Crossed Paths

By Nightcrawler

## *~Chapter 1~*

Two Drixies sat on one of the trees in the Glowing Forest.

One Drixie, named Ciel, looked through the scope of his gun. His sister, Lychee, sat behind him, watching his back to make sure no one saw or came.

It was hard for Ciel to see in the pouring rain but he was able to follow his target.

A great Guardian stood in the center of six more Guardians. The Guardian in the center had put both of the siblings' parents in jail and their mother was sentenced to death two days ago. They didn't like that. Not one bit.

Ciel had his finger already on the trigger. He aimed for the Guardians head.

Ciel's finger slipped on the trigger and a silent, but deadly bullet rushed towards the Guardian's head. He fell forward and blood gushed from his forehead. The silencer to the gun had done well. But the two were still spotted by a female Guardian down below.

"Get out of here- now!" Lychee yelled to her younger brother.

Ciel jumped down the tree with Lychee behind him. The two bolted through the trees as the six Guardians shaped into cheetahs, their dark eyes locked on the killers.

The siblings slid down a trench before disappearing out of view.

"Ciel, listen to me," Lychee panted, and put her hands on her brother's shoulders. "You run as fast as you can away from here- away from me." "I'm not leaving you!" Ciel argued. "I'll distract them as you run-" "No!" Ciel cut in. "I can't-" "Do as *I* say!" Lychee yelled before running towards the Guardians. Wings sprouted out of her back as she ran toward them.

Ciel didn't stay to watch. Instead, he ran as fast as his lungs would let him. He heard an ear piercing scream which made him wheel around. Lychee was a full dragon now. She had black and purple wings that glowed from her. But the Guardians had the upper hand. Their fur turned into scales and they were half the size of her. The six lunged at her as she tried to defend herself from the Basilisks.

"NO!" Ciel screamed and he started to run back. Before he could do anything, a man jumped in front of him. He had a long blue cloak and only his eyes were seen. The man charged at him aiming a sharp blow to his nose. Blood sprayed from it and Ciel punched at him, but the man ducked swiftly before coming back up and knocking him down. He sent him rolling down a ditch.

Ciel lay flat on his back, unconscious.

## *~Chapter 1~ (Notes and Gallery)*

* Ciel
* Lychee
* (Lychee's dragon)
* (Ciel's dragon)
1/4
Derp. This is a story about mythical creatures if you haven't notice :) (Drixies are people who turn into dragons. Guardians are animals that may change into other animals.)

**Ciel-** Drixie with shaggy black hair (14 years old)

**Lychee-** Drixie with short black hair (18 years old)

## *~Chapter 2~*

The man picked Ciel up and started dragging him by the arms. *He's a lot heavier than I thought!*

He dragged him to a cave in the Glowing Forest. He laid him down gently before sitting across from him, his bow in his hands, just in case he did wake up and did something stupid.

It took a few minutes for Ciel to stir, but when he did, he put his hand on his head. He felt his hair and realized his mask was off. Ciel turned towards the man who had dragged him into the cave.

"Don't do anything stupid," the man told him. "Where's Lychee?" Ciel asked. *The last I remember she and I were running and-* Ciel realized Lychee was last found fighting with the Guardians that turned into Basilisks.

"Where's Lychee?" Ciel repeated when the man didn't answer. Ciel got up and began to run out of the cave. "Stop running!" The man yelled and chased after him. The man took out an arrow and launched it towards Ciel. The arrow merely missed Ciel's head. Ciel whipped around. "You almost hit me!" He snapped.

"I had to stop you running somehow," the man snapped back. A silence swept over them for a few moments. "Look, I don't know who this *Lychee* is or anything, but you headed in the direction where six Guardians were spotted. Those Guardians will slaughter you without hesitation," said the man. Ciel blinked. Lychee was probably dead by now. But he couldn't give up. She couldn't be dead! She can't be.

"My name is Aashiq," the man said.

"Ciel," Ciel finally replied.

Ciel hid his hand in a pocket. A small pistol was in there. "I used to be on the Guardians' side. They turned on me. I do not know why, but they did," Aashiq told Ciel. It was hard to tell if he was lying.

"You prevented me from saving my sister," Ciel told him. "What?" Aashiq didn't understand. "You prevented me from saving my sister," Ciel repeated fiercely. "How did I prevent anything?" Aashiq tilted his head like dog. He knew *exactly* what was going on.

Ciel pulled out his pistol and at the same time he aimed he felt a hard nudge on his spine.

"Drop ze gun," someone growled from behind. Ciel glanced behind him to see a female Titan pressing her gun's barrel up against his back. "Drop ze gun," she repeated in a mocking tone, mocking him for repeating what he said.

Ciel dropped his gun after a few moments of hesitation. The Titan pushed him forward with her gun.

"I'm not alone on this mission to kill the Guardians, if you haven't noticed," Aashiq said with a grin when Ciel stumbled forward. "Ciel, this is my friend Shavaza. Shavaza, this is Ciel."

"Oi," Shavaza said coolly. "Hi," said Ciel in the same rude manner.

"Shavaza, you can put your gun down. He has joined us," Aashiq said. "Don't believe it," Shavaza said in her French sounding accent. "Yeah! I don't believe it either," Ciel snapped at Aashiq. "Well you should," Aashiq said. "We just need more of an army. We'll recruit more people, but for right now we'll just have to deal with each other. Us three are strong and smart. We *will* figure out a way to stop the Guardians."

"Well, I'm not that smart, and what can she do?" Ciel said, pointing towards Shavaza "She's blind!" It was in fact true. Shavaza was blind but she was smarter and stronger than both of them. "Don't forget," Shavaza hissed, "I still have a gun in my hands."

"Knock it off, Ciel," Aashiq growled. Ciel crossed his arms but said nothing. "Stop acting like a four-year-old," Shavaza said, even though she wasn't looking at him. "I am not acting like a four-year-old," Ciel said defensively. "And by the way, I'm *fourteen."* "Well then act like it," Shavaza retorted.

"I think you both are acting like four-year-olds," Aashiq said to the two.

Shavaza got on one knee and touched the ground. The two boys were silent.

"Someone iz coming," Shavaza said. She paused before looking at the boys with her sightless eyes. "Twelve Guardians are wolves. And they are headed straight for us."

Shavaza got up and started to run past the two.

"Should we follow?" Ciel asked. "Defiantly," Aashiq said. They followed the Titan as she dodged the trees in the forest.

"Shavaza!" Aashiq called when they were running. "Where are you going?" Shavaza did not answer, but instead, kept running. Shavaza suddenly jumped and did a graceful twirl in the air before landing on a white and grey ship.

It kinda looked like the *Millennium Falcon* from *Star Wars*but not as big, and it didn't have a wookiee or Harrison Ford.

Shavaza went through an entrance at the top of the ship and climbed down the ladder, while Ciel and Aashiq went through a door that opened and closed by itself. When the two reached the cockpit of the ship, Shavaza was already there and another lady was already getting ready to fly off.

"What took you so long?" The lady said as she flicked some switches. "We recruited another member to the team," Aashiq told her. "Great," she said sarcastically. Shavaza started to lift the ship when twelve Guardians appeared. They were no longer wolves. Instead, they were tigers. One bellowed from down below in frustration as the group flew away.

After they escaped, Shavaza was the only one driving.

The lady next to her spun around in her chair and looked at Ciel. She had long, champagne-blonde hair and a short brown-and-cream dress with a holster and she had high brown boots and gloves.

"Is this the new recruit?" The lady asked with a bit of a chuckle. "He's younger than I thought."

"Where are we going?" Ciel asked, ignoring her. "We are going to Griffin's Cove!" The lady said.

"Why there?" Aashiq said before Ciel could say anything. "Jacinda, that place is filled with thieves and werewolves." "So? You want to find good recruits, so were going there," retorted the lady.

It took at least five more minutes for them to reach Griffin's Cove.

The place looked beautiful with trees and life.

"All right. I'll be at the saloon if anyone needs me," Jacinda said quickly. Aashiq stopped her before she could leave. "We are on a mission to find recruits, not to get drunk," Aashiq growled. "Look, pretty boy, who's the leader of this group? I am. You're second in line. And don't worry, I would've invited you," Jacinda snapped back with a grin. "At least make yourself useful for a change," Shavaza barged in. "Why not go with Ciel to Hugnort's Gun Shop?" "Fine. We are running low on guns." Jacinda tugged Ciel by the arm and dragged him outside with her. "Uh-I never volunteered," he said. "You did now," Jacinda corrected.

The two walked along a dirt path with flowers and trees crowding around it. From time to time there were houses built only with logs.

"Know any other places besides Griffin's Cove?" Ciel asked.

"Of course. I know Attix, Gultho, Roslyn. You name it!" Jacinda said. "Attix is really only for people like me who can control animals." "You can do that?" Ciel said in disbelief. "Mhm."

"Hey! There's Oscar!" Jacinda said and raced forward. Ciel ran at her heels, panting.

A great big barn owl rested upon Jacinda's left shoulder. "Oscar, meet Ciel. And don't bite him. He is a *friend."* Ciel was surprised to see that the owl knew what she was talking about. What was strange about this owl was that his eyes had a bright blue glow in them. "What's with his eyes?" Ciel asked. "That means he's Marked. When an animal gets Marked by anyone they have the color eyes their master has chosen. I chose blue," replied Jacinda.

The owl flew away and Jacinda spun around. "There's Hugnort's Gun Shop!" Jacinda started for it with Ciel at her heels... again.

Jacinda slammed the door open. It was like gun heaven to Ciel and Jacinda (mostly to Jacinda).

"Now, Ciel, it is time you get a handgun. That sniper rifle might need more bullets, too. Let's find you a good one," Jacinda told Ciel.

Jacinda immediately saw a nice looking handgun with a rounded scope. "Perfect for killing!" Jacinda said. "Er- killing?" Ciel stared at Jacinda, but she wasn't paying attention. She was going crazy with the guns.

She walked up to a glass counter and rested her arm on it. A huge figure turned around. It was a giant Abaddon. He stared Ciel directly in the eyes. Ciel cringed away. "Don't worry, Ciel. He won't kill you. Unless- well- I let him kill you," Jacinda said. "Very comforting," Ciel said slowly.

"What can I do for you, Jacinda?" The Abaddon asked. "I would like to by this 6T-42 handgun, please, Hugnort. And also, may I get this boy some more bullets for his sniper rifle?" Jacinda asked politely. "Sure, sure," Hugnort said in a raspy voice. "What kind of a sniper rifle is that?" He asked Ciel. "Er- a BB22," he replied. Jacinda smacked some credits on the counter before winking at Ciel. (Credits are money.) The Abaddon took the credits before slamming a bag full of BB22 bullets on the counter. "Wow! Thanks!" Ciel was very grateful for this. "Welcome," the Abaddon replied with a bow.

Jacinda got Ciel a holster, too. The two exited Hugnort's Gun Shop and began to walk back on the dirt path.

"I'm fourteen. How old are you?" Ciel asked. "Me? Oh, I'm twenty. And before you go on, Aashiq is twenty-two and Shavaza is also twenty," Jacinda said.

"I have another question," Ciel said. "Spill it," Jacinda said. "How is Shavaza able to see us if she is blind and how did she know the Guardians were coming?" Ciel asked. "Shavaza can't see, Ciel. You said it yourself. But she can feel with her feet and hands. She can detect anything coming or going with her feet and hands."

"Can she sense it with the Force?" Ciel asked. "Uh- no. Only Jedi are that cool."

"Finally!" Aashiq's voice caught them by surprise. "Shavaza and I have come up with an idea. We'll spend a night here so we can recruit new people." "Fine by me," Jacinda said.

Night fell upon the four. They had bunk beds in the ship. Jacinda slept on the bottom and Aashiq slept on the top of one of the bunks. Ciel had to sleep on the bottom of Shavaza's bunk. They slept fine for the rest of the night. But a person out there waited to be recruited in the future.

## *~Chapter 2 (Notes and Gallery)*

Let me explain something real quick.

* Shavaza
* Jacinda
* Aashiq
* Aboddon
1/4
A Titan is a near human. They have different colored skin and they talk and act the same (and they look like humans that just turned blue or grey randomly).

**Shavaza Toushi-** White blonde-haired female Titan with icy-blue blind eyes (20 years old)

**Jacinda Burke-** Long, champagne blonde-haired human with animal Marked magic (20 years old)

**Aashiq Darrius-** A male human Guardian (22 years old)

**Aboddon-**A male demon (Unknown age. Probably around 100 but, eh, who knows?)

## *~Chapter 3~*

Jacinda woke up earlier than everyone else. She always did.

Jacinda was found by Aashiq, who had just got up from bed and looked as if he wanted to die.

"How long did you stay up at night?" Jacinda asked when she saw him. "I didn't stay up at all," he rasped. Jacinda picked up a mug of warm, fresh coffee and nudged Aashiq with it. Aashiq immediately took it and drank it in one gulp.

Jacinda and Aashiq knew when the other two were awake. They were bickering so dang loud. They walked into the room where Jacinda and Aashiq were and started screaming at each other.

"What going on?" Aashiq demand.

"Shavaza thinks she's smarter than me!" Ciel yelled and pointed to the Titan. "There you go again, acting like a bratty four-year-old!" Shavaza snapped back. "Will you two just shut up?" Jacinda asked politely. "Neither of you are smarter or dumber."

"Are you trying to say you're smarter than us?" Ciel questioned.

"Actually, yeah," Jacinda said. "Oh! There goes Little Miss Blondey acting like she iz superior than everyone elze!" Shavaza teased. "I'll have you know, blondes are called idiots." "You're blonde, too!" Jacinda said and she stood up from her chair to face Shavaza. "My hair iz practically white, darling." Shavaza sneered. "How would you know? You're blind!" Ciel snapped. "SHUT THE FRICK UP!" Aashiq shouted. The three stopped and stared at him. "Just shut up! I CAN'T TAKE IT!" Aashiq was breathing heavily when Jacinda went over to pat him on the shoulder. "Fine. We'll get on with the mission."

The four got their weapons and headed outside of the ship.

"I feel like today is even better!" Jacinda cried. "It is so beautiful! Shavaza, look at the flowers," Ciel said. "I can't zee flowers," Shavaza growled. "Oh, heh, right." Ciel said and looked away.

"I want to see if we'll be able to climb this tree," said Jacinda when they neared a big, tall tree.

"I'll try!" Ciel said and launched himself onto the tree. He started to climb up it with haste. Soon he was at the longest branch and standing on it. Aashiq went next, then Jacinda. The only one left was Shavaza.

"You coming?" Jacinda called down. Shavaza just stared at the tree. *Well?* Jacinda thought impatiently. "I can't climb," Shavaza said. "I'll just walk on foot," she said. "Are you sure?" Aashiq asked. "I am sure," Shavaza said. "Plus, ze branch that you guys are on iz going to break soon," Shavaza said with a smile and listened to the three scream as they hopped to a stronger branch. (If you didn't know, the trees are HHUUGGEE).

Jacinda and the two boys were hopping from tree to tree while Shavaza just walked calmly from down below.

Shavaza ended up punching a tree that the three were on and yelled in a soft cry, "Werewolves!"

The punch ended up making the three shake. "Jeez, that is a strong punch!" Ciel gasped.

Jacinda looked down below to see Shavaza hiding behind two logs and two werewolves looking around. "Should we attack?" Ciel asked as he watched the two. "No. We can't," Jacinda said.

"Simmi! Where are you going?" One of the werewolves called, as the other one ventured off. "I can smell something... Someone that shouldn't be here," the other one called back. "Well, I'm heading back without you then," the other said. The werewolf named Simmi didn't answer. Instead she ignored her friend. The other one left quickly. "Coward," Simmi mumbled.

*Well I guess that makes it easier,* Jacinda thought. Suddenly the werewolf disappeared out of sight. "I bet you that the cloak the werewolf was wearing was the Invisibility Cloak," Ciel whispered. "You read *WAY* to much Harry Potter," Aashiq said and rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, the three saw Shavaza jump backwards and land perfectly on her feet. The werewolf had scared her from behind.

"A Titan so far from her home," the werewolf sneered. She lashed out at her with two long, black glowing swords with white creating thin patterns in the black. Shavaza ducked swiftly and kicked her in the shin before going around her to kick her in the back. The werewolf fell forward but she leaped up quickly and flipped over Shavaza, aiming a blow to her head. Shavaza ducked again and pulled out her own sword that looked just the same. "How dare a Titan possess a Grimblade!" The werewolf snarled and the two were whipping around each other.

"I could shoot her from here," Ciel said as he looked through his scope. "It's too dangerous. You might hit Shavaza by accident," Jacinda said as she watched the two. Suddenly, Jacinda had an idea.

She sat down and thought of all the animals she had marked. Suddenly, she could see through the eyes of a wolf. She howled and eight more wolves followed her as they raced to where the werewolf and Shavaza were fighting. Each of their eyes glowed blue.

Shavaza was thrown to the tree where Jacinda and the other two were and when she hit it a long crack rippled through the tree. Ciel fell downward but he was caught by Aashiq, who held on to his wrist with all his strength. But the whole tree was falling down. "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" Ciel whimpered.

Shavaza placed both her hands on the tree, and twisted to stop the tree from falling.

The werewolf readied herself to stab Shavaza through the back just as Jacinda came with the wolves.

The wolves charged at the werewolf and Jacinda started seeing through her own eyes again.

"Jacinda! Help me with Ciel!" Aashiq cried. Jacinda reached down to grab Ciel's other hand. The werewolf kicked one of the wolves purposely at Shavaza making her fall on her knees and let go of the tree.

The tree crumbled to the ground and Shavaza dodged branch after branch as they fell. But she was hit by one which made her fall onto her side, and she looked up just in time to sense one was coming straight down for her. Shavaza rolled out of the way into a fallen branch which had scratched her back.

Aashiq and Jacinda let go of Ciel and he started falling head-first toward the ground. He landed on top of the werewolf who broke his fall and she fell face first into the ground. The wolves retreated as they saw the tree breaking. Ciel fell off of her and the two were split by a large branch that had caught Ciel by his arm.

Aashiq and Jacinda walked backwards as the tree fell forward. They held hands, trying not to lose each other. But Jacinda had to let go which made them both fall. Jacinda fell through branches of a different tree and ended being halfway down before getting her dress and hair caught in the branches. Aashiq saved himself by shaping into a falcon and flying away from the disaster.

Jacinda watched as the whole tree toppled over where everyone was at. Jacinda couldn't help but wonder if this was the end.

A loud roar came from the tree as it fell and a hush swept over them.

## *~Chapter 3~ (Notes)*

Shavaza is based off of **Toph** **Beifong** from **Avatar: The Last Air Bender**

## *~Chapter 4~*

Ciel blinked his eyes open tiredly.

His face was just inches away from a large part of the tree that fell. A burning pain scorched through his arm. Ciel looked to the left to see his left elbow-and-down crushed by the tree branch. Ciel started to hyperventilate as he realized he was trapped by the branches all around him.

A long shadow appeared above him. Someone was looking down at him.

"Hello?" Ciel called out hoarsely. The person starting to slice the tree in half. After the person got done slicing it in half, she picked Ciel up gently and rested him by the fallen tree.

Ciel started at the person. He saw her before... Ciel blinked in surprise. It was the werewolf. She took off her cloak and backed away. She had pearl white long hair that was in braid and it went all the day down to her knees.

"My name is Simmi. What is yours, boy?" She asked. Ciel hesitated. "Ciel," he said. Simmi nodded before turning her back on him and running away, her magenta cloak trailing after her. "Hey, wait!" Ciel called, but he didn't move. He couldn't move at all for his arm started to burn again.

As Ciel wondered if she would ever come back, he looked around at the fallen tree and all the mess it left behind.

*Were Shavaza and Jacinda and Aashiq okay?* He wondered, hoping dearly that they were alive.

Four minutes had past when Simmi came back with another person. It was Aashiq! Ciel recognized him by his long black flowing hair and his blue-and-grey cloak. They both stooped down when they reached him.

"His arm is hurt, but not broken," Simmi told Aashiq.

Aashiq didn't answer.

Simmi took out some bandages and started to wrap his arm up in it. "How long have you had that?" Ciel asked. Simmi shrugged. "I don't know," she said, "but I kept it just in case something like this happened."

"Er- thanks," Ciel said. "No problem, kid," Simmi said. "Now, Ciel, get up. I'm going to treat you to some lunch-" "He's not going anywhere," Aashiq told Simmi firmly. "Why not?" Simmi asked. "His arm is hurt. Giving this poor boy lunch would be nice." Ciel caught Simmi's mocking glare at Aashiq. "He is with me. And he will not go with a stranger like you." Aashiq grabbed Ciel by his one good arm and started to pull him away.

"Aren't you hungry?" Simmi called. "I know why you're here!" Simmi yelled but Aashiq ignored her. Simmi was getting ticked off.

"Come back and face me, Guardian!" She shouted. Aashiq stopped dead in his tracks. "What does she mean by Guardian?" Ciel asked. Aashiq didn't answer. Instead, he walked back to where Simmi was.

"That's better, fool. Now, how 'bout that lunch I offered?" Simmi said and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so desperate to take him to lunch?" Aashiq demanded.

"I don't know," Simmi said truthfully. "I haven't had friends in a while and I *know* why you are here. ***The Daily Gazette*** says a lot about you." Simmi cleared her throat before reading out loud by memory, the news. " '***Former Guardian, Aashiq Scout has been abandoned by his pack. He was the only known human Guardian and is classified as "different" from the rest. He seeks revenge and if spotted, report immediately to the Supreme Chancellor.***' "When Simmi finished Aashiq looked terrified.

"Don't worry," Simmi told him. "I won't tell anyone. No one really cares about your capture in Griffin's Cove. Only bounty hunters do, and if you see any, then you should be worried."

Aashiq slowly choked out the words, "Fine. We'll go to lunch." "Eh? I knew you'd give in!" Simmi said with a fake laugh and the three marched away from the tree.

"Close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise," Simmi said. Aashiq sighed before closing his eyes. Ciel copied.

Suddenly, the smell of bird filled the air. Where were they going? "Open!" Simmi said and kicked open the door to a restaurant. "WELCOME TO FILHART'S BAR!" Simmi screamed.

"A BAR?" Aashiq repeated in disbelief.

"Indeed, Aashiq!"

"Um- I'm underage. I can't drink," Ciel informed Simmi. "That doesn't mean anything here!" Simmi told him. "Any age is a good age to drink!" Simmi said and beckoned the two to follow. Everyone stared at the three. Ciel felt very uncomfortable.

"Hit me up with three beers!" Simmi said as she hopped onto a chair. "Sure, sure," The droid bartender replied.

"How old are you?" Aashiq asked. "Twenty-five," she said and took her beer in her hands. Ciel reached for one but Aashiq smacked it out of his hands. "Hey! I just bought that and you wasted it," Simmi snapped. "We wanted food, not a dirty bar!" Aashiq retorted.

"Fine. You want food?" Simmi said standing,and grabbed the plate some guy had next to her and threw it at Aashiq. Aashiq ducked and pointed his pistol at Simmi's face. The whole bar didn't seem to care. "You got me, pretty boy." Simmi sneered. The two just stared at each other and Simmi just smiled.

Suddenly, Simmi kicked the gun out of Aashiq's hands and put him in a headlock. Ciel ducked out of the way, stumbling into an empty table behind him. Simmi started laughing and let go off Aashiq. Aashiq rubbed his neck and glared at her. "What?" Simmi growled. "Self-defense."

At that moment three people had approached. Two were Titans and one was a witch.

"We couldn't help but notice that something wasn't right here," one of the Titans said. Simmi and Ciel and Aashiq were silent. "Not sure if you know this, sir," the other Titan said and looked up at Aashiq, "but there's a bounty on your head, and we're going to get it. Now, you can calmly go with us, or you can fight. Your choice."

Ciel could see the female Titan silently pull out her gun.

"Aashiq, Simmi!" He yelled. "Watch out!" Simmi pulled out her own pistol and ducked as the Titan shot at her. Simmi started shooting at her which made both three groups take on one person.

Ciel took out his 6T-42 handgun and began shooting it at the witch. The witch was prepared and flipped a table over. Ciel ducked behind the table and peaked around it from time to time. The witch jumped over the table and aimed her gun at Ciel's face. "There was a rumor going on saying that he had friends," she told him. "Which means there is a bounty on your head, too." Before Ciel or the witch could do anything, a long blade had pierced through her chest. The witch fell to the ground and Simmi put her Grimblade back in it's scabbard.

"Sorry 'bout that," she said and grabbed Ciel by the hand to lift him up.

The two bolted for the door with both Titans following after. Aashiq turned around to shoot back at the Titans.

The Titans stopped following when they saw them running into the forest.

"Bounty hunters," Ciel panted. "Had - to - be - bounty hunters."

The three ran all the way back to the fallen tree and stopped there to catch their breath.

"That was a close one," Simmi said. "We almost had-" Simmi stopped talking when footsteps rose behind them. They all swung around to see Shavaza holding her gun at Simmi's face and Jacinda behind her, who also had her gun out.

But something wasn't right. Shavaza's left temple was bleeding and Jacinda's shoulder's was smeared with blood.

"Don't you dare take a step forward," Shavaza growled.

"Look, I-I never really meant any harm-" Simmi began but Jacinda shut her up with a warning glare.

"It's okay, guys," Aashiq said. "She saved both mine and Ciel's lives." "Yeah right!" Shavaza hissed. "Don't you act like you don't know what's going on," Shavaza told Simmi. "You and your friend came after us and tried to kill us." "That's not true!" Ciel snapped. "Simmi was with us this whole time." "Tell that to the one with *two* Grimblades and a *magenta* cloak!" Jacinda retorted.

Simmi hadn't realized her cloak was missing.

"So, who was this friend of yours, huh? Who is he?" Shavaza pushed forward, making the three step back. "I don't know! I was with Ciel and Aashiq this whole time," Simmi yelled. "Don't lie, Simmi," Jacinda growled. "I'll make it clear to you. This 'boy' that came after us with shaggy blonde hair and a lady with two Grimblades and a magenta cloak tried to kill us. Why did the lady have your cloak, huh? And why did they know *our* names?" "I don't know!" Simmi tried to explain.

Shavaza raised the muzzle of her gun directly at Simmi, ready to fire. Ciel quickly, without thinking, jumped in front of Simmi. Shavaza didn't shoot, but she didn't lower her gun either.

"We plan on taking her as a new recruit!" Ciel explained. Shavaza and Jacinda said nothing. "She was with us this whole time," Aashiq told them. "Whoever the two were probably weren't Simmi and her friend. And did you even see the face of the lady?" Jacinda and Shavaza exchanged glances. "No," Jacinda said. "She wore a black and white dress with a black mask on." "Then it wasn't Simmi," Aashiq replied calmly.

"Can we recruit her?" Ciel asked, a bit excited. "Fine. We can recruit her," Jacinda said.

"Oh, thank goodness! I thought I was going to-" Shavaza hit Simmi in the head with the butt of her gun just to knock her out.

"What was that for?" Ciel snapped. "Just for safety," Jacinda said with a smile and took off handcuff's from her belt and put them around Simmi's hands. Aashiq and Ciel carried Simmi the rest of the way, back to the ship. Simmi woke up when they took off and she was sitting on Ciel's bunk. "So I'm basically being held here against my will, and if I leave I'll get shot in the back by either Shavaza or Jacinda?" Simmi said. "Yep. That's basically it," Shavaza said, overhearing. "Great," Simmi said sarcastically and rolled her eyes. "Guess I'll die."

"Do you still think Simmi was the one who chased after you two?" Aashiq asked Jacinda. "No. But I am still not letting her out of my sight." Jacinda turned around in her chair and stared at Aashiq, "She tried to kill Shavaza," Jacinda said. "I don't trust her." Jacinda went back to piloting the ship. Aashiq sat back in his chair and sighed. Ciel didn't know what to think. It was true Simmi did try to kill Shavaza for no reason, so Jacinda had a right to be unfair, but Simmi had saved both himself and Aashiq.

Ciel's thoughts were interrupted by a loud crash in the back of the ship.

"We've been hit!" Jacinda yelled over her shoulder and gripped the yokes tightly, turning the ship upside down trying to dodge whatever hit them. Ciel's stomach turned over. He gripped his handgun and Simmi just stood there, unable to do anything.

"Jacinda, land already!" Shavaza screamed as another thing had hit them. "It's kinda hard," Jacinda huffed as she pushed the yokes down trying to land. Simmi ran into the cockpit, where Aashiq and Ciel and Shavaza were, shouting commands at Jacinda. "Be prepared!" Jacinda yelled as they headed towards the ground. They landed roughly and were thrown everywhere.

Simmi was the first to get up. She quickly glanced at them and headed for the door. Aashiq grabbed Simmi's ankle and received a kick in the face. Simmi ran out the door as it opened for her. Ciel got up and ran after her. Ciel jumped onto her back, pushing them both to the ground. He grabbed Simmi and they rolled over when a giant griffin tried to stomp on them.

Jacinda, Aashiq and Shavaza ran out of the ship just as five more griffins came into view.

Simmi got up and ducked under the griffin as it pounded the ground next to her. Ciel ran towards the griffins with a grin. "Don't!" Jacinda yelled but at the same time Ciel's skin had turned into black scales, his eyes turned white, and wings sprouted from his back. He grew thirty-feet high and shrieked at the griffins. Ciel had shaped into a dragon.

The griffins shaped into Cerberus but they were taller than usually. Shavaza pointed her gun and shot the middle head of one of the Cerberi. Jacinda and Aashiq copied her, shooting at the Cerberi that were attacking Ciel. Ciel blew black smoky fire at two.

"They're Guardians!" Aashiq screamed warning Ciel, who might or might not have heard. "But they're Marked!" Jacinda gaped as they're eyes glowed a light green with dark green slicing through the middle.

Two of the Guardians shaped into phoenixes and forced bright red-and-orange fire down on Ciel, who blocked it with his own fire.

Simmi made it back to Jacinda panting, "Give me a gun and I'll help." "No way," Jacinda snapped. "I will! Or give me my Grimblades!" Simmi protested. Jacinda sighed and sliced the handcuffs in half with one of Simmi's Grimblades. Simmi took them and said "Thanks" before jumping onto a Cerberus and slicing its left head open.

The phoenix swiftly turned its tail on Ciel and shot the logs Aashiq and Jacinda were behind. Shavaza crawled out of the way but was still hit by the blast.

Ciel clambered forward and chopped on the phoenix's tail and pulled it backwards. The phoenix flapped its wings frantically as it tried to get away. Ciel put one foot on the phoenix's back and pushed it down, flat on it's belly. Simmi jumped towards him and threw a Grimblade at its head. The Grimblade landed directly into the center of its head. The team looked up just in time to see their ship blow up as another phoenix blasted it.

"NO!" Aashiq screamed and took out an arrow and launched it into the burning bird's eye. The phoenix fell to the ground trying desperately to get back up. Ciel finished it with a step on its head. Everything went silent and Ciel shifted back into a human. Ciel was on his knees when he looked around at the dead creatures.

"How were they Marked?" Simmi grabbed Jacinda by the collar and screeched. "I-I don't know!" Jacinda cried. "No Guardian has ever been Marked before. And green is a sign of a corrupted creature." Simmi let Jacinda go who brushed herself off.

The five of them watched as the sun sat at the end of the sky. It was growing dark so Aashiq made a fire which they all sat around.

It was all quiet until Ciel, of course, had to break this lovely silence.

"I know we're all bored, so why don't we talk about our feelings?" Ciel suggested. Shavaza who sat to the right of Ciel, punched him in the arm as hard as she could and said, "How does that make you feel?" "In pain." Ciel clutched his arm and watched a small grin appear on Shavaza's face.

"Or we could talk about our families." Simmi suggested. When no one protested or said anything, Simmi continued. "All right. I'll go first! My name is Simmi Dux and I have four sisters and four brothers. Unfortunately, only three sisters are alive and only one brother is still alive." "That ended on a grim note," commented Ciel.

"I will go next." Jacinda said. "I'm Jacinda Burke. I had two brothers. Victor and Charlie. Both got stabbed to death and now my only family member that I know, who might still be alive, is my cousin Aloycer."

When Jacinda finished Ciel found his chance to talk. "I'm Ciel Lavane, brother to Lychee Lavane who got killed by Guardians," said Ciel.

"I'm Aashiq Darrius. Only Child. Parents-dead," Aashiq said quietly.

"Shavaza Toushi. Also only child. Parents-dead, "Shavaza said bitterly. "Well that's nice... I suppose," Ciel added quietly. "Woo. That was fun," Aashiq mumbled. Simmi rolled her eyes and laid back.

Ciel curled up on the cold dirt and closed his eyes.

Shavaza seemed to be the only one who wanted to stay up. She just stared blankly at the fire, lost in thought.

## *~Chapter 4~ (Gallery)*

* Simmi
* Grimblade
1/2**Simmi Dux-** Female werewolf (27 years old)

## *~Chapter 5~*

Ciel woke up to a cloudy morning. The wind was crisp with chills. He watched as Jacinda, Aashiq, and Simmi packed for their trip.

"Are you sure you don't want to help us find a new ship?" Aashiq urged Ciel to join them but Ciel shook his head. "No," said Ciel. "I don't want to leave Shavaza alone." Aashiq rolled his eyes. "Shavaza can fend for herself out here." Aashiq frowned. "I don't care. Besides, why do you care if I don't come?" Ciel asked, puzzled. Aashiq didn't have enough time to answer. Jacinda called him over.

Ciel looked up to see a giant grey and black bird.

"So, to recap, you said we have to ride this thing?" Simmi said to Jacinda. "Yep! And don't call him an 'it'. He is a Thunderbird." Jacinda told her. Simmi smacked her forehead before saying, "Why did I ever join this group?"

Ciel watched the three fly away on the massive bird. "Where did they ever get something that big from?" Ciel wonder aloud. The bird was probably marked by Jacinda.

"Why did you stay?" Shavaza asked hoarsely. Ciel turned to her to see her sitting down. "Because I don't want to leave you alone," Ciel said. *That should've been obvious.*

"You heard Aashiq. I can fend for myself," Shavaza said. "All right, what's up?" Ciel asked. "Isn't it obvious? I want to be alone," Shavaza said and looked away. "But why?" Asked Ciel. "Ciel, have you ever figured that maybe, just maybe, Aashiq doesn't care about *me?"* Shavaza growled. "What?!" Ciel gaped. "You're just being stupid. Of course he cares!" "Mhm. Well, let me put this into your mind," Shavaza said getting up. "If Aashiq cared about me how come he didn't ask if I wanted to come?" Ciel opened his mouth to speak but Shavaza continued. "He only let me join because I'm against the Guardians. He didn't care that I was blind, lonely, or almost dying of starvation when he first met me. He would have kept on walking if he didn't see a wanted poster of me that said I was against them." Shavaza stood a couple inches away from Ciel with her back turned to him.

"Well, why did he pick me up then?" Ciel questioned.

Shavaza faced him. "Because he felt bad for killing your sister," she said silkily. Ciel didn't believe his ears. "He didn't kill her-" he began but Shavaza held out her hand to make him stop. "Yes, he did," Shavaza said. "Aashiq was one of ze six Guardians to chase after you. Didn't you notice when you started running back, one was missing? He tricked ze Guardians into thinking he was good again. I won't be surprised if they're out for his blood still." Ciel stood there, confused. *Aashiq* lied *to me,* Ciel thought bitterly.

"How do you know this?" Ciel asked. "Because I sensed it," Shavaza said shortly.

"You could've helped if you tried!" Ciel shouted.

"Ciel, you don't understand. I have powers that wouldn't have worked on the Guardians."

"Powers?" Ciel said in a mocking tone. "You have none! All you have is a stupid gun, which, by the way, doesn't make sense since you're blind." "I can feel my enemies moving, Ciel!" Shavaza snapped. "And I do. I've just never used them." "You've never used them because you have none!" Ciel argued.

"I do too! I can Earth Bend," Shavaza spat. "Prove it!" Ciel snapped back. "I don't have to," Shavaza said, crossing her arms. "You're lying," said Ciel coolly. "You know what? You are useless to this team!"

"You would have died if that tree fell, remember? And who saved you? I did! You are acting like a baby and I'm tired of your crap! If I wanted to hear you whine and cry about your sister I would've asked, but I didn't. She is dead. Forget about her. No one cares. I have gone through the same thing and did I complain? No. So you shouldn't." Shavaza twisted to the ground, her back facing Ciel.

Ciel stared at the back of her head. What did she mean?

"You weren't an only child - were you?" Ciel asked. Instead of answering Shavaza hit the ground with her hands and two dirt pillars sprung up, as hard as a rock, and made a roof over her. Then she closed the back and front so she couldn't see anything or anyone and nobody could see her.

Ciel blinked. She really *could* Earth Bend.

Ciel twisted to the ground like she did, with his back facing her. The wind rustling was the only sound. It howled and Ciel suddenly felt very lonely. He shouldn't have been arguing. Ciel smacked his forehead. "I'm so dumb," he told himself.

Many minutes passed by and Shavaza was still hidden in her earth block. Ciel walked over to it and knocked on the rock. "Hello?" He said. "Sorry about what I said." The rocks unexpectedly fell and revealed Shavaza. "You are forgiven." She sighed.

"Well... I am about to start another fire. Would you like to help?" Ciel asked. Shavaza got up and smiled. "Sure."

"I'll get some logs," Shavaza said. "Will you be okay alone?" Ciel asked. "Of course," Shavaza said and winked before heading into the woods. Ciel stayed back and watched her leave. *I'll gather logs, too,* Ciel thought and went in the opposite direction.

The gloomy day got darker. The skies were a smoky gray but it didn't seem like rain would fall.

Ciel carefully picked up logs. He reached down to pick one up just before seeing a flash of color. Ciel looked up, alarmed. He dropped his logs when he saw the tip of Simmi's magenta cloak disappear in a thick blanket of fog. "Hey! Wait!" Ciel called.

Ciel ran after Simmi. But what was she doing out here? "Simmi!" He called. Simmi didn't answer. Instead, she started running. It felt like Ciel had been running for an hour. Ciel stopped dead to catch his breath. "Simmi?" He rasped.

Before Ciel could do anything he was kicked in the chest and fell flat on his back. Ciel opened his eyes to see, not Simmi, but a witch with two Grimblades at his throat. (By the way, when I say witch, I don't mean wrinkly old things.)

The witch was light grey with black markings on her face. She wore a black and white dress and Simmi's cloak.

"Well, well, well... another child has fallen." The witch spoke coldly but her voice was soft and vicious.

\*      \*     \*

Shavaza stepped ahead on the opposite side of the forest. She stalked forward, moving from tree to tree. Shavaza's foot suddenly hit something. Shavaza cursed loudly and picked up the logs she had hit.

*Stupid blindness.*

Suddenly, Shavaza felt wind rush through and give her chills. Something wasn't right about where she was, and something was... coming. Shavaza started walking in a fast pace. She broke into to a run after the first few steps. *Someone* or *something* was following her.

Shavaza put out her hand to stop herself from running into a tree. She put her logs down, ready to blow the large tree up when someone grabbed her. A man had a gun aimed towards her head and covered her mouth with his other hand.

"Make any sound and I'll make sure this bullet goes through your dainty little skull," he said coolly. Shavaza smiled and lifted her arms and forced two earth pillars from the ground that lifted her up and left the man behind. She dropped down from them, making a small slide for her to safely land. But to her horror, she wasn't alone.

A witch had Ciel on his knees with chains around his wrists and a gag over his mouth. She also had a Grimblade hanging over his head.

Shavaza got up to fight her but a skinny chain came out of nowhere and latched around her neck like a choke collar and pulled her down, making her choke. Ciel wanted to scream but couldn't.

Shavaza tried to get the chain off but it wouldn't budge. She laid on her back gasped for breath as the witch ran over and grabbed both of her hands and wrapped a chain around them. The witch backed up and the chain around Shavaza's neck broke off. Shavaza curled up gasping.

The man that had pointed a gun at Shavaza earlier came behind her.

"We're not trying to kill them," the witch growled at the man. The man shrugged. "Getting rid of one won't hurt," he said. "Yes. It will," the witched hissed. "If we kill one of them, the others will know we were here." "You do things your way, I'll do things my way," the man said and came nearer to the witch. "I could go back and tell Prizlon Mara that you decided to do things your way and that'll be three strikes, which means... execution." The witch had an evil smile on her face as she spoke softly to him. The man frowned at her. "Fine," he said. "Then we'll take them back to the ship." "Excellent. Like I didn't have that idea in mind," the witch said and rolled her eyes.

Ciel and Shavaza were escorted to their ship. The two were locked up in the same glass cell.

"Guess we're just stuck in Four Walls and a Roof," Shavaza said. "Um, technically that's not a wall, that's glass and also, did you just make a reference to The Walking Dead?" Ciel stared at Shavaza. "Maybe..." Shavaza said and winked at Ciel.

Shavaza laid down on her back and looked up at the ceiling. "Pretty Much Dead Already." Shavaza sighed. "Okay, I swear, have you seen The Walking Dead somehow? Seriously, nobody but a fan of it would say the titles of an episode." Ciel paused and looked away. "It feels like we've been riding forever. Do you think we are 18 Miles Out yet?" "Okay! You just made a reference!" Shavaza said and pointed at Ciel." "But was it intentional?" Ciel said with a smile. "Yes," Shavaza said shortly. "Darn it." Ciel looked down, disappointed.

The ship suddenly jerked everything went silent.

"What was that?" Ciel whispered. "I don't know," Shavaza said truthfully and got up. Shavaza put her hands on the glass. Something big and black pressed itself up against the glass and it made Shavaza and Ciel jump back.

The thing had looked completely black with no eyes and it was taller than both Shavaza and Ciel combined. It had a smile of long sharp teeth that curled up to the back of its head and a tail with a hook at the end. It also had what looked like bones spiking from its back. It stood perfectly normal on its hind legs and pressed up against the glass with full force. It began to crack the glass and the witch and the man were heard yelling at each other and things were breaking. There was another one of the creatures in the ship.

"Oh-" Ciel began. The glass shattered into a million pieces and the creature launched itself forward. Ciel ducked and rolled out of the way, not caring so much about all the glass he had rolled on. He had much bigger things to worry about. Shavaza jumped over the creature as it went for Ciel again. Shavaza grabbed Ciel's wrist and pulled him out of the way so the creature rammed into another cell across from them.

"Let's go!" Shavaza said and pulled Ciel forward. Ciel scrambled to his feet and the two headed out of the ship. The ship was on the ground but it seemed like it would take off randomly.

Outside the ship the witch and the man were fighting the other creature.

The witch noticed the two leaving but didn't seem to care. Instead, she jumped to the entrance of the ship and yelled, "Leave it, Aloycer!" The man found it easy to follow that order and went back to the ship. "We can't leave them, Asajj!" "Just-do-it," the witch barked. The two ran inside the ship. Just as they did, the creature that attacked Ciel and Shavaza jumped out and joined the other one in following them.

Ciel looked back to see the ship take off and cursed. Shavaza stomped the ground with her foot and an earth wall appeared, rising from the ground. But the creatures climbed over it. "Hey! They didn't take my gun!" Ciel said and pulled out his handgun. Ciel started shooting at the creatures. The creatures didn't seem to mind, though.

"Goodness! They're unstoppable!" Ciel cried. "No, they're not!" Shavaza yelled back. Shavaza jumped backwards, facing the creatures. She lifted her hands before swinging them as if she was about to spin. The earth caught one of the creature's legs and began to make it sink into the ground. Soon the other one started sinking into the earth, too. The two creatures started shrieking as the earth fastened only onto their legs. Ciel stopped running and walked toward Shavaza. Shavaza tilted her head at the two creatures.

"There's something about these two... something... strange." Shavaza said. Shavaza bent down and touched the head of one of the creatures and gasped.

"Ciel - these aren't just creatures. These are shape-shifters." Shavaza backed away and she was right.

The creature Shavaza had touched was shifting. Turned out, the shifting creature was a teenage girl with straight, brown hair. Behind her the other creature shifted into a young boy with flaming red, curly hair. Both kids had the earth around their shoulders and knees.

## *~Chapter 5~ (Gallery)*

* Aloycer
* Asajj Carnage
1/2**Aloycer-** Male bounty hunter (29 years old)

**Asajj Carnage-** Witch (28 years old)

## *~Chapter 6~*

"Well, that was a decent ride, wasn't it?" Jacinda said.

"Oh, so 'very' decent," Simmi said, rolling her eyes. "I only threw up four times."

"I enjoyed the ride," Aashiq said, not sounding enthusiastic one bit and throwing the Thunderbird a disgusted look. "Really?" Jacinda said. "Heck no," Aashiq replied hastily. "You suck," Jacinda snapped. "Anyway, you guys probably remember Hugnort? Yeah, well he owns the ships." Jacinda pointed to a small little shop that they were next to with a sign hanging down. In bold letters it said:-

***Hugnort's Ship Sale (And comic book store!)***

"Uh huh. Alright," Simmi said, eyeing the comic book store part very suspiciously. "Are you sure she isn't just here for the comics?" Simmi asked Aashiq. "How am I suppose to know?" Aashiq said, shrugging.

When they got to the shop's doors, Jacinda opened them quickly.

Simmi dropped to her knees when she saw all the comic books covering the shelves. "I could die here so peacefully!" "Not if you get shot," Aashiq said.

"I've always dreamed of having these!" Jacinda said and picked up a few of *The Walking Dead*comics. "The TV show is better than the comic books," Simmi said, crossing her arms. "I didn't even know we had TVs," Aashiq said, puzzled. "Of course we do, idiot," Jacinda growled. "How do you think I get to binge watch all the Spongebobepisodes?" "Wait, you binge watch those?" Simmi suppressed a laugh. "You're so childish! Reading comics and watching Spongebob."

"Speak for yourself!" Jacinda said and picked up a *Star Wars*comic book. "You read these too!" Simmi, without thinking, grabbed the comic from Jacinda. "OKAY FINE! I'LL READ IT! But do they have any Darth Maul comics? I kinda need to rea-" "ARE WE GETTING A SHIP OR NOT?" Aashiq screamed. Simmi and Jacinda dropped their comic books. "Well, excuse me," Jacinda said.

The three carried on with what they were suppose to do and went to the shop's back door. Lying in front of them were rows and rows of ships they could fly.

"Oh! Oh! Could we get the StormBringer ship? Those are my favorite and they're the biggest kind!" Simmi said desperately, acting like a child.

"Okay! Calm down please," Aashiq said.

A giant shadow rested upon them. Jacinda looked up and waved. "Hi, Hugnort! We'll take the StormBringer for five hundred credits." "But it is only three hundred-" Hugnort began but Jacinda was so hyper she broke in saying, "Fine! We'll double the offer sense your so pricey! How about seven hundred credits?" The Abboddon had a giant, twisted smile. "Deal!" Hugnort said and swiped the credits out of Jacinda's hand.

"WOOOOO!" Simmi yelled and ran to the StormBringer which looked like two *Millennium Falcons*stuck together. Aashiq and Jacinda ran after her. They swept through a long wide hall that led to the cockpit.

"A whole new control panel and switches," Simmi mumbled. "I got this," Jacinda said and took the yoke and moved it upward with a couple button pressing. Soon, it was flying swiftly.

"Jacinda. What happened to all of our credits? We only have a hundred left," Aashiq said looking through her wallet.

"Er- I might've bought some comics when you weren't looking," Jacinda said, looking suddenly very worried.

"By 'some,' you mean?" "Forty-two," Jacinda said and prepared herself for Aashiq to scream. "FORTY-FRICKEN-TWO?" Aashiq roared. "JUST FOR STUPID *STAR WARS*?" "No! Twenty-nine of those are *The Walking Dead*and one other is *The Rise of Scourge,*" Jacinda replied calmly. Aashiq started hitting his head on his chair. "Look, I love you, Aashiq. I really do, but sometimes I love comics more," Jacinda said.

"Now that we're all done yelling, I think it's time to pay attention to whatever that is in the distance," Simmi said and pointed to a big black shadow in the clouds. Aashiq stopped banging his head on the chair and looked up with Simmi and Jacinda. "It looks like a ship..." Jacinda said. She was right. It was a ship, in fact a smaller ship but it had guns on the side that rotated in their direction. A giant red beam shot at them and hit by the cockpit.

"Jacinda! We have to get out of here!" Simmi shrieked. "Simmi, are you familiar with the term, a-duh?" Jacinda replied and pulled the yokes downwards from the ship. But the ship above them kept shooting, hitting more parts of their ship. "Simmi, please tell me that this has guns!" Aashiq yelled. Simmi grabbed Aashiq and pulled him deeper into their ship, leaving Jacinda to control.

Before Simmi and Aashiq reached the guns, a bolt of fire hit the narrow hall in the ship, making them retreat. They raced back to the cockpit as fire started breathing down their backs. When they reached the cockpit, Simmi slammed the metal door behind them. "Jacinda, please hurry!"

Jacinda began to curse before being launched forward after having the ship hit again.

The whole ship exploded. Torn pieces fluttered in the air.

Everything was in slow motion. Jacinda's eyes opened to see herself falling face forward into water, blood trickling from her forehead.

Simmi and Aashiq were above her, screaming as they fell along with her. Simmi's arm was wet with blood, from shoulder to finger tip. Aashiq's forehead was also bleeding.

Jacinda slapped the water and plunged deep into it. She swam desperately upward trying to fight the current of the rushing waters. Her head bobbed out of the water. She gasped for air and screamed, "Simmi! Aashiq!"

Aashiq grabbed Jacinda's wrist and pulled her over to land. Simmi swam after them with one arm.

When they reached land Simmi threw up water. "You need to rest your arm-" Jacinda started. "She'll be resting no arm," a woman said behind them. Jacinda and Aashiq swung around to see a witch and a tall blonde haired man.

"Aloycer," Jacinda breathed. Her cousin - her last family member - finally present. But he wasn't here to help and Jacinda knew it.

"How lovely to see you again." Aloycer sneered. Simmi gazed upwards and tilted her head. "You know each other?" She asked. "Cousins," Jacinda said coolly, hating to see Aloycer alive.

"You- you shot us down!" Jacinda got up and pointed at Aloycer. "You tried killing us!" The witch took out a Grimblade and shot it at Jacinda's face, only an inch away. "I'm sorry. I haven't met your girlfriend," Jacinda teased. "She's not my girlfriend. And her name is Asajj," Aloycer growled. "Enough talking," Asajj said and grabbed Simmi's bad arm, making her wince. She then managed to pull Aashiq, too, while Aloycer took Jacinda.

They wrapped chains around their wrists so they had no way of escaping.

The two brought them to a wide open space that was dark.The moon was shining high above them. Asajj kicked behind all their knees to make them fall. "Stay there," she hissed.

Something emerged from the shadows that surrounded them. It was a tall woman with a cloak wrapped around her. She had a grey chest plate and a black dress. Her dress glowed green from some parts of it. But this woman didn't have two eyes, but three that weren't even a human's eyes and they were behind some bandage. But her green eyes glowed so bright you could see everything like a normal human would. Black lines stretched down her face. Guardians with the same colored eyes emerged with her shaped as wolves.

"You have a very valuable thing that you have kept hidden from me," the woman said, her voice vicious and deep and when she stopped speaking, a darker voice whispered the same thing. "My children are blood-thirsty," the woman gestured to the Guardians, smiling. "You've kept that man hidden far to long from me." She pointed at Aashiq.

Aashiq held his breath.

"But I'll let him go... maybe... depending on what happens next. Allow me to introduce myself," the woman said. "I am Gorgon Mara. Now, I just want something very small from you three. Tell me where I can find Morc the Element Master."

The three glanced at each other but said nothing.

"Suit yourself-" Gorgon began to pull two hooked chains out from midair but Jacinda looked up and shouted, "Wait!"

Gorgon put the chain down and waited for an answer.

"Morc is at Withered Hallows! You must get to him through Beldam Avalon," Jacinda said hurriedly.

"Lovely," Gorgon said and lifted the chains. Simmi and Aashiq watched a chain rush towards Jacinda. The chain went through Jacinda's right eye and through the back of her head.

"NO!" Aashiq screamed and lunged forward. "NO! JACINDA!" Aloycer grabbed Aashiq before he could do anything.

Gorgon pulled the one from Jacinda's eye.

"You, my friend are a trooper!" Gorgon mocked in laughter. "Even with your eye out you're still alive!" Gorgon shot another chain through Jacinda's stomach and a third one at her throat. Gorgon pulled the chains away.

Jacinda fell forward, blood gurgling from her mouth. She landed hard on her stomach. A pool of blood surrounded her along with guts that had fallen out from her stomach. Jacinda's throat was slit open, she had no right eye and blood spilled like a waterfall. Jacinda was trenched in cold blood.

"YOU SAID IF WE TOLD YOU, YOU WOULDN'T KILL US!" Aashiq bellowed through sharp wails of tears.

"I never said all of you would make it," Gorgon said, completely enjoying this moment. "Let them go," Gorgon ordered. The chains around Aashiq's and Simmi's wrists came undone. Asajj and Aloycer stalked towards Gorgon. "We shall meat again," Gorgon cackled and disappeared into the darkness with Asajj and Aloycer.

Simmi looked straight forward and swallowed all her tears. Aashiq just curled up and cried next to Jacinda's motionless body.

## *~Chapter 6 ~ (Notes and Gallery)*

I think that was nice to leave off on.

* Gorgon Mara
1/1Gorgon Mara- A witch (Age: Unknown).

## *~Chapter 7~*

"Why were you attacking us?" Shavaza demanded. Ciel rolled his eyes. "We might as well leave. They won't budge," Ciel sighed and eyed the two kids.

"No, I'll answer." said the girl coolly. "But you have to get this dirt off me and my brother first."

Shavaza and Ciel exchanged glances.

"Fine," Shavaza said and lifted her hands which made the earth melt back down. Shavaza stooped low and pulled out a knife. "Now tell me, who are you and why were you attacking us?"

The girl hesitated before answering. "My name is Bethany, and that is my brother, Ted. We attacked because we thought you were with that witch and that man." "We were in a cell. Why would we be in a cell if we were with them?" Ciel questioned. Bethany shrugged. "They tricked us last time by doing that."

"But why would zey want to trick you?" Shavaza growled, not believing. "They wanted to use us. We're the only known Woken," Ted said. "OH... That's what you were," Ciel said. "I thought you an alien-type thing." "That's basically what a Woken is," Bethany said, rolling her eyes.

"Enough talk," Shavaza ordered. "We need to rest for a day, Ciel. Would you guys be so kind and let us stay awhile?" "Sure. But you'll have to find your own place to stay," Ted said. "Why is that?" Ciel asked. "Our house was burnt down by that witch and that man," Bethany growled. "All we got as a home is the rumble," Ted said sadly.

"Couldn't we just go with you guys?" Ciel said. Bethany eyed him suspiciously. "I don't know. Can we trust you?" She said.

"Of course you can!" Shavaza protested. "It iz getting dark. We need a place to stay."

Bethany sighed. "Alright," she said, "but make one wrong move and we'll eat you." "Wait, you eat people?" Ciel stopped in his tracks. "Maybe..." Bethany said and Ted winked at him as they began to walk.

The four had reached the house. "There's home. Or at least, what's left of it," Bethany said and pointed to a small house that was black from being burned. Everything was falling apart except for the roof... surprisingly.

Ted was already in the broken house. He grabbed two blankets and handed them to Shavaza and Ciel.

Night had fallen and Ciel and Shavaza were still awake.

"Are we seriously taking our time on this?" Ciel said. "I'm a dragon. We can easily fly away." "We could," Shavaza answered, staring in the other direction. "But can't we-" Ciel was hushed by Shavaza, who held up her hand. "I feel something," she said. "Something iz coming..."

Shavaza jumped up with her knife.

A Guardian shaped as a wolf had two Grimblades hanging from a chain it wore. "Shavaza, your Grimblades!" Ciel said and jumped after the Guardian.

"No - don't!" Shavaza yelled but it was to late.

Another Guardian, also a wolf, pounced on Ciel and the two disappeared out of sight. Before Shavaza could do anything, Bethany came charging as a Woken. She threw the Guardian onto its back and broke the chains. Shavaza quickly got her Grimblades and ducked as Bethany swung at the Guardian. Suddenly a loud roar came and Ciel was batting the Guardian as a dragon. Bethany clawed the Guardian constantly even after it died. Shavaza spotted another Guardian and killed it in one quick swipe. Ted suddenly appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Shavaza's hand. "What are you doing?" Shavaza snapped. "Aren't you going to fight?" "Bethany told me to run and keep you two safe. So that's what I'm doing!" Ted yelled.Ted waved at Ciel as he snapped the neck of the Guardian. Ciel shaped back into his normal self and ran with them.

"Where's Bethany?" He called as they ran. Ted stopped and turned to see the Guardians eating something.

"NO!" Ted screamed but Shavaza picked him up and carried him as they ran.

It felt like they ran for an hour. Shavaza finally put Ted down and panted.

"I can't believe she's dead," Ted said and put his hands over his face to sob. "She isn't dead," a firm voice said. The three turned to see Bethany with Shavaza's gun and blood sprayed on her shirt.

"But we saw you-" Ciel started. "What you saw was the Guardians eating their own kind. It wasn't me." Bethany handed Shavaza her gun.

"Well, I'm glad we are all together. But now -" Shavaza stopped talking when a smoky-black horned owl came swooping down with its eyes glowing blue. "Hey! That's Jacinda's owl," Ciel said. The horned owl tilted its head before releasing a scroll from its talons. Ciel picked it up and gaped. "Aashiq sent us scroll," he said. He cleared his throat before reading:

"*Meet me and Simmi at the forest of Beldam Avalons at Gultho. We'll explain later. All you need to know is that... Jacinda's dead."*

Shavaza looked down at her feet. Ciel threw the scroll on the ground.

"Who is Jacinda?" Bethany asked. "A friend of ours," Ciel choked. "You have more people with you?" Ted asked. "Yes. Two more... I guess if Jacinda's really... dead," Shavaza replied sadly. Ted picked up the scroll and read it silently. "*Gultho!* Are you guys really going to Gultho?" Ted asked a bit uneasy. "Well if that's what Aashiq and Simmi want, then yeah," Ciel said. "We are coming with you," Bethany said. Ciel and Shavaza turned to each other, as if about to discuss what they thought about bringing Ted and Bethany was a good idea or not. "Please! We have a ship, and we know who Beldam Avalon is!" Bethany cried out. Shavaza hesitated before saying, "Alright. You may come with us."

Bethany led them inside of a small silver ship. She went into the cockpit where there was enough seats for all of them.

Bethany flew them to Gultho, a beautiful place. Gultho had many flowers and trees that glowed blue, yellow, and pink. The ship landed in an open area. The door opened and they all hopped out.

"Come on, follow us. It shouldn't be too far," Bethany said. She and Ted started running with Shavaza and Ciel at their heels. Bethany stopped when they reached a forest. The forest was dark with dead trees twisting into one another. Two figures were just ahead.

"Simmi! Aashiq!" Ciel shouted. He started to run. What he saw was real. Aashiq and Simmi were waiting for them.

"I'm so glad you guys aren't dead!" Simmi said. "Not the first thing you should say, Simmi," Shavaza growled. "What? I can't express how glad I am?" Simmi said and crossed her arms. "Who are they?" Aashiq asked as Bethany and Ted approached.

"They are Bethany and Ted. They are both Woken," Shavaza told him. "What happened to Jacinda?" Ciel asked. Aashiq hesitated before explaining everything that happened and Shavaza explained to them how they met the two kids.

"So we have to find Beldam Avalon..." Ciel wondered aloud. "That's the plan," Aashiq said. Aashiq began to march towards the twisted forest. The others followed cautiously behind. Shavaza had a hard time coping with all the roots and branches and kept tripping from time to time ("Isn't there an easier route?!" She would yell.)

"Wait, Aashiq, stop," Bethany called. She climbed her way towards Aashiq. "There she is," Bethany pointed at a figure sitting on one of the arching roots.

The figure turned her head slowly to look at them. She had long black hair, blue skin, and a dress that was made from armor. This was Beldam Avalon.

"I don't take kindly to intruders," Beldam Avalon whispered.

"We are no intruders," Bethany said and smiled.

"You brought others -" Beldam Avalon took a deep breath before continuing. "I told you, Bethany, I WILL *NOT* HELP YOU WITH YOUR DISGUSTING PLANS." Beldam Avalon stood up and floated slightly away.

"Please! We just need help this once," Simmi said.

Beldam Avalon glared at Simmi. "That's exactly what *he* said before he back-stabbed me and tried to kill Morc and I was banished from my throne forever!" Beldam Avalon broke into a sob.

"Look, was this man named Aloycer?" Simmi asked. "Yes," Beldam Avalon gulped. "How do you know him?" "He was the cousin of our friend," Aashiq said and looked down. "Very sorry. But I can't help," Beldam Avalon cried.

"You are supposed to help! Now help us find him, or else!" Shavaza shouted looking the other way from Beldam Avalon.

"HOW DARE YOU-!" Beldam Avalon screeched and scared everyone but Shavaza. "YOU CANNOT COMMAND ME TO DO THINGS I DON'T WANT TO DO AND THREATEN ME!" An echo of Bedlam Avalon's voice rang in everyone's ears.

"You do not scare me," Shavaza snarled. "Tell us where he is now. Gorgon Mara will kill him if we don't help. And his blood will be on your hands because you didn't let us help."

Beldam Avalon paused for a long time. "You speak bravely for a Titan," she finally said. "I'll take that as a compliment," Shavaza said with a grin.

"Fine. I'll help." Beldam Avalon took a red diamond from her armor-dress. She drifted towards Shavaza and placed it in her hand. "Take this to Morc's gates. It will open them for you and you may save him." "That's what I thought," Shavaza mumbled.

Beldam Avalon watched the group stalk away. "They'll all die," she murmured and cried into her hands.

"What a crybaby." Simmi said rolling her eyes after hearing Beldam Avalon's wail. "She's been through a lot," Ted said.

The group walked a mile before approaching a tall pointed gate. It had a slot open for a small diamond. Shavaza handed the diamond to Ciel who placed it in the slot. The gates creaked as they opened.

"I don't like this place," Ciel commented as they stalked through a muddy path with trees hanging over them. Bethany pointed out the palace ahead and they all ran for it. When they got to the gates of the palace, everyone panted.

"So, uh, how do we get in?" Simmi asked when she saw there were no handles to open the door.

"Like this," Shavaza said. Shavaza took a step back before thrusting her foot into the door and it split into a million tiny pieces. "That was one strong kick," Ted said in awe.

Aashiq led them into a small dark room with a throne. "This is it," he said.

A black and green figure sat on the throne. "Welcome!" The figure cackled. The figure stood up and smiled. It wasn't Morc, but Gorgon Mara.

## *~Chapter 7~ (Gallery)*

* Bethany
* Ted
* Avalon
* Bethany's Woken
* Ted's Woken
1/5**Bethany-** Woken (16 years old)

**Ted-** Woken (12 years old)

## *~Chapter 8~*

There were only three Guardians but Asajj and Aloycer were there too.

"If you were here to see Morc, you've missed your chance a *hundred* years ago," Gorgon said.

"Beldam Avalon lied to us!" Simmi snapped in distress.

"Oh, her?" Gorgon asked. "Yeah, after Morc died she was useless and cried and cried. I made a deal with her to trick anyone she meets into luring them here. This is my home!" "You should really get the walls re-" Ciel began. "Shut up, Ciel!" Shavaza snarled.

"I know why you are here," Gorgon growled. "You are still salty about losing that one lady. Look, I completely get it. And now that you have found me, you will try and try and try to kill me. But it'll never work." Gorgon laughed wildly before she grew two bat-like wings and shaped into a black wolf with piercing green eyes.

"SHE'S A GUARDIAN?" Ciel cried. "We're screwed."

Aashiq shaped into a winged-wolf like Gorgon, only with wings like a bird and he was white with a black face. "We're still screwed," Ciel complained. Shavaza and Simmi both took out and swung their Grimblades. Ted and Bethany shaped into their Woken.

"Those were the Woken that attacked us!" Asajj spat.

The two of the Guardians shaped their small wolf bodies into giant maned lions with a goat head bulging from its left side and with a snake for a tail. The other one turned into a basilisk. Asajj and Aloycer pulled out their Grimblades.

"It'll be easy to kill all of you," Gorgon said.

Gorgon and Aashiq charged at each other and Ciel wasn't able to see the rest.

The basilisk snapped at him. Bethany was quick and raked the basilisk as it slithered by. Ciel pulled out his pistol before rolling and shooting it at the basilisk, as he attempted to dodge its snapping head.

Shavaza and Aloycer were fighting while Simmi and Asajj were.

"TURN INTO A STUPID DRAGON ALL READY!" Shavaza screeched at Ciel as she ducked under a chimera and Aloycer.

Ciel did exactly that. Two enormous wings sprouted from his back and the rest of him grew into a giant scaled creature. He blew black wispy fire at one of the chimeras. The chimera rolled swiftly out of the way and turned into a phoenix. Ciel spun around and smacked it with his hooked tail. The phoenix shrieked as it watched Ciel open his mouth and chomp down on its head. *One down, two more to go,* Ciel thought. One of the basilisks shot forward and sunk its two fangs into Ciel's wing. Ciel stumbled backwards. The basilisk's fangs ripped through the wing, leaving two long lines of blood dripping onto the ground. To busy with his attacker, Ciel didn't notice the others.

Simmi had turned into a werewolf and was lashing out on Asajj. Shavaza was struggling with Aloycer. Ted and Bethany had their own problem with a chimera. Gorgon and Aashiq were still winged-wolves but Aashiq was losing the fight. Aashiq already had blood gushing from his left eye and one of his wings was torn. Gorgon was pouncing at him from left to right, teasing him from the air.

Ciel blew more fire at the basilisk and hit it directly in the face. The basilisk made some kind scream as its whole face burned. Ciel kept blowing fire until the basilisk stopped moving.

Ciel noticed Ted lying on the ground as a human clutching his throat and Bethany swiping at the chimera.

*Oh no...* Ciel thought. Ciel shaped back to his human form and raced towards Ted. Ciel watched Ted clutch his throat and blood seep between his fingers. Ciel looked up to see Bethany crack the neck of the goat head and repeat the process with the lion's head. The chimera landed with a thump on its side and Bethany hurried over to Ted. By the time she got to them and was human again, Ted was dead with blood streaming from his throat.

"I knew one of us would die," Bethany said through tears and held her younger brother in her arms. Ciel turned his head sadly away only to see Gorgon bite Aashiq's throat and kicking him to his side. Ciel gasped and Bethany looked up. Shavaza and Simmi stopped to see and Asajj and Aloycer actually let them see their dead friend.

"Guess I won't have to put him in jail anymore," Aloycer joked with a smile. At full force Shavaza speared one of her Grimblades into Aloycer's stomach. Aloycer looked down at the bloody blade before falling to his knees and crying out. Shavaza put one foot on Aloycer's back and hauled the Grimblade out of him. Aloycer fell face first into the ground and grabbed his stomach in pain. Asajj charged at Shavaza and aimed a blow at her back. Simmi rushed forward and pounced on Asajj before she could get to Shavaza.

Asajj ducked under her fierce blows. Simmi opened her mouth to chomp down on Asajj's arm but all she got was a blade. Asajj stuck her Grimblade through the roof of her mouth and made sure it went through her head completely. Ciel scramble onto his feet and with one shot he hit Asajj in the back of the head. Simmi slowly shaped back into a human as she fell.

Ciel looked down at Ted before glancing at Simmi's body. "Go," Bethany said. Ciel nodded and raced towards Simmi only to stop by Shavaza who knelt next to her. "She shouldn't have died," she growled.

"Fools!" Gorgon laughed madly as she shifted back to herself. Gorgon through a chain at Bethany who reacted in such a panic that she used Ted's body to protect herself from it. Shavaza kicked the ground and flung two huge stones at Gorgon. Ciel shot at her.

Gorgon ducked swiftly under the stones and bullet. Bethany was back to being a Woken and charged at her. Gorgon waved her hand forward and two chains came from midair and shot at her. One hit her front leg, the other one missed. Bethany fell forward and desperately tried to take the chain out.

Gorgon shot a chain around Ciel's neck and thrust him forward. Ciel gasped for air and tugged at the chain. Before Gorgon could do anymore a stone smacked her in the stomach and she let go of the chain.

"For Jacinda!" Shavaza yelled and shot another stone at her head. Gorgon was stunned by this. Her temple started to bleed. "For Aashiq!" Shavaza yelled louder and another stone went to Gorgon's face. "For Ted and Simmi!" Shavaza pulled out her Grimblade and before Gorgon could react she struck her in the throat. Shavaza shoved the blade farther into her throat so the blade came behind her neck into the wall.

Bethany was human again but her leg was badly wounded. Ciel regained his footing and rushed to Bethany's side. He lifted her up with the help of Shavaza.

"I guess it's over now," Bethany sighed. "It is just us three now." Ciel didn't want to believe that. None of them did. But it was true and they had to stick with it. Shavaza and Ciel helped walk Bethany out of the palace. "Where do we go on now?" Bethany asked. Shavaza and Ciel turned to each other and smiled.

"I don't know," Shavaza admitted. She sat down on a stone stair and Bethany and Ciel followed. "Let's just be glad we crossed paths and were able to save all the Guardians..." Shavaza said. "I guess that's good," Bethany mumbled.

"We did cross the right paths," Ciel said with a smile.

***The End.***

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