Sold?

•Nora

It was a sad story, but what else could one expect?

"I'm happy." I said.

"You're happy?"

"Yea. I'm glad Arius brought you back with him." I held his hand, "I got to meet you that way." I smiled, "Now let's make a trip to your tribe and set everything ablaze."

"Uh… It's fine, it's far in the past now."

"If you say so." I looked at the night sky. It felt exceptionally beautiful today but a few moments later it was twilight, "This view has a beauty of its own, doesn't it." Caesar nodded.

"Twilight is proof that darkness never lasts forever." I looked at Caesar, "And the stars are evidence that even in the dark you find the light to guide you."

He smiled back, "I guess you're right."

I placed my head on his chest. I finally understood why Arius and Caesar were so loyal to each other but a question popped in my mind, "Caesar?"

"Hm?"

"How did you both end up in Lorelai?"

He chuckled, "A pure coincidence. We had no idea where we were walking to but maybe after so much bad luck, nature decided it was time to give us a rest."

"Good thing nature stopped being a bitch." I shook my head, "Tch." I stared at the sky while it turned lighter, "Oh and when did you get your sword?"

"About a month later? I think." I looked up at him, "I didn't think he'd have brought it with him all the way back. I guess I was too busy thinking about other stuff that it didn't even cross my mind." He smiled, "That there could be something in his bag. I didn't pay any attention to it till the time he presented me the full sword."

"Did you accept it immediately?"

"Mmm. It was a bit shocking. He suddenly called me out to the garden and showed me the sword. For a few moments I just stood there processing stuff, like how did he have that? Did he bring it all the way from there?" The birds chirped around us, "It was at that time actually." He wrapped his arms around me, "When he told me that my mother chose death."

"Oh…"

"He presented me with the furnished sword that looked brand new, I could tell it had been worked on quite nicely, 'Your mom said to keep it as a memory of her.'" I noticed a slight crack in his voice, "I couldn't ignore those words so in the end, though reluctantly, I took it."

"Did you start using it immediately?"

"No, after I grew a bit taller. Huang-fei became our teacher. He taught us how to fight from scratch. He was the fatherly figure I wished I actually had." I smiled sadly at his words.

Rigid minds have ruined many lives.

Yet still, life goes on. You don't get over stuff, ever.

You just get used to it, you get calloused, a bit hardened maybe.

That's just how life is for some people.

***

"What's this about?" Azalea asked Arius since he had asked Me and her to come meet him.

"Nothing of worry. I just thought that you both should know how the clan war started."

Oh...

We sat in the garden hut, across Arius.

"Disappointingly." He started, "It's not a complicated story or related to any business dealings. It was a personal matter."

"A personal matter?" I asked, "Go on."

"Siegfields and Violets had a friendship bond and on one fine normal day. Nora's mother." He gestured his guiding hand towards me, "And your sister." He moved his hand to Azalea, "They were going on a shopping trip when they got in an accident where-"

"My mother died." It suddenly hit me.

Oh my God...

I took a deep breath.

Arius nodded, "Yes. And Azalea's sister received a head injury resulting in-"

"Decline in brain activities..." She said in a low tone.

Arius balled his fist, "The accident was with a Land cruiser in which My father and Derulo's father were."

Makes sense.

"I will not deny that the fault was theirs because they were speeding up and weren't paying attention to the road." He sighed, "They didn't suffer much because of their stronger vehicle but the other party did. The rest-" He stood up, "Was an act of revenge and then retaliation and," He shook his head, "War."

I had no words and honestly, I don't think anyone does, and like I said before.

The incidents in life remain with you like a stigma.

You can't get rid of it.

You just get used to it.

***

"You're going to the hospital? Why?" I asked Azalea as we both walked to the front entrance.

"I don't know. The doctor told me to come in after a few days. Maybe just a routine checkup." I narrowed my eyes in suspicion.

"You know what, I'll tag along." I had something in my mind.

"Sure."

***

"Well that's it." The doctor handed us a report, "I hope you're happy with the results."

"I-uh." Azalea got confused.

"Of Course she's happy." I answered for her and stood up, "Thank you very much we'll be leaving now." I grabbed her arm and made her stand up, "Let's go." I whispered and pulled her along with me.

"Nora," She seemed a bit pale, "This shouldn't be possible."

"What makes you think that?"

"Protection! Each and every single time."

I stopped as we exited the hospital, "Azalea," I held her arms and looked at her, "Tell me your feelings, are you happy with it or not?"

She thought about it and placed her hand over her tummy, then smiled, "I would love to have it."

"Then it's going to be fine."

"What about Arius? What about the clan?"

"Oh! The clan would love the news." We began walking again.

"Why are you so sure?"

"Because, they were the ones who sabotaged your so called 'protection.'" I snickered as I remembered the conversation I heard at the party. They're so loyal, they want an heir no matter what.

"What?!" She let out an exasperated sigh, "I still don't know about Arius."

"We'll find a solution to that too." I held her hand, "I promise, everything will be fine."

***

I don't know why but I've been getting this uneasy feeling ever since we crossed the school area.

Like we're being watched.

I kept my gaze at full alert but I couldn't spot anyone.

When we almost reached the mansion gate I saw Arius waiting for us at the gate. As soon as Azalea noticed him she folded her report and thrusted it into my hands.

He saw that and got a bit suspicious.

I chuckled.

Time for a bomb to explode!

I slowed my pace so she could walk ahead but just as she was about to reach him something horrible happened.

The sound of gun fire echoed in my ears as the bullet hit Azalea, it went across her shoulder.

Arius caught her in his arms instantly while I immediately turned to the source but before I could find the suspect Arius had already pulled out his gun and shot him.

The man was sitting in the land cruiser, too bad he forgot to close his window after firing.

"Azalea!" I ran over to her while the guards came out.

"Search the car." He demanded, "And bring me mine!" He picked Azalea up in his arms while she groaned in pain. The guards ran to search the car while Arius got into his and took her to the hospital.

I joined the car search and was shocked to find the Black's symbol on the man's arm and the wind shield.

It was there to make it obvious the attack was from them.

I gulped.

Moreover.

They attacked the Boss's girl, it only meant one thing.

It was a declaration of war