Chattering Monkeys

Dark · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 261

Prologue
There was a land to the west of Neo-France called Adajia. It was a small country but had a large population of people known as either the Adajian’s (Ed ah gee ann) or the Bluavians (Blu ah vee ann). The latter was what the ancient country was known as but when times changed, so did the name. The people had spider-like and some psychic abilities, mostly teleportation and no telepathy, but appeared entirely human. The land was a monarchy and ruled by the honorable King Sai and his wife Queen Raitanya. Both were in their late 20s and were happily married, considering they were joined by betrothal. The people of the kingdom loved the royal couple and on this day, they all bustled around the castle in excitement. The monarchs were to finally have a child and the queen had been in labor from midnight to morning. Their kingdom all were interested in seeing the prince or princess but knew there was a good chance that they wouldn’t. Alas, they stood like loyal sentinels, awaiting the heir to the Adajian throne.

Inside, nurses and midwives flurried around, tending to the delivering queen. King Sai stood outside, neither pacing nor worried. He was considerably calm considering how long his wife had been in labor. The doctors voiced their concerns but he ignored them. He had full confidence in his spouse and her ability to pull herself and his successor through. At last, though, after nearly eight or nine hours, a nurse poked her head out of the room, weary.

“Come, milord. You have a healthy son…” she murmured.

The man felt relief as he walked into the bright room. He rather expected his vivacious wife to be welcoming him in…and he also expected her to be holding their child, but instead she was burrowed deeply under the sheets of the canopy bed, lying on her side so that her back was to him.

“What is this?” he mumbled under his breath.

A nurse walked over, holding a tiny bundle carefully in her arms.

“She’s not well, milord. She’s running a fever and seems a tad delusional” the nurse replied.

The man glanced at his wife who was heaving heavily and frowned.

“Very well…is that…?”

The nurse gingerly handed the bundle to him and he gently pushed back the blanket. The tiny infant was rather calm for having just being born. Wisps of raven locks adorned his head and complimented his pale olive complexion. His sleep was upset by the sunlight and he opened his pale blue eyes, squinting. The king was very much pleased and walked over to face his wife.

“Raitanya” he replied to get her attention.

Her own curly raven locks clumped, sweaty, to her pale face and she panted exhaustedly. Reaching out, he pushed a ringlet of hair from her face and sat in front of her. She finally opened her azure eyes and regarded him haggardly. He smiled and tilted the newborn towards her.

“He is perfect.”

The woman’s reaction was a wail and sobbing. The king, startled, furrowed his brow.

“What is wrong? Does he not please you?”

She shivered and hugged her body as if cold before babbling incoherently. The King frowned and stood with their son in his arms. He glared lightly.

“This is an inappropriate time for you to be acting this way…”

She answered with a whimper and he grunted, walking towards his throne room.

“Sedate her. Hopefully she will be in better spirits once she wakes” he commanded.

The baby breathed softly as the King carried him towards the balcony out looking the kingdom. When he arrived, he was met with happy cheers and applause. Unbeknownst to all in the crowd, however, with the birth of her son came the death of the queen.

Tate Esperanza

“Raitanya…”

Sai held his now two-week old son in his arms, staring into the dim room.

“This is nonsense” he replied as calmly as possible.

The woman glanced back at him from her seat at the window before wailing and flying to her feet, backing up and clinging to the wall.

“Keep him away!” she sobbed.

“He should be nursed by his mother” he said, remaining reasonable.

“He is not mine!” she wept.

The king rolled his eyes and the baby sniffled miserably before wailing loudly. Sai hushed him and glared lightly.

“He does not feel his mother’s love.”

“He is not mine!” she cried out again.

The man simply shook his head and slammed the door behind him, leaving. He handed his son off to a nurse before walking back to his throne room. Sighing, he shook his head. The woman had been deranged since the child was born. He was not hers, apparently, though there was obviously no way that was possible. He’d had psychologists from every land come to examine her but all of them were unsure of what she was suffering. Sai slammed down in his chair and slouched, rolling his eyes again. He had no time to worry about this at the moment. There were other issues to attend to that involved his kingdom…that always had to come first.

The corridor was desolate and darker than the abyss. The woman softly crept down through it towards the door at the end of the hallway. It read ‘nursery’ in elaborate silver plated letters. She fingered the alleviation in her hand and stared at its metallic surface. He would plague her no more, the demon. She opened the door and closed it silently behind her. She stared around for her target when a small mahogany prison, resting under a large window, caught her eye. Walking slowly towards it, she questioned why they’d put him there if he weren’t a threat, forgetting that she’d been the one to pick out this ‘prison’ previously. Finally making her way towards the side, she glared down into it. The little fiend appeared peaceful, sleeping with his thumb placed in his mouth. He was a rather developed baby already for some reason that might have been attributed to his race but Raitanya just considered this another demonic abnormality. She lifted the blade quickly, ready to finish the miserable being hastily. But she paused, her hand shaking with nervousness, and the moonlight reflected off the knife. The baby opened his eyes and stared up at her. He stared at her, completely oblivious, and she sobbed, dropping the knife. Clutching her hand that had held the weapon, she whispered.

“What am I doing?” she demanded from herself.

The infant, confused, broke out into tears and she gasped. Wandering over to the cradle, she lifted him into her arms, kissing his forehead and stroking his hair gently.

“I don’t…know what’s happening” she whispered.

The door suddenly opened and Raitanya jumped a little. Quickly stepping over the knife to hide under her long skirt, she turned towards the door. A nurse stood there, surprised, holding a bottle.

“Mi-milady…I came to feed the young prince…”

Raitanya smiled, “Thank you…but if you do not mind, I wish to…”

The nurse nodded slowly and handed the bottle to the queen, staring at her as she fed the baby with extreme care.

“Milady” she suddenly gasped out.

Raitanya glanced up at the nurse, question in her eyes.

“The king refused to christen the child with a name until you…um, recognized him. What shall it be?” she asked curiously.

The queen stared down at her baby and looked up.

“Tate…”

“Tate?”

“Tate Esperanza.”

Months passed and the king watched, pleased, as his wife played with their now crawling son. The young prince gabbled and squealed delightedly as the woman tickled him. The woman laughed cheerfully and Sai smiled, walking in.

“I am extremely pleased at this turnaround, Raitanya” he commented.

She glanced at him before kissing Tate’s cheek softly.

“I understand…but I wish you had as well.”

“Pardon?” he questioned, confused.

“It simply was a time of depression. I had just not adjusted to the loss of the child.”

“Loss…?”

“I carried him for nine months. It had to have some effect on me, that change” she pointed out.

Not understanding at all, he shrugged. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“I suppose it is best you don’t understand…”

Standing, she kissed her husband’s cheek, giving him their child as she straightened her dresses, “He’ll be a brilliant boy and a wonderful king.”

The man nodded, staring at Tate who was sucking his thumb thoughtfully.

“Indeed.”

“I just…want you to promise me one thing” she said softly.

“And what’s that?” he questioned, glancing at her.

“…Don’t force him to do anything that makes him unhappy” she murmured, “My son can have anything he wants…do not force him.”

Sai raised an eyebrow and sighed, “He’ll have to do SOME things he doesn’t want to do. Life happens to be that way, darling.”

“Oh, of course” she amended, “But when he has a choice…let him make it.”

The king stared from Tate to Raitanya before scowling, “Raitanya, I’m sure you’ll see to it that our son have the best. As will I, but--”

“I know” she smiled, “Just…still promise.”

Tate Esperanza stared, exasperated, as his father paced the length of the hallway, looking worried. He hadn’t understood the purpose of a second child. Was he not enough for them? But his mother had been excited about the birth of her second child so Tate was happy with her. Raitanya Esperanza was the type of mother that could make everything seem okay. She wasn’t a strict woman in any way, instructing him only when necessary, and trying to make castle life as fun as possible. And it was…and Tate loved her. He may have just been four at this moment, but he had learned what was expected of him. He was to carry on the kingdom and marry. He knew when he got married, though, that he wanted someone that was like his mother…Tate glanced at his father after a moment before sighing.

“Daddy, is mommy done YET?”

The king glared at his son before groaning, “No, I don--”

A maid peeked out at them a second later and had tears streaming from her cheeks. Sai stared at her, his face blanching.

“The child…? Is it…?”

“Oh, you have a perfectly healthy little girl” she forced a wan smile.

“Oh…then…?”

The woman swallowed and smiled, walking over to Tate, and grabbing his shoulder gently.

“Dear, why don’t we go and get you a snack before you see your sister?”

Tate started to open his mouth but his father beat him to the punch, seeming rather angry.

“My son will see his mother and newborn sister.”

Grabbing Tate’s other shoulder roughly, he thrust him towards the bedroom and the nurse followed quickly, “Please, king--”

Tate’s nose was immediately assaulted by an unbearable smell. Scowling, he stared around the dim room and wondered what that stench was… he glanced up at his father, about to question him, but stopping when he saw the man’s face. He was stark white, gaping. Tate followed his eyes and saw his mother, lying in bed, white as snow. He wandered over to her and took her hand before recoiling at how cold she was. Sai quickly grabbed Tate and pulled his face into his robes. Tate was confused.

“Daddy??”

“Shh, i-it’s all right” the man laughed hysterically.

Before Tate could question, he noticed the small babe resting in the bassinet on the other side of the bed. Wandering over, he peeked in and frowned. She had black ringlets of hair and icy blue eyes…she was so tiny. Sai came up behind him and stared at the child. Tate looked up at him curiously.

“What’s her name?”

“…Rei” the man whispered, biting his lip.

“Rei…hi, Rei” greeted Tate cheerfully.

The baby yawned and Tate skipped back to his mother’s side, shaking her hand.

“Mama, did you see the baby? Her name’s Rei!”

The woman didn’t respond and was still really frigid. Tate frowned and glanced up at Sai who looked horrified.

“Daddy…why’s mommy so cold? And why’s she not talking?”

Sai just stared before collapsing on the end of the bed, sobbing. Tate was confused before glancing back into his mother’s cold face…

“Tate!”

Eleven year old Tate immediately came back to attention and sighed as his father glared heatedly at him.

“Have you paid attention to a word I’ve said?!”

“I…I’m sorry. I was just thinking about mother…”

Sai tried to maintain his glare but couldn’t…he rubbed his face, exasperated, before sitting beside his son.

“It’s the seven year anniversary” mumbled Tate, “And Rei’s birthday…”

“Yes…”

“I…I barely remember anything from that time. But I remember I miss her…is that enough?” questioned Tate softly.

Sai sat quietly before patting his son’s head, “It’s enough to hold her memory. Now, enough of that. Back to your studies.”

Tate sighed miserably. His father always got away from that topic quickly. Of course, it was a painful memory but it was as if his father didn’t even want a reminder.

The man was now absorbed in teaching Tate all the teachings of Adajia, learning everything he needed to be king. It just seemed like a lot of work Tate didn’t want in any way…

“Tate…I need you to start working on your table.”

“…My table?”

Sai rolled his eyes, “YES, your table of knights…remember?”

“But I’m 11, father! It can’t be THAT important!”

Sai’s eyes narrowed which made Tate cower. He sighed, exasperated, before nodding and glaring at his hands. Who did he even TRUST enough to make into a table? He was a sheltered prince. He didn’t know anyone…

Adrian Valentine

“Bloody Hell!”

Marquessa Tiavius screamed and sobbed, standing in front of a bruised, injured child.

“Jaraq, he didn’t ASK for your mother to give him the inheritance!”

“How would you know?!” demanded the obviously intoxicated man, “That demonic bastard you call a son could have confused my mother into anything!”

Marquessa whimpered, “Please, Jaraq, don’t…”

“Get out of the way, bitch” he snarled, tossing her aside.

The balding, fatter man’s eyes widened when he saw the spot the boy had been in was empty. He glared and ran out of the house, carrying a knife. Accidents happened all the time, right…? It wasn’t like he could be charged for killing a demon.

Sniffing, he scowled when he finally saw the thin boy limping along as fast as he could. Snarling, he darted at him, bringing his knee swiftly up and hitting the boy in the face. The young child sobbed and crashed to the ground on his back. Jaraq scooped him up by the neck of his tattered shirt and held the knife to his jugular.

“I should’ve done this when you were a baby, you little bastard…” he hissed, spitting in his face.

“You can have the inheritance!” the younger boy sobbed, “I don’t want it! Just please, please leave me alone.”

“Oh no. That is a solid will. The only way for me to get that money is for you to be dead!” snapped Jaraq, “It’s rightfully mine anyway! You cast a spell on my mother, making her believe that the money is yours. You’re not even her grandson!”

“I was her grandson” the boy suddenly said bitterly, “I loved her more than any of you.”

He got backhanded, his head snapping to the side. But he returned his glare to the man intent on killing him. If he died, he wasn’t going crying and begging to live. Jaraq just hissed, pulling his arm back to plunge the knife into the boy’s stomach.

“To hell with you.”

Adrian closed his eyes, feeling the end but not feeling all that sad. He’d lived in hell for ten years…nothing could be worse than living now.

“Adrian…”

His eyes opened and stared around, confused. Whose voice…was that? The knife nearly met his abdomen but Adrian managed to jerk away. Falling, the man seemed stunned for half a second, and Adrian used that lapse to run.

Was he crazy? Wasn’t he just ready to die? How could one little voice he didn’t even recognize make him question himself like that? Hissing and sobbing, he limped along and shook his head. It was no use…the only thing left going this way was a large crevice where the island of Italy ended.

If only he had jumped ship. Maybe he could’ve made it to the other side of the island and met him. Maybe he could’ve provided for him…his mother was useless. She stayed with this man who beat him senseless on a daily basis, let his stupid children beat him, and even beat him herself if she was drunk enough. No…he’d had enough. This man…this…father…maybe, just maybe…

But daydreaming wasn’t going to save him now. He was way too far away and Jaraq would have no trouble catching him. There was nothing left…that voice couldn’t save him now.

“Adrian…”

God, shut up! If they weren’t going to tell him anything important, don’t say anything at all. Hobbling, he stopped near the edge and stared before finding cool tears rolling down his cheek. So…this was it, huh? Jaraq came lunging along with his mother following, screaming in vain at the man to stop. The boy stared back at them emotionlessly before staring down the deep cliff. Stabbed to death or plummet to his imminent doom… glaring back at the man intent on putting him out of his misery, he stepped towards the edge and leapt.

He heard his mother scream and Jaraq yell out profanities. He was going to die…and he was taking the inheritance with him.

‘Why’d you have to die, grandmother? …I miss you’ he thought as he fell, his eyes closed.

“Adrian, no…”

No? No, what? It was too late to do anything now. He was going to die and that was all there was too it. Maybe…if he could fly…

He laughed, deranged. Yea, that’d be nice…

But…

What…was he? He couldn’t be fully human. His eyes…they were blue…animal like…in fact, bird-like.

…Could he…fly?

Closing his eyes, he begged for wings to sprout. If he could fly…if he could fly…

He grimaced and screamed as something ripped from his skin…his back. His shirt tore to pieces quickly. Not surprising as it was just a shred of fabric. But he stopped falling… staring behind him, his heart raced.

He had wings.

Angelic, they were silver with black tips, and they…were really pretty. Still stunned, he reached out to touch them. They were soft…shaking his head, he told himself to flap them and smiled as they moved. Aiming himself up, he flew back up and winced as they twitched and veered him far to the left. Okay…he’d work on that.

Racing past the cliff, he could hear the stunned gasps from Jaraq and Marquessa. Glaring backwards, he flew away from them.

As far as he was concerned, that part of Italy was dead.

He’d never come back.

Bellanya giggled as her and her sisters darted through the gardens in their little isolated home. Their father watched them with a smile on his face as he sat on the step, reading the paper. Bellanya turned to wave at him but stopped when she heard Dillani squeal.

“Bell, look!”

She girl came over to where her sisters were crowded and gasped.

A boy was lying in their flower bush, wings caught up in the vines, his arm tilted strangely. He had knotty red hair and tanned skin. Beryl came closer to him and blinked.

“He looks like daddy!”

“No he doesn’t” scowled Dillani.

“Yes he does!”

“Daddy!” called Charian, “There’s a dead boy in the garden!”

Arian Valentine looked up, startled, and dropped his paper, wandering over. But as soon as he saw that someone WAS in the garden, he ran over.

“Oh my God.”

Stopping in front of the bush, his eyes widened as he got a closer look. That hair…

“…Oh…my God.”

“Is he dead, Daddy?” asked Dillani.

Arian bit his lip hard and was too stunned to even say anything before laughing nervously. He picked the boy out of the bush, holding him in his arms. He groaned, whimpering a little and Arian winced. The boy was beaten up terribly and his arm was obviously broken. The wings dissipated as he lost more strength. But thankfully, he was breathing. Arian smiled at his daughters.

“No, he’s not dead.”

Taking him inside, he set him on the couch and quickly got a damp cloth. Pressing it to the boy’s wounds on his face, he bit his lip. It couldn’t be…she would have TOLD him. After a moment, the young boy’s eyes slowly opened, his eyelids appearing heavy. Arian’s breath caught…

Those…were his eyes.

The child stared up at him wearily before a tiny smile crossed his face. Arian stared back before blushing and pressing his palm to the boy’s battered cheek.

“…Hi…what’s…your name?”

The redhead child closed his eyes a moment before opening them again, “Adrian…I have no last name.”

Arian swallowed and nodded, “A…Adrian…”

Adrian tried to sit up but Arian quickly forced him back, shaking his head.

“Don’t you move, Adrian. You’re quite injured…what…what happened?”

Adrian shifted uncomfortably, “Well…”

Arian stood and quickly got some water for the obviously dehydrated boy, scowling, “Tell me…please?”

“My mother’s husband is abusive…so are their children and…mother from time to time. I…I just narrowly escaped being killed because of…this” Adrian murmured, pulling a letter from the pocket of his tattered pants.

Arian stared at it before staring back at the boy, shaking his head. Adrian sighed.

“Jaraq’s mother…she was the only one that took care of me, even though I wasn’t related to her at all…she was my grandmother” Adrian took a breath, “But she died recently and…and she left all her money and property to me.”

Arian frowned, shaking his head, “Adrian, there surely can’t be enough money there for Jaraq to--”

“Somewhere in the millions” Adrian interrupted casually, “But I didn’t understand what that meant…”

Arian stared, stunned. If Jaraq’s mother was so rich, why was he and Marquessa always in debt when Arian was there…? His confusion melted into anger though. Adrian cowered.

“What’s…wrong?”

“…Adrian…did your mother ever tell you who your father was?” he whispered.

“…No, but…I assumed it was you” he said before quickly adding, “But, uh, you never know, right?”

Arian went silent and stroked Adrian’s bruised cheek, staring at him a long moment.

“I know…”

Adrian frowned as Arian stood. He reached down and picked Adrian up, holding him tightly.

“C’mon…I’ll run a bath for you…”

“That’s okay, I’m--”

“Probably in a lot of pain” growled Arian, walking towards the bathroom, “Those bruises are awful…”

“They don’t hurt so much. I’ve learned to endure the pain and now it’s just kind of numb.”

Arian grimaced and rested the boy on the wrought iron chair of the vanity in the bathroom, leaning over and running the water, putting healing minerals in. She’d let him beat his son black and blue…their son. Growling menacingly, he shook angrily. His son…

“Um…are you married? I saw you have a lot of daughters.”

Arian jumped and glanced at the battered boy before smiling vaguely, “Yes. My wife, Charmian, is on a trip for a couple days.”

Adrian shifted uncomfortably, “Won’t she be uncomfortable with me…?”

Arian stood and cupped his cheeks, forcing Adrian to stare up at him. Staring into his son’s eyes, he winced and softly murmured.

“I can’t begin to imagine what they did to you, Adrian, but…I promise. I’ll take care of you. Charmian might not be comfortable at first but…you’re my son.”

Adrian closed his eyes and nodded before ducking his chin, shamefaced. Arian stared at him and felt his anger return. He wondered if that was something he’d been taught. Straightening his posture, he smiled at the melancholy child.

“I’m going to go get some clothes for you. Here, soak in the tub and I’ll be right back.”

Arian quickly called his wings and flew into the market that was thirty minutes away by foot. Buying some shirts, pants, and shoes he assumed would fit, he rushed back. Going into the bathroom, he found Adrian sitting awkwardly in the center of the tub, seeming nervous. He jumped when Arian appeared before looking sheepishly at the wall.

“You’ve…never had a bath?” Arian said, wincing.

“Grandmother let me bathe…” Adrian mumbled.

“I-I didn’t mean to…never mind” Arian shook his head, “Wash up and I’ll put your arm in a sling.”

Leaving the room, he went into the basement and fixed up the small cot there. It’d do until he could find something better for him…Arian sat in the chair and felt dazed.

He’d just gained another child.

A whole decade ago, he’d traveled to a different part of Italy and found himself having an affair with a married woman…he’d tried. He knew she hated that life with her husband so he TRIED to get her to leave with him. But no…she was thinking of her other children. And…

She had to have been pregnant by the time he left.

So why? Why in all the letters they secretly exchanged did she not mention the existence of their child? What was the worst Arian could do? He stood, glowering deeply as he went to check on his daughters. He could have took him away and raised him where he wasn’t going to get the crap beaten out of him.

Frowning, finding the girl’s bedroom empty, he walked back towards where he’d left Adrian and was startled to find Bellanya combing Adrian’s hair. Adrian looked extremely uncomfortable but allowed the younger girl to continue her task. Arian couldn’t help but smile.

“Bellanya, what are you doing?”

She looked up and giggled, “His hair’s tangled!”

“Mm, that’s nice of you. But remember, he’s a boy” Arian pointed out, “So no ribbons.”

“Okay” she said, turning her attention back to Adrian’s hair.

Arian walked over and tenderly took Adrian’s arm. He grimaced but didn’t pull away. Arian stared and cringed himself. It was so swollen, bruised, and scarred.

“I-I think it’s just a sprain” whispered Adrian, “I had it broken once and it hurt more than this.”

Arian stared at the boy and murmured, “Adrian…”

Arian smiled towards Bellanya, “I think his hair is nice and straight now, sweetie. Will you and your sisters go and get some things from the garden so I can start dinner?”

“K, papa.”

She skipped off and Arian took Adrian’s arm, placing it in a sling. Awkwardly, he pulled the boy into his arms. Adrian instantly stiffened but Arian stroked his hair, grimacing as he felt sores from past beatings. His eyes welled.

“I’m sorry, son…everything will be okay now.”

Adrian nodded awkwardly and Arian frowned, before closing his eyes and feeling a tear roll down his cheek. God, he was so scared…

Arian watched, mortified, as Adrian threw up outside. What had he done wrong…? They’d had soup for dinner and some things on the side so why…? Arian bit his lip and looked away. He was already failing… Adrian stood up straight, on shaky knees, and stared back at Arian before blushing, embarrassed.

“Did…something not agree?” Arian finally asked.

“No, everything was really good” Adrian sighed, rubbing his face.

“But…”

“I’ve never eaten that much” Adrian admitted, “I probably overate and my body’s not used to it. I get a slice of bread or something every once in a while…”

“…Every once in a while?” Arian repeated, once again feeling angry.

Adrian shrugged as if it was no big deal, starting to return to the house. Arian grabbed his shoulder to stop him.

“Didn’t your grandmother--”

Adrian shook his head, “I wouldn’t let her. I always showed up unannounced so I told her not to make that much food since she lives on her own.”

Arian stared as he went back inside before shaking his head, following him. So they beat him and starved him too…? The girls giggled, excited about having Adrian there, and swarmed around him.

“Adrian has red hair” said his youngest.

“It’s like an apple” giggled Beryl.

Adrian looked fairly uncomfortable. Arian gave him a reassuring smile.

“You look like them in everything but your hair, I’m sure is what they mean.”

Adrian nodded in understanding before telling them shyly, “My mother has red hair so that is why it’s this color.”

“Is your mommy pretty?” asked Charian.

Arian winced as Adrian went silent before murmuring, “She’s pretty, I s’pose…”

“Our mommy’s blond like daddy” giggled little Dillani.

Arian cleared his throat, not quite ready to bring Charmian into this picture, “All right, dears, Adrian will be here when you wake up but it’s time for bed.”

They all voiced their opinions on that but he waved them off to brush their teeth and wash their faces. Adrian walked over to a corner of the room and sat. Arian frowned.

“What are you doing…?”

“Oh, I-I don’t want to inconvenience anyone” he said quickly, “I’ll just sleep here.”

“Sleep on the--…you…didn’t even have a bed?”

“I had a blanket.”

“…But…”

Arian shook his head, exhausted. If he got angry one more time today…

“No, I have something of a bed ready for you…”

Adrian looked confused but followed at Arian’s beckoning. Leading the boy to the neat basement that was nearly another room, he showed him the cot.

“Just for now…I…don’t want you to have to sleep on a cot” Arian said softly.

Even though it was definitely a step up from the floor…

Adrian stared as if it was a totally foreign object before walking over and sitting on it. Arian watched him before questioning.

“You going to be okay…?”

“…I think so.”

Arian nodded, “You know where my room is if you need anything.”

Adrian nodded and slowly slid under the covers. Arian blew out the candle and watched the boy’s heavy lids fall closed before whispering.

“Good night, son…”

Sleep didn’t come easy that night for Arian, so traumatized by the life his son had led before getting there and traumatized by the fact he had a son at all. Staring at the ceiling, he sighed and glanced at the clock. It was eight anyway…the girls would be up soon enough. Sitting up, he started his daily chores before his daughters came out, energetic and happy as ever. It wasn’t until 12 that he started to worry about Adrian though. Walking to the basement silently, he stared in. His breathing was heavy, Arian could hear it from the steps. Closing the door, he jumped when he heard another door open. He groaned. Great, Charmian was home early…

“Mommy!” the girl’s exclaimed.

Charmian had bewitching green eyes, olive skin, a strangely thin waistline, and short-like blonde hair. She was a beautiful woman with a strange accent…but she also tended to be a little…not understanding. But she’d understand that he really wanted his son to be here, to be apart of his life, to make the boy’s life better. His son…

Right…?

She looked at him and smiled, greeting her daughters before greeting him with a kiss. He smiled nervously at her and cleared his throat.

“How was your trip?”

“Oh, it ‘vas fine. I vus’ couldn’t vait to ‘vit home.”

“Ah…”

She opened her mouth but suddenly frowned, looking confused. Arian slowly followed her gaze and grimaced when he saw Adrian had woken up.

“And…voo’s dis…?” she asked, her voice getting dark.

“Charmian, it’s not like that” he said softly, looking at her, “It was before I met you…”

“You mean Marquessa” she said, her tone getting angrier.

“I…”

“So vis is your son…huh. Your little fling gives you the one thing I can’t seem to give you” she growled.

Arian rolled his eyes before glowering at her, “Stop it, Charmian. I didn’t know anything about him until he showed up yesterday.”

“And let me guess…you vant to take care of him.”

“He’s my son and Marquessa’s given him a pretty crappy life so far so yes, I’d like to take care of him.”

Charmian stared at the confused boy a moment longer before closing her eyes.

“It’s him…or me.”

“…WHAT?”

Shrugging, she grunted, “It’s your little lovechild or it’s me and your daughters. Your choice.”

“Charmian!” he snapped, furious, “How could you ask me to make such a decision? I love all of you!”

“Please, Arian” she said, angry as well, “You only used me to v’eplace your memories of Marquessa since you vere so madly in love with her. And now you vav’ your child with her here? I won’t let him replace our daughters.”

“You’re crazy!”

“Am I?”

“I can’t believe you’re being so selfish about this. He’s my son and he came to me, not even knowing me, for help. I can’t turn him away!”

“Then I’ll pack my things and take the girls” she muttered, walking towards the bedroom.

“Charmian!” Arian growled, following her.

Adrian stared after them before staring down at Bellanya. She looked sad.

“I guess I’ll never see you or daddy again…”

Adrian gaped softly before kneeling down, holding her hands, “…Bellanya, what’s your father’s last name?”

She blinked, confused, “Daddy…?”

“Yes…”

“Our last name’s are Valentine…yours is too” she insisted.

He smiled sadly, “Yes…”

Standing, he patted her head and the rest of the girls, before walking from the house. Still in a lot of pain and hurt over the loss of another home, he sprouted his wings again and flew away. He wasn’t going to break up a family that was perfectly fine before he came. No…that wasn’t fair to the girls.

But never again would he let someone that close…

Tate scowled as him and his father’s knights walked through the market. He told his father that he wanted to ‘walk with the people’ as a ‘political’ action though he really just wanted to walk around like a normal person. His father agreed enough but insisted that the knights be there too… what could happen?

“THIEF!”

Tate glanced up, surprised, as an old, callous looking man glared after a fleeing blur of colors. He glanced at his knights who just stood and watched.

“What are you paid for?! Follow him!”

“It’s best to just let it go, Prince Tate” one of the knights said nervously.

“What! Useless” he hissed, dashing off, “I’ll get him myself then!”

He heard them yell after him but ignored them. His father’s knights were the most incompetent group of idiots he’d ever laid eyes on. His table would have to actually want to enforce the law…

Caught up in his thoughts, he ran straight into someone. Cringing, he quickly said, “My apologies.”

Starting to dart off again, he gasped when a hand wrapped around his shoulder, bringing him back. Staring at the offender, he found a very hairy man, fat, and with another man. Growling, Tate tried to pull away.

“Let go!”

“Look, Caius, it’s the prince of Adajia…like God has heard our prayers!” laughed one.

“Yes. A ransom for the only son of Adajia might just get us everything we need” chuckled the other one darkly.

GREAT, he was going to be held captive. His father would never let him out again…

But out of nowhere, a blur came and knocked the one holding him out. Tate gasped as the man fell over and before the other one could even comprehend what happened, was kicked in the head too. The haze of a person leapt into a nearby tree as Tate stood, stunned. How…? Staring at the tree, he was surprised to find an 11-year-old boy sitting there, eating a loaf of bread, staring back at Tate.

“You know…it’s not smart to run after a thief” he said after a moment.

“I…uh, you stole that bread” Tate said, sheepish that the same thief just saved his life.

“What’s that saying…got to steal to eat, got to eat to live?” shrugged the boy.

“Perhaps, but…” Tate sighed and shook his head, “Whatever. Thank you…it would have been messy if those men had taken me.”

“I’m guessing you’re royalty” the boy said.

Tate blinked at him, surprised by this statement. Everyone knew who he was…

“Um, yes, Prince Tate of Adajia” he introduced himself.

“Oh, cool.”

‘Oh, cool’?

“I’m going to guess you’re not from around here” Tate said, shaking his head.

He grinned lazily, “Nope. Traveling around, found my way here, liked the area…”

“Are you an orphan…?”

“Nope.”

“…Oh…”

He snorted, shoving another bite into his mouth, “Does it matter?”

“…No” Tate shrugged, “You probably have your reasons.”

He stared at him, surprised, before nodding and closing his eyes. Tate cleared his throat. It was probably a really bad idea, the one he just had, since this guy apparently had no problem with BREAKING the law. But then…

“Listen…I’m supposed to be assembling a table…” Tate said casually.

“…What?” he raised an eyebrow.

Tate winced, “Not an ACTUAL table.”

“Oh, good.”

“A table of knights…a group of men, you know? And I…I’m wondering, instead of stealing and living off the land—you’re homeless, right?”

“Homeless as they come.”

“Well, would you want to work for me? Be apart of my table?”

The boy’s eyes widened before he laughed, “Dude, didn’t I just steal something right in front of you?”

“…Du…de?”

The thief stared at him and chuckled, “Never mind.”

“But that doesn’t matter…you saved me and if you came to work for me, you wouldn’t have to steal again. Win-win situation if you ask me” Tate nodded.

The boy finished off the bread and crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow, “How do I know you’re not going to have me arrested?”

“You usually this cynical?” Tate questioned, crossing his arms as well.

“Can’t be too safe, prince.”

“No” Tate said firmly, “You won’t be arrested.”

The thief glanced at him before sighing and shrugging, “Okay, whatever.”

Leaping down, he landed on his feet, which surprised Tate. Getting a closer look, Tate saw he had messy red hair and blue eyes. Strange features for someone of his race, Tate believed. And his eyes…they were animal like…

“Got something to say?” the boy suddenly asked snippily.

“Um, no. Just wondering how you made that landing…”

The thief blanked before laughing, smacking Tate’s back, stunning him, “You’ll know soon enough, your majesty.”

Tate sulked, “Just…call me Tate.”

He smiled, “Fine. I’m Adrian.”

“Adrian…”

“…Valentine.”

Sai watched as Adrian stared blankly at a book, a confused look on his face. Snorting, he shook his head and glowered at Tate.

“The boy can’t read or write and doesn’t know his numbers.”

“I think he’ll be fine” Tate said, glancing at his father.

“Fine. Your table…I guess I’ll be glad you even decided to start.”

Tate rolled his eyes as his father walked away, walking over to Adrian. Adrian looked up, a frown on his face.

“I…never went to school” he said, shamefully.

“It’s fine” assured Tate, “I’m confident that you can pick it up easily.”

Adrian nodded, shifting in his seat. Tate could tell he wasn’t confident at all but he could tell Adrian wouldn’t give up.

Months passed and Adrian did learn the most basic of reading and writing. The teachers said he did show a lot of progress and potential, however. And in combat…

King Sai watched, impressed, as Adrian darted around the course, agile and quick. Tate came and stared at him before glancing at his father.

“What the boy lacks in learning…”

“Adrian will make a fine knight” Tate said.

“Yes…but you know you need more than one…”

Tate rolled his eyes but sighed. Yes…

Jynrei Li

Li Phailin sat, rubbing her swelling stomach and smiling at her son. He stared, curiously, at his mother’s stomach before staring up at her, his black eyes questioning.

“Is there REALLY a baby there?” he asked innocently.

She laughed her soft bell-like laugh, “I am certain, Khin, that there is a baby there.”

He frowned, “The baby will not make a lot of noise, right?”

The woman sighed, “I can make no promise, Khin.”

The door slid open to the house, a man coming in, taking off his slippers before completely entering. He had a raven ponytail, reaching a little past his shoulders, his eyes dark and expressionless. He had a sooty beard, trimmed close to the skin, and a perfectly cut mustache. Khin sat up straight and proper, appearing serious. Father…

“Khin, Phailin” the man addressed.

Phailin stood, walking over to him, “Good evening, husband. Would you like some tea?”

The man swiftly shook his head, grasping her elbows and aiming her to sit again before waving towards a young woman who nodded immediately and ran off. Phailin looked down, her eyes wary.

“It is strange, having servants, and I am not sure it pleases me.”

The man remained straight-faced, “You are with child, Phailin, and not anyone’s child, but mine.”

Phailin’s face was marred by a scowl before she sighed in a relenting manner. The man nodded. Khin trembled. His nose wrinkled before he let out a sneeze. The man turned towards his son and smiled in a very vague manner.

“And what have you learned today, son?”

“The teacher says I have improved in Uchirian, father” he said, stiff and polite.

“Excellent.”

“He had so much troubles in it. I am very proud” Phailin smiled at her son.

“Thai blood makes such difficult” the father commented too casually.

Phailin’s shoulders instantly squared and she turned a glare at her husband. Her grey eyes filled with contained fury as she bit out.

“That has nothing to do with anything, Seung.”

Khin stared between them nervously. From what the young boy understood, his mother and father had met when both were on a boat to see a temple. Neither knew of the other’s heritage and it hadn’t bothered them…until his mother was pregnant. Finding out she was Thai greatly angered his father because of pass transgressions between Korea and Thailand. Thailand harbored the warlord, Malik, he believed, and did nothing about it and Malik often attacked Korea…it was misplaced discrimination, Khin recognized, but his father didn’t seem to care. He married his mother so it couldn’t have mattered THAT much.

“Of course” the man commented.

Phailin closed her hands and eyes before smiling tightly, “I am going to go see to dinner. Khin, go wash up.”

She stood and quickly stalked away. Seung sighed and Khin quickly rushed off. It had been a rough period between his parents…maybe the baby would make everything better.

Khin watched his mother hum over a cradle hanging from the ceiling, singing softly in Thai. If father heard, he’d be furious, but Khin found it lovely and comforting. The young boy walked over to the cradle and attempted to stand on the tips of his toes to stare into the crib but failing. Phailin laughed and lifted him up a bit. Khin inhaled softly. So this was his brother…

Traditionally (or perhaps it was just his father’s tradition), the males weren’t allowed in the nursery. Khin hadn’t seen his little brother even though he’d been born at least three months ago.

The baby was a little pudgy, a mess of black hair sitting atop his head. He had expressive eyes, the color reminding him of the silver cups used for tea. Khin found the baby staring at him, something similar to curiosity entering it’s eyes. Khin gazed, enraptured.

“What’s his name, mama?”

“Li Jynrei” the woman smiled.

“STOP following me, Jynrei!” snapped eight-year-old Khin, irritated.

“But brother, you promised to let me come fish with you” Jynrei insisted, following after his brother as fast as his four-year-old legs would let him.

Four years breezed by so quickly, Khin barely felt it. His little brother was four and now they had a little sister, two and rambunctious. But then, so was Jynrei and it frustrated young Khin.

“I will take you later. I am going to go with friends.”

“But…”

“Go away, Jynrei.”

“No! You DID promise, Khin! You said if I left you to your game yesterday, you would take me today and it is today!”

Khin gritted his teeth, hating himself for making that promise, and stopped, turning to face his younger brother.

“Look, you stay RIGHT here and I will return and take you fishing in a bit, all right?”

Jynrei stopped following him and stood perfectly still on the road before nodding. Khin turned and rolled his eyes, having no intentions of returning. Jynrei would get the picture and go home. He was a bright child…

And Khin went, having a fun time with his companions before it started to rain. At that point, they slung mud at the local elder’s house since the old man had a tendency to me grumpy and cantankerous. They ran their separate ways when he came out to yell at them, laughing. On the road home, Khin sighed and allowed the rain to cleanse his hands. His parents wouldn’t be pleased if he was overly dirty, but…

Khin stopped when his eyes fell upon the blur of a lump he saw through the thick rain. Frowning, he walked towards it, curious as to what was lying there…his breath caught in his throat as he got closer.

Jynrei.

His heart sped up as he rushed to his brother, turning him over. His cheeks were red with fever and Khin bit his lip, shaking his head.

“You fool, you were supposed to go back!” he sobbed, struggling but managing to lift the boy.

Running, tripping, he came back to his house. His mother was sitting, playing with Chailai. But when she saw Khin standing there, soaking wet, with Jynrei in his arms, she gasped and cried. Snatching Jynrei from his arms, she rushed away, calling to the servants. Khin started to follow but was dragged away by another handful of servants to get him out of his wet clothes.

If something happened to Jynrei because of him…his father said that one of the most important things a man could do was promise and actually keep it. And be truthful as well. He’d broken two of Li Seung’s commandments in a day…

After a while, he crept towards Jynrei’s room and found his mother sitting there, pressing a damp cloth to the boy’s head, looking upset and weary. Khin bit his lip and walked over, staring at his ill brother.

“Mother, I--”

“Oh Khin…why didn’t you bring him back when it rained? You know he is frail” she whispered without any real anger.

Khin winced and stared at Jynrei, his breathing haggard and his chest rising irregularly. He had to be all right. Looking up, he took the cloth from his mother and murmured.

“Go see to Chailai, mother. I’ll sit with Jynrei.”

“Khin-” she started but stopped, smiling weakly, “Very well. I will return shortly.”

Watching her go and making sure she was gone, Khin sat beside his brother and murmured to his still form.

“I promise that next time, I will be responsible. I am the oldest…I should not have lied to you. And…I will not let you down again.”

“Yea, I remember that, you jerk.”

15-year-old Li Khin rolled his eyes and smirked, Jynrei walking beside him as they returned home from their daily stroll.

“Father would be appalled by your slang, Jynrei” Khin chastised jokingly.

“Father’s appalled about a lot of things” Jynrei rolled his eyes, “Doesn’t mean I really care though…”

Khin snorted, “It is lucky I’m the oldest because you would have been disowned by now.”

Jynrei laughed lazily, “It’s probably true.”

Khin went silent and glanced at his 11-year-old brother before staring up at the sky. The sun was slowly setting, the colors bleeding blue and black.

“It was wrong of me to do that, Jynrei…you were such a sickly child.”

“What’s done is done” Jynrei said simply, “I’m not going to cry over something that happened seven years ago.”

“Seven years ago…” Khin murmured.

“Do we REALLY have to go back though?” sighed Jynrei, “You know uncle will be there and you also know how irritating he is.”

Their father’s brother, a former textile importer, had fallen on very hard times and spent every waking hour demanding money from their family. Phailin found him repulsive but Seung saw it as normal. But the man was slowly draining them and everyone saw it but Seung.

“I don’t trust him” Jynrei said suddenly.

“He’s our uncle” scolded Khin, “He is blood.”

“Blood or not, I trust him as far as I can throw him.”

Khin couldn’t help but laugh as the man had to be well over 300 pounds. Shaking his head, he slapped Jynrei’s back playfully.

“Then you don’t trust him much at all.”

“Exactly.”

“Father will get fed up with him soon enough, I’m sure” Khin murmured.

“Hopefully…”

Arriving back at their home, one of their servants, Mae, glanced at them and looked upset.

“Mae, what is the matter?” questioned Khin, reverting his tongue back to Korean.

“Oh, nothing, young master” she said quickly, starting to walk away.

“It is uncle again, isn’t it?” said Jynrei angrily.

The man often got drunk off their wine, assaulting and molesting their servants with the excuse that they were paid to do what their master’s willed. It didn’t sit well with Khin at all and well, Mae was one of Jynrei’s favorites…

“It is nothing” she maintained, “You should wash up. Dinner will be complete soon.”

“Alright…” Khin agreed.

As she quickly scurried off, Khin glanced at his brother who was enraged. He couldn’t help the smug smile that crossed his face.

“You really like her, don’t you?”

Jynrei stiffened and blushed, glowering at him, “I do not.”

“She’d sooner be my wife than yours. She’s two years older than I am” he pointed out.

Jynrei scowled, “Age is but a number.”

Khin laughed, “She gave you that pendant and you think she’s in love with you? She probably sees you as a little brother.”

Jynrei stroked the turquoise gem at his neck, a silver dolphin curled around the jewel. Shaking his long raven locks, he snorted.

“We’ll see.”

He started to walk off to wash for dinner as Khin watched after him. The events that took place seven years ago came to mind again and he cleared his throat.

“Jynrei.”

Jynrei stopped and glanced back at him, confused. Khin stared at the family picture their father had had painted.

“I mean what I said. We are all blood and I refuse to let you down like that again.”

Jynrei raised an eyebrow before laughing, “Oh please, Khin, you’re starting to sound like father.”

Khin scowled but Jynrei smiled softly, “I know, brother. But I am not a little boy anymore…we have to watch out for each other.”

Khin watched him walk away and sighed. He jumped when a woman’s shriek was heard from within the guest area. Moments later, a woman rushed out, looking traumatized but holding a stack of money. Khin gritted his teeth as his uncle came out, looking highly disheveled.

“Harlots in our house, uncle? Highly dishonorable, if I do say.”

The fat man, similar in looks to their father if he weighed about 200 more pounds, glowered at him.

“Watch your tongue. Why my brother didn’t have you drowned at birth is beyond me with your cursed blood” he said, his voice high.

Khin glared and glanced to the side when he heard a door open. Li Phailin appeared, not looking pleased. Uncle snorted and walked away, leaving Khin even more irritated. His mother glanced at him before hugging him tightly. He’d long grown taller than she…it bothered him.

“We must watch for him” she whispered, “He is not worthy of the Li name.”

“I wish he would die.”

The woman gasped and smacked him across the face. Khin winced and rubbed his cheek, staring at his mother, confused. She looked dismayed, as if he’d told her he was leaving, never to return. Shaking, she whimpered.

“You must never say such things! He is your family!”

“My family is you, Chailai, and Jynrei. No one else matters” he said evenly.

The woman saddened even more, “Your father doesn’t even make that list?”

“Father…is blind.”

Walking away to avoid anymore confrontation, he shook his head. His father was never there, known to have many mistresses, and allowed his miscreant brother to run around his home as if he owned the place. No…his father…was no one.

9-year-old Chailai giggled, sitting between her two older brothers at the table. Jynrei fed her the plums she so loved but he himself despised in this form and Khin poured her tea. Khin smiled at the young girl. She had the longest silky black hair in the district, many often said, her eyes the same gray as Jynrei’s. A gorgeous little girl whom many would seek after when she came of age…

He glowered at his uncle who watched the girl intently. Whether the man wanted her for himself or thought she’d be a profitable sell, he didn’t know, but Chailai was not to be alone with him. It was his edict as well as Jynrei’s. But it didn’t mean the man didn’t try…

“Chailai…why don’t you bring me some tea?” the man questioned in his nasally voice.

Khin opened his mouth but Li Seung, who’d returned that evening, sent him a silencing glare. Hissing to himself, he watched his naïve little sister walk over and pour the man’s tea. A shiver ran down both his and Jynrei’s spine as the man stroked her hair before replying.

“Seung, surely you can see how much money you are missing out on, keeping this one.”

Khin swallowed the lump in his throat and growled lowly. The bastard….

“Chung-ho, she is too young and I will not sell my children” Seung said calmly enough.

“Fool!” snarled Chung-ho.

Phailin cleared her throat, waving to her daughter, “Come, Chailai.”

Chailai started to walk towards her but was stopped by Chung-ho’s hand gripping her waist.

“Who said I was done with her, woman?”

Phailin was biting her tongue, as always, but bit out, “I believe she has done as you asked.”

“Teach your woman her place, Seung” the man growled, “Or do I have to teach her for you?”

“This is not your home” Jynrei suddenly grumbled, “Bastard…”

“Jynrei!” scolded Phailin.

Chung-ho turned red before grabbing a fistful of Jynrei’s long hair, pulling him upward. Khin growled and started to attack the man. This had gone far enough. But…

“Chung-ho, put my son down” said Seung, his voice dangerously calm.

Chung-ho glanced at his brother, stunned, “What? Did you not hear how he disrespected me?”

“He will be punished…but as he said, this is not your home.”

They all turned, stunned, and Chung-ho looked like he could kill, “I see…”

Dropping Jynrei, he laughed, “Very well, brother, I will leave in the morning.”

Stalking off, Jynrei rubbed his head and glanced at his feet, shamed, “Father, I--”

“Your room, Jynrei.”

He stood and trudged towards away. Chailai followed and Khin stood, feeling a bit of relief before glancing at his father. The man looked tired but…Khin smiled. He’d finally stood up for them. Maybe…his father was…

….Why was it so hot?

Khin kicked off his covers in a vain attempt to cool off. The heat was everywhere and he didn’t understand why. It was early spring…this heat was hellish.

Beads of sweat poured down his brow and he finally forced his eyelids open, glaring around. But what he found was not unseasonably warm temperatures…

Fire.

Gasping loudly, he coughed and screamed. Standing up, he got around the building flames and shoved the door open. The house was made of nothing that was even remotely fire resistant. It’d burn in a matter of minutes. Rushing through the house, he coughed, hacked, screamed.

“Mother! Jynrei! Chailai!”

No answers. He tried to get through to their rooms but the doors were blocked. He ran through, his legs burning, and ripped what was left of his mother’s door off. His eyes widened at what he saw, a picture that would drive him mad.

His mother and father lied in their futon, both in flames, incinerating. Bile rose to his throat and he sobbed uncontrollably, rushing from the room. His parents…they were…

No! He had to save Jynrei, Chailai. They had to be all right. They had to be…running to Jynrei’s room, he choked on the smoke and screamed.

Jynrei’s bed was in flames as well, much like his parents. He didn’t see him, but…

What had happened? Why was this happening?

Running, he stifled sobs and wails, rushing for the exit. He ran…he ran as fast as he could.

He said he’d protect Jynrei…Chailai…mother…

He’d been no help at all.

Jynrei lied by the pond outside of what used to be his sanctuary, his home. He’d fallen unconscious for hours and didn’t wake up until rain started to fall, soothing the burns he’d gotten.

That night, he’d woken up, feeling an unpleasant heat tear at him and the noxious smell of smoke assaulting his nose. Opening his eyes, he found his room engulfed in flames. The end of his futon had caught on fire and he’d quickly climbed out. Horrified, he looked for Chailai who’d fallen asleep with him. His heart pulsated wildly. She wasn’t there. Running for his door, he tried to pull it open but screamed as the fire burned his hands. Whimpering, he started to cry…

But those tears…those hurt more than the fire.

Screaming wildly as his eyes burned, he knew then that he had to get out. His family could very well be outside and he was just standing here. Rushing for his window, he shoved it open and pushed outside, coughing, hacking. Limping along, he made it to the pond and shoved his head in to cool off his eyes…

The smoke forced him unconscious, he thought, as he sat there, his eyes watering with tears. Standing, he walked to the ashes of his home and stared. Nothing was left…nothing.

Chailai must have gone back to her room…she’d…she’d probably burned to death, like his parents, like…

Khin…

He shrieked, wailed, the pain of it all overwhelming, maddening. What did he have left? What was there to do now? He had no one. No one…

Wandering back towards the pond, he stared at himself in the water, his reflection miserable. His eyes widened at his face…that burning…his tears had made long, deep scars running down his face. How’d that happen…?

But it was appropriate. A constant reminder of how weak he was. Khin wouldn’t have run. Khin would have tried to save everyone.

Staring at the blue sky as the morning rain dimmed away, he closed his eyes and laughed bitterly.

This was just a memory…something he wanted to forget. Walking, trudging along, he left the past behind.

Tate and Adrian walked through the marketplace just for the sake of something to do. Tate was ecstatic that his father was letting him out ‘on his own’. Even if Adrian had to be there, it was better than his father’s knights. But Adrian pulled at his squire’s tunic, scowling darkly before grumbling.

“I look seven kinds of retarded.”

Tate rolled his eyes, “You look like the squire you are.”

“I guess I should just be glad I don’t have to wear tights then” snorted Adrian, rolling his eyes as well.

“THIEF!”

The same man Adrian had robbed was pointing up the street, angry. Tate stopped and glanced at Adrian. Adrian glanced in return before shoving him.

“I’m standing right next to you, smart one! I don’t have doppelgangers!”

“Gah.”

But Adrian took off after the thief. Tate stared, wide-eyed. Adrian was a lot faster than he had been…rushing to keep up, he felt happy. At least Adrian had taken initiative…

After a moment though, he ran straight into Adrian. Grunting, he growled at the boy who was standing perfectly still.

“What are you doing?! I thought you were chasing the thief?!”

Adrian said nothing and Tate rolled his eyes, irritated. Then again…peeking around Adrian, though, his eyes widened at what he saw.

…A monkey?

“…I think…this is the thief” said Adrian.

“…”

“Can you arrest a monkey?” questioned Adrian, crossing his arms and leveling a look at Tate.

“No, you can’t arrest a monkey” grunted Tate, glaring at him.

“Good” said a voice.

They both looked up as the baby spider monkey chattered and climbed up into a tree. Pretty much mirroring how Adrian was the day Tate met him, a boy their age sat there, eating bread.

“Huh…so you got the monkey to steal food for you. Smart” Adrian nodded, impressed.

Tate glowered, “Don’t compliment him!”

The boy chuckled. Tate looked up at him to get a better look. He was quite obviously of Asian descent even though he had no apparent accent. He had waist length black silky hair, his eyes a silverish gray in color. He had two markings running down his face…curious looking fellow.

“So…what’s up?” the boy said rather casually.

“Nothing much. Just taking a walk” Adrian answered back in the same manner.

“Cool. You guys knights or something?”

“Oh yea, I’m supposed to become one and this guy’s the prince of Adajia.”

“Wow, that’s sweet.”

Tate stared at Adrian dully, “Adrian…do you know him?”

“Never seen him in my life.”

Tate raised an eyebrow as Adrian crossed his arms, staring up at the boy.

“So yo, what’s the deal with the stealing thing?”

“Why, you gonna do something about it?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

Tate groaned and the boy grinned, “Nice.”

“But seriously, what’s up with that?”

“I was hungry.”

“Orphan?”

“Oh, I don’t know…I just woke up somewhere. Don’t know where the rest of my life went.”

“Man, that sucks” Adrian whistled.

Tate had to agree…amnesia would just drive him crazy if he ever got it. Losing any of his life like that would just…well, suck.

“Hey, Tate” Adrian poked him.

Tate glanced at him, “What?”

“You should put him in your table.”

“WHAT?”

“Hey, I’m a reformed thief. This guy could be a reformed thief too.”

Tate glanced from Adrian to the boy before sighing.

“Fine…would you be interested in becoming a knight? You get free food, a bed, and whatever else.”

The boy finished off his bread before looking uncomfortable, “I don’t know…”

“C’mon, dude. Before I became a squire, I was barely eating, sleeping in trees. Now I get good food and a bed and all I have to do is learn to read and fight” Adrian said, giving his testimonial.

He stroked his chin, “Well…”

He slid down the tree, dusting off his pants, and walked towards them. Tate was a little surprised to find the stranger was rather tall. He’d heard those of Asian descent were usually short but he was around the same height as Adrian who was rather tall for his age…

“Okay” he agreed.

“Sweet” Adrian nodded, “I’m Adrian Valentine.”

“Tate Esperanza of Adajia” Tate introduced.

The boy smiled kind of sheepishly, the monkey leaping on his shoulder “This is Abenzio…and the only thing I remember is my name…I’m Li Jynrei. Pleasure to meet you.”

Tate sighed as he watched Jynrei and Adrian spar. He kind of wished he could do that but his father insisted if he fought at all, he’d have to be a mage…

“God, Adrian, you think you can let me land a hit?” demanded Jynrei.

“I think that’s not the point, bro” grinned Adrian, dodging around a slash.

Laughing as Jynrei tackled him instead, they wrestled and Tate rolled his eyes, smirking.

“You guys…”

Adrian sighed, lying on his back, staring at the sky, “Let’s go somewhere.”

“Yea…” agreed Jynrei.

Tate stared at them, stunned, “Where??”

“I don’t know but…I say the other world” Adrian said at ease.

The young prince’s eyes widened, shocked, “ADRIAN, it’s called the FORBIDDEN portal for a reason!”

“Yea, because the person who named it was an idiot!” Adrian proclaimed, “Why should it be forbidden if it’s there?”

“Because” grunted Tate, “I think someone fell asleep during history again.”

Adrian grinned lazily, “I’m only interested in learning to fight and read, Tate, I don’t care about man’s mistakes.”

“Those who failed history are doomed to repeat it” chuckled Jynrei.

“Yea, I hate the idea of summer school.”

Jynrei laughed and Tate smirked at him, “Adrian…”

“Holy jeez, Tate, I know the story myself. Some old dead mother country thought that since The Great War was started by the people coming over here, they’d bar it up or whatever. Emphasis on DEAD.”

Tate sighed, “So what are you saying…? That those laws didn’t make sense? That we should just ignore edicts that have been around for centuries.”

Adrian sighed, “Tate, man, c’mon, obviously people come over here all the time. That’s how we got all our weird catchphrases!”

“It’s true, it’s more accepted that people come over here than people going over there. It shouldn’t make a difference” Jynrei agreed.

Adrian sat up and grinned, “So we game for a little exploring?”

Tate grimaced before sighing, “It’s too late to go now. We’d have to be back by nightfall…”

“Ugh! I’m bored now! Tate, tell your dad you’re going on a week long holiday.”

“A week long holiday?! Adrian, have you MET my father?” Tate rolled his eyes.

“Yea, he needs to lighten up.”

“We’re 12-years-old” sighed Tate.

“Bloody hell.”

Adrian stood and scowled, running his fingers through his hair, “Then I’ll ask your dad, you loser. The worst he could say is ‘no’.”

“Isn’t that bad enough?” Jynrei smirked.

“Hey, if Tate can’t go, we still can” shrugged Adrian, “We’re on vacation.”

Tate scowled, a little upset by this. It wasn’t fair to him that Adrian and Jynrei could wander around wherever they wanted to and he was barred up at home. He wanted freedom too…

“That’s not very nice, Adrian” chastised Jynrei.

“Oh jeez, Jynrei, if Tate can’t go, we can stick around” Adrian replied, patting Tate on the back, “We just have to spend ONE day of the vacation there.”

Jynrei came to his feet, “Sounds like a plan.”

Tate winced and blushed sheepishly, “You guys can go if you want…you don’t have to stick around.”

“Hey, hey, prince, you’re our buddy” Adrian replied, shoving Tate forward, “No partying without the full crew.”

Tate never had friends growing up so this camaraderie was a strange thing to him. But…it was nice.

“Adrian, you’d make a great lawyer” Jynrei said, staring around, amazed.

“Heh.”

Indeed, Adrian had presented a very convincing case with Jynrei as his backup. Tate was shocked when his protective father relented and allowed him to go with the two, even giving them political passes, allowing them at their young age to gain what they needed. Tate, needless to say, was excited. This was the first time he would be completely left to his devices.

“What do we do first?” he asked.

“I don’t know…” Jynrei admitted, Abenzio sitting