Guilty Escape

Cliff of Beginnings

"Brrrr… it's so cold!" Carly 'shouted'. I frowned.

"Is it?" I paused and looked around, and looked to my gloves, tightening them. "It doesn't feel cold here…"

"Are you serious?" Milla exclaimed. "I'm freezing!"

I shrugged. "Guess it helps that I'm the nephew of the Ninja of Ice." I sighed as they both shivered. "Alright… fine. We can stay somewhere today… wasn't there a house up here Milla?"

"Uh… well… there's said to be a hidden house here somewhere."

"Hidden?" She nodded. I frowned. "It must be Uncle Zane's old house. Mom told me they lived up here." I looked around and gasped as Zane stood in the snow a few trees away. He motioned for me to follow then turned and started walking away. I rushed forward, leaving Milla to chase after me. I stopped at where Uncle Zane stood originally. I frowned and stared at the snow.

Footprints? I thought that he was only in my mind…

I looked at where he walked and then to Milla.

"Come on… I think I know where the house is."

We walked for what seemed miles until we reached a rather large tree. As we reached it I noticed a door in the bark. Zane's footprints ended at the door. I turned to Milla and nodded. "Well... this is it." I said as I pulled on the well-hidden handle.

We all stared in amazement as we saw the house my uncle once lived in.

It was surprisingly clean, probably done by mom after Zane's funeral. I noted the gears and wires next to the old couch. I smiled as I saw a small metal fireplace. Carly screeched and flew in a circle around the air, causing Milla and I to laugh. I closed the door behind us and walked in.

"Ok. We can stay the night here, then leave in the morning."

"Deal!" Carly said as she flew near the heat-giving fireplace. I smiled and sat down at the couch, giving a sigh as I carefully placed my swords on the ground next to me. I closed my eyes and folded my arms behind my head, relaxing. I felt Milla plop on the couch and I opened one eye to watch her. She was watching Carly twirl around, and I couldn't help but give a small smile.

Day ended and we decided to rest early. It was sunset when we all went to sleep. I allowed Milla to sleep on the couch, using a blanket I found next to the wires and gears. Carly curled into a ball on the couches arm rest and slept peacefully. I lay on the floor the same as I always did; with my arms under my head in an X.

I sighed and turned to the side, then the other side. I growled and sat up, shaking my head.

I just cannot sleep…

I thought silently. I turned my head and saw Milla and Carly were sleeping peacefully. I smiled and slowly stood, quietly grabbing my swords and strapping them on. I was extra careful on the stairs and opening the door, since they were metal and made lots of noise.

I let out a sigh of relief as the cold winds blew into me. I closed my eyes and allowed the wind to freely blow my hair back. I slowly opened my eyes as the wind died down, uttering a stuttered 'what' as I saw Uncle Zane standing in front of me. I blinked twice as he walked away. I took a step forward then stopped, turning as I stared at the hidden house.

I'll be quick…

I said to myself before darting after my Uncle's strange footprints in the snow. I was forced to battle monsters along the way, but I kept close to my uncle. I frowned as I looked up. The sky was turning orange… sunset… maybe I should turn around and return to the house… no… I'll give my uncle a few more minutes…