Chapter Seven: May things...Oi Vay!

Before anyone yell's at me I know that a lot of things are replaced with quotations. Netscape keeps on messing with this chapter or deleting it. It will take a very long time for me to completely (if ever) fix this chapter. So ready if you dare.

We left of with the group trying to find a place to stay. This town will prove not to be...more then they bargained for. On with the show!

Gia turns to Sachie and the others, “So do you want me to get the rooms” After all, we did kind of land on you...”

Bii sighs, “I can do it.” It wasn’t really a problem. It didn’t take that much skill to get a room.

Oomlaut looks around, Hika also taking note of the villagers, “Why are the people on the street staring at us?“ It was a good question that she almost knew the answer to.

Gia pulls a blank expression, “Maybe they're horrified by Junip!”

Dmitrii's eyes widen as he saw what the dwellers were holding in their weather-worn hands. “They're carrying pitch forks....” Now he knew what was going to happen very soon. This had happened once before when his family had traveled to a near by town.

Sacheverell’s expression darkens, “This is not a demon friendly town.” He transforms back into his original form. What else could go wrong on this wonderful day!

“Oh no...” Gia draws her bow back, her deadly aim pointed at one of them. “Come closer you die!”

Dmitrii lands softly, and suddenly a rock flies out of the crowd and knocks him in the jewel on his forehead. He quickly bursts into tears and sobs. God that hurt!

Bii jumps off her horse and goes to her brother, “Are you Okay?” She knew the answer to that quite well. Why were people so cruel?

Gia lets an arrow fly, and one of the villagers fell, transfixed by the feathered shaft.

Sunil blinks, what was that woman doing!? They were only villagers! *Don't kill them!*

Gia mutters to herself. “Too late...”

Fumei adds to Sunil's comment, “They are only town’s people.”

Gia growled, protesting, “But they tried to kill him!”

Junip turns to Bii and 'Mitrii. “Get in the tavern...”

Sachie shook his head in frustration, “I don't think they're going to let us go anywhere....” Was it just him or where these people dense” They knew nothing! Stupid villagers, stupid town! Stupid day!

“I warned them,” Gia nocks three arrows at once, sending each of them speeding towards their target. Three more fell. “Perhaps we should find a friendlier village...”

Oomlaut blinks, then says happily, “Fweee! You know one of us can cast a spell!”

Sachie frowns, “Easier said then done.” ‘Mitrii was a healer, Bumblebii couldn’t use magic, and he would most likely kill the target. It was bad enough he only really knew destructive magic, what would happen if he let Oomlaut cast a spell? He banishes the thought from his head.

Gia turned around, letting fly again. “Well, if we clear a path, it'll be much easier to get out of here.”

A stone flies from the villagers, and hits Sachie in the head. “All right! Now I kill something!”

Bumblebii whips out her sword, making Gia blink, “I think I'll clear a path...” If they wanted a full out blood bath she was the one to give it to them. No one hurts her brother and gets away with it.

Gia shoots another three off, taking out two more and wounding another, “Another stone gets thrown and you all will die!”

Oomlaut then grins happily, “Why are you all so violent?? They could just kill them all of with a simple spell! It would be so easy if they asked her to do it. This little question didn’t help her get more ground but oh well!

Junip nocks an arrow of his and lets it fly, another villager falling. Dmitrii muffles some sobs and manages to cry in pain, “You do not hit a demon in the jewel!” It was true. It either sends a demon into shock and pain or into a violent rampage of death and carnage. Since Dmitrii is a white mage that saves the group from their demises. Otherwise they would all be dead and....shakes his head causing more pain.

Gia turns to the group, shooting off another arrow, “We'll take care of it...”

Sachie's eyebrow twitches, and he begins to chant an incantation. He had had enough! No one and nothing did this to his loved ones! Even if this spell wouldn’t kill them it would prevent the villagers from killing them.

Bumblebii looks at him in totally shock, “Sachie don't! That spell...um....Sachie?“ That spell could kill him!

Sachie's eyes fling open, his expression one of rage, “I will not be bullied by these brainless morons!” A sudden blinding light forms making Dmitrii cry out in even more pain. When the light faded...all the villagers were.....gone.

'Mitrii cries out in shock, clutching his forehead, “You shouldn't have done that...”

Even Oomlaut goes wide eyed with shock, “Even a kitsue like me wouldn't cast that spell!”

Sachie brushed his hand through his hair, “Shut up, will you?“ He was alive, so he had cast the spell correctly.

Gia looks up still breathless from the attack slash spell, “That...was dumb...but then there's no one left to stop us from staying in the inn....”

A female voice comes from behind Sachie, “You idiot!”

Sachie whirls around in surprise, “Wha?“

Junip turns around also to see the woman, “What....?“

The woman crosses her arms over her blue dress, shaking her dirty blond hair and staring at them with piercing green eyes, “You shouldn't run around casting spells like that!”

Sachie just stands there and blinks, in a stupor, “Who are you?“

Gia laughs, “Sacheverell got busted!”

The woman's eyes narrow, not sharing Gia's mirth. “I am not a happy woman...more like demon.”

'Mitrii sighs, “Note the jewel on her forehead.” Why weren’t they noticing the fact that he was bleeding. They weren’t blind! He chokes back a few tears, why did this always happen to him?

Gia growls rather annoyed and confused by the people on this planet, “Meet your worst nightmare.....are all you demons related or something?“

“No, all demons have jewels on their foreheads.” Would someone help him?!

The woman stares icily at them all, “My name is Sandy.”

Junip looks at her, quite uneasy, “I'm Junip...um, you aren't going to blow us up or anything, right?“

Sandy relaxes at the blatant naiveté of Junip. “Now, now! I won't do something like that!”

Junip sighs with relief, “Oh, thank the gods...”

Sunil's eyes narrow suspiciously, *She's creepy.* She was far beyond that.

Gia sighs with annoyance at Junip's idiocy, “Junip...duh, she's telling him not to do that!”

Sachie suddenly grins. This woman could be useful! “You wouldn't know of a gate around here, Miss Sandy?“

Sandy blanches, “This is the town of No Noon.”

Now it’s Bii's turn to blanch, “What is she talking about?“

Gia blinks, honestly thinking that all the inhabitants of this forsaken planet were crazies. “No noon?“

‘Mitrii looks up, “It means the clocks here never strikes noon or midnight...”

Gia looks at him, with puzzlement, “How is that possible”“

Junip nods in agreement with Gia, “Does the sun just vanish at noon or something”“

Sachie's eyes went wide. How could he forget” “Oh! That's right! The sun seems to skip the noon stage and goes to one o'clock.”

Gia watches Sachie intently, “Now I see...”

Aenka looks about from 'Mitrii's pocket, “This place is weird...”

Gia looks over at her, “Well, it did just get vaporized.”

Kuroi pops out from his pocket, “WORSHIP ME!”

Junip gives the little Oo a black glare, “Kuroi, shut up!”

“Make me!” One step too far.

Aenka glares at her little brother, “I'll make you.”

Hika growls unhappily, “I will, will, will!”

“I'll shut up!”

Hika leaps onto Kuroi. Smothering him, she bites his neck. “Shut up, up, up!”

Kuroi screams, while 'Mitrii is laughing hysterically in pain, “Stop! It tickles!” and he somehow managed not to scream it hurts.

Sandy watches the episode, “You people amuse me...”

Gia giggles, gasping out a quick command between outbursts of mirth, “Ok, Hika, stop...”

Hika looks up pleadingly, “Please, please, please can I kill it”“

Aenka glares at the sprite. How dare she! “No! Don't kill my brother!”

Gia laughs, and then pretends to be stern. “HIKA!”

Then Sandy turns to them thoughtfully, “I suppose you can stay with me...” They were after all rather...funny.

Oomlaut suddenly becomes very bouncy, “Oh yay! Is your place big, miss?“ Ah, to sleep in a nice warm bed. That was the life!

Gia's eyes flicker, If it's not too much too much to ask...”

Sandy smiles at Oomlaut. What a loon. “Well...yes. It's big enough, that is.”

'Mitrii suddenly broke in as Hika jumped back to Oomlaut, curling around her neck, “Will someone fix my forehead? I am bleeding.” He had been bleeding for...how long? Why hadn't they noticed?

Oomlaut looks at him with joy, “I'll do it!” After all she was a kitsue healer of sorts.

‘Mitrii shakes his head rapidly, “NO!” He would never let any kitsue touch him. Not since his mother...No, he wouldn't think of that.

Gia looks away, “I don't know about healing...”

Junip gives her a gentle shove, “Yes she does. She was the shamik.”

Sachie sighs, “I'll do it...” Even if his specialty was attack magic, ‘Mitrii had taught him some healing magic. It would be shoddy but it would hold up. Gia quickly agreed, as Sachie casts a quick spell, “That'll have to do.”

Gia then turns her wrath on Junip, “You shut up about what I am, Junip!”

Bii raises a brow, “Why are you two so...funny?" They were!

Sandy's eyes dance with mirth, “They act like they're lovers or something from my view...”

Junip looks sternly at Bii, “Because she's a pain.”

'Mitrii laughs, with Sachie mumbling. “All women are...”

Sandy whirls on Sachie, “Shut up, you hot headed boy!”

Gia looks on with a mix of annoyance and slight fear, “Oh gods...”

Oomlaut looks a bit scandalized, “Sachie! Don't be so mean!”

“Um, honestly, she's more like my little sister.”

Sandy looks rather strained; these people had far too much energy, “Okay then! Shall we go”“

*Please”*

Gia nods, agreeing with Sunil telepathy, “Yes...please...”

“It's not that far off...follow me,” She spins on her heal and heads for her town house. It’s large with many oranges and reds, it has many arched windows a massive arched doorway. It could pass off as a mini palace. “It's big enough for a dragon...or five.”

Gia states the obvious, “Good...we have two of them.” She pushes open the giant oak doors to reveal the marvelous interior. The floors are made of the best marbles in the world and range in many different colors. Candles were in ornate chandlers, which glittered like stars. It was, in short, a house for the rich.

Sandy smiles, “I hope you like my humble home.”

“This looks like the old palace of Otcrista.”

Junip's eyes narrow, “You wouldn't know, Gia. She's the heiress to the throne of the Otcristian Empire.”

Sachie mumbles quietly about his father. All knights in the odd realm out where treated with very high honors...the best of the best if they so choose. His father had wanted the best for him so he took up the offer of a big house...This made it look like a little shack.

Sandy smiles politely, “How interesting...”

Junip sighs, “The only problem is the only thing left was the tower of Neocorath.”

Gia, in an attempt to distract the conversation from herself, turns to Sandy, “So...why are you here, Sandy?“

“Me” I had nowhere else to go after my family's death...” she held back a few threatening tears. Why did she have to ask”

“That's so sad...”

“Oh you people most likely have worse to tell. Like the two Haken bearers.” Yes...change the subject.

Sachie looks up blankly, “What's a Haken”“ Of course he knew the answer...

Sandy sighs, “Don't play dumb.”

'Mitrii looks over with a wide grin on his face, “She's a demon! You can't lie to her!”

“How could I forget...”

Gia blinks and looks over to Sachie, “You're a Haken bearer also?“

Sachie nods, Bii explains for him, “He opened a gate and a woman gave him the egg.”

He nods again, “She said it came from the Empress of Hakens...or so she says.”

Junip turns to the side, “Mine was evidently stolen...”

Sandy and Sachie let out a slight gasp, “Stolen”“

Junip's eyes went very dark, “It is a long story that I neither wish to tell or think about at the moment.”

Sandy shook her head, “I'm sure the Haken queen hated that...”

“Queen”“

“Empress.”

“Ohhh boy...”

“Don't you know anything about Hakens”“

“I'm clueless.”

Sachie looks over with a slight grin, “I know I don't.”

Sandy sighs, looking up to the sky, “For the love of the gods and goddesses of the moons...” These people were stupid...

Sachie slight annoyed says through gritted teeth, “We can't help it!” Well, he couldn’t help it if he had a teacher who couldn’t explain anything.

Gia looked up at her belligerently, “Miss, explain so we're not so stupid...”

Sandy sat down on the ground, looking every part of the knowledgeable teacher, “There are three types: Magick, Knight, and Guardian...”

The three members of the large group who cared listen attentively as she continued, “They have a special power they can start to use when they are sub-adult. You won't know the type until they are sub adult either.”

Sachie smiles, “This is cool.” As long as his Haken wasn’t evil....

Junip blinks, “Oh...”

Gia's eyes widen, “Wow...I didn't know...this is awesome...”

Sandy suddenly looks thoughtful, “But your personality and friends affect the type greatly.”

Sachie blinks, “Ok...” A Haken just like Oomlaut...NO!

Jump’s face conveys worry, “Does that mean it's going to be a.....”

Gia glares while Sandy responds solemnly, “Most likely.”

Oomlaut giggles, “And Sachie's Haken cute and sexy?“

Sachie grinds his teeth. Fox girl was so not helping!

Junip blinks at Sandy's response, slightly relieved, “Oh...right then...but she's not my friend anyway.”

Gia glares so more, “What is your problem, Oomlaut”“

Hika bounces off Oomlaut's neck, doing a little dance, “I think Gia like, like, like Sacheee!”

Sandy laughs, these people where all nuts, “Maybe I should say people you hang around with...”

Oomlaut laughs at Hika's comment, “Yep!” She was going to kick herself later for that one.

Sachie looks around, “Save me”“

'Mitrii and Bii go into fits of laughter.

Gia blinks at Sandy's comment, “Then these Hakens are going to be pretty messed up...”

Junip starts laughing as Sandy turns wistful, “Oh yes, the Haken Empress is their mother. That does add to it.”

Junip's eyes go wide as Hika bounces around with her normal high energy, “Sacheee like, like, like Gia, no”“

Sachie blushes, mumbling incoherently. Could things get any better”

'Mitrii's suppresses his laughter long enough to say, “He does!” before breaking into fits once again.

Gia sighs, “Oomlaut, will you keep Hika quiet”!”

“Okay...” in other words no.

Suddenly, Gia blushes, “I'm sure Sachie is thinking about someone else...”

Sachie's cheeks turn crimson afresh. He was thinking of someone and it wasn’t Bii or Oomlaut

Hika continues her endless chant, “Sacheee like, like, like, Gia!”

Sandy looks thoughtful, “A sane person and a nut...hum...”

Sachie blushes an even deeper red while Bii laughs. What a day.

Gia mutters “Um...can I go for a walk”“

Oomlaut mutters to herself. She was about to kick herself for Gia wining Sachie over. Stupidity is such a wonderful thing....

Sandy looks quizzically at Gia, “Why”“

Hika began to yell loudly, giving Sachie a real headache, “Sacheee go, go, go, walk with Gia!”

He blushes again, “Stop please!” He couldn’t handle this much longer or he was going to really lose it. That was almost worse then when a demon would.

Gia begins walking out, “I think I'm causing undue embarrassment to others.”

Sachie watches as she leaves the room. Should he follow her”

“SACHEEE GO, GO, GO WALK WITH GIA!”

“ALL RIGHT!” he spins on his heal and marches out the door in a huff. It could have been worse. Stupid pride.

It only takes a few minutes to find her. He notices her on her knees...how odd....”Wait up, Gia.”

She jumps up. “Oh...um, hello......”

Sachie grins nervously, “I just needed to get away from those morons called my friends...sorry about them...” They did have a tendency to act like morons at times....

Gia smiles slightly, “I thought it was Hika doing most of the chasing off...”

Sachie laughs, “You haven't been with them enough!” Being with Dmitrii and Bii almost all his life was a real trip and a half.

“'Mitrii and Bii seem sane enough...Oomlaut does seem to be a bit...um...”

“Insane” I just met her...”

“Well...she, Lani, and Hika will all get along...Hika's just as weird as they are...maybe weirder.”

“Well...oh crap...” Something just moved in one of his belt...

Lani pops out, “Good morning, Sachie!”

Gia laughs, looking down at the little Oo, “Looks like you've got a stowaway there! Lani...Junip might enjoy your company.”

Sachie nods, “Yes, go find him, will you” I don't know if that Sandy-lady knows what she's doing...”

Lani jumps down, put off, “Oh fine! But if that egg hatches, sexy, I will hurt you!”

Gia watches her, “Don't worry, Lani!”. She turns back to Sachie, “Is Junip in for the Oo Royal Treatment”“

He brings out his egg, hugging it gently, “Most likely! I do pity the guy...those Oos do creep me out...”

Gia grins, “So is what Hika said true”“

Sachie blushes a brilliant red, “Um...um...you see...um...” It was...Why couldn’t he say that out loud!”

Gia laughs innocently, “I see a bunch of empty houses. You blush why”“

Sachie turns an even deeper red, “S-sorry I'm not good at this sort of stuff...” No one had ever done something like this....

Gia raises an eyebrow, “That's ok...but...um...is it true?“

Sachie blushes again, she was the pushy type. He closes his eyes, hugging his egg, “Y-y-y-yes...”

“The feeling's mutual, Sachie...”

What“ His eyes fling open, “Really” I never thought that...someone...it's just...never mind...” He had always done what his clients asked and well...we won’t go into that. None of them...liked him. This was new...

She looks up into his eyes, being slightly shorter in stature than Sachie, “It's just that people don't like you because you shapeshift?“

“Yes... I only really have two friends...and it's hard. Sometimes I wish I was never born...or my father was still around.” He mental smacks himself for that father comment. It normal brought him to tears and was about to. Why did he have to disappear” Why did he have to leave...why....”

She felt pity for him, “Well...now you have me...”

Sachie forces a grin, “Let's talk about some happy stuff! I know you don't want to hear my boring life story! What is the place you come from like”“ It was best to change the subject. He didn’t want pity....

“Coraka is a very beautiful place...but it's being destroyed by these creatures called Jisaros...what's this place like” It seems so much different....”

“This place” It's called Hiemare Stiria. I like to call it The Odd Realm Out...it fits...we are so....different.”

“Difference can be good...” she kisses him on the cheek, then her cheeks flushed pink.

Sachie blushes, staring blankly. Did she just do that” Why would she kiss him”

Her eyes narrow slightly, “You've never been with a girl before, have you?“

He sighs, “Well, no. I've tried but...they're all the same...sorry...” Technical he hasn’t been with a girl; On the other hand he’s had a lot. Just none like Gia.

She cocks her head coyly, “Am I the same?“

“No. You're nothing like them...” She was a giver and they were takers.

Grinning, Gia sits up against a tree, a large rowan, “Good... I always liked being different. We can't go too far away, we might have to run to the aid of a flipped out Junip...”

Sacheverell laughs, “Why would he flip out” Then again, I would have already...” Moron.

Gia reaches out, taking his hand and pulling him down next to her. Sachie blinks unsure of himself. “Um...”

She smiles, “You act so scared.” Leaning over, she kisses him gently. “Now was that really that bad”“

He blushes, grinning, “Not at all...” This might be fun....

She smiles, “That was my first kiss, actually...”

Sachie blushes, sighing then standing up, “Well, it was my first kiss too....I guess we should get going...” Maybe he should have said real unforced kiss.....better change the subject.

Gia grins, “Who said I had to leave?“

He blinks, that was a shocker, “You have to save your kingdom...or at least that's what I got from 'Mitrii's face...”

“Honestly, the whole place just needs to flop and then re-grow...”

What”! That was a horrible thing to say! “But what about the people who have to suffer” They need a leader...”

“They have leadership...a despot called the Primeer...maybe if we find a way back...you could come with us...”

“Come with you” That's a thought...” Could he really live behind this life”

“It is a thought...I'd like it...” She slides closer to him, silencing him with a long kiss.

He grins and kisses back, “But...I have a mission...” Could he complete this mission in the first case”

“Once you're done...” She moves up against him.

This was a great surprise to him...he had never felt this happy before. Everyone had just used him for something. For one of the few times in his life he felt joyful but afraid. So, many questions ran through his head at one time. Was this really what love felt like.....” “Maybe...once all the gates are open we can go anywhere--”a sudden shocking pain ran through his foot, “OW! What the?!” Why couldn’t the good moments last longer”

“What...?“

He looked down, wide eyed, and then flinched, “I wish I hadn't looked down...” That thing had sharp teeth!

“What is that?“

“Some sort of Sprite...a rather pissed off one at that...get it off?“ No way was he about to pray this thing off. I’d probably rip off his toes along with his fingers.

She reaches down, prying it off gently. Holding it up closer to them, she admonishes the creature calmly, “WHAT were you doing latched to his foot?“

“Meanie took away friends!”

Gia shakes her head, the wind toying with a few strands, “I think you have to forgive him. They were being very, very mean to him...”

“But friends...” the little sprite seemed about to cry. It did after all lose its “friends.”

Sachie frowns, what did this little sprite know” “You get stoned, see how you feel...”

Gia gives a simpering look to the Sprite, “We could be your new friends!”

“Really” You be friends”“

“Really...if you go into the house nearby, there's another Sprite named Hika that would love to meet you!”

“Yay! New friend!”

Sachie's eyebrow goes up, “Are all sprites morons”“

Gia blinks, “I'm guessing...”

The sprite hisses, making Gia think fast, “No, I mean they're pretty smart....um, why don't you go meet Hika”“

“Want know name first”“ Shouldn’t they had asked this a while ago”

“Of course!”

“Nexus! Nice meet you!”

“I'm Gianthara...nice to meet you too!”

Sachie grumbles, and then grudgingly adds his own name, after all; this thing did bite him, “I'm Sacheverell...Sachie for short.”

Nexus grins, as best as a Haken sprite can, “Nice meet both! Where are other?“

Gia gives a weak smile, “If you follow the trail, it leads to the house...”

“Kay! Thankieness!” The sprite bounces off, much to the relief of Sachie. Now there were two sprites. God forbid any more showed up!

“Welcome, little friend.”

Sachie turns to Gia, after the sprite had left his view, “Now, where were we right before the cute little sprite bit me”“

She twins her arms around his neck, “I think we were right...here...”. She kissed him again.

He grins, “That's right,” why did he get so tense all of a sudden” Shoot!

She kisses him again, her breathing a little heavier, “I'm always right...”

“Hum...I'll just say sure you are...” He suppresses a sigh. She was breathing harder...

She laughs breathily, kissing him again. “At least right now I am...”

“We should get going...” It was the best.

One of her hands ran down his arm, “Ok, but you're going to have to get me up though...”

That sent a chill up his spine, “That's an easy task, silly! I am a shape shifter...then again...”

She grins, her lips brushing his shoulder, “I don't wanna go back...not yet...”

He strokes her face with his hand, “Oh” What do you have in mind?“ That was absent minded.

“I think you know exactly what I have in mind...”

“Do I” Really, if it's what I'm thinking...haha...” He really hoped she wasn’t thinking what he was. That wouldn’t be what he had wanted....

She grins, her mouth and tongue finding their way back to his, “Maybe I shouldn't have said that...”

He laughs, more out of nerves then anything else, “You shouldn't mention anything like that to a sixteen year old guy...God I shouldn't have said that...”

She slid into his lap, leaning forward to continue kissing, “I already figured that's what you were thinking...”

He grins, his arms around her, “Let's not go too far, we only just met...” a thought strikes him for no reason, “I hope Bii didn't kill anyone yet...”

“I'll be good...I wasn't planning on going that far...it might ruin my reputation...” After a short laugh she kisses him again.

After a few minutes Sachie pulls away, looking slightly remorseful, but he didn’t want this to go that certain way, “Well, let's go. Even if they are insane we need to do this and I have a feeling someone will get hurt if we don't go soon...shall we”“

He picked her up, and they headed inside, Sachie thinking about his lonely past...

Meanwhile inside during Sachie’s little talk......

Hika falls off of Oomlaut’s shoulder from fits of laughter. Oomlaut watches Sachie and Gia making an exit, grinning, “Those two are a cute couple...”

Junip nods, agreeing.

'Mitrii turned to Sandy with a sudden interest, “Hey”, Sandy, do you have any type of library”“

Junip also turns in her direction, “I'd be interested in that, also...”

Sandy nods vigorously, and they followed her, Junip muttering, “I'd like to look at history of the Hakens...”

Sandy resumes her officious tone, even if it was annoying it was fun to talk like this, “I have the history of Haken, Bishen, Darkelf, and many other cultures! It's just around this corner...I think...” With everyone trailing behind, she came to a sudden halt, looking about in bewilderment. “Oh dear! I think we're lost!”

Sunil's telepathy rang through all their minds, *She better be kidding.*

Fumei looks down at her with an expression of annoyance, “I don't think she is!”

Junip looks at her, wide-eyed. “Miss...are you joking”“

Sandy winces, oh boy, “No...I'm totally lost...”

Mitrii looks a bit surprised, “You're lost in your own home”!”

Junip sighs despairingly, “Miss...are you joking?“

“No...I'm totally lost...” Now how was she going to get out of this fix”

Dmitrii’s eyebrow twitches, “You're lost in your own home!”

Bii stones her with a chilling gaze, “How is that?“

“I did just acquire this house...now which way is the library, left or right...”

Junip used a rudimentary spell, “Um, I think it's left...”

Sandy, nodding to Junip, turned left, walking down the dark pathway. After a few moments she ran back out screaming. “It's RIGHT!”

Dmitrii stares blankly at her, “What happened?“

“Just. Go. Right.”

They all look on in puzzlement, but dared not to question. They follow Sandy to a small wooden door. She flings it open, and shelves of books spiraled about them, reaching higher and higher until it hit a ceiling, but down on the floor it seemed far away. “Here it is!” She cries in a high pitch joyful voice.

Junip mutters, “Wow...”

Sandy, still excited about showing off, turns to an astoundingly think book filled from bottom to top with tiny script, “Now to look at the directory!”

Bii shies away from the enormous volume, “Junip can look through the book...I won't.”

'Mitrii nods in agreement, “Nor I!”

Junip looked the book sideways. “Um...does it have an alphabetical sorting”“

Sandy looks around, “It's in order by title. I think. I just go wandering through the library...it’s much easier that way.”

Oomlaut giggles and jumps up next to Junip, “I'll help you, Junip!”

At this moment, Lani saunters in, obviously put off, and the reason soon became apparent, “Are you people finished” Sachie and Gia are having a long talk...”

Hika giggles, “Really, really, really” Heeheehee!”

Junip looks down apprehensively at the text, “Ok....um....maybe we should look for “Haken” first...”

Oomlaut looks bored already; she did have the attention span of a two year old, “This is going to suck...”

Sandy looks only slightly remorseful. “So sorry!”

Lani giggles, “Yes they are!”

Junip turns to Oomlaut, “Why is it going to suck” You get to spend more time with me and drive a new person out of their mind!”

Hika bounces around happily, “Ooooo, I'm going, going, going to get Gia when she comes back...”

Junip growls with annoyance and stress, “Can you just say one of every word that you're going to say, Hika”“

Oomlaut starts to laugh hysterically, at this little escapade. Watching people suffer is so much fun!

'Mitrii flutters off, rather annoyed, “I'll search the library...”

Bii turns to Junip, “Are you okay”“ He did seem rather stressed. Then again this house was messing with her head.

“I think...Why shouldn’t I be”“

Bii looks slightly aloof and sarcastic, well...she is aloof and sarcastic, “I don't know...I always have this urge to kill Oomlaut if she annoys me...”

Oomlaut looks greatly offended, “You wouldn't kill me”“

Fumei looks slightly edgy, and creepy per usual, “I think she would!”

Junip shakes his head, continuing to flip the pages in the search for information, “I learned a great amount of patience from Gia. You would be very surprised...and also, I have the natural tendency to not be fazed easily...”

Sunil turns away, how did Zelda get him into this mess” *I'm going to look with 'Mitrii.*

Junip laughs to Bii, “I could teach you....I could tie you to a chair, strip away your magic, and stick you in a room with all the Oos, Oomlaut, and Hika, and a pissed off Gia...”

Bii sighs heavily, “I can't use magic...”

Oomlaut looks at her in shock, as did Junip. How was that possible” Demons were supposed to be magical creatures, mysterious and always doing spells! What was the deal with this girl” Oomlaut catches herself first, “Y-you can't use magic”“

Junip stutters in shock, “No magic...but you're a mage...”

Bii harrumphs loudly. He brother was a mage! She was a knight. She was the only demon known in the city that couldn’t use magic. A rarity to say the least, but her brother knew white magic. That increased it ten foe. They all must have thought she was weak or stupid, that wasn’t quite the case but thinking about it made her feel worse. Oi....

Junip, being the nice man that he is, remarks thoughtfully, “Well, at least you can fight well. That's always a plus.” He pauses, his finger tracing the page, and he spotted what he was looking for, “There we go...”

Bumblebii jumps up, excited, “You found it” Oh thank god. Let's find this book now...”

Dmitrii pops out from waist deep inside the bookshelf, “Hey guys! I found this neat book on different worlds and gates! Maybe we can find a way home for these people!”

Oomlaut is still on the ground from laughing, and her face quickly turns sour, “And get that tramp away from Sachie...”

Junip whirls on her, “She might be mean, but that gives you no right to call the queen of Otcrista a tramp....”

Hika bounces on her stomach, “Get up, up, up, Oomlaut!”

“Fff...I'm the queen of the all the kitsue and I'm a tramp...”

Dmitrii goes wide-eyed, “I think I'll go back and look at some stuff...” No need to watch a little cat fight.

“I never said you were a tramp. Now....where is this book....”

“I find, find, find!” Hika leaps of Oomlaut’s stomach and attacks a near by bookshelf to find the book. She pulls out the book only to fall to the ground, and to be crushed by it. Squashed, twice in one day!

Oomlaut just lays there pouting.

Sandy grins, “I’ll go find the other copy of the book!” With that she bounces off.

Bumblebii makes a muffled sigh of annoyance as she prods Oomlaut with her foot, “Up.”

Junip does his best to be helpful, “Oomlaut. There are other handsome men out there besides Sachie.”

A muffled cry reaches their ears, “Get, get, get it off me!!!”

Bii quickly takes the book off of Hika, “There!”

Tears begin to trickle down Oomlaut’s face, “But he’s a shapeshifter...”

Junip insists on helping or shutting her up, “But there ARE other shapeshifters”

“But not like him!”

Bii shakes her head in disgust, “She just wants something she can’t have. Like most women...”

Junip looks disgruntled, “Hmph.....women.....can't live with ‘em and you can't live without ‘em.”

‘Mitrii from afar makes the awaited comment, “That’s why Sachie prefers men.”

Bumblebii almost smacks herself in the head, “Stop it...”

“No offense, but Sachie seems to have captivated Gia.”

“No....”

Junip glance toward Dmitrii, “Now, we need to find some poor soul to distract Oomlaut!”

“DO NOT look at me!” ‘Mitrii edges toward some unseen exit. He wasn’t that desperate for a girl!

Hika laughs, “We find, find, find, kitsue for Oomlaut!”

Dmitrii crosses his arms, “Junip, Do you have kitsue where you come from”“

“I think...Hika evidently knows of them. Hika, did you meet any handsome kitsue” “

“Yes, yes, yes! He was very, very, very handsome, Oomlaut! He, he, he, has red fur. His name, name, name is Lasonyy!”

Oomlaut goes starry eyed.

Suddenly a little blue sprite hops into the room, “’Ello?“

Hika turns to the new comer, “Who, who, who's you?“

“Hi! Gia...um...and Sachie says I could meet yous! I Nexus!”

“Hi, hi, hi! I, I, I, Hika!”

“HI! Hika! You so nice!”

“Yay! New friend!”

“Friend, friend, friend!” Hika bounds over and hugs Nexus.

Sandy bounces over, “Here’s the second copy of the book you can keep! I think I’ll go look at some other books. I know I have a book on Darkelf dragons and Bishen dragons the twins can keep,” She walks away once again.

Junip begins to read the information as Dmitrii and Bumblebii talk about being stoned. The few that where listen knew better not to ask. Oomlaut sits starry eyed as Lani and the other Oos make random remarks.

CRASH!

A muffled ow is heard after the sound.

Dmitrii smacks his head, “Sunil what happened?“

Sunil’s slightly frightened voice is heard ringing through their heads, *She's under a very large pile off books. This woman is nuts...*

Junip is the first to react and hauls Sandy out of the books.

“Thanks...don’t ask me how that happened.”

Bii rolls her eyes, “She really needs help...”

“Now she could be like...Grandmother!” Dmitrii grins.

“Shut up about her.”

“Fine I’ll go read the book on gates.”

Nexus sits there a few moments, “You people funny.”

“They, they, they always funny.”

As if on some amazing cue Gia and Sachie walk into the room. Sachie blinks at the slight mess, “Hell--oh Lord what happened”“

Dmitrii holds back a chuckle, “She ended up under a pile of books.”

Sachie’s eyes widen, “Is she that scatter brained”“

Bii finishes for her brother, like most of the time, “Oh yeah...”

“This strange...you help funny lady?“ Nex chocks his head to one side. This woman was strange.

Sandy sighs, “I wasn't this bad before... I just...I just...”

Fumei's head sticks out from behind a shelf, “Lost your will to live?“

“Something like that...I lost my whole family....”

Bii resists the urge to kill something, “This is not happening.”

“It is sister.”

Oi! Half the people in the room had the sudden idea to change the subject, but Junip got there first. “Soooo...when are we leaving? I've got quite enough information.”

Sachie suddenly comes to some realization, “Sandy, Did you know a man named Pikkeru?“

“Yes...a very long time ago.”

“Really?“

“I said yes! Why do you ask?“

“Oh, no reason! Let’s go!” Sachie spins on his heal and leaves. The rest of the group follows. ‘Mitrii is the last out.

“Sandy, even if I’m not the best leader or brother or mage, I know you have to take care of this house and yourself for your family’s sake. Take care and winds speed,” He exits with that.

“Thank you Master ‘Mitrii, but do you truly know who I am?“

“What are you up to Sacheverell?“ Dmitrii grins as he watches the group take mounts. Sachie and him have opted to flying once again...not that it was a big deal.

“Just drop it ‘Mitrii.”

“F--what was that?“

Gia looks over from her mount, “Is something wrong?“

Dmitrii suddenly digs into his pockets to produce his pack of tarot cards, “I have to throw a spread. I have a bad feeling.”

“Oh dear brother, does it have to do with Sandy and her house?“

“You know the answer to that, Bumblebii.”

A fuzzy red mass falls onto Junip out of space, “OUCH!”

“What? I don’t have time for this now,” Dmitrii looks at the tarot deck.

Junip yells in frustration at the person or whatever, “Oof! Get off me!”

Oomlaut blinks for a few moments, then suddenly goes wide eyed, “THE KITSUE!”

“Lasonyy, Lasonyy, Lasonyy!”

The man winks, “I am! What or who else would I be”“

Oomlaut jumps for joy on her horse, “YAY!”

He looks slightly puzzled as he continues, “I'm Lasonyy Corenthala.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Oomlaut Neethersparra!”

“Introductions later. We have some visitors, and one isn’t to happy,” ‘Mitrii stands up from his spread.

“That bad, Eh?“ Bii unsheathes her sword as she faces the doors to the massive house.

Sachie looks from his view, “Could you clue us in?“

“Yes, that would be pleasant.” Gia says from atop of her perch.

“WORSHIP ME!”

“NO, NO, NO WORSHIP KUROI!”

*Shut up the both of you!*

“I see you’re all having fun,” Sandy’s scrawny figure appears in the doorway.

“She’s a possessed demon. What a twist,” Bii shakes her head.

“I’m so sorry to say it’s time for you all to meet your maker,” a fireball is produced from Sandy and heads towards Gia and Junip.

They do the only thing that’s logical. Dodge.

Gia manages to dodge, but her borrowed horse is burnt to ciders. Junip gets hit partly by the flames as his horse gallops off. He passes out without a word.

“That’s it!” Dmitrii takes a heavy breath, before chanting, “Light of hope, which heals the heart. Take this power to cure the lost. Evil spirits from Hell BE GONE!“

With a loud ear piercing scream Sandy passes out cold on the ground.

Dmitrii collapses in a huff, white magic was a hard magic to use.

“I see much magic has been used here today. It appears you have done what many cannot Mister Czatil.. I as you might know am Lucifer Meir,” a man with blonde red tipped hair that reaches down to his waist. Lucifer Meir has piercing green eyes, which appear to have sliver tints. He appears to be a man of high rank with is dark black and blue robes and thin framed spectacles.

Gia draws her bow, “Back off!”

“Is something wrong dear” I am not the devil if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“He’s one of the greatest mages in The Odd Realm Out! His name means light light...” Bii explains.

“Okay then,” She drops her bow.

“Let’s go inside,” Lucifer walks over and picks up Sandy, “I’ll show you to your rooms. You’ll have to share. The Oos and dragons in one room, the twins in another, the kitsue in one, Junip and Sandy in there own and the shapeshifter and woman in the last.”

*My Zelda was correct you are fast on your feet, Lucy.*

“Lucifer. I am not a woman.”

Fumei grins, “But you look like one!”

“Let’s just go,” Lucy huffs off.

Some of the group laughs as they make it into the house.

That night will be a busy one for some.

Bumblebii wakes up form a light sleep. She sits up in bed to take a look at her brother. He was sleeping soundly, thankfully. Bii throws on some light clothes and hangs her sword on her hip. You couldn’t be too careful in a house like this. Walking out she shuts the door behind her quietly, not wanting to wake anyone from their slumbers.

She makes sure to check up on the Junip. He was a nice guy after all...maybe he could hook up with Flute? Silly Bii! Why think of such things?“ she took off down the hallway at a steady pace.

Suddenly, while strolling aimlessly, she can’t recognize the hallway she was standing in. It was bright, blinding neon red with the outline of fire running across the walls. This was just weird. The house hadn't had these harshly designed decorations. In short this was creepy and tacky all at the same time.

She takes a deep breath and steps back only to run into a wall. She curses under her breath and straitens her silk shirt. “I haven't gone that far. What's the deal with this house”“ She looks at a clock on the wall, “When was that there...heh when did this hallway get here”“

“Bii!” a little blue blur comes from somewhere and attaches to her leg while screaming, “FWEEE!”

She rolls her eyes, “Off Nex.”

Nexus unclasps his wings, “Bii! Why you out here”“

“I was taking a walk.”

“You need sleep!”

“As do you”

“Snores Oomlaut.”

“I'm going...um...do you know the way back”“

“I ask you same.”

Bumblebii sighs again fiddling with a strand of long golden hair, This was wonderful and what was with that clock! It was stuck on twelve--wait a minute! “Twelve!” she whispers aloud.

“Ehy?“

“The clock! It's stuck at twelve!”

“Bii” Where clock”“

“It’s right...you can’t see it can you?“

“Nopey”

“That must be the gate!”

““Me lost.”

“Now how do I open it?“ A thump is heard from behind, “Nexus, did you do that?“

“No-y”

Bii takes a deep breath before turning around slowly. What or who else was out in the hall with them? Did she want to know? She finally makes the full turn around to come face to face with....nothing. “That was oh so frightening.”

“Well Miss you seem to be the sarcastic one!” a male voice comes from her right side.

Bii's already pale face flushes to a dead white, “Meep...”

Nex attaches himself to Bii’s leg with his wings shaking violently.

“I am the sprit that guards the gate of--”

“The Noon Day Sun,” the color immediately returns to her face, as she searched the hallway. Nothing is anywhere in sight. How odd...

“You won’t be able to see me until you open the gate.”

“And I do that...how?“

“I thought you had to know,” The voice sounds surprised.

“No one told us how to open these things!”

“Sorry, Chick I don’t know how to open this thing I just protect it.”

“THIS IS FRICKING IMPOSSIABLE! Nex! Let go of my leg!”

“Sorries!” Nexus leaps off her leg and flutters up to her shoulder.

“Show some respect. I have some information that you might find useful.”

“Don’t I need to open this stupid gate first”“

“That’d be nice.”

“I don’t suppose...”

“I don’t know anyone around here and that Sandy lady hasn’t been around for a while.”

“This is not good at all.”

Nex chirps happily, “Clocks no strike Midday nor Midnight!”

“Wha....?“ Bumblebii raises an eyebrow. Did this little sprite have some logic”

“Clock no strike Midnight nor Midday!“ Did these people have any logic”

“The gate of the noon day sun is in the town that lacks a noon day sun.”

“Seal open!” Nex yells at the top of his lungs in Bii’s ear.

She turns to look at the clock and sees nothing for a few moments. In the span of three seconds a flask of brilliant red light forms and a gate made of swirling red, yellow and white marble. Many ornate designs of suns, harpies and other flying creatures cover the gate. A dragon holding staff with a sun upon the top sits in the center. He sight then focuses on a well dressed man. He stands at six feet with flowing red and orange robes. His hair is blood red along with his eyes which are a great contrast to his deathly pale skin. He raises an eyebrow, “You mean to tell me that you’re the chick that gets the Darkelf dragon”“

Bii just blinks at the man in shock, “Darkelf”“

He rolls his eyes, “I know you’re not that stupid. You receive a Darkelf dragon,” he snaps his fingers and a large basket appears in his hands. A egg cradled by blankets sits in the center. It’s dark red with a fading yellow center.

He thrusts the basket into Bii’s hands, “My name is Raleigh. I, as you better know by now, am the guardian of--”

“Please shut up about the gate. We all know the name by now. There are only three of us.”

“Point taken. Anyway, I have information you’ll need. May I?“

“Shoot.”

“Okay, First you get to run around and open sixteen--”

“Whoa! Sixteen? We’d need a miracle to find all the people are you nuts?!”

Totally unphased by this Raleigh continues his sentence, “--seals. You must find all the right people to open them or the world will come to an end. It’s that simple.”

“Come again” I could have sworn you said that the world would come to an end.”

“I did. Do I really have to repeat everything I say to you”“

“No, you can just leave already,” she examines the egg for a bit, “Wait. Why is this egg red”“

“I don’t know everything damn it. You figure it out. All I know is that it should match your environment.”

“Oh Good. If it was something like a fall dragon I’d be in trouble.”

“And I’d laugh my head of,” he shakes his head, “Now, I’m leaving so good-bye.” With that Raleigh disappears into the gate.

“I suppose this means that we should get going,” Bii yawns as she takes a look at the gate that replaced the clock. She takes her leave at once.

“This redundant!” Nexus pouts on her shoulder.

“Will you just shut up.”

Sachie sighs as he awakes from sleep hugging his egg. “Why can’t I get some decent sleep”“ he whispers to himself and the egg, “I still have the feeling we’re being watched....like you can hear me...”

CRACK!

“It’s hatching!” He sits up and realizes that Gia must still be asleep. Ha! There was no time for that now! Another crack was heard as the Haken inside smashed the sell to pieces. A snake like creature of blue and white takes a seat on Sachie’s lap.

“You’re a Haken?“ He looks down at the hatchling.

It nods.

“You look nothing like what I’ve seen. You look more like a drag-owie!” the little Haken had decided to bite his finger for that remark. “Okay, you're a Haken. Now are you a boy?“

The hatchling nods happily after releasing Sachie’s finger.

“I suppose you need a name, how about Velare Itome?“

The blue and white hatchling gives him a blank stare.

“It’s something my dad used to say. It means drawing to and end. You don’t like it?“

It blinks with it’s white eyes, “I suppose I like it.”

“You mean to tell me that you could talk this whole time”“

“Um...sort of...” Velare Itome gives a childish grin, flashing a few teeth.

“Wonderful. I’m bonded to a draconic Haken that seems to have a huge ego and is of royal blood. This will be fun....”

“And I’m bonded to a psycho shapeshifter, who might I ad is a total loser.”

“I can’t wait to see how scary you’ll become when you grow up. Now, If you don’t mind I’m going to sleep.”

“Just don’t crush me okay”“

“Whatever,” Sachie flops back onto his bed and falls immediately into a deep sleep.

“What a nice man,” Itome looks toward the bed in which Gia sleeps in. Blinking his white eyes, he cocks his head to one side, “I wonder why that human is there” No matter, for now.” He curls up at Sachie’s feet not minding the lack of covers. At least he could give this loney boy a bit of company...

“Raise and Shine!” ‘Mitrii rips the covers of a sleeping Bii.

She growls while searching for the covers in vain, “I swear if you don’t let me sleep I’m going to kill you even if you are my brother.”

“What in The Odd Realm Out are you holding?“

“It’s a darkelf dragon egg, now go away.”

“How did you get it? Why is it red? And why are you so grouchy?“

“I opened my gate, I don’t know, and I was up half the night. I swear if you don’t let me sleep I will take your head off.”

“What’s that cracking noise?“

“What--”

CRACK!

“That.”

Bii looks down at the red egg and spots a minor fracture, “Oi.”

We now end this astonishingly long chapter on this note. Tune in next time for the next chapter of this little saga. Until next time we meet.