Phoenix: The nuruk beast.

Chapter Two: Her name is Lydia

Archer had worried about Aldrich when he broke his curfew many times, but after the recent happenings Archer couldn't bear the thought of what may have become of his son. Aldrich hadn't come home since the day before and still wasn't back. The fear of what may have happened to him was too much for Archer to bear. He had spent the half the night running around the streets hoping to meet someone who knew his whereabouts. But Archer knew the sickening truth that most people would not know where his son could be short of his reading tree. While the rest of Dameran slumbered later on, Archer spent hours away in his chambers waiting for the sun to rise again so he could continue his search once more. And rose the sun did. Just as he was about to head out, he saw a boy running towards him. Even from the distance, Archer could easily tell by the way his hair shone bright that it was William. He came yelling Archer's name with worry and exhaustion in his face as sweat dripped from it. Archer ran to meet him a fair distance away from his house as William stopped to catch his breath. He threw himself to his knees unable to keep himself on his feet again, Archer met his half-closed eyes with a piercing glare that screamed his frantic state. William then muttered between his weary breaths;

"Al... Aldri..."

"What is it boy?" Archer roared at him gripping his shoulders firmly. After a few deep breaths, William was finally able to gain a little composure. He brought out a small book titled 'Riveildian Tales' and handed it to Archer. Archer's hands began to tremble as he held the book, he looked at William who then said, "I think he might be in trouble".

Meanwhile, Aldrich was still trying to come to terms with what his eyes were seeing, there was no doubt about it. Her thin yet sturdy arms and legs clearly showed that she'd seen her fair of battles. Sheathed to her back was a peculiar blade that had a simple red handle and strange markings Aldrich couldn't recognize. She wore on her hands what looked like a red leather armour which stopped a fair distance away from her elbows and exposed her fingers. The most surprising thing to Aldrich was that judging by her short height and smooth porcelain skin, he could tell that she was his age, perhaps younger. He had always assumed that her crimson red hair was just and overstatement to what it was, but looking at the long flowing hair tied at the back of her head now was all the proof he needed that her very unnatural yet beautiful hair was real. Her immense golden eyes gleamed so clearly that they seemed like mirrors to whoever beheld them. Seeing her, Aldrich's only impression was that she looked unreal, someone who should not dwell amongst man.

He became aware of how he must have looked staring at her when she returned the gaze with a rather disturbed look. He held back all the questions he had and thanked them for saving him. The weapons master replied in a calm and clear voice,

"You only have her to thank." she said as she gestured to the other young woman sitting near him, she continued. "Frankly I saw it as waste of time since I thought you were as good as dead." Aldrich found her way of speaking strange, there was no regret or harshness in how she talked to him, nothing but pure sincerity. There were no expressions in her face but he could still tell that she wasn't trying to act cold to him.

She pulled a chair over to herself and sat to face her partner and began. "I lost it"

"You should worry more about getting sleep, the beast couldn't have gotten far." Evelyn said.

"It has probably left the forest though." She grumbled with her head bowed.

Aldrich asked them. "What exactly is it?" Evelyn turned to him to explain.

"It's called a nuruk demon, they are ancient creatures which have been known to exist for many centuries. Once freed from their relics they tend to cause havoc in whatever way they can. This one in particular seems to enjoy dismembering its victims."