Later that night, the group arrived at home with their traveling bags. Arnold met up with them by the main hall.

                                “Good evening young sirs and miss,” he greeted. “Master Hunter and Mistress Huntress are waiting for you at the sparring room with Master Shisek. You may leave your things here the maids will take them into the RV.”

                                “Thanks Arnold.” Taea says, putting down her bag on the floor.

                                “The RV?” Mave asked. “Do you know where we’re going Arnold?”

                                “Master Hunter said it’s a surprise.” Arnold said, “And I’m sure you will be. Now, shall we?” Arnold led them to the sparring room.

                                “Arnold, you said Hunter and Huntress are in the sparring room?” Lei asked.

                                “Yes Miss Lei.” Arnold said with a nod. “They’re sparring with Master Shisek.”

                                “Even Huntress?” Iris asked.

                                “Yes miss Iris, I believe she’s been in their since four pm.”

                                “She’s been there for three hours?” Iris asked, bewildered. “But she’s wounded.”

                                Arnold smiled and shook his head, “I think you mean she was wounded. Master Shisek is a remarkable healer and well, the mistress and Master Hunter as well are amazing patients.”

                                Then they heard thumping and thuds on the room ahead. They turned and stood by the door. Hunter and I were having our daily sparring session with Master Shisek. Master Shisek was standing in the corner of the room watching us. Hunter was on the offense, and I was on defense. I blocked every attack Hunter made, suddenly Hunter dropped down and made a quick and clean sweep, I grinned and pushed up and flipped over him and lands behind him. Hunter turned around and hits me on the stomach.

                                I reached for my stomach, “Urgh!” and bit my lip. I was breathing hard again but returned to my fighting stance again.

                                Hunter grinned and start to attack again, I took a step back again and blocked his attacks, then I found an opening, I grabbed him by the shoulder, pulled him down and I hit him on the stomach with my knee. Then I took his arms and flipped him over my shoulder.

                                Hunter hits the floor with a thud, his breathless for a few seconds, but then I looked down at him from the side.

                                I was still breathing hard, but I smiled down at him, “You almost got me there.” I said.

                                Hunter snickers, “Almost?” I start to make a face trying to say yes, making Hunter laughs.

                                “Learn when to give up big brother, for your won sake.”

                                Hunter raised a brow, “Really?” suddenly he performs another quick sweep and I fell back and hit the floor with a loud thud. “Too bad I’m not a fast learner.”

                                “Huntress!” Iris called out.

                                The girls ran toward me, but my laughter surprised them. They stopped before they could reach me. I was laughing around and rolled on my side holding my stomach.

                                “Huntress are you ok?”

                                Hunter was lying beside me, as I laughed and sat up. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ok…” I reassured the girls, I looked down at Hunter, “Now that was a nice match, truce?” I asked as I lent out my hand.

                                “Truce.” Hunter takes my hand for a shake, but then I grinned and performed a baby cartwheel twisting Hunter’s arm.

                                “But you should learn fast.” I told him, then I let go, jumped on my feet and ran toward Master Shisek and hid behind him, Hunter was right behind me laughing.

                                “Come here you…” he said reaching out for me, but I moved out of the way, laughing harder.

                                We were running around Master Shisek, who closed his eyes, then he smiled, “That’s enough you two, your friends are here.” Hunter and I stopped in front of Master Shisek and bowed. Master Shisek bowed back. Then we turned and half ran toward the others.

                                “Sorry for making you wait.” Hunter said, “Huntress is a bit more hyper when she just recovered, you see.”

                                “It’s cool.” Mave said “Great match by the way.”

                                “Yeah,” Iris said, then she smiled at me, “we’re glad to see you back on your feet.”

                                I smiled back.

                                “But are you sure you are ok now?” Jed asked me with a piercing look, studying my face for some unnecessary reactions, “No anger? No hate? No fangs?”

                                I laughed, and so did the others. “I’m fine Jed, in fact, I’m better than fine.”

                                "Show them how good you feel Hun.” Hunter said, boasting.

                                I gave a nod. Then I took two steps back and then bent backwards and performed a one hand stand- using my good arm, of course- then a one hand cartwheel and finished off with a free hand back flip. I could feel Master Shisek watching, and as I finished he smiled and nodded, satisfied.

                                “So?” Hunter faced Jed, “What’s the verdict?”

                                “7.5” Jed answered raising an invisible board. The gang laughs again.

“Mistress?” I turned and saw Arnold a few feet away from me and handed me towel and a black water tumbler. I grinned and took the bottle and took a sip from the straw. I sighed and faced the gang as I continue to drink. Jed was staring at me with wide eyes.

“What’s that?” Taea asked.

“Uhm,” I glanced at Hunter and saw Jed cringed, “you wouldn’t want to know.”

“What do you-“ then Taea’s eyes widened, and took a light sniff, “its blood?”

Jed turned and reached for his stomach. “Jed?” I called.

He raised his hand, “Don’t, and stay where you are.”

I wanted to laugh but held it in; I glanced at Hunter who was enjoying this as much as I am.

“You drink blood?” Lei asked.

“Yeah, the more aware you are of your second identity, the more aware you will be of their needs. And it isn’t that hard to satisfy them really, just a couple cups a day are ok.” Hunter explained.

“Arnold?” I called.

“Yes Mistress?” he asked.

“Can you get Jed a tumbler of his own?”

“What?!” Jed turned and faced me, “No thank you Arnold, I’m fine, thanks.”

I smiled. “Get him the one especially made for Hunter.”

“Huntress, stop it. I don’t need it and that’s Hunter’s stock-“

“I don’t mind sharing it with my best bud.” Hunter says, teasing.

Jed glared at him and shook his head again. “Really Hunter, you’re not helping at all.” he said. “Some best friend you are.”

I laughed. “Relax Jed, its normal. You need to give in to this craving.”

“What about Iris?”

“Oh, don’t worry bout me Jed, I already had some yesterday.” Iris said.

The gang turned to her.

“You already had some yesterday?” they asked in unison.

“Yeah, Aunt Hannah noticed that I was getting fang marks, so she gave me some.” Iris smiled as she remembered the memory, “And I must say it was… invigorating.” She glanced at me.

“Thank you.” I said.

“So shall I get some Mistress?” Arnold asked.

“Yes please, we’ll be dealing with a lot of mortals tonight. I don’t want any trouble.” I said.

“One of Master Hunter’s then?” he asked.

“Yes.” Hunter said with a smile and gleam in his eyes.

Arnold bowed and left to get the blood, “Oh, and another one for me please?” I asked.

“Another one?” Lei asked.

“Yeah, this self healing thing can drain you.” I pointed out.

“What about us?” Mave asked, “When will we start craving for it?”

“In a month or two I guess.” Hunter says. “You better enjoy the last few weeks of your mortal life; it would be a lot harder afterwards.”

The three nodded.

“Wait, why does Hunter have a stash of his own?” Taea asked.

I grinned, “Hunter’s very particular of his, uhm, donor…”

Jed cringed again, “Stop it Hun…” he pleaded.

“Oh c’mon Jed,” I said, “are you really that grossed out? I’m offended.”

Jed rolled his eyes, “You are very much aware that you are not offended, and I am sure you taste a good as you smell but really, forcing this on me?”

“You taste as good as you smell?” Mave asked. then he turned to me, “Your Hunter’s donor?”

“Well I got a lot to spare, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t be.” Hunter stepped behind me and held my wrists. I smiled. “That’s one reason why he’s quite protective of me.”

“Then wouldn’t Jed be the same?” Lei asked. “And Iris?”

“Not really, it all depends if they take in more of it than necessary.” I said. Then Arnold came back, Jed turned around and walked away. “Stop right there.”

Jed stops on his tracks, he looks around, “Hey, let go!” he shouted.

“Don’t make it harder Jed.” I said.

“Huntress, you really shouldn’t get him angry like that.” Iris said.

“Well, it’ll give him the drive to think of his wants.”

“Well, I warned you, it’s your death.”

I grinned, then I walked up to Jed and faced him. “Calm down Jed, everything will be fine.” I whispered. I reached for his face and saw his fangs bearing. I smiled. I reached for the tip of his fangs with my finger, I felt a light sting on my finger and saw blood trickle down his fangs, and the moment the blood touched his lips he fidgeted more. I ran my bleeding finger in his lips. He licked it and was still looking at me hungrily.

“Huntress…” I heard Hunter call.

“Shh…” I said, smiling and not taking my eyes off Jed. “Drink Jed, it’ll make everything better.” I lifted my wrist to his lips and saw him smell it. He fidgets, “Drink.” I whispered.

He looked down at me, surprised.

“Huntress…” Iris calls.

“Trust me Jed…” I whispered again.

He turned to look at Hunter, Hunter looks at him, smiled and nodded. He looked back at me and at my wrist.

“I’m here Jed,” I whispered again, “I won’t leave you…”

“But what if I lose control?” he whispered back.

I smiled, “I’m your little sister aren’t I?” this took him by surprise, “I know you won’t kill me.”

Then he looked back at my wrist and smelled it again. Then he pressed his lips and gave my wrist a light kiss, then he bit into it. I flinched but smiled. I watched him as he drank, he looked like Hunter. I knew that he is keeping my secret, protecting my brother and even being patient to me and Hunter. I am, again, forever in his debt. Suddenly he stopped, a little early, I felt him ease up, lick the wound like Hunter and then looked at me.

“Bottle.” He lent out his hand to Arnold. Arnold stepped up and handed him the bottle of blood, my blood.

“You ok Jed?” Taea asked.

“Yup.” He said, now drinking in the bottle of blood. I raised a brow, no one could be satisfied with only that much of blood.

“Well, that was, uhm, educational.” Lei said.

“Where do you get all the blood?” Mave asked. “I mean aside from yours.”

“From hospitals, some from our guards, they are asked to donate every ones in a while in case they need additional income.” Hunter says, “But really, they’re just plain greedy if they do take the offer. They are very well provided for by grandfather after all.”

Everyone was now asking Hunter questions, I was still watching Jed. To my surprise, he grinned and turned to me. “You are not mine to own Huntress; someone owns you and your blood.” He whispered, and I am sure none of the other heard, then I glanced at Hunter, “It isn’t Hunter.” he said with a smile. I looked up at him more surprise than ever “Your blood told me that much.”

I took a step back.

                                “Huntress?” Master Shisek called out, I jumped, startled. Master Shisek raised a brow. “It’s time to check your wound.”

                                The gang turned to Master Shisek.

                                I frowned, “Here? Now?” I asked.

                                “Yes,” Master Shisek walks toward me, “your last fall might have damaged it.”

                                I sighed, turned my back on him and pulled off the sleeve of my training shirt showing only my left shoulder, Master Shisek reached for the wound and started pressing different parts, I bit my lip, as I feel the pain rush in, it was tolerable. Then the gang moved closer to watch. It started to bleed again.

                                “Put it out.” Master Shisek says. I lowered my head and closed my eyes.

                                “Put out what?” Taea asked.

                                Suddenly, a low light appeared from my nape. The gang watched as my mark spread through out my back and arms, the light formed my wings and solidified. It was the first time the gang saw my wings up close.

                                “It’s beautiful…” Lei said in whisper, “Do all of us have wings?”

                                “Yes, and I’ll teach you how to summon it, when the right time comes.” Master Shisek says while massaging my wound.

                                “Cool!” Jed said, “So, Master Shisek, I’m curious, do you happen to know where my life source is?”

                                “Hm,” Master Shisek looked him over, “where is your mark Master Jed?”

                                “On my hand.” He answered and lifted to show his mark.

                                Master Shisek nods and thinks for a moment, “I would guess that it is in you right wrist. Very dangerous, if you ask me.”

                                “Wow,” Jed says, bothered, “there’s something you don’t want to know.” Jed looked down at his right wrist and massaged it.

                                The others grinned, and shook their head.

                                “Would you want to know the easy way to find your life sources?” Master Shisek asked.

                                Hunter whined, “Not that again Master Shisek.” Master Shisek stifled a laugh. “Its not at all true you know.”

                                “But it is.” Master Shisek smiled, “And you can prove it.” then he glanced at Iris. Hunter sighed and rolled his eyes.

                                “What are you talking about?” Lei asked.

                                “Well, remember when we told you about how we had our partners? How mom and dad made the assumption that each of us is paired?” Hunter asked.

                                “Yeah, and?” Jed asked, curious.

                                “Well, Master Shisek here made another assumption.” Hunter shrugged and shook his head, “He believes that wherever the mark of our partner is, that’s where our life source is.” Hunter answered.

                                The other exchanged looks.

                                “I don’t get it.” Iris confessed.

                                “Just show it to them Hunter, they have to know about it sooner or later.” I said, with a grin. Hunter glared at me.

                                “Hunter?” Iris asked again.

                                Hunter sighed and walked up to Iris and made her face him, “Where’s your mark?” he asked.

                                “Uhm, underneath my right shoulder blades.” Iris answered.

                                Then Hunter points at himself, under his left shoulder blades, “Then this is where my life source is.” He said in a whisper.

                                Iris looked up at him, blushing. The gang grins.

                                “It’s a mirror thing.” Master Shisek said, “It is what connects you to each other.”

                                “So, how do we know who is who then?” Lei asked.

                                “It’ll just come to you.” I said, “To some, it had already arrived.” I glance over at Mave and Taea, then at Hunter and Iris.

                                Lei and Jed exchanged looks of disgust, “Then I guess we’re not their yet.” They said in unison.

                                I grinned, and then I remembered something, a memory. I glanced at Jed, frowned and looked away.

                                “Huntress?” Master Shisek calls out, breaking my thoughts. “Open them.” I opened my wings the way I normally do. But only the left wing opened, I tried to force the right wing open, but to no success, it just caused me pain and lack of air. I gasped.

                                “Still can’t?” he asked. I shook my head, “Then continue drinking your medicine, which reminds me.” He turned and faced Lei, “Miss Lei, I was informed that your wound was kicked early today?”

                                “Yes it was Master Shisek, but Hunter checked it during lunch, he said it did bruise but it’ll be ok.”

                                Master Shisek nodded, “Hunter is a good judge when it comes to healing. But he knows as well as I do that the ointments aren’t enough.”

                                “Are you giving me more medicines?” she asked.

                                “Yes, do not worry though, it isn’t like the one you buy in the drug store, it’s not even a drug.” Master Shisek walked to the corner of the room where a table was, where towels and a couple of bottles with green stuff inside were on top. He took one of the bottles and walked back to us.

                                He hands it over to Lei; Lei looked at it, a bit worried, “I have to drink this?”

                                “Its herbs,” Master Shisek said, “It’ll speed up your healing. The more you take in, the quicker you’ll heal.” Lei was still staring at the bottle.

                                “It isn’t all that bad, really.” I said. “Well, when you get use to it I guess.”                 Lei stared at me, and gave a weak nod.

                                “It’ll help if you’ll put it on a canister, one that isn’t so, uhm, transparent.” Hunter points at the plastic bottle. Lei gave a weak smile and nod.

                                “Don’t worry; I’ll drink with you, if you want.” I offered, feeling sorry for Lei. It wasn’t all that bad, but it didn’t mean that it was good either. Lei stared at the bottle again, “And if it helps for you to know, I have drank worse medicines by Master Shisek than the one he’s asking you to drink.”

                                Lei still wasn’t looking enthusiastic about it. Master Shisek smiled, “Just think about it this way Miss Lei, if you heal faster, you’ll be able to join in fights again.”

                                Lei sighed, “There’s a thought.” she murmured, “How many times a day?”

                                “Three.”

                                “Is that spoon?” she asked. Hunter and I exchanged looks. Master Shisek smiled and shook his head. “Oh cool then three teaspoons then.” She said, relieved.

                                Now I feel sorrier for her. “Uhm Lei?” I said, “it’s not that either.” Lei raised a brow and paused, then her eyes widened and raised the bottle, then I nodded.

                                “Three bottles a day!?!” she asked bewildered. “Seriously Master Shisek?”

                                “Yes, Miss Lei.” Master Shisek said, “Only until the last mark of the wound is gone.”

                                Lei turned to me, “And how long will that be?” Lei asked with a groan.

                                “A week or two?” Hunter said, looking sympathetic.

                                “Twenty one bottles?” her eyes widened again at Master Shisek.

                                “I have a lot to spare.” Master Shisek said, enthusiastically.

                                Lei shrugged, “Now I can respect you for having the guts for this Huntress.” She said as she opened the bottle, “Bottoms up.” she took a small quick drink.

                                The gang stared at her as she studied the taste, “Not bad…” she said with a nod, “It’s actually bearable.” Then takes another drink.

                                “See?” Master Shisek said, “You were worried for nothing.”

                                Lei nods and calmed down.

                                “So Master Shisek,” Jed turns to Master Shisek now, “are you gon’na teach us to fly now?”

                                Master Shisek turned to Hunter and me.

                                “If you think they can handle it,” Hunter said, “then we leave everything to you Master.”

                                Master Shisek nods and faced the others.

                                “We’ll take it one step at a time Master Jed,” he said, “let’s summon your wings first so that you can fly with something, shall we?” The gang exchanged excited looks.

                                “We’ll leave you for awhile then, “Hunter said to the gang, “we’ll be back when we are ready to leave.”

                                I stood up and watched the gang as they listen to Master Shisek’s instructions.

                                “I wish we were prepared when we learned how to fly.” I whispered to Hunter.

                                Hunter stifled a laugh, remembering how we learned how to fly. “I wish we were even aware that we were capable of such thing and not just discover it by chance.” It was my turn to laugh as we walked toward our rooms to prepare for our weekend trip.

                                An hour later, Hunter and I came back to the sparring room to pick up the others. We stood by the door and watched as Mave, Iris, Taea, Jed and Lei were all sitting or lying down- for Jed’s case- on the floor, breathless. We walked in and looked down at them.

                                “So, I’m guessing, it didn’t go quite well?” Hunter asked, with a snicker.

                                “You tell me,” Jed said, still catching up with his breath, “the only… thing… I was… able to… summon… is this.” He raised his arm and held out a feather.

                                Hunter and I smiled, “Well, at least you know you have feathers, not pterodactyl wings.” Hunter said. An act of mercy, I thought. They all whined and rolled their eyes.

                                “What about you?” Iris snapped at us, “How long did it take you to learn how to summon and fly?” Hunter and I exchanged looks and grins, we glanced at Master Shisek who gave a low laugh.

                                “What?” Iris snapped again.

                                “Well, actually…” Hunter said, blushing a bit. “It was very quick.”

                                “How quick?” Lei asked, glaring at me.

                                “Uhm, falling- into- a- cliff- we- need- wings- kind- of- quick.” Hunter said.

                                “You fell into a cliff?” Jed asked, mouth opened.

                                Hunter sighed, I smiled and nodded. “It was during one of our attempts to escape Master Shisek.” I said, “We ran into the forest and through a bush which was- stupidly- on the edge of a cliff.”

                                “And your wings just came out and you learned to fly?” Mave asked.

                                “Well, it was a matter of life and death, so, yeah…” I said. Jed dropped back down on the floor.

                                “Feel free to toss me out of the terrace anytime.” Jed said. Hunter and I laughed again.

                                “Anyway, don’t force it,” Hunter said, “there’s no hurry.”

                                “Besides we need to go, and I don’t want you guys to fall asleep before the real fun begins.” I said.

                                “Go where exactly?” Taea asked.

                                “It’s a surprise,” Hunter said with a smile, then we turned to master Shisek, “Master?’ Hunter and I bowed. The gang stood up and bowed as well.

                                “Travel safely and take care.” Master Shisek said, bowing his head.

                                “Thank you Master.”

                                Then we turned to leave, “Oh and Huntress?” Master Shisek called out.

                                I stopped and turned, “Yes Master?”

                                He smiled, “Give them hell for me.”

                                I smiled back and nodded, then ran after the others.

                                A couple of hours later we arrived at our destination, at the Ultimate Cycle. It was where Hunter and I race against other motor-X riders, such as Rui and Nayre.

                                We climbed down the RV; the gang was right behind us and was looking around. I nudged Hunter by the elbow and points at a tent not far from where we stood, Hunter nodded.

                                “Hey guys, we’ll just go register. Go through that entrance, that’s our private box, you can still catch the opening ceremonies.” Hunter said, showing Mave the entrance to our private box in the bleachers.

                                Mave nodded and walked toward the entrance, followed by the others. And we left for the registration.

                                They entered the box and looked around; the place was packed with fans and motorists. The roaring of motors, tons of dirt and dust and the screams of the fans welcomed them.

                                “This is the surprise?” Taea asked, wrinkling her nose, “How could Hunter and Huntress like something so noisy?” she was shouting over the noise as well.

                                “That was what I said when they first brought us here. But they don’t come for the sights and sounds,” ” Iris said with a grin. “They came for the action.”

                                They all looked around again, trying to settle their eyes in the brightness of the stadium and their ears for the noise.

                                “Well, how are we gon’na find those phantom boys if we don’t even know what they look like?” Mave asked with a shrug.

                                “Oh, that isn’t much of a problem really,” Jed said, sitting down on the couch with a tumbler of blood in hand, and was really looking comfy, “they introduce the racers before every race, all we have to do for now is wait.”

                                “Hey,” I greeted as Hunter and I joined them in the box, “comfy enough Jed?”

                                “Very.” He said with satisfaction raising his tumbler toward me. I grinned and took a drink from my own tumbler.

                                “Good, by the way, here…” Hunter passed around cards.

                                “IDs? What for?” Lei asked.

                                “They’re VIP passes, it’s for you guys to be able to roam around.” Hunter said.

                                Then music start to pump up, and- if it was possible- the cheers grew louder.

                                “What’s up ride-e-e-e-ers?” Joey, the emcee, shouted over the microphone with enthusiasm that the crowd greatly answered with a louder cheer, “We are having such a great weather, great crowd, great night, and a greater line up for all of you tonight! This’ll truly be in the history of fame of the Ultimate Cycle! So what are we waiting for? Let’s get those motors running!”

                                The audience cheered again, as motorists starts to start their engine all around the arena.

                                We were by the hand rails looking around; the excitement of the people around us was amazing and somewhat overwhelming.

                                “The line up for our first race is sizzling and scorching hot!” Joey starts again, "Our first racer; the toughest, hottest and roughest rider in UC,” he paused for a second, “NAYRE PARKER!!”

                                The cheering got louder again, as Nayre drove up to the starting line, his helmet still on his arm, waving at the crowd.

                                “Hm, he’s cute.” Iris said, impressed.

                                “Yeah, that would’ve been cool if he didn’t try to kill Huntress and Lei.” Hunter said sarcastically.

                                Iris turned to glare at him, “You may be good, but I’m better.” Iris said. Hunter stifles a laugh and shook his head.

                                I smiled and shook my head, “Stop squabbling you two, I don’t want to worry about losing either of you while on the tracks.” I said.

                                “Cool, your racing again tonight?” Jed asked, sitting up.

                                “Yup, I’m on this line up.” I said pointing at the track, “Wish me luck.” I added.

                                “Good luck!” they cried out as I jumped over the handrail and down at the dirt below where our crew was waiting for me with my suit, motorcycle and gears. I listened as I changed. There were only six other racer with me one the list, I was the last on the list, I’ll probably be called last, I thought and shrugged, well, it is Joey on the microphone tonight, and he wouldn’t want the list any other way.

                                One of my crew handed me my helmet, I pulled my hair together started twisting it and then put on my helmet. I jumped on my motorcycle, start the engine.

                                “Good luck princess,” the crew said, reaching out his fist, I held out my fist and met it with his, “give them hell.” He added, and I nodded. Then I slowly drove out of the garage just in time for Joey’s intro, “And finally! Someone we have all been waiting for. The prodigal champ, one of them anyway. The reigning female champion, the princess of UC… The lady who lurks the night, a princess and a knight! The one, the only, AENGELLE!!”

                                I drove out toward the starting line, I saw the audience jumping up to their feet, cheering, I smiled, too overwhelming still.

                                As I drove toward the starting line, I listened to Joey’s remarks. “So, we finally found out our champ’s a girl, right? So when will we see her? From what I heard from the tent (their office) she’s a hell of a head turner. So how about it princess?”

                                I raised my hand to my sides gesturing my answer, I don’t know and I really don’t care, I thought.

                                Back at the box, they were all watching me now. Hunter stifled a laugh and shook his head.

                                “She’s the princess and yet they haven’t seen her?” Lei asked, “How did they found out?”

                                “An accident,” Hunter said with a laugh, “a couple of her fans went after her when she parked, she took off the top of her suit and pulled it down to her waist, she always wear razor backs when we race, and well, they caught her that way, good thing she had their backs turned too, or else, they would have seen her face as well.”

                                “Why is she hiding anyway?” Mave asked.

                                “Safety purposes.” Then he grins, “Plus, mystery is fifteen percent.”

                                They grinned and looked back.

                                I stopped beside Nayre who was glaring at me. I pulled up my eye shield and looked back at him, taunting him with my look.

                                “You still made it…” he said, “Impressive. How’s the injury? Or should I say how are the injuries?”

                                “It’s healing,” I said, tipping my head from one side to another, “don’t worry, if you win, I won’t tell that I was bothered by my wounds.”

                                He whined and rolled his eyes, “What ever.”

                                “What? You doubt me, the princess?” I asked, acting bewildered.

                                “Shut up Huntress, I know you better than that.”

                                “Well, you didn’t know I could defeat you like that the other night, did you?” His head turned to me and glared at me again. Then I leaned near him, “How about a deal Nayre?”

                                Nayre raised one brow, “I’m listening.”

                                “I’ll give you a title match tonight.” I said casually.

                                “A championship? Tonight?” Nayre asked, truly bewildered now.

                                “Yeah, you can put it that way.” I said, “If you win, well, you get the title.”

                                “And if you win?”

                                “Well, that’s a whole different story.” I said with a grin, “I get to keep my title of course and” I paused, “you and Rui will go meet us at the after party.”

                                “That’s a bit un- fair, you get to keep the title?”

                                “Well. You can’t gain anything from something you already have.”

                                He looked me over, probably studying me.

                                “That’s it?” he asked, “Are you serious? You’re willing to bet your title for just a date?”

                                “Who said anything about a date?” I asked, “Don’t get ahead of your self, Nayre. It’s just important that we talk to you and Rui.” I said more seriously now.

                                “How important?”

                                “Global- Life- Extinction important.”

                                “That’s over reacting.” He said with a snort.

                                I shrugged, “Do you want it or not?”

                                “Look, if you’re trying to hook me up with one of your friends-“

                                “I told you, don’t get ahead of yourself Nayre, none of my friends would want a class A jerk like you for a date.” I snapped.

                                Then I was surprise to hear Joey on again, “Looks like Nayre and the princess are having a little private argument.”

                                “Do you want it or not?” I asked again. I reached out my hand for a shake, to close the deal.

                                Nayre looked down at my hand and then up to my eyes, then he reached for my hand and shook it. “Bring it on.”

                                I smiled and then called out for Joey’s assistant and told him of my plan. It surprised him as much as it did Nayre. He then ran up to where and Joey was and told him about it.

                                “For real?” we all heard Joey asked excitedly, “My dear riders! Ride away from the dirt, we have ourselves a little up for grab title match!” he said, the crowd went wild.

                                “The princess and Nayre, one on one, with the royalty title on the line!” then a low beep was heard as well, “What is this?” he said too loud again, “It seems like tonight is not a good night for the princess at all. According to a tipster, the princess recently injured her right shoulder blade due to- what? A stab wound?! Is this true princess? No way, how could someone stab an angel, really…”

                                Joey kept on talking while the other racers drove out of the arena. Nayre glared at me again, “I thought no one would know.”

                                “I said, I won’t tell anyone. And I didn’t.” I said.

                                Nayre gave me a look that was unreadable, as if he was amazed, mad and tired of me all at the same time. He shook his head, and then put on his helmet.

                                I grinned and started my engine, “What’s this? Another news?” Joey says, flipping papers can on the background, then Joey gave an excited laugh, “This is more like it! It seems the princess feels naughty tonight.”

                                I looked up, wondering what he meant, “God, I love my job! At the end of the race, the princess promises to satisfy everyone’s curiosity, by finally appearing- without the helmet- in front of her fans!”

My head snapped back and glared at Nayre, he puts up his eye shield and winked, “You’re not the only one with tricks on the sleeve.” He said and pulled down his eye shield.

“Can you believe this? A championship and an unveiling all in one night, oh man, this is simply too much! And that’s win or lose people. But admit it, win or lose, we really don’t care. If she is as beautiful as the people in the tent says she is, who would care?”

I would I thought. I shook my head and just stared forward, trying to concentrate. Then the man who waves the flag stands up, “Racers ready!” he yells; Nayre made his motors roar to life, we were both watching the flag as it finally waved down signaling us to go.

“And they’re off!” Joey starts, “They should be able to complete just eight laps to be able to finish this course. And they’re right beside each other! Ooh, nice air from Rough Rider but that’ll cause him a few seconds. And the princess is now on the lead!”

I looked at my side and saw a glimpse of Nayre falling back a little, I grinned as I see the starting line ahead, I accelerated as I drove up a hill and performed a three sixty back flip to reach the starting line, “And that’s one lap for the princess, with her signature three sixty back flip. Wow she is scorching hot today, isn’t she? But Nayre isn’t far behind- and finally reached the princess!” Nayre was driving beside me now, we both kicked the gear and bolted forward, we were driving so fast that the bleachers were a blur, I smiled, I like the speed and the adrenaline, but I like the idea of beating Nayre better, especially when I make it look so easy for him, so I slowed down a bit.

“They’re really burning rubber out their aren’t they? And none of them are giving the other a chance to take the lead, they’re head to head,” Joey called out, “This is crazy! It’s like watching one motor in a room of mirrors! And there’s a lap, this time for Nayre!” Joey shouts over the microphone, I could hear Nayre’s fans cheering on. “And Nayre is still on lead- is our champ going soft? But of course, Nayre is an excellent driver…” I gave a chuckle under my helmet and speeded up and drove up to Nayre, “But I may be wrong, cause the princess had just easily drove up to Nayre, without sweat! She was saving her motor’s power! Why didn’t I see that? But it seems like no one did, even Nayre, who seem to have got distracted for a sec their, but he’s driving head to head with the princess again. And there’s the third lap with a tie!”

I smiled, I heard someone on my head. Nice come back- if you could call it that. It was Hunter.

Let’s not, I hate lying. I said. Then as if hearing our conversation, Joey turned his attention to Hunter. Who was now being flashed on the big screen up on the commentator’s booth.

“And now we see our other champ, the prince and Aengelle’s brother, Hunter the Night Wind, and we all know why, who’s watching from their private box as his sister takes yet another lap from Nayre! She’s not giving up her title without a fight, that’s for sure. Anyway, have any of you ever seen the prince wearing any talkies, he is the princess’ crew chief, and she’s his crew chief. But really, how do you chief without communications?” Joey asked.

Hunter and I chuckled and shook our heads. “I don’t know how they communicate, but one thing I do know and am certain about is that they show a lot of patience and trust. They like each other’s technique and they’re satisfied with it. But Nayre is making it a little hard tonight as he drove pass Huntress and take this lap from her! Man, I can’t wait to see the end of this race; neither of our racers are pulling back and is pouring every effort and talent they got in this race.”

I watch as Nayre drove ahead of me. It was still a close race, and too early to show off. I thought.

“Three more laps to go people,” Joey starts babbling again, “and I can just feel the tension from Nayre’s crew, as they seem to have seen problems regarding his jumps and elevation… but he’s in control of this lap, and if he gained more speed, it’ll just tie him up with the princess after every jump- and that’s yet another lap for Nayre, two consecutive laps for him! Two more laps to go and the score is three- four, with Nayre on the lead, this surely is an amazing race! We may or may not be crowning a new champion, but whoever wins, surely deserves the title… I wonder what would happen if they tied? Will we have two champions for their league? Blah… blah…”

Joey is right, Hunter thought, what will happen?

Then I’ll lose my title, I said casually¸ and we’ll never know if Rui and Nayre are one of us.

Then what are you doing?! Go finish him off! Hunter said, impatiently, You’re in your lowest gear for heaven’s sake and your just right behind him.

Chill big brother, remember… I said with a smug smile, you are patient and you trust me. Oh, and you like my technique.

Hunter stifles a laugh and shook his head, then I sped up and played around more, the fans were cheering on as I perform tricks but stayed just a few feet away behind Nayre; then I drove up to Nayre said and glanced at him.

So, how do you like my tricks? I thought and sent it to Nayre.

I saw him jolt up, and lose control for a quick second, What the hell-

Ah, ah, ah... I thought, no cursing on my line.

Then get out of my head!

It’s called ESP, genius. I said, answering his question before, I told you, I know more about your powers than you and Rui do, combined.

He was stealing quick glances at me, and cursing every few seconds, which I tried not to listen, I said no cursing. The starting line was just one turn away.

Then get out of my head!

Be glad to, there’s not much to read anyway. I said, anyway, talk to you later, this is my second to the last lap. I drove off far ahead of him, crossing the starting line.

“And there’s the equalizer!” Joey cheered, “The score is four all! And the princess is still gaining speed. But Nayre won’t give up that easily and is bulleting up to reach the princess- and finally reached her! This is the last lap people! Will we crown a new champ? Or have two champs?”

Say goodbye to your throne and title princess, Nayre thought, with a sneer.

Hah! You wish! I thought, a bit impressed that he got the ESP thing quite fast. I accelerated on and sped up leaving Nayre a few feet behind. See you at the finish line. I thought as I make the final turn to reach the finish line, I added more speed as I drove up the hill and jumped over another hill and landed on the hill that marked the finish line. The audience broke the silence and cheered.

“Oh my- did you see that folks? That was like twenty or more feet high! Not to mention the width- my goodness!” Joey said, speechless. I stopped at the foot of the hill and moved aside as I wait for Nayre. He drove down the hill and stopped beside me. “The winner and still champion,” Joey shouts, as excited as he was when the race started, “Aengelle!!!”

                                The crowd goes wilder and cheered; I turned to Nayre and reached out my hand for a shake. “Deal’s a deal, Nayre. We’ll see you after the closing ceremony.”

                                Nayre looked down on my hand and then glared at me, “You got your deal; we don’t have to call it a truce.” Then he turned and left. I stared at him and sighed.

                                Hey, what you waiting for? It’s time for your thanks lap. Hunter reminded me.

                                I nodded and got on my bike again, and drove another lap to wave at the audience. I stopped in front of the gang who were on their feet sheering, that made me feel a little better. But then I remembered Nayre and Rui, we need them, I thought, but how will that happened if we won’t call a truce?

                                We’ll worry about that later, Hunter said, he gave me a smile, and I smiled back through my helmet and gave a small nod.

                                “Hey princess, you’re forgetting something…” Joey calls out.

                                Oh no… I thought. There won’t definitely be a truce. Nayre will pay for this for a whole century! I drove up to the starting line again. Looked around the audience, then I realized that I could barely see them with all the lights coming from the track’s light.

                                “It’s the moment of, yet again, another revelation from the princess. She is full of surprises isn’t she?” Joey says.

                                Well at least Joey’s having fun. I thought sarcastically, as I reached for the belt of my helmet and unlocking it. Here goes nothing… I pulled off my helmet, I felt my hair drop down my waist, and flipped it back to move it out of my face. I smiled to the audience and tip my head to say thanks. Making them cheer louder, I shook my head and stifled a laugh as I waved to them and tip my head again and again.

                                “Oh, wow, the news is true!” Joey said, I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I turned to look up at where Joey was- at the commentator’s booth and pointed a finger at him, I heard him stifle a laugh over at the microphone, “Well, as long as we’re getting to know you princess, here’s a few things about you.”

                                Then I heard a paper flip, it made me groaned as I realized that Joey was probably holding his folder of information about Hunter and I. I drove off and stopped at our garage and handed one of my crew my helmet and the motorcycle as he congratulate me on my race, “thanks” I said quickly, as I listened to Joey again, in fear that he might give out some vital information about Hunter and I.

 “Let’s start with the name then, the princess is better known as Huntress, well that was obvious enough, Hunter? Huntress?” he pointed out, “She is currently studying at the prestigious school, the North Star Academy- oh hey that’s where Nayre and Rui studies too, right? Anyway, she and his big brother, Hunter, were born in the same year, January and December, with Hunter just turning eighteen. And tonight, they are with their school friends, who I might add, are as gorgeous and hot as their highnesses.”

I drove toward Nayre and Rui’s garage and stopped in front, “Hey Rui.” I greeted, Rui was friendlier and more civil than Nayre, maybe I should have made the deal with him, I thought. I see Nayre scowling and crossed his arms over his chest.

He smiled up at me, “Hey Hun, nice race. Congratulations.” He said sincerely. Definitely easier to deal with, I thought. “By the way, how’s the- uhm, wound? I’m really sorry about that.”

“It’s healing,” I said, “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, thanks. It was fun, your little brother here almost got me their though.”

Rui stifled a laughed, “Yeah right, with his temper? I don’t think so.” I laughed along, agreeing.

“What do you want?” Nayre snapped.

“Eleven o’clock at Racers Realm” I reminded Nayre.

Nayre glared at me, “Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about that, we’ll be there.”

“Just reminding, we’ll see you later then.” I said, I turned and slowly drove toward our garage, when I heard Rui raised his voice. “You made a deal with Huntress, for both of us?” I heard him snap. I grinned. Now I’m assured that they’ll come, Rui is a man of his word.

I drove up at the garage shaking my head and smiled as I took off the top of my suit, and gloves, showing a black razor back top. Joey blabbed a little bit more of his opinion of my friends as I walked out of the garage and up the stairs to join them. And as I reached them Joey took a deep breath and sighed, “And that’s it, a few thing to know about the princess, the prince and even their friends.”

“Hey,” I greeted them from behind.

“Huntress!” Jed called; running up to me and lifting me up from my hip and twirled me around excitedly. “You- were- amazing!” he said finally putting me down. “Now you’re better!”

I laughed, “Thank you, glad I entertained you.”

The others laughed along.

“How did that guy knew all those stuff about you?” Iris asked.

“Joey had been begging us to release that folder in the website,” Hunter said, “it looks like he’s been doing researches of you guys as well.”

“And that’s it!” Joey said, out of breath, “man, who knew the princess and prince could be so interesting?” he said. “Anyway, an announcement from the tent, due to the unexpected championship, the list for the next race is still open, against the supposed opponent of the princess and Nayre, so to those who are interested, feel free to sign up, the registration is open for only ten minutes.”

I turned to Lei, “What about it Lei? I’ve seen you ride, this’ll be a piece of cake.”

This surprised Lei, “Me? In their?”

“Yeah,” I said, surprised that she was surprised I asked her, “you are good Lei, and you can handle this with your eyes closed.”

“I don’t know…” she started and glanced at Mave.

“Mave?” I asked.

“Well…” Mave starts, looking down at Lei, who was pleading through her eyes.

“I’m sure Lei would love it.” I said. If there was something I am sure about, it was how big brother’s minds work.

“If that is the case-“

“Oh yes Mave, yes, yes, yes!” Lei said, jumping in front of her.

Mave sighed and rolled his eyes, “Ok, you can go.” Lei gave a shout of joy, “But be careful, alright?”

“Oh, thank you, thank you big brother,” Lei said, still jumping around, then she turned to me, “Where do I sign up?”

“C’mon,” I said with a smile, “We’ll take you there.”

Hunter and I left with Lei and went to the tent where the registration was going on. We reached the door and heard a few debates from new racers about how unfair the admin were to new racers, not allowing them to race without someone to back them. Some of the people their sees us and start to rush our way to get pictures and autographs, we took a step back, but then the guards of the tent came in and blocked us from the crowd.

Lei reached for my good shoulder, “There are so much people here, the chances I get chosen will be-“

“Quite big,” I grinned, “you seem to be forgetting who you are with.”

Lei rolled her eyes, “That’s the problem; we really can’t bring you two anywhere, can we?”

Hunter and I laughed. Then a big guy walked toward us. “Hey highnesses,” Chad called, “here to sign in again?” Chad was Joey’s right hand, a big fellah with a big heart.

“Yeah, but not us, our friend here will.” Hunter said, pointing at Lei.

“Well, why not go in?”

“The people in front are still arguing with Abelle…” Hunter explained.

Chad smirks, “You know you don’t have to fall in line.” then he turned and whistled, “Hey boys, clear a path for the twins, will you?” he asked the guards who were already guarding us. They cleared a path for us and we finally reached the table.

“That’s the rule, no record, no race.” Abelle said firmly and the guy in front stormed out.

We watched him as he stormed out of the tent.

“Ah, highnesses, back for a new list?” he asked.

“For my friend, yes.” I said, looking uncomfortable.

Then Abelle’s smile widened, “Don’t worry about it princess, the folks here won’t mind.”

“But, it isn’t fair,” I said, “there’s no reason for us to cut in line.”

“Well, that’s not really true, technically you do.” He said. I shrugged, “But, really, it doesn’t matter, most of them won’t be able to race anyway, they are all new, see?”

Hunter and I looked around, and Abelle was right, they were new. And UC is very strict with their policy, no papers of past experiences, no racing.

“Anyway, how many slots are left?” Hunter asked.

“Just one and I think it has your friend’s name written on it.” He said as he smiled at Lei. “So hit me.”

Lei turns to me and raised a brow, I grinned. “He meant give him your name.”

“Oh,” Lei said, and then turned to Abelle, “Would you want the whole name? Or just a nickname?”

Abelle looks her over, “If you are the twins’ friend, then I guess I’ll take the nickname.”

“Cool,” Lei said with a nod, “It’s Lei, L-E-I, La Pierre.”

“La Pierre…” Abelle whispered while writing it down. “Alias?” he looked up at her. Lei gave him a smile, then glanced my way, “Dark Fortress.”

“Cool,” Abelle said, writing it down again, “We’ll inform you if you were chosen.”

Hunter and I nodded and turned to leave, but- “Wait, I thought this had my name written all over it?” Lei argued.

“It does, but we do need to give the others a chance.” He said pointing to some of the new people who started to line up outside. Lei shrugged and turned, I hate seeing any of them like that. I walked back to Abelle, “Who got the other slot?” I asked.

“A guy named Mystique Chronicle.” Abelle said, “I haven’t seen him thought. His crew passed by a few minutes ago and signed him up.”

“Mystique Chronicle?” Hunter asked, standing beside me. “I haven’t heard of him, what’s his real name?”

“No idea.” Abelle answered, raising his shoulders.

“How’d he got the slot?” I asked again, “we don’t allow amateurs in so easily.”

“He has a backer who bought it for him,” Abelle said casually, and looked up at Hunter. “Cloud’s back.”

Hunter and I exchanged looks. Cloud was Hunter’s number one rival. He had dared Hunter to race against him for his title for so many times that we’ve lost count.

“Cloud’s back?” Hunter asked. “What is he doing in Huntress’ league?”

“It’s not him who’s racing, it’s this Mystique fellah.” Abelle said.

“Wait, you said he bought the slot?” I asked.

“For five gran.” He said proudly.

“If that’s the case,” I said, “I’ll buy that last slot for the same price and bet the same amount that Lei will beat this Mystique guy fair, square and a mile or two ahead.”

Abelle looked up at me, surprised. Then he snapped out of his staring and shook his head.

“You don’t need to buy it, if you’re her backer, there’s no doubt about it.” Abelle said, as he list Lei down on the final line up for the second race. “But, I’ll take you on that bet. I’m betting Lei here would beat him, but with only a hill apart.”

I grinned, “Deal.” I said, put out my hand for a shake. He took it and closed the deal with a shake. Then he looked at Lei, “Welcome to the family Lei.”

Lei smiled excitedly.

Then after a few exchange of threats between me and Abelle, we left and walked back to the garage to suit up Lei.

I was standing by the doorway of the garage looking around track, particularly in the garages.

“There’s just no killing your curiosity is their?” Hunter asked behind me.

“Yeah, well,” I said, “I must admit that this is a bad idea, I should have checked the future first, and I’m having a blind spot on this race.”

“You can’t see it?” Hunter asked; a brow shot up.

I shook my head, “Lei can handle this, I know, but I still want to be reassured.” I sighed, “Damn it with dad’s constant reassurance of everything.”

Hunter laughs, “Well, let’s trust Lei’s ability for now then.”

I gave a weak nod, but continued to look around. Hunter was still standing beside me probably looking around for our mystery racer as well.

“I’m ready!” Lei announced behind us.

                                We turned to face her with a smile, leaving our worries behind.

                                “Good, cause Joey’s about to call out the next racers.” Hunter said walking up to her and checking if she was good to go.

                                “Be careful out their ok?” I said, “There’s no room for errors tonight.”

                                “Don’t worry,” Lei said with a smug smile, “I got this under control. I just wish I can say that about my excitement though.” Hunter and I laughed.

                                “Ok, you’ll be using Huntress’ spare bike, c’mon I got to explain a few things to you about it.” Hunter said. They left and walked toward the motorcycle that Lei would be using. Then I looked back at the track. I looked around and saw Nayre and Rui sitting up on their box, watching, having an argument. I sighed and reached for the top of my nose and pinched it, calm down Huntress, let’s take this one step at a time, I thought. I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. Suddenly an image flashes through my mind.

                                “Your prince… your prince… your prince…” it was the boy in my room; his voice ran in my head over and over again.

                                I opened my eyes to snap out of the vision and I gasped for air. I reached for my chest, breathing hard, I reached for the wall and leaned on it, the coolness of it felt good. I looked around again, I can feel sweat run down my forehead. I wiped them off with the back of my hand, I looked up and around the tracks again, when I finally saw them.

                                Cloud Gatherer was by the garage door talking to a racer who was already wearing his helmet, he nods and then Cloud Gatherer leaves. I watched him as he fixed his gloves.

“Finally!” Joey shouts over the speakers ten minutes later after we left the tent. “I got the final list for our next race. Listen up, listen up, the additions on our list are…” he paused, “Oh this is good, man, what is it with tonight? Everyone wants a piece of somebody. The first and new racer we have tonight was recruited by an old friend of mine, Cloud Gatherer, it’s good to have you back man… anyway here he is, the shadowed and mysterious, Mystique Chronicle!” the audience cheered, obviously getting excited to start the next race. “And last but not the least” he laughs, “This one’s hot, the next and final racer was recruited by our champs themselves, the prince and the princess! And they said that the princess had a bet of five gran on her friend winning. Five gran, wow! She must be good- yes folks! SHE! And here she is, DARK…. FORTRESS!”

Lei drove up to my side, “Here goes nothing.” She said and drove off.

I grinned, as I watched her as she drove off toward the starting line.

“C’mon.” Hunter said pulling me toward the stairs. We joined the others at the box.

“Was that really necessary?” Iris asked me, exasperated.

“If I knew betting was legal here I would have joined in.” Jed said, “I bet Lei would beat all this punk on the first lap and be on the lead all through out.”

I shook my head, “It was just a little thing to get the slot, Ai.” I said to Iris.

“You better make sure of that Huntress.”

I looked back at the track and watched Lei, oh, hey Lei?, I thought.

Yeah?

                                I grinned, Show them hell.

                                I hear Lei stifle a laugh and see her nod.

                                I turned to the one beside Lei; I saw him glance at Lei for a quick second and then looked ahead again. What are you up to? I thought to myself. Then the flag was raised.

                                Meanwhile, across the track from us, Cloud was giving some final instructions to Mystique Chronicle through their talkies, “That’s one of them, take her down anyway possible.”

                                He watched Mystique glance over at the racer beside her and gave a weak nod toward his way. Cloud smiled with satisfaction.

                                “Ok!” Joey starts again, “Our second race… here we go…”

                                The man stood up and raised the flag, “Racers Ready!” he shouted, and then waved the flag.

                                “And they’re off!” Joey says, “And it looks like Dark Fortress is worth the five gran! She’s three hills ahead and I don’t think she’s planning to change that status until the end of this race. Perfect three sixty twist there at the turn from Dark Fortress! Man, she is as extreme as the princess and the prince isn’t she? But here comes Justine bulleting forward, and closing the gap between him and Dark Fortress. Nice try dude, but it looks like she has tricks of her own- and that’s one lap for the Dark fortress and her opponents still three hills behind her!”

                                We watched with satisfaction on the sidelines. “She is good.” Hunter said beside me.

                                “And smart too.” I added, I studied her every move, perfect, I thought as she turned at the very right moment without losing the same speed. And it seems that Jed was right, she has been getting every lap, clean race, I thought and I smiled.

                                She had three laps with her name on it, just one more and it’s a sure win.

                                “What the- Mystique Chronicle just eliminated one of our racer- and another!

                                We all leaned forward, angered, as we watch Mystique Chronicle kicked of one racer after another.

                                “What the hell is he doing?” Mave growled, and then turned to me, “Is this some kind of stunt?”

                                “None that I know of.” I said, controlling my temper.

                                “Then what is he doing?!” Mave shouted, at me this time.

                                “Mave, calm down.” Iris said, pushing him back, “You can’t go blaming anyone-“

                                “I can if it’s her!” he shouted, “She can see the future can’t she?!” he gently pushed Iris away and towered over me, “First it was the Alley Phantoms, now this! How many more of your visions are you planning to edit Huntress?”

                                “Hey, lay off my sister!” Hunter said, stepping between us. “She can’t go meddling with the future just because we want her to. It’s more complicated than that!”

                                “And what about my sister?” Mave glared at Hunter now, they were an inch away to a fight, “Remember her? She’s the one who’s racing against that lunatic!”

“I’m asking you again, Mave.” Jed said standing beside me, “Calm down.”

“No!” he growled, “I have had enough of this! You’re nothing but a fortune teller, Huntress. Maybe the elders were wrong about you.”

Then to everyone’s surprise, Jed hits him. Mave turned and glared at him, “I said calm down.”

                                “Don’t worry, I’ll put a stop to this,” I said, grabbing the hand rail and jumped over again, “On my own.”

                                “Huntress!” Hunter called out.

                                I landed perfectly by the door of the garage, I pulled up the top of my suit, then I looked over the door by the stairs and shut it close, don’t want Hunter running after me, I thought.

I ran toward the first bike I saw. It was Hunter’s bike and his helmet. I put on the helmet, adjusted it for my size, and drove out, I could feel the air brush my hands, I have to do this one safety harness short. I thought, seeing my bare hands on the handle.

I drove up at the tracks and saw Mystique eliminate another racer, and he was speeding up, I looked ahead of him, and saw Lei.

He is after Lei then. I thought, as I accelerated and jumped over one hill and was on top of Mystique Chronicle, I need to distract him, I thought. he looked up and moved out of the way of my bike, when I landed I accelerated again and drove toward Lei as fast as the bike could go.

Huntress stop this, Lei’s almost in her last two laps, she can get out of that race unscathed. I heard Hunter, but I brushed him off.

Meanwhile, mystique Chronicle watched me drive off, “What the- instruct me Cloud.”

“That’s the prince, I wanted him to be mine, but as he’s already their, take him down as well.”

Meanwhile, I was almost beside Lei, Lei?

Huntress! What’s going on?

I’m right behind you Lei, calm down, listen, I glanced back and sees Mystique drive pass through the other racers obviously want to finish the job now, I’ll take care of Mystique, I need you to accelerate and finish up as fast as you could.

What? Isn’t he disqualified or something? Isn’t he breaking some rules or something?

Well, UC doesn’t actually have rules during the race, what he’s doing will be mark on his honor that sort of thing. I explained, there’s no time to explain, just do what I told you, and I’ll take care of him. Go!

                                Suddenly, I heard a motor roar right behind me and saw Mystique a few feet away and knocked me off my bike. I rolled to my side.

                                Huntress! Lei called out, I saw her slowing down.

                                Go! Don’t mind me! GO NOW!

                                Lei accelerated again, I saw Mystique go after her.

                                I grabbed my shoulder and try to stop the pain, but I pushed it on the back of my head and picked up the bike and jumped on and drove off.

                                “And it looks like Hunter is trying to stop Mystique from reaching Dark Fortress who have one lap to go.” I heard Joey say.

Hunter? I thought as I looked around. Where are you? I said I’ll do this alone! I snapped at Hunter.

                                You are, he replied weakly, your using my bike and my helmet, remember?

                                Then I realized that Joey thought I was Hunter. Then I passed by Clouds’ garage and saw him talk through his talkies.

                                Cloud glared down at me, as he gave mystique a new order.

                                “So the prince wants to play hero, hm, which could be arranged.” He said with a smug smile, “Myst, forget the girl, take care of the prince.”

                                “Are you sure?”

                                “Yes, with him gone, taking the princess would be easier.”

                                No answer.

                                “Did you hear me Myst?” he asked.

                                “Yeah.” Myst answered weakly.

                                “Good, use your powers if you have to.”

                                “Roger that.”

                                Suddenly he came to a stop on the top of the hill, and turned and waited for me.

                                “What’s this?” Joey calls out, bewildered, “Mystique Chronicle stops to wait for our prince!”

                                Nice call Joey, I thought to myself.

                                “Oh man, a duel! I haven’t seen one like this for years!” Joey called out; I drove up to a hill and stopped at the top, “And with Dark Fortress almost finish with her final lap!”

                                Myst heated up his motor, then drove toward me, I drove off and met him head on.

                                “They still think you’re out their Hunter.” Taea said.

                                “We wear similar suits,” Hunter explained, “and Hun’s driving my bike and wearing my helmet.”

                                “Wait, if everyone thinks it’s you in their and Cloud use to be your number one opponent…” Iris’ voice as if scared of continuing, Hunter realized it too, “Then he’ll do anything to eliminate you, right?”

                                They all turned to Hunter, his hand held on the hand rail tighter, his knuckles turning to white, the railing bending under his hold. He watched as Myst and I were about to make contact. “Huntress, stop this…” he whispered, fighting off his anger.

                                “And that’s it! This race is finish! Dark Fortress finished her last lap!” Joey shouts over, they turned to see Lei cross the finish line but then turned as soon as she crossed to help me.

                                Then Hunter jumps down from the box too, “Huntress pull back, now!” he shouted. It was impossible for me to hear him though. But I knew what he was doing. If Iris’ hypotheses was right, it would help if Cloud realizes that it isn’t him but me who was about to make contact with Mystique Chronicle.

                                “What the-“ Joey says, more bewildered than before. “If Hunter’s there, then who’s dueling with Myst? The Princess?”

                                Cloud moved forward, “What?” he snapped, “Pull back Myst! Pull back now!”

                                “What?!” Myst asked, surprised.

                                Too late, we crossed in midair even before he could hear the new order, I kicked him off his bike, and he fell off. I landed down, stop and turned to face him, he was staggering to get up, but he was also facing me. I took a step forward, but he raised his hand and produced a gush of wind making me fall backward.

                                I fell back, hitting the ground; my shoulder throbbed again, so this is what it feels like for Hunter’s opponents. I thought. I stood up, holding my shoulder; suddenly fire encircled me and then a whirling wind. The flame raise with the wind and trapped me inside, I closed my eyes and was calming myself, my lungs fighting off the pain from the decreasing amount of air it was receiving.

                                “Huntress!” I heard Hunter call out, that alarmed me a bit, my senses were increasing, that meant I was slowly immortalizing. I fought off that part as well.

                                People start to panic and run out of the stadium. That was relieving, now I could fight back, I thought. I raised my hand and produced a small ball of air in my hand then tossed it up on the air, then I stretched my arms sideward, the ball of air expanded as well, and started to suck in the hurricane and fire, the hurricane shrank and tightened, making the space inside small, I felt it scorch my arm, but I bit my lower lip to fight off the pain. After a few seconds, the flaming hurricane was gone, and I extinguished my own ball of air. I was breathing hard, and was fighting off the pain as well.

                                “How did you stop my whirling fire?” he asked, surprised.

                                “Does it matter?” I asked. My voice seemed to have the same effect on him as the idea of me extinguishing his flaming hurricane. “Who are you and why are you here?”

                                “I am Mystique Chronicle, an assassin.”

                                “And who did you come for?”

                                “I came,” he paused “for you!” then he raised his hand, I saw a string running through his fingers, but before he could attack, a volt hits the ground a feet away from him. The whole arena’s electricity gone off. It was dark and the only light came from the headlights of my bike and of Lei’s.

                                “Not so fast.” Lei said, behind me. “We’re not finish yet.”

                                “I am not after you, it’s him I want!” he said.

                                “Wrong! All missions were aborted,” we looked to our side and saw Cloud walk toward us, “You disobeyed me Myst. You are to be punished.”

                                “But I didn’t-“

                                “Silence!” Cloud ordered, “You may be the heir, but I am still your master.” He raised his hand about to hit Myst with whatever powers he had, but I stepped in between them.

                                “Not ‘til you get through me first.” I said. I must be crazy, I’m saving my assassin? Then I raised my own hand and made Cloud fall back, hard.

                                “Master!” Myst called out, he sent a strong with at me, but I raised a shield this time, Lei sent weak electric volts toward him, he blasted it one at a time, but one hit him on the shoulder. But he still made it at Cloud’s side, then- out of no where- man in ninja suits appeared.

                                “Oh, for heaven’s sake!” I heard Lei shouted, exasperated, “Ninjas? Really?” she asked sarcastically.

                                The ninjas started to attack us, we fought them off. But somehow, they got between Lei and I, until I could no longer see Lei, so this is their plan then. I thought.

                                I tried to tap into the other’s head to see where they were, all of them were in their own fights. Thank God for NSA’s fighting curriculum, I said to myself as I disarm one ninja and stab another one.

                                “Finish her now!” Cloud scowled.

                                “Her?” Myst asked.

                                “The princess, that’s her you were fighting with, finish her now, while she’s alone.” Suddenly, fog rose around us, “I’ll take care of the others.”

                                Myst looked back at where I was, and nodded. He ran toward me and pulled out a dagger. Behind him Cloud watched him and smiled; then disappeared in the fog.

                                I fought off the last few ninjas that were left, and when the last one dropped on the ground, I dropped down on my knees as well, breathing hard, tired. Suddenly I heard footstep; I knew who it was without even looking up. I didn’t put my guards up; there was something different about this assassin.

                                He walked up to me and took off my helmet, which I totally forgot about, it made breathing easier. I looked up, and saw he was still wearing his own helmet, “The least you could do is show me your face before you kill me.” I said.

                                “You… your voice…” he whispered, “It can’t be…”

                                This took me by surprise, his voice, it was familiar… it was…

                                “Why did you save me from Cloud?” he demanded.

                                “it’s painful to be killed by an enemy,” I said, “but it is more painful to be killed by a comrade.”

                                He was looking down at me, I was trying to remember where I heard his voice, it was too familiar for me to just let it go. Besides, there was this craving in me, like I want to hear his voice again an again, even it was causing me pain to hear pain in his voice. The emotions were all too overwhelming and painful, but I longed for it. I am going crazy! I thought. I wanted to hit myself, but I know that would just make me look crazier.

                                “Well, it’s time to do your task.” I said.

                                “I don’t kill without a fight.”

                                “And I don’t fight without reason.” I said.

                                We stared at each other.

                                “Huntress!” Hunter called out, he wasn’t that far from where we were, probably have the gang behind him, I told myself.

                                “It’s now or never Myst.” I whispered.

                                But Myst just stood their, looking at me.

                                Meanwhile, not far from where we were, the others were fighting off Cloud’s men.

                                “There are too many of them!” Jed shouted.

                                “We can’t stop until we find Lei and Huntress!” Hunter ordered, blowing the fog up with his wind.

                                Suddenly from one corner, Cloud stepped out from the fog.

                                “You!” Hunter growled.

                                “We meet again Hunter or is it Night Wind?” Cloud asked, looking at Hunter’s eyes.

                                One of the attackers tried to attack Hunter while he was preoccupied by Cloud’s arrival. But Hunter blasted him away, and walked toward Cloud, “Where’s my sister, Cloud? Where is she?!”

                                “I don’t know,” Cloud said, looking around, “with Mystique I guess.” Then he smiled, “Dead, I hope.”

                                This made Hunter snapped and attacked Cloud non stop. Then he sends a stronger blast at him that cleared the whole place of the fog. Cloud, who was intercepting Hunter’s attacks, tumbles backward after Hunter’s last attack. He then turned and ran back to us.

                                With the tracks cleared off of the fog, the fighting was easier, and then soon the others finished off the last of Cloud’s men and ran after Cloud.

                                We saw the fog rising, “Huntress! Huntress where are you?” Hunter called out, nearer than he was awhile ago  .

                                Then on the other side, “Myst have you done it?” Cloud called out.

                                Then I looked up at him, he moved now, he knelt in front of me, took off his helmet, and held out his hand, “Quick give me your arms!” he said. I handed him both my arm, “This will hurt, but it’s the only for us to get out of here safely.” He started slashing my arm, I felt it stinging and my blood seep out of the wounds. Myst flinched for a while and tightened his hold in my arm, then he relaxed a bit and stood up.

                                “Now go back to your friends-“

                                “But-“ I didn’t want to leave him, not yet.

                                “GO!” he hissed. He stood up.

                                “Good, I see you’ve wounded her!” we turned and saw Cloud walking toward us.

                                I had to shield my eyes as he was standing in front of Lei’s bike which was now on the ground.

                                “Now finish her, before the others arrive.” He ordered.

                                “But it’s her Cloud-“ Myst said.

                                “I don’t care!” Cloud growled, “There are a lot of the princess here, they’ll do.”

                                Then Myst looked away, then back at me.

                                “Now finish her.” Cloud ordered again.

                                He walked toward me, stopped in front of me and looked down at me, “I’m sorry, my Juliet.”

                                Then it dawned on me, I did know him! He was the boy in my room, the boy who left the rose, he’s…

                                “My Prince…” I whispered, I stared up at him as he looked away, raising his hand for the kill. I closed my eyes and just waited for it, I don’t want to fight back… I thought, but why? Why don’t I want to?

                                Only then did I felt all the pain that ran through my body, and even the scent of my blood. Is this is then? I thought, the scent of death.

                                “Huntress!” someone called. I opened my eyes, and turned, I saw Hunter. He raised his hand and sent Myst flying a few meters away. I watched Myst fall back, I fought off the feeling of reaching out to him. Then I see Cloud move.

                                Cloud tried to move back, but Iris stopped him using her mind. Then I looked back at Myst.

                                “Myst…” I whispered.

                                Myst sits up, and looks at Hunter, then he sees Cloud smile. He looked back at me and then ran to my side.

                                “Huntress!” Iris called out, seeing Myst running my way.

                                “Hunter, look!” Taea called out, they all looked toward Cloud.

                                Myst bent over me as if shielding me, then I saw why. Cloud produced a large fireball and sent it toward the gang. Myst pulled me down on the ground shielding me.

                                Iris felt Hunter’s arm wrapped around her and pushed her down the ground. But Iris looked up to where I was and saw Myst shield me from the blast. Hunter raised his hand to stop the flame and then sent it up to the sky but it exploded, shattering glasses and blowing around dust all over the place.

                                I felt Myst loosen his hold on me, I looked up, and the only light came from the bikes again.

                                “This is your chance, Huntress.” I heard him whisper, “Blast me.”

                                I looked up at him, but this time I saw his eyes, I tried to reach for it, but he caught my hand and pulled it back.

                                “Myst…” I whispered again.

                                He smiled down at me and reached for my face instead, “I’ll be fine. Do not worry, love. And please do keep out of trouble, you make me worry.” He kisses my hand, then looked back at me again, “Until we meet again, my Juliet.”

                                Then I closed my eyes and turned my head away, I raised my hand and blast him off. I looked up as soon as I heard a thump and saw him lying a few meters away from me. Then I stood up, biting back the pain, and then weakly ran toward the others. I saw Hunter dropped to his knees, weak. I wanted to be on his side to catch him but I was too slow.

                                “Oh no you don’t!” Cloud shouts seeing me running away, and sent dozen of daggers toward us. I stopped, looked back and put up a shield, but I was too weak, I wasn’t able to expand it far enough for all of us to be shielded. Until one dagger went through my shield and straight at Iris.

                                “No!” I shouted.

                                But then I saw Hunter move toward Iris and shielded her from the dagger piercing his back.

                                “Hunter!” I screamed. Then I glared at Cloud and produced a ball of fire, I stood up and then the sky darkened, thunder struck and hit my hand, electricity ran through my hand, “You’ll pay for that.” I growled at Cloud, then I took all the remaining strength I had and ran toward him so fast that he could no longer see me. Then I appeared in front of him and hits him with the electric fireball on the chest, but he moved back decreasing the force of the attack, making it less deadlier, but the impact was still their. I jumped back, and looked at the crippling Cloud.

                                “This isn’t over yet, Cloud.” I growled again and ran back to the others.

                                Hunter was kneeling on the ground, with Iris supporting his weight, “Hunter…” I said. I knelt beside him. “Hunter, wake up. Hunter…” I said. I looked down at the dagger, and slowly pulled it out, Hunter flinched for a sec, I carefully pulled it out and he grinned.

                                “Ah, that’s much better.” He whispered. Then he looked at me, “And just how many times do I need to tell you to stop being stubborn?”

                                I just stared at him, not knowing how to answer.

“Its ok if you want to run off. You look thirsty.” He reached for my face and reached for my lips.

                                I was surprised by this, but I was more surprise to realize that I was in my immortal form, Cloud taunted me to transform. Then I realized that I could smell different kinds of blood around me, but it didn’t have the same effect on me, I shook my head, “I’m ok.” I said, “This is easier than I expected.”

                                Hunter smiled and gave a nod, then he flinched again.

                                “Now, c’mon…” I said, “you may be immortal, but you are no superman.”

                                He chuckled, Mave and Jed helped him up.

                                Then we heard a motorcycle speed off. We turned and saw Myst ride off with Cloud.

                                “Want me to catch them?” Taea asked.

                                “No!” I said, quickly, they all turned to me surprised, “We don’t have enough powers or strength right now to hold them down.”

                                They exchanged looks, and understood.

                                “If that’s what you want.” Taea moved back.

                                “Now c’mon, we need to get our wounds cleaned.” Mave said.

                                Later at the hotel, I stepped out of my bedroom and found the others hanging around my suite’s living room. It was almost eleven o’clock. Everyone was out looking for Nayre and Rui now, I myself just finished looking through the future and healing the burn marks on my arm, which was easier than I expected as I did it while drinking my maintenance. In my suite’s living room, Iris just finished patching up Hunter’s wound, and was handing him Master Shisek’s remedy.

                                “Thank you.” Hunter said, with a tip of his head. Hunter took a swig of the medicine and sighed.

                                “Feeling better?” I asked.

                                They both turned to me, “Yeah. Thanks to Iris here.” Hunter said with a smile, I turned to Iris and saw her looking at me with a blank stare. As if she was waiting for me to tell her something. Then a knock came from the door and the others entered.

                                “Hey, how are you feeling?” Taea asked me.

                                I broke off my look with Iris and turned to them, “I’m feeling fine.” I was surprised to hear another answer, it was Hunter’s. We exchanged looks and we both smiled.

                                “Much better than drinking Master Shisek’s medicine, that’s for sure. Iris just finished patching me up.” Hunter added.

                                Iris was fixing up the first aid kit.

                                “Urgh, tell me about it.” Lei said, “How do you ever stand this stuff?”

                                “Your tongue numbs up in the long run.” I joked.

                                “Besides,” Jed said, flopping down the sofa. “I thought you liked it?”

                                “I did,” Lei said, “But it tastes worse as I finish every bottle.” Lei said.

                                “Anyway,” I said, “Did you find them?”

                                Jed shook his head, “The manager said they already left.”

                                “”Mave?” Iris asked.

                                “I’ve been trying to seek for them, but I think they’re blocking me out.” Mave said, reaching for the bridge of his nose.

                                “Let’s just keep searching then.” Hunter said, “Rui’s the type of guy who doesn’t like his honor being questioned.”

                                Then I walked toward the closet and took out my jacket. They all looked at me.

                                “And where do you think you’re going?” Lei asked.

                                “Hunter’s right,” I said, “For all we know, they might actually be waiting for us at the party.”

                                “You’re not going to the party in that condition?” Hunter asked.

                                “You mean, in that condition.” I said pointing at him. “Anyway, I’ll be quick. I’ll drag them here if I have to. So… do you guys want anything?”

                                Then I saw Hunter glance at Jed.

                                “None for me,” Jed said, “but I do want to stretch my leg. Can I come?”

                                “Sure, no problem.” I turned to the girls, “what about you girls? I’ll be stopping by the mall here, they’re open twenty four seven you see.”

                                “Sounds tempting...” Taea says, thinking about it.

                                “And I promise there’ll be no assassins.” I teased, “Well, except if we find Rui and Nayre.” I opened the door, “I’ll be waiting outside.”

                                “Wait up!” Lei called, tossing the bottle down the sofa, “I’m coming!”

                                Taea stood up in a flash and ran after Lei and I, “Hey, I’m coming too. C’mon Iris.”

                                Iris sighed and stood up, “Well, I guess someone got to bail you in case of trouble.” she grabbed her jacket and walked out of the room.

                                The boys exchanged looks.

                                “I guess that means we need to go as well.” Mave said, Hunter nodded and stood up.

                                “Hey, you sure you’re up for this?” Jed asked.

                                “It’s cool,” Hunter said and grinned, “I’m a fast healer.”

                                Out front, the valet was waiting with my car keys in hand.

                                “Thanks.” I said, as he hand me my keys. “C’mon you guys, the party’s waiting.”

                                “Yeah right, Huntress.” Lei said, jumping in on my car.

                                “What?”

                                “You’re not the party girl type Huntress.” Taea reminded me. She jumped in after Lei.

                                I chuckled, “Things could change you know.”

                                “But not that kind of thing.” Iris said as she opened the passenger door and sat in front.

                                “If that’s what you say.” I said. Opening the driver’s seat door and sat. I started the car and heated up the engine for a few seconds.

                                “Hey! C’mon! Hurry up!” Lei called out to the boys.

                                But the boys didn’t bother to hurry up.

                                “Urgh! This is stupid! We’ll see you there!” Taea said.

                                “Yeah, like in a few decades or so.” Lei teased.

                                The boys were at the entrance by now, and I start to drive out of the drive way.

                                Lei and Taea settled down at the back, Taea crossed her arms on her chest.

                                “Urgh, boys are so lousy!” I heard the three say, with a shake of their head and a frown.

                                And as I tried to reach the boys through their minds, I heard the three of them say, “Girls are so bossy.”

                                I laughed.

                                Fifteen minutes later, we were in the parking lot of the mall waiting for the boys, I leaned on hood of my car, playing with a dagger. I never really like having the girls wait in the parking lot, but I don’t want to get in trouble either, so I just intimidate anybody who comes near, whether they meant good or bad, I really don’t care.

                                “Man, what’s taking them?” Taea asked for the nth time.

                                “I swear,” Lei rolls her eyes, “”They’re doing this on purpose to irritate us.”

                                I grinned their way. Then I glanced over at Iris. I caught her staring at me, then away when I glanced at her.

                                Then we hear a car arrive, “Finally.” Iris muttered.

                                Hunter pulls up beside us.

                                “What took you?” Taea snapped.

                                “We found Rui and Nayre.” Jed announced.

                                “Really? Where?”

                                “We sensed them on the way here,” Mave said. “I guess closing the distance between us helped.”

                                “So, where are they?” Iris asked.

                                “Here, probably on the outdoor shop store. They were looking at some hunting gears.” Mave said.

                                “At this time of year, what are they planning to hunt?” Taea asked.

                                “Whatever it is,” Hunter said, standing next to Iris, “I just hope we’re not on the list.”