The Bird of Day, The Bird of Night

Balance is always important to the World. For every plus, there is a minus. For every good, a bad. That is the way of the world. At the planet’s birth, three races were created. The Gods, the embodiment of good, the Demons, the embodiment of evil, and the humans, the in between. This was the idea. Simple. But life is always complex. Demons for the majority were evil, but some had lost their black hearts and turned toward good. A few Gods became too power hungry and had lost their purity. Humans, for the most part, remained unchanged. They began to worship the Gods and despise the Demons. The world was still in balance.

Gods and Demons began to turn their eyes toward the humans. Some began to fall in love with them and had a union that produced children. All the half-breeds were raised amongst humans. The half-God children were praised and adored in human society, but half-Demons were shunned. Half-breeds were allowed as long as the children were half-human. Demons and Gods could never be together. But this rule, like all, was broken. A young Goddess and a young Demon fell deeply in love and were wedded in a forbidden ceremony. They loved each other for many years. The world was still in balance, but was slowly slipping.

Many years passed, until one day the balance was shattered. The Goddess and the Demon had a daughter, and with her was the ability to destroy the balance forever. For she was destined to bring the world into purity or send it into the darkest night of evil. And so our story begins.

A young girl ran through a dark forest with no light, but from the full moon and stars. Her breath came in sudden heavy pants and was straining to get more air. She wore only a light sleeping gown and a velvet-hooded cloak, more for decoration then protection. Her bare feet were cut and bruised by the rocks and twigs. Several times she stumbled, but did not slow her pace. The hood of her cloak fell, spilling her long midnight black curls. Her hair was snagged in low branches and brambles. Her dress and cloak were torn. She remained running, until she tripped over a root and fell to her knees. She took this moment to look back and saw many hulking shadows moving toward her at a rapid pace. She jumped to her feet, ignoring the pain in her body, and she ran.

She remained going for a bit longer, until she came upon the foot path through the woods. On it, was a young man. His tunic, leggings, boots, and cloak were black. His hair was the same dark color and was held in a high ponytail. On his back he carried a small sack and belted to his left side was a long sheath with a finely made sword.

The girl ran toward the man and grabbed his arm.

“Please,” she pleaded in a panicked whisper. “Please help me.”

“Where in Heaven and Hell did you come from,” he said, a bit confused but more uncaring. Truth be told, he was a bit curious about the girl. These woods were notorious for Demon Activity, and it was odd to see what appeared to be a noble human’s daughter in clothing that offered her only slightly more protection then if she was nude.

“It matters not,” she said hurriedly. “They mean to take me!” She said, hugging the man’s arm. He looked at her. He still didn’t know what she meant, until out of the woods came five Demons.

They were all over eight feet tall and huge mounds of muscle and fat. They were colored an ugly shade of greenish-blue, with a light dusting of hair on top of their otherwise bald heads. They each carried a wooden club that had metal spikes added to it.

“Give us the girl,” said what appeared to be the leader, in a harsh, rough tone. “And we won’t be force to cut off your pretty little head.” The girl whimpered at this statement and attempted to hide behind the young man. She couldn’t though, as the man now held her arm.

“What is so important about a bratty little princess that lacks the sense to not run around in the Deepen Woods at night alone?” he asked. He had expected to see human guards looking for her, thinking she was probably a little princess wanting to have a little fun. Demons on the other hand, was another story.

“That is none of your concern human,” the Demon answered back. “Hand over the pretty little slip of a thing and leave before I decide I am hungry.” The Demon laughed, thinking he had frightened the man. The man just glared at him, and the girl tired to twist out of his grasp, but found him too strong.

“I could care less what happens to this girl,” the man said, causing the girl to shriek. “But I despise Demons such as your self, so I am going to have to kill you.” With that he released the girl, causing her to fall back and, with one move, tossed his cloak and pack away.

“You honestly think,” laughed the Demon. “That one measly human can beat all of us?”

“I am not a measly human, scum,” he replied with a voice as cold as ice. He with his right hand unsheathed the sword. “Now prepare to go back to the flames from whence you came!”

A Demon standing to the left of the leader approached the man. He laughed and raised his club to hit him. Before he could blink, the man had plunged his sword into the Demon’s stomach. The man moved the sword to the side, cutting the Demon’s stomach completely open. Another approached, and the man jumped into the air, with his blade turned down. He caught the top of the Demon’s head with his blade, and used his momentum to slash him right in two. Another Demon approached and the man and again he jumped, but this time he sliced the Demon’s head off. The fourth Demon came, and the man stabbed him right in the heart. The only one that remained was the leader, who was too stunned to move.

“Yo . . . yo . . . u” he stuttered out. “Who are you?” The Demon leader was in a state of disbelief. “No one has ever defeated the Fang Brothers!”

“Who am I?” the man said approaching the Demon. “I am Raven.”

“Raven!?” the Demon gasped out. “The only heir of Lord Dragon!” The girl gasped also at this. She knew about Lord Dragon, the most fearsome Demon King in the World, and his son was supposed to be a warrior of legend.

“The one and only,” the man sneered out.

“Please my lord,” begged the Demon. “Spare my life! I wanted the girl to help us all out! Please my lord, have mercy!” The Demon was bowing in front of the man.

“I never spare the lives of such sniveling cowards like your self,” said Raven. He pointed at the last Fang Brother. The girl watched as the Demon, that had been chasing her, clutch his throat gasping. His face grew red and he attempting to breath, but failed. Within a minute he fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Raven walked toward the girl, who crawled onto her hands and knees beyond frighten. He didn’t approach her, but went the opposite way, toward his pack and cloak. He opened his pack and took out an old piece of cloth, and then preceded to clean his blade. After about two minutes, it was as clean as he could get it, so he turned his attention back to the girl.

He studied her carefully. He had not been paying much attention when she had ran into him earlier. She looked to be around sixteen years of age, and of good build and figure. She had a long mane of black curls that fell to just above her bottom. Her skin was a pure alabaster white, and seem to glow in the darkness. He could not view her face, since her head was bowed, but he knew that it was also just as beautiful.

“Please your highness,” she spoke to him, still looking at the ground. “Spare my life. I have done nothing against you are your Lord father. Please allow me to live, most Merciful One.” Her tone was scared, but steady. She winced as she heard footsteps approach her.

“Like I told those Demons,” he stated to her. “I could care less what happens to you. As for sins against my father, I could also care less. I gave up any relation with him years ago.” The girl still remained bowed and was crying a bit now. She had never been so frightened in her life. First she was chased through the woods by Demons, then saved by a mysterious stranger, now a prisoner of the stranger. If she had been a normal girl, she would have fainted by now.

“I hate to have people bowed in my presence,” Raven said. “So I will kill you if you don’t look at me.” The girl rose her head fearfully. Raven looked into her face. She had soft pink lips, that seem more prone to smiling then frowning, and the most peculiar eyes he had ever seen. Her right eye was a shining sky blue flecked with silver, while her left was a stunning lavender flecked with gold.

“Thank you for saving me,” she whispered, studying her savior now. She knew that the stronger the Demon, the more human like he appeared. And Raven was very powerful. His hair, if down, would have fallen to mid-back. He was tall and appeared to be around twenty years of age. He was very handsome, with a fine chiseled face and body that many men would envy. The only difference between him and a regular human was his slightly pointed ears. She finally made eye contact with his piercing green eyes.

“I didn’t kill five Demons just to save you,” he said. “I did it for they annoyed me.” He turned away from her and went back to his pack and cloak, and put both on again. He passed her again, and headed down the path. She remained sitting amongst the corpses of the slain Demons.

When he was about ten feet away, he turned back to her. “Are you coming or not?” he asked, a bit annoyed. She turned toward him, surprised.

“But you just said you didn’t care if I lived or died,” she said in shock. If this was the way all demons acted, she didn’t know if she could put up with meeting anymore.

“I don’t,” he stated. “but the people I live with would have my head if I told them I left a young maiden in Deepen Woods, after saving her from a Demon attack.”

“You could just not tell them,” she said. Although she knew she shouldn’t be turning away someone who offered her help, she couldn’t help but be curious.

“Look, do you want my help or not,” he said, getting a bit angry. She nodded her head and rose to her feet. He turned around and walked forward. She took a step, but her ankle gave out, causing her to fall and gasp in shock. Raven turned around at the sudden noise and looked at her. “Now what?”

“It seems I have sprained my ankle Lord Raven,” she said. “Do not worry. If you could just find me a stick to lean on, I will be much obliged.” Raven walked toward her, but instead of picking up a stick, turn around and bent over.

“Hop on,” he said. The girl widen her eyes in shoc

“My lord,” she said. “I do not wish to burden you further then I already have. Please, if you would just find me a stick, I would be fine.”

“Look,” he said, more annoyed and angered then before. “You are light enough for me to carry without much trouble, but too heavy for most sticks. I could care less if you are injured or not, but I really want to get home and with you dragging your feet I am delaying my arrival. So either hop on and shut up or stay here and wait for the other Demons to find you.” She without further comment climbed onto his back.

They walked in silence for many minutes. The girl was very curious about her rescuer, but did not wish to annoy him anymore with her questions or comments. She watched the path instead. At first the path looked no different from the place they had met, but after awhile, the woods began to thin out. And within ten minutes they had come to a clearing. In the middle stood a one story cabin, that had a tall chimney that was currently billowing smoke. She could make out lights in the front of it and see the shadows of two people.

“Raven’s back!” she heard an elegant male voice call out, from within the house. The door banged open and out ran a man around Raven’s age. He was most definitely human. He had short brown hair that hugged his head and large eyes the color of fresh brandy. He wore a light green tunic embroidered with darker green leaves around the edges, a dark green vest, and brown leggings. He smiled at Raven and did a cartwheel. A moment later another body came out. It was a woman around thirty years of age. She had mouse brown hair that was just beginning to fade to white and gray eyes that held kindness. She wore a long sleeved blouse of rough white cotton. She also had on a homespun brown kirtle and matching full length skirt. She stood at the door, holding a spoon in her left hand, smiling.

“Welcome back stranger,” she said. Her voice was an octave deeper then most female’s, but still was feminine. The boy ran up to greet Raven, but stopped short when he saw the girl on his back.

The man whistled. “Hello fair young maiden,” he greeted her. “I am Key the Bard. I hope that you will feel most welcome in our humble abode.” He then did a sweeping bow and looked at her with a wide smile. Raven rolled his eyes at this action, but the girl giggled.

“Thank you so much for that warm welcome Sir Key,” she said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Key’s smile grew even larger at that. The woman at the door was approaching fast. She hit Key smartly on the head with her spoon and turned toward the girl.

“Please excuse him Miss,” she said, turning a glaring eye at Key, but then a gentle one at the girl. “My brother sometimes loses himself at the sight of a pretty young girl. I am May.”

“I do not mind Lady May,” said the girl. “I find him to be quite charming.” May and Raven rolled their eyes and Key just smiled.

“Yes milady,” he said. “I have been told I could charm the fish out of water with my voice.” Meg stared at him again.

“I wish you could charm the people in the Market to give you more money,” said May. “And Raven, welcome back. It has been many weeks since you have been home.”

“I know,” Raven said. “But work is work. Now May, if you would be so kind as to help this girl off my back and fix her ankle.”

May nodded her head. “Of course.” She helped the girl off Raven’s back and held her hand as she led her back to the cabin. Raven and Key just remain.

“So tell me you old, sly dog,” said Key, nudging Raven. “How did you meet such a beautiful girl like that?”

“Some Demons were chasing her and I killed them. No big deal. They were lower class and dead with in five minutes.” Raven said.

“So what is her name?” asked Key curiously. Key had an eye for the ladies, and the one currently in their kitchen was as pretty as they come.

“I didn’t ask,” Raven answered nonchalantly. Key looked shocked.

“Only you Rae,” he said. “Would save a girl like that and not ask her name.”

“Yes,” he answered quietly, looking at the cabin. “only me.”

May was currently sitting the young girl at the kitchen table to look at her ankle. She finally got a glimpse of her in full light. In the dark she was beautiful, but even more so in the light. The girl lifted up her foot so May could see. May noticed the bad bruising around her ankle, but also the cuts and scrapes on her foot. May went over to the cupboard to get her healing ointments.

“Dear, what were you doing to get yourself hurt like this?” May asked.

“Running from a group of Demons,” answered the girl. “But Lord Raven saved me.” She said brightly.

“Yes, Raven is good at killing Demons,” said May, looking out the window toward Raven and Key. She turned her focus back on the girl after a moment of reflection. “So tell me, what were you doing to get those Demons to chase you?”

The girl looked very serious for a long moment, then she spoke. “I don’t know.” May knew she was lying, but didn’t wish to pressure her.

“So tell me,” said May. “What is your name? I can’t just keep referring to you as dear all the time.” May laughed and so did the girl.

“My name is Phoenix,” the girl said. “But my friend refer to be as Fie.”

“So am I your friend then?” asked May.

“I hope so,” answered Fie. May smiled at Fie, who smiled back. May continued looking over her injuries.

“Your ankle is sprained pretty badly,” said May, added a cool cream on it, then wrapping it with a clean cloth. “You’ll need to stay off it for a few days. But that doesn’t matter, we really enjoy company.”

“Oh no,” answered Fie, looking worried. I don’t wish to impose Lady May. I have already caused to much trouble as it is.”

“Nonsense!” laughed May. “You can’t go anywhere. We live about ten miles from town, and it the only inns there are also pubs. You can’t stay there!”

“You are right,” said Fie, holding her hands and staring at them. “But Lord Raven has already done so much for me, I do not wish to anger him further.”
May laughed. “Fie, he is like that whether or not you are here. I just learned to live with his cold nature.”

Fie smiled. “I suppose I can too.” May smiled and then turned back to the stove. On it was a big pot, which Fie assumed was stew or soup of some kind. May stirred it for a bit with her neglected spoon that had been on the counter. She then put the spoon down and walked to the door.

“Rae! Key! Supper is ready,” she called. A moment later Key came in, followed by Raven. Key went to a shelf holding some bowls and got four. May walked over to a drawer and opened it, revealing some eating utensils. She got out four small wooden spoons and went to the table. Key placed a bowl in front of Fie and three other chairs, and May put a spoon near each of them. Raven seated himself diagonal from Fie, and Key across from her. May went to the stove to carry the pot over to the table. She used a larger spoon to fill all four bowels. She then placed the pot back on the stove and came to set beside Fie.

“I can’t remember the last time we sat down to a meal together,” said May, happily.

“You can May, you just choose not to,” stated Raven. May sighed at looked at him. Raven was always killing happy moods, choosing to remain emotionless to nearly everything about the World. The last time they had eaten together had been over two months ago, and May and Raven had, had an argument over Raven’s newest mission.

“Yes,” said Key breaking the tension of the table. “But even you can’t remember Rae the last time someone new had graced us with their presence.” He turned to Fie and shot her a striking smile. “Now fairest maiden, what be the name you be graced with?”

“I am Phoenix,” she said.

“Phoenix!” exclaimed Key. “Such a wonderful and mysterious name for such a girl! Lady Phoenix I am most humbled by you!” He rose up and bowed again. Phoenix and May giggled. Raven had turned his attention back to Phoenix.

“Named after the bird or the Goddess Queen?” asked Raven, a bit hotly. May and Key stopped their clowning. When Rave spoke of the Gods, he normally got into a temper that was only rivaled to when he thought of his father.

“Both actually,” said Phoenix. Raven looked even more sternly at her. “But most people just call me Fie.”

“Phoenix is your true name,” said Raven. “And I will address you only as such. Shorting your name does not change it, just hides it. And Phoenix I hate to have things hidden from me.” Phoenix looked a bit scared now. She had not seen Raven this mad.

“Well,” said May, attempting to break the heat. “Let us eat before the food turns to ice.” Key, May, and Raven began to eat the stew. Phoenix used her spoon just to mix hers up and stab at it. May noticed she wasn’t eating and looked worried.

“Something wrong with your dinner Fie?” she asked. She supposed Fie wasn’t use to such humble dining and was afraid of something so different.

“No, it looks wonderful,” said Phoenix, feeling she had offended her host.

“Then what is the matter?” asked Key. Raven remained eating, ignoring them all.

“I do not eat meat,” said Phoenix. She knew people thought it was odd. Meat was a stable in human and Demon diets and the only ones that didn’t eat it were.....

“So you are half-Goddess,” said Raven. It wasn’t a question, it was a statement.

“Yes,” she answered. May and Key remained quiet. Raven rose from the table and left the cabin without a word. “Have I done something wrong?” she asked May.

“No honey,” said May rising to clear away the dishes. “Raven just doesn’t like the Gods, especially half-Gods.”

“Because he is a Demon?” asked Phoenix. She knew most Demon’s disliked the Gods, but were mostly indifferent to half-Gods.

“No,” said Key, joining the conversation, “Because he is a half-Demon.” Phoenix gasped in comprehension. She knew that the race was hated in human society and nearly every society was a half-Demon. They were born of something evil and half good, even though most Demons who married humans were good.

“But never mind dear,” said May, forcing a smile. “He will not hold it against you. Can’t help being what you are now can you?”

“No,” said Phoenix, holding up a locket that had been hidden in the cloak pocket. “You can’t.”

“Enough chit-chat!” said May, trying to be cheerful. “I am ready for sleep. Would you like me to make you some oatmeal or something before I go off? You didn’t eat a bite of dinner.”

“No,” said Phoenix. “The excitement has made me lose my appetite.”

“Well when you are ready for bed, just join me in my room,” said May. “It is the green door near the back. I will prepare a temporary bed for you. Goodnight Fie.” With that May was off, leaving Phoenix with Key.

“Well Lady Phoenix,” said Key, again bowing to her, but this time also kissing her hand. “Adieu. I hope to see you in the morning.”

“You will Sir Key,” she said. “You will.”

Raven had been walking for around twenty minutes and had stumbled upon the orchard. The sweet fragrance of apples and pears filled the air. He was deep in thought. The girl who he had just saved, turns out to be what he despises most, a half-Goddess. Children so praised among humans, that for someone to have one made them the greatest person in the town. And the most cursed were the parents of half-Demons.

Raven had grown up in a small human village. He was raised by his mother, a simply seamstress. He was very loved by her. But not by everyone else.
To everyone else he was a curse. They would tease him and beat him up. The few half-God children in the village were worse. They would pick fights with him, then claimed to everyone he was at fault. His only comfort in his life had been his mother, Lilly.

Lilly had been a beautiful woman, with reddish hair and green eyes. He had her eyes, the rest of him resembled his father. Lilly loved her beau, Lord Dragon, even though he promptly ignored her and her child. She would tell Raven wonderful things about his father, that he never believed. How could a man so wonderful abandon them?

When Demon attacks became more common, Lilly and Raven were to blame. According to the villagers, it was rumored that Lord Dragon was searching for his begotten heir. The villagers claimed Lilly had stolen her child from the Demon and now he was destroying the world to get him back. Lilly claimed her lover knew where his son was and could come and get them at any time. Then a villager who was the mother of a half-God looked at her and sneered.

“You fool,” she laughed. “He has said nothing about finding his whore, just the boy. Do you really think he loves you or can even stand to look at you?” The villagers all laughed. Lilly cried out it wasn’t true, but no one listened to her but Raven.

Lilly soon grew ill afterwards. Raven did his best to care for her, but a child of merely six could not accomplish many things on his own. No one was willing to help him, and he had no real wealth to get someone from another to come and visit his mother. So within a year, Lilly had died.

Raven was inconsolable afterwards. Nothing made him feel better. He went on living for awhile in his mother’s home. But there wasn’t anything he could do. All the money they had, had been used for medicine for his mother and her funeral. He had only enough money to live about one more week on. It was then his father appeared.

The procession of the Demon Lord into the village was beyond describable. None of the Gods that had visited the village over the years had so much pomp and ceremony. Then again, most had been underling Gods, not Lords.
Lord Dragon was a tall Demon. He stood over six feet high and had a body that looked so close to perfect, it was wondered if a master sculpture had made it. He had a long mane of black hair that fell to mid-back and dressed completely in black. The only real way he differed from his son was for his black eyes, that held a bottomless pit of misery and despair.

He went up to the first villager he saw. He approached him quickly and grabbed the man’s throat with his left hand, squeezing. “Where is my son?” the Demon asked in a voice like an icicle, cold and sharp enough to pierce the heart. The man struggled for breath and pointed to the fallen down hobble that had been Lilly and Raven’s home for years. The Demon threw him down with as little care as he would a garment that disgusted him. He went into the building.

The building was filthy and crumbling down. As Lilly had not been working for a year due to illness and had never made much money beforehand, the place was in a state of disrepair. Her loom and spinning wheel were rotting from disuse, as was most of the furniture. The only thing that looked alive was the young boy sitting on a pile of rags.

Raven was also in a state of disrepair. Since his mother’s illness, he had not been taking good care of his self, and even more so since her death. His body was covered in a layer of soot and grime. His hair was matted and filled with blades of grass and twigs. His cloths were ragged and torn and hung off him. He had lost much of his weight. The only part of him, that was clean, was the tear streak on his cheeks.

Lord Dragon looked at him once and turned to one of his aids. “Take the boy and burn the rest of the village.” He then turned around and left.
“No!” screamed Raven. He had not been paying attention to the men, until the last statement. He hated the village for what they had done to him and his mother, but to kill them all seemed beyond cruel. The man did not even spare him a glance, just kept walking out of the hut. An older looking Demon, with a bit of greenish tint to his skin approached the now wailing boy.

“Shhh my young prince,” he said, trying to be gentle. “It will be alright.” He tried to hold Raven, but Raven struggled against his hold and broke away.
“Who are you and that man that just left here!” He demanded. He did not like this one bit. The man did a gentle smile to him.

“I am Oak,” he said. “Advisor to the Demon King, Lord Dragon. And that man is Lord Dragon, supreme ruler of Demons and the Kingdom of the Night, and your father.”

Raven was to shocked to move or speak. His father? The one his mother had praised every night in her stories, even to her last breath? He shook his head. Why did the he have to come now. Why didn’t he come earlier, to save his mother from the illness and death. To save him from the cold glares and jeers.

Oak noticed the boy’s confusion and signaled to two guards that remained at the door. “Take Lord Raven to his father’s carriage.” Oak commanded. “Make certain he is made comfortable.” The guards easily lifted the young boy up, holding with great care as his mother once had. It was this action that brought Raven to his senses.

“No!” he screamed, thrashing about. “No! Put me down! Leave me alone! Let me stay here!” He struggled against the guard’s strong grasp, but the guard held on to him. Raven began to cry.

“My prince,” said Oak, attempting to comfort the wailing boy. “Nothing is left for you here. Your mother is dead, and the only family you have left is your dear Lord father. It will not be so bad. You will have a new home, friends, and plenty of food to eat, and toys to play with.” But still Raven would not quiet. It was made worse as he was brought into the street.

The village was already being destroyed. Demon soldiers carried torches to every house and field. He watched as the children that had teased him mercilessly being burned to ashes. He also saw a few soldiers take to destroying the grave-yard, and his mother’s last resting place.

“MOTHER!” Raven screamed, fighting so hard the guard dropped him. Raven fall with a painful thud to the ground and ran past the burning village, smelling flesh. If he had, had anything on his stomach he would have lost it. He was about to go to his mother’s grave and he saw the soldiers burning children. He ran to the nearby well to grab some water to stop it. He could not allow them to kill children, for no matter what, they were still innocent.
Before he could reach it, he was grabbed from behind. At first he thought the guards had finally caught up to him, but the grip was stronger. He was spun around in his captor’s arms to face the Demon he was told was his father. The man gave him a glare that stopped the boy’s tears. He placed him on the ground. Raven looked at his Father.

“Mother,” he said quietly. Lord Dragon smacked him hard across his face.

“She is dead,” he said coldly. “She was a worthless human, that happen to be the only one to bare me a child. She was weak and pathetic as you are. You are to never cry or whine again. You might be a worthless half-breed, but you are still of my blood.” Raven sniffled. His mother had never hit him or hurt him in anyway. She had loved him. And never called him worthless or a half-breed.

Oak and the guards approached them. They bowed low.

“Sir Oak,” said Lord Dragon. “I expect you in the future to be able to control one measly child.”

“Yes my lord,” said Oak, still bowed. With that Lord Dragon walked away. Oak took Raven’s hand and led him away from his burning childhood.
Raven sighed at this memory. He would often look back from time to time, but had never admitted to it. He thought of himself back then. So full of hope for a brighter future, so full of love. Now he was an empty shell. His father’s lesson still embedded in his demeanor and body. He had left his father’s home over two years ago, but would never be able to forget the twelve years he had spent in his father’s home.

He thoughts again took a turn to Phoenix. He didn’t know why. Sure she was beautiful and seemed very sweet, but still she was a half-Goddess. And most likely a spoiled little princess. She still had not told them why she was being chased.

He thought of what he should do to her. If it was his father, he would have killed the girl on the stop. Then again, his father would have never saved her in the first place, not caring what was happening to her. But Raven wasn’t his father. He had proved that time and time again. He didn’t want to kill her. She had done nothing wrong that he knew off. And May and Key would have his head if he harmed her in anyway.

He sighed. She would have to stay. He was about to head home, but then stopped. He went over to a few of the trees and began to pick some fruit.

Key and May had turned in nearly an hour ago. But Phoenix still remained awake. She knew from the happenings of the night that she would not be going to sleep anytime soon. It didn’t matter, she didn’t need much sleep anyhow.

She had limped over to the table near the stove to retrieve two big bowls. One was filled with peas that needed to be stringed, the other was empty, awaiting the peas. So she had carefully gone back to the table and set to work on stringing them. She did it with great precision you would not expect from someone who looked to be of royal blood. Each pea came out to be the perfect size for cooking.

With her hands busy her mind could wonder. She began to think back to the earlier activities. She had been chased through half the woods by Demons, only to be saved by a handsome stranger.

Handsome? Phoenix blushed, a deep shade of pink. ‘Yes,’ she thought. ‘Raven is very handsome. So dark and mysterious. Completely black, except for his tan skin and green eyes. Eyes that hold indifference, but also sorrow.’ She laughed at her foolishness. How could she be thinking of how handsome he was? He hated her for most likely just reasons. She knew how half-breeds were treated. That is why her parents had kept her way from all society for most of her life. She touched the locket that was now around her neck. She had removed her cloak, and hung it on the back of her chair. She was glad she had not dropped all that remained of her parents in the woods. That would have been worse then being captured.

Phoenix was so lost in thought she didn’t notice Raven enter the cabin. His arms were laden with ripe apples and pears. He came to Phoenix and placed the fruit in front of her. She blinked startled.

“Lord Raven,” she said, apologetically. “I did not hear you approach. Forgive me for not greeting you.” She gave him a half smile. Raven remained neutral.

“It doesn’t matter, Phoenix,” he said. “I was expecting you to be asleep along with May.”

“I am sorry Lord Raven,” she said. “But I found myself not able to sleep after the events of this night. I hope I am not bothering you.”

“You’re not really,” he said. “Just drop the Lord stuff. I left behind my title and home years ago, and do not wish to be reminded of it.”

“Of course,” she said. She knew how horrible Lord Dragon was, she was not surprised that Raven did not seem to like him at all.

“Here,” he said, holding out to her an apple. “Eat. You didn’t eat a bit at dinner, so I know you must be starved. Even half-Goddesses half to eat.” It took Phoenix a moment to find out he had made a joke. She giggled shyly, and his face remained impassive.

“Thank you,” she said and took a small bite. She tasted it, then smiled and took a larger bite. “This is the sweetest apple I have ever tasted!” She exclaimed softly.

“May really has a green thumb,” said Raven.

“Is she a gardener?” asked Phoenix, finishing her apple and starting on a pear.

“No,” he said. “A healing woman.”

‘That makes sense,’ thought Phoenix. ‘After all she did heal me.’

“If you don’t mind my asking,” said Phoenix, “how did you . . . ” She paused, not wanting to pry.

“Meet?” finished Raven. Phoenix nodded her head. “My father had ordered me to destroy a human village. Upon doing so I found them hiding from the guards. I couldn’t bring myself to kill them, so I kept them hidden until my father found out. Then I left with them.” Phoenix remained quiet, she could tell there was more to the story, but could not think of what to say.

Unconsciously she touched her locket. “So what is your story?” asked Raven.

“Beg pardon?” asked Phoenix, confused at the sudden question.

“Why are you here,” restated Raven. “Your parents probably have a reward out for your return out by now.”

“No, they don’t,” said Phoenix.

“Little half-Goddesses are wanted by their parents, human parent at least,” said Raven, a little snappishly.

“There will not be a reward for me,” said Phoenix, her soft voice rising.

“Why do you say that?” asked Raven, a bit perplexed.

“Because they are dead!” she said, tears appearing in her eyes. “They died when I was five. I lived in a house with a few servants since then, until I was attacked. Whether they are alive or dead, I have no idea.” By now tears where streaming down her cheeks. Again her hands clutched her locker Raven looked at the sobbing girl. He had no idea how to comfort her. The only person, who had ever comforted him, was his mother when he was a child. Phoenix remained crying for a good twenty minutes. She then wiped her eyes on the back of her hand.

“Sorry,” she said, with a little smile on her face. “I didn’t mean to do that. I will be going to bed th en. Goodnight Raven.” She gave him a bigger smile, then limped to May’s room. Raven remained staring at her retreating form and the door for a few moments.

“Goodnight Phoenix,” he said softly, then went to his room.

Phoenix’s ankle healed in two days time. In between that time, she proved herself to be very useful. May taught her how to cook, clean, and sow. Although she could not move around well, she learned quickly. Key discovered Phoenix’s lovely singing voice, and asked her to preform with him in town when she was well enough to walk the distance.

“Of course,” she answered., although she did not know how long she would stay. No one had mentioned it to her and she had not asked.
Since that night she had told him about her parents, she had not talked to Raven. They only saw each other at dinner. According to May he seldom stayed home when he wasn’t working. Phoenix did not comment, but she noticed that when dinner rolled around, all of them looked worriedly toward the door, waiting for Raven.

On the third day she rose from the straw pallet in May’s room earlier then normal. She put weight on both feet, and noticed her ankle no longer ached. She saw May still asleep, so she quietly snuck out of the room to the kitchen. She noticed Raven sitting at the table, drinking a cup of tea. She blinked, surprised to see him.

“Good morning Raven,” she beamed at him. He nodded in greeting. She went to the pantry to retrieve some ingredients for breakfast. She returned to see Raven still at the table. “Would you care for some breakfast?” asked Phoenix.

“No,” he said. “I was just leaving.” With that, he got up and went outside. Phoenix looked after him. She was use to him leaving without a good-bye, but it still seemed odd to her. Then again, Raven was very odd , as was everyone in the cottage.

‘I wonder if that included me now?’ thought Phoenix. She giggled slightly at the thought of her being crazy, but really couldn’t imagine it. It was not possible for her to be so different.

She put on the kettle again for more tea and a large pot with porridge. Breakfast cooking, she thought of what to do for the next thirty minutes or so. She knew May would not be up till then, and Key until May banged on the door and threaten to give his breakfast to the towns pigs if he didn’t get up. This had been a great source of amusement to her, especially when Key bolted out of his room in the next second.

She looked around for anything out of place. The kitchen was still clean from last night, as was the pantry and the common room. She had noticed no mice or cobwebs for as long as she had stayed here. She frowned. She hated being idle. Idle left you too much time to thing, and too much time to thing brought back memories, and she had few things she wished to remember. Then an idea dawned on her. Raven’s room! It would probably need cleaning, as she had never seen May go into it, as she did her own and Key’s to straighten up. Raven probably didn’t clean that often either, as he was never home. And she had yet to do something to show how she was glad Raven had saved her, so she would clean his room.

She got a bucket of water from the well in the back, and added some lye soap to it. She found an old cleaning rag, duster, and broom. She was prepared to clean now. She checked the watch on the wall. Only twenty minutes until May awoke and the porridge was done. She would have to hurry.

She opened the door to Raven’s room and then peeked in. She walked into the room, not knowing of her actions. Raven’s room was plain, but spotless. Nothing was out of place. It was practically prefect, just like his appearance. She looked around. Weapons hung on one wall and long tapestries with much writing on them, on the other, along with a small wardrobe. On the wall, across from the door, laid a window, a bed, and a small night stand with a small portrait on it. The tapestries and weapons did not interest her, the portrait did. She put her supplies down and went to it. The portrait was of a young woman, around twenty-five years old. She was very beautiful, with long chocolate colored buns arranged in buns on each side of her head and shocking green eyes. The portrait was a bit stained, with what appeared to be tears. She knew that this must be Raven’s mother and the tears must be Raven’s.

“What are you doing in here!?” exclaimed Raven, loud enough for Phoenix to know he was angry, but not loud enough to wake May and Key.

“Raven!” she said, scared she had been caught.

“I repeat,” he said crossly. “Why are you trespassing in my room?!” He was madder at Phoenix then she had ever seen him, he was even more mad then he was at the Demons she had seen him slay.

“I just came in to tidy up,” she said, nervously. She had worked so hard to try and gain his trust, and then lose it in a fleeting second.

“As you can see,” he said as cold as ice. “My room is perfectly fine. Why did you come in?”

“I am sorry,” she said near tears. “I was just surprised at the look of it, that I could not control my actions. And then I saw the portrait and I . . . ” She did not finish. Raven walked briskly across the room and grabbed the portrait from her hands.

“Never again come in here and never again touch my belongings,” he said, through clenched teeth.

“I am so sorry,” Phoenix apologized. “Please forgive me.”

“Out!” he said, and she left the room followed by him. He held her supplies and then tossed them to the ground at her feet, spilling all the water and soap. He then looked at her, with his fierce eyes a blaze, and left the house.
Phoenix felt like breaking down and crying. How could she have done this to him? He had not tried to go into her life, but she could not return the favor. She cursed herself for being so stupid and naive. She then turned her anger at herself to the mess of water and soap. She took the cloth and moped up the mess, then placed the supplies back in the pantry. As she was leaving, she saw May get up and go to the pot of porridge and tea.

“Morning Phoenix,” said May, cheerfully, stirring the porridge, then taking the pot and the kettle off. “I see you are back on your feet.” May had stopped calling her Fie after the first night, since no one else seemed to call the girl that, and Phoenix fitted her so much better then Fie.

“Good morning May,” said Phoenix, faking a smile. “Yes, I am back to my full health. I wish to thank you for all you, Key, and Raven have done for me.” ‘But Raven will never forgive me,’ she thought.

“It is not a problem at all dearie,” said May. “We are all glad to have you and hope you stay for a while.” She smiled at Phoenix, and Phoenix gave a true smile back. Even though she had a horrible morning, she could not stay sad with May being so happy. “Now is time to wake the darn brother of mine.” She walked to Key’s door and knocked. No answer. She knocked harder. Still, no answer. “Key,” she said. “Breakfast.” A groan was her reply. “Fine,” she said heatedly, “The farmer’s pigs always appreciate my cooking.” Phoenix and May listen to some bumps and thumps, then saw a distraught looking Key come out of his room quickly, pulling on a canary yellow tunic to go with his spring green tights.

“I am up!” he exclaimed to his sister. “Do not feed my meal to those pigs! They appreciate slop and a good pile of manure also.” Phoenix and May could not help but laugh. They all sat down for breakfast. May and Key traded remarks and jokes through breakfast, not noticing Phoenix had hardly eaten a bite, and remained looking at Raven’s room, with tears in her eyes.

The day went as normal. Key left for the town after lunch for his job, and May and Phoenix cleaned the cottage and worked on sowing some. May had been attempting to piece some of hers, Key’s, and Raven’s clothing together to make a dress for Phoenix. She had been wearing some of May’s most ancient things that were falling apart. So far she was having no luck. The cloths that she could cut up were mostly old and thread-bare. And with the odd color choices, her muted color clothing, Raven’s dark, and Key’s bright, the dress was not very pretty. Phoenix had told her that her clothing did not matter.

“But if you wish to go into town soon,” said May. “You must have some clothing that is not older then you are. You are to work with a bard, you must look beautiful.” When Phoenix looked at her strangely, May noticed she had just imply that Phoenix was not pretty. “Which you are in face and body,” she said. “but your clothes must also be.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent, either sowing or cooking dinner. Key arrived home with a pouch of coins about twenty minutes before the meal was ready.

“Was a good day,” he told his sister. “It will be better when I have my partner.” He winked at Phoenix, who blushed.

“Well don’t be rushing to take her to town,” said May, slapping Key’s hand as he try to take a sample from one of the pots. “She had no clothes yet. It will be a week or more before she has anything remotely proper. I would loan her one of my dresses, but they are too big and plain for town. And she can’t wear yours or Raven’s!” May seemed to be upset at her brother’s ignorance.
“I know,” he smiled. “But the longer the better, most likely. I have been telling my audience for the last few days I was soon to get a partner that looked and sounded like an angel, and more and more have been showing up.” He again winked at Phoenix, who blushed.

“Key,” said Phoenix with a smile. “I am not that pretty or talented.”

“Aye,” said May. “You are. Stay with Key though when you go, some of those boys will attempt to court you!” They all laughed. Phoenix laughed the hardest. Her being courted? The only men besides her father and male servants she had known were Key and Raven. Would other men find her attractive? Her nurse-maid had always told her she was the most beautiful girl in the World, but she had never believed her.

At that moment, Raven walked in. It was odd to see him here so early, he usually didn’t show up until after dinner was on the table. And what was more puzzling was that he held a brown package in his arms.

“Hello Raven,” said May. “You’re early tonight.”

“I had something to deliver,” said Raven, looking at Phoenix. She thought he was going to tell her he had someone arranged to take her to the next town after what she had done that morning. She did not blame him. The accident had not been far from her mind all day. “Here,” he said, giving the package to Phoenix. “Open it.”

Phoenix looked at the package and then Raven, confused. ‘What was this?’ she thought. ‘Food and money for my journey maybe?’

“It won’t hurt you,” said Raven, impatient that she had not moved to open it yet. He then leaned closer to her and whispered into her ear. “You’re forgiven.” Phoenix looked at him, and smiled. “Open it before we all grow old.”

“Of course,” she said. She put the package down on the table and unbound the strings. As the package fell open, a beautiful dress was inside. Phoenix lifted it up to see it fully. The dress was not a house one like she and May were wearing, but an enchanting gown. It was full length, with long flowing sleeves. It was lavender with a gold vest and gold flowers embroidered on it and a gold trim. Attached to the back was a full length cape with sliver trim, pins, and sliver phoenixes embroidered on it. Under the dress were a pair of satin slippers in silver. May and Key were also studying the gown. May came forward and touched it.

“Silk,” said May softly. “Truly a gown fit for our Phoenix.”

“Raven,” said Phoenix, placing the gown down carefully on the table. “I cannot accept this gift. It is too much.”

“Nonsense,” said Key, smiling at Phoenix and Raven. “Phoenix, you should know it is impolite to refuse a gift, especially one such as this.”

“Yes Phoenix,” said May. “This gown was made for you, it matches your eyes perfectly. Where did you find this gown Raven?”

“At the tailor’s shop,” he answered. “It was on sale and I remember you saying she had no cloths to wear May, so I bought it.”

“But still,” said Phoenix. “I have imposed on you all for so long, I cannot take such a gift when you have given me so much already.” May and Key were about to argue with her some more, but Raven stepped in.

“I will be most insulted,” he said carefully, “If you do not wear this dress into town tomorrow.”

“I will Raven,” Phoenix said. “I will.” She went to May’s room to hang it up, as not to dirty it. Along the way, she could not help but twirl with it. At home she had worn many pretty gowns, but never like this one. This was the first gift she had been given by someone outside of her home. She hummed a little tune as she hung it up, then rejoined the others for dinner.

Dinner was a joyful affair. The food tasted wonderful, a salad for Phoenix and herb encrusted fish and vegetables for everyone else along with a bit of punch for all, and the conversation was cheery. Raven as always stayed quiet, but so did May as they listened to Key telling Phoenix about what they would do tomorrow. She nodded along eagerly, happy to be able to help in more ways now. When dinner was finished, May told Phoenix to retire early and so did Key. With that, only May and Raven remained.

“So what happen between you two?” asked May to Raven.

“What do you mean?” he asked back, as he for once helped May clean off the table.

“Raven,” she said seriously. “Phoenix is easy to read, and I know you too well. So what happen?” Raven was washing a dish, and remained doing so for a few minutes, then he turned to her.

“I caught her this morning in my room, looking at Mother’s portrait,” he answered. May gasped. Raven never allowed even her or Key into his room, and she had only once seen his mother’s portrait, after having known him for nearly a year. Raven had a painful past that he did not let anyone know about unless he was sure he could absolutely trust them.

“She didn’t know,” stated May worriedly. “Forgive her Raven. For my sake please forgive her!” She was about to drop to her knees and beg. Raven was the main source of income in the cottage. If he demanded it, he could kick Phoenix out. Although she was starting to love Phoenix like as sister, she knew her loyalties lied with Raven.

“I have,” he said. May looked shocked. Raven hardly forgave anyone. Even for something minor, like splashing water on in him, took him weeks to accept an apology. For him to do it for something major, like invading his sanctuary, was unheard of Raven behavior. She did not wish to pressure Raven further, so she changed the subject. “She really liked the dress you gave her.”

“I know,” said Raven. “If you wish, I could get you one similarly. After all, I do have money.”

“No,” said May. “I am not the gown type of girl. But Phoenix is. I don’t need fancy clothes to be a healer. Key needs them to be a bard, and it is your money so your cloths are your own domain.”

“I will pick her up a few more tomorrow,” said Raven, finishing the dishes. “There were a few more gowns, some tunics, and leggings. She will need some more shoes also.” May was surprised that Raven had noticed all of Phoenix’s needs. After all, it had been him to haul up the fruits from the orchard and the vegetables from the garden.

“You seem to think she will stay for awhile. She will want to go home soon,” said May, a bit sadly.

“She has no where else to go,” stated Raven.

“What do you mean?” asked May.

“I heard from some travels the other day that the Demons I killed had completely destroyed a manor and all the members of the household. She has no home,” said Raven.

“Oh dear,” sighed May. “Have you told her yet.”

“She knows she has no home to return to already,” said Raven. “I will tell her about the servants later.”

“Are you sure that is wise?” asked May. She thought Phoenix had a right to know. “Won’t she wonder about her parents?”

“She has been through enough shocks already,” said Raven. “and her parents have been dead for years. I will tell her when the time is right.”

“What ever you say Raven,” said May. As she put away the dishes.

“Trust me May,” said Raven. “and good-night.” He then left the kitchen for his own. May was beyond words. This was the first time Raven had ever gave a formal farewell.

“Good-night Raven,” she said, watching him go into his room.

The next morning, Phoenix again woke up early, hoping to catch Raven. She saw the May was already out of bed, and could smell breakfast cooking. Phoenix went into the kitchen in an old shift to see May frying some bacon and chopping up fruit.

“Good morning Phoenix,” she said, offering her some fruit. “Excited about your journey into town today.”

“Yes,” said Phoenix, taking the food. “I have never been into a town before!”May laughed at the girls enthusiasm. She may look sixteen, but sometimes she seemed much younger to May, due to her innocence. Speaking of age, she didn’t know when her birthday was. “Say Phoenix?”

“Yes May?” asked Phoenix, after swallowing a small bite of strawberries.

“When is your birthday?” asked May.

“Oh,” said Phoenix cheerfully. “It is the second day of the month of the harvest. I will be seventeen this year”

“That is the same day’s as Raven’s!” exclaimed May. “He will be twenty one.”

“Really?” asked Phoenix, a bit shocked that they shared the same birthday, even though it was a few years apart.

“Well enough chit-chat!” announced May to Phoenix. “Today is your big day. Go get ready. Key is taking you into town after breakfast so he can show you around. I am going to give him a list of things we need to pick up before you two leave.”

“Is the walk very long?” asked Phoenix. She thought of the lovely gown and shoes, and wondered how much walking they could take.

“Like I said it is ten miles,” said May. “but we do have a horse and wagon, which you two will be taking.”

“That is odd,” said Phoenix. “I have never seen this horse.”

“Oh,” said May, finishing the bacon, most likely for Key’s breakfast. “that is because the only one to use it is Key. Raven walks and so do I, but Key goes further then me and needs the horse. We keep it in the far field.” Phoenix was watching her set out Key’s place at the table. “Now go get ready!” Phoenix nodded and went into May’s room and emerged a few minutes later, completely dressed. The gown did look stunning on her, especially with her long ebony locks flowing behind. She noticed that Key had tried to dress to match her and was currently in a light blue tunic with dark blue leggings, belt, and embroidered feathers. He looked very handsome. He had just finished breakfast and turned to face her.

“Have I died and gone to heaven?” he asked her, in an amazed tone. “For there is no way that you are not an angel.” Phoenix giggled and blushed and May just chuckled and rolled her eyes.

“Very pretty Phoenix,” she said. “I hope you have a good time. Be back in time for dinner you two!” She handed to Key, a list and two bundles of food for their lunch. Key led Phoenix out of the house and to the horse and wagon.
The horse was a big brown work horse, that looked perfect for plowing a field perfectly. He had a small blonde diamond on his nose and a matching mane and tail. Key began to attached the wagon to him as Phoenix carefully bend down to pick up a carrot to give the horse. Key saw her feed the horse the carrot.

“Where did you get that from?” he asked, since their were no gardens around here and he had not seen her take one.

“I grew it myself,” she said, laughing as the horse ate it happily.

“Grew it?” asked Key.

“Well my mother was a Earthen Goddess,” she said. “so I did inherit he powers over nature.” Key nodded. He knew that Gods and Goddesses either controlled one of the elements, had psychic abilities, or both powers. The last was only true if they were one of the members of the royal family. Demons could only control the elements, but were still just as strong as the Gods.
“I just never thought you had any powers,” admitted Key, helping her into the wagon seat. “I mean you didn’t show them to us before and didn’t use them when you were being chased by the Demons.”

“Well I was never officially trained in them,” said Phoenix, blushing. “I can only use them through intense concentration, so I have trouble using them when afraid. My mother was a lower Earthen Goddess named Blossom and my father was a minor human lord named Pine. They were killed by rouge Demons.” She looked said for a moment touching her necklace, that she still wore. Key looked at her locket and studied it. It was as large as a grape and in the shape of a heart. It was silver with a gold phoenix embedded in it. He assumed it had a picture of her parents inside, but did not ask. He knew how Raven felt when asked to see a picture of his mother, and didn’t want Phoenix to act the same way.

The ride to town lasted around a hour, in which Key and Phoenix chatted about various topics. Phoenix kept trying to keep the topic on Raven, but only heard things she already knew or could have guessed. He was a Demon-Hunter, his father was Lord Dragon, his mother died when he was young, he had saved Key and May from death, and they had been living together for five years. She had mentioned to Key that she and Raven shared the same birthday, and he had been as surprised as she had. He stated now he had to get two birthday presents, since that day was in one month.

“I don’t need anything,” said Phoenix. “and you and the others have already given me so much.”

“But everyone deserved something special on their birthday Phoenix,” he said.

“I have never really had a birthday,” said Phoenix. “In my home, since my parents death, the only way my birthday was celebrated was with a cake, a new gown, and a new doll with the same gown.”

“Was the doll as pretty as you?” asked Key.

“Actually they looked just like my mother normally,” said Phoenix. “I think it was to remind me of her. Sometimes they would give me a male doll that looked like my father.” Phoenix looked wistfully out into space as they finished their journey.

The town of Sten was a large town in the domain of the Wild Kingdom. It was a half a day’s journey from the capital and witnessed a good economy. The town held everything from a mill to a tailor’s shop. Phoenix and Key spent the morning touring the town. They were stopped often by people who knew Key, Raven, or May. They questioned Key about Phoenix. They had decided to not mention how they had met one another and Phoenix’s heritage, so they just said she was a new friend of theirs, that was staying with them.

Many young men tried to impress Phoenix with their antics. She laughed and applauded them politely. Even though some were athletic, some were handsome, and some would make wonderful warriors, in her eyes, they were nothing compared to Raven. The morning passed quickly. At around noon, Phoenix and Key sat on a fountain in the center of town to eat their lunch.
Key finished all of his food, but Phoenix was too excited to eat much. She spent most of the time looking from here to there and questioning Key on this and that. She spotted an old man who appeared to be a beggar, asking for alms from the men who had been trying to catch her eye. They laughed at him and shoved him to the ground. Phoenix looked at them in shock and anger. How dare they treat an elderly man that way!

“Key,” she asked, pointing to the man. “Who is that?”

“That,” said Key, after swallowing his last bit of bread and cheese. “is Old Cedar. He is kinda crazy and most people just ignore him. Actually the only person who listens to him is Raven. Cedar seems to believe he is actually a prophet, but so far has not had one of his prophecies come true” After he finished his explanation, Phoenix rose and walked away with the remainder of her lunch. “Where are you going?”

“Too met a Prophet,” said Phoenix. She walked toward the fallen man and helped him.

“Thank you Miss,” he said in a tired rough voice.

“It is not a problem,” she said, dusting him off. “Here.” She handed him her lunch. Right then she wished she ate meat so she could have offered him so. Well fruits, breads, and cheese, was better then dirt.

“Thank you Phoenix,” he said.

“How do you know my name?” asked Phoenix, a bit surprised, as she had not introduced herself.

“I know more about you then that, child of Aurora and Griffin,” he said, looking her straight in the eyes. She gasped in shock.

“Please,” she begged with all her heart. “do not tell anyone. Please!” Cedar chuckled.

“I will not young one,” he said, much to her relief. “Your secret is safe with me as long as you listen to what I am about to tell you.”

“Of course,” she said.

Cedar cleared his voice, then said in a voice that reflected the ages of the World:

“Bird of Day, Bird of Night,
Together will take flight,
To fight all evil in sight,
And rid this place of all plight.”

“Thank for that prophecy,” said Phoenix, truthfully. She of all people could recognize one.

“You are most welcome,” he said. “But take heed young one, most prophecies only say an overview of what should happen, there is always a maybe. Beware of danger, my Lady.” She nodded at him, and made her way back to Key.

“What did you two talk about?” asked Key.

“Birds,” she said grinning, causing Key to laugh.

“Now it is time to work,” he said, leading her back toward the fountain. He stood upon the highest stone and shouted toward the crowd. “Ladies and Gentlemen! I am Key, the Bard, here to entertain you all with my voice and talent on the harp. But not only do I preform today for you, but along with this lovely creature here, named Phoenix. She not only looks like she is heaven sent, but sings like it also. Please let us show you our talents.” He moved toward the bottom of the fountain and sat down and strummed a few notes, making sure it was in tune.

Phoenix waited for her cue, then she began to sing. She sung a famous love song. It told the story of an angel fish who lived in a crystal pond. One day she happens to gaze into the sky and notice a beautiful robin flying above her. The robin at that moment looked down and saw her. It was love at first sight. The robin tried to dive into the pond to be with his love, but found he could not breath in it. The fish tried to jump into the air, but found she could not live on land. For many days they tried to find a way to be together, but could not. They began to weep. The Earthen Goddess, Sage, at that moment happened to be passing by. She like many Earthen Deities, preferred the land to the sky. She heard the woes of the fish and the robin and took great pity on them. She used her great magic and transformed them into humans, so they could be together. At that moment, the King of the Gods, Falcon, happen to been on Earth and felt the tremendous amount of magic. He went toward the source to find Sage. They locked eyes and knew that they were destined to be together. They married and had one daughter, Phoenix, the current Queen of the Gods.

At the end, the crowd burst into a huge applause and began throwing coins to them. Phoenix did two more songs, one about a high born lady leaving her husband to be with a gypsy, and the other about a prince with a long nose who fell in love with a princess with a short one. She was applauded heavily and had more coins given to her. A few people had even thrown roses at her that they had bought. It was quite humorous when a young man had thrown the flowers he had just bought for his girlfriend at her in front of his lover’s eyes.

“I am sorry to say,” announced Key, at the end of her third song. “but Phoenix will not be singing anymore today.” Phoenix gathered the coins as the audience let out a groan of disappointment. A few of them left, but many stayed to listen to Key preform. Phoenix decided to do the shopping they had promised to do while Key entertained the crowd.

Phoenix went around to the shops buying needed items: flour, sugar, meat, eggs, and other items. At the butcher’s and fish monger she had nearly thrown up at the smell of meat. Her senses where very keen. But after the meat was wrapped, the smell did not penetrate the packages. She had placed them all in the wagon, and waited for Key to come back. She noticed that she had many coins left over, although Key had said that was her exact amount. Actually come to think of it, nearly every place she had been today the had charged her less then the asking price. She went up to the miller, her last stop, to ask him about this.

“Excuse me Master Miller,” she said politely to a man in his forties, with hair starting to gray.

“Yes my fair maiden?” he asked, giving her a smile.

“I seem to have short changed you,” she said. “I have come back to give you the rest of your payment.” She held out a silver coin along with three coppers to his hand.

“Nay Miss,” he said, shaking his head and hand. “I knew what I was doing. As did the others who you think you have cheated. Few men are not going to attempt to flirt with you, even an old one like myself.” He chuckled at this.

“What do you mean sir?” she asked, puzzled. A girl like her? What was so different about a girl like her?

“You’re the prettiest girl in the town and maybe even the kingdom,” he told her. “Men, even that cold hearted half-breed you live with, are going to find you charming.” He then went back to his work.

Men would be charmed by her? Even Raven? That did not seem possible. Raven showed no emotion, how could he be charmed by her? Then again, he did buy her the outfit she was currently wearing...

‘No,’ she thought. ‘He just found it on sale at the Tailor’s Shop. He bought it because May complained I did not have any clothes. He probably saw it in the window and asked for it to be wrapped up without any bother.’ Still, she did hope that Raven might have put a little more time and effort into his gift. She was passing the Tailor’s Shop when the tailor came out.

“My finest work you are wearing my dear,” he beamed at Phoenix. “Took me three days nonstop to finish, but finish I did.”

“Excuse me sir,” she said. “What do you mean?” She was confused.

“That dress you are wearing,” he pointed at it. “Raven came in three days ago and placed a large order. He wanted me to have five sets of tunics and leggings and five normal dresses done in four days. But for that one to be done in three. He actually planned it out himself for me, making certain that every detail was properly drawn”

“Are you certain sir?” she asked. Raven had not told her all this.

“As certain as the sky is blue,” he laughed. “He also ordered a few pairs of shoes from my nephew, the cobbler. We both wondered what this large order was for. Now I can tell him that Raven has found himself a girl.”

“I beg pardon sir,” she answered. “but I am not Raven’s girl, as you put it. I am but a friend.”

“Listen my fair young one,” he told her, moving closer. “men do not buy expensive clothing and shoes for just friends. Men buy things to impress young girls.”

“But sir,” she argued. “There is no way that Raven could be interested in me.” Although deep in her heart she wished what the tailor said was true.

“He seemed very interested in you this afternoon when you were singing,” stated the tailor. “Listen to all of your songs. Then came and picked up the rest of the clothes he ordered.”

“Sir he is just trying to be friendly,” responded Phoenix.

“Courting always starts out as just being friendly,” the old man replied. Phoenix did not know what to say, and left that moment to meet Key.

Raven’s day had been abnormal by his standards. After dinner last night, he had many odd dreams. All of them focused around the newcomer to his household, Phoenix. Something about the girl seem to pierce even his supposedly icy heart. Her manners, wit, and charm seem to beam warmth at all those around her. While most where stunned by her beauty, Raven was not. True she was the most lovely thing he had ever seen, but that was not what captivated him. It was her in her entirety.

He sighed at himself. How in the World could this girl charm him after three days? Even after she had invaded his room without his permission. It used to be he would have killed anyone who did that. But after meeting May and Key, he toned down a bit, and after meeting Phoenix, he didn’t know what. He didn’t feel less hostile to everyone, just toward her. It was like he had a spell placed upon him. Like a calming or soothing spell, or perhaps even a love spell. After all the way she moved and shone every second was enough to make anyone fall in love with her.

He shook his head to clear it of thoughts. Love? For Phoenix? Impossible. He was Raven, son of Lord Dragon and famed Demon-Hunter, love was not an emotion he showed. But still, he could not shake the new feelings he had for Phoenix. Maybe he just admired her for having gone through all her tragedies. He couldn’t phantom why, and left it at that.

After his normal breakfast of bread and tea, he went out to a clearing, far away from the cottage, to do his daily training. He had left earlier, hoping to not have another accouter with Phoenix. She confused him to no end, and he did not need to be confused.

He took all of his mixed of feelings out on his training. He practiced his swordsmanship, archery, hand-to-hand combat, and magic for over two hours. It was then he heard the voices of Key and Phoenix in the field where Key’s horse, Parsley, was kept. At hearing Phoenix stating that she had grown a carrot and was an Earthen Goddess and her parent’s death, he hung his head. No wonder she had fled from the first sight of Demons, after her parents being killed by some, she must have feared for her life. Key and Phoenix were now in the wagon, headed toward town. Raven began down the path, behind them.

Luckily for Raven, Phoenix and Key had loud voices, and he could hear them. He found out the dates of their similar births and Phoenix’s tend to talk about him. He kept up with the wagon, and remained hidden. With his Demon abilities, he could have easily outrun the wagon, but chose not to. He would later hit himself for wishing to hear more from the girl, but at that moment he was close to being content.

For the morning he followed around Phoenix and Key. He watched at Phoenix’s fascination with the town and at the townsmen antics to get her attention. Although he would not admit it ever, he was happy to see that she was not impressed.

At the lunch hour, he watched them dine at the fountain where Key normally preformed. He saw Phoenix notice Cedar being pushed around by some stupid men. Before he could go and stop it, Phoenix already had. She chatted a bit with him, before she returned. When question on her conversation, she replied they had talked about birds. Now was the entertainment.
When Phoenix began to sing, it was if Raven’s world had stopped in that brief moment, just to focus solely on her. Her voice was like an angel’s, each emotion and note hitting even his soul. He listened to all three of her song’s, but the first stayed with him the most. The story of impossible love.
He spotted the tailor in the street, listening to the performance. He decided to approach him.

“Tailor,” he said. “have you finished my order yet?” The tailor blinked at him.
“Of course my boy,” answered the tailor. “For the price you paid, I would have been foolish to have not finished. Everything is done, but these clothes will not compare to the dress I have already made for her. I am glad to see that it will be worn by a beauty. You have a true artist eye, Raven.”
“Just merely observant,” he replied. The tailor chuckled at this, and took him back to his shop. Raven handed him a bag of gold, and in return was given the packages. He walked across the street to pick up the shoes. The cobbler gave him a questioning eye, but the only response he received was his payment. With that, Raven walked back home.

The trip home was quieter, but gave Raven too much time to think. To think about Phoenix. He could not keep her far from his mind, no matter how hard he tried. Without noticing, he had came upon the clearing. He blinked, cursing at himself for not noticing his position. If a Demon had attacked, he could have been dead. He walked into the home to see May making a quilt. She looked up at the door and looked surprised to see Raven there.

“Raven,” she said, rising from her chair. “It is good to see you home. I see you have been to town today, did you see Key or Phoenix. Or should I say, did you hear them? After all they went their to sing.”

“Nay,” he lied, not wishing to admit he had watched them closely for most of the day. “I just went to get the rest of my order from the tailor and cobbler. Here.” He handed the packages to May.

“I am certain that Phoenix will love all of these clothes,” she replied. She went to her bedroom, to hang them up. Raven watched her, until someone knocked at the front door. He opened it to find a squat man in bright livery standing before him.

“Is this the home of Raven, the Demon-Hunter?” asked the man, quite snottily. He seemed to be the type that had never seen the outside of his master’s house.

“Aye this is he,” replied Raven in a bored tone. He know what this was for, another job.

“Lord Raven, son of Lord Dragon,” said the man. If Raven was prone to showing emotions, he would have wenched at the mention of his father’s name. It was always said, even though he no longer considered that man his father. As long as his father recognized him as his heir, he could not lose his title. “I am the squire to Lord Green, of the town of Rivers. It seems to the Lord, that his only child and daughter, Lady Jasmine, is being plagued by a curse of a Water Demon. He has requested that you journey tomorrow to his home and rid her of this curse. If you do so, you will be handsomely rewarded.” The squire snapped his fingers, and a young guard came out, carrying a heavy chest. He open the chest to revel, many, sparkling, jewels. Raven just stared at the man.

“I am a Demon-Hunter, not a sorcerer,” he replied, about to shut the door.
“But the only way to break the curse is to slay the Demon,” replied the squire. “Please Lord Raven, do this for my Lord and Lady. If you do not, no one will.”

“Fine,” said Raven. “I will.”

“Thank you Lord Raven,” the squire bowed and left. Raven watched the squire and his party retreating and then went the other way to the clearing where he trained. Another mission, another day. Normally he was given at least a week of vacation before another Lord requested his service, but it had been two and a half weeks since the end of his last one, it had just taken him longer to get home.

Raven was about to begin another practice session, when he felt an ominous presences coming toward him. He felt no malice from it, and as it grew closer he knew who it was. He dropped his guard a bit, but not a lot.
A man in his late thirties appeared in the clearing. He was an inch taller then Raven. His long black hair fell to his mid back in a braid entwined with silver with a silver circlet on top. He wore a handsome outfit of black and silver. The man appeared to be the physical being of the night. Actually besides his older age and his pitch black eyes, the man looked just like Raven.
“A pleasure to see you again my son,” greeted Lord Dragon, with a smile. He approached his son, and laid a hand on Raven’s shoulder. Raven shrugged it off and refused to face the man.

“I wish I could say the same,” said Raven venomously. Lord Dragon laughed at this. Every so often, he would come to his son and offer him to come back. Raven always refused and claimed he always would, but Lord Dragon saw it differently. He saw Raven as defiant and cruel, his prefect heir.
“You know why I have come, Raven,” said Lord Dragon. “So what is your answer? Yes or No?” Lord Dragon seemed to show little interest, since he already knew the answer.

“You already know, why bother coming?” spat Raven, now turning to face him. The main reason Raven could not stand looking at his father was for they looked so similar and Raven wished to deny it. But looking at his father was like looking in a mirror, physically.

“I do,” said Lord Dragon. “But I do so wish you would come to your senses. First humans and now a Goddess?”

“How do you know about Phoenix,” asked Raven, greatly on edge. Had Lord Dragon been spying on him?

“I saw her and that bard talking today,” said Lord Dragon, nonchalantly. “A pretty thing. Her head would look good mounted on my wall.” Lord Dragon laughed as Raven seethed.

“Do not touch her,” he said with as much anger as he could muster. “She is of no use to you or anyone. She can’t even control her powers.”

“She could be of great use to me,” whispered Lord Dragon, and waved his hand. In it appeared a bubble with a picture of Phoenix at the tailor’s shop. She was talking to the old man, as he told her about all that Raven had done. Raven’s eyes widen. “I never pegged you for a fool, my son. Fawning over a silly girl.” He huffed in disgust.

“You once fell for one,” said Raven, remembering his mother.

“Yes, but I got rid of her like a proper lord should, after I got what I wanted,” said Lord Dragon, making Raven as mad as he had ever been. “Just watch out for her Raven or she might have a sudden accident.” The bubble of Phoenix and the tailor, transformed into a miniature figure of the girl. Suddenly a sword appeared out of nowhere, cutting off her head. Raven stared at his father, while the man just laughed. Raven lunged at him, but Lord Dragon had already vanished. Raven let out his anger on the surrounding forest, until it was dinner time.

All the way back from town Key chatted pleasantly while Phoenix remained silent. She was puzzled about the happenings at the tailor’s shop still, but did not wish to discuss it with Key. She knew for a fact that if she mentioned anything about Raven liking her to Key, he would never let Raven live it down. That would strain Raven’s relationship with Key and her. She decided that telling May was also out of the question, since the women might try to rush the slowly emerging emotions, hoping to spur love between the two. And confronting Raven, well that was plain suicide.

“You’re awfully quiet today,” stated Key. “Something amiss?”

“No,” answered Phoenix truthfully. “Nothings wrong. I am just sleepy from today’s events.” That was a white lie, for she was sleepy, but that was not why she wasn’t talking.

“Take easy there,” laughed Key. “Don’t worry, I won’t take you back until next week or so. You need to rest and I need to make certain the entire town will know you are singing. We made so much money today!” Key began naming off the figures, but Phoenix didn’t pay attention. She was thinking again about Raven. Had he actually come to hear her sing? Or was he just passing by and noticed her? Or maybe he wasn’t even paying attention and the tailor just saw him nearby? This was so confusing! Hadn’t everyone said love was confusing. Was she in love with Raven?

Before she could answer, they pulled up in front of the house. Key unhitched the wagon and shoed the horse away. He started unloading the cart. May came out and Key told her about the day. She looked at Phoenix, but Phoenix indicated she was too tired to talk After awhile they all went inside and waited for Raven.

Raven was over a hour late for dinner. When he showed up, he was in a state of disarray. His hair was blown out of its usual high pony tail and his outfit was torn in many places, some showing wounds underneath. Key remained silent, but Phoenix and May gasped. May went right to work gathering her materials and sitting Raven down.

“What happened,” May demanded to know.

“I received another job today,” said Raven, changing the topic.
“Raven, tell me what did this to you!” said May, coming up with her healing tonics and hitting his worse wound, the one across his shoulder, hard, causing even him to hiss in pain.

“I did,” he said. “I over trained myself.” May bit her lips to remain silent as she finished doctoring Raven.

“So what is your new job?” asked Key, trying to lessen the steam between his friend and sister.

“Killing a Demon who is cursing a Lord’s daughter,” he said. “Not that complicated.”

“What Lord?” asked Phoenix.

“Lord Green, of the town of Rivers,” he said, hissing again at May. “May, I know that you are doing that on purpose. Stop.”

“It is your own fault!” she scolded him. May was a gentle woman normally. Her patients would say words of kindness on her abilities and methods, but woe to someone who had a wound that was completely their own fault. You would be better off with a lower-class Demon with no healing practice, whatsoever. “Town of Rivers, huh?”

“Yes,” said Raven. “It is only a two days walk from here.”

“Raven,” said May finally finishing dressing his wounds. “That is for a normal person. It should not take you more then half a day.”

“I won’t be going alone,” he stated.

“Who is going with you?” asked May, curious. Raven had always traveled alone.

“Phoenix,” he said. There was a collective gasp.

“I am?” asked Phoenix, a bit nervous.

“Yes,” said Raven. “Pack your bag, we leave at dawn.” Raven then rose and went to his own bed, before any argument could break out. Even if he had stayed, none would have. Everyone was too shocked.

Phoenix slept fitfully that night. As did May. Neither could phantom why Raven would bring Phoenix along. Not even ask her to come, but tell her to. It made no sense. It was so un-Raven like.

Raven also did not sleep. He sat in quiet mediation throughout the night. His father had outright threatened Phoenix, and the only way to keep her safe was to keep her close. He would tell no one of this plan. Key and May did not know of his father’s visits and he planned on keeping it that way. They would either worry of panic. Raven knew no matter were he went, his father would find him. So he stayed in one place where he had grown comfortable with. The village grudgingly accepted him. He could deal with that. Not even Key and May had accepted him at first. The only people who every had, were his mother and Phoenix. He nearly sighed. Phoenix was an enigma to him. Even though she was so open, she left so much hidden. Raven thought about her and then fell asleep picturing the smile on her face that he had seen while she sang.

Phoenix was awakened in the morning by someone lightly tapping her shoulder. She groggily opened her eyes to see Raven there. She was so startled, she nearly screamed, but Raven was prepared for this reaction. He had his hand over her mouth. He pointed to her bag and the wardrobe. She took the hint that she was supposed to get ready to go. She turned her head to see May still sleeping and went about quietly doing her morning ritual, as Raven left.

In a few minutes she was dressed and ready to go. She wore a tunic in light green with leggings in dark green, complete with shin-high soft brown boots. She had braided her long hair and tied it back with a ribbon. She picked up her pack and went out of the room.

Raven was already dressed and prepared. He was in his usual outfit of black and had a pack slung over his shoulders too. He also had his sword in the belt and sheath. He handed her a small package, which she took as her breakfast. He then walked out of the door, and she followed.

Phoenix sighed. This was going to be a long day.

Phoenix and Raven spent the entire morning in silence. Phoenix many times attempting to start a conversation, but every time she did, Raven would eye her to be silent.

Around noon they stopped to eat lunch. It was the same as breakfast. Bread, cheese, and water, with a bit of meat for Raven. Phoenix didn’t mind. She as always, wasn’t very hungry. She finished before Raven and looked around. This place felt so familiar to her. She looked around and noticed something. It was a tall tree with a swing attached to it. It then hit her.

“This is near my home,” she said, happily. “Raven, this is near my home!” She jumped about. “My home.” Raven looked at her.

“How do you know,” said Raven. “Key said you had never left your home before that night you were being chased. How can you be so certain?” Raven was hoping she would drop the subject. But she didn’t. She shook her head, her smile going wider.

“That is my swing,” she said pointing at the tree. “I came here everyday I could. I would play here all the time. This is where I hid from my nurse,” she pointed at a ditch behind a bush. “This is where I played dolls,” she pointed to an old tree stump. “This is my home! I wonder if anyone from the house is still around. Let’s go check Raven!” Phoenix went off racing toward where her house use to be.

“Phoenix, we don’t have time!” exclaimed Raven, trying to stop her. His only response was a laugh. “Phoenix stop!” Again she laughed, but soon it was followed by a horrible shriek. Raven ran to find Phoenix collapsed on the ground, in front of a clearing.

In the clearing were the remains of a large mansion. The placed had been completely burned down. But that was not what had caused her to scream. She had known her house was gone.

It was the bodies.

About twenty of them laid scattered about the clearing. All of them dead.

“That was my nurse,” she said, pointing to a plumb woman. “That was the cook, that was the maid.” She broke down again and sobbed. “They’re dead. All of them are dead!” She fell to the ground crying. Raven went to her and picked her up.

“I know Phoenix, I know,” he said, hugging her to him. Letting her cry on his shoulder. If she had not been so shocked and sad she would have found this embrace comforting and wished to have remained like it for a while, but she didn’t.

“You knew?” she sobbed out.

“Yes,” he said, holding her closer. “I knew. I didn’t tell you to protect you. I am sorry. Or you angry with me? If you are, I can’t blame you. Please forgive me.”

“I am not mad at you Raven,” she cried. “I could never be mad at you.” With that, she passed out.

Phoenix awoke with the sun setting. She was groggy and confused at her surroundings. The last thing she could remember was crying and falling into Raven’s arms. At that thought, she turned a bright shade of red and tears welled in her eyes. She was still said for the deaths of her servants, but embarrassed for Raven having to comfort her. She then noticed that she was on Raven’s back, like she had ridden the first night they have met, only a few days ago. Now it seemed so far away.

“I see your finally awake,” said Raven. Phoenix smiled. No matter what, his voice could always cheer her up.

“Yes,” she said, her voice still a bit sad.

“Phoenix, I am,” started Raven.

“Shhh,” said Phoenix. “You are forgiven. If it had not been for you, I would have joined them.” Phoenix shifted to get off his back, but he held on firmly.

“It is faster if you just ride,” he said. Phoenix nodded. The remained like that till night fall.

At dark, they stopped. They had reached the major rode by now, but would not be to the next town till tomorrow night, and that town was Rivers. They decided to camp out, since no inns where nearby. It really didn’t matter. If they where attacked, Raven could protect them. And if he couldn’t, no matter where they were, they would be dead.

They put out mats that where in their packs on the ground, and started a fire. They dined on bread and cheese again, but it didn’t matter. They both weren’t hungry.

“Raven?” asked Phoenix.

“Yes?” he replied, half asleep.

“Why do you do this?” she again questioned.

“Do what?” he asked, clueless.

“Hunt Demons,” she said.

“It is a long story,” he sighed, hoping to drop it.

“We have all night,” she reasoned.

“You should sleep,” he said.

“I am not tired.”

“I might be.”

“No, you are not, just tell me. Please?” She gave him her cutest look. Finally he gave in.

“Fine, have in your way,” he huffed. “but if you are tired in the morning, I am not carrying you.” She nodded her head. “As you know there are two types of half-breeds in this world: ones like me, the half-Demons, and ones like you, the half-Gods.” She again nodded, a bit more slowly then usual. “Well there is a third type.”

“There is?” she asked. Her question strained a bit, as if she already knew the answer.

“Yes,” he said. “A half-God, half-Demon. The one that can unbalance the world. Many say it is coming, but not me.”

“You don’t believe it is possible?” asked Phoenix.

“I know it is possible,” he stated.

“Then why do you say you don’t believe it is coming?” she asked, confused.
“For I know they are already born,” he said. “The Princess Goddess, Aurora, had a child with the Demon Lord, Griffin.”

“How do you know?” asked Phoenix, hiding her nervousness.

“My father was the one who killed them, looking for the child,” he stated. “And now I am looking for him.”

“Why?” asked Phoenix.

“To kill him, before he causes the unbalance,” said Raven. Phoenix gasped

“But what if they chose to act to make the world good,” she argued with him.

“For the world needs balance, and it must always be so,” said Raven.

“Oh,” was the only reply Phoenix gave, as she fell into an uneasy sleep.

The next morning, Phoenix and Raven again rose early. They packed up and continued on their way, pretending the new knowledge of yesterday never happened. Raven did notice a subtle difference in attitude from Phoenix. Normally she would attempt to stay as close to him as possible, but today she kept her distance, as if he would strike her if she dared approached. He did not voice it to her though, and they continued their walk in silence.

They arrived at dusk, at the town of Rivers. Raven led Phoenix to the castle of Lord Green. She looked around the town. Everyone who was out and about looked at them. They turned welcoming eyes toward her, but toward Raven, their eyes were stone.

“Why do they stare at you with hatred?” she questioned him.

“For I am a half-Demon,” he replied to her. She cursed herself for her stupidity, upset that she had asked a question that should have been obvious.
They walked into the court yard of an ancient castle. Unlike Raven’s town of Sten, Rivers was not as modern, nor as well kept. The home of Lord Green was crumbling before their eyes and all the other building had seen better days. Phoenix was surprised that it had remained standing for this long. In front of the castle stood a man who looked like he had built it. He was old and covered in wrinkles. He could not even stand up to support himself, and was held by two guards.

“Welcome Lord Raven and his guest,” he wheezed out. “I am glad you have taken my plea for help. My beloved daughter Jasmine has been cursed by the Demon of the Crystal Pond, Siren. Siren has normally always been a pacifist, only taking a few cows and careless people a year, until one day a few months ago. My daughter was being courted by the young Lord Wolf and he proposed to her. I of course agreed to the marriage. Lord Wolf is the ruler of the Wild Kingdom and my daughter is wise and just. But woe to my heart, Siren was furious. She herself had fallen for Lord Wolf. She grew so angry that he did not fall for her instead, she laid a curse upon my daughter. Now my daughter is wasting away in front of mine, and her lover’s eyes. Each day of the new moon, Siren comes back to steal a little more of Jasmine’s life. I fear that she has not long to go before Siren completely takes it.”

“The new moon is in one week,” stated Raven. “Why do you call for me so early?” Normally he was not called in until last minute. He preferred it that way. He was also a little miffed that his rest had been cut short.

“For my young one,” said the old lord, coughing. “You will need to learn how to destroy her. She can reshape her body, as she is made of water.” Raven just huffed and looked away from the lord, thinking he doubted his powers. Phoenix looked at the lord though. She saw that he did not doubt Raven’s powers, but feared for his daughters life. She remembered that look, for it was the same one she had seen the night her parents were killed. Phoenix smiled at the old lord.

“Do not worry sir,” she said, touching the man’s shoulder gently. “Raven is the best there is. He will rid your daughter of this vile plague.” The lord smiled at her, his eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you my dear,” he whispered to her. “I am glad someone still has hope. Let us go in. You may meet my daughter and her soon-to-be-husband.” He turned and walked inside with his guards. Phoenix followed, but was stopped by Raven.

“How are you so certain that I will succeed?” asked Raven. “I will kill Siren, but how do you know the young lady will live? Water Demons are known for taking their victims with them.”

“I don’t,” said Phoenix, truthfully. “but he fears so much for her. He needs for his fears to lessen. And also, Jasmine has an advantage.”

“And what would that be?” questioned Raven.

“She has love,” said Phoenix, smiling. Raven sighed at the girl’s answer, but said nothing else. He led her inside the castle, and she gasped at the sight before her.

Unlike the outside, the castle inside was lovely. Decorations covered every wall. Tapestries of stories and legends along with portraits of the previous owners. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling giving off a rainbow of light.

“It is so beautiful,” said Phoenix.

“The people of Rivers prefer keeping their treasures solely inside,” replied Raven. “It is supposed to disillusion thieves.”

“Does it?” she asked.

“Rivers has fewer thefts then the rest of the Wild Kingdom,” was his only answer. Raven and Phoenix followed Lord Green up a winding stair case. They walked for several minutes, until they came upon a large wooden door. Two guards were outside of it. Seeing Lord Green, they nodded and open the door.

Phoenix and Raven stepped into a lavishly decorated room. They coughed at the smell of all of the medicinal herbs and floral aromas in the air. Phoenix noticed that a majority of the room was devoted to books, and that unlike most nobles books that were untouched, these were worn by years of use. ‘So it seems Lady Jasmine is an intellectual,’ thought Phoenix. Phoenix then turned her attention toward the large bed, and the woman on it.
The woman on the bed looked drawn. Normally she would have been beautiful with her large green eyes and her long reddish hair. Sadly she looked as if the wait of the world was on her shoulders, and she was buckling beneath it. By her side sat a young man with a long golden mane of hair. He had the bluest eyes possible and dressed in a tunic that matched them.

“May I present to you Lord Wolf,” said Lord Green to the young man. “Lord Raven the Demon-Hunter and his lovely friend.”

“How do you do,” said Lord Wolf, as he rose tiredly from his sleep and offered his hand.

Phoenix gave a short bow and shook his hand, noticing Raven wasn’t going to return the greeting.

“I believe the question should be how does the Lady Jasmine do?” replied Phoenix.

“Worse by the day Miss,” he replied. “Nothing can get her to speak or show emotion of any kind. I fear that her soul is already lost to us.”

“Nay good sir,” replied Phoenix. “Her soul is not lost yet. If you look into her eyes, you can still see it. She is fighting off the curse as best she can. That is why she has yet to die due to it.”

“Your word bring hope to my darken heart, Miss,” said Lord Wolf, with a slight smile. “What do they call you.”

“I am called Phoenix, Lord Wolf,” she said.

“The Phoenix is the bird of rebirth, perhaps you could help my love to be reborn to us,” he said.

“If I can,” was Phoenix’s only answer.

“It seems Siren only shows herself when she comes to take the life of the Lady,” said Raven, breaking the sudden silence.

“Yes,” replied Wolf. “I have gone looking for her on many occasions, to find her pond gone and she dried up with it. The entire town has searched for her, but she can not be found.”

“Water Demons such as her self are notorious for their hiding abilities,” stated Raven. “She could be in any water supply from here all the way to the Kingdom of Shadows.” Everyone shuddered at the Kingdom of Shadows name. It was the domain of Lord Dragon.

“Then what do you propose we do?” asked Wolf. “I am prepared to give everything to stop that mad Demoness from killing her.” Wolf looked at Jasmine sadly. “After all, it is my fault for her current state.”

“No it isn’t,” said Raven, before even Phoenix could comfort the man. “She is in this state for a Demon could not stand that she was not the most desired creature. Siren probably doesn’t even care for you, she just did this for a reason to make someone fear her, for they have forgotten the fear they once held. No matter what you did, she would have cursed Jasmine.” Phoenix was shocked that Raven had told Wolf that. She was certain that he would say that is what you get for crossing a Demon or something of the sort.

“Your words are rough, but none the less comforting Lord Raven,” replied Wolf.

“I already have a plan as how to kill the beast,” said Raven.

For the next few days, Raven worked to unleash his plan. Lord Wolf was either working with Raven or with Jasmine. What the plan was, they told noone. Phoenix was left to her own devices, so she spent the time with Lady Jasmine, reading her books and sometimes chatting with her.

“How did you know that Lord Wolf was the one?” she asked the sick girl. “I have a feeling that Raven might be the one, but many things push against it.” Jasmine just looked at her with her normal bland expression, but her eyes told a different story. ‘Follow your heart, it will guide you,’ they said. At that moment, Lord Green came for his daily visit.

“Good evening Lady Phoenix,” he greeted her. “Is there any change in Jasmine?”

“Good evening to you, also my Lord,” she replied. “but no, still no change. I have been reading to her though about the life of Sage, the dead Goddess Queen.”

“That was always her favorite story,” replied Lord Green, with a bit of a smile. Since their arrival, Phoenix had noticed Lord Green growing stronger and fitter, day by day. She knew why. With their arrival, they had brought a hidden gift with them. The gift of hope. “She always pictured herself as Sage and Lord Wolf as King Falcon. It was such a love story.”

“Yes it was,” said Phoenix.

“And of your love, Phoenix. How fairs Lord Raven,” chuckled Green. Now came to the part every day where Green would tease Phoenix about her and Raven being in love.

“Sir,” she replied. “I am not Raven’s lover and I have no idea how he fairs, for he never shows himself to me. Actually, I have not seen him since the night of our arrival here.” She mentally sighed. Raven locked himself up in one of the Lord’s study and was there constantly. The only ones allowed in were Lord Wolf and servant to bring meals.

“According to Lord Wolf,” said Green. “Raven asked about you constantly. I thought you might have asked Lord Wolf about him.”

“I have,” sighed Phoenix. “but Lord Wolf just replies that he fairs the same as always. I know not what he does in there, but I wish I did.”

“So do I,” said Lord Green. “So do I. My fear grows as tomorrow night quickly approaches. For tomorrow she will either be in my arms again or gone from this world entirely.”

“I pray and hope for the first choice, my lord,” said Phoenix, truthfully.

“As do I,” said Lord Green. “with all my heart.”

Raven sighed. His plan was worked out. Every detail thought of and charted out. It was the first time he would go into battle with a plan other then kill your opponent. With all his spare time, he had nothing better to do. The only other person who knew of this was Lord Wolf, and he was sworn to secrecy.
Lord Wolf was not a magnificent fighter. He knew basic swordsmanship and archery, but used it normally for hunting, not killing Demons. But he did report to him of Phoenix’s doings. Phoenix seemed to be keeping his betrothed company all day, which Wolf attempted to joke with Raven claiming their wives were talking. No matter how many times he claimed he was not in love with Phoenix, Wolf would still tease him. If the Lord had not been high ranking, he was certain he would have killed him. Then again, he had a feeling Phoenix would disapprove of him murdering this man. He sighed. Again he thought of not doing something as to not anger Phoenix.

Lord Wolf took this moment to enter and Raven went back to work. Tomorrow night would soon be upon them, and this would be his only chance to stop this creature.

The entire town of Rivers was quiet on that night. It was the first night of the new moon. Everyone said a pray under their breaths before turning in. Phoenix sat outside of Jasmine’s room, along with Lord Green and many guard and servants. She had her hands folded and was praying to every God she could remember, which was quite a lot. A hour earlier, Raven and Wolf had kicked everyone out of the chamber. So now they waited. And waited.

Raven stroked his sword in the darkness. He could just make out Lord Wolf sitting beside Jasmine, murmuring to her. He envied them for a second. They were so sure of their love, so sure of a future together. Didn’t they wonder if it would work out? Then again both were noble humans. They weren’t half-breeds, like him and Phoenix.

“Raven,” said Wolf. “Do you think this will work?” Wolf had finally vocalized his fear.

“Yes,” said Raven, betraying no emotion to his voice or further comment. Wolf turned back to Jasmine and planted a kiss on her face.

“How touching,” said a new voice. Raven turned to see a young maiden entirely made of water sitting on a chair. “Humans and their emotions. How sickening. If you were a Demon, you would have left a dying girl by now for someone stronger like me.” She laughed, then turned her attention to Raven. “A new comer. And a half breed at that. My don’t we have taste.” She explored Raven with her eyes.

“Siren,” said Raven. “remove the curse or die. Let it be your choice.”
“How about neither,” she said, throwing a water ball straight at Raven. Raven dodged it.

“Fine by me,” said Raven, striking a fighting pose. Siren glared at him, then again through a water ball, which he easily dodged again. Siren was now furious.

“Looks like I need the big powers,” said Siren, gleefully. “I summon...” Before she could finish, Raven attacked her with his sword. It did not hurt her, but distracted her so he could hit her with his fire ball.

Siren shrieked with pain and glared at him. Raven smiled and put his hand to the ground, revealing a circle of wood, fuel for a fire to burn her. He set in on fire and sheathed his sword, thinking the battle over. It wasn’t. Siren finally finished her summons and broke free of the circle. She ran toward the door, and right through it. Then they heard a young girl scream.

“Phoenix!” yelled Raven.

Phoenix heard noises from inside. Raven was conversing with a female, who she guessed was Siren. After a while, she heard a scream, and knew that Raven was defeating her. But then something came through the door.

It was a woman made of water. She looked at everyone, then right at Phoenix. After a second, Siren attacked her. Phoenix in response screamed.

“Looks like I can’t kill Jasmine,” hissed Siren. “but I can take you with me.” Siren grabbed a hold of Phoenix’s neck, strangling her. While keeping hold with one hand, Siren turned the other into a water blade to send through the girl’s stomach. “Farewell my sweet.” As Siren was about to strike, when she was again stabbed by Raven.

“Put her down,” said Raven. He was livid. The edges of his hair were on fire, as were his eyes. Siren in shock dropped Phoenix to the ground. Phoenix landed with a thump and caught her breath finally. She nearly screamed as she looked at Raven again. He truly now was his father’s son.

“Lord Raven,”whimpered Siren, finally recognizing him. “I did not mean to harm your lover. Please my Lord, have mercy.” Siren fell to the ground in a low bow. Phoenix scrambled away. Raven paid no attention to Phoenix, his eyes were on Siren. “My lord, I have removed the curse on the human. Please allow me to live.”

“No,” said Raven, with a cold voice. “For attempting to harm her, you must perish.” Raven raised his arms above his head and summoned a large amount of fire. He looked at Phoenix. “Get out of the way.” Phoenix was to shocked to move. Siren had removed the spell, would killing her actually accomplish anything.

“Raven let her go,” pleaded Phoenix.

“I can’t,” he said.

“Please,” begged Phoenix. During this time, Siren had rose from her position and used her blade to stab the distracted Raven in the stomach. Raven in pain and shock, released the fire. The fire hit Siren, and she evaporated in the air.

“Phoenix,” said Raven before he passed out, fearing the fire would hit her. With his last energy, he lifted her above the ground, as the fire passed. With that, he promptly passed out.

Phoenix sat beside Raven’s bedside. Lord Green’s doctors had worked their craft on him, leaving all his wounds bandaged and nursed. But in the two days since his fight, he had not woken up. Lord Wolf would often visit, but he was distracted by Lady Jasmine, who had already fully recovered. On this afternoon, Lady Jasmine came into the chamber.

“Lady Jasmine, how are you?” asked Phoenix. She was worried about the girl, but that fear was over shadowed by Raven’s situation right now.

“I am well Phoenix,” she said. “It is Raven I am worried about. Still no better?” Phoenix shook her head. “I am sorry to hear that. Phoenix I have something to discuss with you.” Jasmine sat down by Phoenix.

“What is it?” Phoenix asked.

“I need to tell you to follow you heart,” said Jasmine. “You asked me how I knew Wolf was the one. I knew because I followed my heart. Don’t be frighten my dear.” With that, Jasmine left Phoenix to her pondering.

“Follow my heart?” she questioned. “But what is my heart?” She looked at Raven lying their and she knew. “Raven, you are my heart and I love you. Please wake up.” She then leaned down to kiss him, as his eyes fluttered open.

Raven was shocked to hear on his verge of waking Phoenix’s declaration of love. Shocked to see her kissing him and even more shocked to find himself returning the kiss.

“Raven,” she whispered, seeing him awake. Her eyes filled with tears of joy, but Raven did not let her cry. He kissed her again.

In three days, Raven was completely healed and ready to leave. Phoenix tried to talk him into to staying a few more days, but Raven wouldn’t hear of it. He had been fawned over by her long enough. He had only agreed to this plan because he and Wolf had a special plan. Since he could not leave Phoenix’s watchful eyes, he had asked Wolf to do. Wolf had, and now the project was finished.

Lord Green had been so thrilled about the return of his daughter, that he had not only given Raven the jewels, but a black stallion named Nightstar as well. Phoenix had fallen in love with the horse, and took care of him, while Raven remained in bed.

Finally on the day of his liberation, he walked out the front of the castle, followed by Phoenix, mothering him. He mounted Nightstar, who was already saddled with their belongings. Phoenix gave a farewell hug to Jasmine, who had become her close friend over the past few days. Jasmine had even given her an invitation to her wedding in a few months.

Phoenix climbed on the back of the horse, and they rode off. The trip should have taken less time with such a fast horse, but with Phoenix making him stop often, they arrived home in two days.

In front of the cottage, they both unmounted. Phoenix was about to call to May and Key, when Raven stopped her.

“Phoenix,” he said to her. She looked at him and smiled. “The events that have been happening to me since we have meet have shown me that I am not completely cut off from the world. You have shown me the light, and I wish for you to keep doing so. Will you marry me?” He was now on bended knee in front of her, holding a Wolf’s project, a ring. It was beautiful One side was silver in the shape of a raven, on the other was a phoenix in gold. Where their beaks met, was a large diamond.

“Raven,” she cried. “Yes.” She then hugged him and cried into his shoulder. He held her for a few minutes, until May and Key came out to see what was the matter.

Key and May were extremely happy to hear of their friend nuptials. The day had already been set, the day of Raven and Phoenix’s birthday. Before leaving, Raven had already invited Wolf and Jasmine to the wedding.
Phoenix glowed with happiness. She moved about every task with new glee, thinking that soon she would be married. May and her were preparing for the wedding that would be in less then three weeks. Food was ordered, as was a new dress and shoes. May and Phoenix spent more time in town then they did at home.

Raven and Key were also busy. Besides all the wedding details, they were faced with finding a new house for the soon to be newly weds. Finally, they had decided on a small country estate on the other side of town. Everyone was jumping with anticipation.

Phoenix could not find a ring to give Raven, so she chose something else: her locket. Raven had not accepted it at first, but finally gave in and wore it.

A week before his wedding, he sat on his bed, which besides his mother’s picture was the only thing in his room. Phoenix was outside hanging up laundry with May. Raven smiled. Soon they would be together forever. He picked up her locket and looked at it. He placed it down and heard a small clink. Looking down, he noticed that the clasp on the locket had broken. He swore at himself. He had to break the most precious treasure of his lover. He sighed and looked at it, trying to figure how to fix it. It was then that he saw the pictures inside for the first time.

On one side was a woman with long blond hair and smiling lavender eyes. She glowed with the shine of the heavens like all Gods did. She looked very familiar to him, which was strange since Phoenix looked nothing like her. He then turned his attention to her father, but froze in shock.

The man who was her father had blue eyes and long black hair and beard. He was were Phoenix received her coloring from. But that was not what shocked him. What shocked him was the pointed ears, the mark of a Demon.
He finally realized who they were, Princess Aurora and Lord Griffin, the taboo couple and Phoenix’s parents. He faced the window to see his soon to be bride, the one he had waited so long to kill.

He walked out of the room and the house, toward were Phoenix and May worked. They heard him approached and Phoenix turned around to go and greet him, but stopped short when she saw his enraged face. She then noticed her open locket.

“Raven,” she pleaded.

“Leave now you wicked enchantress,” he said, glaring out. May looked confused.

“Raven, what is the matter with you! Why are you addressing her like that,” hissed May to Raven.

“Ask Phoenix,” he said. “Or should I say Princess Phoenix, daughter of Aurora and Griffin.” May gasped and looked at Phoenix. The forbidden child, the one Raven was supposed to kill.

“Raven, please you must understand,” pleaded Phoenix, crying. “Please I love you.”

“Leave,” he said. “Or I will be forced to kill you.” He turned, dropping her locket and breaking it underneath his boot. Phoenix turned to May, who just glared at her.

“May, help me,” she begged.

“Leave Phoenix, and never come back. I thought you had healed his heart, but instead you shatter it more,” said May, in the meanest voice Phoenix had ever heard. Phoenix was in shock.

“But,” she said. May did not hear. May struck her across the face.

“Leave!” she screamed. Phoenix jumped to her feet and ran away from them. May did not even look at her, but Raven did. And both of them had tears in their eyes.

Phoenix remained running for a hour. She did not stop as her dress was caught in the brambles, she just kept running. Finally she came to a clearing and dropped to her knees and cried. Cried like she had the night her parents were killed. A hand gently touched her shoulders. She drew back to see Cedar looking at her.

“Don’t cry my little bird,” he whispered to her.

“But Raven hates me,” she sobbed.

“No he doesn’t,” he said. “He is angry and confused. Soon he will see his error and come and get you. I will wait with you until then.” Phoenix gave him a small smile.

“That won’t be needed,” said a voice, cold as ice. Phoenix and Cedar turned to see a man just like Raven in front of them. They both knew who he was, Lord Dragon. “Seems if my son is not wanting you, I can have you.”

“Over my dead body,” said Cedar, shielding Phoenix from the man.

“That can be arranged,” said Dragon, running his blade through Cedar and grabbing Phoenix. Phoenix in her shock, dropped her ring. In a second, they were both gone.

Raven remained sitting at the table for many hours. When Key had arrived home and been told what had happen, he did something unheard of. He slapped Raven and went out to find Phoenix. May and Raven did not attempt to stop him.

Raven held the shards of her locket to his chest. Had he done the right thing, sending her away? No. He knew that. He knew that no matter what she was, he loved her. That is why he didn’t kill her. That is why he had to find her. He rose to the door.

“Where are you going?” asked May.

“To find her,” he said. As he open the door, Key came in crying and holding his hand in a fist. Raven looked at him, then Key opened his palm to show Raven his treasure: Phoenix’s ring.

“Too late,” said Key. “Your father has already found her and killed Cedar.” Raven looked shocked. He dropped to the floor and for the first time since his mother’s death cried.

For two days May and Key tried to comfort him, but they couldn’t. Phoenix was dead or as good as dead and soon the world would be thrown into darkness. Finally Raven ran to the clearing he always trained in, but found himself not alone.

At first he thought May or Key had followed him, to make sure he had not killed himself, but it was someone new. She looked just like Aurora, but her hair was white.

“Who are you?” asked Raven dazed.

“I am Phoenix, Queen of the Gods,” she said, in a clear voice. “and Grandmother of your bride.”

“Why are you here,” he said bitterly. “Your granddaughter is dead due to me. Go away and leave me to my last few days.” Queen Phoenix remained looking at him.

“She is not dead,” said the queen. “Far from it. Before his death, Cedar told her something that is keeping her, alive. He told her that you still loved her and would come for her. She is awaiting your rescue.”

“Why?” he asked.

“Why did the fish love the bird,” she said. “Why did my mother love my father? Why did your mother love your father? Why did my daughter love her husband? Why do you love her? Love is something that no one can destroy. Love is the true unbalance to the world, for hate can never be as strong.”

“I will do anything to save her,” said Raven. “What must I do?”

“The thing you most hate,” replied Queen Phoenix. “Only then can you both be saved.”

“What do I most hate?” he said.

“You know Raven,” she replied. “You have not much time. She will be sacrificed by dawn tomorrow.” With that Phoenix vanished. Raven sat and thought for a few more minutes.

“I know what I must do now,” he said, rising from the ground and heading toward the Kingdom of Shadows.

Phoenix sat in the small cell looking toward the sky. She was cold and all alone here. Her tears were already shed. She knew what would happen soon. Though the sky was always dark here, she knew dawn was approaching. She knew what was to happen at dawn. She looked out again, hoping to see Raven. He would come. She knew he would, but she did not know if he would come in time. She did not fear her own death, but what her death would do. It would unbalance the world, sending it into complete darkness.

“Come with me, wench,” said a rough voice, pulling her arm. She looked at him and looked back outside the window one last time. There she saw a site that amazed her. A raven and a phoenix were flying together, side by side. The bird of the night and the bird of the day were together. She smiled, even as she was ripped from the cell and marched to the hall. She had her sign, and knew what was coming.

She was lead to the front of the hall, where Lord Dragon was, surrounded by his followers. He held his sword in his hand, ready to strike. Phoenix was forcible put onto the altar in front of Lord Dragon.

“Now is the time for darkness to rule,” he said, rasing his sword to kill her, but as it came down, it was knocked out by another sword, thrown from a distance.

“Who dares stop me?!” hissed the Lord.

“I do,” said someone in the shadows, who came out. It was Raven.

“My son,” said Lord Dragon. “What pleasure it is to see you. As you can see, I need to kill your little bride.” Lord Dragon reached for his sword, to be stopped by Raven.

“No father,” he said. “The only person who will see your sword today will be I. I challenge you for the crown.” The entire crowd gasped. That was what Raven had to do to save her. Take on the title he hated. Become the true King of the Demons.

“Is that wise,” questioned Lord Dragon. “You cannot beat me.”

“Love will always beat hate,” said Raven.

“So be it,” said Lord Dragon, drawing his sword. Raven did the same.
They each tried to go on the offensive, but where stopped both times. Raven parried, but all his attacks were stopped. Dragon used his magic to hit Raven a few times. The fought for over a hour using their weapons and powers, until finally Raven collapsed.

“Sorry,” said Lord Dragon. “but I win. Watch my son as I kill her and bring us into darkness.” The crowd laughed. Raven laid in his pool of blood, slowly dying. He remembered first meeting Phoenix, their conversation about her past and his, the fiasco in his room, the clothes, the journey, him saving her again, their first kiss, and finally proposing to her. He then remembered his mother, and her stories of love. In his head he heard his mother’s voice.

“You can save her,” she said.

“Mother, I can’t,” he replied. “I have tried and failed.”

“Raven, you know you can,” pleaded his mother.

“I will Mother,” he said. “I will save her. We will meet again soon.” Raven in a blaze of light jumped to his feet. Lord Dragon and the crowd stared at him.

“For Mother, for Aurora, for Griffin, for Phoenix, for all the innocents you killed, and for me,” yelled Raven, seeing the fear in his father’s eyes. “Die.” The light swept through the room, killing every Demon, it touched. They cried in pain and fear, but all fell dead. Lord Dragon was the first among them, dying slowly in agony. Finally, the only people who remained were Phoenix and Raven. Phoenix rose to look at him. Raven smiled at her. “I love you.” Then he dropped down dead.

“No,” said Phoenix. “No!” She ran to his side and held him in her arms, crying. Finally she stopped. Her entire life she had been told she was the most powerful being in the world. She had never proved it. Now she would. Gathering white and dark energy into her hands, she mixed them together. Finally a huge orb of dark and white light was in her palms. She brought it to Raven’s chest and pushed it in. “I will bring the unbalance to the balanced world. I bring from the dead my lover.” The light went into Raven’s body, covering it. Finally it disappeared. Raven coughed and fluttered his eyes open.

“Phoenix,” he whispered. “How?”

“I made the world more good,” she said, with a smile. “I brought you back.” They kissed, until Raven broke it.

“I have something for you,” he said. “Here.” He gave her back the ring. She smiled. “While I was in the underworld, I asked your parents and my mother for permission to marry you, they said yes, with all their blessings. So will you?” He held up the ring to her fingers.

“Yes,” she said. They again kissed.

The ceremony was small. It took place on the second day of the month of the harvest in the road where they had first met. Besides the bride, groom, and priest, only four others where there. Jasmine and her soon to be husband Wolf, Key, and May. Key acted the part of best man and Jasmine Matron of Honor. Phoenix had offered May the position, but she had turned it down, claiming her actions did not merit it. Finally they said their vows and kissed, as husband and wife.

Queen Phoenix watched from far away. She smiled as her only family finally said her vows. Someone approached her. She did not turn, she knew who it was.

“Greetings Cedar,” she said. “Or should I say Oak.” The Demon turned to her and smile. He had served Lord Dragon for many years, but had never believed in his cause. He was actually the one who had saved Phoenix from death by Dragon and had lead her and Raven together, along with the Queen’s help. Then pretended to be a prophet to help even more.

“It is good to see such a happy ending,” said Oak, with a smile.

“Happy ending, or happy beginning?” questioned Phoenix. They both smiled. Oak handed to Phoenix her granddaughter’s shattered locket. Phoenix touched it and watched it place itself back together. “Aurora, Griffin, watch over them.” With that they left.

Phoenix and Raven walked away from the small group. They smiled and kissed again. The others were heading back to the cottage for a meal. Tomorrow they would be heading to the Kingdom of Shadows to start their reign. Phoenix noticed something glittering in the ground. She gave Raven a puzzled look, then bent down to retrieve it. She gasped as she held her locket up. Raven did to, but without hesitation, put it around her neck. They smiled again.

“I will love you always,” said Phoenix.

“As will I,” replied Raven. Then they walked off together, toward their destiny.

Raven and Phoenix lived together for many happy years. The battle with Dragon was not their last, but they faced every challenge in their path together. They were watched over by Oak and the Queen, who later married each other, although they never had a child together.

Raven and Phoenix ruled their kingdom, renamed the Kingdom of Unity. They had eight children, four boys: Griffin, Pegasus, Cedar, and Robin, and four girls: Aurora, Lilly, Sage, and Angel. They lived with love through all the hardships, until the end of their lives. So like all legends of joy and love end, they lived happily ever after.