The Warriors of Xipil

Chapter Four: The Thief

I regretted letting Crevan come with me. Not only does he pick on me, he won't stop trying to get me to spar with him. For example, we made camp in the desert, and as soon as we finished, he wants to spar. I don't understand him at all, but at least he did stop using his attitude a little bit. I looked around, and I screamed bloody murder. There was a shrunken head on a stake. I fell off Rasei, and landed on the hot sand. I looked back up at the head, "W-Why, just why!", I shouted. "These aren't your everyday thieves, Bluebell.", Crevan warned, "They will kill you if you're not careful."

I brushed myself off, "S-So don't act like a prison guard or a bounty hunter, g-got it.", I stuttered. Crevan went 'hmph' and continued on foot, "Hey! Wait for me!", I shouted. Rasei followed me, and we were off again. A few hours later, we finally made it to Lavi, and it wasn't pretty. Every way we turned, there was people limping and starving, including the children. My hand started shaking, "Who would do such a thing.", I said my voice cracking.

I was almost on the verge of crying, then Crevan placed his hand on my shoulder. "We can leave if you want...", Crevan said depressed. I looked up at him, he looked like he wanted to leave right now. I wanted to, but I still need to find need to find this Hades guy."Not...not yet, we still need to find- Wait, where's Rasui?", I said. Crevan and I stared at each other for a minute, then I started to panic.

"Please tell me you know where he went!", I said loudly. Crevan looked around, "I spy with my little eye, something black and white, charging full speed at a grown man.", Crevan said pointing behind me. I turned around, and almost let out a laugh. A green haired man was running away in a hilarious matter, "Maybe he knows where Hades is.", I giggled. Crevan nodded, and as the thief passes us, Crevan pulled on his hooded cloak. Hard.

I heard the thief slightly choke, and Rasui nipped my hand. "Ow! Sorry, I didn't know he was trying to take you away from me.", I said apologizing. Rasui turned his head, ignoring me. "I give you a treat as an apology.", I said. Rasui turned his head again to face me, and nudged his snout against my head. I smiled, "Okay, sir. We need a word with you.", Crevan said angrily. The man whimpered, "Crevan, you don't need to scare him.", I said. "But that's the best part.", he replied.

I turned around, and harshly glared at Crevan. Crevan sighed, "Fine.", Crevan said bored. I looked at the green thief, and smiled softly. "Don't worry, unlike my friend here, I hate being mean to people. I just need to ask a few questions, that's all.", I said tenderly. The thief nodded his head rapidly, "A-And you'll turn me loose right?", the thief asked quietly. I nodded, and he sighed with relief. "C-Can we talk somewhere else, there's a lot eyes on us.", he asked. I nodded, "Where to?" I asked. "My place, and please let go of me...", he replied scared.

Crevan grumbled and let go of him. The thief walked off, and we followed. After a few twists and turns, we arrived to an old enchanting house. "Wow, this place looks ancient!", I said amazed. "Yea, and it's the only place where the bandits don't came to.", the thief said. I looked around, amazed by the house's ancient beauty and the many enchantment books. Crevan didn't look amazed or shocked, he probably just want to go home.

I turned around to look at the thief, and I noticed some features that I didn't noticed before. He had emerald green hair, orange eyes, and some wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. He seems to be squishing a little bit, so he probably wears glasses. He was thin, of course, but not too thin. He is a little tan, and there's bags around his eyes. "Sooo, what did you want to ask me about?", he asked, breaking my train of thought. I blinked and shook my head, "Do you know a guy named Hades?", I asked.

He flinched and looked off in a distance, "He...left to see the king, and he returned deathly ill.", He explained grimly. I nodded, Hades was in no condition to fight then, but he might know someone that can help. "Can I speak with him, if you know where he is?", I asked politely. The man was hesitate, but he nodded. "Follow me.", he said. I followed him, along with Crevan, "What's your name, sir?", I asked the thief. "Apollon.", he said quietly. He looked worried, and extremely tired. I nodded, "That's a nice name.", I said. Apollon nodded back, "And yours?", he asked. "Bluebell, and this is Crevan.", I replied, pointing behind me. I heard Crevan scoffed, but he didn't say anything.

Apollon nodded, " I'm guessing you're from Lore, the town famous for it's bouquets and farming.", he said. I nodded, "And you're from the tundra.", Apollon said again, but a little more rude. Oh boy. Crevan glared, "At least I'm not a filthy thief!", Crevan shouted. Oh no. Apollon glared harshly, "Well, you're not living in a desert, and you're home isn't overrun by bastards!", Apollon shouted. The men growled and glared at each other, and they look like they're about to rip each other's throats. I decided to intervene, "Guys, we shouldn't be fighting at a time like this, especially you, Crevan.", I said firmly. I didn't want my teammate to get hurt, and Apollon can probably help us out with finding another fighter.

Crevan scoffed, "You gotten lucky, thief.", Crevan said threatening. Apollon looked scared, but quickly recovered, and opened a door. "Hades is behind this door, but only Bluebell should enter.", Apollon said. I nodded and walked in.

The room was extremely clean, and very well organized too. The walls looked the star in the night sky, and the floor was purple. I walked over to a bed, and sat in the chair next to it. "Apollon? Is that you?", a raspy voice ranged out. I flinched, "No, it's Apollon's friend, Bluebell.", I said hesitantly. There was silence, then the old man laughed. "You must be the blue-haired woman I saw in my dream.", he exclaimed.

I was confused by that statement, "I...am?", I asked. Hades looked over at me, "Yes, and I know about your little quest too. Sadly, I cannot join your guild of new warriors.", Hades said depressed. I nodded, "I know, but do you know anyone that help?", I asked. Hades coughed, "I believe Apollon can help you.", he said. I wanted to shout no, Apollon doesn't seem like the type to actually fight, especially if he flinches under Crevan glare.

"Are you sure? He doesn't-" "Seem like the type to fight?", Hades interrupted. "I know, but he was trained by me, and excel at archery and enchanting.", Hades added. That sentence got me thinking, Archery and enchantment? That could be a battle advantage. "I know Apollon isn't much, but he's a good man and means well.", Hades said. I nodded, "If Apollon wants to help, then he can, but for now, that'll have to wait.", I said, "Right now, Crevan and I need a place to rest."

Hades laughed, "This house is your house, make yourself at home!", Hades shouted. "What?!", said a muffled voice. Then I heard laughter, "It seems Apollon didn't like that idea.", I said jokingly. Hades coughed again, "Apollon, Bluebell and Crevan are our guest, be polite.", Hades ordered. Apollon bust through the door, "But-" "No buts! They are staying, that's final!", Hades interrupted. Crevan peeked through and chuckled darkly. This is going to be a long night.