It was a while before anyone got up. Arisa seemed to be the first to stir.
"Mmm... M-Mark?...." Her voice was soft due to sleep."Yeah?" I was tired, but too afraid to go back to sleep. Arisa simply looked over at me and blushed a crimson red."S-sorry!" She said sounding more awake. "I-I was just surprised you were still up... And all." She stammered towards the end.I couldn't hold back my chuckle. "It is fine Arisa; we need to get going anyway." I stood up and gently shook Liz awake. "Time to get up sweetheart.""Mmm?...Mark?.... Ugh. What time is it?...." She attempted to rub the sleepiness out of her eyes."It’s seven kiddo." SheI stayed silent and looked down."Well?... My dear friend, you are what women call, a mans-man. You are brave, caring, you are hot, obviously much more hot than before, you're a tease, strong, fast, with a mysterious background." I blushed slightly from his praise. "So, what have you to fear in this little petite girl?"I thought back to how strong she looked when we first met. How vulnerable she seems at times. "She may be petite Arron, but she is able to hurt me a lot. I don't think I could recover from this type of pain..." I looked up at him and let my emotions show, as I could only do with my best friend."Do-do you love this girl Cziro?" He seemed shocked by his own words, and they seemed to hang in the air between us. Pulling us closer yet farther apart with the tension."I-I don't think it is that just yet... But I definitely can't get her out if my head man..." He came over and patted my shoulder sympathetically. Like a good friend, he changed th
"Are you ready for this Cziro?" Arron asked me, worry filling his voice. I nodded. I was 2 minutes away from stepping into the arena to face off to General Jerome and his elite team made up of only five people."Did Arisa decide to join you or not?" Arron questioned. I asked that only Aaron stay in the room with me. I couldn't stand
"General Cziro?!? Why wasn't I told of this?" I asked Arron angrily. They want me, me, to- to be the general of the elite?!? They have gone absolutely mad!! I have trouble working as a team with others, much less leading them!"Calm down Cziro, I know your upset-""Upset?! You think I am upset?! No, I am furious! I don't plan on staying forever to lead your army!! I just wish to end my uncle... Not fight your human wars..."
The next morning a notice was sent out to the elites informing them that I wished to see them tomorrow at the crack of dawn for training. I made up my mind to spend all day today getting used to the castle. Opening the door, dressed in casual wear, I ran straight into Liz."Woah, careful there pumpkin. I almost crushed you!" She giggled lightly."Shhhh! Let me into ur room! Hurry!""Wha-?""I know you went this way!" Arisa yelled playfully from around the corner. Liz squealed quietly and his behind me, using me as a human shield. Not a second later Arisa peeked around the corner. I tried to look innocent, but judging by her face I didn't do to well."Hey
"Do you know where Cziro went?" Arron asked Arisa worriedly."No Arron sorry." To be honest I was worried too. He didn't even say goodbye. We got word for the gate guard the Mark passed through the gate sometime early yesterday, but that's it. He didn't say where he's going or what he plans to do. What if it is something dangerous? What if he gets killed?!?"You guys worry too much," Liz laughed out cheerfully. "Mark is strong, he can handle anything thrown at him! Plus his hood is gone so he's definitely fine!""Hood?" Both Arron and I asked in unison. Liz looked exasperated."You know, the hood he used when he wants to walk around in his demon form without anyone noticing? He probably plans to be on demon for
A week later we waltzed through the castle gate looking as normal as we possibly could with torn clothes and dirt caked faces. A broad smile on each of our faces. Everyone felt stronger than before and closer as well. Jade had a dark sense of humor and was brutally honest. Apparently she got her scar from Levi himself. She, a talker, did not enjoy Levi's silence and got into a "small dispute" according to her, to which Levi simply smirked smugly. Levi does talk, much to my surprise. He is actually rather sarcastic and funny; I find his silence comforting. George can be a real hothead, but he is a good guy. He has a tendency to speak his mind and had the most trouble with our training, his loud angry voice often giving away his location. He has come a long way as he silently walked next to me, perfectly content with not speaking.
"So what are your plans then Cziro?" Arron asked me once we were secured in his quarters away from prying ears."I do not want to wait for him to arrive with his army, but it seems as though I have no choice.""By when do you think he will arrive with his army?" Arron's voice was full of worry, no doubt for the fate of his kingdom. I placed my hand on his shoulder in an attempt to reassure him."Nothing will happen to your kingdom, I swear it on my life. You have been a good friend to me over the years, I will surely do my best in order to help you." He looked up at me gratefully. "I have no doubt that he will come sometime within the next two days. We will be ready.""Well, glad I can count on it to be handled
"So Veronica, what was the message?" The dinning table silenced with my question. The clinking of glasses and utensils ceased. She raised a napkin and wiped her mouth, clearly stalling for time."Your Uncle wished for me to tell you 'Don't think you can hide from me. I will steal all which you hold dear before killing you slowly. Including your little sister'" Veronica said, clearly not enjoying relaying such a dark message. I continued calmly eating my dinner."Was that all?" I asked rather amused."All?!" Veronica said clearly astounded by my aloofness in such a tense situation."This was expected. Did you really think I would be able to keep Liz hidden all these years when she's around me? Why else would I h