"Run!"

"Faster!"

These are Xander's thoughts as he tripped and stumble with Ezekiel on his

back.

"Damn it!"

"I was so naive to think I could face these damn Fugeres head on."

Xander cursed under his breath as he pant and struggle for air. Covered with

sweat and blood from scratches he got from running in the thorn filled path as

he try to run from their pursuer.

He could feel Ezekiel's body burning up the more they run.

Cough! Cough!

"L..leave me h..here."

Cough! Cough!

"Y..you'll be a..able t..to out..r.run it if you'll l..leave me"

Ezekiel struggle to speak in between his coughing.

"Idiot!! I brought you here to cure you. I will never leave you here! I

will-" Xander was cut short as he was snatched away from Ezekiel.

He was tossed midair as he struggle to regain his footing.

"Xander!!"

He could see it. The Fugeres. Dark beings. It is Black from head to toes

with eyes so white it's blinding and its sharp teeth and claws.

Blag!

From midair, he was kicked and tossed in the tree nearby.

"aack!!"

He felt as if his body would be cut in half with the pain and struggle to

stand up as he clutched his stomach.

He slowly lift his head. he couldn't see clearly anymore.

From afar, he could see Ezekiel's blurry figure calling out on him. Between

them stands the rampaging Dark beings slowly walking towards him. To him, it

seems that this Fugere doesn't have any consciousness. It would attack anyone.

This is the reason why he wouldn't attack Ezekiel although it could attack him

with his condition.

He can't stand anymore.

His consciousness is fading.

He remembered the promise he had with Xena, Ezekiel's sister, yesterday

morning.

"what if... what if brother can't make it?" Xena worriedly said as

he sat under the tree while watching Xander chop firewoods.

"I don't want to think about it.. can't we do something bout it?!"

Xander deliver the axe on the last piece of firewood as Xena continues.

Covered in sweat, deep in thought.

"Why are you here? shouldn't you be by your brother's side during these

times? He asked Xena.

He sighed. He was with Ezekiel when he collapsed. He didn't know what to do

that time.

"mother and father won't allow me near brother. They said it it could

be contagious"

"hey! Xan-Xan. Why don't we have someone in our city that could cure

illnesses.? ah.! Maybe. Maybe they have someone like that in the Moon

City."

Xena chipped as she stand and run towards Xander.

"hey.! Let's bring brother there! Xan-Xan!! Let's save big brother!!

Hey!! Please Xan-Xan!!" Xena plead with teary eyes as she approached

Xander and held his arms shaking, unbothered by Xander's sweaty arms.

"Calm down Xena. It would takes five days to get there by carriage even

by our fastest horse. We can't rely there."

He removed her hands and guide her back to the shade of the tree and they

sat down.

"Xena. Do you remember grandpa's relics at the basement back

then?"

Xena looked at him worried and he sighed as he reached on his things near

the trunk of the tree.

"Xander!! You could be sentenced to death if someone knew about

this!" she stood up as she saw the item Xander was holding.

A compilation of paper binded by a string.

"I know. But this is the only thing I know on how to help

Ezekiel."

"Listen Xena. I'll bring Ezekiel in the forsaken realm. There is an

herb there that could cure him."

She slumped next to him not knowing and contemplating what to say.

"You don't know what is waiting for you there. What if there are

Fugeres, what will you do?"

"I'll make it happen. I promise I won't let Ezekiel die."

There was nothing but silence.

She can't bring to say it but she clenched her fist and utter the words.

"What can you do out there!?"

The words are simple yet heavy. He wasn't able to move or answer. He was

conquered by lack of confidence.

"We don't know what Fugeres are. We only know it through hearsays. You

don't even have a mean to fight."

He managed to smile. A bitter smile.

"I was forsaken because of grandpa by everyone. "

"I actually don't care what they think about me but you are the only

ones who stay by my side. You and your family. They always say he was

insane."

"I would bring him back here cured AND alive. Even if I would have to

lay my life, I would bring him past the gate, even if I'm in shred."

He said as his eyes lit with determination and then Xena stand up.

"My..My.."

"The ever uninterested Xander finally felt determined, do it tonight

and come with me now."

"Silly."

He stood up and picked his things then follow Xena.

They trail through the woods they always play when they were kids and past

the spring.

"Xena, where are we going? This is our usual playing ground when we

were kids."

He asked but she never respond, instead, she continue to walk and on her

final turn after passing through the bushes, they ended up in the waterfalls

only them knew.

She hopped on the stones they would always hopped on and stand at the edge

of the falls. She looked around before smiling.

"What-"

Xander did not finish what he was about to say because Xena pulled him

inside the waterfalls and there, he saw a passage that lead to a bigger

chamber.

Inside, he saw something that could put all of them under the guillotine.

A sword.

"How come?"

"Xan-Xan, you are not the only person working hard. Big brother also

took a liking on creating .... things.."

"We really are a strange trio." He chuckles nervously. "She

lift the sword and hand it to Xander.

"Now, let me see the documents. I know you are not very good with words

and the last thing I want to happen is for my brother being poisoned by something

you just randomly picked."

After that, they spent the whole afternoon until dark studying the documents

and devising the plan on how to come back.

They went straight to Ezekiel and Xena's house to convince her mother and

father.

"This is too risky Xena, Xander"

Mr. Mon said.

"But father, I don't want Ezekiel to just went down without us doing

anything!"

He shut his eyes tightly and listening as Xena pleads and his wife sobbing

softly.

"Father, you always tell us that we should always do the things that we

think is right. Please. Just let me and Xan-Xan handle this."

She know her parents well. They are always kind hearted and among the

villagers, they are the most supportive ones even though they got in trouble

because of these at times.

"Uncle, I promise I'll bring Ezekiel back, safe and sound. Even if I

have to drag my feet. I'll bring him back.!"

Xander declared as he vows his head.

"Dear, I'm afraid. We don't know what would happen. it's not just the

Fugere. There are possibly wild beasts and your way back is uncertain. We all

know that the royals here in Sun City is a bit lax when it comes to people

going outside the gates, but not the other way around."

Mrs. Claire stated as he held their hands gently.

"I can't stand to lose two son at the same time"

Xander meets the eyes of Mrs. Claire and he saw the dark circles around her

eyes. He bet that Mrs. Claire have been crying and sleep deprived for four days

since Ezekiel collapsed.

He clenched his fist and look straight into the eyes of Mrs. Claire then turn

to Mr. Mon that have been contemplating all those time.

"Uncle, Auntie, please let me help Ezekiel."

Mr. Mon sighed.

"You really wouldn't change your mind."

He smiled bitterly.

"Please, Xander, if you have a way, save Ezekiel. We still want to

extend the years we can spend with him if we can. "

"I will uncle!!"

That night, he prepared to depart.

"Brother. Xan-xan is already here."

"Ezekiel, are you ready?  I will carry you on my back when we are

past the gate. For now, just bare to walk for awhile.

Cough!Cough!

"Xander, you don't have to do these. It's okay if I'll just be the one

to die with this disease but when we go outside, you might die as well. "

"Shut up. The conversation about this is over earlier. I'm glad You are

so weak you can't fight back and argue with me."

He flashed his smile as he hid the sword under his coat.

Ezekiel saw the sword but didn't talk anymore.

"Let's go!"

When they reached the gate, the guards are sleeping.

"Wow. What an easy task."

Xena blurted.

"You can't blame them. They don't know what they are guarding against.

Some people don't actually believe in Fugere. Maybe they are one of them."

"Ssshhhh. Just get going"

Before going outside, they bid their goodbye.

"wait for us after 5 nights okay? we'll be back at the fifth night."

"yes sir!"

She smiled brilliantly until it slowly fade.

"If both of you realized it is impossible, go back immediately."

"We can make it." said Ezekiel as he shuffle his sister's short

hair.

After they passed the gate, Xena slowly closed it.

They have been walking for an hour already when Ezekiel speak.

"come on Xander, Y..you don't h..have to carry me on your back."

Cough!Cough!

He didn't respond but instead continue walking while his sword is dangling

in his left side.

"Never thought someone would be able to use that sword"

Ezekiel said smiling.

"Who would have thought you will also break rules and create a goddamn

sword man."

They both chuckled as they passed a bunch of leaves.

After passing a couple of bushes, something cought Xander's eyes.

"woaahhh! it's really true. This herb thing.!"

He gently put down Ezekiel while he reach down to pick the herbs that Xena

drained in his mind.

The thought of their session make Xander shiver but then he smiled and

slowly turn around.

"Found it earlier than we expect-"

He wasn't able to finish what he was saying because before him stands a dark

being. So dark that even just staring makes shiver run down his spine.

He reached for his sword and unsheathe it.

The Fugere raised it's hand and ready to blow Ezekiel but Xander's reflexes

got the better of him and he blocked the attack. Fast reflex and stamina. It is

Xander's strong points.

Xander grit his teeth as the force suppressing him increases.

"I c-can't die here yet!

Xander manage to deflect its claws and the Fugere seems off Balance so he

took the chance and make an attack.

From his position, he concentrate all his strength on his hips and slowly

release the pressure up to his arms and swing his sword so hard as he decided

to deal the final blow smiling.

Due to his fast movements, the Fugere wasn't able to move and Xander aimed

at its torso. Slowly, he could see the sword passing through the dark Being

unfazed that took him off-guard. His smiling face turned into a grimace as he

lost hope.

"Xander!!"

Ezekiel's called him and he decided fast. They got what they need. The

herbs. It's all they need. They'll manage to hide it from the authorities. He

decided that he would cure Ezekiel back at home than in this forest. He's

taking his chances. He saw that the Fugere seem to not see him and he took the

chance. He run to Ezekiel and carry him on his back while picking the herbs

earlier.

He run while carrying Ezekiel on his back until he stumbled that brought

them into this situation.

"Xander!run!"

He could hear Ezekiel's voice fading. He also collapsed due to exhaustion.

"Ezekiel....i promised. I promised I'll bring you back."

He's trying to fight back his fading consciousness but to no avail. He saw

the Fugere walking towards him making that eerie sound that seemed like a scream

but it stopped midway. He saw another being on a black robe walking towards

him. The scream of the Fugere fades away and gone as the person passed through

it. Before he realized, the person is in front of him. Through his barely open

eyes, he stare at the person that's staring back at him.

Pretty eyes. Shining like the glitters in the sky and a pale skin. An Engel.

The Rulers of their land. Why would someone like that be in the forsaken realm.

He can't ask questions anymore for he have no strength left. Then, his

consciousness fades away.

"huh? what's that? a light? is it morning already?"

A half asleep Xander ponder as he struggle to open his eyes.

He feels heavy and he could feel pain all over his body.

"huh?"

"Am I dead?"

"What happened?"

He remember earlier, he and Ezekiel bid their goodbye to Xena and then...

"Ezekiel!!"

He bolt upright.

"ugh..."

The extreme headache took over and he struggle to look around him.

He is lying in a bed.

He was wearing a different clothes.

He look at his left and saw a window where he can see greeneries like the

one he had back at his house.

Then, in front of him was a blank wall, painted white.

Finally, on his right is a door and he saw his sword tilted next to his bed.

"ah!"

He remembered the the Fugere attacking him. Then an Engel came.

Is he at the capital?

Engels live in the capital.

He feel really confused when the door opens.

"huh?am i back?"

He got out of bed, picked his sword and stood up slowly walking towards the

door and saw an open space with table and chairs.

He saw the lady sipping her coffee and then she smiled.

"bringing that useless piece of metal aren't gonna help you to fight

monsters like those. It's as good as diving from a cliff."

"Sit down and have some coffee"

He sat next to her and hesitantly sip the coffee.

"tsk. it's none of your business. I just borrowed this so i have to

return this."

He answered averting his eyes.

"So obedient."

The girl chuckles as she sips her coffee.

"you have a pretty good recovery and stamina, it had just been five

days"

"Five days?!"

He slammed his palms at the table so hard the cups spilled its content. He

look at his arms full of scars and scratches.

"Oh my god! it took me five days to recover??!"

"Ezekiel?! What happened to him? I'm too late.!!

Damn it!!"

He thought to himself as he clenched his fist and grit his teeth.

"I should have also died"

Then he turned to the girl and said

"What happened?!"He asked.

"Don't worry, he's safe now. Oh! There he is."

He traced the line of sight of the girl and saw Ezekiel holding a pot and

coming to the table to join them.

"Calm down Xander. You are being rude to our savior."

As he saw Ezekiel walking towards them, he slumped back on his chair losing

all his strength and wiping his eyes excessively trying to hide his tears.

Ezekiel reached the table and tap Xander's shoulder gently.

"I'm sorry lady Yuri for his outburst, he is always like this."

Ezekiel laughs gently as he lay down the pot on the table.

"Oi! what are you saying! You can't blame me. I'm having a hard time

understanding all this and I feel so relieved!"

He answered wiping his face.

Yuri laughs as he watch the two banters.

"Felling nostalgic?" and gentle voice said which can't be heard by

the two bantering.

"Not really, It's just refreshing to see a totally reversed character

setting here" She also responded without uttering a single word from her

lips although she smiled.

The two stopped fighting and looked at Yuri.

"Huh?You think we are comedians or something huh?!" said Xander.

"Not really. I just find it funny"

"A soft spoken blacksmith and a crybaby swordsman"

"What swordsman, I don't even know how to hold a sword. I just swing it

like an axe" Xander replied looking away feeling pained and guilty.

"wow, there is no limit to your rudeness when you speak"

Ezekiel laughs nervously at the side while the two exchange their words.

"Good for you being special and all" Xander replied all of a

sudden then bolt up.

"Let's go home Ezekiel. I bet Xena would be surprised if we showed up

earlier than expected."

"But Xander..."

"What?"

"Our rendezvous time with Xena will be this evening, we can't mess that

up." Ezekiel explained.

A confused Xander look back at Ezekiel then turn to Yuri then Back to

Ezekiel.

"What? aren't we supposedly in the capital. That's where Engel like her

live right?"

"E-ehem!"

Yuri cut their conversation and got their attention.

"please sit down Xander whatever and let's have a very... long

talk"

He sighed and resigned back to his seat.

Yuri went back into sipping her coffee while the other two started eating

but Xander cannot contain all his questions anymore.

"So where are we?"

"Impatient, aren't we?"

"First off, I don't have any obligations to answer your questions, I'm

not some kind of a heroine who happened to be there at the crime scene and save

the hero in his almost death situation." She said while sipping on her

coffee.

"you are lying through your teeth Yuri" a voice in her head said.

"Your face doesn't really match your personality" Yuri added

brushing aside the comment she heard.

"Then why did you helped us?" Ezekiel butt in to lessen the

tension.

Yuri looked at them straight and put down her cup.

"I'll answer any questions that coincide with what I want and I'll do

the questioning here."

She reveal the leaves that Xander picked up that time that surprised both

Xander and Ezekiel.

"First question. What are you gonna do with this Lagundi Leaves?"

"What lagundi? Isn't it obvious, it's an herb that would cure Ezekiel

so-" Xander stopped talking and realized something.

"isn't it the thing that cured Ezekiel? How did you do it? Do you have

healing magic? How did you find us? why are you in this forsaken realm? Why an

Engel like you is in this place?!! Why did you help us Brawns?"

Xander continuously asked the questions demanding the answers to clear all

his confusions.

"Engels and Brawns, what a silly category." a voice of a man as he

chuckles.

"Yuri, it seems they doesn't know anything about Lagundi and Ezekiel's

sickness before" Another voice of a man can be heard inside Yuri's

thoughts.

"What are you going to do now Yuri?"Asked another.

Yuri brushed aside the questions inside his thoughts and decided to answer

Xander.

"It's funny that you thought it could cure him. You could just plant

these in your garden. You risked your lives for nothing if i hadn't come to

help you. This Lagundi is an herb, if that's how you call it, that can cure

coughs. But it's not enough to cure Ezekiel that time. Ezekiel had a flu.

Fatigue, colds, cough, those are the symptoms of a flu. Anyway, he's already

cured and back to health so you don't have to worry. Now, I'll be the one

asking questions."

"Why aren't you alienated about us? aren't you scared with us? Don't

you find us different from you?"

"huh?! What's that? All boastful and all. You are the only person who

live in that capital because you are special but don't look down on us!!"

Yuri seems baffled by Xander's response and about to answer when Ezekiel

speak.

"it's tiring the way this conversation goes on and on. Im Sorry lady

Yuri, Xander usually seems calm around me and Xena, my younger sister, but he's

always hot headed when it comes to other people." He said.

"Im sure you can see those walls altho i don't know why you dont seem

to know anything in this world."

"To us, this place is a forsaken realm where Fugeres live so we are

really surprised that someone like you is in here much less seems living here

all your life. Past that gate is our village which is within the Sun city. We

Brawns live there while you engels should be living in the capital"

"I hope that answer your questions and another thing!."Ezekiel

pause as he reached for the lagundi leaves.

"We didn't know that these are called lagundi and besides, it's

forbidden, including Xander's sword and a lot of things so basically, we are

dead if somebody found out about all these things. Our head will come rolling

so please keep it a secret from your friends in the capital, please?"

Ezekiel finished and smile.

Xander clenched his fist and said "I know we are not in the position to

ask, i know it really is risky but we dont have any way to know how to save

Ezekiel and we don't want to let him die yet. His parents and sister still want

to spend more time with him."

"there really is a lot of misplaced things on that statement."

another voice once again speak on Yuri's thoughts.

"We didn't bother to come past that gate and stayed quite because we

thought everything is alright now but look at these kids being miserable for a

simple flu."

"something is bothering me but i know Yuri knew about it so let her

handle things okay?" a gentle voice said.

"How do you know or distinguish an Engel and a Brawn when you see

one?" Yuri asked.

"I'm surprised with that question lady Yuri, why do you seem to see

Engels being some kind of a very different beings that doesn't belong in this

land."

"Brawns are like us. We live outside the capital, we are creatures that

sweat and requires a lot of nutrients to grow. we plow the fields and sweat. We

run and sweat. But Engels are different. They don't sweat or get tired when

they do the labor. They don't need much nutrients but they are a lot stronger.

Plus they have magic unlike us. They say they have wings and they can

fly."

Ezekiel continued to explain.

"tsk. Annoying creatures getting full of themselves"

Xander retort.

"That's what the rumor says, but we know they don't have wings. We know

that they are not that different. We don't know if it's true that they dont

sweat or what, it would be gross if we get interested on those details right?

They live in the capital and we brawns are not allowed in there. aside from

generals of each city. But we know their distinct features, pretty sparkling

eyes like the sky at night and pale skin that seems almost translucent."

Ezekiel finished talking and smiled an awkward smile as he can see Yuri's

intent look at them.

"oh my oh my, I don't like where this is going." a voice once

again speak in her head.

"what are we going to do? " another voice asked.

"and you are not weirded out?"Yuri once again asked Ezekiel and

Xander.

"nope, why would we. It's been like this since the beginning of

time? We Brawns and Engels have been co existing since then."

"well, i dont know if that's what you would call coexisting since you

live separately your distinctive life but you said you are not allowed in the

capital and the Engels only live in the capital, so how did you know Engels'

distinct physical features?"

"You talk as if you are not an Engel."

Xander said as he looked at her face

"Well since you are obediently answering my questions I'll answer that.

I am not. an. Engel." Yuri answered and smiled sweetly.

The other was dumbfounded and don't know how to answer.

"so, how did you really know?" Yuri asked again.

Before answering, Xander and Ezekiel looked at each other thinking if they

should answer a question from someone they don't know and denying that she is

an Engel and a possibly different entity, especially a Fugere that could attack

them any minute. They know Fugeres through hearsays and nobody really have gone

outside ever and encounter one so they think it's a possibility.

Ezekiel being the calmer one and the smarter, he's the one who answered.

"We told you about the generals right? The reason we have that gate

near our village in the first place despite the possible threats of Fugere is

that.."

Ezekiel paused while observing Yuri's response

"Our general is an Engel. An eccentric one to top it off. Although

everyone knew that in our city, she's not the one who do all the work and all.

It's her minister."

"what was the name of your general?"

Yuri asked.

"Gaia."

Upon hearing that, she resigned herself in her palms and shut her eyes as

hardly as she can hoping that she misheard it as she controls herself not to

show her shaking hands.

"Gaia"

Slowly, Yuri open her eyes and asked Ezekiel.

"How does she looks like?"

Ezekiel paused and think for a minute while he crossed his hands in front of

her chest.

"Let's see. Petite with blond hair. and a cheerful one. Almost like a

kid. we can't really tell coz you know, we only see her from afar enough to

identify that she have pale skin. Sometime when she took off her rob I almost

thought she's translucent."

Ezekiel said and chuckle.

"at first we hesitate but you know, there is no way a kid could be a

general right? maybe she's just small."

Xander added feeling that he's being left out from the whole scenario.

Within Yuri's consciousness, there are some voices that starts talking out

of nowhere.

"oh-hoh. All of us thought she's gone but here she is, being the

general of some ignorant people."

"Well, She's always like that. Being eccentric and all. But since she's

young, she's more gullible. She'll do favors for anyone given a little

push."

"We don't know if it's really her. Don't jump into conclusion."

A gentle voice cut their banters and as they stopped talking, they heard

something that made them sure.

"We say she's eccentric coz she make up some silly language. Always

saying "ara.ara."

After saying that, Xander stood up and picked his sword.

"let's go and prepare Ezekiel. We don't have the whole day. We have to

come back right away."

Before he go, he look at Yuri and said.

"We are grateful to you but we can't risk to talk to someone that might

endanger us."

"-wai-t. Xander.!"

Ezekiel confused on staying or following Xander or staying for Yuri then he

resigned.

"I'm sorry lady Yuri. We are thankful to you but we can't stay any

longer. This area past the gate is unknown to us so are you. If you deny that

you are an Engel, we can't possibly determine who or what are you."

Ezekiel said as he wave and followed Xander.

"So what are our plans?"

Someone asked while Yuri turned her back flipping her robe and walk outside

towards the woods.

Ezekiel enter the room where Xander is and saw him already changed and

equipping his sword.

"We don't have time Ezekiel, we don't know where we are and we have to

get to the gate before nightfall."

"I feel bad for acting like that to our savior."

Xander brushed it aside and nonchalantly said "The good other shows

does not necessarily mean they are good people. Maybe they are just preparing

to use you some other time for their own benefit"

Without anything to say anymore, Ezekiel also started to change while Xander

look around the room.

"This room and this house is pretty neat considering it's outside the

walls. I thought all we would ever see are ruins due to rampaging

monsters."

"There is very little information we have past the gates. I was hoping

to ask more about this area but Xena would be waiting for us."

Afterwards, after picking up the sword and sporting it on his side, Xander

and Ezekiel left the room and went out.

A strong gust of wind welcome Xander outside the house and he can't help but

close his eyes and feel the breeze.

The house is located at the top of the hill and from there they can see the

gate of their town.

"So it's pretty close to the gate", Xander mentioned.

"Yeah. I forgot to tell you earlier because I don't want you to look

like an idiot saying we don't know where we are and we still have a long way to

go to find our way out... or In in some sort. I actually don't know anymore..

I'm having doubts..." Ezekiel trailed of his words choosing every little

details afraid someone might hear him.

Yuri appear out of nowhere surprising the two of them.

"I thought I should at least see you leave."

Xander glance at her but continue moving towards the woods while Ezekiel

waved at Yuri before running off after him. After they walked a few meters away

from the house and before finally reaching the woods, they both looked back but

Yuri are nowhere to be found anywhere anymore.

"You think she's a fairy?

"What fairy?"

"You know, the fiction characters that was mentioned on your grandpa's

books."

"Don't be silly. There are only Engels and Brawns and Fugeres in this

world. You'll be considered heretic if someone hear you Ezekiel."

They both walked briskly but vigilant looking around them for possible

Fugere encounters.

They continue walking and midway, they pass a spring and rest there for a

while.

"Don't you find it odd? this is a forest but we haven't encounter a

Fugere aside from that one we encounter before Ms. Yuri rescued us.'' said

Ezekiel while dipping his hands into the cold flow of water from the spring.

They decided to stop again near the stream to refresh themselves from their

exhausting journey. They did stop earlier to rest a bit and replenish their

strength with the fruits they saw around the way. They have been running for

quite some time already to reach the gate as soon as possible to avoid the

Fugeres.

While Ezekiel is by the river feeling the coldness of the water, Xander in

the side looking in the glistening waters due to the reflection of the sun

setting down.

Xander remain silent and Ezekiel wondered what is he thinking right now.

He knew Xander have a lot of outrageous tales from his grandpa's books but

facing a possibility of it being true right now, he can't believe he's being

silent all of a sudden.

''Hey Ezekiel,'' Xander called out.

''You think if grandpa is right all this time.... What would make our

government then?''

Ezekiel, a bit surprised out of Xander's melancholic retort don't know how

to react.

Xander suffered a lot during those times that because of the villagers who

call them all sorts of things for believing the fiction books his grandfather

left.

He can't blame them anyway, things we don't know scares us. There are only

few who are strong enough to defy that kind of norms and logic.

''ahahahha! Ehem'' Xander laughed pushing back any melancholic thoughts he

had.

''I think we should continue our journey back, we can't risk having Fugeres

chasing us. Thanks to someone being snub to our savior earlier, I bet no one

would help us anymoree....'' Ezekiel stating half as a-matter-of-factly and

half teasingly to Xander.

Xander did not hesitate to brush aside his friend's statement and instead

stood up.

''We should already continue our travel, the sun is already setting, it's is

hard for us when we have to look out for Fugeres or beast while we are

travel.''

Xander prepare to leave and pick up his sword the was previously on his side

when he was sitting.

In that short period of time that Ezekiel glanced at Xander, he saw a slight

glint on his companion's scabbard as if a jewel was shined by the sunlight.

He was not able to admire the beauty of his sword before when he created it due

to circumstances that it is prohibited for some reason and he can't take it

outside of the waterfalls.

It's exquisite glistening blade that is around a meter long made out of

carbon steel. The guard and the hilt is made out of the same material although

the hilt, almost a foot long, is covered by strip of red cotton cloth tied at

the bottom while the excess cloth are left hanging. The sword is sweated on its

steel scabbard that caught Ezekiels attention.

''Did you do something on the sword Xander?'' He inquired.

Xander not minding much of what Ezekiel said '' I cleaned it earlier when we

did our first stop over.

''It looked like something changed in the sword, like brand new.''

Ezekiel knew, something changed, although he can't pin point it directly, because

he owns the sword. He is the one who created it.

Thinking that it probably because Xander cleaned it earlier and it is

possible that he built it underground with no sufficient lighting, Ezekiel

shrugged it of and follow Xander when they started increasing their pace to

reach their destination faster.

''Your sword is the best it's just that I am weak, unworthy of such fine

weapon'' said Xander out of the blue while they were running.

''huh? ah, no'' Ezekiel responded.

He realized that what happened before must have shocked Xander in his core.

Well, a sword is a weapon, a source of power, thought Ezekiel. He knows that

power entails a sense of superiority. This must also be the reason why it is

prohibited inside the protected zones. Authority must solely be on the

government run by Engels.

He knew that probably, that time, Xander thought he could be undefeated.

When you grasp power you are not used to in the first time in forever, you'll

be drown in ecstacy and pride and when you are at the zenith enjoying all the

glory you created in your head, a sudden unexpected event will surely create an

impact and that is exactly what happened.

When Xander took his full swing and it gets past the Fugere without any

effect, he must have been devastated. Ezekiel in his half conscious state that

time also felt a sense of embarrassment. He is the creator of the sword after

all and a sword that can't slice anything is no weapon at all.

But Ezekiel is a very smart and reasonable person. He speak based on merits

and logic and not the type to easily be overcome by emotions.

''It is not your fault. It is our first time encountering a Fugere''

''Hell, we don't even know WHAT they are so it's possibly that some things

could not affect them. It just so happens that sword are one of them so don't

feel bad'' Ezekiel smiled at him as they almost saw the big gate.

They are still around less than half kilometers away but since the gate and

walls are so big for about 100 meters high, they can already see it.

They felt the excitement and their fatigue is already starting to build up

since they are nearing their goal.

''Don't worry, next time, I'll smack them with all my might with your sword

while having my full concentration. It might have some effect'' Xander said as

he mimic himself holding up a sword in his right side and swinging the sword to

her left and saw the horror he thought they would never saw again.

For that split second, he saw the Fugere attacking them in Ezekiels side

enough for him to grab Ezekiel and avoid the tackling creature.

Ezekiel, now in his full health can already react like a normal sane person

on that time. He's trembling and sweating profusely while they face this

monster.

Xander, being someone who have already had seen it twice in it's glory

recovered faster than Ezekiel, started thinking of ways to survive. They are a

good 90 meters away from the gate and he have several options. First, They

shout hoping that the silence of the night help them to make their voice reach

the gates to awaken the guards. However, this have two possible outcome which

is either bad or worse. They can shout and when the guards heard it by chance

and find them outside the walls, they can be severely punished. They have not

yet known what would be the punishment for being outside that safe zone because

as far as they know, being outside is already the punishment. This option is

more likely the better one because the second possibility is the guards not

hearing them at all and them being left on their own devices.

Another option is they fight this monster together. He can't probably do

something when he was alone fighting but he already have companion who can

fight this time, although trembling out of his wits. He decided that out of the

options, the first one is better so he made up his mind to shout and then fight

the Fugere along to at least let Ezekiel escape to the gate.

He already open his mouth to shout when his scared to death companion throw

a rock to that said monster.

''wow, a goddamn rock'' cursed Xander in his mind wanting to smack his

friends who knew that the sword did not work on this thing yet threw a rock

hoping it might work.

During that time that he contemplated weather to smack the friend or finish

his task of shouting on top of his lungs, he realized something is different on

this Fugere, unlike the previous one who attack anybody in sight. This one have

some bits of consciousness because he realized that the rock that Ezekiel threw

caught its attention following the direction of the said rock that landed with

a small thud behind the monster.

Now, the monster is facing behind it's back opposite of their direction and

then he realized, it might be sensitive to movements.

To verify his hypothesis he stood up and at that moment, the Fugere whipped

its head back facing them again confirming his suspicion.

Now, the only problem is how sensitive and how fast it can be.

Not willing to waste anymore time, he talked to Ezekiel without making much

movement.

"Ezekiel, I'll throw a rock at the opposite direction then run as fast

as you could forward while i run backwards. I will have to keep my eyes at it

and I will shout stop once it starts going on our direction and we will halt

immediately.''

Ezekiel, not wanting to stay there any longer slightly nod then Xander

proceed on surveying his immediate surrounding to find a rock and spot one near

his left foot.

'''Zekiel, I am about to pick up this rock near my foot and once I picked it

up, I will throw it as hard as I can so when it landed, be sure to run as fast

as you can.'' said Xander with his controled lips and breathing trying his

hardest to avoid unnecessary movement that will trigger the Fugere.

The Fugere, around 30 meters away from them, is still looking straight ahead

to them seemingly attentive on their every possible move. Xander, already

mustered the courage to execute their plan, picked up the rock and throw it as

far as he can to make the Fugere run backwards. On that split second that he

picked up the rock and throw it, the Fugere started to move towards them

running and already traveled half their distance. But when the rock make a thud

sound behind it, landing on the place where the Fugere previously is, it

started running towards with the rock and turn it's back to them, they waste no

time and run as fast as they can, Ezekiel facing the gate and Xander Facing the

Fugere.

Both of them are fast runners and have slightly above average physical

strength. They were able to run 50 meters for that 6 seconds until the monster

reach the rock he threw previously. When he saw that the monster are almost at

the position of the rock he shouted stop and Ezekiel halt.

They are both still catching their breath when they stopped, the Fugere also

make its stop in place where the rock landed. With the them facing the

monster's back, he took his time to analyze every details that happened. His

maximum throw measures around 30 meters and they can run 50 meters in 6 seconds

while the Fugere can run 60 meters in 6 seconds. Considering the scenario,

Xander figured that they would be needing to throw the rock for at  least

60 meters for them to cover 100 meter distance in 12 seconds. For them to

execute this plan, they will have to attract the its attention again and during

the 6 seconds interval of it covering this distance, they will have to throw

the rock with the enough time for it to go back before reaching them.

''Ezekiel, you'll have to throw the rock''

''What?!'' his panicking companion responded.

''Look, we only have 350 meter distance to travel to reach the gate, there

should probably be something on the gates that prevent theses beings to pass.

With your current position, you can build enough momentum to throw the rock at

a farther distance. Can you see something that you could throw near you?''

Xander said without looking away from the back of their predator.

Without any other reason to object aside from him being scared, Ezekiel

agreed and sighed. He look around himself without moving an inch but he can't

see any rock. By the minute, it became a dilemma for him and Xander who are

sensing the problem, he was about to speak but Xander beat him at the moment.

''Please allow us to use the scabbard!'' Xander blurted.

He knew that this sword probably took a whole deal of Ezekiel's time and

effort to make and he's proposition could probably hurt him but they have no

other choice. This path they are is a straight path towards the gate and he bet

for some reason, a lot of travels back and forth happened here. No stray rocks

in sight, he have no other choice but to propose the scabbard.

Ezekiel sensing the burden that his friends feels speak.

''Don't worry, at least we get to keep the sword'' he said as he smiled

preparing himself to get the scabbard in Xander's hips.

''Sorry, we are almost at the gate and I believe we can make it. We just

have to get past this struggle'' Xander said as he started to see a specks of

light from afar signaling that they are near the gate.

The sun have already set which is the perfect time for Xena to be at the

gate by now.

''I will unclipped this belt and remove the sword from the scabbard, during

that time, position yourself to build a momentum to throw this scabbard. I will

say when it's time to throw and release the scabbard.'' Xander explained.

After steeling themselves to face the monster, they began to execute their

plan. When Xander unclipped the scabbard in his hips, Ezekiel positioned

himself stepping his right foot forward and slightly twisting his torso

gathering the force to throw the object Xander is about to had him. On that

same time, the monster whipped it's body facing them and started running

towards them.

On that small time period, Xander managed to give Ezekiel the scabbard with

enough time to adjust his hold with it.

40 meters

30 meters

Xander counted in his head then

20 meters

''Throw it!'' he shouted.

Ezekiel gave his all in throwing the scabbard which get passed with the

running monsters toward then.

Ezekiel and Xander stopped moving waiting for the perfect moment moment.

10 meters..

5 meters..

The monster is continuously approaching them

3 meters..

at that millisecond when the monster is a feet away from them with him face

to face with that said monster,

Thud! They heard the sound of the scabbard that fell to the ground.

That same time, the monster did a 180 degree turn and run towards the place where

the scabbard fall giving them time to run.

''Now!'' He signaled Ezekiel and without any delay, they both run as fast as

they can.

40 meters

50 meters

The monster reach the place of the scabbard but with finding only the said

item, it did again a 180 turn and started running towards them. As Xander

watched the dark creatures while they are still running, a creeping reality

started to struck him but he still hold on to hope and let himself and his

friend continue to run.

70 meters

80 meters

''Stop!''

He and a confused Ezekiel stopped running with the Fugere only a feet away

from his face.

''What happened?'' Ezekiel asked.

The longer Xander did not answer, the instense his suspicion increase. He

think of possible ways that he have screwed.

Did the wind blew the scabbard? NO, he doesn't feel any wind right now.

Did he threw off track and made  monster picked it up faster than

expected or did his threw only cover a few meters? His nervousness grew as he

don't have any way to identify the cause since his back is facing the monster

and only Xander can answer these questions.

Cold sweat is running through his arms while he heard a word from Xander.

Not an answer but instead a command.

''Run!'' Shouted Xander again.

Ezekiel being in the dark, he don't have a choice but run. His thoughts

are probably that the scabbard possibly grazed it and hurt the dark being but how could it be possible? The sword did not even had an effect. Regardless, he run and tried to cover as much distance as he can but when he felt that no Xander was following him, he decided to turn around to see what happened. As he turn around, he don't know how he would react. He felt a mixture of hopelessness, panicked, pain and anger towards his friend that he have never felt in his entire life.