Bloodlines of Archaea I. Afira

The trees cast large shadows which seemed to envelop the entire world. It was growing dark by the moment. “We should stop for the night. The Island of shadows is probably pretty unsafe at night,” Akuma said, walking more slowly.

I nodded, realizing how tired I was. We searched in the dark for a moment to find a spot deep in the forest which could be a camp without being noticed. Eventually finding a space with stumps to sit on and trees to cover us, we stopped for the night. I quickly lit some dry leaves and began a small campfire, just big enough to keep us warm, but never to alarm anyone or anything which may lie awake. I stared into the fire, watching from the corner of my eyes as shadows danced devilishly, seeming to creep closer every time I shut my eyes, even just for a moment. Neither of us spoke, we just sat there, listening, and waiting.

Eventually, my stomach growled. I peeled my eyes from the fire and looked at Akuma. He stared back. “We should get some food,” he said. I nodded, carefully putting my hand into my pocket and removing the food I had previously packed.

“Here,” I said, handing him a few nuts and an apple. “It’s not much, but it’ll have to do. My pockets don’t have very much space.”

He chuckled. “It’s great. Thanks.”

I smiled. “Always,” I whispered, barely loud enough to be heard over the crackling of the flames. Conversation continued for a while but then ceased once more. As it seemed neither of us were capable of ignoring the great terror which consumed us from the inside.

“If you want to sleep I’d be happy to keep watch first,” he said suddenly looking up at me.

I paused for a moment, longing to rest my tired bones, even if it were just for a few moments, “but then who would protect Akuma?” I asked myself.

He seemed to see my hesitance, as he continued, “I’ll be fine. I mean I’m the royal knight of Skyfire Island,” he said in a silly voice which mimicked my own. He paused, “you always keep watch first. It’s my turn this time.”

“Okay. But if you notice even one thing that’s out of place, or even the winds blow too hard, you tell me, got it?” I asked warily. He nodded.