• Chapter Eight:
    “Oh! Being tough are we? Or just showing off for the little kitty?” He cackled.
    Kim opened her eyes. Blocking her line of sight was Luke’s hand. Blood dripped off of it.
    “Kim, you should probably move.” Luke shifted his hand, launching the sword and its holder into the air.
    Not knowing whether to help or to heed the advice, Kim’s gaze drifted to the blood on the ground. It was splattered in such a pattern that it resembled a firework. Upon realizing this, Kim became overcome with fear.
    Meanwhile, Luke assumed a defensive position, preparing to block the adversary’s oncoming attack. As the man swung his sword to strike his chest, Luke quickly evaded, letting the man fall. He took hold of the man’s cloak hem, stopping him from stumbling into Elliot and Kim. A flame began engulfing his cloak. Tera stepped forward, strengthening her concentration, empowering the flame.
    The man’s neck extended, poised to strike at Kim. He attacked but, instead of hitting his target, hit Elliot; knocking him away, the man recoiled, ready to strike once again. He did not move. Stuck in his place, Kim took this chance to run and hide behind Luke.
    “It’s about time, Jake. How long does it take for one to summon up just enough power to stun someone? If I wasn’t stuck to the cape, I would have been able to do it quicker.”
    Stuck? Is it covered in glue or something?
    “Shut up!!!!” Jake smirked at Luke. “I’m not the idiot who thought this dude’s cloak was any different from the others’.”
    The flame summoned by Tera burned away the area Luke was attached to. Rubbing his hands together, Luke turned to Kim, who looked confused about the situation at hand. He smiled.
    “Be careful. These guys have capes that attach themselves to their enemies’ skin!”
    “Oh.”
    No glue.
    “Let’s go. It’s getting late. We know that there are some around here now. Ow!” Elliot stood up, snagging some of his hair under his arm. I made a bet with Nana on whether or not there were some Roseus Crux members around here. I knew I’d win!!!”
    “Cuz that’s what these missions are all about. Winning bets.” Jake shook his head. “You’re all idiots. Let’s just leave already.”
    Luke nodded and waved everyone past him. He took Kim’s hand and lead her back with the group.
    “Roseus Crux?” Rose Cross. I have heard that name before.
    Was that their name? Those people from before? I am sure of it.
    Looking back at the fallen man, Kim was filled with mild relief.
    At least he cannot tell them. At least he cannot say to anyone where I am now. I do not want to be found by them again.
    Roseus Crux. I suppose it is best to have a name for those you flee from.
    Smiling slightly, Kim found herself in her room. Kicking off her shoes, she collapsed onto the bed. The sound of everyone’s footsteps was dying down outside her door as they turned in for the night.
    “Good night Kim!” Luke called from the hallway.
    Sighing and smiling, Kim dropped off into the most peaceful sleep she had since then. Since her time with Roseus Crux.