The Dragon War

chapter III

Cade was right, it took them almost two weeks to finally reach Valewood. When they got there it was obvious Kairi was nervous. The sun was starting to set in the distance behind the mountains. Her eyes focused on the ground, her claws digging into the dirt. Levi has rarely ever seen her like this. Kairi didn't get nervous let alone show how she was truly feeling.

"It's gonna be fine", he reassured her by placing a hand on her shoulder, turning her to look at him bringing his hands to cup her face, "I promise"

Kairi looked up into his vibrant green eyes. Something had changed with him. She didn't know what it was but it was there. He was changing. When he cupped her face in her hands she felt her heart rate spike causing her to blush.

"I'm going to protect you no matter what happens", he spoke gently to her. His voice seemed to sooth her nerves.

"Sorry am I interrupting something?" Cade spoke up with his hands behind his head.

Kairi could see Levi's face turn bright red but she couldn't tell if it was from anger or embarrassment or possibly both, "Cade I'm gonna kill you!"

Kairi couldn't help but laugh, but she could feel her cheeks hitting from embarrassment causing her to lean her head down so her hair would shield her face from Cade and Levi who were still bickering. They only knew each other for a few days yet they acted like they could have grown up together. She was glad to have them both.

"So what's the plan? Do we camp out here tonight or go ahead into town and act like Kairi is our prisoner to attract the rebellion?," Cade questioned right as Levi landed a punch on his head.

"I say that's up to Kairi."

"I feel if we go during the day we are more than likely to catch their attention than at night," Kairi replied.

"Tomorrow morning it is then! I'm gonna go ahead and take a nap then before dinner. I'm exhausted," Cade yawned.

"Oh no you don't, you are gonna go gather firewood so we can get a fire started. The nights are getting colder as the seasons are changing." Levi told him.

Cade groaned in response, "Fine, but we might as well figure out what we are gonna do for dinner!"

"Hunting is my specialty" Levi said with a sarcastic tone rolling his eyes.

"I can go help Cade," Kairi spoke up.

Cade was a little surprised that she went with him over Levi or simply staying at the spot they chose to make camp, "S-sure"

. . . . .

"So, what's up Kairi, something seems to be bothering you?" Cade asked once they were deep enough in the woods from Levi.

She didn't respond at first. It was earlier when Levi had made her heart race. She never felt that before. She knew him for three years yet never made her feel this way. What was different now? Her mind was racing with hundreds of questions.

"It's nothing," Kairi smiled to reassure Cade.

"Oh come on we both know that's bullshit! There's obviously something going on and I think it has to do with Levi," Cade smirked.

Kairi, usually whose face was expressionless besides the occasional smile, never showed much emotion. She looked at Cade, eyes glaring.

The boy could feel sweat forming on the back of his neck. Those beautiful violet eyes could be something intimidating.