Ailouros Tails book 3: Rangers Trials

Chapter 12~Day One

"What happened?" I asked rubbing my head. Then I looked curiously at the others for an explanation.

Halt spoke, "This man was trying to kill you but you somehow escaped with only a scrape and knocked him out before blacking out for some unknown reason."

"Oh." is all I could say. Well, what was there to say really. I got to my feet and hopped onto Bolt. "Let's go to the gathering."

We rode to the gathering and Gilan took our cloaked 'friend' straight to Crowley's tent. meanwhile, I set up the other tents with Will.

"Stop scratching at your hand. that might make it worse," Will said suddenly.

I looked down at my hands and saw that I had been scratching it, "Sorry, I didn't realize that I had been scratching it." I apologized looking at Will.

Will gave me a concerned look, friendly concern nothing more.

I stretched and started to climb the tree that we were camping near. Quickly I spotted Amaterasu looking around and could tell that she was wondering what she should do, so I decided to drop in. landing silently I tapped Amaterasu on the shoulder and tackled her in a hug when she turned to see who tapped her.

"Allycat!" she cheered hugging me in return.

"The one and only. How have you been? What's been going on in your neighborhood?" I asked.

"I've been worried about how much trouble you would get into without me there to keep an eye on you. Everything has been so quiet that I have started sorting papers with Crowley." she started calmly then her tone grew harsher when she asked, "What happened to you that caused you to be later than Gilan and worrying him?"

"I got into a small fight with some weird man in a brown cloak with a purple hue to it," I replied with a shrug.

Amaterasu's eyes widened." Did you say a purple hue?" she asked.

I cocked my head to the side and hesitantly replied, "Yes?"

"Crap they are back. I had to deal with them earlier this year. they tried to kidnap me and when they failed the last thing they told me was, 'well get your kitty friend or you.' Then when they were out of sight they yelled, ' To Kronos." Amaterasu said with a sigh.

"So what happened next?" I asked curiously.

"I told Crowley and he told me not to worry about the Gardalians. They're supposed to be a small group of inexperienced assassins." Amaterasu said in reply.

"Okay, so I am guessing that they use knives and daggers to do their work." I pointed out what I saw.

"That's what I was told," Amaterasu said with a shrug.

"Ailouros! Amaterasu! Get to your groups there starting." Halt called to us.

We dashed to the spot where two other second years waited. Both boys.

Crowley was in charge of this session so he had us introduce ourselves. I was to go first.

"I'm Ailouros Ocean. You can call me Allycat if you want to. I'm a child of Lilly Ocean and best friend to Amaterasu." I stated then sat down.

Amaterasu went next. "I'm Amaterasu Forest. You hurt my Allycat and you'll pay with a burn," she growled threateningly.

Then the stronger-looking boy stood up to introduce himself. "I'm Jasper and I hate all cats. I am the best and fastest second year here." he declared boldly.

Amaterasu and I both rolled our eyes because we knew that was NOT true.

The other boy wasn't aggressive instead he was nice and much more friendly. "Hello, I'm Arthur. It's nice to meet you two."