Xylia

One

It could be worse I mused, trying to ignore the sting of the spears that prodded my neck.

"You know the drill Xylia, keep moving," Rainer,  one of my captors barked out. Pursing my lips in annoyance, I reluctantly complied not wanting more scratches to litter my  collarbone. Despite his sharp tone, I knew Rainer was simply warning me to keep up. He could have easily resorted to poking me but since I was one of his least hated criminals, I got some perks. One being, that I get a warning as some common courtesy when being hauled away. However, those perks would no longer benefit me after today. I sighed heavily, the thought of not seeing my two favorite guards hit a sentimental spot in my heart as I peeked at the two men that had seized me.

Rainer was at least double my size, and then some. His meaty hands encompassed the wooden shaft of the spear while giant while veins protruded from his shredded arms. Trailing my eyes across his various tattoos, I made my way to his gruff face. Lips slanted down in a scowl complemented the pulsing black eye given by yours truly. Yet the bruise only seemed to complement his brutish vibe. Although we had never seen eye to eye, I had learned to respect his unrelenting determination, even if was aimed at hunting me down. However, despite his intimidating demeanor, I had seen glimpses of his softer side. Where his narrowed eyes would soften and a tender smile would replace his chilling grimace. Granted, I was never the receiver of such affection, but it was still comforting to know that a heart was buried beneath his menacing facade.

Shifting my gaze to the not so threatening of the duo I smiled at the scrawny arms that trembled from holding the weight of the spear, causing the incessant poke of the blade against my skin. Warren was... a devoted member to the police squadron, but his gangly frame had its disadvantages in the more physical tasks, like apprehending delinquents such as myself. The kid had come a long way both physically and mentally, the first couple times he couldn't hold the spear up, but now I watched with a sense of pride as he fought to keep the weapon at my neck, sweat popping up on his flushed skin.  My theory on how he got in the police force  is he compensates for his lack of size with his keen ability to track. He could find a needle in a haystack if given the opportunity, and his impressive ability is what had gotten me caught... again.

My train of thought was brought to an abrupt halt as we reached our destination, the Cyran jailhouse. Stark cinder blocks outlined the perimeter of the premises, surrounded by coils of barbed wire. Mold stained the sides of the archway, providing a small splash of color against the gray and black hues. The putrid odor of the jailhouse rammed into my senses making my eyes tear up as I swallowed a gag. Warren wrinkled his nose in distaste. Even Rainer emitted a grunt of displeasure at the smell.

The two stood in front of the doors for a long moment, which was unusual considering that in the past they had always been eager to get the paperwork over with. I leaned forward, quietly staring at the pair.

" I don't mean to sound eagre, but aren't you guys going to take me in?"

Rainer sucked in a breath, before facing me. "Xylia, you may be a nuisance but you're one of my least hated problems." A coy smile edged its way onto the corners of my lips at his sudden outburst, but my grin wilted at the reason that was behind his burst of affection.

"Why Rainer, was that a complement?" His scowl deepened, but it lacked its usual edge. "Xylia this is your third crime, you know what that means? Right?" His eyes searched mine, and for the first time since I met him, I caught a glimpse of this so called 'soft side' that was shielded by his hardened exterior.

I sighed heavily, poking the dirt with my feet. "Yeah, I do. But don't worry, " My lips quirked up, "I'll never forget my two least hated guards." A scrawny body tackled my own in a hug sending me backpedaling from the impact. Warren's arms coiled tightly around my neck, his spear discarded on the front steps.