The S.T.F. Files, Book 4: DIATON

Notes, Scars, and Words

March

It was a long flight. Depressing too. Dimitri could no longer at all feel the presence of Cleo and Damien.

They were gone forever.

Riza wouldn't be happy. Cleo was like her younger sister.

Meanwhile, I carried the note for her. I just happened to peak at it. Her and Nathanial were supposed to be married...but Riza declined. That's why his sister was even more after Riza. As I gazed out the window I couldn't help to wonder if Cleo and Damien would be pleased after all we did. We were family.

Aly wasn't holding up too well. Although she didn't break down, she still kept somewhat crying. Dimitri was rocking her back and forth in his arms up here with me.

"How much longer until we can see Riza?" Aly sniffles. Dimitri just cradles her more. Poor thing...

I look at the map, then the clock, "perhaps a half hour or so. Now you need to cheer up. Riza wouldn't wanna see you cry. If you're crying, who's she gonna lean on?"

Dimitri states the obvious, "Uh...Al?"

I shake my head, "they're both going to be upset. Riza will need you to stay strong so she knows she has to stay strong too. Riza isn't exactly the greatest at dealing with her emotions you know."

Aly just tries to smile and nods. It was going to be hard now.

Cleo

"So why exactly are we hiding our powers?"

"So people can't find us. Shh Moron!" We were sneaking up on a small airport. Xeria escourted us.

She sniffled, "oh Cleo, I'll miss you..."

I nodded, "this may be the last time we'll ever meet again. We kinda have a mission...and if we don't complete it..."

"Oh, I get it. Well if you ever return, you can reclaim your throan."

"Throan?" Damien asked.

Xeria nodded, "didn't Cleo ever tell you? She's an escaped princess."

Damien looked at me with wide eyes, "Cleo...I thought you were an orphan,"

I giggled nerviously, "I am an orphan. My parents were the king and queen of a tribe that was captured. Xeria and I were the only ones that eacaped. We were defined by our headresses and red hair. You thought this was normal?"

"Wait, then where's your headress? Your people? Does that make me-?"

I looked to my hands, "our people are scattered, waiting for the return of their leader. I left my headress with Xeria. It's pretty much sacred."

"Your people need you Cleo. You've ran away for too long. They need a new Queen-and King. They await for your return. Don't you want to just give up this life that you've been living? You ran away with me so we would be safe. We grew up as abandoned children-orphans-who became theives-then ninjas. We stole stuff just because you created this world around you that shwiney things were everything to you so you wouldn't be lonely. We were street kids, only I felt the need to protect you since you were my leader. I have spoken to our people. They need you back. The elders say so"

"And Rose? Amalia?"

"Rose is next in line. There's something about her though. Something not right. Amalia just follows orders. She's your knight."

Damien looks to me, "you're a princess..."

Xeria nodded, "yes, until she get married and inducted in with the ritual ceremony."