~ Life's not always perfect. But it's always what you make it. So make it count. Make it memorable. And never let anyone steal your happiness. ~

- Unknown.

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Faith:

The sky was bright blue. Not a single cloud in sight. The sun was shining in the distance and made the sky bright, illuminating the light. Yellow birds flew to the nearby river, taking a sip and dipping their heads right in. It was a hot day, and the warm breeze of wind only doubled the conclusion.

"Give me that!"

Bored, I looked up from the ground, noticing the Shapeshifter and the Demon Slayer throwing a ball they had found. They were playing football, as I learned to know. Two guys just having fun. Although they seemed pretty compatible, Ben was holding the score at the moment. 1-3.

"Oi, not fair!" Chris groaned when Ben distracted him by going right, but managed to fool him enough and kick the ball beneath his feet and go left. Chris ran after him, trying to catch him and the ball. Ben was already reaching his goal made of sticks and rocks.

"Go Ben!" Praxina cheered, my eyes traveling to see her sipping a soda can. Almost downing it one go. The Elf princess was sitting on a tree branch again, there was something about the height and the trees that made her feel safe. It was a norm already, no one really questioned her. After all, she grew up in a big forest. "Kick his ass!" A smirk played her lips.

"Thanks for the support!" Chris growled to the Elf, and managed to slid through the ground with his feet. And take the ball right from Ben's feet. And then the Demon Slayer charged at his goal. "Hah!"

"Arrogance will cost you..." Armen growled not far from me, his Beast mode resting under the shield of the trees. His red eyes followed the match the guys had decided to take for fun, to kill some time.

Ah, yeah.

The reason we weren't moving during the day? It was bloody hot, about 40° degrees under the sun. And in a shade only a little cooler. Alchadar saw it the best we rest for the day and move by nightfall, when it's easier and doesn't wear us out as much.

... Well, and not carry out a burden like me.

My eyes glanced down at my lap, at the cast resting on my right ankle. Before we left the city yesterday we had a chance to see a doctor, who told me I had sprained it pretty bad. Not broken, but it wasn't far from that. He cleaned the wound and wrapped it up, and put this cast on to quicker the healing process. Other than that I had bruices all over my back and sides, but he had told me I would live. Now it was pure bed-rest which was out of the question on our part, but Armen handled carrying me around.

Damn, you really did overdo it this time.

I slid my arms behind my head and rested it on them, looking up at the sudden wind blowing the green leafs above the tree I was resting by. It was annoying, I give you that. But it sure as hell was worth it. I hadn't felt this lost yet at peace, I had killed Master Ezekiel. My tormentor for years, as well as Damon. Even if it was Alchadar doing most of him, I knew he knew it had to be done. His brother had gone down a wrong path and couldn't understand his doings. Even if it pained me it had to be done by his hand.

"Resting well?"

I snapped my eyes at the emerging figure of Alchadar, and on his shoulder rested a dead moose. I was starting to wonder where he was, but it was answered right there. I rose an eyebrow when he dropped it down, wiping his hands to his cloak. His demeanor amused as he watched me laying down there on the grass peaceful, I bet exactly in the same position as he last saw me before he left out hunting.

"Barely. What happened to the resting part?" I asked him, I bet even the Demon was affected by the hottness. It was hard to breath let alone hunt in this weather.

"We're out of meat." Alchadar answered my amused question, all the while his amber eyes turned to the now fighting figures of Ben and Chris. Wow, what did I miss this time? It was for the ball and the boys tore the other to reach for it, only kicking it further away. "And it would seem I'm not the only one pushing it." He chuckled at the sight, crossing his arms.

"Their clothes get lesser and lesser..." I groaned and rolled my eyes, noticing the sweat on each of their backs and heads. They had already removed their shirts to go under the sun, pants the only ones on. I didn't want to know were they planning to play in their boxers or not.

"-- Guys!" I heard Praxina call, frustration on her face as she pointed at the ball. "The ball! Play fair!"

"We're way past that." Armen said to the Elf, scrunching his nose in amusement. It would seem the Beast had wanted some extra spice to the game. And a small play-fight seemed to do it.

Alchadar shook his head amused, I looked up at the leafs again with a sigh. Boys, not even men this time.

"... Come lay with me." I offered after the quiet moment, the guys' struggling in the background the only noise we heard. And not to count Praxina shouting at them and Armen laughing his head off. I watched Alchadar's sudden sparked interest, until he slowly slid to lay on the grass beside me. All the while removing his helmet and resting his head on his left hand. "You'll see all the entertainment I'm enjoying." I said sarcastic, showing the leafs above us.

"I can see that." Alchadar chuckled once, yet offered an apologetic look with his amber eyes. "But it's only for a few days. Is the leg hurting?" He turned on his side and held his head on his right hand, was laying down too much to ask? I almost laughed when I noticed his uneasiness, shaking my head.

"Not at all." I raised my right leg up a bit, so the cast was shown more. Then I lent it down slowly, resting my head on my arms again. "I just hate being a burden and sit still. I bet Chris' adhd- ass has taken it's effect." I chuckled, and looked up at the sky and the leafs again. It was a beautiful sight I have to admit, and I almost didn't seem to appreciate it as much.

"Luckily we have nothing planned as of now." Alchadar rose an eyebrow all the while looking at what I was. His words rang in my mind as I was thinking, perhaps my biggest mistake for a while.

"Could it be possible... that we," I begun, and swallowed down the gulp. No, I knew he'd understand. Nothing wrong about it. "That we would go back to where it all began? And to free all the remaining slaves back at Ezekiel's temple?" I asked stern and rolled on my side this time, looking into his amber eyes. My question caught him off guard, yet it would seem he was awaiting some kind of request. I knew it sounded almost desperate. And I hated it. Yet I can imagine everyone back at the temple sitting frightened in those cells, starving to death. Now even more when he was gone.

"... I believe we can do that. For your sake." Alchadar said after what felt like forever, I sighed almost relieved. It was until Alchadar landed a hand on my shoulder, worry evident in his eyes. "But without a doubt there will be guards-- fighting. You cannot take any part in that in your state."

"But-" I didn't even get to begin.

"There is no but on this. My only condition is that you stay away from fighting and let us handle it. Once the situation is settled you're allowed to come." Alchadar put out sudden terms, my eyes almost challenged him. And he noticed it, cocking an eyebrow to even begin to question his seriousness. I felt his hand on my shoulder tighten a little. "Is that understood?"

"... Yes." I said, trying not to be angry. And I really wasn't. Just frustrated of the fact I couldn't be of any help again and had to sit back while the others handled the enemy. I noticed the relaxation of Alchadar's body as he nodded, the authority seemed to work. I sent him a teasing smirk. "Jeez, using your commanding tone on me so serious, huh?"

Alchadar grinned, laying down again beside me. "You're so stubborn sometimes it has to be done." He said, satisfied of the conversation's outcome. I groaned and laid back down heavily, damn that Demon sometimes. Always looking after me. "We move when it's midnight. Rest now. You'll need it."

"Pfft. I've slept almost the entire 24 hours." I answered back, looking up at the moving leafs again. Even if it was such a serious topic I was starting to appreciate these conversations we had. It calmed me down. And yet sometimes was useful to keep my mind occupied. Even if he was a much stronger creature it never ceased to amaze me how kind and gentle he was.

"Still, you need to rest."

"-- Okay, fine!"

~~~

I could feel the pure muscles under the fur I was holding really tight on to. And yet I didn't dare to loose my grip, the speed was unimaginable.

The sudden jump to a lower ground made me yelp yet I regained, trying to focus to stay on Armen. I was getting the hang of riding him, but it was a lot rougher ride than on a horse. He was larger and his body was made of the hell dogs' parts, it was made to move fast and deadly. Not to be ridden. At least not by a regular person...

I noticed Alchadar and Chris holding the front at ease, their movements not slowing down of the vegetation around the rough area. We were running down the perimeter of Master Ezekiel's temple. Alchadar transported us on purpose a little further away, so they wouldn't notice us coming right away. And then again, to give us the element of a surprise.

Praxina's voice snapped my head on right, I noticed her frail body trying to stay on the now transformed Ben's back-- a leopard. He had chosen the exact creature to move better in the vegetation and fast. Although, I did wonder why didn't she ride Armen with me?

There's quite a lot of space...

Maybe she's in love.

I grinned of the thought, noticing how we neared up a cliff. Alchadar and Chris stopped before, looking down at something. Armen slid to a stop along side Ben, Praxina almost flew off. Then I noticed the brick walls of master Ezekiel's mansion, and around it surrounded a long endless field of metal fencing.

Alchadar turned to us, nodding.

Armen nodded and suddenly laid down on all fours, I was left to question but not enough fast. I watched as Alchadar, Chris, Ben and Praxina jumped down from the cliff. I saw them land down and slide the rest of the way on the hard rocks. And then once they reached the ground Alchadar grabbed his blade and slashed a hole into the fence, leading the group into the dangerous palace of doom.

"Wait, you're staying with me?" I finally managed, I was expecting to wait alone. Yet the look Armen was giving me meant I was absolutely right, his soul not leaving the spot.

"After almost too many times we leave you or Praxina alone, something happens." Armen noted, I raised an eyebrow but didn't push it. His words... might have some meaning behind them. "Besides, there is the possibility the perimeter is guarded. We're their last back up."

I laid down and looked the others enter the palace through the front doors with quite the rumble. Blowing a hole in the strong-hold steel doors. And immediately an alarm was sent off. It was loud and red lights begun to alarm the soldiers of intruders. It made my blood run almost cold when I heard collision inside- the lizard guards fighting against them.

I watched two guards outside run inside, I grabbed my bow to fire. Armen showed me his teeth, telling me to back down. His look was stern. I hesitated and rested the bow on my lap, almost pouting. Yet I decided to listen to his judgment and followed the sceen unfolding, or any sign of the others inside the palace. Once I heard a loud explosion I only concluded it was Praxina and her explosive arrows.

"They're really having fun..." I said wondering when I heard Chris and Ben laughing, it was so loud the neighbours probably heard it. And yet again I could hear guns go off, the guards fighting against the intruders.

"You wouldn't say." Armen said, and then I could feel the back of his fur stand up below my hands and ass. It made me flinch. His red eyes snapped back.

"-- The alarms!?" From the bushes behind us emerged two lizard guards carrying rifles, yet they weren't exactly expeting to bump into us of the looks they gave us. They were horrified to see Armen with growling teeth awaiting for them. "I- intruder!"

The first managed to grab his rifle but Armen launched forward-- all the while I tried to hold on for dear life of his fur. His jaw tore the weapon away from his grasp as he snapped his head clean off. The other one tried to run away but Armen ruthlessly crushed him under his palm, digging his claws into the man's neck and back. Instantly killing both of them. Through all this he growled down lowly and examined the rest of the surroundings.

I pulled my hood down more, looking below at the damage he had done. I was left shocked.

Damn, he's fast.

"Like I said," Armen was satisfied there weren't more emerging from behind us, and then looked back at me with a look 'I told you so'. "Precaution."

"... Fine, you win." I groaned, grateful Armen and Alchadar had decided of this before hand. If those two jumped me alone, I might've sprained my ankle even more. Armen was the real Beast. And how fast he took care of them? Brilliant.

Armen was glad of my response and walked to the edge of the cliff again, laying down. It had gone pretty quiet once we were a little occupied, had they gone deeper into the mansion? This waiting was killing me, yet I knew I wasn't going to be of much help. And they didn't really need it- those guys were professionals at fighting. Well, Ben I hadn't seen yet, but he did some seenable stunts. And I just had to hope for the best.

And then, the alarm sounds died down. It was really quiet this time. Had they gone to the guard's control room?

I hadn't even noticed what I was doing until Armen spoke out. "Stop that. It's distracting." He growled and shook his huge muzzle in annoy. I noticed I was tapping my bow's handle anxiously. I stopped, groaning.

"It's taking too long..." I said, my anxiousness building up. What if they got caught? Were they in trouble? Did they need our extra help? "Should we go in?"

"We wait." Armen said stern, resting his head down to his paws. All the while his red eyes examined the front doors. "It was an order."

"Will the order stand if they're in trouble?" I asked back, trying to see to the doors as well. Once I saw nothing I looked around the mansion's walls, nothing.

"Are they?" Armen asked and looked up at me, his eyebrow raised. As I looked at him confused he nudged my head with his nose, in disbelief. "The mindlink, Faith." He sighed, and rested his muzzle back to his paws.

Sometimes I'd want to slap myself for how stupid I was. Immediately I searched Alchadar, it was almost impossible since it was so calm. He was so calm, not fighting or anything. His mind was wondering something, yet I couldn't tell what. The mindlink didn't go as far. He wasn't injured either.

"... No, surprisingly." I wondered and opened my eyes, meeting Armen's already looking at me. "I think they're okay."

And just as I said that, four figures emerged from the busted main doors. Even if they were quite far away, I could see no harm done to any of them. They were okay. Alchadar stood out the most and noticed us still there, nodding us to come. Armen brushed his head and made sure I held on, until he jumped and ran down the steepy hill. I almost flew off-- but managed to brace myself. And then Armen jogged through the busted fencing and over to the others.

They looked pretty okay, green blood the only thing splattered on their bodies.

"Everything okay?" Alchadar eyed the green substance dripping from Armen's mouth, almost smelling the enemy on him. His eyes noted that I was okay, and figured Armen was the one taking on our little surprise. Hell, was he right.

"Two on patrol. Didn't see us coming." Armen answered while licking the blood off of the corner of his mouth, proud. I nodded in defense, I had to admit it was a good thing he was there. "It would seem you had more fun."

"You kiddin'? These were children's play." Chris only said with a laugh, nudging Ben's side. The shapeshifter had taken the mode of a stern warrior, until he shifted again. This time he was the person we met the first time, the purple haired man.

"Disoriented is what you mean to say," Ben utterly reminded the Demon Slayer, wiping the blood off his guns. He preferred them over swords or blades. Yet he didn't like a bow or anything primitive- he enjoyed guns. He had told us all about them. "Without their Master or commander they were pretty outnumbered. Good thing we decided to strike now."

"And that leaves only one thing left to do." Praxina said all the while flipping her hair off her shoulder, looking at me. A couraging smirk on her face. I knew exactly what she meant and nodded, stern. The one thing we came here to do- to free the remaining slaves.

"I know where to go." I said certain, Armen taking it as his cue to move through the busted doors and into the hallways of doom. That's how I always saw them. And always would. I noticed a dead guard laying there and got on my stomach, reaching down and grabbing the keys from his pocket. Armen wasn't satisfied of my movement, yet I rose an eyebrow. I didn't move my legs?

"It's the last time you'll ever be here." Ben said while catching up to walk beside us, I nodded in agreement. The very last time. Then it occured to me what he said earlier, he said his family were slaves? Did we share more in common that I realized it? "And make sure you take in all of this." He offered and showed the dead bodies, proud.

I remembered the hallways of the fact I always was meant to look down, never make eye contact. It was odd to see the ceiling for once. And to be able to look at it. I also remembered the guards kicking our chained bodies when some grew weak and couldn't walk. Bad memories.

"There." I pinched myself and pointed at a big metal door resting at the end of a long corridor. Armen walked up to it and let me open the door with the key, I pushed it open with a loud creak. The long concrete stairs that went down sent shivers still down my spine, to my own personal cage. It was the place I had grown to hate and it almost pained me that I was going down out of free will.

No, I have to.

For them.

Alchadar stepped past us with Chris and Ben, offering me a reassuring hand which he grazed against my back. They jogged the stairs down then, Praxina staying near us her bow and arrow ready. Armen wasn't clearly used to the burden of me he was carrying as he growled, but understood the situation. And he went along with it, and begun to go down the stairs.

"No no NO-!"

And once we got down I saw Chris and Ben take out two remaining lizard guards, their bodies dropping down immediately. Almost merciless for me to say, but I felt nothing watching it. Not before, not now. They were ruthless and mean. Always had been.

To my view popped faces. Behind cages. I widened my eyes to realize how many were hiding in the far corners of them all-- and how narrow they lived in there. The girls were sobbing and the little ones whining in horror of our arrival, scared to death. I understood it, I would've probably been too. Being in a cage so long and around the same mean people meant you got used to it. And when strangers appear and come killing down all the guards... yeah, I wasn't wondering it one bit.

Alchadar's head turned to me, nodding.

It had to be done.

I wanted to do this.

"Faith...?"

I froze of the sudden voice, my head popped on my right. I met the eyes to brown orbs, the familiar face of someone dear to me. Through all those long years... she was still alive. My cellmate was still alive. Her eyes begun to leak of pure shock as she gasped, reaching out through the bars of her enclosement. "Faith?" She asked stronger this time, I froze.

"Zoe. Zoe!" I sobbed, and jumped off Armen. I wasn't thinking.

"Whoa-!" Chris managed to catch me and carry me over to the cage, slowly staying crouched behind me. He wasn't trusting I'd be easy.

I enguled my hands in hers as we stared at each other through tears, wide smiles on our faces. I felt happiness again down there, and she was mostly the reason. She had grown to me like a pest-- she was my best friend. Through all those years of slavery and torture. She was a happy personality, always made everything seem okay even if it wasn't. And she was one of many reasons why I had escaped- to gain her and mine freedom. It was us to take, and we had to grab it.

"You're alive." I said it, almost doubting my words. Then I reached for my pocket and took out the keys, twitching them to the key socket. My hands were trembling of shock and joy. Zoe got a hold of my hands and smiled, helping me open the iron door. And once I heard it click I swung it open, pulling her into a tight hug. "You... you resilient bitch." I laughed through tears, hearing her laugh as well.

"I knew you'd miss me and come back." Zoe said, hugging me back. And what felt like a long time we finally let go of each other, just staring at each other. "You've changed, Faith." She tugged a loose hair behind my ear, eyeing my clothes and the injured leg. "You crazy cunt... you actually managed to escape."

"... For the most part yes, but I got help." I answered with a wide smile, looking at Alchadar standing not far from us. The Demon stood there his arms crossed, eyeing the situation happening before his eyes. Although I could see he was happy for me. And he only nodded, as a greeting. "And then we turned a little bigger." I turned to the others behind us, Praxina, Chris, Ben and Armen nodding. Although I could see amusement playing in their lips.

I'll hear of something later I'm pretty sure.

"Look at you!" Zoe squealed and punched my arm, proud. I flinched of her hitting one bruice and she suddenly turned apologetic. "Sorry, sorry. How're you so broken!?" She examined my body and looked under my clothes, I laughed awkwardly.

"It's a way long story. But we're here to let you guys free." I said and grabbed her shoulders, earning her attention. And I said it with a wide smile on my face. "Master Ezekiel is dead."

The whispers erupting in the room were loud, all the while Zoe and everyone took in that sentence. Suddenly each girl and woman got curious in the room, the others taking it as a que to take action. Alchadar easily crouched down and bent the lock apart, opening the door softly. Then he stepped away, allowing the girls to slowly build the courage to walk out. Chris and Ben took the cages on the far right, Praxina and Armen on the left. Once all the doors were open the others got to stand behind me, looking at Zoe and the slaves.

"... Is it true?" Zoe gasped, holding my face in both hands. Another set of tears emerging. This time I nodded and refused to cry. I refused to cry because of him ever again. I smiled and nodded twice, as she launched to hug me again. Her eyes wide and she squeezed me tight. "Thank you... thank you all." She was unsure of others, but it would seem this dusted every last doubt in her. And in them. "Oh, for the love of God. It's over."

          "This way, ladies."

I almost glared at Chris holding the tail on purpose, acting all gentleman of the herd of women and girls following after us. Yet I decided to let it go, some seemed to enjoy of the sudden change at life. And I didn't want to take it from them.

"So, where are you taking us?" Zoe asked behind me, Armen had agreed for her to hop on his back. She almost refused to death but I spoke her over, and there we were. She was holding onto me pretty tight, even if we were only walking.

"To a town called Kirka, they take in refugees of all kind. You'll be safe there." Alchadar answered her question, never looking back. Was the rescue situation wearing out my big Demon buddy?

"... How far away is it?" I hadn't noticed a much smaller girl following my partner's trail eager, her voice raspy. Alchadar looked down surprised, yet I knew he was aware of her presence. Was it because she spoke all of a sudden?

Does he have this aura around him that everyone feels safe with him?

"A thousand kilometers away." Praxina answered not far away, most of the girls gasping behind us. Even I widened my eyes for a second. "Don't worry, we're not walking." The Elf princess quickly reassured and took out her last teleportation magic ball, it was in common knowledge that it was her last. And she was planning to use it for this?

What?

Guys... the lenght you're willing to go for me...

"We should be enough far." Ben said and stopped, which made all of us halt. The Shapeshifter turned to the Elf who smirked in return and walked to an open field, preparing. "All right, listen up everyone!" He got to stand on a rock and put his hands around his mouth. So they'd hear better. "We will open a teleport which will take us straight to Kirka. It's nothing scary but it has a time limit of 5 minutes, so everyone needs to step through it quickly. We will come along and make sure you get through just okay, got it?"

Ben's anwer was answered with loud 'yes' and nods, I smiled. These girls would finally be able to live free- to work and grow in a healthy environment. To fullfill their dreams.

"We're ready." I said and turned to Praxina, the Elf slammed the magic ball broken to the ground. And before it emerged a green vortex of flying colors, a teleport. "Nothing to be scared about!" I called out to everyone, Armen already starting to walk towards it. Praxina grinned and stepped through, showing it was no danger. To our relief the girls begun to build up their courage and walk through the thing at ease, full of wondering minds.

Zoe held onto me tight as we stepped into the vortex, I bumped my shoulder on to her to open her eyes. She slowly did and stared amazed as we walked through the narrow space along with the girls and women, everyone gasping and wondering it out loud. Was my first time the same? I can't remember.

As we got to the other side I noticed we were standing by the town's gates. It took a moment but everyone made it and the portal closed. Uneasy sounds were made, some had uneasy stomach and some didn't. It really took a while but the people of Kirka welcomed us in open arms, and allowed the girls to settle in. They were offered free clothes and food from everyone, as long as they committed to the help around the city. Everyone got their housing situation settled and just like that we made sure they were settled in and taken into concideration from where they're from. No one questioned it, and I was glad.

But then, when our assistance had been fulfilled I knew it was time to leave.

"You're leaving?" Zoe ran to catch up to our group standing by the front gates, we all looked at her. I almost cursed when I hoped I didn't have to give goodbyes. It was the worst, I hated it. Even if it was just temporarily, I just got her back. It pained me too much to say goodbye again.

It's a part of this commitment to the team, I guess...

"I didn't want to do this, but I guess I now have to." I sighed, sad. "We've done everything we can for you guys. It's time for you all to settle in and start living. But it's our time to continue our trip and move forward. I'm sorry and I hate--"

"Hate goodbyes? I figured since you were sneaking out with a tail between your legs." Zoe cocked and crossed her arms, teasing me. I shot her a pointed look, I was giving a good speech. "I get it. And we all thank you again. I didn't expect this night to go like this." She grabbed her hands and bowed, a wide smile on her face. "And I hope we'll see again, Faith and strangers."

I smiled back when our eyes met, it hurt to see us go and leave them there. I wanted to catch up to them and stay for a few days to see how they're doing. Yet I kind of wanted them to experience it themselves... like I did. I believe I have learned a lot during mine and Alchadar's trips, and it was rewarding. I was still a newbie to almost anything, but eager to know.

"You too, Zoe." I managed to say, a sad smile on my lips.

"It was a pleasure to meet you." Alchadar nodded back to her, as if sad as well we had to leave. And then he looked at the herd of girls and women standing there, staring at us sad.

"Keep her in check, okay." Zoe winked to the Demon while wiping a tear from her eye corner. I scolded her mentally of her sayings, earning a playful tongue show. Alchadar was already pretty much doing what she asked of him, but nodded out of courtesy. His eyebrow raised in my direction.

I'm not having any conversations with any of them.

"Bye!"

"Thank you all still!"

"Until we see again!"

"Call me, Slayer!"

As we had begun to walk away, evident heads snapped in Chris' direction. All filled with glares in them. Chris coughed and waved back at the women awkwardly.

"Really, Chris?"

"She's really into me, okay!?"

~~|||~~

~ Keep reading.