Vïσℓεŧşɓąŋε: A Mïïŧσþïąŋ Tąℓε *Chapters 8 is up!*

(Violet POV)

I rubbed the crust out of my weary eyes. With a grunt, I got out of my sleeping bag. It was dawn already. The morning sunlight shone with intensity. I packed up my sleeping bag and threw it in my backpack. For a while it was difficult to get the sleeping bag in there, but it eventually went in. I put my backpack on and sighed. I'm getting the feeling today is going to be a long day.

---

Many hours later I came across a clearing where some Rock Moths that were just fluttering about. I stretched for a bit; maybe this was a good time to rest. Just when I was about to sit on the grass, I noticed a strange blue sphere floating in the sky.

"...What in the world is that?" I whispered to myself. I took a step back from the center of the clearing.

The blue sphere was now coming closer to me. My legs felt like jelly. I couldn't move. As the it came closer, I saw that it had...a face on it. It only had Mii eyes on it. Shock rippled throughout my body. What the heck was this?

I found myself now shivering in fear. The face was now floating around one of the Rock Moths. Now I was extremely confused. And scared. I closed my eyes immediately, not wanting to see anymore. Once I opened my eyes, I saw the Mii's face on the Rock Moth. I took a few steps back.

"...I think I'm going faint." I mumbled to myself, still shaking violently.

Suddenly the Rock Moth lunged towards me. I managed to dodge the attack, but the Rock Moth didn't stop at that. It went for me once again, this time instead of dodging I ran for it.

"AAAAIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!" I screamed.

---

I continued running until I was a long ways from that...monster, I guess. By the time I had stopped it was evening.

"I could stop here and rest..." I whispered to myself. "But I could get attacked by those monsters again..."

I sighed. Making tough decisions isn't one of my strong points. What could I do though? The only other option was to find a town, which I doubt there was any town in the middle of nowhere. Then I heard the growls of more monsters. Probably more dangerous than the Rock Moths, I'll bet.

"You know what? I think I'd rather just run aimlessly like a headless chicken until I find a town, thank you very much." I laughed to myself.

I looked around, hoping to find a town. Just then, I saw a small village.

"I'm starting to love this unsettling convenience." I took a sigh of relief.

Running as fast as I could, I raced over to the village.

---

"Hah...hah..." I breathed heavily, still exhausted from that run. "Where am I?"

"Oh, you must be a traveller! This is the town of Greenhorne!"

I looked up to see a young man with blond hair and light blue eyes. He looked around 20-30 years old, older than me. I didn't bother to answer him back, though. I was too tired too.

"I'm Raymond!" He introduced himself cheerily. "Oh? What's the matter? You don't seem to be exactly happy." he asked.

"Monsters!" I burst out, then go back to catching my breath.

Raymond chuckled. "You must be mistaken! The Rock Moths out there aren't monsters!" He then yawned. "It's pretty peaceful around here, anyways."

I grumbled to myself. Obviously this guy wasn't very helpful. I stormed away,

bristling with anger.

"What's the long face for?"

I heard a lady's voice. I turned to my left to see an older woman with dark brown hair.

"Perhaps you should try smiling little more, dear!" The lady suggested with a wide grin. I couldn't help but smile as well. "See? Isn't that better? By the way, I'm Briana. Nice to meet you!"

I waved back, and then kept walking along the straightforward path. I noticed a woman and a child, who I was guessing were family. The young child was running amok, yelling and screaming.

"...Must be a healthy kid..." I mumble under my breath, smiling a bit.

Seeing the kid running around like that reminded me of me and twin sister, Twyla. We used to be so close together. Playing and fighting with each other...reminds me of some good times. I haven't seen her in so long. I wonder where she is now...

No use in wondering now, though. I have much bigger problems on my hands. I continued walking on the path when I noticed a young looking couple nearby. Maybe I could ask them if this town has a mayor. I walked up to them.

"Um, excuse me?" I asked hesitantly. "I was wondering if this town has a mayor. Could you tell me where to find him or her?"

They paid me no mind. Instead they were locked into each others eyes. For a while they kept complimenting each other. I rolled my eyes and continued along the road. There'd better be someone in this town with common sense, or so help me...

"Hey you." I looked around to see a light brown haired man with black eyes. I pointed at myself confused. "Yes, you. Are you visiting Greenhorne or something?"

"Yes...?" I answer/ask. I don't understand what he meant at all, really.

He crossed his arms. "You sure about that?"

I ignored him and marched on. I then saw an old man wearing some really stupid looking clothing. I sort of assumed that that guy was the mayor.

"Um...excuse me...?" I asked. "Are you the mayor of this fine town?" Okay, that was a white lie. The experience I had so far was horrible.

"Why yes, I am! I am Mayor Stanford. And you appear to be a traveller. What business do you have here?"

"Well, sir, I was attacked by some Rock Moths with people's faces on them." I grumpily reply. "Care to explain why monsters are attacking people?" Okay, maybe that last part was a little bit uncalled for.

Stanford looked appalled at my statement. "Is this some type of sick traveller humor? There's no way that Rock Moths would attack anyone. They're far to weak."

"Would you like to tell that to the Rock Moth that hit me on the way here? 'Cause I would gladly introduce you." I retorted, this time with extra snark. Hey, give me a break. I literally just ran one whole freaking mile, and now I'm surrounded by idiots. I have a right to be cranky.

Stanford's eyes twitched. That couldn't've been good. "Are kidding me? You just come barging into my village with a load of nonsense and expect someone to believe it? Honestly, are you a spoilt brat?! And-"

He stopped yelling at me to look up at the sky. I looked up too, and noticed it was eerily dark. It definitely wasn't night. Something in the air didn't feel right, either.

"Oh no, it's...it's..." he stuttered.

"It's what?!" I snapped at him. I've about had enough of his mood swings, lemme tell you.

"Dark Lord Mapleshade!" He blurted out before collapsing onto the ground.

"What a wimp." I mutter under my breath. "Mapleshade didn't even do anything yet."

"Mwaa ha ha haaa!" I heard a sinister laugh from above us. "I am the Dark Lord Mapleshade!"

I got a better look after dealing with the mayor's stupidity. Mapleshade was a large figure, with a dark black robe and a pendant with a single eye. Alright, maybe Stanford had a good reason to faint. This guy was kind of ugly and unpleasant.

"I've come to wreak havoc and terror on this miserable little world!" Mapleshade proceeded to point his finger at the townspeople. "And I'm starting with you, people of Greenhorne!" Wait, starting? Then how did Stanford know about Mapleshade? Oh well. Something bigger to dwell on is happening anyways.

"Time to taste true fear! Say goodbye to your faces!" Mapleshade said before pulling any faces off.

As I looked around, I saw Raymond, Briana, that kid, that woman and the annoying guy's faces come clean off. They all looked...empty without their faces. It was very unsettling for me, and that's an understatement.

The five faces were now floating around Dark Lord Mapleshade. "Hmph! This will do nicely for now." Mapleshade pointed at the faceless villagers. "Listen up, you faceless freaks! Get used to a life of wordless terror, because that's what you're stuck with!"

I shivered. That definitely didn't sound fun. I hoped that was it, but apparently not.

"And to those who've been spared..." Mapleshade looked directly at me. "Take a nice long look at your sad little friends...AND DESPAIR!! So long!"

Well, that was scary and confusing. First off, what's going to happen to them if they don't get their faces back? Second, who's going to save them? It definitely won't be me. Third, why did Mapleshade look directly at me? And lastly, what gender even is Mapleshade?! That voice was really tough to decipher.

"My poor Sheldon!" I heard a cry from across the town. I raced over to see the mother with that energetic child from before. She looked up to see me. "Oh! Adventurer! Will you please save my baby?"

I did just tell myself that I wasn't going to help or anything, but...only because that child reminds me so much of Twyla...I'll do it.

"Of course!" I nodded, knowing that I was probably going to get killed.

"I think Mapleshade is still somewhere around. Could you check?" She didn't wait for me to answer. "Here's one of my family's good luck charms to help."

Instead of saying that it wouldn't help, or that luck is false, I just took it and walked out of the village. I mean, come on. I might be pretty mean, but I'm not that bad.

---

Soon I found myself in an area with even more hills. And there were a lot of hills from before. I stopped in a rather large clearing to rest for a minute. Cut me some slack, I'm still tired from running that mile. As I was resting, the Dark Lord came down from the sky again appearing out of nowhere scaring the heck out of me. Well that was rude. And seriously. How does he even do that?

"Oh? Is someone trying to be the big hero?" Mapleshade teased, seeing how scared I was. I honestly wasn't scared of him; he literally just dropped from the sky. I'm just scared that I might've wet myself a little.

"Give Sheldon's face back!" I yell, getting off the rock I was sitting on. "Ow, ow, my butt hurts..." Man, if I can't stand getting off of this rock...then I am going to die.

"What, this little ol' thing?"

"YES!" I snarled. And before anyone calls me out, yes, I'm still pretty cranky.

Mapleshade raised an eyebrow. "Hrrm. Maybe I'll give this one back. But on one condition."

I winced. Welp, I'm gonna die.

"How good are you in a fight?" Mapleshade summoned a strange blob. Wait a minute, is that a slime? Because if that is, then that's even worse that the Rock Moths. I hate slimes. Not as much as spiders, but you get the point.

"Um...not so good, if you didn't see how I reacted to the Rock Moth. You know, the weakest creature in Miitopia-"

"Well, that's unfortunate for you, now is it?" Mapleshade silenced me with an unsettling grin. "Be seeing you, if you survive, that is!"

Mapleshade vanished into thin air, leaving me with the slime with Sheldon's face on it. Jeez, how does he do that?! I looked back down at the slime.

"So how am I going to defeat it without touching it or without a weapon...?" I whispered to myself. I didn't have much time to myself, however, because the blob was now going to kill me. "Wow, I'm only 17 years old and I'm already going to die."

Suddenly a bright flash enveloped my surroundings. I closed my eyes, not knowing what it was. Soon after opening them, I was in a strange place, nowhere near the slime. That's my only relief. Now where in the world am I?

"Violet...can you hear me?" A voice asked.

"Nooo..." I sarcastically respond.

I then saw a bright flash in front of me. The flash expelled, and then I saw a large cat standing on its hind legs. It had a white fur coat with an orange underbelly. An eyepatch covered the left eye, showing only the blue eye on the right. Maybe she's a pirate of some sort.

"I'm Bright Scar. Now, you might not believe this but I'm some kind of guardian spirit." The cat meowed.

I raised an eyebrow. "But how is a cat a-"

"Hush, hush. Just bear with me here." Bright Scar interrupted. "You seem to be in quite the pickle, Violet."

"...Glad you've noticed..." I muttered under my breath.

"Silence! Now, if you don't want to die, will you accept my help?"

"...no." I mumble. "I don't need it."

Bright Scar growled. "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that." Wow, she actually heard that? "Now, I have six jobs you can choose from. Pick wisely, now, because your life depends on it."

Bright Scar shoved six scrolls into my hands. She is very pushy. I open the scrolls to see the jobs Warrior, Mage, Cleric, Thief, Pop Star and Chef. The Chef job sounded pretty nice to me. I mean, I'd finally be able to cook for myself without classes! Now the thief job...why would I even want that? Thieves are people who steal. I've never stolen anything in my life. Hmm, well maybe that's not entirely true to the villagers from my hometown, but still.

"Hurry up! We're burning daylight!" Bright Scar hissed.

I picked up the Chef scroll and showed it to her. "This. I want this."

"O-Okay." Bright Scar sounded as if she was holding back laughter. "Now I bestow the power of the guardian upon you!"

I looked at myself. My clothes were different. I was wearing orange shorts with an orange tank top. I had white bands on my arms and legs, and red boots. I reached the top of my head to feel some goggles attached to a cap. I was also holding a sharp dagger in my hand.

"Wait a minute! This isn't the chef job! You tricked me!" I shouted. I threw the scroll down.

Bright Scar shrugged her shoulders. "Not my fault you grabbed the wrong scroll."

I picked the scroll up to see that it was the Thief scroll. So that was my fault, then. Huh.

"Dammit!" I grumbled. "This is the exact opposite of what I want!"

"Well that's too bad." Bright Scar stuck out her tongue. "Now fight, O Violet! Make your foes fear your thief powers!"

"I'll make 'em fear me alright." I mutter to myself.

Another bright flash startled me. I closed my eyes only to open them and see that the slime was in front of me again.

I took a deep breath. "Alright, here goes nothing."

---

After the battle, the face flew off of that disgusting slime. I fell on my bottom. I then heard Bright Scar's voice.

"Good job, young Violet!" Bright Scar proudly meowed. Yay, she finally praised my work!

"It was nothing." I say, trying not to act all cool about it. But truth be told, it was something.

Bright Scar seemed to be pleased that I answered. "Now Sheldon should be safe. It seems thing are looking up! The child is getting their face back, you're not cranky anymore-"

"Actually, I'm still pretty grumpy. I just needed to relieve my stress." I correct her. "Which, unfortunately was only a little."

"Time to go back to Greenhorne, Violet. We must check to see if Sheldon is alright." Bright Scar flat out ignored me. Rude, but understandable.

---

I returned to Greenhorne to see Sheldon at the entrance with his face back. He was jumping about happily, now that he could see. His mother came rushing towards us.

"Oh, Sheldon! Don't run off from me like that again!" the mother scolded her child. "Thank you, young traveller. We're in you debt."

"Thank you, traveller!" Sheldon gleefully shouted.

The mother took her child's hand. "Now, come with me Sheldon..."

"Okay, mom..." Sheldon sighed. "Bye!" He waved his small hand at me.

I was now back in Bright Scar's strange room.

"What do you want now, Bright Scar?" I groaned. She just ruined the moment.

"Well that was rude. I guess you weren't lying when you said you were still grumpy." Bright Scar crossed her arms. "Now, I have a task for you. I need you to-"

"Defeat the Dark Lord Mapleshade, blah blah blah, yada yada yada. Sure." I interrupted her.

"How did you-"

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, it was pretty obvious that you were going to ask that. I'll do it, but only if it'll get you off my back." I thought for a moment, and then added, "AND that I don't have to suffer alone."

"Fine, fine. You won't suffer alone, either." Bright Scar hissed. "Now go forth, O Violet the thief," I growled at that last part. "And save Miitopia!"

I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. I blinked and I was back in Greenhorne. There were still four people left to save. If I'm going to face Mapleshade, I'd better save these people first. I set out of the village with my dagger in my left hand and the charm hung around my neck like a necklace. Today my life really changed. 'Cause now I'm gonna be important for once.

---

(Mystery POV)

I sat down under the tree leaves, basking in the shade. I'm in Easin Hills, awaiting the Chosen One. I'm still unsure about my mission, though. I looked at the paper explaining my mission in case I forgot; I'm a very forgetful person.

It said: "Your task is to stop the Chosen One from saving the world. Even if it means their death."

I shivered at the last part. You see, I'm not a violent person. And killing goes strongly against my morals. But must obey my master. And even if I'm conflicted over this, it's not like it'll matter. My opinions don't matter in the long run or the short run. So what should I do, then? Sit here and wait for this whole thing to blow over. I really don't wanna get involved in the world's fate.

"This is gonna be such a hard task..." I groan, frustrated that I was getting nowhere with this talk to myself. I heard footsteps from behind me. They sounded light and quick, like a ninja.

I glanced over my shoulder to see a young looking woman with black hair and amber eyes running on the road. She was wearing a thief outfit.

"Oh. Just great. We have enough thieves around here as it is." I mutter to myself.

To be honest, although I very strongly dislike thieves, this one looked decently attractive. My cheeks grew hot. I shook my head. I then looked back towards the hills and sighed.

"Keep it together, man." I told myself. "You've got to focus on the task at hand."

I then heard a feminine voice coming from the same direction that I saw the thief.

"If I can't fight regular enemies, then how will I ever beat the Dark Lord?" The voice sighed. "Bright Scar, you'd better not be sending me on a suicide mission!!"

Instantly it hit me. That wasn't just any thief. That was the hero destined to save this world. But why was she a thief? That makes no sense whatsoever. And who was she even yelling at, anyways?

"Oh, that's just peachy. When I'm the one telling her off, she doesn't even respond!" She yelled, throwing her arms in the air, dropping her dagger. "Of all the crap that's happened so far-"

I stopped listening after I heard her shout some very...unique words. This can't be the hero destined to save Miitopia. You could tell from one look that she wasn't exactly the helping type. And the ferociousness in her voice...that would scare anyone. I bet by now she's probably met the Dark Lord already and snapped at Mapleshade. If she has, then it surprises me. Because Mapleshade wouldn't've left her alive and well, now would she?

But if this wasn't any mistake, and she's meant to save the world...then the world is screwed.

(Violet POV)

I continued along the rocky road, stopping every so often to shake pebbles out of my shoes.

"...This just couldn't get any worse." I grumbled to myself. "I was happy being an ignorant sassy traveller, but now I know even more about the world's problems and I've gotta fix 'em. Jeez, and I thought my village was bad..."

I was still grumpy from earlier, and I'm still grumpy about it. You can call me a drama queen, but I kinda have a good reason to be so dramatic. Suddenly I heard a familiar sound. Then some sort of flapping. It sounded like wings. I stood still. The sound got closer and louder. Turning around cautiously, I saw a Rock Moth directly behind me. It had the exact same eyes as the one that had chased me; the eyes were the same color too, which was a light brown.

"You again?! I thought I'd lost you!" I muttered. "I'll just have to finish you off now."

I unsheathed my dagger, ready to strike. Right when I was about to attack it, something hit me in the back of my head. Losing my balance, I tripped on top of the Rock Moth. I got up easily, with the help of the Rock Moth hitting me in the face. I turned to see ANOTHER Rock Moth fluttering around me.

"Just how many of you freaks are there?!" I exclaimed, flailing my fists around wildly.

Unfortunately, I only punched the air. I felt my cheeks to feel a warm liquid oozing down my face. Oh no. I'm bleeding. The first Rock Moth tackled me again. I flew onto the ground face first. I rubbed my nose. Blood rushed out of it quickly, dripping onto the carved out path. I wearily got up a little, attempting to fight back.

"Grr...attempt to murder me, now will you?" I then proceeded to scold Bright Scar. I stared at the pendant. "Oi, Bright Scar! Are you leaving me to die?!"

No answer came from the pendant. I growled to myself.

"So now I'm gonna die, huh?! Real nice, Bright Scar, just really nice!" I yelled, tears forming in my eyes. "...What's really sad is that no one would even care about my death..." I whisper under my breath.

The second Rock Moth assaulted me with even more malice than the last attack. I was breathing heavily now, ready to pass out. What's more is that I could barely see straight.

"I can't do this anymore...I need to lie down..." I panted. I closed my eyes, letting the darkness take hold of me.

---

(Mystery POV)

The last of the Rock Moths had vanished into thin air, leaving the pair of eyes behind. They floated away, probably returning to their owner. I looked at the girl passed out on the ground. I know people can get hurt by Rock Moths, but...this was just pathetic. She had blood dripping from her nose and cheek, implying that the Rock Moths easily beat her up.

"Hey, get up." I demanded. She didn't stirr, so I kicked her in the side. "I said, get UP!!"

"...ow! Hey, what was that for?" She snarled at me. I glared at her. This woman is an ungrateful brat, isn't she?

"Probably because I saved your pathetic little life by defeating those Rock Moths, and not leaving you to your death." I explained, making it clear that I wasn't exactly happy with saving her life. Come on, let's be honest. If she can't fight Rock Moths, then she was going to die pretty quickly anyways. "I expect a thank you."

She looked even more pissed now. "I can handle myself, thank you very much!"

"You were going to die!"

"So? I'd rather have an honorable death than be a live coward!" She snapped back.

"Tell me how death to the weakest monster ever created is honorable!"

The woman was now seething. She drew back her right hand and smacked me in the face. I rubbed my cheek, which was stinging with pain.

"Violet! Violet, this young man is a friend." A loud voice boomed. Her name is Violet? That's a surprise. Because I thought violets were fragile- oh yeah, I remember. Then nevermind.

The girl called Violet just looked at me. "He kicked me!"

"You slapped me!" I retort.

"Guys settle down! You both are travelling together from now on, whether you like it or not." the voice hissed. "Violet, this is Tristan and he's a warrior. Tristan, this is Violet and she's a thief."

"I know." I muttered under my breath.

"Maybe I'll call two more companions for you later. Now go defeat the Dark Lord Mapleshade!"

I shuddered at that. I really don't want to fight the Dark Lord. Not now, not then, not ever. Violet looked at me begrudgingly.

"You just had to step in, didn't you?" She huffed.

"It's not my fault that you're so weak!" I shot back. 'And attractive.' I added mentally.

Violet growled one more time before continuing along the path. She threw one last glare at me before sighing. "Come on, then." She groaned.

"Wait, really?" I raised an eyebrow, starting to smile a little. "You want me to come with you?" Hearing her say that made me blush a little.

"Hurry up before I change my mind!" She snapped at me, her cheeks flushed a bright red.

I smiled and ran to catch up with her. As soon as I was able to walk alongside her, I caught a glance at her. She had icy amber eyes with an indescribable coldness. Her annoyed facial expression frightened me a little, but it kind of looks rather cute like that.

"What?" Violet asked in her usual snappy tone.

I looked away from her. "N-Nothing."

Violet was unconvinced but she didn't ask me anymore. We just walked along the straight road for awhile, before we were attacked by more monsters. This time there were two Rock Moths with...a larger butterfly with a whole face in between them.

"Darn it! More?" I growled, grabbing for my sword which was strapped on my back. "Violet, do you think you can fight? Or walk?"

"...oh. So that's what happened to Raymond's face." She muttered under her breath. Then Violet glared at me. "And of course I can! I'm not helpless!"

I sighed in defeat. There's just no reasoning with Violet. With my sword in my hand, I smacked the Raymond Butterfly in the face hoping I hit a weak point. It winced in pain, but was still able to fight. The butterfly rushed for Violet, ready to finish her off. Violet appeared to be doing something to the ground.

"Violet!" I yell at her. "In front of you!"

She glared at me. "I'm well aware, thank you very much!"

Wow. I'm starting to think she wants to die. The Raymond Butterfly was ready to strike her any moment, when something seemed to stop it in its tracks.

"Yes! Caught it!" Violet whispered while doing a fist pump. "It seems like the thief job IS useful after all!"

"Wait, that was a booby trap?" I asked, rather curious. "When did you learn how to do that?"

"Since I defeated a slime with a child's face on it. Don't ask." Violet grumbled, while preparing to throw one of her daggers. "And I've never had to use it until now."

"Oh." I whispered. I then ran up to one of the Rock Moths and finished it off. "You gonna use it again?"

"No, but I need to warm up before I attack. Cover for me." She stated before launching into a bunch of serious looking stretches.

"Fine." I mumbled. Is she actually trying to make me do all the work? No use in dwelling on that, though. I turned to face the large butterfly with Raymond's face on it. "Okay, Raymond or whatever your name is, time for you to be freed!"

I slashed at the butterfly, aiming for its wings this time. Barely a tear in the wing, but a mark was left on it. It slapped me with its other wing, sending me backwards.

"You done yet?" I shouted, getting irritable.

Violet smirked. "Now I am." She then looked at me seriously. "But I need a little help finishing the enemy off." I internally groaned.

"How?" I asked, trying as much as possible not to be rude. "Distract the enemy? Be your human shield?"

"No, I need you to help me throw my knives. It'll finish this sooner, I swear."

That is...actually pretty smart. I thought she was going to ask me to do something stupid, really. Violet passed me a dagger and then she threw her knife at the butterfly. The dagger was rather sharp looking, too. It hit the butterfly across its body, leaving a rather large looking wound. The other Rock Moth fell onto the ground before vanishing.

"How did you do more than me?" I whisper, shocked.

Violet slyly grinning at me. "That's what happens when you're prepared! Now throw it!"

I threw the dagger rather clumsily, but somehow it managed to hit the Raymond Butterfly. The butterfly fell to the ground, with Raymond's face floating up before returning to him.

"Oh! Thank you!" he said. I smiled. It was nice to do something good for a change.

The face floated towards Greenhorne, leaving me and Violet alone. She was smiling, and looking at me. That's a surprise.

"Thanks for helping me out, Tristan." Violet sighed with the smile still on her face. "I think we got off on the wrong foot." She THINKS?! "I'm Violet, and I'm a thief. A cautious one, at that."

"Cautious? I can somewhat tell, but isn't it more obvious that you're pretty stubborn?" I commented.

Violet looked offended. "Stubborn? I'm not stubborn! No way, no how!"

"My point proven!"

"I'm not stubborn!" She growls at me, with her cheeks showing a bright red. I guess she doesn't like the truth, huh?

"So you think you're a big softie instead?" I chuckled. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

She stuck out her tongue at me. "No! I'm neither! I thought we've been through this!"

"Oh, alright." I rolled my eyes. "You're pretty fun to mess with, though."

"Hmph! Let's just find an inn for now." Violet pushed me aside and continued where we left off. She was limping, though. Probably from the fights prior.

"...Hey, uh...Violet?" I tapped her shoulder. "You're still limping. Do you need help?"

"No! Don't think I haven't noticed you checking me out, Tristan!" Violet snapped.

My face reddened quickly. "I haven't been looking at you like that, I swear! I wasn't even going to suggest anything like that!"

"Oh? And your brilliant suggestion is?" Violet hissed.

I pulled out an HP Banana from my pocket. "This. Take it."

"A fruit. Are you sure that you're fine?"

"It's an HP Banana it'll heal you!" I snapped at her.

She reluctantly ate the fruit, taking little nibbles of it. I'm starting to doubt she trusts me that much. Once she finished it, she jumped up. She ran ahead for a little, and then stopped to let me catch up.

"Wow! I'm starting to feel better already!" Violet exclaimed. "What kind of banana is that?"

"An HP Banana. It heals you of your wounds." Violet stared at me in disbelief. "Don't look at me like that, I don't know either. But I am an expert on anything else HP Banana related."

"What makes you say that?" Violet held back her laughter.

"My mom worked in an HP Banana factory. It's only natural that I learn the trade, at least."

Violet tilted her head. "Ah, okay. But just out of curiosity, what does your mother do now then?"

"It's kind of personal, Violet." I whimpered out of discontent. "I really don't like talking about it. As in never mentioning it to no one."

"Alright then. I've got personal things I'd like to keep to myself, too." Violet shrugged her shoulders. We were closer to the inn now. "But since you shared something about your family, I'll tell you a bit about mine."

"Okay, then."

Violet wistfully sighed. "I have a twin sister, actually. Her name is Twyla. She's very, very energetic. And she loves playing pranks on others."

"Has she pranked you before?" I ask.

"Of course she has!" Violet laughed a bit longer before returning to her serious look. "But...of course I'll never see her again. So there's no use in basking in old memories."

That certainly shocked me. Never see her again? What was Violet implying? Did something bad happen to Twyla? Is Violet a murderer...? She couldn't be. Even if Violet is mean and rude and such, I doubt she'd go that far. I shook off my suspicions quickly, seeing that Violet was ahead of me. I caught up in time to hear her point out the obvious.

"Oh, hey! There's an inn!" Violet cheered. "Let's pop in for some rest!"

"Not a bad idea." I agreed. "And maybe we could see if they have an Adventurer's Tavern. I'm both famished and parched."

"Adventurer's Tavern...? What's that? Is it like the Traveller's Hub?" Violet asked.

I slapped my forehead. "Weren't you a traveller before this mission? The Adventurer's Tavern is a place inside an inn where adventurers can eat, drink and share stories with other adventurers. It's also a pretty good place for gossip, if you're into that kind of stuff."

"Oh! Okay, that makes more sense." Violet nodded in understanding. "But why bring up gossip to me? I don't like talking about others."

"I should be more clear. I like gossip, but I only listen. And it's a good thing to know what others are saying about you, you know."

"Hmm. Well, you've gotten my interest. I wanna check out this Adventurer's Tavern myself." Violet decided. "Let's just run to the inn, alright?"

"Alright. Let's make it a race, then." I shrugged my shoulders. We both got into positions for to race. "Three...two...one!"

We both rushed for the inn, going as fast as we could. I smiled to myself. You know, maybe this quest won't be so bad. Maybe I might even be able to face the Dark Lord. But as long as I'm alongside Violet, I get the feeling that everything will be okay.

---

(Violet POV)

Me and Tristan had finally reached the inn, after that lengthy adventure. I was ready to collapse. We were still in the lobby, deciding rooms.

"Should we share a room? It's cheaper." Tristan suggested.

I narrowed my eyes. "I don't think so, buddy. Just because we're on friendly terms it doesn't mean I'm okay with you checking me out."

"Are you still assuming that? I told you, I'm not looking at you!" Tristan snapped, his cheeks a rosy red. "Come on, let's just go to the Adventurer's Tavern." Tristan crossed his arms and walked over to the door that lead to the tavern.

I sighed. Maybe I shouldn't bring it up anymore. Even if I'm right, though. I don't understand how he thinks I don't notice it. I could tell that he was looking at my legs during that battle, even if he didn't say anything. I followed after him to the tavern, and to my surprise he waited for me.

"Alright, after you." Tristan calmly sighed, opening the door for me.

I walked into the room to see a bunch of adventurers chatting amongst themselves or stuffing their faces. I have to say, Tristan wasn't wrong. This looks like a very good place to gossip.

I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Violet, let's go find somewhere to sit." Tristan urged.

We walked over to an empty booth in a corner. I slumped onto the chair, happy to finally sit down. Tristan seemed to be just as happy to sit as me.

"So, why did we come here again?" I yawned. I just noticed that I'm getting tired.

Tristan whispered, "Information on the Dark Lord, duh. Did you really think I'd come here just to get drunk?"

"Mmm...maybe?" I shakily retort. You'd think I would've said that louder, but no. Cause I'm actually pretty terrified now that we're in a room filled with people.

"What's wrong, Vi? I've never seen you so shaken up." Tristan asked with a concerned look on his face.

I would've yelled at him for calling me "Vi", but I could ignore that. What's more important is that I'm hearing genuine concern, coming from him. I never thought I'd see that.

I sighed. "Nothing, it's just...there's a lot of people in here. I can't deal with others that well."

"But you can deal with me." Tristan added. "And trust me, I'm hard to deal with."

"I know you're hard to deal with." I groaned. He looked pretty annoyed by that. Oh. He only said that to make me feel better. "But you're an individual. I can handle one or two people at a time. More than that...then it's a big no no."

I could tell that Tristan was unhappy with the noises in here as well. He kept looking at the bar, as if he was resisting something.

I grumbled. "You know, I never said you couldn't drink anything."

"Wait, what? No, I can't drink. I don't drink." Tristan clarified. "I'm looking at that." He pointed over to the commotion nearby the bar.

From what I could tell, a fight was going on and it wasn't pretty. There was a small looking man with white and turquoise robes and a taller man with bluish purple robe with white highlights. Both had wands, so I guessed they were mages of some sort. The person they were fighting with was a woman taller than both of them, and she was wearing a white and black...vestment, I think? The sounds got even louder as the fight continued.

"Look, I don't know who you are, but you need to leave." the small man wearing the white robe ordered. He had a very high pitched voice indeed. In fact, it hurts my ears. "You've caused quite enough trouble with your stupidity already."

The woman growled at him. "MY stupidity? YOU'RE the one you spilt my drink! I'd outta make you pay for all forty ounces of my wine!"

I winced at that number. FORTY ounces? Oh boy, that woman apparently must have some big problems to be drinking that much alcohol. I turned back to face Tristan. He had the same reaction I had.

"Forty ounces? Do you think she's drunk?" I whisper to him.

Tristan nodded. "Yeah. Once you've been here a couple of times, it's very easy to tell the difference. That woman's obviously drunk."

"You're making us pay? We didn't do anything to you!" the white robed man shouted.

"You spilt my drink! That's bad enough!" she hollered back. This woman isn't going to back down, isn't she?

The white robed man took out a strange looking staff that curved at the top and that had a jewel in the curvy part. The jewel began to glow, and a magical aura began to form around him. The woman took out her own staff, which to my surprise and amusement was a stick. Several jeers and taunts were thrown at her for her weapon choice. I kind of felt bad for her.

"Just STOP!!" Everyone turned around to see the taller man in the middle of the two. I stood on my knees on the booth chair to get a better look at him. He had somewhat dark skin with freckles; he also had silver eyes with very dark auburn hair. I'm ashamed to admit it, but that guy is pretty handsome.

The blue robed man was on the verge of crying. "Stargaze, let's just pay for her drink and go! I don't wanna get beaten up by someone because of you!"

"Silverfire, we didn't do anything!" Stargaze retorted. "She knocked it down herself!"

"Excuse me? Last time I checked, it was you who spilt it!"

"You're just saying that because you're drunk!" Stargaze shot back. He turned to face Silverfire. "And no- I said it once and I'll say it again; I'm not paying for her drink!"

With that Stargaze stomped off to the lobby. Silverfire sighed and walked over to the woman.

"Sorry about my brother. I can pay, if you'd like."

The woman shrugged her shoulders. "Alright, whatever floats your boat."

I smiled to myself, my cheeks feeling hot. Silverfire was a gentleman, wasn't he? I can imagine myself travelling with someone like him. I can't help but feel bad for him, though. He has to deal with an aggressive person like that all the time, plus the fact that they're brothers? I pity him, I really do. I turned to face Tristan, who was looking a bit too smug.

"What?" I asked him calmly.

Tristan was turning red with laughter. "I've noticed that you've taken a fancy to that guy over there." He pointed at Silverfire, who was now sitting back down at his seat in a booth.

"N-No!" I snapped, my cheeks turning red.

Tristan got up and gestured for me to get up too. "Come on, Violet. I'm sure he doesn't bite."

I begrudgingly got up from my seat and followed along. Why was Tristan trying to get all up in my business all of a sudden? That's really unlike him.

"Hey. You saving these seats?" Tristan asked Silverfire.

Silverfire looked up, bewildered. "What did you say? I wasn't paying attention, sorry."

"...idiot..." Tristan mumbled quietly. I growled at him softly. "I asked if you were saving those seats."

"Oh! No, not anymore." Silverfire shrugged his shoulders. "Did you want to sit here?"

"Actually, we were hoping if we could sit down with you. Is that alright?" Tristan explained. I noticed that he was exasperated with Silverfire already.

"Sure!"

We both sat down in the seat across from him. Tristan lightly elbowed me, trying to get me to say something. I refused to say something, though. He sighed. Tristan wasn't going to get me to say anything.

Tristan spoke up for me. "You see, my travelling companion here, which is Violet, seems to be unable to take her eyes off of y-" Tristan stopped when he realised Silverfire wasn't even paying attention. "Hey! Aren't you listening at all?"

"Oh? Oh, sorry..." Silverfire apologized sincerely. "I'm really airheaded. Stargaze calls me a liability because of it."

I'm starting to really dislike this Stargaze fellow. He thinks his brother is useless because he's being himself? That's just horrible. I think Silverfire's airheadedness makes him adorable. And he can't change who he is, now can he?

"Well I think your brother is horrible to say that!" I shouted, surprising Silverfire and Tristan. "You can't change yourself, after all."

Silverfire looked away from me. "But I wish I could."

"Look, dude. It doesn't matter what Stargaze thinks. You're your own person." Tristan grumpily responded.

"Stargaze has nothing to do with it." Silverfire hissed. "It's..." He stopped suddenly to look at the door. I glanced over as well to see Stargaze at the door, waiting for his brother. "I need to go." Silverfire looked back at me one last time before leaving. "And Violet- I expect we'll be seeing each other soon."

I shivered violently. What was that? And how did he know my name? He definitely wasn't paying attention to Tristan when he was talking to him about me. Something seemed off about him, and if I'm going to see him again, then...I'll have to get to the bottom of this.

"Violet, I think we should go." Tristan urged. For once, I agree with him. We walked out of the Adventurer's Tavern and headed to the front desk. We decided to share a room. Once we got into the room, I collapsed onto the closest bed.

I sighed. "What even was today?"

"I have no idea, Violet. But I'll tell you what." Tristan shrugged his shoulders. "Bright Scar knows what she's doing, even if we think it's crazy and/or stupid. Who knows, we might even get our next companion tomorrow."

"You really think so?"

Tristan nodded. "Yeah, in a way. But for now, let's just hit the hay. I'm pretty bushed." He walked over to his bed after taking off his armor. "'Night."

"Alright. Good night, then." I whispered back. Tristan didn't seem to hear me. I heard snoring from my right side. "...Wow, he really was tired."

---

(Silverfire POV)

Me, Stargaze and another one of our friends, Columbia were sitting outside late at night. We were training our skills, except for Columbia who was writing in her notebook.

"Alright, Silverfire. Let's practice a basic move." Stargaze panted, still out of breath from our last mock battle.

I grumbled to myself. I don't get why he's trying to train me still. I already know how to cast the basic spells. Why is still he treating me like I'm useless? Then I remembered at once; my conversation with Violet and Tristan. They both said I was pretty airheaded, but at least Violet didn't care. I heard what Tristan had said about me- that I was an idiot. And in every way, he was right.

Columbia finally interrupted. "Stargaze, don't you think Silverfire is ready to learn the advanced techniques? He's already mastered Fire, Lightning and Explosion."

"I won't teach him anything higher than that, and you know why." Stargaze uttered through bared teeth.

"Stargaze, your little brother has feelings too. You've got to understand that."

"Please Stargaze! I won't hurt anybody!" I begged.

"No! I shouldn't even be watching you. Why did Hazel make me take care of you?" Stargaze snarled at me. I winced at the mention of Hazel. Hazel is my older sister, but younger than Stargaze. The both of us were travelling together when the incident happened. Since then I've had to be babysitted by Stargaze.

Columbia got up from where she was sitting. She looked at Stargaze sternly. "Hazel sacrificed her life to save your little brother! You should be happy that he's alive!"

"Well I'm not! He never should've existed, anyways!" Stargaze snapped at her. "From what I've seen, he's a living curse!"

"Stop!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. They both stopped fighting to look at me. "If I'm such a burden on you, Stargaze, then why won't you let me leave?"

"I'm doing this to protect you, you ungrateful brat!" Stargaze responded.

"Are you really trying to protect me? Or are you trying to protect yourself?"

Stargaze glared at me. "If you haven't noticed, I'm trying to make sure you don't kill anyone else!"

"Well fine, then! Since I'm obviously a threat to everyone, I'll run away to the most solitary area in the world!" I spat back at Stargaze before turning away from him to run. They called for me to come back, I couldn't care less. I'm done with Stargaze. For good.

(Violet POV)

I groggily opened my eyes. I'm still pretty tired from yesterday. Feeling a lot better, though. I threw the bed covers off of me and onto the floor.

"I might as well put on my clothes now." I yawned. After I finished getting dressed, I looked over to Tristan's side of the room. His bed was empty. "Where did he run off to...?"

I grumbled to myself. I don't have time to deal with his stupidity right now! We need to be getting ready to go! Then I heard the door open. Tristan walked into the room.

"Oh, I thought you were still asleep." Tristan mumbled.

I growled at him. "What were you doing?"

Tristan shrugged his shoulders. "I was out for a walk, and I saw something. And it made me think of you, so have a present." He took out a medium sized box with wrapping paper on it.

"Y-You're sure?" I stammered. I didn't expect him to go out of his way just to get me something.

"Yep. Open it."

I ripped off the wrapping paper vigorously, only to have bits of tape sticking on my fingers. Tristan held his laughter. I glared at him.

"Don't. Say. Anything." I hissed.

I returned my attention back to the box. I've finally gotten all of the wrapping paper of. Now all that's left is to open the box itself! I carefully opened the box, making sure more tape wouldn't get stuck on me. After opening the box, I took out what was inside.

I looked up to see Tristan's face. "Heh, heh." He was chuckling to himself. "I think you'll like it." I then looked at the object in my hands.

"W-Wow, Tristan..." I breathed. I was speechless. "You bought me a bouquet of roses? That's really sweet of you."

"It's to make up for last night in the Adventurer's Tavern." Tristan explained.

I grinned, beaming with glee. "Doesn't matter. None of it was your fault."

Tristan smiled back, and then walked over to his bed. He grabbed his sword and slung it on his back.

"Alright, are you ready to go?" Tristan asked.

I nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, let's go!"

---

(Tristan POV)

We were now walking along another road, this time without argument or complaint. Violet was already ahead of me, rushing to the next inn. We decided that it was best to look for any faces up North first. But first we've got to find the path that leads North.

"Hey, uh...Violet?" I called for her. "I'm starting to think we're lost!"

That seemed to stop her instantly. She turned around slowly. "Are you questioning my leadership?"

"Who said you were the leader of anything?"

"And who was tasked with saving Miitopia?" Violet retorted. For once, I didn't have a comeback. "That's what I thought. Don't mention it again."

Violet continued walking ahead of me, but now was more pouty than yesterday. I managed to catch up to her, only for her to look away from me.

"What?" She irritably asked.

I sighed. "I'm sorry for insulting you leadership." When saying that I did roll my eyes while she wasn't looking, so I guess it wasn't that sincere. "Maybe it's because I forgot to eat something this morning. Maybe that's why I'm so crabby today."

Violet shrugged her shoulders, indifferent. "It's okay. I'm crabby all the time, so you'll just have to put up with it." I've noticed...

---

Soon we were in a clearing, a small one at that. I noticed the sky was dark.

"Violet, is it just me or did the sky get dark fast?" I whispered. This dark sky was very familiar. And it wasn't sunset, because it was morning just a few minutes ago.

She was frozen in fear. "Oh no, I'm so not ready for this..."

"Ready for wha-" I began before a sinister laugh cut me off. "...oh crap..."

"Hmm? Well look who it is! You just keep turning up like a bad penny!"

We looked up to see the Dark Lord, Mapleshade right above us. Violet looked both irritated and scared at the same time. I was shaking in cold sweat.

"Mapleshade!" Violet growled, her voice trembling a little. "Prepare to taste defeat!" Wait, is she serious? If I remember correctly, we were getting beaten up very easily by Rock Moths. She'd better not be serious, or so help me...

"Pffffft...Aaaahh ha ha haaaaa!" Mapleshade snorted. "That was a good one, I must say! Well, since you both want it so much," The Dark Lord growls, glaring directly at me. "Let's dance!" Mapleshade conjured up a large mass of dark energy.

"Erm..." Violet mumbled. She looked at me. "...Tristan are you alright...?" Those were the last words I remember hearing before passing out.

---

(Violet's POV)

Tristan was now laying on the ground, passed out. I didn't think this would scare him this much. Mapleshade held the dark matter in his hands. He was ready to attack me and Tristan. I whimpered to myself. Was this actually how we were going to end?

"Hold it right there!" A high pitched voice called out.

Both me and Mapleshade were confused. Who was that?

"Who dares interrupt me?" Mapleshade hissed.

A man wearing a white robe charged forwards. He had a strange looking staff, like the guy me and Tristan saw in the Adventurer's Tavern. Oh no...this guy again? Wasn't his name Stargaze? If he was here, then where's Silverfire? Then I also noticed a woman wearing some sort of white coat with goggles strapped around her head. What was she supposed to be?

Stargaze looked directly at Mapleshade. "Hmm...So you're the Dark Lord I've been hearing so much about. You won't be getting your way for much longer!" That strange staff of his starting glowing again. He must be preparing to attack, I guess. "Not if I have anything to say about it!"

The woman looked frightful for a couple of moments. "Stargaze, l-let's just leave so we can find Silverfire." She whispered.

"Absolutely not." Stargaze retorted back. Hmm. They must not like each other that much.

Mapleshade glared at them. "Didn't anyone ever tell you nobody likes a party pooper?" He looked back me. "I might just let you off the hook...this time! Bye for now! Mwaa ha ha haaaa!" And with that he vanished into the air.

"And breathe..." I sighed heavily. That was very close, I tell you. I think it's been the fifth near death situation for me, hasn't it?

"I remember you. You were the ones talking to my little brother, Silverfire." He crossed his arms. Was he upset? "Do you have any idea where he is now? I said some...mean things about him last night that I never should've said. He ran away, so I'm looking for him."

"If you don't know, then I don't know." I growled back. Don't think I'm going to be all friendly with him just because he saved my life. I have my doubts.

"Don't be so rude to him. I had too much trouble calming him down last night, and saying something like that isn't going to help anyone." The woman hissed back to me. I was about to say something, but I went with my common sense on this one.

Stargaze sniveled a little. "It's all my fault...he could be dead because of me..." His travelling partner hugged him, her eyes brimming with sympathy.

"H-Hey, there's no need to get all upset. I'm sure Silverfire can manage by himself for a while." I comforted him. I had to crouch down to get to eye level. He is very short.

He only sighed. "I hope so...why was the Dark Lord attacking you, anyways?"

"Well, you see, this spirit called Bright Scar forced me to take on Mapleshade. The only problem is that I'm am a weakling. I mean, so is he but at least he knows how to fight." 'Somewhat.'

"So you are the chosen hero to save Miitopia? You honestly don't seem like hero material, but beggars can't be choosers, I guess." Stargaze shrugged his shoulders. That was rude. I can be hero material! "And you say that you aren't that strong yet?"

"You don't need to rub it in..."

"I can sense a strange power within you, however. It's not very much at the moment, but even I felt it when I first saw you." He gave me and Tristan a nod. "But if you continue your journey, it'll grow as you do. So just hang in there."

That was kind of confusing to me. "Was that a positive or negative about me?"

"Positive! Now, if you don't mind, me and Columbia here got to keep looking for Silverfire..." Stargaze said, now looking off towards the East. "If fortune is on our side, we might meet again. Until then!"

After they left, I was dumbfounded. So now what? I've got a few choices. One, I could attempt to wake up Tristan, which probably wasn't going to be easy. Two, I could try to carry him on my back until he's awake. But that doesn't count now as I'm starting to see how hard it would be with his armor on. What to do?

A rustling sound came from behind me. "W-What was that?" Then I heard a voice shout in that same direction. Oh no. It's more monsters, isn't it? Wait, monsters can't talk. That voice also sounded familiar as well...

"I can't believe it! I finally have a good excuse for leaving home!"

I turned around to see a woman who was wearing black and white clothing, holding a twig in her hands. She had black hair that was tied up into a ponytail and had dark green eyes, the same shade as Tristan's. Oh, now I remember. She's that drunk woman who was in a fight with Stargaze.

The woman noticed me and Tristan in the middle of the road and rushed over to us.

"So you must be Violet, right? I've heard about you from Bright Scar."

I shakily nodded. I'm honestly scared of this woman. I know she isn't as angry as last night but...still!

She crossed her arms. "Jeez, I'm not going to bite your head off!" She outstretched her left arm to me. "I'm Holly of Neksdor Town. I'm a cleric in training."

"Neksdor...? Is that supposed to be funny, or...?"

"Yes, that's the name of the town. I'm not the one who came up with it, so don't blame me." Holly gritted through her teeth. Okay, I'm not going to bring that subject up again.

I shook her hand back. "So you're a cleric? Then first, before we go on, can you help my friend here? He took a nasty shock from seeing the Dark Lord."

Holly looked down at Tristan. She raised an eyebrow. "I don't think he needs any help. He's going to wake up soon, anyways." Holly looked back at me. "So, Mapleshade attacked you already, huh? I think we should get going as soon as he wakes up."

"Good idea. By the way, do you remember last night in the Adventurer's Tavern?" I asked hesitantly.

Holly was confused for a second. "What are you- oh! Oh! That. I remember the guy who paid for my drink and the guy I was arguing with, but the rest is a blank."

"Well, the guy you were fighting with saved our lives and he's looking for the guy who paid for your drink. I doubt you know where he is, anyways." I explained briefly.

"Alright, then." Holly shrugged her shoulders. "Also, your friend is waking up."

I looked back down to see Tristan slowly getting up. 'He just had to faint, didn't he?'

"Where's the Dark Lord?" Tristan mumbled, confused. "What happened?"

"I'll explain it all to you later. The person here is Holly. She's our next teammate."

Tristan got up and looked at Holly. "Isn't she the woman who got drunk last night in the Adventurer's Tavern?" He looked back to me. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Aren't you contradicting what you told me last night?" I retort back. "Besides, Bright Scar's the one who called her, not me."

"Hmph. Stop reminding me." Tristan rolled his eyes. He sharply glanced at Holly. "What are we going to do for rooms, then?"

"What?" I asked. Aren't we allowed to have a room for three?

Tristan glowered at me. "Seriously. Did you live under a rock before you started travelling? Every Miitopian inn only allows two people per room. With three people in our group, that complicates things. Who's going to be sleeping on their own tonight?"

"I will, then." I offered, with a hint of anger in my voice. "Since you seem to think it's okay to constantly insult me." I stormed off away from them. I couldn't think about anything else but getting away.

---

(Holly POV)

I stood next to Tristan, still dumbfounded. What was that all about? Clearly Violet and Tristan don't see eye to eye, but aren't they supposed to be working together? I'm not sure that I want to be on this dysfunctional team.

Tristan sighed. "I don't know what her problem is."

I narrowed my eyes. Like he's the innocent one here. I can't believe these two would just fight over something as stupid as that.

"I don't know what both of your problems are! Aren't you supposed to be friends?" I yelled at him, starting to raise my voice quickly. "You don't need to be so rude to her all the time!"

"I'm not the rude one! She is!" Tristan snapped back at me. "She constantly thinks that I'm staring at her, even though I'm not! And she's quick to yell at me!"

"What did you say to her when you first met?" I sighed. He wasn't very smart, was he? "How did you meet? Chances are, you were rude to her first and then she got all aggressive towards you." He glared at me. "Don't give me that look. You know what I mean. You both need to make amends soon, because you are going get us all killed."

Tristan just looked away from me. I walked ahead of him. "Fine. Be that way."

---

Much later we found another inn. Thankfully, Tristan seemed to listen to me and bunk with Violet. I got a single room. Honestly I don't want to deal with either of them at the moment. Before going to our rooms, we headed down to the Adventurer's Tavern to discuss the course of action.

"Maybe we should head North," Violet suggested. "One of the missing faces could be there."

Tristan looked exasperated by Violet. "The missing faces could be anywhere!" Violet glared at him, but didn't say anything. "I say that we head to the gove down South. It's much closer."

"In that case, we could head for the cave that's Southeast then." I sighed. They're most likely going to fight over where we're headed, aren't they?

Violet gave me a hard stare. "Don't encourage him. Either way whether you like it or not, I'm the leader of the group, so therefore I decide which way we go."

"No one wants to go that way, Violet!" Tristan yelled at her. "If you haven't noticed, me and Holly don't want to walk that long!"

"Fine. Then we'll split up the workload." Violet hissed at both of us. I saw tears ready to fall from her eyes. "I'll go North, and you guys go South." She walked out of the tavern, leaving me and Tristan behind.

I glared at Tristan. Earlier I thought he was stupid but...this? Well, scratch that, both of them are stupid. I swear, there is nothing but abuse in their relationship.

"Why did you bring me into this?" I asked him, restraining the anger in my voice.

Tristan seemed to take the hint that I was pissed with him. "Sorry." He snapped. He wasn't very apologetic at all.

"'Sorry' doesn't solve anything! Violet is now pissed off with you, so much so that she decided that we should 'split up the workload'! Seeing how much you pissed her off, I wouldn't be surprised if she's already left! She's going to get herself killed, and I doubt that you would have the heart to care!"

He just got up and walked towards the exit. "You don't know anything about me, Holly. So keep your damn mouth shut." Tristan trudged out of the room, with only me left. I was on the brink of tears.

"Why did Bright Scar choose me to help these idiots...?" I whispered to myself. I felt someone tapping on my shoulder. I looked up to see that guy who paid for my drink yesterday. I don't remember his name, though. Wait, did I even know it in the first place?

The guy looked sympathetic. "Hey, you're a friend of Violet, right?"

"I guess so..." I responded. I don't know how I'm "friends" with them anyways.

"Then come on. Go get Tristan and meet me at the inn's lobby." He ordered immediately. "We've got to save her before she gets herself killed."

(Tristan POV)

"Tristan, get up!"

I opened my eyes to see Holly standing right next to my bed. She was glaring at me with intensity. What time was it?

I stretched for a bit. "Why'd you get me up so early? Can't it wait?"

"If I must remind you, Violet's run off because of your stupidity." Holly hissed at me. "We've got to perform a rescue mission right now, whether you like it or not."

Violet...was actually serious about that? I thought she was just overreacting like she normally does. Wait, why did she overreact so much? It then hits me that I'm the one who started our whole feud with each other. Now looking back, I really shouldn't've kicked her...

"I just realised what you meant. I need to apologize to her." I sighed. "But how are the two of us going to find her?"

"You're incorrect. The THREE of us." Holly smirked, either because I realised that I was wrong or that she's getting to tell me I'm wrong again. "There's this guy who asked if we were friends of Violet, and that we needed to save her right now."

"What did he look like?" I asked, struggling to put on my armor. Seriously, the problem with getting out quickly is that this stupid armor takes too long to put on. It doesn't even fit me that well.

Holly was silent for a minute. "He had dark auburn hair, light brown tan, freckles and silver eyes." She then let out a dreamy sigh. "He's so attractive. Well, to me at least."

"I remember him," I remarked. "That's Silverfire, the guy that Violet has a little crush on."

"Wait, Violet does?" Holly mutters to herself, seeming to forget I was there. "That's unfortunate for me..."

"What was that, Holly?" I asked. She quickly looked up to see me glaring at her. Holly rushed over to the door, with her face flushed a hot pink.

"N-Nothing! Nothing at all!" Holly stammered. Please don't tell me she likes him too. "Come on, he's downstairs waiting. So get off your lazy butt and get ready!" She then slammed the door in a rage. I sighed. My armor was already on, I have my sword. Time to go.

---

(Silverfire POV)

I watched the other people come and go through the inn's doors while waiting for Tristan and Holly to hurry up. I mean it, if they don't get down here soon, I'll save Violet myself. And trust me, it might seem to be impossible for me to do that all alone, but it's actually a pushover. In fact, I don't even have to save Violet if I don't want to. But, it's a wiser option to save her. Even though we'd have to put up with her complaining all the time.

Then I saw Holly and Tristan rushing over to me. They were out of breath, probably from going down the stairs when they could've just used the elevator.

"I was wondering when you'd finally show up." I calmly stated, trying not to offend them. "I was about to leave on my own."

"You? On your own?! Don't make me laugh," Tristan snickered. "You're far too airheaded to even last one second out there." Holly elbowed him in the shoulder. She glared at him, and then looked back me with an admiring gleam in her eyes.

Holly smiled at me. "Don't listen to this idiot, he doesn't understand what his stupidity does to others."

I had to admit, Holly was nicer than Tristan. That's a good thing.

"Well, we need to start now. Violet's probably gone North." I gestured for them to follow me. "Let's go."

---

It had been a couple of hours since we'd set off, and already everyone was fed up with each other. Mainly with me. Tristan had been complaining that he should be the one leading because he's stronger than the rest of us (ha, as if) and Holly had grumbling about how Tristan landed all of us into this mess. Although she's very, very, very right, it's not really going to help us very much.

"Hmm? What's that noise?" I whispered, after hearing the bushes rustle.

Tristan glared at me. "See? You're letting stupid things get in your way, therefore I should be the leader!"

"Shut up, Tristan!" Holly shouted, also smacking him in the face. I don't blame her. I would've done that pretty soon now, too.

"Stop it, this instant!" I snarled at the two of them, who were now ready to brawl with each other. "Did I take you with me so you could beat each other up out here instead of at the inn? No! I took you with me so we could save your leader!" Tristan was about to say something, but apparently thought better of it. "Obviously, it seems that you both don't care about Violet that much. If you did care, you all would get along with each other. So cut the crap and start getting along."

They both looked genuinely surprised that I snapped at them like that. Well tough shit. They should've thought better than to start a fight in the middle of nowhere. And they should've realised by now that I'm already pissed with them. I don't care if they say I don't know them at all. The way they treat each other is utter bull.

I gave them one last look. "And also, the noise I heard? Yeah, that was a monster. That could've led us to where Violet is. Seriously, what is wrong with you people?"

---

(Violet POV)

I wiped away my tears falling from my eyes. I kept up my pace towards the mountain range up ahead.

"I don't need them at all. I can save the world on my own." I repeated for the tenth time, trying to convince myself that I could. I walked towards the sign that led to a fork in the road. "I can go...left or right. Might as well go left. Doesn't really matter that much in the long run."

I headed left, still holding back my tears from before. One or two of them had slipped, but none came out regardless.

"Violet, this is Bright Scar. Can you hear me?" Bright Scar's voice spoke through the pendant, which was worn on my neck.

I sighed in defeat. "Yes. I can hear you." Why was Bright Scar talking to me now of all times?

Bright Scar whispered. "Violet, you must return to your companions. You know very well you can't do this alone."

"What's the point? None of them like me or each other anyways." I started to sob uncontrollably, finally releasing all the tears that I was withholding. Which was a lot. "Tristan's always rude to me and Holly doesn't even seem to care about anyone at all! Ever since I left home no one's liked me at all..."

"Violet, please listen to me-" Bright Scar began. I don't care what she has to say. It doesn't matter.

"No! I'm done with this! I'm done with it all!" I growled at Bright Scar.

Bright Scar was now more concerned. "Violet, I know what you're thinking. Don't do it."

"It doesn't matter anymore, Bright Scar." I whispered hollowly. "Go find someone else to be Miitopia's hero. I quit."

---

(Silverfire POV)

Minutes later, we stopped to take a tiny break. No one had spoken a single word after I had snapped. I'm hoping that means my message got through to them. We were sitting on some rocks in a small clearing. Holly and Tristan seemed to be a tiny bit more friendly towards each other than earlier, so I guess that's good news.

"Silverfire, I think we should continue." Tristan stated, without any hatred for once.

I nodded my head. "I agree. I'm starting to feel uneasy."

Holly and Tristan got up quickly and walked back onto the path. I hesitated, though. Something didn't smell right. Greenhorne usually smells of fresh grass or newly blooming flowers. I sniffed the air again. Yep, that isn't any smell of grass or flowers. That's blood.

"Holly and Tristan, wait!" I shouted. They stopped and immediately ran back over. "Do you smell that?"

They both checked to find the odor. Holly winced. "Oh, yuck. That's blood!"

"Are you saying that we should check it out?" Tristan asked, grimacing from the smell.

"Yes. It smells fresh. Obviously we need to." I answered. Wow, I didn't think that they'd hate the smell this much.

Tristan placed his arms behind his head. "Well in that case, you lead the way."

We followed the scent for a few minutes, and then came across another clearing. It looked rather small. The odor of blood was even stronger over here. Holly didn't bother to look up; she was too busy holding her nose. Tristan hesitantly looked closer in the clearing, and then dashed forwards after he widened his eyes. I looked for what he saw. Then I realised what it was. There was a human body in the middle of the clearing. With long black hair and wearing thief's gear. It was Violet.

---

(Tristan POV)

"Violet! Violet! Wake up!" I pleaded, while shaking her violently. No response. I noticed a somewhat small and deep gash in her throat. What did this to her?

Silverfire was now beside me, alongside Holly. Silverfire looked at Holly pleadingly.

"I- I don't think I can..." Holly whispered, unsure of herself. Silverfire looked at her desperately. "I've never healed anyone before..."

"Please, Holly." Silverfire begged, his voice starting to crack. "I'm begging you. Save Violet before it's too late."

Holly gulped. "O-Okay. I'll try." She then began to close her eyes and muttered something, like it was some ancient password.

"What happened to her...?" I asked numbly. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

Silverfire looked at the wound on her neck. "I don't think a monster did this, Tristan." He pointed at the gash. "See? That's what a wound from a dagger would look like."

"D-Did she..." I whispered while shuddering. I didn't want to answer that question, and I know Silverfire doesn't want to either. Silverfire only sighed and looked back at Violet's face.

A soft glow enveloped the scar on Violet's neck, and then slowly disappeared. Some of the wound was still there, leaving a visible scar on her neck. Me and Silverfire looked at Holly, who was deeply relieved.

"Phew. I managed to do it." Holly sighed in relief. "I thought it wouldn't work." She looked back at us. "Violet should be waking up any moment now."

Sure enough, Violet did start to wake up. She looked tired, and faded lines of tears were transparent on her face. Silverfire immediately hugged Violet, tears falling down his cheeks. Why was he crying? He barely even knows her.

"Violet." Holly whispered gently. "Please don't run off like that again. Sorry for not being much use." Holly then looked at me and gestured me to say something.

"I'm so sorry, Violet." I sighed. Violet just growled at me and looked away. "I never should've been so rude to you. I realise that now. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"I forgive you." Violet mumbled, still looking away from me. "Don't think I can trust you right away. You'll have to earn my friendship."

I nodded. That's good enough for me. All that matters is that Violet forgave me. And that Violet is okay. Silverfire and Violet broke away from each other once they heard me snickering. I'm sorry, but it's just too cute and funny to not laugh a bit. They both were blushing profusely, now awkwardly avoiding each other's gaze.

Holly looked over towards Silverfire. "What are you going to do, then? Don't you want to get back with your brother?"

"No." Silverfire bitterly spat. "I never want to see him again."

What's up with him? I've never seen him this upset. And what did Stargaze do to him that was so bad?

"So are you just going to start wandering about again?" I asked.

Silverfire shook his head. "Well, I've been thinking on it and..." He looked

a little nervous. "I want to join you guys on your quest." Silverfire glanced down at his feet. "I mean, you don't have to let me join if you don't want me to..."

"Of course you can join~" Holly sweetly cooed. Ew. She then looked at Violet, who glaring at her. "Oh, um yeah. W-What do you say, Violet?"

Violet smiled at Silverfire. "I agree with Holly. If you really want to, you can join us."

Silverfire then looked at me as well. I gave him a nod.

"Really? Thank you all so much! I promise I won't let you down!" Silverfire cheered, joy highlighting his eyes.

The four of us were now fondly chatting with each other, actually enjoying each other's presence for once. Later we all decided to continue along the path, since we were close to an inn. Well I hope we are.

---

(Holly POV)

It's been a couple of minutes since we set off, and we haven't fought with each other since. That's a new record. Since we've taken off, I've been unable to take my eyes off of Silverfire. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem to notice my affection for him. Oh well. He will eventually. Tristan occasionally would smile at me. I would smile back sometimes, but only to be polite.

Soon we were bombarded by some monsters. This time there were some clouds with eyes on them along with some goblins. We all took out our weapons. I took out my stick, which actually is useful, believe it or not.

Violet threw one of her daggers at the enemies. "Hup!" She shouted. Her dagger hit both of the goblins, taking them down first. The clouds were still up in the air.

Silverfire then rushed up to attack the cloud on the left, but then started to suddenly slow down. "H-Huh?" He looked around himself now extremely confused. He then absentmindedly hit the monster on his right instead. What was that? Well, whatever it was, it seemed to lower its guard.

The cloud he hit smacked him back in the face, making Silverfire rush back over to where we were. Violet looked at him with concern. I did the same. That did seem like a nasty blow. Tristan was already charging towards the cloud on the right, aiming for the middle. His blade went directly through it, making it fade into nothing.

"Heh. That was easy." He laughed to himself.

I looked over to Silverfire, who was still wincing in pain. Violet was by his side, asking if he was okay. He gratefully smiled at Violet, who blushed a little. No. I refuse to be shown up. I prepared to cast a healing spell, cure. It's my turn now.

"Cure!" I shouted, confusing both Violet and Silverfire. A greenish blue aura enveloped Silverfire, healing him completely.

He smiled. "Thanks, Holly!"

"Anytime, Silverfire~" I slyly replied, earning a forced grin from Violet. Hah. Now that was amusing.

Violet then threw one of her throwing knives again, knocking out the other cloud thingy. We had won.

"Yes!" Violet yelled, doing a fist pump into the air. "That's the second battle we've won so far!"

I looked over to Tristan, who mouthed "Don't." Okay, clearly this is a discussion for another time. Silverfire was now stretching a little, starting to yawn.

"Hmm? Is someone sleepy?" I asked Silverfire with a grin. He looked back over to me.

He yawned even louder. Silverfire also smiled a little as well. "Yeah...I'm really tired now..."

I seductively smiled back. "Perhaps you'd like to sleep with me tonight, Silvy~?" I purred.

Violet glared at me once she heard the tone of my voice. "Absolutely not. I'll share a room with Silverfire tonight, and you can share with Tristan."

I growled at her. She just keeps getting in the way of me and Silverfire. I guess I'll just have to put up with it. She is the group leader, after all.

Tristan wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "I guess we'll be bunking down for tonight, huh?" I threw his arm off of me and followed Violet and Silverfire, who were now chatting fondly.

---

(Violet POV)

We were now at the inn, already in our planned rooms. Silverfire was standing by window, looking out of it longingly. I was sitting on my bed, still trying to take off my boots. I looked up.

"What's up, dude?" I asked.

Silverfire sighed. "I'm waiting for my sister to come back." He shrugged his shoulders. "I know it's a lost cause, though. They've either killed her or put her behind bars by now..."

This was very worrying. I didn't know he had a sister to begin with, and he's saying that she could be dead or in prison? Whatever happened, Silverfire's had a tough life. I got up off my bed and stood next to him.

"Who said it was lost cause?" I whispered gently, trying not to upset him even more.

"Stargaze did. He said that it was pointless thinking that she lived."

I patted his back. I blinked sympathetically. "He didn't see what happened, though. Did he?"

Silverfire shook his head. "Nope. It was just me and Hazel when we got attacked."

"Then he might be wrong. Hazel could've lived." I assured him, holding back my sympathetic tears. "So you shouldn't lose hope yet."

"Alright. Thanks, Violet." Silverfire mumbled. "And you don't need to start crying for me. I'll be fine."

My cheeks flushed a bright red. He noticed that?

---

(Stargaze POV)

I set my staff down on a rock, hoping it would stand. Columbia noticed that we were slowing down, so she set her stuff on the ground next to mine. We'd been looking for Silverfire all day, and we still haven't found him. I guess he was serious when he said he was running away. I sat on the hard ground next to the rock, trying to find a comfortable spot to sit.

"Stargaze?" Columbia shyly whispered.

I calmly looked back. "Yes?"

"C-Can I sit next to you?"

"Go ahead." I sighed, not caring anymore what she asked me. I was far too tired to care that much.

Columbia sat down next to me carefully, as if she didn't want to bother me that much. She also looked extremely tired as well. I felt some pity for Columbia. She's never travelled anywhere outside of her hometown, Greenhorne. I noticed that she was dozing off back and forth. Columbia struggled to keep her eyes open. She started leaning forwards as she barely managed to stay awake.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you can sleep on my shoulder." I grumbled softly. Columbia smiled for a brief moment before curling up to rest on my shoulder.

Since Columbia's much taller than me, she has too curl up or crouch down to reach my eye level. What's convenient about this, though is that in the process I get someone big enough to generate enough body heat to keep me warm. You see, I get cold very easily. So whenever I go to sleep, I always have to have someone next to me to keep me warm. I wasn't as embarrassed with Silverfire, but...with Columbia? That's a little too close for me, and me and her don't like each other that much. Of course, I still have no choice.

"Do you think we'll find him?" I sighed. "I was really harsh on him..."

Columbia nuzzled my cheek. "I'm sure we'll find him. We can't lose hope now."

"Maybe you should go back to Greenhorne, Columbia. I don't want you to get in trouble with your father or your sister again." I suggested, hoping that Columbia would listen. Her father is the mayor of Greenhorne town, and her sister Ivy is one of the most ferocious women you will ever meet. Last time when just me and Columbia hung out, they both told us to stay away from each other. Of course, Columbia ignored them and kept seeing me. Either she forgot, or she just doesn't care.

"I told you, I don't care what they think." Columbia reminded me, tears forming in her soft green eyes. "I can take care of myself, regardless of what they think. And if I can't, I know you'll protect me."

I smiled a little. "Yes, I will protect you. Even though you don't seem to need it."

"Yeah, but..." Columbia mumbled, blushing a bit. "I like it when you protect me..." She then proceeded to gently lick my cheek. By now it doesn't bother me. She's done it several times already.

"I know you do." I happily sighed. I laid my head on top of her head. "But what if we don't find Silverfire? What will we do then?"

Columbia barely stirred. I heard soft snoring from my left. Oh great. She fell asleep on me. I didn't actually mean it when I said she could sleep on my shoulder! Now it feels even more awkward and uncomfortable than before. Why? Because if feels like she's trying to cuddle with me. And I don't like cuddling with others. I don't like sharing my personal space.

I grumbled to myself. "Great time to fall asleep, Columbia. Although I can't blame you. That encounter with Mapleshade must've left you shaken still. And you still aren't used to actual battle..."

Columbia was still asleep. I don't think anything will wake her up now.

"You know what, Columbia? I'm going to train you myself." I said to Columbia, even though she was asleep and unable to say anything. "...I hope nothing bad comes out of this..."

(Holly POV)

We were already on our way back to Greenhorne. We'd save all the villagers face now, and recently we'd saved Briana's face. Nothing has changed, really. Me and Violet being somewhat friendly to each other despite fighting over Silverfire. Violet and Tristan were now better friends than before. Silverfire and Tristan were becoming great friends, actually. They got along surprisingly great. Me and Tristan won't snap at each other anymore (to an extent...). Unfortunately Violet and Silverfire have become best friends. But Silverfire hasn't noticed ME yet. Just how daft is he?

"How are we going to get past Castle Greenhorne?" Tristan wondered out loud. "We already tried going that way, and that guard wouldn't let us go past him."

Silverfire nodded. "I've been thinking about that too..." He then looked over to me. "Holly, you lived in Neksdor, right?"

"Used to. Not many great things about it if you ask me." I grunted. I guess somethings were okay about my hometown. My mother is very wealthy and my parents absolutely hate each other, so I got practically anything I wanted from them. We also had our own private chef, who is only two years younger than me even though he had gray hair plus the fact that he's purblind. His name was Jayson, and he was probably the only other person I liked besides my mom and dad.

Violet seemed to catch on. "Then how did you get to Greenhorne? Wouldn't you need some sort of permission to get here?"

"Ah...about that..." I laughed awkwardly. "I'm kinda...not supposed to be in Greenhorne. Like, at all. I ran away from home."

"You ran away from your home too?" Violet whispered incredulously. Wait, Violet meant it when she said that? Well, then. We're more alike than I thought. "Eh, we probably did it for different reasons." Yep, very different reasons.

"Point being, how did you get here?" Tristan reclarified. His arms were now crossed, visibly showing his irritation. Ugh. He still gets on my nerves.

I glared at him. "Well, OBVIOUSLY I was invited." I sarcastically retorted. Tristan just growled to himself and stopped talking. Then thank Bright Scar for that. I thought he'd never shut up.

"Well, we COULD go the way I took to get here, but..." I trailed off. "None of us want to end up in jail, so that's out of the question." Everyone just stared at me for a brief amount of time. "What?"

"Are you a fugitive, Holly?" Tristan bluntly asked. Violet and Silverfire braced themselves. I'm not that angry with him, really. Technically speaking, I am.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Depends on how you look on it. I'm a daughter of a rich celebrity in Neksdor and I ran away from home because..." I would like to share that part, but each time I say it I always choke up. I dunno why. It's not like I liked my father Brokenfire that much.

"Because what?" Silverfire whispered.

Tristan protectively wrapped his left arm around me. "If she doesn't want to say it, then she doesn't have to." I smiled gratefully at him. Even if he's a giant pain, he has his good points.

"Thanks, Tristan. But you really don't have to do that for me." I also blushed a little while removing his arm from my shoulder. "Besides, no one was forcing me to say anything."

"I just felt like I should've intervened, that's all..." Tristan hissed. I noticed his cheeks were red. Was he mad? Tristan quickly walked ahead of us, muttering to himself.

I ran up to him. I placed my hand on his shoulder. "Aw, Tristan. I know you wanted to help me out. Please don't get so mad about it. You scare me when you get upset." He hugged me.

"I'm sorry." Tristan whispered into my ear.

I gently nuzzled his cheek. "I know you are." I smiled a little. This was the first time I've felt...relaxed. I heard Violet and Silverfire snickering. We immediately broke away from each other.

"Why did you stop? Didn't you want to cuddle with each other some more?" Silverfire teased.

Tristan growled at him. "Same could be said about you and Violet, Silverfire."

"Oh shut up, Tristan. At least we have the decency to control ourselves." Silverfire growled back. Ugh. Even though I like him, I hate his smug attitude towards me and Tristan. It's like he thinks that he's all high and mighty and so much better than us. Well, he's not and he'd better knock it off.

"Would you like to test that little theory?" Tristan snapped while cracking his knuckles. Violet immediately jumped in between them.

"Guys, guys! Stop! We're almost in Greenhorne, so please, can we get along?" Violet begged, tears forming in her amber eyes. I don't blame her for being upset. The last time we all got into an argument, it drove Violet to the point of suicide. I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to go through that again.

Silverfire glanced at Violet with sorrow in his eyes. "Violet, I didn't mean-"

"I don't want your apology right now." Violet looked at Tristan. "BOTH of your apologies. Now leave me be." She walked right past me and Tristan.

Tristan glared at Silverfire. "Gee, thanks buddy. Really helping Violet out." Like he's the one to talk. At least Silverfire is showing more genuine concern for her than Tristan. "Moron."

"Don't talk to me, Tristan." Silverfire hissed with a hint of warning in his voice. "You don't know who you're shit talking right now." He snarled at Tristan one last time before stomping off.

"D-Did you see his eyes...?" Tristan whispered, his eyes wide. "They were glowing red." I saw that, as well. Just what was he...?

---

(Columbia POV)

"Stargaze, can we please stop training? I'm sick of fighting!" I grumbled. Stargaze was making me train nonstop since a few days ago, and I'm really starting to hate it. Luckily, we'd managed to get to the other side of Greenhorne castle, meaning neither Dad or Ivy can get me now!

He narrowed his eyes. "Look, in the real world, you'll be fighting anyone at anytime! So get used to it, because I can't protect you forever!"

I winced at his words. He's never snapped at me like that before. Stargaze had his arms crossed. Did I disappoint him again? I felt tears running down my cheeks. Why does he have to be so mean? Is this how he trained Silverfire?

"Oh, dammit." Stargaze cursed before rushing towards me. "Look, Columbia. I didn't mean to snap at you, I just-"

"Hmph!" I turned away from him.

Stargaze sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you. I really don't want you to die." I smiled a little. He's being serious? I thought he couldn't care less if I'd died along the way.

"You actually care if I live or die?" I whispered, now looking back at him.

Stargaze's cheeks were flushed a bright red. "I-I just don't want to get in trouble with your family, t-that's all!" He walked away from me for a bit and then gestured for me to follow. "C-Come on, let's go."

"I'm picking up on something very different, but whatever." I shrugged my shoulders. Stargaze let out a sigh of relief. I snickered a little, adding, "I'll tease you later once we get to an inn." He then let out a very exasperated groan. Ha ha, I don't blame him. I can be VERY annoying when I want to.

---

(Violet POV)

We were now on our way to Greenhorne castle, with the Mayor's Introduction in my hands. I'm holding it because:

1. Tristan will probably "accidentally" lose it and not care

2. Holly would probably rip it up "accidentally"

3. Silverfire isn't that good of keeping track of himself, let alone a piece of paper

So therefore I'm the one best suited to carrying it. But I don't blame them. I don't want to "adventure" and "have fun with new friends" either. Only Silverfire actually wanted that, but I feel like that's just an excuse to escape from Stargaze.

"Hey, Violet?" Tristan called. "Do you have a spare HP Banana?"

"Tristan, for the tenth time today, NO." I hissed. "And I'm keeping track, just letting you know."

He grumbled a bit, but he said nothing. What does he even want with an HP Banana, anyways? We haven't been in any battles all day. Silverfire was right next to me, not saying anything. He looked angry still, probably because of earlier with Tristan. Then I also noticed that Holly and Tristan were a few feet behind us, chatting merrily. Wasn't Holly going to try to seduce Silverfire some more today? Or did she give up? Either way, it's confusing to me.

I tapped Silverfire's shoulder. "Something wrong?"

"...everything's wrong." He muttered underneath his breath. I grabbed onto his shoulder, stopping him. "Violet, if I told you, you'd try to kill me." Kill him? Why would I kill someone, let alone my best friend?

"You can tell me, Silverfire. Please. Don't you trust me?" I whispered. Please, Silverfire, you can tell me anything.

Silverfire looked away from me. "I trust you, Violet, but..." He shuddered. "Some things are better left unsaid."

I felt tears in my eyes. So he doesn't trust me, then? I turned away from him with my arms crossed.

"V-Violet, look I-" He began. I wasn't in the mood for it.

"I don't want to hear it." I snapped. "If you can't trust me, then I can't trust you. It's that simple."

I saw that Silverfire was about to cry. "I do trust you, Violet. You're my best friend!"

"Not if you can't trust me with anything I should know about!" I yelled. Tristan and Holly were now looking at us with wide eyes. "Just leave me alone for now."

Silverfire looked down at his feet. I heard him sobbing quietly from behind me. I could apologize. I would apologize. But I can't now. Who can I even trust anymore?

---

(Stargaze POV)

Me and Columbia were now back to travelling on the road. We were in the middle of a forest now, and we were making good progress. At this rate, we should be able to reach the Arid Frontier.

"Stargaze! I'm bored!" Columbia groaned loudly. "My feet hurt, I'm bored, I have a headache and did I mention I'm bored?"

"Columbia?" I whispered, my right eye twitching a little. "Can you shut up for a little while longer?"

Columbia pretended to faint. "Uuuuuuugh. I'm dying."

"Okay, but I'm not dragging you all the way to an inn, Ms. Thornhill." I subtly sneered. She absolutely hates it when I call her by her last name.

"Shut up, Great Sage." She retorted back. And of course, she calls me that just to get on my nerves.

I growled at her. "You enjoy getting on my nerves, don't you?"

Columbia nodded. "Not my fault you're so easily aggravated. And so stubborn."

"Stubborn? I'm not stubborn!" I denied, even though I know it's true. Everyone I know calls me stubborn, as if it's a bad thing. Well it's not. It helps me be patient with Columbia. It's useful.

---

(Tristan POV)

I sighed. Today wasn't the best day for any of us, really. Right now we're acting all dignified and civil because we're in the castle, about to have audience with the king of Greenhorne, King Ryan. All I know about him is that he's a very...solid king. I've yet to find out what that means, though...

"You may enter His Majesty's throne room now, travelers." The guard on the left said to Violet.

She nodded and walked in. The rest of us followed suit. What we saw next was...unexpected. We saw a rather large person sitting in a large throne. That was probably the king. Well, I now know what some people have said about him is true. He IS a very solid king.

King Ryan had red hair and yellow eyes with rather large cheeks. He also had a huge piece of meat in his hands, already scarfing it down. I shared a brief glance with Holly, who was about to explode with laughter.

"Welcome, travelers." King Ryan greeted us, still stuffing his face. Rude. "What brings you here to Greenhorne castle?"

"Well sir, the Dark Lord Mapleshade attacked some inhabitants of your country. And by attacked, I mean he stole their faces and placed them on random objects/creatures." Violet explained. "We came here after gaining Mayor Stanford's approval to come here. The reason we're here is because we need to warn you."

"Pfft. What a load of nonsense." King Ryan dismissed Violet's warning quickly. "Of all the tall tales today..." Suddenly a blue aura enveloped the king's body. His face then floated off and out of the castle. I looked around anxiously. Mapleshade isn't anywhere to be seen, though. Must've done the job from somewhere else.

"Should we save him...?" I asked Violet.

Violet glared at me. "Uh...duh. That's practically our job."

"We'd better be rewarded handsomely for this..." Holly grumbled under her breath.

---

We were now in the forest past the kingdom, nearing the Arid Frontier. It's even hotter over here than on the other side of the castle. I guess it makes sense. We're nearing Neksdor, the ocean sized oven. Holly seemed more at ease over here than on the western side of Greenhorne. I suppose that makes sense. That was her hometown.

"Where do you think the king's face is?" Holly asked out of the blue.

Silverfire was still remaining silent, probably because of Violet yelling at him. Well, now he knows how I feel around her. I honestly feel bad for the guy. Maybe I'll try to cheer him up later today. When he's not flat out ignoring everyone.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Eh, who cares? We're bound to run into his face eventually."

Holly wasn't pleased with my answer, but it kept her quiet, at least. Soon we were ambushed by some weird plant things and some more of those weird eye clouds. And this has been a strange day.

---

(Silverfire POV)

"Lightning!" I shouted, casting electricity onto the monsters. It damaged them, but it didn't finish them off completely.

Holly ran up to one of the clouds and smacked with her staff. It faded into nothing, sending the pair of eyes back to the owner. She smiled a little and came back over to us. Tristan smiled at her. Does he like her or something?

"Nice job, Holly." Tristan praised her. She giggled happily before concentrating more on the battle. Ugh. I don't want to deal with this right now.

Violet then jumped into the air, ready to preform her "Whirlwind Blades" attack. She quickly struck all of the enemies in a flash, defeating the other cloud and defeating one of the large plants. I wanted to help her out with her attack, I really did, but would she even let me? She's been scowling at me all day. I want to be friends with her again, but she just ignores me.

It was my turn again, but someone quickly pushed me out of the way. It was Violet.

"Watch it!" She snapped at me before attacking the other plant. Why would she do that? The other plant/monster/thing disappeared into nothing, leaving a pair of eyes behind. Oh well. The battle was over. Doesn't matter as much now.

I then noticed Holly glaring at Violet with pure rage in her eyes. Is Holly okay? Please don't let it be about her interrupting my turn. I don't mind, I really don't. Holly stomped over to Violet.

Violet turned to face Holly. "What-" That was all she could say before Holly smacked Violet in the face. Why did Holly DO that?! Violet rubbed her cheek. "What the hell was that for?"

"You should know what that was for." Holly scowled. "There is absolutely NO excuse for what you did!"

"Is it any of your business?" Violet muttered angrily.

Holly smacked Violet again. "It's my business when it affects the team in battle!"

Violet now looked scared of Holly. "Just leave me alone, Holly!" Violet screamed. She ran off from us, her tears dropping onto the ground.

I can't standby any longer. I need to talk to her, now. I ran in the direction of Violet, trying to catch up with her. I'm not losing my best friend.

---

(Columbia POV)

"Okay, let's try this instead." Stargaze told me, now getting extremely irritated. We were sitting down in a small clearing surrounded by trees. "You know those windows you scientists can open with your technology?"

"Yeah. What about 'em?" I asked, confused where he was going with this.

Stargaze looked really tired now. "Maybe you can try messing up the enemy's DNA to damage them?"

I closed my eyes. "I'm not smart enough to do that, Stargaze. I'm too stupid." I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. Was I crying in front of him? I hope not, but I probably am.

"Nonsense!" Stargaze shouted surprising me. He wiped the tears of my face. "You're extremely smart, Columbia. You're smarter than me, and I'm pretty smart." Why is he trying to make me feel better? Isn't it clear I'm dumb?

"But I am!" I wailed. "That's all I've heard; all my life. Isn't it obvious?"

I felt Stargaze wrap his arms around me protectively. "No, you aren't. And anyone who says otherwise will have to answer to me." His pale silver eyes were glittering, on the verge of tears. "Please don't call yourself that. Because you aren't stupid; you're very intelligent."

After that, I burst into tears. "Thank you, Stargaze!" I blubbered. He gently patted my back, trying to calm me down.

"Now, do you want to continue on?" Stargaze asked me. I nodded. "Alright, then. Let's go."

(Violet POV)

I was still running as far as I could. Why would Holly attack me like that? I stopped suddenly once I realized why. It was because of what had happened in that last battle. When I interrupted Silverfire in battle. I pushed him away and attacked for him.

"What was going through my mind...?" I whispered hollowly. "I can't believe I did that..." I fell down onto the ground.

Suddenly I heard Bright Scar's voice from the pendant. "I might be able to shed some light on that." She meowed. "When travelling with friends, you won't always get along with them. Each time that happens, your with them resentment raises. Eventually, you reach the breaking point of that resentment, starting a quarrel. It can be one-sided or on both sides. In your case, it was one-sided."

"Not helping, Bright Scar." I grumbled.

Bright Scar ignored me. "Don't you still like Silverfire, Violet?"

Why are we going over this? "Yes, I do. But best friends shouldn't hide secrets from each other."

"Violet, I understand how you feel." Bright Scar sighed, sympathy flowing in her voice. "I had a friend named Arabian Dagger. He was my best friend. But he never told me his darkest secrets. I was enraged, but I had to understand. I have things I keep to myself, too."

"But that was different for you!" I spat. The waterworks came soon after. "I'm shriveled up, broken mess. You have self-esteem. I have absolutely none. You don't understand how it feels to be constantly beaten up mentally everyday. And you don't insult yourself all the time, so shut up!"

Bright Scar was silent for a moment. "You love him, don't you?" She whispered. "But you keep beating yourself up, thinking that he deserves better than you. Violet, I will tell you this honestly; yes, you are a mess. An amazing mess."

"Thank you, Bright Scar." I sniffed, wiping away a tear. "But when you said dark secrets...what does that mean?"

"Violet, I know what you're trying to trick me into saying. Don't." Bright Scar quickly caught onto me. "Listen, when Silverfire told you that he couldn't tell you why he was upset, there was a very good reason behind it."

I sighed. "And what was that?"

"He only wants to protect you from himself." Bright Scar replied. "I can't tell you anymore then that, though. You'll have to find out yourself, and trust me, that isn't very wise."

"Alright. I suppose I should head back over to my teammates. But what if they hate me for running off again? And what if Holly decides to smack me again?" I muttered to myself.

Then I heard the bushes rustling from behind me. I turned around carefully to see Silverfire, who was relieved. Probably because he found me. He ran over to me as fast as he could.

"Violet, you're alright!" He shouted. As soon as he was close enough, he hugged me. "I was so worried!" I saw tears running down his cheeks. Silverfire really does worry about me.

I blushed heavily, seeing as how he was laying on me. "O-Okay, get off of me, dude." I ordered while trying not to laugh. Silverfire got off of me, confused.

He tilted his head. "Why are you blushing? Are you okay?" Silverfire is sometimes too oblivious for his own good.

"No reason." I lied. I'm not ready to tell him yet. "Where's the others?"

Silverfire's expression told me all I needed to know. Obviously he ran off without the others.

"Well, I ran after you as soon as you ran away." Silverfire mused, as if he was recalling something from a long time ago. "Holly was horrible to hurt you like that!" Holly isn't going to enjoy hearing that from him.

"Look, Silverfire. I'm fine now. You don't need to worry so much." I told him, trying to calm him down. I gently patted his head. "Come on, let's go back to our friends, okay?"

Silverfire smiled. I think he liked that. "Okay." He got up quickly. I also stood back up as well, standing right next to him. We then began walking back to the other half of the group.

"...Can I ask you something, Silverfire?" I whispered. He looked back at me. Silverfire nodded. "Why are you doing so much for my sake?"

"What do you mean?"

I sighed. "You practically saved my life, even though you didn't have to. And then you also try to comfort me when I'm upset. Plus you came right after me as soon as I ran off today..." I then looked into his eyes. "Why?"

Silverfire blushed. "Well, I-" He stuttered. "I don't know how to describe it, but you're really important to me." Really? "A-And, I'm sorry for being snappy earlier today, I just-" His words were cut short once I interrupted him. Not by talking to him. But by kissing him. Both of us were genuinely surprised by what I just did.

We quickly broke away from each other. Why did I even do that? I mean, I wanted to but not now!

"I, um...sorry." I sighed, looking away from him.

He shook his head. "Ah, it's alright. It was kind of nice, honestly." He...liked kissing me...? "Come on, let's go." I nodded, now smiling to myself. Maybe he likes me, too...

Once we turned forward again, we both saw Holly and Tristan, just staring at us.

---

(Holly POV)

I couldn't believe what I'd just saw. Violet kissed Silverfire. Okay, I know we're not on good terms, but this was too far. First she disrupts the whole battle with her stupidity, and now I catch her kissing Silverfire, the one who was supposed to be mine? No. I can't believe this. She's going to PAY for this.

I felt Tristan's hand on my shoulders. "Holly, I know what you're thinking. Don't even." How DARE he tell me how to act! I swatted his hand away angrily. I marched up to the two in front of us. "Holly!" He called, but I couldn't care less. He's an idiot, thinking that I would stand for this.

Violet looked at me with fear in her eyes. Good. This little brat deserves to be scared. Silverfire narrowed his silver eyes, with anger glinting in them. I pushed Silverfire away from Violet. I glowered at her.

"Violet, I'd outta kill you for touching him!" I snarled at the quivering thief, who was starting to cry a little. "But since I'm a nice person, I'll let you off with a little warning: Keep off of what's mine."

"What's yours?!" Silverfire exclaimed. He threw me away from Violet. "I'm not anybody's property! Holly, recently I really can't stand your behavior. Guess why!"

"Silverfire, I don't know what I did wrong." I growled at him. I did NOTHING wrong. All I did was love him.

"You went wrong as soon as you started hurting Violet!" Silverfire hissed. "I can't believe you! And after all this time, I thought you were a nice person! I've never been so wrong in my entire life!"

I started yelled at him then. He was pissing me off. "Apparently, falling in love with you was wrong! All because you're too smitten with Violet over there to notice!"

"Why would I love a jerk like you?" Silverfire snapped at me. "I don't ever want you to come near me or Violet again." Even though I couldn't stand him in that moment, it hurt.

The both of them walked away from me. Silverfire looked at Tristan. "There's an inn not to far from here. We'll meet you there." He shot me one last glare before walking in the direction of the inn.

Everything went wrong today. My plans, my dreams, everything. Silverfire will never love me. And I don't think I'll ever love myself again.

---

(Stargaze POV)

Me and Columbia were still in the forest, probably lost. That's because I made the mistake of letting Columbia lead the way for a while. Of course, I didn't tell her that, because we don't have the time for one of her melt-downs. However, this was a great opportunity for Columbia to practice her battle skills. And surprisingly, she was doing REALLY well. We were at another crossroad once we stopped.

"Columbia, are you SURE we aren't lost?" I asked.

Columbia rolled her eyes. "Puh-lease, Stargaze! We're obviously not lost." I'm honestly unsure if that was sarcasm or that she's actually serious.

"Well, I kind of want to rest soon, so..." I told her with a annoyed tone to my voice. "We're gonna have to work something out." Columbia sighed. Hey, I'm serious. I don't want to cuddle with her again.

"Okay, fine! Since you're the expert, why don't YOU pick which way we go?" Columbia pushed me in front of her so I could see all three paths. "Remember, this effects our ENTIRE journey Stargaze, so choose wisely!" She then whispered, "Let the pressure sink in."

"Oh, shut up, you!" I hissed. She gets on my nerves so much. "Let's go on the middle path." Columbia was behind me, sticking out her tongue. "And knock it off!"

---

We've been walking for awhile now, and I'm starting to get hungry. Columbia is pretty hungry too, I can tell by the way she's clutching onto her stomach.

"Stargaze?" Columbia whispered.

I grumbled a little. "What, Columbia?"

"Can I eat snack on one of the grub items in the bag?"

"Hmmm...I dunno know. All we have is goblin ham." I reminded her. Now, I absolutely love goblin ham. Columbia, on the other hand absolutely hates it. "And I know how much you LOVE goblin ham."

Columbia's face was priceless. "Goblin ham is the nastiest thing in the world! I can't believe you would suggest such blasphemy!"

"It's either the goblin ham or dust bunnies..." I teased her. This was honestly the funniest thing right now. I'm going to have to come up with more ways to annoy her.

"I'll take the dust bunnies, thank you very much." Columbia growled. "Besides, isn't slime jelly much better then that nasty crap?" Yuck. I hate slime jelly. Unfortunately, my facial reaction told her everything she needed to know. "Jeez, what's wrong with you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Says the girl who dislikes goblin ham. Silverfire loves it even more than I do."

"Something is seriously messed up with both of you, then." Columbia sighed, giving up in defeat. "Hey, what's that? Come on, let's check it out!" She ran off towards whatever it was she saw. I ran after her as fast as I could. I am NOT letting her die today.

Once she stopped, I was confused. I looked at what she saw. There was a person on the ground, faceless and practically mangled. Female, by the looks of it. What was above her was even more frightening; the monster with her face stuck to. The monster looked sort of like an banshee, but larger. And then it also had griffin wings, and had some sort of lizard tail stuck to its posterior. The arms and legs were from different monsters that even I don't know the name of. Just what was this thing...?

Almost instantly it went to attack Columbia. She obviously wasn't paying attention, so I had to warn her.

"Columbia, look out!" I called out. Columbia noticed just in time. Phew. That's a relief. I don't want to be responsible if something happens.

Columbia got ready to perform one of her newest abilities: Glitch, as she so fondly dubbed it. "Glitch!" She shouted before pressing the button, damaging the monster. It looked like that attack did a lot of damage, too. Perhaps she's stronger than I thought...

I then tapped into my magical abilities and powered myself up, getting ready to attack. I knew what skill I was going to use. "Mega Fire!" I yelled. It looked like this thing is damaged more by fire. That's good to know.

The monster then lunged towards me and smacked me in the face, sending me backwards. (a bit.) Before I could react, it jumped on top of me and pummeled me harder into the ground. Soon it got off, probably to heal itself. I groaned. I hurt all over. Columbia came running up to me.

"Let me help you!" She exclaimed. "Cure.exe!"

"Don't need it!" I snapped before getting up. It hurt, but I'm not letting it get to me. I'm not accepting her help, either. I don't need it. Columbia obviously was hurt by this.

"That's..." Columbia muttered. Oh well. I'll deal with that later. I rushed over to the monster, who was still resting. It's time for one of my strongest spells.

"Tower of Flame!" I shouted before casting it. The monster burnt to a crisp, leaving only the face behind. Columbia came running up to me, with a mixed expression on her face.

"I'm glad you're not hurt, but..." Columbia mumbled. "That wasn't very nice, Stargaze."

"Look, I'm glad you want to help me, but please. I don't need it all the time." I explained to her as gently as I could.

Columbia looked at her feet. "It was only the first time I used that skill..." She whispered. Now I kind of feel bad. I was going to say something else until I heard a voice from behind us. We turned around to see the girl on the ground now standing back up, with her face.

"Thank you SO MUCH!" She exclaimed. "You don't know how horrible that was, lemme tell you!" The girl had bright green hair tied up in two ponytails. She also had neon pink eyes, and long eyelashes. By the looks of her outfit, she was a pop star. And she's taller than me, too. Great.

I smiled, embarrassed. "It was nothing, really." The pop star immediately hugged me.

"You're such a great person, saving people from that evil Dark Lord!" She looked up at my face. "And you're such a cute guy, too!" Um...that's not what she'd be saying if my little brother was here. He's better looking, in all honesty.

"Okay, that's enough!" Columbia hissed. She looked mad. Why is she so grumpy now? "Who even are you?"

"I'm Avery! But you can call me Ava!" She giggled, winking at me. "Hey, why are you guys out here in the middle of nowhere?"

"The same could be asked of you..." Columbia muttered.

"Columbia, stop being so rude!" I snapped. Seriously, why she so grumpy?

Ava looked up at the sky for a moment. "I was travelling to Greenhorne for my next concert, but then that Dark Lord Mapleshade took my face, dropped me here, and created that abomination. I can't believe Mapleshade would put my beautiful face on something that ugly!"

Columbia snickered. "I would, too..." My goodness, what's wrong with her? There's no reason to be so rude to Ava!

"Maybe there's something he's trying to protect here, and he put me here to guard it!" Ava decided. "Do you guys wanna come to? Wanna find out with me?"

"No!" Columbia snapped.

I ignored her. "Of course, we would, Ava." Columbia growled in frustration. "Suck it up, woman. We're going, and that's final."

(Stargaze POV)

We were still in the forest, now looking for the supposed "treasure" there. I honestly don't believe Ava, I just want to be around someone who isn't annoying for once. Okay, not as annoying. Me and Ava were walking alongside each other, chatting merrily. I think I really like her, even though she's very...odd. Columbia was walking behind us with her arms crossed.

"One moment Ava." I interrupted her, trying to get away from her for a second.

"Okay, Star!" Ava shouted happily. I think she has too much energy for her own good. Star is the nickname she gave me, and honestly, I kind of like it. I slowed down a little to catch up with Columbia, who was looking to her left.

I reached up and tapped her shoulder. "Hey, Columbia. Are you alright?" She glared at me, with despair in her eyes.

"Why would you care?" She spat. I do care! Doesn't she know that by now? "Just leave me alone."

I sighed. Why doesn't she want to talk to me? Usually she'd be up for a chat by now. Was she still angry with me for refusing to let her heal me? No, it couldn't be that. She probably doesn't care all that much, anyways...

---

(Tristan POV)

I looked over at Holly, who was now on the ground crying. I couldn't blame her. Even if she went the wrong way about it, she really loved him. I walked up to her and sat down next to her. I patted her back. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

"Tristan...please stop..." She whispered. "I-I want to be alone."

"Just because you want to doesn't mean you should." I replied, trying to calm her down. "Holly, I need to confess something to you."

Holly didn't seem to care if I was still there. "What?"

"I've been thinking about us a lot recently, and-" I muttered. Holly seemed to catch on to what I was saying. "I mean, I-"

"Shh. I know what you're trying to say." Holly mumbled while shaking her head. She then rested her head on my shoulder. "But I think it's best we stay just friends...there's already enough happening with me, Silverfire and Violet. Once that's over with, I'll consider it."

I nodded. That answer was good enough for her, it seems. Both of us got up and followed Violet and Silverfire's tracks. Holly was latching onto my arm, smiling. I really don't want her doing that, but I'll have to ignore it for now. There's more pressing matters to deal with right now.

---

(Columbia POV)

It was now night, and the three of us were resting in a nearby inn. We were in an Adventurer's Tavern. Stargaze was sitting close to Ava, listening intently to what she had to say. Why doesn't he listen to me like that? I also noticed a lovesick gleam in his pale silver eyes. My gosh, I hate Ava. She's obnoxious, a chatterbox and stupider than ME. And I'm pretty stupid.

Stargaze seemed to notice my foul mood. "What's wrong, Columbia?" He asked gently. Look, it should be pretty obvious what's wrong! You've practically ignored me since you made first eye contact with Ava!

"Oh, nothing." I lied. I glared at Ava. "Since you both seem to be SO cozy already, why don't you guys share a room?" Stargaze was about to object. "No, no, I INSIST. I can handle sleeping by myself."

With that I walked out of the Adventurer's Tavern. You'd think that he'd notice the obvious hints I've been dropping. But I guess not. I walked up to the main desk, took the keys to the room and when straight to my room. I shut the door and locked, making sure no one else could get in.

"Stargaze, why are you ignoring me so much...? Aren't we friends...?" I whispered to myself while taking off my goggles. "Do friends ignore each other? No, I don't think so..."

I set my flask down carefully on the nightstand, making sure nothing spilt. The stuff in there is so freaking expensive that you wouldn't believe it. And I can't get another grant this month, I already have so much debt. I'm lucky that I'm one of the Mayor's daughters, even if me and Ivy aren't related to him. That was the only way I was able to become a scientist. I laid down in my bed, pulling up the covers.

"I miss my family..." I sighed. "Maybe I should've listened to Stargaze and left. Then he could chatting with Ava without me breathing down their necks." I looked back at the door. Does he even care about me anymore? Probably not, since he's to head over heels with Ava to notice his other friend. I then whispered, "I'll just go to sleep now." Soon I let sleep take over, forgetting everything going on in my mind.

---

It was about to rain. Storm clouds were gathered above Greenhorne, heavily dark. Little raindrops pattered on my head as I kept still, next to my mother and sister. My mom looked around the town of Greenhorne, looking unsure. Why was she stopping?

"Perhaps this place is safe..." Whitney, my mom, whispered to herself. She gestured for me and Ivy to follow her. "Let's go."

We walked about the town for a little while. Even though it looked pretty small, it was really big on the inside. People looked at us and had appalled looks on their faces. I looked at my clothes, which were torn up thief's gear with a torn up light blue scarf around my neck. Ivy was wearing similar gear as well, except she had a dark blue scarf. My mother's clothes were so worn and ragged, you could hardly tell that she was a thief as well.

Whitney looked up at the sky. "It'll pour soon, and it'll be heavy." She sighed. She glanced at an alleyway that had filth everywhere. "That'll have to do for now. Anywhere else and we'd be kicked out of town."

Me and Ivy followed our mom to the alleyway. She ordered us to sit. "I'll be back," she had said. But she never came back. Me and Ivy waited for hours in the heavy downpour. Whitney abandoned us. When people saw us, IF anyone walked by, they would walk even faster, away from us like we had some kind of disease. No one came for us, and we had gotten sick from being in the rain so long. The only one I had was Ivy.

After three whole days of starving, Bright Scar herself must've decided to bless us. One day the mayor of Greenhorne was taking a walk in our neighborhood. Both me and Ivy were sick, but Ivy was worse out of us both. Ivy had collapsed into a sneezing fit at that time, and by crazy luck, he'd heard and saw us. Two abandoned kids who would probably die in a few more days.

He looked at the two of us. "Why, are the two of you alright?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Actual concern. "Two little kids of your age should be with their mother and father."

"Mommy said she'd be back, but she hasn't come back yet." I murmured. I don't know why I'd thought she'd actually come back. Whitney was a horrible mother and a liar.

Ivy glared at me, still managing to look ferocious despite the weak, sick gleam in her eyes. "Whitney hasn't been back for three days!" Ivy coughed. "Why would she even come back for us?"

"You both look horrible. I can't believe a mother would leave such young children on the streets..." He whispered. The mayor then crouched down and wrapped both of us in his arms. "If nobody else will, then I'll take care of you."

That was the first time both me and Ivy had heard those words. It was always "take care of yourself" with Whitney. I cried tears of joy, and Ivy did as well. Someone actually cared about us.

---

(Stargaze POV)

I woke up in my room with Ava, enjoying the warmth of the blankets. Ava was already up, and from what I could tell she was shaking me violently.

"STAR!!! WAKE UP!!!!" She shouted. I grumbled a bit, now getting up. "Man, you're one heavy sleeper."

"What?" I groaned. Obviously it was something important since she was making a big fuss. And it better be, because the clock says 2:07 in the morning!

Ava glanced at the door, looking worried. "I heard screaming and crying coming from Columbia's room. I asked her what was wrong, but she just screamed to go away." Oh no. What had happened to her? "You're closer to her, Star. You're her best friend. You need to talk to her."

"But-" I began.

"Look, you've been ignoring her all the time! How do you think she feels?" Ava snapped at me. She must feel horrible about it. I really aren't a good friend, let alone best friend... "Well, she wants you instead of me. Try comforting her for once."

I nodded briefly and headed for Columbia's room. I could hear thrashing and shattering glass in there. I don't think she's okay. I knocked on her door. "Columbia, it's Stargaze. Can I come in?" The noises stopped. I heard the unlocking of the door. "Alright, I'm coming in."

I opened the door to see Columbia barely able to stand up. There were large open tears in her turquoise lab jacket, where you could see the red marks her pale skin. Some of the marks had turned into scars, but they still looked recent. Her face now had some glass pieces on it, cutting into her skin. What did she do to herself...?

"C-Columbia, are you actually okay?" I asked her gently. "No more lying. I want the truth."

Columbia then bursts into tears, falling onto the floor. "I've been thinking about my mom, Stargaze!" She'd never told me anything about her mother. "I was thinking about how she left me and Ivy on the streets! And how she probably hated us, with every fiber of her being." Her mom left them on the streets?! That's horrible! No wonder Columbia is so used to being alone and starving all the time. I sat down next to her.

I nuzzled her hair, starting to sob a little. "Columbia. Please don't cry so much. If you'd told me from the beginning, I would've tried to make you feel better." That was the honest truth. "I enjoy being around Ava, but you're my best friend. Don't think that I'd ever replace you."

"Really?" She murmured.

I hugged her. "Really." I then curled up on her lap, taking her by surprise. "And I'm kinda sleepy still, so I'm just going to sleep on your lap." Before falling asleep, I added, "And I'll get you some new lab gear for you to make up for my stupidity, alright?"

Columbia nodded before falling asleep as well. I've never felt more content then right now, and I'm not kidding.

(Holly POV)

I woke up in my bed, still feeling weary. I was in Neksdor Town, back in my mother's house. I looked up at the ceiling in my room, wanting to stay in bed. However, my mom had different plans. I hear the door slam open.

"Holly Crowe! Get off your lazy butt and get to the table for breakfast!" Sarah growled. Sarah is my rich mother who absolutely dotes on me, but doesn't go the best way about it.

I rolled my eyes. "What, are you cooking breakfast AGAIN?" Sarah isn't exactly the best cook, to be honest. Last time we ate together she fixed us some half-cooked BBQ Scorpion. I mean, I'm used to the taste by now, but she isn't the best at it.

"No, I hired someone to cater to mainly your needs." Sarah explained snappily. She then grinned smugly. "You should be lucky you've got my good looks, honey."

For awhile I wondered what that could've meant. I don't look that good, and neither does my mom since she met my dad. And why did she say that, anyways? Absolutely everyone in town hated me. And that's an actual truth.

I just grumbled for a little and followed my mom to the kitchen downstairs. Who I saw down there was a little unexpected. He had long gray hair and light blue eyes. One of his eyes had a lighter pupil than the other, giving me the impression that he's partially blind. I soon realized who it was. It was Jayson, who was part of the poorest family in Neksdor Town.

He blushed a little once he saw me. "O-Oh. H-Hi." He muttered. Aw, his shyness is really cute!

"This is Jayson. The guy went ahead and offered to help out with you when nobody else would," Sarah cheekily explained. "And I must say, he's taken quite a liking to you." Sarah then walked out the door, leaving me behind with him.

"So you're Holly, r-right?" Jayson stuttered. I nodded. "I-I hope won't fail you."

I smiled at him. "You don't need to be so shy! I'm very sure you won't, Jay-Jay."

"How do you know that?" Jayson mumbled softly.

I walked up closer to him and patted his shoulder. "Jayson, what I'm seeing here isn't someone that can attend to my every whim; I'm seeing a friend."

Jayson then rushed up to hug me. Tears were flowing from his eyes. "Thank you!" I had to lightly (and subtly) push him off of me. "Sorry, it's just...no one's ever called me a friend before."

"Then we'll be experiencing friendship for the first time together," I told him. "Cause you're also my first friend, too."

---

"Holly, wake up." I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes to see Tristan, who already had his armor on. "Violet and Silverfire are downstairs getting breakfast. I was wondering if you wanted to get some, too."

I nodded. "Alright, I'm pretty hungry anyways." I got up from the bed, reaching for my stick. "B-But, what about Silverfire and Violet hating me? Please tell me you didn't forget about that part!"

Tristan gently patted my back. "They said we're going to have to figure something out." He told me. "Well, Violet did."

"Not exactly reassuring, dude." I sighed. "But let's go before we're missed."

---

We went downstairs to the Adventurer's Tavern, where we saw Silverfire and Violet talking with each other while eating. Normally I would've felt jealous, but not anymore. After what happened two days ago, I don't think I view him in that light anymore. Violet can have him for all I care.

"Hey guys." Tristan greeted them calmly. Silverfire noticed me behind him and looked away from us. Violet meekly waved at us, and then began eating again. The both of us sat their table. "I think we need to work a few things out."

Silverfire rolled his eyes. "A few." He sarcastically retorted. Sadly, he's very right.

Tristan ignored him. "First things first, I really think you three need to work this out." Silverfire glared at him. Tristan awkwardly looked away. "L-Look, I'm not a part of this love triangle, so leave me out of it."

I glanced over to Violet, who was now picking at her food. "V-Violet, I..." She looked up at me when she heard her name. "I'm sorry for hurting you like that. I know what I did was wrong, and the way I've been treating you since I joined the team was horrible. I hope you can forgive me one day."

"I forgive you, Holly. Trust me when I say, love can make you do stupid things." Violet murmured. Wait, what does she mean by that? "Silverfire." She sternly said. He sighed and looked back in her direction. "You owe Holly an apology, too."

"I'm sorry." Silverfire muttered underneath his breath. Violet glared at him. "I'm sorry for helping Violet." The tone in his voice told me he clearly wasn't sorry. Violet elbowed him. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry, Holly. I want to be friends again."

"See? Now was that so hard?" Tristan asked us all. Silverfire just flipped him the bird and slumped back into his seat. Violet kept eating her food, which I soon realized was slime jelly.

I patted his back sympathetically. "You need a stiff one."

"Holly, I'm nineteen. I can't drink." Tristan grumbled. I swear I could've heard "unfortunately" in there, but I'll let it slide for now.

"Oof, I feel bad for you. I'm already twenty two." I winced. Violet and Silverfire seemed to pick up on our conversation.

Violet shrugged her shoulders. "I can't drink, either. I'm seventeen." She's seventeen? Huh, I honestly thought she was older.

Silverfire started to pout a little. "Aw, man! I'm the youngest? That sucks." Wait, HE'S the youngest? He's taller than Violet, and almost as tall as Tristan! He looked at the rest of us, who were dumbfounded. "I'm fifteen." Silverfire mumbled. Well I am very glad I did not pursue that relationship.

"It's okay, Silverfire. They're old compared to us." Violet teased me and Tristan. I could tell that it was a good-natured tone, though. Silverfire smiled at Violet a little. "Anyways, we should get going. We've still got to find the king's face."

Everyone agreed to that. Soon we got going again, back onto the road. I'll have to prove myself this time. And hopefully, I can do it right.

---

(Stargaze POV)

Ava was a little ahead of me and Columbia, trying to get her energy out. Me and Columbia were just talking with each other, enjoying each others presence. I think me and her have gotten even closer these past few days.

"Well, maybe I've gotten better at fighting..." Columbia mumbled in embarrassment, due to me praising her battle skills. It's true, though. She's gotten extremely skilled in battle. "But you don't have to praise me all the time..."

"Oh, but I do!" I gently teased her, adding in a wink. "I need to remind my star pupil how great she is!"

"D'aww, you two are so cute together!" Ava exclaimed. She grinned slyly at Columbia. "Perhaps I should teach you how to flirt with men, Columbia!" What?! Why would Ava even suggest that? It's not like we like each other in that way!

Columbia shyly looked down at her feet. "I-I'm sure you don't have to do that, Ava..."

Ava looked slightly disappointed. "Oh, come on! We have to do SOMETHING about that little crush of yours!" Okay, what's going on?

"I don't have a crush on anyone, Ava! I thought we went through that already!" Columbia grumbled. Her cheeks were a bright red. "Stop mentioning it, too." Ava thinks that Columbia has a thing for me? How could that happen, anyways? We prefer both the image of staying just friends, thank you very much.

I sighed. "Neither of us like each other in that way, Ava. And I doubt we'll ever feel that way." Columbia shakily nodded. "Come on, let's go look for that treasure you mentioned."

"Erm..." Ava mumbled. "Actually, I have something to confess. I just made up the treasure thing to help you both get along." So, she's saying she did this just to help fix me and Columbia's friendship? That's nice and all, but we're looking for my brother.

Columbia growled. "Gee, thanks for wasting our time." For once, I agree with moody Columbia. This was a waste of time then.

"Oh, sorry about that, guys!" Ava cheerily apologized. It's kinda hard to stay mad at her. "But I saw how angry you were after saving me, so I thought I'd return the favor! But I've gotta go now, so bye!" Ava walked away from me and Columbia, but before she left, she whispered something to Columbia. "I know how much you like him, Columbia, so you'll have to tell him one day! Do it just for me, okay?" Ava then ran off behind us, probably off to Greenhorne town.

I looked at Columbia. "Mind telling me something I should know about...?"

"I told you, you're just my best friend, Stargaze. I don't feel any other way." Columbia muttered quickly. "Let's go back the way we were going, okay? And don't ask me about it anymore." Well, jeez. The way she said it, it sounds like she meant the exact opposite.

---

(Holly POV)

Me and Jayson were taking a walk through the town roads. It'd been about a few days since he'd offered to be my personal bodyguard. What's amusing is how I'm taller than him and that he keeps latching onto my arm. To be more precise, he's also nuzzling my arm as well.

"Okay Jayson, that's enough." I sighed. Jayson reluctantly let go of my arm. I think he's a little too attached. "Aw, it's alright," I patted Jayson's head. "I'll let you nuzzle my arm when we go back. Is that good enough for you?" He nodded his head and smiled.

We kept walking throughout the town for a couple of minutes, and so far nobody has tried to attack me. Well, yet. There was a group of three teens around me and Jayson's age standing in front of us. I recall that there was two boys and one girl there. All three of them were glowering me.

"Well, what do we have here? Blind-boy and the halfling hanging out together?" The one in the middle asked, who I guessed was the leader. "Very fitting, since both of you are such freaks."

"J-Just leave us alone, Bryce." Jayson stuttered. He knew them from before, but there was no time for me to ask.

Bryce rolled his eyes. "And miss the opportunity to get some revenge? Nope." Bryce yanked on the collar of my clothes. "You aren't Brokenfire, but you're his daughter. Good enough for me." Bryce viciously punched me in the face over and over again.

"I said to leave us alone!" Jayson yelled. He came rushing towards us, but the boy on Bryce's right tackled him. Bryce resumed to punching me. Each time he did it, he punched even harder the next. He kept punching me like a punching bag, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Bryce then stopped. He looked up in fear. He then threw me onto the ground. "I'll come for you tomorrow, so don't forget that. Let go of him, Sam." The boy who was holding down Jayson let him go reluctantly.

"We'll be back, halfling!" Sam hissed.

The girl growled at us. "That's right. And all you'll ever be is a tyrant's kin." She stomped on my chest, pushing down harder on it. I could barely breathe. The girl then lifted her foot off of me. "Halfling." She muttered.

Soon they left me and Jayson alone on the road. I'm sure people saw, but why would they care? They'd probably help them finish me off. I wasn't joking when I said everyone in town hates me. All except for my mother and father. And now, Jayson.

Jayson got up immediately and went to my side. "My lady, are you alright?" At least he has the decency to ask...but no, I'm NOT okay.

"N-No!" I coughed. "Please, just take me back home. I don't want to get attacked again."

"Okay then." Jayson nodded. He was somehow able to pick me up easily. "I'll never let anyone harm you again, Holly. Or I'll die trying."

---

(Stargaze POV)

"Stargaze, get up!" I had woken up to hear the high-pitched screech of my sister, Hazel.

I rubbed my eyes. "Can't it wait? I've got nothing else to do..." Hazel barged into my room, clearly meaning business.

Hazel raised an eyebrow. "If you've got nothing else to do, then this should be a welcome experience for you."

"Point being: I'm not getting up today." I growled. "Go get Silverfire to do your chores, if that's what you're trying to trick me into doing."

"No, I need to talk to you about him." Hazel sighed. She sat on my bed. "Aren't you worried about him? Ever since mom died we both have had to take care of Silverfire. And you're not helping very much. Silverfire really looks up to you, you know."

"Hazel," I hissed. "You know that we can't get too attached! Are you saying I should start caring for him only for him to stab us in the back later?"

Hazel had tears forming in her eyes. "I didn't expect it to happen, either, Stargaze. But he's still our brother. And maybe there's a chance that he's changed-"

"That monster will never change, and you should know!" I snarled. I shook my head. "You all are fools to think he won't snap and kill us all. And if you won't listen to reason, then you'll listen when Silverfire murders over half the town and when it brings you back to reality!"

"That won't happen, Stargaze!" Hazel cried. "I won't let it!"

I narrowed my pale silver eyes. "But it will. How do I know? Because one of the accursed powers of being the "Great Sage" is foresight! Why would I want to get close to him, when I know that this village full of idiots is raising a future murderer?!"

"Silverfire wouldn't kill ANYONE. And you're the only fool to think so." Hazel spat. She left my room crying, probably to tell everyone what I'd said. So what? At least I will be safe when they're all dead. If only Hazel decided to listen to me...

---

(Violet POV)

It was noon, and we were already making progress to find the king's face. Silverfire and Tristan were ahead of me, talking about who knows what. I looked over in Holly's direction to see her sobbing quietly. Was something wrong? I slowed down a little to walk by her side.

"What's up?" I asked in a whisper. Holly looked up. Her face was stained with tears.

Holly shook her head. "You wouldn't understand, Violet." I then saw her desperate expression, telling me she that she needed to talk about it. Holly sighed. "I miss my friend. Far too much to be considered normal."

"Do you want to tell me about him? Will that help you?" I suggested. Holly nodded.

"His name was Jayson. He was blind in his left eye, but he could see through his right. Jayson was my personal bodyguard, but we had more of a friendship than anything else." Holly murmured. "He always protected me from the other townsfolk who'd beat me up." Holly was beaten in her village? But why would you harm someone who didn't do anything to you?

"Why'd they beat you up?" I whispered. "You don't have to tell me, though."

"Don't tell anyone else this, Violet. I'm half-human." Holly mumbled. She isn't fully human? Then what is she? Either way, that's a little scary. "My father Brokenfire isn't a human, I'll tell you that much. You'll probably find out for yourself if you ever go to Neksdor town. They still talk about me and Brokenfire."

"Well, I won't pressure you to tell me more." I nodded. "Your friend Jayson seems like a really sweet guy." I said, quickly changing the subject.

Holly nodded. "Yes, he is. Jayson sometimes would be a little clingy, like he would hold onto my arm and nuzzle it. Sometimes he'd act like a gentleman towards me, and other times he would peck me on the cheek." I noticed her face was becoming redder as she went on. The way she's describing him, it feels like she swooning over him.

"I'm starting to think you have lingering feelings for him." I teased her. Holly looked away, still blushing. "Are you even going to deny it?" Holly shook her head. "Don't worry, I won't tease you about it."

"You'd better not. Otherwise I get full rights to tease you about your crush." Holly muttered. "AND I'll do it in front of him, too."

"Okay, okay. Jeez. I won't tease you about it." I breathed, stepping back a little. Holly has an attitude problem, all day, every day!

"Hey guys! You might want to see this!" I heard Tristan call for us. Me and Holly ran up to them to see a large rock creature, with moss staining it's body. There was a floating, glowing light next to it. It had yellow eyes and had a mouth in it as well. It was the king's face, and it was about to be put on a monster that might just end us all.

Coming soon on January 14, 2019

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Coming on February 25, 2019