::Yaiau's Cloud::

Part I - Slavery

In a land of zafaras far from Neopia, today was like any other day. My brother Nikokyn and I were in our usual places in the service of our dictator. As a striped zafara, my place was in the kitchen preparing great feasts, most of which were angrily thrown to the side once served to the picky tyrant. My brother washed dishes, for that was what white zafaras were told to do. Our lives as slaves were miserable, and we often discussed escape attempts during the few moments we were able to spend together each day. We were afraid to execute any of our plans however, since the penalty for trying to escape was often close to crippling.

One evening after I had completed four consecutive rejected dishes, I dragged myself to my cabin outside the mansion in shallow hopes I would have a full night's sleep for once. Closing the door behind me, I flipped on the light. I gasped at the sight that met my eyes. Nikokyn was asleep on my floor, fresh bruises adorning his frail frame. I hurried to him and kneeled down, brushing his long fur from his eyes.

Niko?" I whispered, shaking him. He opened his eyes, squinted at the light, and attempted to sit up. I put my arms around him and held him close for a moment, happy that he was alive.

What happened?" I asked, finally releasing him. He took a few pained breaths and locked his eyes with mine. His words were quiet, but the message was strong and clear.

We have to get out of here.

I nodded, but knew the penalties for getting caught in an escape attempt. My need for a better life was always lined with an edge of fear. If we succeeded, our lives would improve beyond anything we had dreamed of. On the other end of the spectrum, if we failed...

I tried not to think about it. Seeing my brother beaten again for things he was not responsible for drove the consequences out of my mind. He was right. We had to leave this all behind. Nobody deserved a life like this.

We waited a few days for Nikokyn's health to return, then put our plan into action on a moonless night. We gathered every bit of black fabric we had available and tied them into makeshift cloaks to hide the brightness of our fur in the dark. I made my way to Niko's cabin and made sure he was ready. He smiled at me beneath his cloak, and I knew it was time to go.

Our cabins were all bunched together within a small fenced in area outside the mansion, so escaping meant either having a key to the gates and somehow getting past the guards without them noticing, or climbing the fence on the other side and swimming across a river to escape into the woods beyond.

We had neither a key to the gate nor a way to just walk by the guards, so we aimed to swim for our lives and hope to lose any pursuers in the forest. We pulled our cloaks up to hide as much fur as possible and set out across the field to the fence. The lack of moonlight kept our hopes of not being seen alive as we crept closer to the edge of the field. The fence was high and the top was adorned with barbed wire, but we were both willing to sustain a few scrapes for freedom. I reached out to begin my climb but stopped short at a yell a little ways behind me.

I turned and looked back in the direction from which we had come, and saw two figures running toward us. We had been spotted, but not yet caught. My heart raced and I used the adrenaline to scale the fence as fast as I could, my brother keeping the pace beside me.

At the top, the barbed wire caught my cloak. I struggled to pull it free, but the more I pulled, the more I got stuck. I untied the knot that held it on and left it behind, knowing I was in full view now. I tried my best to ignore the pain from the wire in my paws, and looked around frantically for my brother. He was still keeping up, and having better luck with the barbed wire than I was, as he still had his cloak. Once over the top, we both jumped down to the other side, narrowly missing being grabbed by the guards who seemed intent on keeping hot on our tail. I grabbed Nikokyn's hand and began to run toward the water. There were more guards on the way on this side of the fence, and if we didn't get moving we would be caught for certain.

The water was cold and murky, but I didn't hesitate at the edge. My surroundings went from a warm summer's night to a cold slimy chill as both of us dove into the stream and were carried with the water. I tried keeping my head above the water, but submerged myself each time one of the guards would spot me and yell to his comrades.

It was a long way downstream, but the water pushed us along faster than the guards could run and we eventually lost them. While still following the current, we attempted to make it to the other bank close to the forest beyond the water.

They've probably got more guards waiting at the end of the river for us," Nikokyn pointed out between breaths. I agreed, and we put our remaining strength into resisting the current and reaching the other side.

Tired, cold, and wet, we finally hit land and wearily dragged ourselves into the shelter of the trees. I was afraid to fall asleep in case we were still being followed. I told Nikokyn to rest and I stood watch. We took turns watching for the remainder of the night, but nobody came. At last, Nikokyn woke me as the sun began to shine through the canopy.

We're free," he said, smiling. I matched his grin and reached up to hold him tight. There was nothing that could match the happiness I felt at that moment.

We began moving that afternoon after spending the morning collecting food for our journey. We turned Niko's cloak into a sort of bag and used it to store various fruits and berries we found at the edge of the forest.

The best way to go was definitely into the trees, since staying where we were was definitely too close to the river where we might be seen. We began walking, unsure of our destination, but happy all the same.

After a while of walking, I began to notice our surroundings changing. Where there had been plenty of food and life before, there were only sickly shrubs and dried up plants. The trees were becoming more gnarled and leafless, and there were fewer animals, if any. It was almost frightening how the forest had changed since we started walking, and I could tell Nikokyn could feel it too.

Maybe we should go back and pick a different route?" I asked. We were both clearly uncomfortable in this place. I felt threatened, but I can't say why. There was nothing moving around us; it was like the calm before the storm. We were both uneasy but we pressed on. Going back was not an option, and I knew it even before I had suggested it.

The sun had begun to dip beyond the horizon, but it was almost impossible to tell through the darkness of the forest even in the daytime. We were both exhausted, but too afraid to fall asleep. We stopped to rest in a small clearing, but neither of us expected to get any sleep out of it. We had traveled the entire day after our escape however, so eventually our exhaustion caught up with us and we fell into a dreamless slumber.

Part II - The Power of the Clouds

I was awakened the next morning by the sound of snapping twigs nearby. Instantly alert, I quickly awakened my brother and scanned the trees around us. For a moment nothing moved, then almost out of nowhere came another zafara. For a moment I thought she was one of the guards come to capture us, but she was not dressed as a guard.

Her fur blazed red and her eyes glowed yellow within pink, as if she had a lack of sleep. An impressive set of wings were partially covered by a long navy blue cloak, the hood pushed back in folds about her neck. She stood for a moment, simply glaring at us, then finally spoke in raspy tones.

You're in my woods," she said without changing her cold look. I stood quickly and inched in front of Nikokyn in an attempt to protect him if need be.

We're just passing through," I said. "We're lost. Maybe you can help us get to the other side?" I attempted a polite smile to show I didn't want any trouble.

Other side?" she asked. "No. There is no other side. Not after I've caught you trespassing so close to my home. You could be spies for all I know.

Spies?" I asked. "Wait, we're not spies. What reason would we have to spy on you? We escaped from a life of slavery and we're trying to find a new home. Nothing more.

Very well then," she said, a slight grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "As payment for me helping you to escape my forest, you will give me the white zafara behind you." She pointed a spindly finger at Nikokyn, who took hold of my hand at her gesture.

You can't have Nikokyn!" I said, aghast that she would request such a thing. "He's my brother and we've come this far together. We're not splitting up now. We can make it on our own. We don't need your help." I turned away from her and tugged Nikokyn with me. I wasn't about to allow him to be taken back into slavery, especially not by this demanding stranger.

I think not," the Darigan zafara said, stepping out of the trees in front of me. I stopped short, surprised at how she managed to get ahead of us when we had left her behind a moment before. I tried to shove her out of the way, but she was stronger than I was. With a swift movement of her arm, her claws swiped across my face and I found myself on the ground. I looked up and saw she had taken Nikokyn's hands in her own and was looking right into his eyes with a crazed look on her face. Was she hypnotizing him? I didn't stay down long enough to find out. I jumped at her and kicked as hard as I could, but she moved out of my way faster than I thought imaginable.

Foolish girl!" she yelled, clapping her icy claws around my neck. She pushed me down to the ground and held me there as I gasped for breath. I struggled against her grip but I wasn't strong enough. My mind swam as I started to lose consciousness, but through the haze came Nikokyn's voice. Suddenly the weight on my neck was lifted. The air was sweet as I took in breath after breath, but the battle wasn't over yet.

The Darigan zafara stood up after being knocked down from Nikokyn's blow. She was no longer playing around, I could tell. I got to my feet and faced her, knowing I didn't have a chance. I turned my eyes to Nikokyn, my face sad. I wanted him to live even if I could not.

Run, Niko. I'll distract her and you can get out of here. Live the freedom we vied for... please," I said quietly. He shook his head, tears in his eyes.

I won't leave you! I won't..." he replied. I didn't hear the rest of what he had to say. The Darigan zafara and I had clashed again. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Niko turn and run as I had told him to. He disappeared into the trees as the cloaked zafara pinned me down.

He may have escaped me, but you won't be so lucky!" she shrieked. "Nobody defies Mactosius and lives to tell the tale!" Her words were the last thing my senses perceived as her claws came down for the final blow, turning everything black and throwing my mind into silence.

Darkness. Nothing but darkness. What's going on? Why can't I see? Why can't I hear? There's nothing around me... no ground beneath my feet, no breeze in my fur, no smells at all. Please... somebody help me. I'm lost...

I awoke some time later, but at the same time did not awaken. It was as if I was dreaming, but it felt so real I wasn't sure if it was a dream or not. There was a bright light ahead of me, but no ground to walk on to help me get there. I looked down at myself, but what greeted me was not the same zafara I had left behind. My color was gone and large feathery wings had formed on my back. Am I an angel? I thought. I must be... that zafara... Mactosius... she killed me. Thoughts of Nikokyn crept into my mind. Did he get away? Where is he now? Is he alright? Does he know I died? Is this what death is?

I blinked at the concept of death. What is this place... this nothingness? Is this where all zafaras end up? I tried turning my body to face the light. It was closer it seemed, but it might just have been my imagination. Was I moving? Would I reach the light? What's on the other side?

My mind raced, touching on every question imaginable but having no answers. I was so lost in thought, I almost didn't feel the wind start to blow. A strong gust pushed me closer to the light and I realized I was indeed moving. Soon the light became almost unbearable. I shielded my eyes against it for what seemed like an eternity. All of a sudden, it disappeared and the nothingness was replaced by blue sky and white clouds. I was... flying?

You are noble, young zafara," a voice said. I tried turning around, but it was difficult to maneuver while floating. My eye caught movement and I tried locking my eyes on it. I blinked when my mind registered what it was.

You're an air faerie," I said, somewhat in a daze. I had never seen a real faerie before, and the stories I had heard were believed to be just that: stories. I never thought faeries were real.

You were expecting the tooth faerie?" she asked. I had no reply to that, so I remained silent. She laughed.

I've been watching you, Yaiau," she said. "What you did was very noble. You sacrificed your own life to save that of your brother's. You fought, knowing you had no chance. Your heart is pure and your mind is in the right place. There aren't enough zafaras like you, and therefore I am offering you another chance. There is a catch, however. Do you wish to hear it?

You're giving me another chance to live? What catch would there possibly be that would make me even hesitate?" I asked.

The loss of your brother," she answered simply. My body went cold.

Is he dead?" I asked, tears forming in my eyes. The faerie blinked at me and shook her head.

No, no," she said. "That's not what I meant. He is fine and nearly to the edge of the forest now. What I mean is, I can give you life, but you won't be able to be with him.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Nikokyn was alive and well after all. Why wouldn't I be able to be with him though? I voiced my question to the faerie.

You won't be able to spend your life with him because there are other things you must do to keep your new life intact," she answered. "I am not Fyora, and I'm probably going to be in big trouble for doing this without her knowledge. She is watching over your brother, and she knows you died. If you went back to him and tried to live your life normally, she would undo what I plan on giving you to keep the balance. Death is a part of life, and second chances are almost nonexistent. Do you understand?

I thought a moment on her words. "What will I be doing instead, then?" I asked. "If I can't live my life with Nikokyn, where will I be?

You died protecting the innocent," she explained. "You are a very noble zafara, and I am giving you this second chance so that you may remain noble and continue to help the innocent. I will give you a special gift, and you will use it to help those you see are in need. Do you understand?

Help the innocent... protect the defenseless... give my life purpose," I mumbled, more to myself than the faerie. "I understand very well for how fast this has all come. My life had no purpose before but to serve a horrible tyrant. Maybe with this new existence, I can help others from my past escape the same fate. What is the 'special gift' you mentioned?

I plan on giving you powers of the clouds and sky," she answered. "A fraction of what I'm able to do, but still more than a lot can say. You will have the power of flight, the power to cloak yourself in mist and fog, and the power to create weather patterns at will. Rain, snow, and sunny days will be yours to command as you see fit. In return, you must use these powers to defend the defenseless and to protect the innocent. Do you accept my offer?

I do," I said without hesitation. The faerie smiled and produced what appeared to be a paint brush from a cloud. With one swift movement, she covered me with the strange paint and moved back to observe her work. Feathers floated around me as my wings fell apart and disappeared, and color returned to my fur. Instead of my stripes however, I was patterned with white. As the colors appeared and made themselves more clear, I realized I had changed to the color of the sky and was now adorned with clouds.

Thank you, faerie," I said. She nodded in reply but didn't say anything. I looked at the clouds around me and tried testing my new power. At a simple thought, the clouds moved just as I wanted them to. I made one rain and I made one snow. I moved some out of the way to let the sunlight through. Two collided and made thunder. It was easier than I thought it would be to control them.

Are you ready?" asked the faerie suddenly. "I'll send you back to Neopia now if you are.

Neopia?" I asked. I had never heard of such a place before. The faerie thought for a moment.

That's right... you weren't from Neopia," she said. "Well, Neopia is where your brother is now. It's the neighboring land to the place from which you came. We are currently floating above it.

I nodded, not exactly sure what to say. Once I got familiar with this Neopia place, I'd head back to the castle and help some of the other zafara slaves escape. Protect the innocent and aid the weak... that was my duty.

I'm ready," I said. Before I got to say anything else, the faerie waved to me with a little grin and I fell. My stomach jumped up and my heart skipped a beat as I plummeted to the ground. Thinking quickly, I willed the clouds to my aid and was caught in midair. Riding on a cloud... why didn't I think of that earlier? I floated atop the cloud for a while to catch my breath. Once I was breathing normally, I floated down and alighted on the ground. I willed the clouds to dissipate for now and took a moment to examine my surroundings.

This place, Neopia, was huge. I had apparently landed in the center of town, but nobody seemed to notice me. There were strange creatures everywhere. As I tried taking it all in, I noticed another who had similar colors to my own. Perhaps he had also been given a second chance by the air faerie?

He was an odd little creature about half my height with strange appendages protruding from the top of his head. His eyes were large for the little guy's size, and didn't have any pupils. He was colored the same as I was, cloud pattern and all. I wandered up to him and tapped the top of his head.

Excuse me," I said politely. He looked up at me and smiled a huge grin that nearly took up his entire face.

Yes, ma'am?" he asked. He blinked his large eyes and I continued.

Have you ever met an air faerie?" I asked him. He pondered a moment and scratched his head with stubby fingers.

Ah... no, I don't believe I've actually met one before, but I've seen them. They're everywhere, the faeries. They live in Faerieland way up there." He pointed to the sky. I was confused. If he had never met one, how did he get his color? I figured I'd have to explain further.

Do you have power over the clouds?" I asked him. Once again he paused to think and reach up to scratch his head. He shrugged.

Ah... what do you mean exactly?" he asked finally. I sighed and brought a cloud down to ground level to show him. He stared at it a moment, then cautiously poked at it. He looked at me, then back to the cloud, then back at me again. If he wasn't confused before, he was now.

You can get on it and ride, make it snow, make it rain, and do other things with it," I explained. "That's what I mean by power over the clouds." His confusion was replaced by excitement then as he hopped up onto the cloud in hopes it would fly him around the city. It didn't do anything though except float in place. I was hoping he would make it do something, but I was wrong in assuming he had the same powers I did. I made the cloud dissipate and wandered away, leaving the creature to wonder exactly what I was or why I had dropped him to the ground.

I continued on my way, attempting to keep track of everything I had seen so far as well as taking in anything new. I stopped in front of several stores and read everything the signs had to say. I picked up a copy of a magazine called the Neopian Times and a book called the Neopedia and sat down on a bench to read through them for a while. I learned a lot about this new place, but so far had seen nobody in need of aid. In fact, Neopia Central seemed like quite a peaceful place to live. I kept it in mind for later.

I continued browsing the Neopedia and came across an entry called The Haunted Woods. Reading further brought me to the conclusion that the forest that Nikokyn and I had met the Darigan zafara Mactosius was indeed the same place mentioned in the book. It wasn't incredibly far away, and if Nikokyn was at the edge of the Haunted Woods when the air faerie had told me he was, he would already be in town by now. I smiled to myself and made a mental note to watch for him. Even if I couldn't be with him, I could always be his guardian angel and watch him from afar.

I brought a cloud to my aid for faster travel, and headed in the direction of the Haunted Woods. There was a certain Darigan zafara who needed a nice rainy day in return for her cruelty to two weary travelers.

On the way, I spotted a large group traveling in the direction of Neopia Central from the Haunted Woods. They were being led by a shadow aisha. Something about the aisha was familiar, but I wasn't sure what. I had never met an aisha before, and it was only because of the Neopedia I even knew what they were. I dropped down next to the aisha and rode beside her for a moment for a closer look. She seemed eerily similar to the zafara Mactosius in the way she carried herself, I decided. The aisha turned to me and glared.

What is it you want?" she hissed. I smiled.

Nothing, really," I said. "You reminded me of someone I used to know, so I came down to have a better look, that's all." I gave her a little wave and ascended a bit above her little marching group. She definitely didn't want company. After the encounter with the aisha, I decided against making Mactosius my first wrong to be righted. I headed back home instead.

Part III - Friends

My cloud carried me over the Haunted Woods, which even spread darkness above the canopy in bright daylight. It was foggy and black below me, and the chilled feeling of fear I had while traveling within the trees reached me even above them. The sooner I reached the river, the better.

At last I could see the mansion in the distance, and the slave cabins speckled the horizon within its shadow. As I drew closer, thoughts of my old friends filled my mind. Had they taken the punishment for my escape? Either way, they would no longer have to suffer under the dictator's rule after today. My cloud took me over the barbed wire fence where my cloak still clung, blowing in the breeze as I passed overhead. I floated up to the mansion and alighted on the balcony outside the dictator's -blocked- He was not in his room. I kept my cloud floating close by in case I needed it, and entered the room.

I had never seen the master bedroom before. I was a kitchen slave, so the kitchen was where I lived when I wasn't sleeping in my cabin. I took a moment to peer around at my surroundings. A large canopy bed took up most of the floor space. A grand dresser stood in the corner, and a chandelier glittering with jewels hung from the ceiling. The carpet under my feet was thicker and softer than anything I had ever stood on before. He had gotten everything he had through cruelty and the exploitation of others, and he deserved none of it.

I made my way to the door and peeked around the frame into the hallway. The smells of the mansion brought back old fears, but I ignored them. I stepped out when I saw there was nobody around, and crept down the stairs. If he wasn't in his room, he would be sitting on his throne or having lunch in the grand dining hall. I stepped lightly and made my way to the throne room to check there first. I was greeted with boisterous laughter from the doorway. I tiptoed to the entrance and peered inside.

The dictator was certainly enjoying himself, it seemed. His entertainment consisted of a jester and a large plate of food. It wasn't the jester he found funny though, it was throwing the food at the jester that amused him. I knew this madness had to stop. Nobody had the right to treat others that way. I called the cloud to me and got it ready to zap lightning if need be, then gathered all the courage I had and stepped into the room into full view. The dictator instantly stopped laughing and glared at me.

Who are you to be barging in on my entertainment?" he bellowed. I matched his glare and didn't back down.

You are a disgrace," I hissed. "You don't deserve to call yourself a ruler. You injure, you torture, and you kill those who you think are below you. You're disgusting, and I'm here to right your wrongs." My cloud crackled with electricity as I took a few more steps into the room. There was a hint of fear on the dictator's face for a moment, but it passed quickly.

Guards! Seize this nuisance!" he yelled, standing from his throne. Two hefty looking guards stepped up on either side of me, but I wasn't worried. I hopped up onto my cloud and zipped over their heads as they moved in for an attack. I retaliated with a bolt of lightning for each of them. With the guards out of the way, I turned on the dictator himself, whose fear was now blatantly apparent on his face. What a coward, I thought to myself. He had no backup for the two guards since he never thought anyone was a threat to him before.

Surrender," I said, floating closer to him. "Leave. Get out of here. If I catch you exploiting anyone ever again, I won't hesitate to turn the weather on you." I gave him the darkest glare I could muster and a tiny twinge of lightning to get my point across. He yelped and threw his crown to the floor as he begged for his life. I had no intention of doing anything to him except scaring him, and it looked like I had succeeded. He crawled to the door, then stood up and ran from the mansion.

I made my way to each of the rooms and announced that the slaves were now free to do as they liked. The guards were confused, but when I explained to them that their leader had resigned, they were all too happy to find new careers. After all, they had been kept here against their will as well.

A few of the slaves stayed behind to run the mansion themselves, but most asked to come with me back to Neopia to start new lives. I agreed to let them come, and I made a cloud for each of them to ride on. There were nearly one hundred of them, all thankful to be free as I knew they would be.

Part IV - The Battle for Neopia

Once everything was in order at the mansion, I led the group who wanted to come with me back on the trail to Neopia Central. We floated higher than usual over the Haunted Woods in case anyone was too struck by the fear the place generated. I kept an eye out for Mactosius, but the fog was too thick. I shrugged and we pressed on until we could see green in the distance.

Once over the Haunted Woods, I spotted the shadow aisha's small army I had encountered before. They were closer than ever to Neopia Central. If I was curious as to what they were doing before, I was really inquisitive now. I told the others not to panic and floated down by myself to once again ask what they were up to. The aisha greeted me the same way as before.

What do you want? she hissed in the same tones as the first time she asked. "We don't need any irritating zafaras messing up our plans, not that you could do anything on your own anyway.

Plans?" I asked. The aisha snapped her spindly fingers and a burly skeith grabbed me from behind.

Yes, plans," she answered, a grin spreading across her face. "We're going to invade Neopia Central and claim it as our own. And now that my friend has you a bit... tied up at the moment, you can't go babbling it to anyone." She nodded to the skeith, who put his burly arm around my neck. I wasn't going to be killed twice however, and I called the rest of the clouds, carrying the zafaras from home, down to the ground. They weren't about to let the zafara who saved them die at the hands of this band of thieves. They attacked with the strength and agility that only zafaras can wield. I was released by the skeith as a green zafara nailed him in the side with a swift kick.

Zafaras continued to rain from the sky over the army that this aisha had made. Her forces were caught by surprise, which worked in our favor. We were able to catch them off guard and take down a large number before they even were able to retaliate. They bounced right back, though, and the battle for Neopia had begun.

Their forces matched ours, and the battle dragged on for several days. Every few hours one of the sides would retreat and battle would cease for rest. I energized my comrades with healing rains, and the aisha would replenish her army with potions. Days of fighting turned into weeks, and three weeks later the battle had worn itself out. The aisha's potion supply had depleted and her troops were being injured and killed by the dozens. They had no choice but to surrender, and we turned them in to be dealt with by Neopia itself. I healed my zafara friends with one last healing rain and thanked them for what they had done. Not a single one was lost in the fight, and I was thankful for that. They bid me farewell and set out to make new lives in Neopia.

I looked at the last remaining members of the aisha's army and noticed that she was not among them. Where could she have gone? I glanced around for any signs of movement, and sure enough, she had somehow escaped and was limping toward the cover of the Haunted Woods. I followed her silently and got ahead of her. At the edge of the trees, I cut her off. I dissipated my cloud to show I was not up for anymore fighting.

You are a mighty warrior," she said suddenly. "Who are you?" She bared her fangs at me and her eyes glowed with hatred.

I am Yaiau, zafara of the clouds," I answered. "I'm here to right wrongdoings and restore peace to a world I will someday call my home.

Yaiau?" she asked, yellow eyes widening. "My master Mactosius told me about you... I was told to bring back to her the white zafara you called your brother. She told me she had killed you! How is it you are alive? How did you come about such wild magic?

Before I could answer, she lunged at me. I deflected her claws using mist to hide myself and ice to shield myself. Her attacks didn't even reach me. I knocked her to the ground using a bolt of lightning and kept her there with a round of heavy hail. Once I knew she wasn't going to get up, I ceased my attacks and stood over her.

You will stop this nonsense and live like a normal being," I said. She simply glared at me in reply. I created a cloud to ride on and left her behind. If she tried to rebuild, I would stop her again, that's all there was to it.

Weary, I made my way back to Neopia Central to find a place to spend the night. I hoped the air faerie wouldn't mind if I spent a few days relaxing. I wandered through town for a while and finally laid eyes on a building that read Neolodge. Seemed like as good a place as any to stay, so I went inside. I was barely through the door when I heard a familiar voice.

Please sir, I'm new here and I don't have any neopoints. Just one night?

It was Nikokyn. I stared at a moment at my brother. He was alive and well, but he had no place to go, and he was alone. After all, his sister had been killed back in the Haunted Woods and he had nobody else. I watched him beg the lupe behind the counter if he could just stay one night at the lodge, but the lupe wouldn't hear of it. I didn't know if he would recognize me or not, but I dared not risk letting myself be seen. I filled the room with fog, much to the confusion of everyone in the lobby, and laid a few of the neopoints I had gotten from various places on the counter between Nikokyn and the lupe. The fog dissipated, and I watched from the doorway as the lupe snatched up the neopoints and gave a room key to my brother.

I smiled as he made his way up the stairs to his room. Everything would work out for him, I would make sure of it. After all, my duty was to protect the innocent, and little Niko was as innocent as they came.

-End-