She slides down to a lower part of the terrace and stumbled for a moment before picking up the elf and striving forward. She raised her guard as she noticed the bush whiskered. Her heavy manner of walking ceased like a conversation halted by an awkward silence.

She waited for a second and sighed in relief that it was just one of the children. She followed the little youth. She was led in an open space of the forest.

The alarmed children lowered their guns and seated back to their positions. She heard a faint grumble of the stomach from one of them. It seems that she’s not the only one who’s tired and hungry. She sat down and caressed the elf’s head to her lap while her back leaned against the tree. She kept her eyes wide open, waiting for him.

It took longer than she thought that the man would come. He came with blood spilling every part of his body. She finally realized by now, that the man is too an elf just like her. Sherry didn’t notice his pointy ears at first because she only had a glimpse of his face when she first met him – so little time to familiarize himself.

Now, that everything seems to be clear as crystal, she already guesses what he came for.

“Are you—”

“I’m fine.” He intercepted. “We should be worried about her.”

Sherry looked at the unconscious elf on her lap.

“What should we do?” She asked. “I don’t know how to treat wounds.”

“I can.”

After he cleans himself, he pulled out a palm-sized white feather and placed it on her wounded abdomen. He mouthed his mantra and a faint light began to emit on the feather. The feather is slowly faded in thin, air at the same time, no traces of the wound were left to be seen.

“Since you helped her, I take that the two of you are friends.”

“Uh, no. Not really. I—It just happened that we’re on the same side”

“Is that so?” He flatly said. What came next is his suspicious glance at Sherry. His hands gripped at the knife’s handle.

“Tell me. What do you know about the Hemil Klust?”

She shook her head failing to comprehend his question.

“I don’t know. Is that something to eat?”

The man was about to pull out his knife but was stopped by a hand. The elf raised her frail hand. He looked at her and his mood quickly changed into a concerned one.

“Reia.”

He spoke to her.

“What happened to you?”

His voice is filled with worries as he kneeled guiding her to sit down and lean to the trees. Her gloomy eyes brightened slightly as she saw the familiar face.

“Glox. What are you doing here? Do the elders know about this?”

“They grant me permission to go out and aid you in your travels. I’ve been traveling alone for two months. I must say that the human world has a lot to offer. But that matters not, I should’ve looked at you first before going on alone.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself. You must not blame yourself that is out of your control.” Her voice suddenly stirred by contemplation.

He observes her stature for a moment before facing her with a serious expression.

“How did you end up like this?”

Sherry took a deep breath and began to share her tale. When she finished telling how she got here, he nodded, now that their current circumstances he came to an absolute conclusion.

He looked at the frail young children. A discontentment filled his thoughts.

“Are you certain that you will assist these children in the haven you spoke of? I do think that this man Alastor is capable enough to abide by your role.”

“Are you doubting my decision? Glox?”

He stiffed for a moment before returning his stern gaze.

“I believe, I don’t have to remind you about the task that has been given to you.”

Even reminding her about the mission, her decision remained unaltered.

“Even so, I am still a priestess. My duty is to preserve life, that includes nature and the people, it stands above all of what I am.”

“You of all people should know that the elder’s words are important as to the world’s fate.”

“I know, but you have to understand that these children needed help more than ever.”

He deeply sighed and expunged all his negative thoughts.

“I understand where you’re coming from. Looks like I’ll end up helping you after all.”

Sherry who’s listening quietly for a while interrupted.

“Uhm, I’m glad that you’ve fixed your arguments, but don’t you think we should come up with a plan on how to get away from those assholes?”

“I can handle them.” Glox confidently said.

“Wow, that is the cockiest words I’ve heard for a long time, but don’t forget they have guns you only have a knife and magic. Other than that, they’re a private army. Do you think you can handle them for long?”

“I’ll find a way.”

“Well, consider yourself damn.”

The elf responds.

“There’s a guy named Henrick who can help us.”

“Okay. If you’re fine with it. It’s not like I’m gonna join them.”

“What do you mean?” Glox asked.

“I have a family to find back to Kayon city.”

“I see. So, I guess tomorrow I’ll bid you farewell.”

“It’s nice knowing all of you. I hope this will not be the last time.”

Glox noticed that everyone is shivering. Glox decided to cut down the woods and fire it with his magic. The children sat in a circle, warming themselves. As he goes towards the elf, he heard a faint breathe coming from the dark part of the forest. He drew out his knife, his position remained steady. He was about to attack the incoming intruder, but he was stopped by Reia. They waited for a moment. Sherry stared into the darkness.

“Should I worry about that guy?”

Alastor stepped out in the shadow. His eyes remained fixed to Glox. Reia and Glox exchange glances. Glox nods and sheathed back his knife.

“No. He’s a friend. My friend.” Reia said.

“Right,” Alastor said – realizing the similarity of their faces. He slowly walks and sat down beside the children. “So, would you mind telling me your name?” Alastor asked.

Glox and Reia were unsure who was being questioned. But it seems that the question is for her.

“Fine. Since you have already helped us, I don’t mind sharing my identity with you. My name is Reia and this guy is-” Reia answered.

“Glox.” He added.

“Glox?”

“Yes.”

“What a weird name.”

Glox snaps. He slowly shook his head, ignoring those words. An awkward silence takes place. They’ve taken the liberty to spend the time resting as they wait for the sunrise. Out of boredom, Alastor probed a question to them.

“Is there any chance that you would tell me why an inconspicuous person like your kind doing here?”

“None of your business.” Glox coldly interrupted.

“Wow, you’re ballsy, I see.”

Glox does not know if he should take that as a compliment or an insult. There are things that he does not know regarding human humorous words and this keeps bugging him.

Reia noticed the sour mood of Glox. She decided to intercept the conversation before the tension rose.

“I cannot tell you that. It’s a matter of privacy.”

Alastor snickers.

“Alright. No need to be worry. I can live with that.”

Glox didn’t like the way he talks to her. Something tells him that this guy does not see her as an equal to him. Glox swore to her family that he will protect Reia throughout the journey, to fulfill her role.

“Do you have any idea who are you talking to?”

“Don’t know, don’t care.”

Glox raised his brow, the forehead furrowed.

“I’m so sorry if I can’t tell you. I know that I owe you a lot, but I can’t tell you about us.” Reia apologizes

“Don’t worry. I understand. No need to feel guilty about it. We should get some sleep. We’re going early tomorrow.”

“Who’s gonna stay up all night and watch our backs?” Glox asked.

Alastor observed him for a little bit.

“You will. You’re the least injured guy here.”

Glox sighed and lengthened his patience. Watching them sleeping, Reia falls on slumber beside Sherry.

The setting was that Glox remained awake as a patrol through the night as the other rest. Since he is the only one who is not injured enough to be weak. He is currently walking around the corner with his eyes imbued with magic to see through the darkness and presence of any dangerous beings scouting in the area. Hours pass and he is confident about it, no monsters were strolling on the premise. So, he decides, he must get some sleep to reserve energy for future complications.

As he leaned up against the tree, he finally noticed a shrill of wind encircling the forest. He quickly gets up and tried to determine its location. He glances around the corner, but his magic failed him to counter the enemies’ prowess. He was blown by an unknown force. His body relentlessly crashed to the tree.

Alastor woke up from it. His hands were instinctively drawn to his sword as he saw Glox struggling to stand up. He drew it and held it firmly.

“Sherry, Reia. Wake up.” He hisses.

As soon as Reia saw Alastor's sword brimming under the influence of the moon’s light, she quickly gets up and woke up the kids.

“Take the kids somewhere else safe. We are going to handle it. Just stick to the plan.”

“Right.” Reia nodded.

The kids finally prep up and along with Sherry and Reia they slowly sneak out. Sherry once again looked at his back.

“Are you gonna be alright?” She asked. Her words seem so unsure. She does not know what to say about this. They only have little time to get to know him, but in those short periods of moments, she learned that Alastor is not completely a cold person.

“Is that a question?”

“No, that came out wrong. I just want to—”

“There you go again. Always cutting off during an emergency.”

“I just want to say—”

“Please don’t say Goodluck. Most of the time the opposite comes out.”

Alastor saw a sharp light coming to his position. With quick reflexes, his shoulder bent, and his arms move diagonally, deflecting the attack against his blade.

“Now, go!” He yelled.

Sherry sprinted out of the forest, “Please, don’t die.”

Finally, with Sherry gone – Alastor can finally focus on the enemy. He glances at Glox – who has gotten up to his knees, and next to his feet. He is surprised at how sturdy the guy is, but he will be more disappointed if he were easily taken down.

“You ready for a royal beatdown?” Alastor asked.

“More than ever.” Glox snickers and said through gritted teeth.

“Perfect.”

Alastor steeled himself as he held high his sword and swung it down as the menace behind the shadows struck.