Selene had been walking for days since the incident. She wasn’t going in any particular direction because frankly she didn’t know where to go. Her small shack of a house is all of the world she ever knew. Everything was now gone, quicker then the blink of an eye. All she had left that was dear to her was the sorcerers book, Rain gave her, and her wolf, Isis.

Isis was trailing behind her smelling the area. He was blind at birth, and the pack didn’t really except him so Selene made it here effort to strengthen the pup until adulthood. After a few years the wolf never left her side. His sense of smell and hearing had heighten to higher levels to make up for his disability. Isis also saw things that normal eyes couldn’t. He could sense the presence of an un-dead entity. Most often did the sorcerer have to cast spells to ward them off, but before damage was done, Isis sounded the alarm.

Selene was tired and hungry but she wanted to keep moving. She didn’t know if the area was dangerous and didn’t want to find out. Just then Isis started to whimper and Selene turned around to look at him.

“What’s wrong boy? You tired or hungry?” As Selene approached Isis started to whimper more and he slowly lied down gently on the ground. “Alright Isis well eat something and rest for awhile.” She headed over to a tree and sat down next to it leaning her back to rest. She opened her small pouch that contained some water bread, and berries. Isis got up and followed her. She took a small piece of bread for herself and some berries for Isis. He ate them and walked around the area again.

“I’m so tired. I wish I could take a nap. I wish I was home.” Selene closed her eyes for a second before Isis began to nag her again. “What you want more. Here take some bread.” She watched Isis slowly walk away, heading toward the right. “Isis! Where are you going? Isis!” Selene began to pack up her food when she her some rustling behind her. A unpleasant smell began to fill the air. “Oh god what is that smell.. its horrible.” Selene got up and moved toward the sound. The smell got stronger. She stopped walking and began to get frighten. “Oh no this isn’t good, Isis!” Before she began to run a half corpse like creature came from the bush. Its flesh was falling off as it trailed after her. Blood was oozing out of his left eye socket. It was fast and gaining close to Selene.

“Isis were are u?! You were suppost to warn me! Isis!!” Selene continued to run. She had the ability to fight but has never done so before. Just then she saw Isis with another wolf but it was too late the corpse grabbed a hold of her pushing her to the ground. She took out her knife to stab it but it was no use. “Help! Someone help!” Selene screamed in terror. Isis growled at the creature put it continued to attack. She wasn’t ready for the real world, her fairy tale has ended.

Iori had just sat camp in D'voun when just outside of the village he heard screams, and the howl of a wolf. Wondering where Amarruki was and fearing that hunters had found him and harmed him he ran out towards the screams. Dashing threw the marsh and corn fields, he reached to see his pup and a woman being attacked by an undead. Iori unsheathed his sword and ran into battle. The corpse drop the woman and in rage swung his fist at Iori.

He dodged the punches but the creature was moving too fast. "Hey I know im suppose to rescue you, but I can use some help." Iori was still in pain from his earlier fight and still his arm was close to immovable. He struck back sending the creature back hoping to buy some time. Amarruki howled fearing for the worst. After all the Undead seemed to of been more powerful then Iori even if his arm was in perfect condition.

Selene was stunned on the ground. Luck was finally on her side. She watched the man attack the creature as if he has fought many battles before. Selene was still scared and couldn't move, until his voice startled her. Okay Selene..get up..you are stronger than this.

Selene looked around the ground and finally spotted her knife that she dropped during the struggle. She ran toward the undead creature and stabbed him straight in the back. She took the knife out of him and ducked just in time to miss a blow to her head. She then bodly grabbed his arm and with great force sliced his hand off. The creature bellowed and made unearthly noises. It seemed to be in pain but his determination was strong. He rushed toward Selene again.

"What should i do, hes too strong?!" Selene was beginning to panic again. Her hand was trembling, her knife still tightly gripped. She was dodging his punches but it wouldnt hold out for long.

Iori saw his chance for attack. The zombie now faced her and left himself open for iori to attack. Quickly he struck the creature, knocking it to the ground. The area around Fortanius had become dangerous and it was now clear to Iori that the creature did not just randomly choose her but in fact was after something. What it was, Iori did not have the slightest of clues. The zombie hunched up trying to get himself back on its feet. Iori jumped ontop of the corpse and pushed the sword down into its skull. With a loud crack and moan the zombie fell paralyzed. Then its head was removed by the wooden blade. Ending the life of the creature and finishing the battle. He lifted the head and launched it as far as his aching body could. After all the creature had been already killed once, and risen.

Putting his attention onto the strange woman he put his sword away. "Are you ok? You should not leave the safety of your village if you cannot handle the creatures of this land." Iori called Amarruki. "The knife may come in handy but it will be hard for you to survive with just that. Are you from D'voun?" He asked as he turned to the town wanting to return and rest. And just as he did he realized another wolf was near. A much older and more intimidating wolf then Amarruki. "Well, I can see why you travel now. With a companion like him, im sure not alot of creatures dare to mess with you."

The man’s quick attack caught Selene off guard once again. He was a skilled fighter. She has never seen a person move like he did. Selene watched as he took the creatures head off and flung it as far as he could. The sight made Selene’s stomach turn on easily. She felt sick and to top everything off she was still trembling. She watched the man put his weapon away. He had a very distinguishing face and cunning eyes.

“Umm yes, I am okay now. Thank you, for you know, helping me. I had no choice to leave the place a came from. People were trying to murder me. They killed my family, well my adoptive family.”

Selene’s heart finally came back to a steady beat as she looked toward Isis. “That’s my wolf, Isis. I see you have a companion too. My friend here usually could sense dead like creatures but it seems that your pup distracted him when I need him.” She grinned and tried to brush he sad feelings away. She placed her hand in front of her and smiled at the man. “My name is Selene. You could say I’m a mage, not much of a fighter. Anyways, is there anything I can do for you. I guess I owe you one.”

Iori turned to look at her. "A mage?" He studied her closely staring into her eyes. "You dont owe me anything. But if youd like you can travel with me and another. I can train you and prepare you to become a great warrior. To strenghten your body because from the looks of it, your magic is not strong enough. Because, if it was the undead would of stood no chance. He, after all, is a creature of magic." Iori knelt down next to Amarruki. "This thing is not my companion. He just follows me." He smiled wondering how in the hell he continue to meet the strangest of people.

Selene stood motionless and put her hand slowly back down to her side. "Yes i am a mage, im not that powerful but i know the basics of the elements. I never saw such a creature up close i only practiced my magic with, she paused then contuined,...with..my father. I never used it to fight. I never faught anything till now."

Selen stared staight back at the man, looking deep into his eyes. "I introduced myself to you, and it would be courtious of you to do the same." She grinned and placed her hands on her hips. "I cant simply join you if i know nothing about you, a name will do and nothing more." Selene looked away brushing her hair from her eyes. "Isis come." The wolf made his way toward her, smelling the ground until he reached her foot and then he sat next to her. "We are no help to each other without trust, stranger. The wolf is your companion, by the way. Their kind stay with people they have connections with, and that pup connects with you." She patted Isis on his head waiting for him to respond.

Iori blushed forgetting his manners, it had been so long since he actually talked to a person. "Many pardons, I am just not used to people talking to me with out threatening me. My name is Iori Ikuza, a nomad wondering samurai-Or at least I hope to be one day." Iori stood up. "Amarruki, is the name of that trouble maker." He pointed to the wolf. He wondered if Selene would one day be able to help him rid of the demon inside. Onimatu had plagued his body and ruined his life. Since he entered his body Onimatu's enemies had become Iori's. Just as Iori opened his mouth to continued to talk he heard the wolves howling and barking. Noticing what they spotted he equipped his sword again. "Wow, some one really wants you dead. This time Selene, trust yourself and attack. If you doubt yourself you will die."

Three zombies armed in machetes dashed at them. Their eyes as blank as their heart. Clearly puppets of who ever was after Selene, or so Iori concluded. One of the zombie attacked slashing diagonally at Iori, who flipped backwards evading the attack. "Find yourself, don't want to win but need to win. " The second zombie attacked stabbing forward, but he slid to his left dodging the attack. "Need it like you need the air." Iori ducked down as the second zombie swung again. This time however Iori moved in for a powerful jab to the zombies jaw. Which was basically mostly bone with a few ligaments holding it to the skull. The punch made the zombie stumble back and spit out some maggots. "Look and see with your own eyes. If you hesitate, you miss the mark forever." Iori brought the handle up into the gut of the zombie suffocating the undead fiend.

The other two seemed to of lost interest in Iori and moved towards Selene. As Iori attempted to help Selene he fell to the ground tackled by the zombie, who know tried to bite into his neck. Driven by a supernatural hunger. Iori now pinned under the menacing fiend squirmed his hand to freedom reaching for his sword and striking the zombie off of him. The Zombie rolled on the ground moaning and groaning, fighting his way to its feet. Iori pulled himself up slapping the worms and maggots off his clothing. The stench of death tainted the night air. With an awkward silence of the animals Iori drop kicked one of the other zombies hoping to buy some time for Selene to gather enough inner strength to fight back. "Don't think, don't fear. Feel...let your senses and your heart guide you."

The two zombie that Iori had attacked turn to him. Knowing well that they needed to eliminate him if they were to kill the woman. They moved in unison with their weapon raised up high over their heads. Iori gripped his own sword, feeling the weight comforting. The edge of the sword had struck down many enemies, but nothing like the ones he faced right now. The zombies were pure evil, its presence alone was enough to make you shriek. Taking a giant gulp he slid his front foot to the side cracking the grass beneath it. "And finally Selene, have no regrets. Because in battle there are no rules!" Running straight forward the zombies, Iori looked less like a man and more like a wolf. His eyes were locked on their target and his sword was quickly coming down destined to meet its target. At this point even the crickets stood still.

The blade came hit its target so quick that with a blink of an eye it would of been missed. But still the attack did nothing more then add more wounds to the dead. After five swings Iori looked back having reality slap him in the face. This is why he hated magic. It made him feel impotent- and what man likes feeling like that?

He had to rethink his attack, he had to think about the first zombie and how he was killed. Even if these were stronger they all had to share and equal weakness.

All of a sudden Leaping out a tree, Alexsin leaped down at one of the zombies. His wooden long sword ready, he thrusted it into one of the zombies heads. He then quickly rolled back, pulling his sword, out but accidently taking the zombies head with the sword.

"Zombies don't all that fast." Alexsin said as he stood up, and looked at his wooden sword a little creeped out. He quicly shook of the head and kicked it into a bush.

"Jeeze Iori.. our first day as partners and your already fighting without me. Anyways I was just about to go for a walk when I saw this swquabble." Alexsin finshed as he swiped some of his hair, brushing it out of his face for a better look at the reamining zombie.
His eyes slowly moved to behind his shoulder, seeing women standing sort of behind Iori.
"My names Alexsin.. what brings you to these parts?" He muttered as he took a defensive stance prepaired but not knowing which one of us the zombie was going to attack.

Iori smiled relieved to see Alexsin. "I didnt want to wake you up. We are suppose to be resting for fortanius. But I am glad you are here." Iori had not expected Alexsin to appear but for the first time he felt no matter what he would be able to rely on his new found companions. For a moment even Onimatu didn't seem such a bad drag. With his sword he attacked again, but every attack was futile. To kill the undead with physical attacks was a bit harder then Iori was comfortable with. Just as the battle roared on a light rain began to pour. For some reason Iori could not help but smile, the zombies were just in as bad a situation as them. For no matter how much they attacked they ended up missing. It was only a matter of time till they were vanquished. And until then he knew Selene and Alexsin would be there giving it all they got.

A reassurance swept through Iori. Gaea, the planet...humanity, they all needed heroes. And even though the trio came from completely different backgrounds and had completely different goals and personalities. That was what made them stronger. Once they reached Fortanus and dug to the bottom of the pit, unlocking the secrets and hoping to understand-if just a little- their role in this world. Iori moved in smacking hard the zombie again knocking its right arm, with weapon and all, right off the socket.

Alexsin smiled as he looked at Iori and Selene, ready to attack. His mind was clear, expecpt for the found he could feel from his two new friends. For the first time since his death, he felt some of the final peices of myself return back to him. And he slowly could feel the happyness of companionship once again. He then nodded, and charged the zombie aswell, he quickly got in close, waiting for the zombie to slash, which ofcoarse the braindead flesh golem did. Alexsin was ready for the defense as he blocked with his sword and rolled up around behind the zombie, grabbing it and holding it from behind. The zombie fought to get free, however Alexsin was much stronger, since the zombie had lost most of it's muscle in the first place. He hild the arms strait in the air, as he waited or Iori or Selene to finish it off.

"hey..." The zombie fought, interupting his speech.
"guys... lets dispose of this..."

Selene was once again caught off guard by the menacing creatures of the dead. The smell of rotting flesh was in the air. She tried to take all of Iori’s words in but she was still not ready for this. She knew she had to fight for herself. The comfort of her home, her pack, were gone. If she wanted to live she had to fight for it. She grabbed her wooden knife once again and stood defensively as she looked at Iori. Just then another man appeared. Selene let out a sigh of relief to herself, happy that Iori already had back up. She stared at the man, observing him.

“My name is Selene. This to have you join us Alexsin. Well talk later, there will be time for that.” Selene gathered all her inner strength and rushed toward one of the zombies. She landed a side kick straight to his jaw, leaving him dumbfounded. The creature groaned in agony, but didn’t waste time to began his pursuit. She ducked one of his blows and kicked his shin causing him to fall to the ground. The smell was awful. It almost brought tears to her eyes, not to mention a knot in her throat.

With all her courage she got on top of the corpse, an once again cut on eof his hands off. She flung it away from her, and rolled to the side allowing the creature to get up. With its back turn, she did what Iori did and took his head off. The creature finally fell motionless to the ground.

“Hey guys, I got one!” Selene yelled in excitement. With her attention distracted, she received a blow to the head from yet another undead. Pain shot through her body. She laid motionless. Her wolf Isis ran to her side and started to bark wildly at the creature. He was ready to attack, and hoping Selene would regain consciousness.

Iori slashed his sword at the zombie which Alexsin had cutting its head off and ending their attack. Iori breathed heavily trying to control his body temperature he began to take in huge breaths letting them out slowly. He then walked to Selene to check if she was ok. He placed his hand on her forehead and then on her neck feeling her pulse. Reaching for a potion he gave it to her just incase she needed it. "We all have a mission, we all have a purpose. I say we stay together till we all and I mean ALL achieve our goals." Iori rubbed his head. "But thats just my opinion." He yawned opening his mouth widely. "But like ive said before, Destiny can wait sleep cant. So how about we rest think about what ive said and we head out to Fortanius first thing in the morning if you all still want to continue together."

Iori moved down to his pack and reached for his tent. Setting it up already thinking of what awaited for them in fortanius.

Zombies dead..? :P

Rewards-

Alexsin- 300 exp; 100 gil
Iori- 660 exp; 200 gil
Selene-550 exp; 200 gil
Level up!!!
Reamining Stats-

Still processing Give me time!! XD

Selene slowly opened her eyes. She laid on the ground listening to the sounds around her. It seemed like Iori and Alexsin had taken care of the remaining zombie. She saw a potion next to her, and decided she wouldn’t need it. She rather get some sleep but even though her body craved it, her mind was not tired. She got up slowly into a sitting position and was greeted by Isis, licking her face tenderly. She saw that Iori was already setting up his tent. Nostalgia passed over Selene. Her warm home, soft bed, she missed it all.

Selene rose to her feet and try to regain her balance. The blow she took to the head, really left an affect. She went to sit against a tree once again. Isis followed and curled up next to her. The air was kind of chill, unfortunately Selene only brought with her a small blanket. She covered her self and began to look through the sorcerer’s book, that Rain had left her with, hoping it would get her mind off her chills. She glanced up from time to time to watch Iori. She wanted to talk to him, learn about his past, the same with Alexsin.

Selene ran into a page specified on the subject of fire. It was a mental awareness technique that Selene thought would help calm her coldness. She read the instructions and closed her eye, trying to concentrate. Drowning all the sounds out around her, trying to focus on the rhythm of her heart.

Alexsin looked oddly at Selene, and proceeded to set up his own tent he had stole from the town. He figure the town wouldnt mind, for ridding them of a few extra soilders. After the tent was set up, Alexsin went out and found some random wood and rocks. He set the rocks in a circular postion between Ioris and his own tents and set the wood within the circle of rocks.

"Hm.. well we can have a warm evening, but I'm not specalist on creating fire.. Magic is not my forte.." Alexsin smiled as he set up everything else for the fire. He then sat down on the ground and took a deep breath. For the first time he could finally rest. And at the comfort knowing he has 1, maybe 2 new friends accompanying him on his next journy. The fact he wasn't doing it alone, set calmness through his heart. A feeling he has not felt since he was with his old girl, back in the day of his first life. His stomach felt warm, however he coudln't tell if it was that, or his body needing food. However he could of sworn he never needed food again.. for he was a mear flesh puppet.

Iori came up behind Selene. Curios as to what she read he glimpsed passed her shoulder. He reached for a lighter and ignited it. "Man fought and killed for fire when it was first discovered. Ever since we have found new reasons to fight for." Iori smiled handing Selene the lighter, "It must be great to control it, to create it out of thin air." He kneeled a good distance from her not wanting to breech her comfort zone. "So with that book you will learn to cast powerful magic spells?" He looked at it again studying the book. "Is there a spell for exorcism?" He looked up to the sky trying to play it as if he was really not interested in the subject.

A breeze came down the horizon headed west to fortanius. The grass beneath him was stained by the presence of all that had died in battles long forgotten. Then a rumbling of the land quick and suttel almost un felt by Iori startled Amarruki, but he fell to sleep being pet by Iori before he could even whimper. Some miles ago a beast of Geae had risen. A beast of unmatched height and strength. "Listen, Selene. I have a tent you can sleep there while I and Amarruki keep watch. Also Alexsin wants to start a fire but seeing as you are a mage maybe you can practice on the wood and help warm up the air." He smiled. "I dont know if its just me but I have a feeling tonight will be un ordinarily cold."

Selene looked up from her book and smiled at Alexsin as he put down what they needed to start a fire. The wind was picking up, and Selene’s shivers grew worse. She started to stare of into the distance before she felt like she was being watched. It was Iori, glancing at what she was reading.

Selene thought on hi question for a second before answer. “Well its not to cast fire, that would be a spell. Not to mention that would be manifesting an element to appear at great distances. What this is teaching me is how to use my body and mind to manifest the earth around me, or my body.” She stopped when he mentioned the exorcism. Selene had read about performing a rite of exorcism before but she would have to master her abilities. She then continued. “So with fire I would have to concentrate and using my mind be able to control my body’s temperature and manifest it around me.”

She stopped again. She began to feel awkward. He probably didn’t believe that she could do this, but maybe she could prove him wrong. Her head began to hurt, the result of earlier blow. “Thank you for the offer to use your tent, I would feel wrong though, besides I rather not sleep alone. The things I’ve been through lately….I mean what if you and Alexsin just leave me here?” Selene got up before Iori could answer. She headed toward where the fire place would be. She knelt down in front of it and closed her eyes. She began to drown out all the noise around her trying once again to focus on her heart beating. She outstretched her arms, then bring them back in slowly, clasping tem together like in prayer. Motionless she stood. Then she felt it the rush of temperature rising. At her finger tips she felt a rush of energy. Selene slowly opened her eyes to see her hands in a blaze. She slowly but carefully put her hand down upon the pieces of wood, rocks, and leaves. A fire began to burn bright. Still in a meditation state of mind she returned her hands to a prayer position.

With her eyes closed she envisioned the energy leaving her hands. Returning back to her body, and flowing easily through her body’s energy. She opened her eyes to see her hands normal. Turning to Iori she smiled, “See I am good for something. Is it okay if I could keep watch with you and maybe then I could fall asleep.”

Selene sat down by the fire. With her back turned to Iori she didn’t know how he would respond, or Alexsin for that matter. She then made a patting noise on her leg. Isis awoke from her sleep and came to Selene, only to regain his spot by her and resume his sleep.

Iori smiled as he saw her start the fire. He did not say anything however he just sat looking out to the distant horizon. Battle had tiered him and his body acted naturally by shutting itself down. His eyes closed and he fell into the deepest slumber, his mind took him far from Gaea. There he saw the familiar figure of Izanami the goddess infested in death. Her eyes filled with shame and embarrassment shun through a barrier of light. "Iori, my beloved warrior. Onimatu grows stronger.... Alexsin.........Selene.......Can you trust them, would they slay you if they knew what sleeps within you?"

Iori's lips moved but no words could be formed. He struggled to speak but the more he did the greater the distance between Izanami and himself grew. "You turst them yet you know nothing of their past nor they of yours. Secrets is security."

Iori slowly opened his eyes. Confusion and fear awoke his peaceful and much needed rest. He stood up straight and turned to Alexsin, "You are very quiet....I can't sleep." He then turned to Selene. "How about we get to know each other. We need to know where we all come from to get an idea of where we will be."

Alexsin was sitting on a rock deep in thought.
"haha.. you wish to know something about me.. How about I only fake sleep to act more like I once was. It may seem like I"m asleep...however I just rest my body and it slowly heals itself." Alexsin gazed into the fire, then slowly brought his head up to Selene and Iori.
"I'm nothing more than a Flesh Golem..killed and reborn by Fortanius research department. I do not bleed, I do not eat, I do not sleep." Alexsin laughed trying to make the best of the situation.
"However the one who did this to me, nolonger is in this world...however I belive more stuff like what happend to me, might be in fortanius. That country has some dark dark secrets. I didn't want to say this earlyer.. I was afraid you two might hesitate in battle...however I know 3 of those people you killed. They were my neighboors at one time. So now I know for a fact research continues, and it must be put a to a stop" Alexsin threw another log into the fire.
"So Iori, I sort of know your story..however not very well.. and Selene.. honestly I know nothing about you!!" Alexsin said light heartidly as he cracked his knucks and leaned back further on the rock.

Selene began to look at her book once again. The next three chapters after fire were ice, water, and thunder or what would be more realistic electricity. Her eyes began to water as she could almost hear her father’s voice inside her head as she read his work in silence. Selene never saw the sorcerer as “a” sorcerer, a being who deals with magic and tries to hurt other just so they can benefit from their misfortune. He was a kind hearted man who wanted nothing more in the world to be excepted, but it was over now.

Selene looked to see Iori waking in a startle. She closed her book before her thoughts could come upon Rains memory. Selene sat as Iori proposed the idea of finding out more of each other, but felt uneasy to do so. I don’t even know where I really came from. All I have is this book and m memories. She listened to Alexsin explain his past. She held back a laugh at the fact that he said the three zombies were his neighbors. It would have been rude to laugh, since he was telling the truth.

It was her turn, and she really didn’t know where to start. “Well um I guess ill go next. I’m from a little place called Siberia, well actually the outskirts of it. My father was a sorcerer banished by the king. He was my biological father but he found me as an infant. Me and this boy named Rain. A few days ago, men came to our small home and killed my father and Rain. I don’t know why they did it but I luckily got away. Isis my wolf here was the only one spared from his pack. So we are the only ones left.” Selene hesitated for a second and then continued. “This book here, she showed it to them, contains entries from my father on how to use your body to manipulate the elements and other mind control tricks.”

Selene looked at the fire, and patted Isis on the head as he slept. “I know there is something to their murders. The king of Siberia was evil, he slaughtered his people who opposed him, there had to be a connection , I just don’t know what.” She stopped not knowing what to add on . She didn’t like silence so she was quick to say anything. “Alright enough about me, Iori it seems to be your turn.”

Iori listened to their stories. Both filled with tragedy and both filled with unanswered questions. "I am but a fool, a puppet for greater beings to toy with. But I un like you two asked for it. I left my family and the army to follow an assassin. Arito.." He stopped and looked down. "Actually, Onimatu." He took in a deep breath releasing the growing tension inside of him. "A demon who has kept himself from reaching the far plane by invading and controlling others bodies. He was inside Arito controlling him and preparing me to become his next host. I was blind, all i wanted was to become a powerful samurai. It was this desire that opened my body for him to enter. I killed Arito, and now I have the demon in me."

He felt weak and exposed. His secret was no more. Now his new companions knew what he tired to hide. "I have killed many men, and stold many items. I became what Arito was. And all I want is to rid this plague from inside me. I want to repent." He got quiet hearing the distant sound of thunder. At this point he did not know if it was just his own ear drums making a noise or if the noise was real. "But I promise both of you. That we will find out why Alexsin was experimented on and what was his past. If that is what you desire. And why your father was murdered Selene...Again, if that is what you desire."

Selene remained quiet, thinking back to when Iori asked her if she knew about exorcisms. Now she knew why he asked that. Why he wanted that knowledge. Selene felt depressed hearing everyone’s story. They had to find answers. Together they would, hopefully.

“Iori…we will find a way to help you. If you don’t live the demons path he will not control you. Even if you kill men, it wasn’t really you, it could be though…if you let him win. I have read things about presences control a body. There is a way.” Selene fell silent again. Her head was still throbbing. She hasn’t slept since fully since the incident. Her head was kind of aching, just a bit though, since the blow to the head. There has been so much commotion that finally her pain was catching up with her. She raised her hand to the back of her head to feel around for a bump.

‘Ouch,” she said outloud as she came upon a sore spot. She brought her hand back into view and saw there was blood on it. Her heart began to race, this was the reason why she was so cold. She never bled in her life and the sight of it was going to make her sick. “I’m bleeding! What do I do. I think I’m going be sick.” Her heart raced faster as her vision blurred just a little. “I feel weird,” she said her outburst waked up Isis who was now whimpering.

"Oh...no... it looks serious." Alexsin squinted his eyes and covered his mouth with his hand holding in a michevious laugh. He then coughed a few times and returned back to his normaly smiling self.
"Don't worry you'll be fine" Alexsin reached into his tent, and pulled out a few bandages and antiseptic. He walked over and poured some of the antiseptic on a rag and dabbed it on the back of her head.
"This says antiseptic.. but most use it for hard liqure aswell.. it might sting."
He then let out a huge sigh and handed Selene a long rolled up, and extreamly white rag.
"Don't worry it's clean.., wrap that around your head as tight and comfortable as you can get it. Make sure you cover up the cut though ^^." Alexsin remembered going through a minor first aid class while he was in school, back in his hometown. Visions of being inschool, talking with his friends flashed through his head.. as he head his head and started to walk backwards.. totally unaward of his surroundings untill he triped backwards over a rock. With a quick atempt to catch himself with his wrists, he ended up just hurting more parts of his body.
"Ough!" Alexsin shook his head.
"Well then... I'm going to sleep, I have some of my own wounds I need to rest up." Alexsin got up and headed towards his tent. He glanced at Selene,
"Take care..dont' bleed to death.. haha" he said childishly, then he turned his direction over to Iori.
"Well find a way not only release, but destroy the demon inside of you someday. I promiss you this. Untill then, both of you save your strength for tommarow. I have a feeling our journy might just get a bit rougher." He smiled and walked completely into his tent. Complete silence came out from his tent. As if almost he was laying there forcing himself to lay and stay quiet.. which he was, pretending..no teaching himself to sleep again.

Iori looked down to the dirt and grass beneath them. "I am sorry you are wounded Selene." Just as he was about to get up and check the wound he noticed Alexsin was already preparing some rags. Noticing that Alexsin knew what he was doing he sat back down. "Well find a way not only release, but destroy the demon inside ....." He heard the words and tried to believe them. "Selene you should rest as well. I promise to take better care of you. I will stay watch and make sure nothing hurts you or Alexsin while you rest. And tomorrow we will set out on our journey together." He smiled turning to the sizzling fire. Most of the wood now in ashes. He crawled to the pile and threw some more in. Making the fire temporarly flicker until it grew higher consuming the new wood.

Much like the same Onimatu who now flickered would one day take full control. "No matter how much the wind howls the mountain can not bend...." He whispered to himself the words told to him by his father along time ago. Words he had forgotten. "My father...I hope fortune smiles upon you where ever you are." Then he heard the rattle of drums which he had mistaken for thunder. A fright full though came to him as he heard the pattern clear and recognized it as the Fortanius war drum roll. "And so darkness consumes Gaea, mother terra."

Iori reached for an old blanket which seemed to of at one time been the color blue. But now it was faded after years of washing. He covered himself and sat next to the fire meditating resting his body but keeping his senses awaken for intruders.

Selene couldn’t realize how childish she was acting, and completely overdramatic. She didn’t know how to react to blood, and even the events that had occurred earlier. Everything was new to her. She was a child learning the ability to crawl before they can walk. She would have to learn how to defend herself properly then take the offense. Alexsin approached her with some first aid materials. She was grateful for his kindness.

Selene could feel that he wanted to laugh but she said nothing. She tried to keep a straight face, well that was until he applied the antiseptic. “Ouch, ”she squinted in pain and tried to avoid eye contact with Iori during this. She was blushing and wanted to curl up like a fetus and be invisible. Selene wrapped the rag around her head and began to lie down next to Isis. She grabbed the blanket she had and watched Alexsin fall, tripping over a rock. She wanted to laugh but gave him the courtesy not to since he wasn’t picking on her earlier to begin with.

It was quiet when Alexsin went into his tent. Selene glanced at Iori and noticed how troubled he seemed. She wanted to talk with the both of them more but they will have all the time in the world now to get to know each other on a better level.

“No Iori you protected me well, for us being strangers that is. Thank you. Try to cheer up, we all are fighting for causes so we have each other to lean on. Goodnight Iori.” Selene curled closer to Isis. He awoke only for a second to lick her face and snuggle up closer. Selene closed her eyes, and for the first time since the ending of her fairytale she felt safe, in the comfort of strangers she had just meet. She slowly enter a deep sleep and finally felt at peace, letting the pain of the ones she loved slowly heal.

Morning came as Iori awoke, he had accidently fallen asleep during his meditation. But luckily he was the first one to wake up. The fire was now gone and all that remained was a pile of gray dust. The Trees looked green and the sky was blue, but no matter how beautiful nautre seemed a feeling of dreadfulness and a blanket of sorrow was over Gaea. Amarruki woke up next, but remained laying on the ground. The cool moist morning breeze refreshed Iori but made his body shiver. He had not been used to cool temperature as he spent most of his time in the south of Gaea. "Well Amarruki, today is the day. Fortanius....It all starts."

Inside Ior was happy that finally they would search for some answers and begin a long journey to cure the wounds of all of them.

Alexsin, heard noise from Iori waking outside, and his eyes shot open. He was getting bored trying to rest all night. He stretched his body, loosing up any points that had become stiff over the evening.

"Ugh.." Alexsin let in and out a huge breath, absorbing the air as he walked outside to see a beautiful morning sky. Birds were chirping, the air was crisp cool, a small set of dew had layered itself over the grass and trees.

"Well Iori, I suppose we leave once Selene awakes." Alexsin says in a positive and semi chipper voice. He was still examining the area, then something just popped into his head.

"Oh yeah... you need to eat.." he looked around wondering if they had any leftovers in their travel packs. He knew he had some left in his pack, for he never eats in the first place. He walked over to his pack and opened it, releavling a bundle of about 6 apples, and 3 loafs of break. Along with two full hides of milk.

"Here, I dont' need it.." Alexsin handed over the buddle of food next to Amarruki and Iori. He then stretched his legs again and looked off out into the forest towards the direction of fortanius.

Sora was enetering a forest when his stomach rumbled, he was began to get hungry and light headed, he fell to his knees but then he saw a camp.

ive got to make it to that camp.

he crawled his way to the camp and collapsed.

hel......help me.............please.

The morning sun shown brightly across the camp area. The smell of morning dew was in the air. The light gently illuminated Selene, causing her to stir awake from her slumber. Her nights rest was so good that she almost forget where she was. As she squinted her eyes open, she thought she saw sudden images of her home. Her father at the stove and Rain engulfed in a book. In a blink they were gone and her vision too ahold. She saw Iori beginning to eat his breakfast. Along side of him was his pup, Amarruki, and Alexsin looking of into the distance. She was happy to have fallen asleep outside, because now she had the advantage to look over the two strangers she just shortly knew. Both wore very troublesome faces. Both looking for answers, hoping the truth is out there. Somewhere in that mess Selene fit there. She herself was a searcher, on a quest for answers, truth, and an adventure. The world seem so huge already, and yet she has only set her foot in the backyard of it.

"Good Morning," she said outloud as remained laying. She stretched and tapped Isis on the head during the movement. He awoke and yawned. He got up and headed toward were Alexsin laid the food. "Ah seems he already knows what time it is. Im starving mind if i join yous?" She had finished her food the day before, and all the excitement had made her hungry. She took of the rag Alexsin gave her. "Thank you for helping me last night, and you to Iori thank you. So umm where are we going again and why?" She didnt know exactly what they had in mind but all she knew is that she wanted to go with them. Faith had brought then together and together they shall stay.

"Good Morning Selene!" Alexsin smiled.
"Yes please eat.. it is food I do not need. However it does taste wonderful, I rather eat on occasion when we have more food to go around."

A few moments later, alexsin heard a voice comming from the wilderness, just outside of their came. He tilted his head back a bit over his shoulders in hopes of hearing the voice a bit better. He squined his eyes and stood up.

"Hm.. in the he hell.." Alexsin walked over to a small opening in the back of their camp where found a half starving boy about the same age as him.

"haha.. you look a bit hungry.." Alexsin smiled and helped the boy over to the center of the camp.

"Guys.. you know as much as me.. I just found him.." He said to Iori and Selene as he set the boy down up agaisnt a rock. He then handed the boy a loaf of their bread and a flask of their milk.

"Here.. take my portion..food I do not eat anywho.." Alexsin smiled again and sat on the rock next to them.

"So once you've filled up pleas tell us your story." He concluded waiting for Sora to build up enough strength to speak again.

"Thank you Alexsin for the food. Its strange to see you be more Gollum then human. Its just strange how you can still look so alive. Even your eyes seem to hold passion and sorrow. I wonder....Do you still have a soul?" Iori looked down. "Sorry I shouldnt speak some times."

Just as he finished embarising himself he heard Selene. "Good morning Selene. You look refreshed and better," He looked at her head injury. "How are you feeling?" His tone was sincere filled with a regretting tone. He felt bad for not being able to protect her when he should of. He then noticed Alexsin startled by a noise. "Is everything ok Alexsin?" Alexsin ignored him and walked away only to bring back a scrawny starving child. "Great I have a feeling now that we will become a traveling circus."

"Well Kid my name is Iori..The one who brought you is Alexsin and the girl sitting over there is Selene...Whats your name?"

as Sora managed to get his strength back he was also able to speak again, as he ate his food he told them what he was doing here.

thank you Alexsin for the food, anyway my name is Sora Hearts i was sent out into the wildeness by my master, he told me to find my purpose in life, but i am still looking for my purpose in life.

he looked at Alexsin, then Iori, then Selene.

What are you doing here? are you three on a quest too?

Selene began to eat, even as Alexsin got up abruptly. She was to hungry to care what was going on around her. She cut a piece of the apple she was eating and pitched it to Isis to catch. He smelled around then found it quickly. Quicker then you would expect an animal would if it was blind. Alexsin came back carrying a young boy. He looked malnourished and quit tired. Selene looked at Iori who already made a comment to the situation.

“Hey what’s wrong with be a traveling circus? Atleast they have fun,” Selene responded teasingly. She remained sitting next to Iori till she was done eating. Then she moved back to where the fire was last night. The burnt remains of wood and some leaves could be found but mostly dark ashes could be seen. Selene picked up some and looked around for a stick. Finding a small twig she sat down Indian style and took her fathers book. She opened it to the far back, to a clean page. Then she began to draw using the ashes and the twig as a kind of pencil. It probably looked pathetic from far away but Selene found comfort in doodling and writing song lyrics if she felt inspired too.

The boy finally began to speak after he ate for a while and regain composure. “Well Sora, I guess we are on some sort of quest but then again you would know where to look on a quest., wouldn’t you? We have our questions, well I know I have my question and frankly I haven’t gotten the slightest clue on where to go.” Selene stopped doodling for a moment and glanced up at Alexsin then Iori. She felt a warm feeling come over her, a feeling of happiness.

“So anyways, who is this master of your Sora, will we be meeting him too?” Selene began to write this time. Feelings trapped within her began to flow out onto the page. “Alone, the road turns darken, gray…Until we face our dying day… The fate of an angel in our grasp, his dying word began to collapse. Cold and broken is my home, wondering will I ever be hole…" Selene looked up again at Alexsin and Iori. I wonder will we survive “our” quest?

Iori stood up giving his left overs to Amarruki. "What if your purpose is to never have one? What if you are meant to go on living as a mere puppet?" Iori shook his head. "Nah..Im pretty sure you have one. Just like me and my friends have one.... If not then all we are is just animals with such a strive for destruction that we could no longer satisfy our lust with just our hands and teeth that we had to create fire and forge steel and then move on to create powder. We are so barbaric that we even now use elemental magic for the destruction of our own species."

Iori looked out to Fortanius. "The drums of war have been struck...Like a wild fire Gaea will soon become consumed...Because we humans desire war more then air." He turn to Selene and Alexsin. "Shall we continue?"

"Sora...Our path leads to Fortanius, you can come if you feel thats where you want to go."

"Oh I love the circus though..execpt clowns.." Alexsin says first in a excited voice but slowly iturns into a dark tone of voice.

"Haha.. a quest.. I suppose it is one isn't it... yet what are we questing for...answers?" Alexsin tapped his foot with a smirk on his face. His eyes slowly faded up to the sky were he watched the direction of the clouds blow.

"I have yet to find what were are going to do in Fortanius. If anything perhaps we can find a little work. Maybe if we ask around we'll find more clues to the dark secrets behind that kingdom." He stood up and turned his back to the group, looking off into the forest, in the direction of fortanius. He gripped his fist and took a few steps forward. His eyes squintted has he looked out deep into the distance.

"I agree with Iori though, perhaps will spend our entire lives searching for that purpose. The drums of war, I suppose we are all dancers to that drum in a way.." He then closed his eyes once more and smiled.

"Yes Iori, it's time to head out. I wish for us to hit fortanius soon. A bit anxious I suppose." He smirked towards Iori and packed his camp, made sure his sword was secure. He started heading down the path directly towards fortanius. A path that tends to switch between open grass plans and small thickests of forests.

Selene grew quit depressed as Iori and Alexsin spoke. Her head was hanging down, and her hair was slightly covering her eyes from view. She still held the twig in hand awaiting the next burst of lyrics that would flow out of her heart. She looked up and saw Alexsin packing up his gear and headed out on a path. Iori was getting ready too. Isis still sat at Selene’s side awaiting her movement. She looked down at her book once more and wrote down one more verse before getting up. “Alone the dancers dance to the hum. A drowning noise death has become. The puppets of this world will falter, unless our purpose we shall find. Or only death’s prayer will await us this time.”

Selene got her belonging and stood up. Isis got to his feet ready to follow. “I guess were are off then. Like the others have said, Sora, if you think you will find what you are looking for join us, if not then I bid you farewell.” Selene made her way behind Alexsin. She jogged for a few feet before falling into place behind him. The world still seemed so much bigger to her now. Even though all she has seen were thickets of forest, she knew what was to come would be life altering. The end was near and so was a new beginning.

Iori packed his items and nodded his head to both, Selene and Alexsin. "I suggest that we get as fast as possible some chocobos or horses. Walking is becoming such a bitch." He streched and yawned. "Also for lunch we better get some proten."

He moved down the hill and was the first to start walking to Fortanius. Amarruki was on his side. Something about him made Iori know he would soon find his own pack. Something in the air also seemed weird. It rose all the hair in his forearms. "Alright guys lets hurry!!" Iori began to pick up his pace.

Sora thought as they left for fortanius, should he go with them or should he leave in the other direction but then he thought, these are people who look out for each other and care for anyone in need. it was settled.he shouted to them.

Wait!! i'm coming with you.

he ran to them and caught up with them.

As Alexsin walked down the path, fortanius was not far into the future. The road was long and high grass surrounded them from as far as the eye could see. He sniffed his nose a bit baffled as he looked around, only seeing a peaceful plains.
A few moments later, Alexsin stopped walking as he eyes opened, remembering why nobody else was on this road.

"Guys..this path was closed long ago.. I took it because it seemed safer away from all of the Fortanius troops however.." Hhe looked off to the side into the grass. Small waves the grass swirved everywhere. He wasn't sure what it was, but multipule creatures were running circles around them. Deffinently trying to confuse and disorent it's prey. Alexsin quickly drew his sword as he stiffed his feet and prepaired for the oncomming attack.

"They're fast..." Alexsin squinted his eyes and looked over his shoulder..." He's mouth was dry from walking..or maybe from not truely being alive.. Suddenly a giant lizard, jumped out of the grass and leaped at Alexsin, he drew his sword and swung it strait for the lizards head. The wooden sword, just recoiled off the rock hard head, and the lizard dissapeared back into the grasslands.

"Everyone! prepair yourselfs!" he screamed, holding his sword down to yell at the top of his lungs.