No weapons. No obvious malicious intent in their eyes. No apparent strength and training in combat. A slight shyness in their moves. No trace of recognition; all eyes were set on his sword, not what his cape hid.

Alexis kept looking over his shoulder. The more glances he gave to the humans that followed, the more perplexed he felt. He kept looking, hesitantly, yet the only one he could dislike was Lane.

“Not what you expected?”

He looked up. Uriel was glancing sideways at him, kindly, not stopping marching. He frowned, finding it hard to answer.

“The first human I met shot an arrow at me as a greeting. The next three tried to cut my throat and wings. I haven’t had enough good experiences with them to say I’m not uncomfortable now.”

Uriel looked up, thoughtfully. He ended up nodding bitterly, sharing the trail of thought of his angel.

“Fair enough. Though we both know that the acts of a few can’t represent a whole group.”

Alexis groaned a little, and then nudged Uriel sideways.

“So you’re telling me that you don’t mind that jerk?”

Uriel peeked over his shoulder. There was the horse in the back of the line, and there was its rider, always staring at his horns distrustfully.

“He can bark all he wants, as long as it doesn’t come to something physical. It would end badly; for him.” Uriel snorted and crossed his arms, sure of himself. “Try to ignore it.”

Alexis was having a hard time not paying mind to how Lane looked at Uriel. If he were not nervous to talk to the humans, he would have already insulted Lane, for his not so quiet complaints. Again, it took him all his self-restraint to not unsheathe his sword and throw it onto the bigot; Lane groaned again, while pointing at his broken leg.

“Why aren’t we following the road we took? Hey, demon, you better not get us lost! I don’t recognize this path from last time!”

Ayako was in between the travelers and Alexis and Uriel. She snapped back, tired of his accusations.

“Lane, I told you. By what you said, you had no idea where you were going that day; Uriel is just shortening things by going in a straight line through the forest. He figured out where your cart should be. Why don’t you keep quiet and rest your leg, hmm?”

There was a slight warning in those last words, judging by her tone. Lane did shut up, but he refused to stop glaring. The forest around them had been green, but while they ventured east, it had begun to look gloomier and darker. Alexis looked around him, knowing well what Uriel was doing, besides trying to head in a direct line.

“They wandered very close to that place, huh?”

“Yes; it is the path anyone would take to head east.” Uriel glanced south; towards one road he’d rather never take again. “I really don’t want to see those fissures and caves again, even if it would be safe. I think you wouldn’t like it either.”

“Nope.” Alexis yawned and outstretched his arms over his head, drowsily. “You say this is a shortcut, can’t imagine myself walking along a longer path.”

“Are you tired?”

“Bored, maybe. I’ve been scared enough by these crocked trees; they have lost all their appeal. Stump, log, looming branches… Oh, and another log over there. I can’t imagine this forest being green in the past.”

Uriel smiled nostalgically, remembering other days.

“It was certainly a sight to see.” He brushed one branch he passed by with a claw, noting how it lacked most of its leaves. “Time can be hurtful, and it can lead to carelessness.”

“But you never truly left this place. One can’t really battle their surroundings alone.”

Uriel smiled back at Alexis, thankful of those knowing words. Angel and demon grew quiet, not needing to chat much to feel comfortable. Behind them, Ayako watched them advance. She could see their trust; their steps were sure, close and of the same pace. They reassured each other, easing their worries.

Part of her felt warmth with the sight. But deep inside, she felt envy. She could see that bond, and she admired it; she didn’t know why, but she felt like if she missed it.

But, I have only felt that kind of trust for Lykaios… Why do I feel this longing?

Those thoughts did not fade, not even if they spent hours walking. She was with her own, the group of humans followed her steps diligently; but she found herself more drawn towards the angel and demon, like if she was tied by a string.

Gone was the path. No one could see the signs of where they came from; if they chose to turn around, they would most probably not find the way back. They had ventured deep into Uriel’s territory, and gone was their knowledge of where to head.

The humans had followed without word, even if they had grown wearier of their surroundings; they had trusted Ayako. Uriel had marched ahead silently, always making sure to keep a pace they could follow. There was no stop, no rest. Not until now. Uriel slowed down. Alexis did so. All had to, for the demon was the lead of their line.

Uriel turned slowly, and then spoke to the humans carefully.

“We’re almost where the cart should be, just a few minutes, I think. Please, this way.” All watched as Uriel stepped close to some sharp bushes and branches. He pulled at them, and made them bend to reveal a gloomy and small path between trees. “I’ll hold this away for you to pass.”

Ayako leaned her head, baffled. Right at their right, there was more space, a path empty of trees, which they could take without need of parting thorns. She did not really know the reason of Uriel’s strange choice, but she knew it was for a reason, judging by the look in his eyes.

Alexis was the first to move. He tugged his backpack closer and marched past Uriel, not worried that he could let go of the branches while he crossed. Once at a safe distance of the thick branches, Alexis nodded at Ayako, asking her to follow before the men. The humans were staring and fidgeting, doubtful; they did not understand this detour. Knowing she had to put an example, she followed the angel. As she walked past Uriel, she shot him a smile, which did not fail to make him tuck his tail away. She stood at Alexis’ side, giving him a quick reassuring glance.

Three of the men soon understood. They obeyed, but did so fretfully; they walked by Uriel hurriedly, and one almost flinched, thinking the demon could let go of the branches and hit them. Uriel nodded contently once they got to the other side. He was about to let go and walk past as well, but he realized something. He looked back, and saw that the horse had not moved. He stared at Lane, questioning why he was glaring and refusing to hit the reigns to make his mount move.

“Lane, what are you waiting for?”

Lane glared at Ayako. He was not faced by her stern expression. He pointed at the path past the branches and hissed with an accusing tone.

“Do you have eyes?” Lane yelled, deeming her crazy. “Haven’t you taken a look at this path? Really, look at it.”

Indeed, past the branches and bushes that blocked the way there was only darkness. All was shadowed, and one had to walk slowly to not hit the trees at each side; it was very narrow. On the other hand, the path they had not taken, at their right, was very spacious and more lighted, even if it made a lot of turns.

The other three humans tried to bargain with their stubborn companion.

“For the love of… Lane, drop it already. You are only stalling us!”

“Really, I don’t like this narrow path either, but I’m not the one leading.”

“Just cross already!”

Ayako knew things were going south, very fast. Lane pulled at the reigns of his horse and scoffed at them.

“I’m not getting in there, just to be an easy target. Once this brute lets go of the branches, we’re trapped in for him to do whatever he wishes with us; no way of running back.” He gave a sharp glare to both Ayako and Uriel… and then hit the reigns. He bolted away through the open path, yelling back. “These two paths head in the same direction! I’ll be ahead; I won’t turn back if I hear you scream!”

Uriel’s eyes widened; his heart skipped a beat when he saw the human rush the other way.

“Wait, don’t!”

He let go of the branches and ran to catch the human, who was already turning in the other path, out of sight. All gasped, the thick branches almost hit them as they bounced back. The way back was blocked, covered by thorns. Ayako was the only one to dare touch them. The men fidgeted while she growled and pushed.

“Dammit…!”

Alexis trembled. Ayako, after a few seconds of struggle, managed to squish and push herself through. She got a few scratches, but she did not care as she followed Lane and Uriel.

“Aya, w-wait!”

Alexis tried to get through as well. He soon realized that he was taller than her, and a little more worried of the scratches he would get by pushing and pulling. He stood there, frozen in realization. After a few seconds he turned around, slowly. He stared at the humans, the humans stared back; a rabbit peeked from a small backpack, aware of the sudden tension.

“Huhh…”

The humans exchanged awkward glances, while the angel screamed internally.

Meanwhile, a chase was picking up pace.

“Stop!”

Lane heard him yell. He moved to glare back; he spotted Uriel behind him, running fast, sometimes dropping on all fours to take impulse forward. The demon was running faster than his horse… So he kicked it and yelled to make it go faster.

Uriel sighed and grimaced, seeing the human ignore him. He leaned to take more speed, while he pleaded.

“Please, you don’t know where you-!” He pointed a nail forward, alarmed. “Halt the horse! You’re going to-!”

Lane was smirking, sure that the demon could not get him now, judging by the gasps Uriel was letting out. Little did he know that Uriel was not grimacing out of tiredness, but out of worry. Before Uriel could end his warning, Lane reached what Uriel had wanted to avoid.

The horse screamed and slammed its hooves down. It did so strongly and suddenly that Lane jolted and lost his balance. Uriel cursed under his breath, seeing the horse slow down harshly, steps away from the huge pitch, which had been hidden after one slight turn. A sudden drop, the path a dead end.

Lane’s eyes widened; he soon understood. But it was too late to listen now. He scrambled for a second and tried to regain his balance, but he soon fell down with the startled jolts the horse gave. He was thrown forward, and because of his broken leg, he did not have a good landing. He rolled on the ground, flung off by the scare and push; he tried to grab onto something, but he just slid down the severe hill. He was rolling, unable to stand and stop his drive. He winced and threw his arms over his head, knowing that on the end of the slide, he would have an even harsher landing. There was a patch of thorns below.

He heard a swishing noise. He felt something, but it was not the strong hit he had expected. He felt a quick, rough tuck and pull.

He lowered his arms. He stared down, wide eyed. He was not rolling down the hill anymore. He was hanging. He slowly looked back and up. He saw a sharp claw, sharp nails; they were clasping the back of his blouse. Uriel was looking down at him; those sharp violet eyes were glinting in the dark. It looked like if a panther was eyeing him down, judging. He shuddered, but did not dare move; the demon was the only thing holding him away from a harsh fall, which could break his other leg.

Uriel had jumped down; he had skidded down the slope, and had grabbed him in time. His other claw was stabbing the earth, so sharply that it was preventing both from following the pull of gravity.

Lane was sure the demon would hiss or growl, he was sure that he would drop him, out of anger. Uriel only asked one thing.

“Any injuries?”

The tone was even, firm but thoughtful. Lane shook his head, shaken. Uriel sighed tiredly, and then looked back up. He blinked in surprise, for he met blue eyes. Ayako was up there at the edge, watching from above. She had seen most of it all; her hands were clasping the reigns of Lane’s horse, which she had prevented from fleeing further away when she arrived at the scene.

The hunter smiled with relief. Uriel had begun to climb his way back up. He carefully carried the human in one arm, while his feet and free claw pushed against the slide. Once he reached even ground, he dropped Lane near his mount. He did not look at the human; he was somewhat upset, deep inside. After giving one glance at Ayako, he walked back towards the path he had initially chosen.

Ayako stood there, thoughtful; Uriel had said nothing to Lane, nor had showed any signs of anger. But she knew this tired him; it did not make him angry, only sad. She looked at Lane, and unceremoniously handed him the reigns with a scolding frown.

“Get back on your horse.”

Lane kept quiet this time. He did not care that he would have a hard time mounting with a broken leg; it was that, or facing Ayako’s ire.

When Uriel reached the blockage, he was met with two things. One, his angel seemed to let out the most relieved sigh ever. The blond was leaning onto the branches, and had been moping like if he was in the worst scenario possible. Meanwhile, the other three looked alarmed. The three travelers leaned and peeked over the thick bushes, whispering nervously. They couldn’t see anyone but Uriel, and were soon to think the worst. Luckily, Ayako soon came back after him, into view. Behind her a horse followed, and on the horse, was a very red faced Lane.

Uriel pushed the branches away, for the other two to pass. Ayako was the first; the men ignored how Alexis immediately jumped to her side, like if he was scared to be any more seconds near them. The blond and brunette walked ahead alone, exchanging quick words. No one heard what the angel muttered to the hunter, with an anxious tone.

“It was horrible, Aya. They were staring, and staring, and I had no idea what to say to these guys! They were piercing me with their eyes! I couldn’t even manage to hold my sword to try and break those damn branches! How do you guys manage to unnerve me so much, and why don’t you know what personal space is?!”

Meanwhile, Lane passed by. Uriel looked at Lane, with no apparent harshness, yet the human refused to lift his gaze from the ground. Once all got back, Uriel let go and let the branches block the way. He then proceeded to walk to the head of the line. The three travelers were fast to bundle around Lane, to ask quietly what had happened. Lane only muttered something under his breath, with a reluctant groan.

“…I fell down a slope.”

The three stared up at him in disbelief, thinking it was a joke, but got no more out of him. Their only choice was to face palm at once, imagining what had probably happened.

————–

He could see why it was here.

“You really didn’t know where you were walking.”

No one dared to retort to Uriel’s affirmation, not even Lane. There was the cart; the road was full of rocks and hitches, so he was surprised that it had been the horse what had broken its wheel first. This forest was huge, bigger than the green one where Alexis hid, and much more gloomy and chaotic. It was only thanks to him that they reached the cart again, because he had figured out that the travelers did not remember much of that night’s route.

Alexis whistled; he inspected the broken wheel, noting the dent on its side.

“That was a pretty fierce kick.” He shot a glance at Lane, acknowledging the humans for the first time. “Whatever you did to scare the horse, you better not do it while I’m near.”

Ayako stepped closer to the cart. She crouched at Alexis’ side and pointed at the broken wheel.

“Are you saying it is unfixable?”

Alexis gave her a look, sarcastic as ever.

“Well, if you are the one holding the tools, then we won’t ever see it roll again. I have seen you hold a hammer… It is not pleasant.” Before she could smack him, he added. “However, I have messed with enough golden carriages to fix any kind of wagon, even if it was in shreds.”

Alexis stood up and looked around for a second. Suddenly, he behaved like if the humans were not around anymore; he was entranced with the task. He waved a hand at Uriel and pointed near some stumps.

“Uriel, this is going to take a while. If I were you, I would take this as a sign to call it a day. I don’t know, make a fire or something, maybe cook dinner; we both know she is hungry.”

Ayako would have been yelling at Alexis, but she was looking up thoughtfully instead. She ended up frowning at him, confused.

“When the hell have you seen me hold a hammer?”

Of course, she had forgotten the day she tried to break his bracelets, put on his wrists by Uriel. Alexis did not answer her wonder; Uriel stepped close to her and clapped his hands as he offered.

“Alexis is right; we better make a fire and do something while he works. Want to help?”

He pulled at her gently, and she followed, but she was still frowning in slight thought. Luckily, the thought of food or a task always took the best of her. While Uriel and Ayako dropped their things and collected dry branches, Alexis kneeled again near the broken wheel. He brushed his black stubble as he pondered in a trance.

“…Now, one of the connections is broken.” He looked down; Abiel had peeked from his bag, holding something up to him in his mouth. “That will do; thanks, pal.

He tugged at the metallic scrap the rabbit handed him; it did not surprise him that Abiel tried to play a little game of tug for a moment. If one thing he hoarded, it was scraps; the animal had seen him use them enough to know they could be used for a lot of things. Alexis weighted the small piece of metal in his hand, and then held it up for a moment near the wheel. Once he deemed it was big enough, he grabbed a hammer from his bag as well. He had come prepared, with many tools and scraps, even if he hadn’t wanted to come. Uriel had not needed to ask him to do this; he heard of the broken wheel, and both knew he would assign himself the task.

No one dared to disturb him while he worked. The humans had seated themselves nearby, at some stumps, lying down their bags and belongings for a little rest. They now talked quietly, watching as the trio did their thing.

“She didn’t say he was a blacksmith.”

“She didn’t say many things.” Said one of them with a shrug. “Wouldn’t be surprised if she has hidden more things from us.”

“Does it bother you?”

“Not really.” He pointed at their cart, not really minding Alexis there. “All our things are right there; we thought we would have to repair our cart ourselves… but wouldn’t you know it, that guy didn’t come for nothing.”

They all turned their heads to stare at the blond, who luckily was unaware of their puzzled looks and whispers.

“I thought he was a bodyguard of some sort. I was not fond of that sword he carries.”

“Why would a demon need a human bodyguard for?” The man laughed a little, wiggling his fingers at the others “Big claws, sharper than a flimsy sword! Guy looks a little scrawny, to be honest.”

Now that they looked closer, more trustful, they could see that either demon or supposed human were as intimidating as first thought. Lane was the one with the most thoughtful and serious expression; he was saying nothing, just musing internally. He watched while the blond worked; those hands were skilled, and fast.

Unknown to the men and the angel, the hunter and demon were having a small discussion in the distance.

“You know it is for the best.”

She didn’t like those words. She dropped the twigs she had been carrying on the ground with a huff, and then turned to give him a scornful look.

“Why must you always step aside for others?”

Uriel smiled tiredly and dropped the branches he had picked with her as well. There was now a pile of wood big enough to make a fire that would last for hours, for them to pass the night and make food. He slowly lifted a hand; Ayako was not scared when it glinted with a warm violet fire.

“I can take care of myself. I could say I am an eternal flame, don’t you think?” He nodded sideways to the men and cart in the dark. “They won’t eat as much if I’m right at their side. They need this fire, you two as well.”

“But you helped them, in more than one way. They should be grateful.”

They both felt eyes on them; they turned, and caught Lane staring at them. The man quickly averted his gaze, with a guilty look at the ground. Uriel sighed and crouched to change subject; he touched the pile of wood with his fiery hand.

“They are thankful, maybe even ashamed. Guilt is harder to deal with than hate or fear.” He stood up and gave her chin a gentle nudge, to reassure her. “I’ll be here, just a few meters, ok? I’m not going to cross the whole forest to get away.”

She smiled and gave up in arguing. She nudged his arm back playfully, more strongly than he did.

“Fine, but don’t you get too far. I don’t want you to get out of my sight.”

He blushed, she kept grinning. He just turned without word and began to walk away hurriedly. While he tried to find a place to sit and calm down, she began to collect what would be dinner from her bags, not guilty at all for his nervousness.

Meanwhile, Alexis dropped his hammer. His eyes squinted, he leaned close, he pulled with his hand; there were no flaws. The wheel was fixed now; no matter how he hit with his fist, it wouldn’t budge. It would take two kicks from that horse to break it again, at least the area that he messed with. The metal scrap was now hammered all around the broken connection of the wheel, like a ring; a little more heavy, but more durable. Granted, it did not look great or aesthetic, but it was efficient.

With his job done, he snapped out of his focused trance. He shivered, because as soon as he stood in triumph, he took the attention of the men. They saw that the cart was fixed, and so, they stood up to come closer and check it out. He quickly collected his tools and secured Abiel in his bag, almost dashing to get away. He was relieved, because the men did not have a chance to talk to him before they got to the cart, which they began to examine cheerfully. Ayako smiled fondly when he dropped himself near the fire and her, letting out a long anxious sigh. She only commented, trying to make small talk.

“You did a great job.”

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled awkwardly, not because of the tiring work, but for his restlessness.

“Don’t dare call this my best job, I only had scraps to work with; give me real tools and materials and you’ll see what real skill looks like.”

He almost jumped out of his own skin when another voice joined in.

Alexis froze; he couldn’t even try to stand while the group of men took a seat around the fire with him and Ayako. He began to sweat nervously, his eyes moved to send her a nervous call for help, but she only gave him a knowing look that said: Did you really expect them to not sit by the fire?

He cursed mentally, for his silly assumption that they would stand by the cart for at least a while. He wanted to stand and leave, badly, but he found himself frozen while the group tried to talk to him. Their expressions were friendly, curious, unknowing of the inner heart attack he was having. They had not dared to speak so directly before.

Alexis quickly grabbed one of his trinkets, shaking his head nervously. The questions came quickly; the men had made themselves comfortable.

He shook his head again, but it seemed the men were talking with each other more than listening to him.

“Haven’t you paid attention? He came with the demon, he must know him beforehand!”

“No, you idiot, what would a blacksmith like him do with a demon? They’re acquaintances at best! Maybe he’s just a pilgrim!”

“I’m n-not-”

Alexis muttered nervously, but he wasn’t heard.

“Pilgrim? There aren’t any important temples in this region! Maybe he’s a merchant, like us wannabes?”

“No, he isn’t a merchant.” Alexis’ eyes widened; one of them pointed at his neck, at something very important. “He must be some sort of pilgrim, that necklace is too good-looking to be a simple trinket. It looks like something a priest would wear.”

Ayako finally paid mind. She frowned, about to cut the conversation, seeing that Alexis was really anxious now, not just nervous. Surprisingly, she was not the one to stop them.

“Let the guy be.” All looked at Lane, who had been sitting silently until now. He was now pointing at them, with a half-eaten loaf of bread in his hand. “What he does is not your business, nor how he got that necklace. If he isn’t a priest, you’re making it sound like he robbed one, so stop bugging him.”

Alexis blinked and let go of the necklace, which he had grabbed subconsciously. He gave Lane a puzzled glance, and after seeing that there was no malice in his remarks, he relaxed a little. He had not liked Lane, at all, but he appreciated his gesture. The men really did stop, and some even brushed their hair in embarrassment.

Ayako knew she had to provide a distraction, so she stepped in and took the lead.

“Very well, everyone, we have to make some sort of dinner, and loafs of bread won’t do. We’ve walked half the way, but now will come the hardest part of the journey, so we need the energy.” She dropped a few ingredients near the fire, and then placed a small pot over it. “I’ve brought enough to make a stew. Give a hand if you want.”

One of the men raised a hand, having remembered something.

“Oh, we had some fruit in a box in the cart. Maybe it hasn’t spoiled yet; if it hasn’t, we should eat it now before it does.”

Ayako smiled and eyed the cart in interest, not one to refuse food.

“Hmm, something sweet sounds nice.” She dropped what she was doing, and stood up to head for the cart. “I’ll be back in a second; don’t you eat everything without me.”

Alexis frowned when he saw her walk away from the fire. He was not comfortable being alone with them, but he was not scared; she was not far, he wasn’t technically being left behind. He limited himself to pet Abiel in silence, while the men took care of the food. It was not long till they inspected the ingredients and realized that Ayako had only provided water, vegetables, salted fish and oil for it.

“This won’t do. It lacks that something…”

They deemed that something was necessary for the stew, and unknown to Ayako, they had it in their bags. Alexis did not know that what they took out was meat, for it resembled some kind of powder. He assumed it was only seasonings, and said nothing when they dropped it into the stew. It was not long until the food was done… and the men decided to show their good will towards the unknown angel. Alexis blinked when one of them filled a bowl and offered it to him with a smile.

The angel accepted the bowl with a nervous nod, never looking at the others in the eye. He stared at it, somewhat apprehensive. He could only smell the fish and vegetables; he couldn’t discern the meat in it. Before he could take a sip, a hand gently lowered his down.

“I remembered.” He looked up. Ayako had come back, and was looking down at him, with a strange look in her eyes. “Alex, you like cheese.”

He raised an eyebrow. Her strange behavior and wording only managed to get something out of him: bewilderment.

“What?”

She spoke again, this time with a more dragged tone, almost exaggerated.

“You love cheese; you’d drop everything else for it. I have some in my bag, and some bread. Silly me… I forgot and almost made you eat a lifeless stew.”

Alexis was not getting her hints. He nodded down to the bowl, with a grumpy frown.

“What are you talking about? I do like a good stew from time to time, why would I eat cheese with bread instead of-“She tugged at his hair a little too harshly. “Ow!”

She leaned a little more, and then smiled a little too bleakly.

“Now, you’re too tired to remember what your favorite food is. Cheese! Silly you…” She dropped her smile, gave him a very blunt exasperated look, and whispered right at his face. “Drop the bowl. This stew is lifeless; literally.”

She could smell the meat in it, she loved it, and she wouldn’t ever miss it. She had dropped the box of fruit as soon as she noticed. She loved meat, but her hunger was not the reason of her return; she knew Alexis had some quirks. Angels never ate meat.

He finally caught her drift. He slowly lowered his hands, with a deadpanned look on his face. True to her word, Ayako walked to her bag and took out bread and some cheese. He sent her a grateful nod and look, and slowly handed back the bowl to the human who gave it to him. The man looked confused for a second, but said nothing, because Alexis looked truly sorry about not eating it.

Ayako watched carefully while the men chatted, making sure that none of them tried to pressure Alexis to speak or eat anything. The angel was more or less calm, thanks to the fact that she was sitting at his side, not showing signs of wanting to stand again. She would not leave the warmth of the fire until Alexis was done eating, but something did take her attention from time to time. Alexis noticed her small glances, her doubtful looks. She was looking away, even if there was food in her hands; she was looking at the distance.

Both hunter and angel shared the same sad expression. They stared at the violet glint near some trees, not far from the cart. Uriel was there, sitting under a tree, leisurely watching the fire he lit for himself. The demon was minding his own business, not seeming bothered by how alone he was. It was not easy for the two to finish their meals knowing Uriel was there, away from them.

She wished to stand, she wanted to go and give Uriel some company. In the end, Alexis was the one to stand away from the fire, commenting plainly.

“I’m going to check how he’s doing.” He gave her a quick side glance, making sure to be serious. “We should sleep until morning.”

She nodded, noting how the men were less talkative now. Their chattiness had decreased, and some were lying more tiredly near the fire.

“Sure.” She sighed, taking out a blanket from one of her bags. “I’ll tie the horse to the cart tomorrow. Get some rest, Alex.”

With that, Alexis walked away hesitantly.

Lane watched how the blond neared without doubt the unnatural violet fire in the distance. He sat slowly, not startling the tall demon, who seemed pleasantly surprised to see him join his side. Both males seemed to begin to talk, calmly and closely.

It took a while, but one by one, all lied down to sleep. The last to close her eyes, was Ayako. She stared at the tree in the distance, even if that violet fire had been extinguished. She could see their outlines in the dark, resting side by side against the trunk, trustful in their sleep.

Her eyes slowly closed, not without yearning.

—————-

The morning was uneventful.

All awoke, without much to say. She tied the reigns; she let the horse guide the cart. The men made sure everything was safely loaded in the back. Alexis gave a wordless nod after checking the wheel followed well the moves of the horse. Uriel stood by a side, waiting for them all to shake off their lethargy.

Once all had their belongings, the demon turned to resume their journey, and all followed without objection.

This time, Lane did not travel on horse. He had huddled himself in the back of the cart, between crates and bags, not doing much other than groan in annoyance from time to time. The men walked by the cart, talking again of their future, not speaking as much of their anxiousness. Gone was the tension for Uriel’s presence and lead. Alexis still kept his distance, but did not jolt each time one of the men took a faster pace forward. At last, with this new found ease, Ayako was able to do something she had wished to.

She was fast to wander ahead of line. None of the men seemed to notice her putting more distance between her and them. None of them seemed to care that she left the side of the cart and her surveillance, in favor of advancing towards what she had interest in.

Uriel blinked, realizing that someone had inched closer, almost able to touch. He looked down at her, surprised to see her now marching at his side, smiling contently. She spoke, cheerfully as always.

“As soon as I opened my eyes, you were already awake.” She looked around her, like if she wanted to admire the landscape. Even though there was not much to admire other than crooked trees and an empty path. “You are quite the morning person, aren’t you, Uriel?”

Uriel smiled a little. He enjoyed the fact that he was now having small talk with her, something he had cherished. He mimicked her actions; he let himself roll with it, not holding back.

“I try to be. Well, anyone can be, compared to Alexis.”

Both snickered. Alexis, when he heard his name being spoken, looked up from the ground in a groggy and grumpy state of mind. Indeed, the angel did not enjoy waking up in the morning, even less as early as they did.

“I am not looking forward to his complaints if this path gets more uphill.” She nudged Uriel playfully with an arm, nodding ahead. “Do you think we’ll need to take more breaks?”

He laid a claw on his chin, musing. He ended up speaking with a decisive tone, sure of his calculations.

“It will take us one day to reach the edge of my territory. Then, one more day, in order to lead them through the next region and to safety, where we can let them keep going on alone. Surely, we’ll need to set camp at least once.”

He was eyeing one direction, one which he was not walking towards. He could not see the outlines of his manor from here, but knew that if he headed slightly north, he could find it with ease.

He did not wish to head there. It was the last thing he wanted. So he looked east again, and grinned with determination.

“We’ll be there soon, Ayako.”

She found his sudden faster steps strange, but did not question them. Alexis did glance north, with an unreadable expression. All kept going, never questioning Uriel.

A more eerie and barren landscape… but with no sight of demons. That’s all they would be able to tell of this place once they reached their new home, which was very close at last. They had ventured past Uriel’s territory, into a region where demons supposedly roamed freely, yet had seen none. They had been afraid of the shadows around them, but now, they were seeing a brighter road, more widen and well kept, out of narrow paths.

Uriel stood behind them at a distance, for the first time since they had parted. His tail was dragging on the ground while he looked at them with his arms crossed. There were tall wooden posts near some stones, which signaled their parting. Humans did not live too far.

“This is as far as I need to bring you.” He bowed his head a little, and then turned to leave them alone. “Safe travels.”

Lane peeked from inside the back of the cart and saw Uriel walk back the path they had come from, without more to say. Ayako smiled sheepishly, feeling sorry for Uriel and the men, who did not know how to deal with their farewell. Some of them looked like they wanted to face Uriel and voice their gratefulness, but they also looked apprehensive. In the end, she was the one to welcome their thanks.

“Well, this is it.” She pointed ahead, over the road they stood on, with many signs of human activity, like a tall lantern. “You just have to follow this road, and you’ll find the next town in a matter of hours.”

The men surrounded her and proceeded to show their gratitude and relief.

“Thanks Ayako, we wouldn’t have managed without you.”

“Well make sure to praise you in front of any noble we meet! Maybe they send you a hiring proposition! You’re resourceful!”

“If you visit, we’ll offer you part of our gains! That’s the least we can do!”

She laughed nervously, scratching her ponytail.

“Thanks guys, but I already belong in a guild… And in fact, Uriel was more resourceful than me; he is the one who knows these roads, better than I. I was only the mediator.”

They blushed and coughed, realizing they had worded badly their thanks.

“O-of course! We are really thankful to him as well. Please, make sure to tell him.”

“He seems to prefer to keep to himself. We won’t bother him; just assure him he is welcome to receive a share of what we make selling these boxes.”

“As well, we are thankful to your other friend! Our cart is fixed.”

They all looked at Alexis, who had been giving them his back, curiously looking at the road ahead. He was curious of how a human town really looked like, so he had been in his own mind again; however, as soon as he felt eyes on him, he snapped out of it.

Ayako sighed with amusement, because the angel fidgeted under their stare and soon began to sidestep awkwardly, slowly moving towards Uriel’s general direction. The men smiled sheepishly, still not getting his strange reactions.

With the angel and demon gone, she knew that she had to say goodbye to the travelers. She held two fingers onto her head, and then lowered them forward while turning around to leave.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it! Good luck!” She began to run towards the other two, sending Lane one last remark. “Be careful with that broken leg of yours, Lane!”

Lane only huffed and scoffed, crossing his arms and refusing to bid goodbye. After a while, he subtly looked fondly at the outlines of the three in the distance, from inside the cart.

The group of men looked ahead, hopeful, and soon began to resume their journey. They did not only get out of their problem with everything they had lost, but with the idea that appearances could be misleading.

In the distance, a demon marched without looking back. He did not glance back, not even if he heard steps trying to keep pace with him. Soon, more echoed, more strong and fast.

Ayako panted, having sprinted her way towards Uriel and Alexis. Once she walked by their side, she smiled up at them, beaming.

“Thank you, Uriel, Alexis. Your help has been a blessing.”

Alexis let out a long sigh.

“Finally being able to go back home is a blessing.” He leaned his head and commented sarcastically, giving her a prideful look. “My feet hurt like hell, but I guess it’ll be worth it, just to see you praise me from now on. What would you have ever done if I hadn’t come? Oh, yeah, push and pull a heavy cart for days with your own hands, while keeping a broken wheel above the ground. If you may, you can call me your guardian angel; or master of all blacksmiths, if you prefer.”

While Alexis rambled, Uriel leaned down elegantly towards Ayako. He smiled at her warmly, speaking with an obvious contrast to his angel.

“It has been my pleasure, Ayako.”

She chuckled, because Alexis snarled and pushed Uriel’s head back, preventing him of smiling at her.

“Hey, don’t interrupt me. It’s time she gives me the respect she hasn’t given me! Humans are so entitled! Haven’t you seen how those four went their merry way without thanking you?”

Uriel sighed, waving the point of his tail casually.

“They did thank my help.” He pointed at one of his ears, raising an eyebrow. “I heard, even if far away.”

“But they did indirectly!” He pointed at Ayako with both hands, not minding being loud now that the humans were gone. “She got to see all the praise! Humans are ungrateful!”

Alexis almost stumbled, because she latched her arm around his and pulled at him, gleefully indulging his demands.

“This human here is really glad to have met you two, and is really thankful, not just for this!” Alexis regained his balance, but failed in his efforts of freeing his arm. He surrendered to her strong hold, walking along with a grumpy pout. “Let me show how thankful I am, by dragging you back quickly to your clearing, faster than a blink!”

“I swear, if you begin to run, I’m not going to hold back any of my limbs from hitting you, Aya.”

He blinked in confusion, because he felt something latch onto his other arm. He stared mouth agape as Uriel tangled his tail around his arm, keeping it from dashing like he warned. The demon grinned mischievously at him, seeming to join and enjoy her joking mockery.

“You won’t hold back, but guess who will keep you from trashing about.” Uriel nodded ahead, enjoying how his angel stammered with perplexity. “We’ll drag you back home, so fast that we won’t have to hear your grumbles for long.”

“W-what?”

Ayako joined in, smiling like a fox at the two. Both demon and human were grinning, sharing sly glances.

“Oh, any dangerous demon could roam this region! We haven’t seen any, and Uriel says they are too far away to show up… but we can’t know for sure! They could smell you, and wish to abduct you! We better hurry!”

“W-wait!” Too late, Ayako began to run. She pulled at him, yanking his arm forward before Uriel ran as well. “G-guys! Stop, my feet can’t take it! I’m tired!”

“More reason to run and get there soon!”

“I can carry you if needed.”

“No! Uriel, don’t you dare lift me! Guys, it isn’t funny!”

Ayako just laughed like Uriel did, both easily keeping Alexis grabbed by his arms. Alexis complained all the while, but his curses were not heartfelt. He kept showing his annoyance, but deep inside enjoyed seeing Uriel smile, join her mischief.

They had missed it.