To The End

Chapter Four Part One

Chapter Four Part One****

      Nathaniel directed me to the old shack easily and as we came closer unease settled in my chest.

"Do you think the Dark One is still here?" I whispered in fear remembering my struggle with him.

Nathaniel tensed then relaxed behind me, his arms looped around my waist so he wouldn't fall off Marcus.

"I don't think Emzor will be returning anytime soon. I injured him pretty bad. I doubt he will survive." He answered so fiercely I second guessed trusting him.

I sighed with relief and guided Marcus closer. I halted him and climbed down gently for the sake of my wounded foot. Nathaniel followed close behind. Before we made it to the remains of the door to the cabin Abel stormed out. His eyes were dark with anger but lightened slightly with relief when they landed on me.

      He rushed forward engulfing me in a tight hug.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again Mukaylen Alisa Ray! Do you hear me?" He fretted, holding me at arms length. He examined me and his eyes widened when they came across my face.

"What in the hell happened to your eye!?"

      I reached up and winced as my finger tips lightly brushed my left eye. Damnit, I had almost forgotten how hard Emzor had hit me in the face. I was certain I had a flashy black eye. Before I could blink Abel had Nathaniel by the throat up against the nearest tree. Panic surged.

"Did you hit my sister blondie?!" He shouted close to Nathaniels face.

Nathaniel pushed Abel off him hard and I rushed to get between them.

"Abel! No, stop! Let me explain."

Nathaniel backed off with a pissed look on his face, but he stayed silent.

"Explain," My brother demanded.

"I will if you calm down!" I yelled.

He huffed and relaxed slightly so I continued.

"He saved me, Abel. I got attacked by a Demon and he helped, okay?"

"Attacked? How?" He questioned.

      I led him into the shack and began explaining in full detail. Though the black stains of Demon blood staining the dirt floor inside was pretty self explanatory. Nathaniel must have really known what he was doing. I was impressed to say the least.

   Abel opened the door and walked out side to talk to a waiting Nathaniel. I stayed close behind incase a replay of there almost fight happened again.

"I don't know who you are, but I would like to apologize for earlier. I acted out irrationally." That was the thing about my brother, he wasn't afraid to admit when he was wrong.

Nathaniel shrugged and muttered, "No problem. I understand."

Abel nodded but said, "I do appreciate your help, but quiet frankly I don't know who you are and I damned sure don't trust you." But, sometimes he can be too forward.

"Abel!" I protested on Nathaniel behalf. After all he had saved me.

"It's fine Mukaylen. Your brother has every right." Nathaniel said.

      He then stepped forward with a out stretched hand for my brother to shake. His hand was left dangling in the air as my brother hesitated for a few moments. Finally, he remembered his manners and shook his hand firmly.

"Nathaniel Demire, nice to meet you." He introduced his self.

"Yeah." My brother answered still reluctant to the stranger that saved my life.

"What are you doing out here, Nathaniel?" Abel asked.

I waited patiently for him to explain wondering the same thing my brother had just asked.

He answered quickly, "Just surviving. I thought it was best to stay as far away from town and the Dark Ones as possible. Its rare to find one like Emzor so far from civilization. What are you guys doing so far out?"

      My brother seemed content enough with his answer and explained about Kristen. Nathaniel was very understanding and yet Abel still at times seemed leary of him. I chimmed in with my brother occasionally but mostly just listened to there conversation.

"Would you mind me traveling along with you? After all there is safety in numbers and I think I could be of help." Nathaniel said after awhile.

I frowned and said before my brother could, "Why would you want to help?"

He turned looking me directly in the eye and answered, "Why not? Its lonely out here." I looked away quickly.

Abel agreed soon after, "It would be greatly appreciated."

He then turned to me and said, "I almost forgot! I got the medicine for you."

I sighed with relief. I was so ready to feel better, I hated the feeling of being weak.

*****