I was stalking them; I wouldn't let them out of my sight. For some reason, unlike all the other boys that I've had a relationship with, he was different. He didn't give into my sexual appeal and he cared about “morals.” He interested me, now, more than ever. We used to be good friends in sixth grade, then I fell to the influence of the “popular” group. Not that I regretted it; I thoroughly enjoyed it. But I felt something missing. Something that maybe he had that kept him going...

Anyway, so I was stalking him and his new friend. I've never seen anyone like his friend in my life; he had light blue hair, that looked natural, and bright green eyes. He dressed sort of strangely, too. I couldn't place my finger on it, but the guy didn't seem normal. There was a sort of aura about him, like there was a hidden wisdom or something. It didn't matter; I was curious with both of them.

I ran to a bush, diving in it as if I were to catch a football. I popped my head out, watching the two disappear in the Smith's house, as they were talking about some science project. I sighed, then went across the street to my house. One of the football players was already there, waiting for me.

“Hey Mei,” he said, cheerfully.

“Hi,” I said, looking over my shoulder, almost expecting them to come out.

“Are you ready? I brought a change of clothes this time,” he said, pointing to the bag.

“I'm not in the mood, today,” I said, shaking my head.

“Oh, come on, baby,” he said, smoothly. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“Sorry,” I said, ducking from under his arm. “But I'm not in the mood.”

“What's wrong? Are you having-?”

“No, I'm not,” I snapped. “I just have a lot of homework I need to do, tonight, and don't have time for distractions.” He looked a bit shocked as I went into the house; I had never rejected an invitation. I dropped my backpack in the hall, slowly going up the steps. I had lied; I didn't have any homework, since I finished it in my study block. My parents started yelling at each other downstairs; it sounded like they were in the kitchen. Supper's going to be late again, I thought, with a sigh. I bet his parents never argue, I thought, going into my bedroom. I sat on my bed, looking out across the street. I could see into his bedroom; they were in there working on something. I turned around, looking at my empty room. The arguing was still going on downstairs. I hated to be alone; that was the worst thing in the world to me. A thought stuck me; maybe if I went over to his house and apologized for what I did at the lunch table, he possibly might start talking to me again. I decided against it; what little of a relationship we had was gone. Now, I was the stalker and he was the one being stalked.

~Next day: Hallway after school~

I was walking towards the doors, when I stopped. There was a group of football players, surrounding someone. To tell the truth, I had never been a big fan of bullying; I've never done it, and don't like it when other people are bullied. I went up to them.

“Excuse me, guys,” I said, in a loud voice. The football players turned.

“Oh, Mei,” said one.

“What are you doing?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“Having fun with a track runner,” another said. “Wanna join?”

“Are you crazy?” I asked. “You guys are supposed to be role models for the school, not a bunch of little kids!” They exchanged glances. “Besides, what's the point in bullying a fellow athlete? Sure, she doesn't play football, but I'm sure she is much faster than any of you guys!”

“It's a he,” one said. He? I thought, hesitating. Then, it might be-

“You know, Mei's right,” said another football player coming up beside me. It was the same one from last night. “Athlete's should be supportive of each other, no matter what sport they're involved in.” The group mumbled something, then slowly left. I gasped; my fears had come true. He looked at me, with nervous green eyes.

“Thanks, Mei,” he said, quietly, walking away. I stood there, stupefied for a few moments. I shook my head, then ran to catch up to him.

“Taylor!” I called. He stopped, turning around. “Hey, about the lunch table incident, I'm incredibly sorry. I didn't know that all that would offend you.”

“It would offend anyone, Mei,” he said, softly.

“Well, not guys,” I said, looking down at the ground. “But, I'm sorry.”

“It's okay,” he said. I looked up at him; he was smiling. “Would you like to walk home with me? My friend isn't here, today.”

“Uh, sure,” I said. We walked together, in silence.

“So, how are your parents?” he asked, quietly.

“The same,” I said, with equal quietness. “Who's your friend?”

“His name's Salyti. He's a transfer student from Korea.”

“Oh,” I said. “Is that why he's not here everyday?”

“Well, not really. His family had something to do, today. But he'll be back tomorrow.” We were quiet again. “I noticed about last year all these guys keep coming to your house,” he committed. “Were they-?”

“My boyfriends.”

“All of them?” I nodded. “Aren't they jealous?” I shook my head. “Aren't they all the guys you hang out with?” I nodded, again. “Do you do the same thing with all of them?” I nodded. “Why?”

“Because I feel loved when I'm around them, especially in bed,” I said, very honestly. Taylor looked at me, a bit concerned.

“You mean that's the only way you feel like you are loved? If you're in bed with someone?”

“Isn't that love?” I asked him. He looked shocked.

“No, Mei,” he said, shaking his head. “That's not love.”

“That's how my parents define love. In the movies, when they're in love they always have-”

“Mei, that's not true love-” Suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks.

“What's wrong?” I asked, a bit puzzled.

“Mei, leave!” he cried, taking out a white sword from the air.

“Whoa! How'd you do that?” I asked, completely amazed.

“There's no time for an explanation,” he said, turning around. I turned around, too. The air was rippling, as if it were water. “Mei, run!” he said, looking at me. “Mei!” I couldn't move; my legs felt like cement. Suddenly, a creature appeared from the ripples. It's black head and claws came out frist, staring at us. It looked like a black dragon. Soon, before I knew it, Taylor was running, pulling me along behind him. I could feel the creature following us; with each step the ground shook.

“Taylor, what is it?” I asked, breathlessly.

“A dark dragon,” Taylor said, pulling me behind a house. “Listen, I'm going to transport you to Kabuka-”

“Where?” I asked.

“Ask for Salyti or Gwaihir; hopefully they'll know something. This dragon is after me, and I'm sorry to get you involved. I'm going to fight it, but the possiblity of me winning is slim.”

“No, I'm not going to leave you!” I cried, as he touched the air and made it ripple.

“I'm sorry, Mei,” he said, touching my forehead. I felt a sharp shock, which sort of paralyzed my movements, for a moment. He pushed me backwards into the rippling air.