NightTime Roads

Thanks for the reviews Moonstar. Reformating my computer is a bitch... but I so long as my work is safe and sound, I can cope with the loss.

Anyway, this chapter is a bit shorter then most... but the next one will be full of action fun! Talk about your sibling rivalries...

Chapter 11


When Antros awakened, morning had already all but passed it by. He did not know when or how he had reentered Evia's home, but when he woke he gazed at it's familiar surroundings. He had felt a little bad for the way he had acted last night. It wasn't entirely his fault that Evia had liked him. But he didn't want to be with anyone other then Ayisa.

Leaving the house, he gazed around for any sign of Evia, but she apparently had lef tthe village for something, for he did not see her anywhere. He went to a old man nearby, who seemed to be getting some water from the river. "Excuse me, have you seen Evia?"

"Evia... oh yes, I saw her go into the forest for a bit. She hasn't returned yet. By the way, aren't you Antros?"

"Yes, that is my name."

"Evia told me you'll find some food and traveling clothes for your trip in her home. You can leave at any time."

Antros seemed a bit shocked about it. Had Evia been that distressed? Antros nodded kindly to the man and headed to Evia's house. He was determined to wait for her there, and apologize for his behavior. He didn't have to wait long however, for Evia soon came inside, helpping a person in. A person that looke dvery familiar to Antros...

"A-Ayisa!?" Antros said in disblief.

Ayisa looked up to see and Antros and ran up to him. "Antros! It's really you!" With that she hugged him tightly, as if he was her lifeline and she would die, fall deep into darkness and loneliness, if she ever let go. "Antros... I missed you so much...."

"So, you are Ayisa then? The princess of Gaia Kingdom?"

"Yes, I am."

"Ayisa, what are you doing so far from the castle? Surely you didn't come all this way to find me on your own."

"Well, I have something important to tell you..."


"I see... so this man who calls himself my brother is causing all the trouble. I never knew he existed."

"Well, he does know you exist Antros." Ayisa said, shaking her head. "He keeps talking about... revenge. Payment for an action you did."

"I dont know what it seems to be..." Antros said, laying back.

"Well, perhaps I should help you." Evia said calmly. "If this man thinks he can get away with what he's doing, he's wrong."

Antros shook his head. "These people need you. And if what Ayisa told me is true, then I cannot allow you to risk your life. This is my problem and I will deal with it alone." Antros looked to Ayisa. "And that means, you must go too. You cannot stick around here any longer. If Rekia or anyone else found you with me, it would only confirm the stories that I really did kidnap you from the castle."

"Antros, no! I'm not gonna be seperated from you again!" Ayisa said defiently.

Before Antros could say anything in response to it, a yell was heard. Evia, Antros and Ayisa ran outside to see one of the houses on fire. A young woman was on the ground, trying to back away from the raging inferno, when someone stepped out. He smiled as he lowered his hood, revealing his sapphire-blue hair. "Please... please, no..."

"Hehehe... Well then... you'll tell me where he is then?"

"Hold it right there!" Antros yelled running up the the two. The women seemed to regain use of her feet, for she scrambled up and ran behind Evia. "Who th ehell do you think you are, doing that!?"

"I would think my name is Idroa. And you... I know you. We finally meet, face to face, my dear brother." Antros glared at Idroa, who seemed to be smiling back. Ayisa looked on with fear. She had certainly not forgotten what happened last time. "Well, if it isn't Ayisa. I must thank you, for without your help I would never have found this place."

"What did you do with Ayisa!?" Antros shouted friecely. His hands gripped into tight fists, but he knew that without a weapon, he didn't stand much of a chance. His physical close combat skills would only last him so far.

"Nothing, compared to what I've been doing to you." Idroa said. "All those horrible horrible things that you've been doing..." Idroa paused to savor the effects of these words. "Blamed for things you didn't do. And yet, without me, who will believe your word?"

"So what do you want? And why? What did I ever do to you?"

"It's not me... it's what you did to our family. To our parents... ever since that day. Do you remember? Well I suppose it doesn't matter now. For you see, I'm going to end your pathatic life, right here and now." Idroa smiled before rushing foward. Antros blocked a punch sent his way, but failed to see the kick he delievered. Struck in the side, Antros was knocked away, closer to the river.

"Damn... he's tough... Ayisa, Evia, stay out of this!" He shouted, just as Idroa ran up to him again, sending another kick his way. Antros grabbed his leg, and threw him toward the river. Idroa fell in with a splash and jumpped back out, landing on the opposite bank. As the two stood firm, ready to fight to the death it seemed, Antros couldn't help but wonder what he had done to cause this destructive rage to swell inside his brother.