrub s. He kept watch none the less. What he could see was clear and that filled him with relief. She went swiftly without any encouragement from him. Her steps were light and confident now that he was with her. She would glance b ack over her shoulder from time to time to confirm that he was indeed still b ehind her.

Soon the trail b ecome more rocky and the trees thinned, offering them a more open view. The path twisted over ridges, along the upper forests of Mount Song. Falling into shaded ravines of dry yellow grass and twisted b rush, only to ascend again up into more rockier terrain of b oulders and flat stones. Dry leaves danced and scattered as they passed over the hard packed earth. Pines and Spruce gave way to hardier, more ancient forest of Oak and Elm. Their grand trunks stood tall and strong from the earth, their limb s stretched across the sky. Swaying in the fall wind overhead, little patches of sunlight danced upon the forest floor. It was a very peaceful part of the forest. A few raven's called, startling the young woman who's steps faltered for a moment as she glanced nervously upwards.

Endymion knew this area well, the b owl shaped valley that stretch far b elow would carry sound for miles. He pointed to

the flat moss covered stones littering the forest path. He pressed his finger to his lips, then stepped up upon a stone. Instructing her silently how he wanted her to move. He wanted to avoid making any noise and the sound of the dry leaves and twigs hidden underneath the forest litter would echo.

She nodded and lifted her skirts with one hand, her dainty slippered feet stepped lightly up onto a large flat stone b eside him. He touched her arm to make her look down over the path, to the steep drop off. Then mimed slipping and falling as the moss was wet from the rain and she needed to b e careful.

She smiled and nodded again, b efore hurrying ahead once more.

Endymion b linked in surprise, her smile had b een unexpected and it warmed him. Softening the sharp edge of his fear and worry. He allowed himself a small moment of arrogance, that their escape would b e easy. As he stepped easily from one moss covered stone to another.

The path climb ed steadily, the trees thinned, as the rocks b ecame more dominate. In time the only trees grew in crevices where the soil was soft enough for them to take root. They were not well nourished and looked gnarled and twisted and small. Hugging their meager anchorage against the mountainside, unwilling to grow any larger, lest their roots loose their grip.

They slipped quietly from the trees and onto b arren ledges of b oulder and shale. The path wasn't always clear to see and there were many false animal trails. She often turned to him for guidance and he would directed her b y pointing. Endymion wondered who she was and how she had come to b e lost in the green wood? But he never allowed himself to dwell upon those questions just yet. He remained vigilant for the last three men. The trail was steep and the ground loose at times, b ut it never slowed her down. He had come to realize that she was a sure footed and a strong climb er. As if she was accustomed to the rugged wilderness.

Mid-day soon fell toward evening, as they climb ed towards the setting sun. They were heading west along the upper ledges of Mount Song, soon the trail would cut downward towards the south and the village. The men if they had followed woul linded b y the sun, hindering their advance and giving them more time to get away.

Endymion kept them crouched low and checked over his shoulder constantly. He hadn't seen those strange men since Rose river. They had b een staying hidden, and making good progress up the mountain, b ut up here it was too open. He was b eing cautious, b ut was starting to feel more at ease. That they were not b eing followed, he figured his ruse had worked and those strange men had gone down the main trail. They would b e miles away from them now.

He wished they could rest for a b it. He had b een awake since b efore dawn and the deepening colors of evening now painting the sky was only making him feel more exhausted. But there was nowhere up here in the sparce trees and granite b oulders to set up a proper camp.

The path started to decline towards the south face of Mount Song. They were headed towards a sheer drop off, it was clearly in the open, with no chance to hide. Anyone could spot them, b ut across that narrow ledge of smooth granite walls and flat stacked limestone would b egin the trail heading into the village. The natural b ridge offered a panoramic view of the Elysian Forest and the grasslands b eyond.

Even if those men had figured out where they had gone, they had a safe lead. So he wasn't to concerned ab out leading her out of cover for a few minutes. As they neared the far side of the cliff trail, the path started to b roaden from it's more treacherous, narrow aspect to offer them more space to walk side b y side. Endymion b rushed a hand along the smooth rock wall, while looking over the side to the fields of b oulders and shale laying hundreds of feet b elow them. Out b eyond the stone, he scanned the sea of trees, many already dappled in the reds and golds of autumn. Stretching out down the mountain and as far as the eye could see. His forest, his refuge was glorious in the soft evening light. The sky had turned a warm lavender, the clouds retreating upon the horizon. Aflame in the b right colours of the dying sun. He caught sight of a couple stars, shimmering high overhead. It was a peaceful dusk and he willed it to remain that way.

He turned and checked b ehind, finding the trail empty. Then a loud impact resounded from in front of them. When he turned b ack, she had frozen in mid stride. Her flowing skirts swirling around her legs.

On the other side of the b ridge, that only a moment ago had b een empty. Stood one of the men, a creature of pure b lack skin. He had no hair, its flatten b row protruded from a short, snout. It's eyes glowed a deathly white. Endymion was taller, b roader then most men, b ut this creature was much b igger then him. It's chest, arms and legs were tight with thick muscle as if it was molded more of animal then man. He worn no clothing except a worn, pair of leather b reeches. No

b oots were upon his feet, having no use for their protection. Since his feet resemb led talon's, with long claws digging into the earth. It crouched low, as if it was a cat preparing to leap.

Endymion mind raced, trying to comprehend how this creature managed to get ahead of them? He spun, reaching for the

woman's hand. Preparing to run b ack the way they had come. When the heavily muscled b ulk of another creature landed on other side of the b ridge, b locking their escape. This creature had nothing to conceal it's b ody b ut a dark green cloak. It's hood pulled low over it's face, concealing the death mask it had for a face.

Endymion snapped his eyes towards the sheer, granite face of the mountain b eside the b ridge. Finding the last creature, crawling along it's smooth surface b y it's claws. With long limb s, well muscled and ape like. Endymion undestood now, how the b easts had gotten ahead of them. They were ab le to climb stone as easily as trees. It had no clothes at all, slinking down the rock wall like a spider with it's four limb s spread wide. A low rattling sound emanated deep in it's chest as it turned it's demonic continuance towards them. Thin lips pulled b ack, revealing a mouth full of tiny, sharp teeth. It hissed and growled like a predator.

Endymion wheeled around to the first creature, they were trapped and he needed to come up with a plan fast! One hand moved to grip the hilt of his hunting knife, as he slipped past the now tremb ling woman, to confront the first creature.

"Hand over the White Moon, Brat and we will allow you to pass." The shadow man snarled, his voice was dry and raspy as if he had just gargled on sand.

Endymion adjusted his stance, pulling the knife free of his b elt. The demon's threat was as sharp as a b lade and Endymion felt unsheathing his own weapon was a good response.

The Demon chuckled, he didn't see Endymion as much of an ob stacle. Endymion glanced at the other two, judging that the one in front was the leader. As the other two didn't move, b ut maintained their positions like good little soldiers.

Endymion had never b een in a situation like this b efore. He had gotten into several fights...b ar b rawls really as he had grown into manhood. His four companions had always had his b ack and he had always b een strong enough to end things b efore it got to serious.

He knew these demon men were killers and it was clear they were not intimidated b y him in the least.

Endymion glanced b ack into her sweet b lue eyes, wide in fear and clearly wet with tears. She stared up at him, b eseeching his help.

He leaned down slightly, keeping his voice low and firm. "I will never leave you."

Relief was quick to wash over her face as she gripped his hand more firmly. Then gave a slight nod as she settled her hand lightly on his forearm. Knowing he needed b oth hands to defend her, b ut unwilling to fully pull away from him.

"I need you to stay b ehind me, they can't come at us all at once. " He whispered, it was a hope not a truth. Her hand tightened on his arm as her eyes held his, confirming that she understood.

He nodded, then turned to focus his glare upon the leader. He was b locking their escape b ut not for long.

"May the Holy light of Selene b e with us." She muttered. Dropping her hand from his arm and turning to confront the demon b ehind. Her face was calm, devoid of all emotion.

"Be off, b oy. This is my final offering." The demon's voice growled. He glared Endymion down, his eyes glowing with the fierceness of a hunter.

Endymion swallowed hard, his heart ratcheting up under the demon's unyielding gaze.

"We will b oth b e passing." He stated, b oldly.

"Not today, mortal." He responded, a finality in his voice. Then sprang forward on all fours, dashing like a wild cat towards them. While the demon b ehind howled and charged towards the woman, the third leered down at them from the rock face.

Endymion was frozen, as b oth demons rushed them at a frightening speed. It was all happening to fast.

They had no chance, None.

The leader swung his claws high, coming at Endymion full force. Endymion evaded stepping sideways and raising his knife up to shield himself from its claws. He heard the demon b ehind grab the woman, who screamed.

Her piercing cry was like a thunder clap. The violence of it vib rations made every joint in his b ody ache with a sharp pain.

Dust lifted from the stones of the natural b ridge, spiralling and spreading like a sand storm around the woman.

The demon held her small frame with one massive paw, outward from it's b ody as far as it could reach. In a pathetic attempt to ease the intensity of her screams. Her white dress snapped in the rising maelstrom. Her head thrown b ack and a b linding golden light flared from the middle of her forehead. It grew in strength and as her voice increased in volume, then a silent impact struck the air around them.

The demon in front of Endymion felt her power and cringed in pain, curling up as it intensified. While the Demon b ehind released the woman and crumpled to the floor of the b ridge. Unconscious or dead, Endymion couldn't b e sure. But he used their distraction to his advantage. He fell b ack against the rock wall and kicked out with b oth of his feet, striking the leader square in the side. It knocked him clear of the b ridge and with a howl of fear it fell into the deep crevice b elow. It's b ody struck the rocks b elow and stopped moving.

Endymion dashed past the woman who now sat prone upon the ground, her hands pressed against her ears, wailing in distress. He paid her a curious glance as he past, intent on dispatching the next demon. His ears were ringing, a

throb b ing pain pulsed deep inside his head. He gave his head a quick shake, attempting to clear away the stunning pain The demon snarled as he closed in, snapping it's head up and glared in contempt. There was a savage hunger in his eyes, he wanted to kill her and Endymion was now in his way. He had never b een so afraid in his whole life.

Endymion moved into a defensive crouch, as the demon reared. Howling at the woman, who had caused him such incredib le pain. Endymion swung his b lade upward, slashing threw it's chest. The wound was deep and inky b lack b lood oozed from the gash. The demon clutched the wound with one paw, the heel of his other paw hammered Endymion in the chest. The massive concussion knocked him b ack several feet and took the wind out of him. He struck the rock wall hard, his head flung b ack cracking against the unyeild granite. With a groan, Endymion struggled to remain conscious.

The last demon whimpered and crashed down from the wall ab ove Endymion to the b ridge. It clutched his head, writhing in intense pain. It dark b lood seeping from tiny ears on the side of it's b ald head. The woman knelt upon the b ridge floor, keening towards the sky, the light from her forehead expanding. It illuminated the b ridge like a b linding white flare, with the woman in the middle. Protected b y that wall of light as it rushed towards the two remaining demons. They had no time to react or even run as the light crashed over them. They didn't get a chance to even scream as their b odies were vaporized b y that incredib le light. As quickly as the white light flashed to life, it faded away.

The b attle was over in a matter of seconds and Endymion was left feeling rather numb and in shock.

She wasn't mortal...

He stood stunned, staring down at the woman in utter disb elief. As she b egan to calm down, he noticed the golden crescent moon symb ol upon her forehead. As she leaned b ack against the wall, drained and unhurt. The tears that had b een streaming down her face during the b attle were starting to dry upon her cheeks. Her expression was dull, her eyes staring into space with a far away look.

It was all over so fast he was having a hard time coming to grips with his first real b attle.

Now he and woman were alone upon the upper ridge of Mount Song, in utter silence.

He slumped down b eside her, as the deepening shadows of evening crawled over the b ridge. He had a powerful headache, thanks to her supernatural screaming. Endymion could see she was unhurt, so didn't question his good luck. He felt to overwhelmed anyway, to talk or mull over the events. He could sense in her the same mental and physical exhaustion as well. Endymion felt nauseous and close to throwing up.

He couldn't b elieve what he had seen...that they were alive.

Demons? Here on earth...

A goddess sitting b eside him...One of the Immortals from the moon, no dou the mark upon her head.

The pain he felt when she had used her powers. He had never felt anything like that b efore. He shuddered recalling it. Whatever it was, it was powerful...deadly...and she had saved his life. His hub ris was not so large that he would arrogantly b elieve he could have taken all three of those monsters with just a knife. They would have gotten the upper hand if it wasn't for her stunning them with her powers. He was grateful, b ut something truly unearthly had just happened and he was unsure if it would b e healthy to stay in her company.

She groaned, playing with her finger's in her lap for a moment. Shy or uncertain as to what to say, she glanced up meekly at him. "I don't know your name. I wanted to ask earlier, b ut..." She trailed off, silently indicating the drop off that the demon had fallen from earlier.

"I was so frightened of them...I didn't think Onii were here on earth?"

Endymion thought that perhaps she was ab out to cry and wanting to keep her under control, lest her power exploded again.

"I didn't think so either." He sighed. Turning with a small smile, he grasped her hands and gave them a small squeeze.

"My name is Thorne." he lied. He was incognito as a commoner and did not want his cover b lown. So a fake name had b een a necessity.

Her b lue eyes studied his, as he smiled down at her. A cool b reeze tossed a few stray wisps of b londe hair across her face. She smiled up at him, trust and acceptance clear in her expression.

"Thank you, Thorne." She smiled, sweetly. Tucking the wild strands of her hair b ehind her ear.

Endymion found her soft voice attractive, as b eautiful as he found the rest of her.

"You are the first good thing to happen to me since I came here." She turned to admire the forest, spreading out b efore them over the limestone b ridge.

The wistful, look she gave his forest warmed his heart. "I finally feel safe again...this place is truly wondrous and I am grateful to have met you."

Endymion cleared his throat and scratched the b ack of his neck nervously. To his great displeasure he found his cheeks warming.

"I am..." She sounded as if she was going say something far more personal then thought b etter of it.

She turned b ack to him. "I am Serenity." She did not b lush, b ut smiled tenderly up at him.

He looked into her eyes for a long moment and shared a smile. It was a small smile of acknowledgment that they b oth had secrets that needed to remain unsaid.

Endymion sighed and reached b ehind his head to feel the b ump. Drawing his fingers b ack to check if there was any b lood.

"Well, Serenity. My new friend, strange things seem to lurk in these woods and we need to b e off." He slowly, stiffly rose to his feet and then offered her a hand up.

She nodded. "Friend..." She mumb led, as if mulling it over as if it was a foreign word. "I have not had many of them."

"Sure." Endymion smiled, he felt the pain and loneliness in her voice."We just stood together against real monsters. We fought and won a true b attle. That b uilds a b ond b etween people." His tone was b right and cheerful. Wanting to reassure her. He then pulled lightly on her hand, drawing her quickly across the b ridge. They needed to b e off b efore full dark, Endymion was really worried ab out what else might b e hunting her.

"We helped each other and we survived, now lets get out of this forest so we can keep on b reathing." He advised, picking up their pace as the reached the other side. She merely nodded, watching her feet as she scramb led to keep up to his fast pace.

Endymion looked out over the rocky plateau they were on. Surveying the dark greenwood stretching out b elow. This had b een his home, his haven. The trees that had once seemed so vib rant and lush in the sunlight, now stood dull and grey in the looming dusk. His eyes were drawn along the northern ridge of the mountain, up to the very peak. Were the Temple of the Moon stood. She was a child of the Moon, a celestial goddess. She must have come from the temple?

A day ago he had b een wrapped up in his own troub les. Honestly, he had b een hiding from them, here in the forest. Now he was tangled up in troub le far more serious. A goddess fallen to earth and Demon's hunting her? What the hell was going on!

He gave her a sideways glance, knowing with out words that his whole life was ab out to change.

"So why were you wandering around the forest?" He asked innocently.

"I got lost." She answered crisply.

"I gathered that, b y how you were stumb ling ab out near the river." He laughed. "What I don't understand was why those

demon's wanted you? You commanded a holy light...are you a..."

He trailed off as she wouldn't meet his gaze. "I was praying to Selene and she must have protected us."

"You are priestess then...from the moon temple." He nodded, giving her an alib i to use on earth.

She grasped it eagerly and nodded with a b road smile.

He wanted her to confess that she was goddess, b ut it was against his nature to force someone to tell the truth. He respected other peoples right to keep secrets, hell he had his own.

She would tell him everything in time, he was certain of that.

Dread and anxiety was stirring unpleasantly in the b ack of his mind. With the events of today, he felt very uncertain ab out the future.

"Serenity." He b egan, softly. "Being a friend mean that you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to. I will still b e your friend." His voice was warm and reassuring.

She didn't look at him, b ut nodded. Giving his hand a firm squeeze of acceptance.

Endymion cringed, rub b ing his finger's into his chest. He hurt all over. His head was pounding and his chest ached were the demon had struck him. To top it all off, he hadn't eaten anything sine lunch yesterday and he was starving. If they kept to the trail, that was now winding downward b ack into the valley. They should hit the main road in an hour or so, b ut b y then it would b e full dark. They would have to walk down the main road for a b it b efore they reached the village within the hour.

"When's the last time you ate?" He called over his shoulder.

"I...don't know...yesterday morning perhaps?" She answered. Tapping her chin with a finger as she contemplated the question.

Endymion chuckled, it was cutest mannerism he had ever seen. She truly was a darling girl, so graceful and sweet. As innocent as a child and utterly lost here on earth. She was going to need guidance...and protection. Endymion's smile quickly faded into a frown as he turned away from her.

"You must b e real hungry, I will take you to the village." He nodded.

"Do you know who or what those demons were?" He asked a few minutes later.

"They are Onii, tainted souls from the Dark Kingdom." She answered, her eyes had turned hard.

The are the harb ingers of death. Sent to kill whom ever their master wants." Her expression was crumpling b ack into tears and sniffed loudly. "I think the fewer people how know ab out me, the safer I will b e."

"They wanted to kill you, then?" He was startled, the realm of the Gods seemed as treacherous and b lood thirsty as his own realm. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to work it all out. Dark, shadowy thoughts b egan to swirl as he b egan to put the pieces together.

"Serenity...did you come from the Moon Temple or from b eyond it's b orders?" He turned to her, looking hard into her eyes, expecting the truth this time.

She studied him for a moment. "They could have tracked me threw the portal, when I descended to earth. Or perhaps they were already here...summone Dark Lord and sent to kill me when he sensed my pressence?"

Endymion's went cold, gooseflesh ran up and down his arms. Rolled in waves down his spine and up the b ack of his neck, making the fine hairs there stand up.

She truly was a Goddess...

What ever troub le the Celestial Realm ab ove was dealing with was now affecting the Mortal Realm b elow. The idea of a coming war b etween the Gods and mortals, definitely put his own trivial worries into perspective.

What the hell was going on!