xx There’s no more escape

- So the photos look like the people here is not coincidence.

- Coincidences do not exist. And the fact that you're here is not by chance too, since I brought you here.

 I froze where I was and took a step back, not taking my eyes off him. Rathal gave a half smile and fixed his eyes on the book in my hands.

- What happened? If you do not believe me, read the whole story.

- I know the whole story and every character of it.

- Then you should not be looking at me like that. Let's go, otherwise you'll catch a cold.

 I took another step back and ran back into the forest. How could I not realize that what was happening to me was the sequence of the story of the book? However, the characters were somewhat different. It was as if they had a personality beyond what I already knew.

 I collided with someone and fell on my back. Looking up, I saw Rathal approaching and helping me to stand up.

- You should not be afraid of me. As you said it yourself, if I wanted to do something, I would have done it.

- Unless you're playing with me

- And I am indeed. There is nowhere to run.

 He grabbed my arm and dragged me along the way to his house as I struggled and screamed, trying to escape. It was useless. Nothing I did would be enough and my strength was ridiculous compared to someone who was not human. Ivory was certainly far away and could not hear me, and even if he could, I doubt he would save me.

 Rathal released me when we were at his house, where I began to feel sleepy and without strength. I staggered toward the door, but my vision was blurred and darkened before I could approach the exit.

 When I finally woke up, I was tied with silver chains to a white marble stone that was even bigger than me. The room was very clear, which even hurt my eyes. My mouth was covered with a piece of cloth and I could not shout so that someone nearby would hear me.

- Good morning, flower of the day. How was your night? I hope this simple room has been enough.

 Rathal was standing in the doorway, with a book in his hands. He walked slowly towards me, but propped the object on a plataform near me. I grunted and struggled, but it was useless and my wrists were starting to ache.

- I must admit I would not want to do any of this with you, but I had no choice. I need your human vital energy to complete my plans for me to become a vampire altogether. And it had to be a girl descended from Ivory's family, which has special may for transformations.

- I'm not related to him!

- Of course you are. Sorenna, you are the reincarnation of his mother, could not be better for my plans. But unfortunately, you deserve to die for a noble purpose, feel honored.

xx A Book

- Is this some kind of joke?

- And why the hell would I play with that sort of thing? - He looked upset, but restrained himself.- Come on, you had better stay close to us.

- Are you being kind now? What is it? Your mother told you to be nice to the visitor, was it?

- Be squiet and just come. If she brought me to you then it means something important.

 He would not let me say anything else. He simply began to walk through the darkness of the middle of the forest with enviable ease. I had to effort myself  to see better around me and I almost hit him several times on the way because I could not see what was in front of me.

 Soon, we were on a stretch of the path that was illuminated by the moon and where I finally saw something. I was really close to him, and if I took a step a little higher, I would certainly hit my forehead on his back.

- How did you end up there? You were following the map, were not?

 Ivory broke the silence.

- I do not know the way so well to get around by myself.

- I told you the map is fake. Why do not you believe me? You seem to trust Rathal more than you trust me.

- That's because he treated me well since the first time. But you ...

 I did not complete the sentence on purpose. Surely he knew what I was talking about.

- Not everything is always what it seems. Rathal is half vampire, if you do not remember.

- I know. The other half of him is elf. But what does one have to do with the other?

- How long do you think it will take for him to drink every drop of your blood? After all, you are human.

- Do not you think if he wanted to do that he would have done it already? After all, he gave me these clothes and gave me what to eat at his house, then I don't believe he's so evil as you say.

- Rathal is a box of surprises. I would not be surprised if he was playing with his food. Besides, do you really think it was kind of him to give you these clothes?

- Yes...

- If that's what you think ...

 I pulled his arm, making him turning toward me. Ivory did not seem happy that I did it, but I did not care.

- What is the problem?

- What do you have against Rathal? And what do you know to be able to say all this?

- I know more about him than you know. And I've told you all this before, remember? I do not need to repeat more than that. If you do not want to trust me, just see for yourself. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's unlikely.

- Actually, my ears were not burning by chance, were they? Know that it is lack of courtesy to speak ill of one who is not present to defend himself.

 Rathal was walking toward us calmly, with something in his hands, but by the precarious light I could not see what it was. He smiled at me and looked back at Ivory with a mortal expression.

- Making people feel hatred of others for no apparent reason is a bit childish, do not you think, Ivory?

- And getting in on other people's conversations is even worse. This is something that a refined person would not do.

 Rathal rolled his eyes at him and looked at me again.

- You look tired, Sorenna. You can spend the night at my house if you want. At least I will not let you sleep in the floor.

- I do not want to bother...

- And you will not. In fact, the house will be all yours, since I take advantage of the night to take care of my chores. My skin is sensitive to the sun and so I stay out of the house when the sun goes down.

- If you go with him you'll be signing your death sentence. Besides, only a stupid person would go with him after all I said.

- Did you see! I pointed to Ivory. You always find a way to offend me. Also, between sleeping in the cold and on the floor again, I prefer a ceiling. At least I'll be safe.

 Ivory laughed and started to walk away from us.

- Are you serious? Take the time to say goodbye to every drop of your blood from now on. How dumb you are ... It was good to meet you.

- Do not pay attention on him. You will be in complete safety. Come on, you need to rest and feed yourself right. I can even help you get back home this time.

- Really?

- Yeah. I'll have some free time for that. Besides, I imagine you must miss home.

- A little. But sometimes I feel like I'm part of here.

- That's because this world is a book. And a book you know very well.

xx Guided by the stars

 My sense of direction was really lousy. With each step I tried to give looking at the map, the more lost I became. The afternoon was falling and my stomach made that raucous noise of hunger again. I picked up the apple and ate, making some of the hunger disappear and kept walking, ignoring the map this time. Already lost, what could get worse?

 I decided to sit near a tree to rest. The sun was setting and something told me that it would not be good to be walking around during the night. My stomach still complained and I ate half of the bread Rathal had given me. The food was running out and I should look for more early tomorrow, otherwise I would be in serious trouble.

 I looked at the book, which was in front of me and I decided to look at its pages, as it was customary to do. It was true that some prints looked like some creatures here, and they really looked like the ones I saw around here. For the first time I stopped to pay attention to them for real and it really was strange. That woman Ivory said to be his mother was somehow like me and he was right: if it was not for the hair, we'd both be identical. It scared me for a moment and left me confused at the same time: how could I not realize this before I came to stop here? What was happening?

- Lost again?

 Rathal startled me as I stepped out from behind the tree I was in. It even looked like he was following me.

- How did you find me?

- I smelled human and came to see what it was. So Ivory kicked you out of his camp, too?

- No, I decided to follow the map you gave me to go home, but I can not guide myself at all and now I'm here.

 He sat down beside me and looked at the book.

- Ivory's mother really looks like you.

- You noticed, too?

- How can you not understand? Everyone who has known his family can see the resemblance.

- Why are you in this book?

- It's a book that humans have made about our world, right? - Rathal looked at me and I nodded. - It's not because you do not believe in a fairy tale that they are not real. Maybe someone who managed to come here recorded everything in book form.

 His hypothesis made sense, but how could a person do that if even I do not know how I got here?

- Do you have any idea who it might be, Rathal?

- None. It could be a human who came here or a creature that went there. - He shrugged, standing up. - Would you like to spend the night at my house?

- Thank you, but I'll keep here.

- Right. Just be careful not to get lost, okay?

- Thanks.

 He walked toward the forest and disappeared completely. I closed the book, after all everything was very confusing now. I kept looking at the sky and at the same stars that guided me to Ivory that time. I really wanted them to help me find the right way to go home.

 I began to hear laughter not far from me and a soft light was in the middle of the trees. I saw a girl dressed in a long, simple dress and long loose hair. She walked through the forest as if to draw my attention.

- Follow me. I heard her say it in my head.

 I looked around and looked at the woman again. I do not think she would do me any harm and so I picked up my things before following her wherever I was going. She walked fast and I had to run not to get lost, but it did not help. I did not see the light anymore and the woman disappeared. He was in a place he did not know again in another forest, not knowing how to get back.

- Anybody there? Please!

- Sorenna? - I knew that voice - Where are you?

- I wanted to know...

 I saw that light again and the woman walking toward me, followed by Ivory, who was again in the shape of an elf. So she disappeared to bring him here? But why? That did not make sense.

"Did she bring you here too?"

"I mean ...- He did not finish the sentence, once he was surprised.

- What is it, Ivory?

- She does not appear to anyone but me. Why did she bring you here?

- I do not know. She just told me to follow her. Why are you so surprised? Who is she?

- She's my mother's ghost.

xx Made of Ice

 I woke up with the sunshine on my face. I admit that I was not at all comfortable lying on that floor, with absolutely nothing soft. Besides, it was cold all night, because the fire was gone and only the ashes were left there. My back hurt a lot and I struggled to get up. I stretched my muscles for a moment and looked around. I was not really at home, and it saddened me for a moment. The door of the Ivory's house opened and Rathal really was telling the truth about what happened during the day. His eyes were the same, but his hair was brown and his pointy ears were gone. He was really human. He had a reliever on his back and a bow in his hands. 
- You're going to stare at me for a long time, huh? 
 - Look who's talking ...
 He did not like my answer and closed the door harder than necessary, without taking his eyes off me. - Do not think I'm going to look for food for you, so I suggest you pack up what to do.
 - I'm going, I'm going ...
 I raised my hands in peace and began to walk back into the forest. I was not sure which way to go to find more food, though I did not have many choices at the moment.

 It was already entangled in the trees and the only thing I could find was an apple, but that was not enough to kill my hunger. My stomach made a loud and irritating noise and I could not find anything else there. 
- Look who's here ... Sorenna, is not it? 
- Forgot my name?
- Let's just say I do not pay much attention to these things. - Rathal shrugged. - But what are you doing here? I thought you were with Ivory. 
- He told me to find something to eat. He said I should turn around.
 - But of course. He in the human personality is indeed unpleasant. Sending a human like you  looking for food in a place like this is not sweet at all. - He rummaged in a bag he was carrying while he spoke. - Here it is, I think it might help.
 I took two packages from his hands and a bottle. 
- Are not you going to need it?
- No way. Keep it.
 I did not have time to say anything else, because I did not see him anymore. I approached a tree and opened the packages. In one there were two breads and in the other there were two apples and some blackberries. The bottle was filled with fresh water. I ate only one bread and one more apple and decided to save the rest for later. I did not know if I could get more food on the way, so it would be best to ration it for now. I got up and went back to Ivory's house, where my things were. 
- What happened? You got nothing to eat? You should know that I have nothing to offer here.
 He was back, sitting on the floor finishing the last piece of bread that was in his hands. 
- Do not worry about it. - I answered, taking the map and reaching for my book, which Ivory was able to catch first than me. 
- What is written here? I do not recognize these symbols. What kind of spells can you do? 
-It's not spells. It's a storybook that came with me. 
- And why is there a picture of Rathal here? Wait ... Why do you have pictures of several people here? 
- Like for example...? 
- My two forms, the image of my father and my mother ...- he looked at me suspiciously. - What are you up to? 
- I told you I'm not up to anything! It's just a book of fairy tales, they're common in my world. 
- And why such a resemblance?
- I do not know. Do you want to return it? It is very valuable to me and I will not leave without it.
 He suddenly looked at me, his eyebrows arched. 
- Are you leaving? 
 - Of course. I know when I'm not welcome somewhere. Besides, I have to go home. 
- Wait.
 I looked at him impatiently as I watched him close the book and drop it on his lap. 
- I heard when Rathal asked you how you got here. - Ivory began, and his eyes were still over the book. - And you said it was for the stars of my father and mother. 
-It was those stars, but I did not know they were your parents, Rathal told me that.
- He is right .-  I thought I noticed a certain softness in his tone of voice after that, and then he looked at me softer. - But I've never seen anyone who has been guided by them before. 
- What's that got to do with it? - I asked, impatient that he had not returned my book.
- Maybe you were guided here for some reason.- the book was opened again but on a specific page - You look like my mother's picture, the only difference is that your hair is shorter than hers.

 He looked down, thinking of something. I did not want to know, I did not trust him after all that rudeness with me. I marched toward him and picked up the book, closing it impatiently. Ivory looked startled by my gesture. I made sure that everything I needed was with me and I started to walk away, looking at the map one more time and trying to understand where I was and where I should go. 
- You know you're not going anywhere with this map, are you? And I will not help you. - I could still hear him shout. I didn't pay attention.
  So what if he said the map was fake? Rathal said it wasn't, and I admit to trusting him more than anyone else around here.

▪▫▪▫⊰ Almost d-i-e-d >.< ⊱▪▫▪▫

▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫

 Adm: *walks back to the blog*

 Sesshoumaru: Hey, human.

Adm:  AAAAHHHH!!! *runs and bows before Sesshoumaru*

Sesshoumaru: Where have you been all this time?

Adm:  W-well... *looks at him, and he's really mad* AAAHH, I am sorry, my lord, the university was killing all my time and the inspiration betrayed me, then...

Sesshoumaru: Silence. And about your vacations? You simply abandoned all here without say any word.

Adm: I...

Sesshoumaru: *use the sword*

Adm:  Uh? *looks around and for my own body, scared* Am I still alive?

Sesshoumaru:  I used Tenseiga to make this blog alive again. Do not dare to disappoint me again, otherwise I will kill you *smiles and walk away*

Adm: AAAAHHH! *bows a thousand times* T-thank you very much, my lord, thank you, thank you!

Sesshoumaru:  Humans...

Adm:: *sighs and tremble* What a creepy smile... 

 ▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫▪▫▪▫⊰⊱▪▫▪▫

xx Ivory

I greedily ate the fish that Nazca offered me. It was not enough to satisfy my hunger, but anyway it was better than going without eating anything.

- Ivory, will you not eat?

- I'm not hungry, Nazca.

 He got up and walked toward a similar house with the Rathal. Nazca sighed, shaking her head in negative. Apparently it had been repeated before. She left the bonfire and stood up.

- What happened to him?

- This does not concern you, girl. Humans are not able to understand what happens here.

 I had no time to say more. Nazca out faster than a distance away. I was near the fire to warm up and saw a fish there. Without knowing whether or not I went to the house where Ivory was and I knocked on the door.

- Nazca, go away, please.

- She just went ... - I replied, not knowing what to say next. However, the door opened and I saw his cold stare on me and what I had in my hands - Well, maybe you're hungry, so ...

- I'm fine, do not worry about me. You need this fish more than me, as I can see.

 I understood it as an insult, but I kept silent, just staring at the floor and wondering what to say, but the door was closed before I at least realized.

- Do not worry girl, you did nothing wrong.

 That voice. I had already heard before. But what was he doing there? Before I could even turn around to face him, I remembered what that human hunter told me about the fact that the map be false to take me to death.

 Rathal sat by the fire and began to eat the fish that was left.

- Why are you looking at me with that face? I don't survive olny drinking blood, if that's what you are thinking. At least not yet.

- Why did you come here?

- To find out if everything was okay with you. After all, I think someone said that the map I gave you was false.

 How did he know all that?

- It was not Ivory who told me that.

- Yes, it was. Ivory, the human.

- Ivory?

 Rathal looked annoyed.

- What's wrong, girl? I'm not being clear enough for you?

- Hey, do not discount your bad mood on me, okay? I am not resident here to familiarize myself with these things.

- Right, right. - He threw the stick where the fish was in the direction of Ivory's door - That guy is half-human. During the day the hunt as a human hiding in the forest and at night is locked there, playing the whole life out here alone ... By the way, how did you get here?

- Following those two stars.

 Rathal had to work a bit to get to see them, but when he did a smile appeared on his face gently.

- They are really hard to see, only Ivory can find them effortlessly. After all, they are the souls of his parents. I imagine they have guided you here, but do not understand the reason.

- I'm surprised you know all my life, Rathal.

 Ivory was standing with the door open.

- I know more than you think, boy. Do not doubt me.

 Rathal disappeared as quickly as had appeared.

- If you work for him, you'd better get out of here.

- I do not work for it and you should know that.

- It's not because you know what I am you have the right to use this tone with me, human.

- You are also human, Ivory. And I also have a name.

- I have no interest in knowing it; if you will stay here, do not make noise once I'm trying to sleep; if you go away, then go once and for all.

- I do not have the slightest idea of ​​where to go at this time.

- Then be quiet there.

 Again the door is closed before I could answer. Luckily, I will find the way home and leave this place. As much as I like these creatures as well, I see that some are completely different from the stories I'm used to reading. And either Ivory and Nazca were this kind of difference.

xx Shinny Stars

 The night was already falling, and I had not yet found a place to get to sleep until dawn. I did not know how far back it was Rathal home, so I decided to keep moving forward. For a moment I had the impression of walking in circles, since the trees on the road seemed endless. I decided to turn left, penetrated me among more trees.

 I do not know how long I was walking in that direction, but it was enough to make me feel exhausted. I sat at the foot of a tree to catch my breath and looked at the sky for the first time. There were countless stars, which were not different from those of the human world, but seemed brighter. However, the best look, there were two stars together and they could shine even more than the others so that awakened something inside me; a feeling that I did not know exactly where it came from and who made tears come to my eyes unexpectedly.

 I got up and began to follow the direction of those two stars, who attracted me like two magnets. I kept moving through the trees until I see an exit not far from me. Finally I was free and I could see that there was nothing around me except for a light in front of me, exactly in the same direction of the stars. As I approached more and more, I could see that a fire was lit and there were two people there: one, a woman, was sitting, cooking some fish. The other, a boy, was lying down, looking up without realizing what was happening around him. I should proceed? It was clear that they were not human, but not all were hostile, right?

- Your place is far away from here, human.

 The woman spoke to me in a gruff voice that made me freeze. I thought I heard a growl forming in her throat, but the boy was lying interfered. His hair was blue as his eyes, that conveyed indifference.

- Be calm, Nazca.

- You know well that I am not the type to tolerate humans.

- However, she seems lost. And hungry. How did you get here?

- I followed those two stars.

 Once pointed to the two stars, he seemed surprised.

- Few people can see those shining stars. - The voice of Nazca softened - I think you're not an ordinary human, in the end. - Her eyes narrowed - but I'll keep an eye on you.

- Y-Yes - I answered, sitting next to the fire.

xx Human Hunter

 I admit I did not know where to go. That map was not helping me in any way and again I was getting hungry. Because I was going through some trees, I decided to stop and try to look for some fruits that could satisfy at least part of my hunger.

 I started to climb a tree, which luckily was laden with blackberries ready to be eaten. Over the branches were some birds, which frightened the see me and then flew quickly to another place. I filled the pockets to the maximum before come to the floor and what was my surprise to see a shadow through the trees and an arrow exactly in one of the branches where the birds were. Quickly I jumped back to the ground, grabbed my book and the map and I resumed my walk, eating voraciously blackberries.

 Another arrow stopped centimeters from my ankle and seconds later felt my face touching the grass and my arms being pulled back.

- You simply fright the animals and go away? Who do you think you are? Where are you from?

- My name is Sorenna. I am the human world and I have no idea how I got here.

 Soon I was able to move around and saw a boy with typical clothes hunter, blue eyes and brown hair. There was no elf trace of it, so it certainly should be a human like me.

- You really do not seem to be from here. - He analyzed me carefully - Be more careful out there, they do not usually have compassion with humans.

- So what are you doing here?

- I was born here. Moreover, nobody saw me hunting around here. So if something happens, I know you said something and I will make you pay.

  He did not seem to be joking. I nodded and gulped, taking my book from the floor and resuming my walk.

- You forgot your false map.

- False?

- Of course yes. This map is only taking you to the core of the city of the elves, where any human does not escape alive. Who gave you this?

- It was a half-elf I met, Rathal.

- You should not trust him. At first it may look good, but in fact is a box of surprises.

- How do you know?

- Everyone knows who he is. Many travel several days and nights to find him.

- Why?

- He handles things related to magic and alchemy also. However, his specialty is undoubtedly the magic. They say he tries today become a full vampire, like his father, and completely forget the essence of his mother ... Well, these are just empty rumors, I can not say anything for sure, because I have no connection with him.

 That information didn't care for me. The only thing still pounding in my head was the fact that the map was false and I was being led to my death. However, if it were really so, he let me walk around with my pajamas from the human world.

- Are you sure of what you're saying?

- Of course yes. - He looked at me with rage - I know the surroundings like the back of my hand.

 He left me alone in the same instant, looking angry and offended. Unfortunately, I did not see where he was, so I was alone and not knowing where to go or how to get home again.

xx Falling in a Dream

 I woke up in the middle of a plain covered by a soft, green lawn, near a small river that quietly passed with its crystal clear and pure waters. I do not know where I was, but the place brought me a strange sense of comfort and a vague sense of having been here before, however I did not know where I was. I was still in my blue flannel pajamas and my fuzzy slippers.

 I took the grass that was in my clothes and started walking following the course of the river by the end of the plain, where there was a completely detached house with smoke coming out the chimney and bringing with it the smell of something being roasted.

 My stomach made a sound completely known, but I would not knock on someone's door I even knew who to ask for something to eat ... Or maybe should I? I walked in the direction of the house quietly, listening for any sign of who lived there, but to no avail. The silence and peace, maybe should just be only one person who lives there. I stopped in front of the door and thought about knock because hunger was becoming unbearable, however, something made me hesitate.

 I lowered my hand, defeated and turned on my back and began to walk back to the river. Maybe find the way back home somehow.

- Hey, human!

 He was talking to me? I looked around and saw no one but me, so I looked back.

 A long blond haired boy, gray eyes and the body covered with a dark gray robe was walking toward me. He seemed really familiar to me, but could not remember where. I was surprised at the way he had called me, after his appearance was human to me.

- What are you doing here?

- I do not know. I was at home and suddenly woke up near the river.

 He smiled quietly, but I did not understand the reason.

- Come. You must be hungry.

 I hesitated as I saw him walking, however, to remember the smell of food coming from his house, I began to follow him as soon as I could. A rather strong breeze blew, taking off his hood, revealing pointed ears that I knew well. I soon understood the reason why he called me "human".

- You're an elf, right?

- Half of me is elf. The other half comes from my father, who was vampire.

- I've never seen a combination like this before.

- And since when you have contact with elves?

- Since when I was a child.

 He looked at me quickly.

- The most common types born of humans and elves relationship. Fortunately I am the only one who had a different destination.

- Why do you say "fortunately"?

- For those who are half human are destinated to suffering for the rest of life. They are hated by humans and rejected by the elves, as they are considered weak. I, on the other hand, are seen and treated as a full elf, for good or bad my two halves are mystical.

 He did not say anything after that. Just opened the door and let me in.

- You can wait here, but try not to touch anything.

 There was a bookcase that stretched across the wall with a plethora of books on various subjects, however, mostly it consisted of books of magic and alchemy.

 Soon, he appeared with a plate containing pieces of roasted meat and soup. While I ate, he just walked from one side to the other in the house, seeming to search for something.

- I just realized I do not know your name. Mine is Sorenna.

- And for what reason my name matter?

- If I do not know your name, as I will call you?

- My name is Rathal.

 He came up with some folded clothes and a pair of boots in my direction, looking critically at my pajamas.

- I think you will need that.

 I went to a room where he was appointed and, to my surprise, it was the perfect size. The suit was brown and green made of cotton and brown boots made of leather. I did not know why he had women's clothes at home, but they were very useful now.

 When I left the room, Rathal took my pajamas and threw it away.

- Why did you do it?

- You're already with other clothes, right? You do not need it, unless you want to die. Your human smell can not be camouflaged completely nor with an outfit from my mother. Anyway, you'll be sure to find the way back to your home.

 He gave me a map, but it did not help me much, since I'm bad guiding me with things like that. Anyway, I thanked and again walked back to the edge of the river, looking at the map and trying to find my way back to home.

 As retraced the path by which I followed before, I saw something on the ground almost in the same place where I woke up. It was my storybook, which was open at any page. When I bend down to pick it up, I saw the picture that was in one of the pages looked like Rathal that somehow that left me puzzled. I closed it and walked on to wherever it was.

xx Once upon a Time

"Once upon a time in a land far away, a warrior elf who fell in love with a human princess. The princess also fell in love with elf and they got married and had a beautiful son.

 And everyone lived happily ever after."

 No, they didn't live happily ever after.

 Ivory knew better than anyone that his story was not happy for so long - if ever there was a happy time -. He never met his mother and did not remember much of his father, since he died when Ivory was a child. There was only one person who had care of him until he becomes a man and her name was Nazca. She was the one who did not mind the fact that he is half-human, but the others condemned him. During the day, he just went out to hunt something to eat and was locked at home until nightfall, when he could get some fresh air.

- You need to take the reins of your life, Ivory. Since when Albion lost you turned into someone else.

- What do you want me to do, Nazca?

- You have completed 150 years and became a man. You need to think what to do going forward. You are a skilled archer and is young, is willing to venture out there and become a warrior like your father.

  Ivory laughed.

- What's the fun?

- Thinking now, it's really strange that you have taken care of me and still be worrying about me and you hate human and I have their blood.

- I did not hate humans to before happen what happened to your father. Just spent hate them after he was dead even though you were in the world and needed him as a child. They are selfish and arrogant, do not understand the feelings of anyone; so I want you be careful about them.

- That's ridiculous, Nazca. I can not walk away from one of my races. I tend to be like them.

- But you're not. Ivory, you were and still warm and gentle as your father. Your half-elf was always stronger than your human half. You are different from them and can become a full elf if you want.

- I do not want to lose what little I have of my mother. I even had a chance to know her, so I want to stay that way.

  Nazca understand the feelings of Ivory as a big sister should do. However, Cyphea brought woes to Albion from when they first met. The betrayal, war, loss, death. All this because of a human who left the child and her husband alone because of her weakness.

  Ivory lay on the grass, looking up at the starry sky. Two stars shone more than the other and he knew very well why. Nazca felt touched by everything that happened in that family, and especially the pain that lived in the blue eyes of Ivory every night when those two stars shone. She thought she saw a tear on his eyes, but he recovered so quickly that she could not be sure.

- Will someday the things change?

- You have potential for that, Ivory. It's all up to you. I'm sure those two stars want to see you drawing your own way.

x Open your Eyes

 Open your eyes.

That's what I always hear when I'm about to sleep since I was child, after my parents have given me a fairy tale book. But this was no ordinary book to me, always I saw something familiar, that brought me comfort when I felt sad and when did not know me what to do. The characters for me were alive and real, and even now at nineteen, I still feel the same.

 I got out of bed when I saw that the clock struck midnight. Like a magnet, the book again attracts me to the desk. I know I've read the same story thousands of times, but what matter? There was something about it that I identified every time I read it.

 Even without lighting the lamp, I knew what was written on every line, every letter, every drawing. Each speaks of the characters was like the voice of an old friend to me. That story was like a past unknown to me. It was as if they were telling my story and I never knew that.

  Unlike other times, I had no desire to read, but to observe the designs of the characters. There were not children's drawings, they were paintings seemed to people that were real. Am I imaginig too much? Perhaps. I guess I'm so used to this book that it is simply a family album.

ℬєнιη∂ тнє ℱαιяутαℓєѕ ❧

╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌

© rights to the owner

╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌

XVI

- Dr. Oreans, we'll start today with the annual testing of soldiers.

 After long five years finally I got the title doctor to take care of my family, since I could not do it for my father.

- I'm proud of you.

 Axel smiled, sitting in the chair so I could measure their blood pressure.

- Me too.

 I smiled back at him. Suddenly it was as if everything was a dream, but it was not. During those years I did not think I could smile and live like a normal person, but I was wrong. I managed to overcome all traumas and became stronger. I think that survive a war makes us more alive and wiser, since few survive.

 I did not think I'd see the end and all those changes: the end of South Union, the expansion of the Alliance. A new age of peace and hope. But I saw it all happen and was sure we would see more.

 That war became known as "War of the Lament". Really all the lamentations were large, and the losses as well. However, all this was in the past and had become ashes. Pain, suffering, tears, uncertainty. Everything turned into ashes and merely ashes.

XV

 We stopped the car near where the helicopter of the Chancellor was.

- You see that?

 The official car of the Union was already there. This was a problem, because who knows what kind of lies he would invent?

- Let's go.

 Paul followed from inside the Council building. It was actually bigger than I expected. The floor was highly polished, like a mirror, and I could smell different kinds of flowers as we advanced.

- Paul, you know where we're going?

- Yes. I know this place like the back of my hand.

 We stopped abruptly when three Union soldiers pointed their guns at us. However, the look of them was actually in Axel.

- Why are you looking at me like that? It seems you are looking at a ghost.

 I could see the hands of one of them tremble before my brother shoot. Another fell to his knees, throwing the gun away and the other ran down the hall, but Paul shot and he fell.

 At the same moment we heard screams coming from the top floor. Once the elevator was in use, we climbed the stairs quickly, without giving importance to security. As we climbed, the screams increased. Paul was in front, with the firm weapon into fists.

- Go with him. - Axel said, leaning against the wall - I'll stay here in case something happens. They can not see me yet. I want to appear when the time is right.

- To save all, I presume.

 He smiled.

- Go quickly.

 I hurried to reach Paul, who was almost at the door of the room.

- I will not admit it! What they did was steal!

 It was the President who was screaming hysterically that way.

- Why are you so upset, President?

- Because the term they prove the innocence already ended! In addition, this CD was in my main military base; his soldiers invaded my limits!

- Does not matter. If this is a prove, then I have an obligation to see it.

 Something made of glass falls. Paul looked at me and nodded. It was time to enter.

- What is it? Who gave permission for them to come here ?!

 The president of the Union was red in the face, such as a pepper. In trembling hands was a bottle of water broken, he was appointed to the Council president, who smiled to see us.

- Arrived in good time, Alliance soldiers. Your Chancellor told me that you were responsible for gathering it, right?

 We nodded and he continued, heedless of the fact of being threatened by the president of the Union.

- You were the brightest soldiers I have ever seen: dressed as Union soldiers infiltrated without having raised suspicions and still managed to find a way in their security to get get it ... - He was with the CD in the hands - It certainly was something brilliant. Let's see what they got.

- They robbed me! This should be considered a crime of the highest level!

- Not during a war. After all, you also stole the uniform of my army. - The Chancellor interfered.

 The president of the Council ignored the attempts of others to recover the CD and then we could see the images from the security cameras of the arms warehouse and the president's office at the base. Each image, the president of the Union was more mad and desperate.

 No trespassing sign on the stated date. A Union soldier with the Alliance uniform. Axel wearing the uniform to be duped by the President. Another soldier taking pictures of my brother in the warehouse under instructions of the marshal. All conversations of the President in the office. That was what was needed to prove our innocence.

- So that's what happened.

 The Chancellor glared President of the Union with the look.

- Damn! Soldiers like you should be killed, as was the fate of the other two Oreans.

 A knock on the door interrupted the speech of the President and Axel came quietly, leaving him bewildered and taking the rest of sanity he still had.

- It can not be ... - The President put down the glass, which shattered and pointed to my brother, with trembling hands. The color drained from his face, showing terror. - He should have turned ashes! I even burned his corpse!

- But did you check the "corpse"?

 He growled, even fiercer than before.

- You mean you tried to burn the body of a soldier? - The president of the Council was interested - You know this will against the New Agreement, right? As steal uniforms of other countries and forging charges.

 The president of the Union was paler than before and the sweat trickled down his forehead. Apparently he did not know what to say to defend.

- The fault is all of them! If Parliament of the Alliance did not have the idea of ​​separating the South Union none of this would have happened! Because of them my country nearly went into crisis!

- You enslaved us because we can produce more than the other states. People do not deserve it. Moreover, you have always been obsessive and tyrannical. A proof of this is what you did to get back at us. - The Chancellor did not try to hide the anger and disgust, with a mixture of relief for liberation.

 The president of the Council listened to everything carefully and thoughtfully as the Chancellor speak. From time to time he alternated looks for all who were present in the room and finally got up with a role in the apparently important hand.

- I'm actually all that. After everything I saw and heard today, in addition to all that I know from the past, it takes me long to make this decision. However, I do it now. - He held the paper so all we could see - you see it, President?

 The other nodded and the paper was torn then causing him to lose his breath.

- From today the Southern Union no longer exists.

- It can not be. Please, I ask you to reconsider.

- There are no considerations for all that has happened so far. Your position as president is extinguished here and now as well as your life. - The president pressed a special button and Council soldiers appeared, leading the ruler of the Union, which now no longer existed. - Take him to the electric chair, this man has caused sufficient misfortunes to us all.

 He was taken without the strength to say absolutely nothing to defend. Maybe it was because there was nothing to say, since after all what happened that was the best solution for everyone.

- What will happen to the Union?

- It will be added back to the Alliance. - The Chancellor replied. - Both we and the former Union are small and must come together again. However, they will be better now under guardianship on.

- I do not believe it will be something so peaceful. - Axel intervened - must be people who supported the former government and will start a riot. There will be no peace.

- Yes, there will. There is no single person who currently support. Those who did died as soldiers in war. - The Representant said in delivering a sheet - I got this for some time and decided to keep it to an extreme, as today.

 It was a letter with the signature of the majority calling for the end of Southern Union and tyrannical government. I imagine that sometime they should be happy with the new news.

- Once again thank you for the courage and applaud you all for intelligence on the battlefield. Without you, certainly this war would not end. - The Chancellor looked at us - I'm sure Carter Oreans is happy for you wherever you are.

 We nodded proudly.

- But I know that they had instructions from a bright mind like yours, captain. Being still young and with great military experience, I am happy to associate it with the special Army Council as a colonel.

 I saw Paul smiling in a way that I never thought I'd see. It was as if one of his dream had come true. Maybe it was really a dream. He bowed as a sign of gratitude and loyalty.

- You two can have the same promotion if you want. However, you will be agents to infiltration operations, recognition and data access.

 We looked at each other. At first, the only reason we had entered the war was for us to meet again. I could not accept because I had other plans in mind, and one of them was the university and get a job that did not include the carrying of weapons. Axel seemed to understand my situation without words.

- I will accept the offer. - He said, convinced.

- How about you? - The Chancellor was waiting for my answer.

- I can not. I have other plans and just entered this war because of Axel.

 He nodded in a comprehensive manner.

- I understand. You are closer than expected. - He alternated eyes on us and then to the representant. - And what are your plans?

- Enter the university and get a job in addition to general.

- What will you study?

 Axel looked for a moment and remembered my father.

- Medicine.

- I'm glad to say that I can get a job for you. You can work in the medical department of the military base of the Alliance and of the Council in this way you will be close to your tutor and your brother. What do you say?

 I nodded, unable to speak for the emotion that dominated me. Axel and Paul hugged me and I felt complete again. Though he can not take the place of our father, Paul turned out to be a perfect replacement and admit I could not have done any of this without his help.

XIV

 A soldier enters in the room.

- The President wants the two soldiers back to the office immediately.

- They will be released soon.

 The man withdrew.

- You know what to do. From now on the time runs against us because we do not know how long our soldiers will endure. Be quick and unobtrusive.

 Paul wished me luck and delivered a communicator before leaving first.

- Did someone is in the surveillance room?

- No. Actually, that room is just with the the equipment. The guards are in another room.

- It makes no sense.

- I can not understand too. But be careful: this room, even if it is empty, is also monitored by cameras and anything you do they will know.

 I did not understand why. It was just easier to put someone in that room rather than complicate both that way. Anyway, I would have to find a way to turn off that camera before doing anything.

 I left the medical ward and looked around. There was no soldier even wandering the halls and no camera. Maybe because no soldiers were there often, only the highest political people.

 Follow the path back to find that room. To my surprise, there were security cameras on all four sides of the aisle in order to accurately capture the door of that room and the person who came there. I put my hands in the pockets and turned toward the exit, as they could not get in that way.

- Rena, answer.

- What happened?

- Did you enter into the room?

-There cameras of the four sides of the aisle. I'm thinking about how to disable them first.

- Be careful. From any angle you try they will not lose sight of you.

- I think I'll need to do something extreme, Paul.

- Do not rush. Go back to the medical wing, as if you were feeling ill and change path. Try to follow the camera cables and disable them one by one as soon as I give the signal. I'm with the President in the room where the guards are, so wait for me.

- I will have little time to act.

- Yes. So be quick. Also, we do not have time to waste here.

 I hung up. I turned and ran back down the hallway cameras, putting hands in the mouth and stomach, as Paul had instructed me. I could see where the four cameras wires were and happily followed the ward doctor.

 Making sure to have vanished from surveillance cameras, I continued following the wires, always looking around to make sure I was alone. The wire ended in a panel on the walls where they had five buttons. Certainly the last button was to disable the camera that was inside the room. I waited with my trembling hands and my legs ready to run back to that room.

- Rena, are you there?

- Yes.

- When the count of three, get ready. One, two... Three!

 I deactivated the five cameras and heard the shrill sound of an alarm. I ran as fast as I could and flew until the corridors to get in that room.

- They saw that the cameras are not working, quickly!

- I'm already here.

 Their security system was not as complicated as I imagined. I remember when my father taught us to break into these systems and this was like what the Alliance engineers had built years ago when the Union still dominated.

 I found a CD to record the images. Three minutes of waiting. That could be fatal, since I was hearing footsteps coming from upstairs to downstairs.

- Paul, what's going on there?

- They're looking for the error of the cameras by the computer, but are sending two soldiers behind you. After all, the last person who went through the cameras before they were disabled was you, so be quick or it would fail.

 The time was reduced to one minute.

 Forty seconds.

 The steps of the hall soldiers were louder.

 Twenty seconds.

- Look! The panel was off.

- We need to get him before.

 Chills roamed my pimples. More ten seconds, just ten seconds.

- Rena, when you finish run to the main gate and wait for me. I'm going to the infirmary to tell to Marcus that it's time to run. Let's get out of here.

- It's ok.

 It was finally completed. However, the steps were very close to me. There was not sure to escape unseen. I put the CD in my pocket and looked for the pistol I had brought. Fortunately it was with me.

 I opened the room door and the first thing I saw was a shot through millimeters from me.

- What were you doing there?

 Another shot. This time my cap fell and they saw me.

- It's an invasor!

 I quickly shoot and start running. At this time the hall seemed so long ... I thought I could not get out of there alive with the rain of shots that were behind me.

- Rena, we're here.

- I'm coming.

 I rolled to the right as I walked through the exit to escape from the gunfire, but was hit in the arm I used to shoot. I dropped the gun and pawned my best to reach the entrance, where the two were waiting for me.

- We'll have to climb, everything is locked up because of alarms.

 They were ahead. With my arm like that I was not sure I could climb. However, I would be dead if I did not. It really was not easy, because every time I had to push myself lost more blood and the pain increased.

- Quick, Rena!

 I jumped as soon as I reached the top and rolled, but got up quickly and ran toward the car, that was close. Paul put the key in the ignition and used the top speed to get out before we reached. I looked at the body of Axel and everything was fine. That face ... Yes, it was for him that I had endeavored to get out of there alive.

- Hey!

 I felt a sharp stab of pain in my arm suddenly. Marcus was trying to remove the ammunition without anesthesia.

- Be quiet.

 I could not do anything else. Soon, he could take the bullet off. After having sutured where the shot was lodged, it was as if my arm was brand new, but I knew I could not use the machine gun, but the other pistol that was in the car.

- We're very sorry, sir.

- You are truly incompetent. However, we have something that girl can not ignore. - The President looked at the covered body, feeling triumphant - She will do anything for it, just need to find her.

- What can we do?

- You? Well ... Go to the border between the Western Alliance and wait for them there. - He wrote something quickly and handed it to one of the soldiers - Hand over it and wait for the answer. I want the fact to make clear we are not kidding. Now go.

- Immediately.

- One more thing: Regardless of her answer, bring everything she stole.

- Understood.

 We were still at high speed and not missing a lot to get to the border.

- Paul, I see another car.

- Friend or enemy?

- Enemy.

 He accelerated more and I prepared the gun. However, they did not seem to be willing to attack us on the move. Even if we were in front and accelerating increasingly, they managed to overcome our car without leaving any trace traps or any attempt to block our way.

- What did happen to them?

- Well I wanted to know.

- We are close to the border soon deliver all this to the Chancellor and we will be free.

- And what will happen to the South Union?

- Who knows? The President of the Council is a box of surprises.

 A sudden stop almost threw me out of the car. However, I saw that same car stopped exactly at the border and two soldiers were out, one with a piece of paper in his hands. Certainly they were waiting for us.

 When Paul went down, they pointed to me and made mention to me to approach too.

- Please take care of his body.

- Do not worry.

 I approached, gun in hand, not knowing what to expect. The soldier held the role for me, I read with Paul.

"Rena Oreans,

You stole something from me and I want it back immediately. Nothing you do can save your precious country of the penalty Council, so I suggest you give up and delivered what took for my soldiers.

Needless to say that the body of Axel is with me and I know exactly attachment size that you feel for him. For this reason, if you do not give me everything, absolutely everything that is mine, I will burn the body of this boy without the slightest pity.

I want an immediate response and will not accept changes. "

 I did not need signatures or final considerations to know it was that man. The soldiers were looking at me, waiting for an answer. However, they did not expect was the Paul laughs uncontrollably access.

- What is grace? The girl can put everything to lose because of that soldier.

 He wiped a tear, the result laughter.

- And you will take to answer, Rena?

 It was obvious that I would soon respond.

- I will not return anything.

- I hope you know we're not bluffing when it.

- I know, but I did not put my life at risk and then surrender.

 They seemed surprised.

- This is your final word?

- Yes. I do not regret.

 The other soldier was with a mobile phone in hands and dialed a number, activating the speakerphone so we could hear what was going on.

- What is the final word?

- She denied.

- I hope she does not regret the consequences.

- She says not regret it, sir.

- Great. I'll have to burn his body immediately.

 The President was silent, but the connection was still active. I heard the sound of wheels sliding across the floor and steps. Someone opened a bottle and poured some liquid on the body and then a match was scratched.

- You hear that, Rena Oreans? Say goodbye to your brother for the rest of your life.

- If you feel happy with it. - I replied in the distance.

 I heard a growl coming from him and the connection ended. One of the soldiers whistled and the two who were in the car went out armed, each holding the gun to Paul and me.

- We have no time to waste with you. It's all over here.

 Paul and I throw against them, but not to kill them. One way or another, no soldier was guilty of what was happening and did just that they could no longer use the weapons so we could overcome the border and find the Chancellor.

 We ran to the car and Paul drove to the Parliament.

- I hope it's important, soldiers. I have a big problem on my hands.

- I think we can solve this problem.

 I gave the CD to the Chancellor, whose expression softened and seemed happy and relieved.

- How did you get that? - By the time he had not noticed in our clothes - You are crazy.

- And yet, we did it.

The Chancellor smiled and looked at me.

- You got this?

- With Paul's help.

- You remind me very much your father. It's a pitty that he died that way.

 For a moment I was shocked that he knew what happened. Moreover, the fact that he knew who I was.

- What happened? Ah yes. You may not remember, but your father brought you and your brother here when you were younger ... Speaking of which, where is Axel?

 I could not stop myself. I looked away when he asked that question.

- The Southern Union placed several lies in his head and then ...

- I understand. Well, death no one will be a waste. I'll take this to the Council now.

- You should be careful. The president of the Union is crazy looking for this CD.

- Do not worry about me. I am grateful for what they did and I'm sorry for making you run so many risks.

- It is our duty. - Paul responded with more pride than usual.

 The Chancellor said goodbye with a nod and got into the helicopter. What would we do now?

- We will follow him to the ground.

- What?

- It is not safe. Not while he's away from Council.

 We followed the helicopter of the Chancellor

- We should not take so long to arrive. Rena, take care of the surroundings. That man certainly will not rest until recover the recordings.

- It's all right.

 I took the gun and was going through the sunroof when I hear Paul talk to someone.

- How long will you continue sleeping?

 I looked around. We were all awake, except for the faint body of my brother lying in a rear seat of the car.

- Paul, with whom you are speaking?

- It is not obvious?

- I'm sorry, but no.

- It will not help, Paul. - Marcus intervened - The effect of the anesthetic will take a while to pass, be patient.

- Anesthetic effect, is it? We will see.

 Okay, that to me it was as if they were speaking in some foreing language, because I could not understand. My brother was dead, no use doing anything. And what kind of anesthetic was that? The conversation of course they knew something I did not know and it certainly has to do with Paul's smile before entering the enemy's base.

 The car stopped and the back door opened.

- Marcus, can you take over? I'll wake this "princess" now.

 We continue to walk, but I was afraid that Paul would do with my brother.

- Come on, boy. You've done your sister to despair for long. We need more a soldier here, or else things will be difficult for us.

 He remained still, without moving a muscle. It was true that the body of a dead person would not last so long and Axel was still with a little pink lips, as if he were really asleep. Angry, Paul took one of the bottles of water we had and turned on the face of my brother.

- That's a real waste, Paul!

 I had to hold tight on me sunroof not to fall. It could not be true, he should be dead ... ... I heard the hoarse voice on the communicator.

 Axel sat and choked because of the water.

- You're right. However, you overslept.

He looked sleepily because of the anesthetic. He was alive and well, that was what mattered to me. Tears ran down my face without my noticing, and seemed to fall on his face, he looked up with eyes half closed for clarity.

- Rena.

 With some difficulty Axel managed to get up and go through the sunroof to join me. He wiped my tears smiling and kissed my forehead.

- I'm sorry to bother you. I did not see another way to make you continue the war.

- I must also apologize for making you hurt.

- It's all right. - He showed the wound where he had been shot. I was being healed slowly. - What do we do now, captain?

 Paul handed my gun to him.

- Be assured that there is no sign of the Union there. Looks like we will not take to get to the yields of the Council.

 Axel looked at the floor and I looked at the sky. There was no sign of the enemy so far. The helicopter Chancellor was decreasing, which meant we were close. Which left me with a bad feeling was the fact that the Union was too quiet

XIII

 My hands shook, and I could not control them.

- Rena, what happened? What did they want?

- Axel ... He did not survive.

 Paul patted my back, as he always did at a time like that.

- Now is not the time to cry. Be strong and think you would be dead now if it was not for him. Continue firm, got it?

 I nodded. I did not want to keep it for me. I wanted to be next to my brother's body and mourn his loss. Yes, it's true that I'm alive because of him and this may be the biggest reason I feel more guilt than before. I was not able to take care of myself, as always. Throughout my life I depended on  Axel to protect me and take care of me because I was never able to do it alone. And now I lost him, this time forever.

- Your brother is counting on you. Not disappoint.

- That's right.

 At that moment a helicopter crossed the sky. We did not have to think long to know who it was.

- Let's go.

 While Paul was driving the military vehicle, I kept me alert in all directions to ensure that we would arrive before the helicopter. He never would take the body of my brother.

- Paul, at this rate we will not arrive.

- Yes, we will.

 He accelerated to the extent he could and for a moment I thought we were going to fly. The medical tent was next to us and the helicopter too. Paul braked suddenly and almost hit in the rubble. Quickly got off the car and posted in front of the tent door with guns drawn.

 A ladder came to the ground, along with two soldiers and a well-dressed man. I squeezed my hands around the gun, controlling myself to don't make any crazy ahead of time. However, remember that Axel was dead because of them made me want to pull the head of the man.

- Lower your weapons. I have nothing to discuss with you.

 None of us did. One of the soldiers who were with him kept his sights on us and threatened to pull the trigger, but Paul acted first.

- Get out of here before it happens to you too, Mr. President.

 I could see a grim expression forming on the man's face, but he seemed to contain.

- I'm here because I want my soldier back.

- Your soldier? We have nothing that belongs to you here.

- Yes, you have. - He looked at me - and I'm sure you know what it is.

- You will not take him from here. Only if it is over my dead body.

- So be it. Marshal Oliver, I'm counting on you.

 The other pointed his gun at me and looked at me blankly. I prepared the trigger, without take the eyes off over him in no time. I heard him shuffling, entering into an attack position to sI hoot, but did the same as Paul and I shot first, but not to kill him but to take the gun he had in hand. I let my gun on the floor - What seemed to weigh twice what used to weigh - and ran toward the gun to use it against the marshal.

- It was to be expected. After all, you are a Oreans and is so skilled as your brother.

 I felt completely comfortable with that gun in my hand, as it would be more free to move around and would not need to use as much force to hold it.

- Let him in.

 I looked at Paul, not understanding the change in his behavior.

- What are you doing?

- Rena, do not question my orders. Put the gun down and let him in.

 I growled, but had no choice. When the president of the Union entered the tent I could not look at Paul. I trusted him.

 Not long after the body of my brother was being taken, along with a sneer from the president. I did not expect the helicopter to move from over the collar of Paul's uniform.

- Why did you do that? I trusted you, Paul? Why?

 He was too quiet and kept to a comic and serene expression at the same time.

- Have you finished your tantrums?

 I should have realized before Paul could have concocted something.

- What did you do?

- Come with me.

 That same doctor showed me a bed, which was a covered body. He took the sheet and saw my brother there. Was safe and with a slight expression, no trace of pain, like he was just sleeping. The pain overwhelmed me, though he was still there.

- We have to take his body to another place. When they discover that it is just merely a puppet surely will come to pick you up.

 I nodded and helped Paul to take the body of my brother into the car where we came from.

- Where do we let it?

- No time for that.

- We can not leave him here!

- Rena, we do not have time for that. We need to follow that helicopter and understand the reasons of that man. Why he wanted your brother's body back?

- You're right.

 Paul picked up again and followed a path with various debris and that certainly should hinder our high location but without lose sight of them. However, there was a problem: we would be barred and perhaps dead because we are with the Alliance uniform.

- I think there is a small flaw in your plan, Paul.

- And what would be?

- Look at your clothes.

- You still have a lot to learn. - He pointed to a white bag that was near the body Axel - We have everything we need right there.

 I took the bag and opened it. Paul really was a genius.

- How did you get this?

- Is easy. Unlike us, they do not put names on clothing and so we can enter without any problem. However, we need to leave the car in a strategic location, so no one can find and it is easy to reach for us. After all, we have a body here.

 Finally we crossed the border and it took more care than before. The helicopter was slowing down and soon they could see the military base of them.

- We must act now. Every second now account on and we thoroughly investigate all.

 Luckily the clothes perfectly served on us and no one would suspect. We leave the rest in the car, along with the body of my brother. Before we left, I saw Paul smiling while looking for the body of Axel, but did not understand the reason. We walked to the spot and before we are at the entrance, he leaned on me and I started to drag me, as if we were injured.

- Someone! - We started screaming hoarsely.

 At the same time four soldiers ran to meet us and we fell to the ground, closing our eyes and changing the rhythm of breathing.

 I could feel two of them carrying me and then the metallic click of the doors closing.

- Take them quickly to the medical wing, we can not lose more soldiers.

 It was the voice of the president.

 They turned to walk quickly and risked opening the eyes a little to see where we were taking us. The moment they turned left, I saw a room with the door open that had multiple computer screens with different images.

- This one seems to be waking up. Hey, is everything okay?

 I closed my eyes again, making them believe that I had fainted.

 They stopped.

- Leave them with me, do not worry.

 I was placed in a medical bed and I heard the footsteps of the soldiers pulling out without saying a word and closed the door.

- I know you're faking.

 I opened one eye to look for Paul and saw that he was sitting on the bed to my left. I did the same, without understanding how that doctor knew we were faking.

- You had luck. - The doctor said to me - The clothes were baggy enough not report what you really are.

 I looked at him, surprised by the friendly voice.

- Do not worry about me, I'm a friend.

 Inside the lab coat had an identification of the Alliance.

- Marcus is a doctor from the Alliance army before the truce, but strategy of Parliament, he pretended to be loyal to the ideals of the Union president to be accepted here and observe what happened more closely.

 The doctor smiled amiably, putting some towels on my bed and Paul's.

- At the end of the room is a room with showers. If you want to find something must be clean and, above all rested. I'll tell the President you need a day of rest and then will return to activities.

 While we were cleaning the land and blood, Marcus was up to the President. I admit that this was what I needed to put the ideas in place. Feel the hot water on me taking all those impurities left me lighter and renewed for a moment.

 When finished, they had clean clothes army waiting for me in a chair beside. I put on everything and went back to the hospital bed where Paul was already resting.

- I could live my life like that.

- Of course. That's just because this is the main base of them.

- You're right. If that which is in our country would have to be content with cold water. However, our main base is much better than this.

 The door opened.

- The President wants to see them back to the activities after tomorrow morning without fail. Take the time left to just plot a strategy. However - He looked at me, shaking his head in negative - we need something really effective to mask your voice and your features, because there are no women in the army and if they discover they will surely kill you.

 I found some clips in a drawer and held my hair more firmly as I could.

- We will not have to do - Paul said - the ideal for her is to avoid talking or looking at someone. I will have to follow the steps of the President in other ways as she tries to find something here, where the movement of people is virtually nil.

- Yes. Otherwise the mission will be compromised.

- I know where to look.

 Paul looked at me, surprised.

- You're doing better than ordering, little girl. What you saw?

- By chance I saw a room with surveillance monitors. What I need to do is find the recordings of the days before the war started and the images during the truce. Only then we will know what happened.

- It's brilliant. So we know how those pictures were taken. Anyway I will try to approach the President to see if the more I discover something. He showed a portable recorder.

- You think quickly. - Marcus smiled, sitting in a chair - Rest and then act. I'll try to help you the most.

- What do we do after that? - I asked. In fact, I was in a hurry to finish everything as soon as possible, for fear of what might happen to the body of my brother during the time we were here.