~~**~~
As Ana and Light headed to Ustedrias, she sat in the carriage reading her mother's book. It was a good thing Light hadn't forgotten to take it when they were ambushed. If he had, and the enemies had laid their hands on it, things wouldn't end to well for the human and supernatural race. Her attempts were made futile though, every time she tried to read a new line, her thoughts would drift back to the memories she'd had when her mother was still alive.
Especially that time when the water company cut off the neighborhood's supply because of a long period of drought. Everyone reeked and yet at the end of the day they were able to have fun because it finally rained in what seemed like years. Everyone bathed in it. She could remember vividly the fact that little children ran around butt-naked in the rain. Screaming, laughing and rolling in the mud like pigs.
She laughed and wiped a stray tear after seeing one land on the page she was reading. Whipping up the courage to continue reading, she found a chapter on eye colors.
It read:
Crimson red means the power of flames and anger.
Golden rim (the individuals iris is a golden) means the power of visions.
Antarctic ice means conjuring or manipulating the element as well as turning an innate object into ice.
As Ana continued reading, Light stopped the carriage. She looked up from her book for five seconds, scanned the area and then asked. "Light, what's going on?" No answer. "Light why did we stop?" No answer. She decided to get off and walk to the front of the carriage.
"Ligh-"
"I need a break, Ana. It's already after three." he said sleepily as he looked at the direction of the sun and his shadow.
"Fine." she said a little aggravated. He was right though, he was tired. His eyes were droopy and his stance was weak. Him having to do all the work as she sat snuggly in the carriage wasn't so fair. Especially the fact of him being out there, alone and susceptible to all the danger. "I'll drive," she offered as she placed the book in the carriage and walked up to take the reigns.
"No, Ana," Light said as he held her wrist. She turned to watch him and he scanned the area. "I don't think you should do that."
"Why not?"
"Demons invaded your home and killed your mother. They kidnapped your brother-they could be hiding in these woods right now waiting for the right moment to attack."
Ana scoffed. "Let them try," and she pulled her wrist from his hold and climbed on the seat and faced ahead.
"Ana this is dangerous. I'm your bodyguard-"
"Then you'll protect me. Look out the window whilst I drive and alert me, simple."
"I won't let you do that Ana. You're too valuable and you still need more training."
When he said that, she turned her head slowly to watch him. "Your lack of faith in me is quite enlightening." Sarcasm laced in her voice.
His eyes grew wide and he shook his head, "That's not what I meant..."
"Then what do you mean!"
"Ana please. It gets late pretty quickly this time of year. I don't feel comfortable with you riding up there alone and I don't want to argue. Just...please, go back in the carriage and after ten minutes we'll head off again."
Ana faced forwards and folded her arms. "No. Either you get your ass up here with me since you're so afraid of me being up here alone, or you sit your ass in the carriage and let me do you a favor."
Startled and pissed at her stubbornness, Light stared at her and chuckled afterward. "You really are ratchet and stubborn and annoying."
Ana scoffed with surprise and watched him. "Well you're one to talk, calling me ratchet. I'm more well-mannered than you are."
"It was one time, Ana. One time can we drop it?"
Ana laughed and playfully tapped her chin. "Maybe..." They burst into laughter which lasted for ten seconds. "How much farther do we have to go?"
Light looked ahead and remained silent. "Shouldn't be too long. There's a village not too far from here, maybe we can spend the night and continue tomorrow." By that time, his eyes were trained on her again awaiting her response.
"And you're sure you don't want me to drive?"
His eyelids drooped showing how serious he'd become at her statement.
"I mean it's only for a few minutes you said it yourself, it's not too far away from here."
Gray's expression lightened a bit and he took a step forward. Both of them staring into each others eyes, "I appreciate you trying to help Ana, but-"
"Okay," she said and slapped her hands on her thighs. "You're the boss," and she slid off the seat and entered the carriage without another word. Light reclaimed his seat and before he cracked the whip, Ana spoke.
"Wait. If we get a car, could I drive when you're tired?"
"What's a car?"
Ana looked at him shocked until a smirk crept up on his face and he winked. Ana laughed and shook her head, "Good one. I almost believed you there!"
And Light laughed in return before he cracked the whip and the carriage started moving.
"Do you think they'll have a Nissan or a Chevrolet or-"
"Oh maybe even a Cadillac!" Light replied sarcastically. "Really Ana, a village. How can a village have these sorts of-"
"Never, ever judge a book by it's cover Light," Ana said with a lazy smirk on her face and a gleam in her eyes. As he looked at her with soft eyes, he said.
"That is true...you did teach me that the first day we met." He smiled slowly after and Ana looked in front of her as if she could see him. She blushed and laughed a few seconds later.
"Did I now?"
An hour later, it began to rain heavily. The skies were as dark as the night and lightning flashed through the sky, frying a bird that flew by. The trees on the roadside looked dark and gloomy and so did the sign which said: Welcome to Proxy Pracs. "Who in their right mind, would name a village Proxy Pracs? Is that even a name?"
Ana didn't take the thought of staying in this village lightly. It looked way to creepy and suspicious. Everything about it seemed dark, but that was only the outside of it. As they went past the sign, what she saw was very much surprising. It looked as bright as day, the bird's chirped, mockingbird's sang sweet songs and the fresh air was amazing. "Damn, the irony here is pretty strong...."
But something dawned on her. If the outside really looked like how it did, then why does the inside look the opposite of that. Her instincts told her that it wasn't safe to stay here, despite it's appearance. Someone or something did this on purpose, and it sure wasn't to lure people in.
"Light...I don't think we should stay here. Turn around."
But he didn't listen. 'How deaf could this damn boy be?' "Light! Are you listening to me?" Nothing. Ana she groaned and the carriage stopped. She felt movement from the front, guessing he'd jumped off because he opened the door for her. "What is it Ana?" He asked as he looked at a lady, and a young girl about Ana's age. They stood outside of a building which was made out of brick and wood.
The wind blew gently and everything was quiet except for the squeaking of the sign above their heads which said: Proxy Pracs Inn. "Oh nothing...I forgot you were deaf!" she seethed and Light looked at her as if to say 'What?' she rolled her eyes and got off the carriage. "Forget it." Light walked up to them and they spoke with each other for a few seconds. The lady looked at Ana and then back at Light nodding, all the while the other one kept her eyes on Light's every movement. Ana rolled her eyes.
Two minutes later, Light led a reluctant Ana to the women and she stopped in front of them. The air seemed deadly, suffocating would be a better word. "Ana, these are the owners of Proxy Pracs Inn. They've decided to take us in for the night and I've agreed."
Ana shot him a glare and then smiled at them wearily. "Ugh...e-excuse us for a moment." She said grabbing his arm and dragging him away, putting enough distance between them. As she did that and glanced at them briefly, they looked back at her innocently. A little too innocently.
"Light, I don't want to stay here. Something's funny about this place. I--" she sighed. "Something's not right." And in agreement, the horses neighed and shifted uncomfortably stamping their hooves into the ground.
"What do you mean something's not right? I don't see any problems, Ana. Besides, we've been travelling the whole damn day-"
"Exactly my point! It's right there. For hours we've been on the road Light, the sun is supposed to be setting. Not still blazing bright in the sky. Another thing is when we approached here. Everything was dark with lightening and heavy rain and suddenly it's a place full of sunshine? Not to mention the way they are practically staring at me. Ligh-"
"Ana what the hell are you talking about? There was no such thing as we passed, you're dill--"
"Don't let that freaking word leave you damn mouth dam it! I- am- not- staying- here, Light. I know what I'm saying and I know what I saw." She looked around and felt like eyes were piercing into her back, forcing its way to her soul. Ana felt prickly and became agitated as her skin started to scratch.
Light sighed heavily and held her shoulders, drawing her attention to him. "Listen, Ana. What ever you think you saw..." she rolled her eyes and looked away from him. "Look at me." She looked at him furious, but his eyes were the complete opposite. "What ever you think you saw, it's not real. And even if something were to hurt you...or by the heavens, happen to you...I'd never let it. You understand? Right now I see no threat, so don't worry."
"There's a girl there Light...sure you won't slip up like the last time?" she teased him and glared at him as if daring him to contradict her. Light looked at the girl and back at Ana.
"She doesn't seem to bad..." he joked. Ana gasped and cuffed him on his arm. He laughed, "Damn
girl, save your energy. You know damn well why I slept with the-why are we even talking about this? I don't-"
"E-excuse me but, mother says it's time to come inside. I-If you're still considering..." her eyes drifted to Ana.
"No."
"Yes!" Light said above Ana's voice, leaving an interrupted Ana fuming. "We'll be staying. Please...lead the way." The young girl smiled softly and led the way to the Inn.
"You are so dead." Ana seethed in his ear beside him, which only made him laugh. As they entered the Inn, Ana saw the carriage being led away by a young boy across the street to another area.
~~~~~
Inside the Inn was nothing special. It was like any ordinary home. "My name is Sasha, nice to meet you." She bowed to Ana politely, but her eyes kept skimming Light's features.
"Slutty much?" Ana muttered under her breathe as she turned to glance out the window. Sasha looked at Ana puzzled. "Disculpeme?" The word immediately complemented her Spanish accent.
"Ugh... she's nice to meet you too." Light jumped in, as he looked at Ana from the corner of his eye. Whilst Light conversed with Sasha heading towards the kitchen, Ana's attention was focused on the activity outside. The other owner of the Inn seemed to be talking to someone outside, handing him something whiles pointing at the house.
Before she could see anymore, Light called her from the doorway, telling her dinner was ready. Ana lingered a bit more before heading to the kitchen. After Sasha gave her a plate of food and left, she spoke. "Light, I don't trust her nor that lady."
On impulse, he dropped his fork and sipped on his wine instead of glaring at her. Ana leaned over the table and whispered. "I saw that lady give someone outside something and pointed to this place. She-"
"Ana, seriously, you're becoming annoying. Can't you just give it a rest? I've heard your naggings today quite enough. I told what I had to tell you and I wont say it again. Do you hear me? I won't. Now, either you shut up and let a man eat or you leave." he stared at her upset, like really upset. His face was red with furry as he clenched his jaw.
Ana scoffed and rested her back on the chair looking at him long and hard. "Fine! No one ever seems to believe me anyway. They look at me like I'm some psychotic...you know what? Fine, I'll stay, I'll shut up and let you eat. But whatever happens, I'd be more than happy to let you deal with the consequences yourself."
"I-Is everything okay?" Sasha came in worried as she looked at the both of them. Ana pushed her seat back roughly, slammed her napkin on the table making Light jump and walked past Sasha fumingly. Light sighed and looked at her apologetically.
"I'm sorry just some...you know what it's nothing, don't worry about it."
"Couple trouble?" Sasha dared to ask as she sat down in Ana's seat. Light nearly chocked on his chicken.
"Haha, why do you think that ?" he asked nervously and looked around unable to stay calm.
"Hmm... don't know." She laughed, "It's just the way you guys talk is all. Like you're some old married couple." Light laughed and stared at his food. "N-No we're not a couple." His voice came out with humor.
"Mmm well that's good. Wouldn't want to let all this go to waste now would we?"
Suddenly he felt something slide up his leg and stop between them. He gulped and stared at her. She gave him an innocent smile and excused herself, swaying her hips as she left. "Damn," he looked down at his bulging crutch.
~~~
Ana stormed out the back door and sat down on the grass. She let out a heavy sigh and laid down looking up at the stars. Her thoughts drifted immediately to her baby brother. "Simion... where on earth are you?" she missed him. "The little womanizer. I wonder if dad was like that when he was younger? Hmmm?" Then everything went blurry, she wasn't in the backyard anymore but in a room. The scene played before her eyes, but not clear enough to be able to predict anything.
Yet something was as clear as day and she'd heard it before. "You need to get out of here Ana. You and your bodyguard aren't safe. You didn't listen to me the first time, listen to me this time." The vision vanished the same way it came and Ana sat up looking around to see if anyone saw her and as if on cue, a silhouette of a figure ran in the dark with a flash of golden eyes. Fae.
When she turned to look at the house, she saw the older woman looking at her without emotion before walking away. Ana looked forward and kept gasping heavily for air.