Path to Starry Pool (MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter Twelve: Run

"What is Eddy doing here!?" Sara exclaimed, stumbling backward.

"No idea," Chin-Hae breathed. "But he looks like trouble!"

They all took a step back, but Eddy was still speeding towards them. He was now much more clear in their eyes. His raven-colored hair flapped in the wind as he dashed towards them, and his sharp gaze pierced them. His feet drummed against the dry ground, and he grinned.

"Astoria!" He shouted, running up to them.

Sara stepped forward, her stance strict and bold. "What are you doing here, Eddy?"

"What happened to you, Sara?" Eddy asked, ignoring her question. "You look like you've tackled a bull!"

I see how it is, Sara thought, keeping her face straight. Avoiding the questions. Two can play it that game.

"What are you doing here?" Sara asked, avoiding his question.

"It's not about me, I'm far more interested in what you are all doing here," said Eddy, his eye twitching.

"No, no, I'm far more interested in what you're doing here," Sara insisted.

This will go on forever, Sara thought, her eye twitching in irritation. I need to do something. She began to back away slowly, but her leg slid down. Sara flinched and glanced back up at Eddy. She had before seen Eddy as a kind role model, but now, he seemed like an obstacle in a course that could not be avoided. Her whole body burned, and she felt as if she was dangling from a string, her muscles and limbs hurt like fire was coursing through her.

Chin-Hae noticed Sara's strategy and her struggling. He stepped forward, looking up at Eddy. The height difference was incredible, seeing as Chin-Hae was almost as tall as Astoria, and Astoria was quite tall herself. Yet Chin-Hae stood tall, pushing Sara behind him and Astoria gently. I don't need help! Sara thought, but she was desperate to just sleep and be at the orphanage, comfortable in her bed.

Chin-Hae squared his slim shoulders, his eyes cold and narrow. "What are you doing here, Eddy?"

"Well, if you sure so insist," Eddy smirked, and stepped sideways slightly and pointed out to the field. "I'm checking out the fight. It's funny when they fight, too, because they can never defeat each other. Though, I do see the brown-haired one is getting ready to retreat. Little Ji has joined Ashley. Finally, to be honest. She must be thinking of what a drag it was to be on the side of the brown-haired girl."

Chin-Hae had frozen, and he didn't look so brave anymore. He could barely muster his words.

"Ji? Ji Lee?" He croaked weakly. "Where?"

"Oh, she's here," Eddy nodded his head and glanced upwards.

They all looked up.

"Hello!" It was Ji.

She dropped down, her dark eyes flashing from underneath her cat-eye glasses. Ji cleared her throat and stood up straight. Sara immediately didn't like her. Her smile looked more mocking than friendly, and she already had a quite hated presence. Chin-Hae looked uncomfortable, his face flushing. Eddy didn't look too pleased to see her either, but he hid it a lot better.

"Hello, brother," she said.

"Sister," Chin-Hae nodded his head swiftly, looking back at her with cold eyes.

"I must ask, what are you doing here?" Ji asked while looking down at Chin-Hae, her tone uninterested. "Oh, you must have wanted to visit me. It has been... Hm... Five years?"