No matter what way she turned, Evabelle could not get comfortable.  Her bed felt as hard as stone and her pillow was all lumpy.  Usually Evabelle would awake with a start, but now she felt herself slowly coming to.  Light blazed through her eyelids, forcing her to finally open them.  What?  Where am I?  For a moment Evabelle was confused to discover that she was actually lying on stone and suddenly a flood of memories came back to her.  Demon monsters, called Annihilators had attacked, followed by her and Aza being rescued by beautiful angelic beings, called Anahalians.

Evabelle looked around, blinking several times and sunlight poured in through the bell tower window.  The two Anahalians were still sound asleep, but when her eyes found her friend, her gray irises returned her gaze.  Evabelle was silent for a moment, and then finally she whispered.  "Are you still keeping watch?"

Aza shook her head.  "I fell asleep ages ago.  I just woke up, myself."

Evabelle glanced over at Del again then back at her friend.  "Wasn't he supposed to go after you?"

Aza sighed softly.  "Yeah well, I'd like to say he was the one to fall asleep on the job, but... Not this time.  It was getting bright outside and I just... well I was drifting, so I thought I should probably get him up, but well it didn't happen." 

Evabelle cared about Aza, but they could have died if they had been attacked while they were all sleeping.  It was a miracle that they hadn't.  Evabelle decided to let it go and instead asked.  "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Aza shook her head.  "All I know is that I'm about hungry enough to eat a mountain lion."  She paused.  "Wait a second."  She murmured.  Then she sat up and began to rummage through her pack. 

Evabelle sat up too.  "What, did you bring a watch?"

"Nope, I brought this."  Then she took out an old I-pod nano. 

"You brought an I-pod?  Why?  I mean I don't think you'll be able to charge it wherever we're going."

Aza smiled.  "I love music.  No way would I go on some adventure and forget to bring some music.  And for the charging part, I'm not sure, but hey I'll find a way."

Evabelle shook her head.  "Well just tell me what time is it?"

Aza turned on the little device and her eyes widened. 

"What?" Evabelle whispered.

Aza handed her the I-pod.  It read 4:12p.m.  Evabelle gasped.  "Are you serious?  We've slept all day?" 

Aza nodded.  "It does surprise me that it's that late, but we didn't really sleep much last night now did we."  She took back her I-pod.  "It does explain why I'm starving though."

Evabelle was still stunned.  "Are you sure your clock's set at the right time?"

Her friend nodded.  "Well unless mister tall dark and selfish came and decided to prank me, but I seriously doubt he did in this case."  She paused for a moment.  "Do you think they know what an I-pod even is?"   

At that moment a cough sounded behind Evabelle, causing her to gasp.  She whirled and saw Del still laying on his side, but his eyes was slits glaring out at the two girls.  From Evabelle's other side Aza spoke.  "Are you catching a cold there, Delilah?"  Del growled.  "Oh, I forgot, you don't need to catch one, you are one." 

Del rose to his feet, his eyes never moving from Aza's face.  His jet black wings stretched high over them all, creating a menacing profile.  Evabelle jumped to her feet.  "Please don't!"  She exclaimed.  "Aza, please, will you quit tormenting him?"  She then turned to Del and blushed.  "And... Aza-she was just... just kidding around."

"Oh, I'm well aware of what she was doing."  Del snarled.

Aza rose to her feet as well.  "Oh, are you going to take me on?"  She asked, her gaze never wavering from his.  "I believe I have warned you before, I will break your face."

Del actually laughed.  "That was an empty threat and you know it Blondey.  If you mess with me, you'll see how dark I really am."  He stepped forward.  Aza did as well.

"Please," Evabelle murmured weakly.  She could already see this spiraling out of control.

"I've had enough from you.  It hasn't even been a day and you have already got a place on my list of people I'd like to toss in a Werewolf Den."  Del advanced further.

Aza scoffed.  "Oh, right back at you buddy, but I was thinking of a more violent mash pit, or a busy highway with your wings tied."

"Look you brat," Del snarled.  "You may think you're all great because you took out an Annihilator, but that will never stop you from being an ugly little freak who..."

"That's enough."  A level voice interrupted. 

All three whirled to see Lucis slowly rise to a sitting position.  His soft curls were mussed up on one side where he had slept and his sapphire eyes still reflected slight signs of weariness, but they still gazed intensely back at Del and Aza.  "I think you two need to go out and let off some steam."  It was not an option he was offering, it was a command.  Just the way he said it, was as if he expected them to obey, made Evabelle stare.

Del glared at his brother for a long moment and Evabelle was afraid he was going to start shouting, but instead he growled low and turned then with a sudden flap of his enormous dark wings he shot into the air, causing Evabelle's heart to race.  Her eyes followed his progress all the way up to the window where sunlight was still spilling through.  It was also the window where the Annihilators had come in last night.  She shivered at the thought.  Then she turned back to her friend and Lucis.

Aza's hands were clenched and her jaw was set.  She opened her mouth to say something to the golden haired Anahalian, but instead she caught her friend's eye.  Evabelle reached a hand out to comfort her friend, but instead she flinched away from her touch and stalked out of the bell tower as well.

Evabelle watched her feeling a little hurt, and then sighed.  "Thank you for cutting in there I was afraid, he was going to attack her."

Lucis shook his head.  "Del may act tough, but he would never attack someone without a just cause.  He was just riled about everything and Aza taunting him didn't help much."

Evabelle sighed again. "I know I'm really sorry about that.  I'm not even sure what happened.  We were just talking and then Del woke up and she just went off."  She wrapped her arms around herself and looked down at her feet.  "I guess it's just one of the things that I don't understand about her.  She just has this thing about pushing people away at times."

"It appears she's afraid of truly trusting people."  Lucis replied after a moment of silence.

Evabelle tensed, suddenly very aware that she was alone with a boy, but she swallowed hard and responded.  "That's quite an assumption... I mean you barely know her."  She stammered.

Lucis nodded and began to rise to his feet.  "True, I do not know her well, but she reminds me of someone, who behaves, in some ways, very similar."

Evabelle glanced over at him.  "Careful."  She said not looking directly at him.

From the corner of her eye she saw him smile at her.  "Don't fuss over me.  I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"  Color just kept spreading over her cheeks.  The longer she stayed with him, the worse it seemed to get.  "Your wing... I mean, how is it?"

Lucis paused actually examining the injury.  "Hmm, well I may not want to try anything crazy, but it is definitely recovering."

"That's great."  Evabelle turned completely away from him now, not wanting him to see her burning face.

Lucis's voice went softer.  "Evabelle, please look at me."

Evabelle stiffened.  Come on!  Turn around you idiot!  Taking a deep breath she forced herself to

face Lucis straight on.  "I'm sorry for being so rude."  She said looking into his eyes with difficulty.

            Lucis shook his head.  "Please don't be afraid."  His eyes were troubled and sad.  "I want to protect you, Evabelle.  I want to be your friend.  I don't want you to be afraid of me."  He sounded so hurt, that Evabelle instantly felt guilty.  "You are not alone Evabelle, you will never be alone if you let me help you."

            Evabelle's eyes widened as Lucis stretched out his hand to her.  You will never be alone?  It was a promise.  And Evabelle, for a moment didn't know how to respond.  His eyes were filled with sincere honesty.  He truly wanted to help her.  But there was something that made Evabelle pause, something further in Lucis's eyes.  There was a... barrier... a barrier that left Evabelle wary and nervous, but she surprised herself in finally taking his hand.

            It was so warm and comforting that Evabelle found herself actually calming down.  She smiled finally.  "I hate that I'm afraid of something so stupid.  I know that you wouldn't hurt me after everything that you have done for me and Aza."

            Lucis smiled back.  "It's not stupid.  We did just meet.  I believe that you are wise for being cautious.  But you can be sure that I would never hurt you."

            They released hands, but Lucis continued to watch Evabelle.  "I know social activity isn't really your favorite thing, but I would like to know what is."  He said finally. 

            "Oh," Evabelle said softly, realizing he was trying to start up probably the first normal conversation with her since their unique meeting.  "Well I enjoy reading."  She said, feeling a little lame.

            But Lucis smiled.  "Reading is something incredible, isn't it?  I love it too.  There's a vast library at the Sanctuary where you can truly learn of our world and all its history and culture."

            "Really?"  Evabelle exclaimed with a sudden trill of excitement.  "Because that would be wonderful.  I have to admit, I do really want to know about everything now that I know that it's all real.  I have so many books at home about fairies and werewolves and vampires, but to know the truth about all those things...it would just be so exhilarating."  Suddenly Evabelle stopped, realizing she had begun to babble.  "I'm sorry."  She hung her head.  "I really am a nut about magic and books."

Lucis laughed.  "No, no trust me you don't know what a bookworm is until you give me a book."  Evabelle looked back at him raising her eyebrows.  "I wouldn't be so sure about that."  She

smiled shyly.

            Lucis gave her a side smile.  "I've read both Anahalian literature as well as human."

            "Well just give me some Anahalian literature and you will see who is more of a geek."  Evabelle challenged lightly.

            Lucis laughed again.  "Well, I'm not sure who's more of a book nerd but I definitely can't match that light in your eyes, my princess."

            Evabelle blushed and looked away.  He hadn't said it the same way Chloe had said it, like an insult.  He had said my princess, like he had called her it before and as if she was his.  Evabelle wasn't quite sure how she felt about that. 

Her gaze traveled back up to the window where the sun shone.  She could see the ledge that Aza had jumped off of to save Lucis.  It was wider than Evabelle remembered.  You could probably walk around up there without fear of falling unless you got too close to the edge of course, but this place was old so you never really knew when more of it would fall.

"Would you like to go up there?"  Lucis had followed her gaze.  "We could if you like."

Evabelle turned back to him throwing her arms up and shaking her head.  "Oh no!  I don't want to strain you!  You need to be careful!" 

Lucis chuckled and gestured to the wall.  "I was thinking about climbing the rungs.  Just don't fall, because I will jump off to save you."

Evabelle blushed.  "Oh," she squeaked.  "Then sure I would kind of like to go up there."

Lucis and Evabelle walked over to the rungs where Lucis stood aside and bowed to her, gesturing her to lead.  Evabelle blushed once more as she began to climb with Lucis close behind.  She shook herself actually yelling aloud.  "Come on, Evabelle!  Stop being so ridiculous."  She scolded herself. 

From below her she heard Lucis chuckle.

The color on her cheeks increased and she hung her head truly feeling humiliated.  "Now you're mocking me."  She cried, looking down at his grinning face.

"No, no," he said still laughing.  "I think it's rather sweet."

Evabelle's cheeks were still burning when she reached the top, but the gentle breeze from the window cooled her off.  She looked out the opening in the stone wall at the breathtaking view before her.  The grass the sky the trees were all so vibrant in color that for a moment Evabelle gazed mesmerized by its intensity.  "Where are we?"  She whispered.

Lucis came to stand beside her.  He looked out at the gorgeous landscape before them and took a deep breath.  "I believe it is the ruins of an old Mage Sanctuary."

Evabelle blinked.  "Wait, didn't you say we were going to a sanctuary?"

Lucis nodded.  "A modern one of course."  He turned away from the scene and leaned back against the window frame, his palms pressed against the stone. When he turned his head to see Evabelle still seemed confused he continued.  "Sanctuaries became escapes for witches and warlocks who no longer wanted to serve the devil.  They wanted to get away from it all so they could do what they wanted, so they created little safe havens for themselves, hence the name sanctuary.  The Sanctuaries were surrounded by so much magic they were thought of as other dimensions.  For a long while the witches and warlocks hid in their own dimensions until they decided to become their own neutral people, in which they could choose whom they wanted to serve, so they became Mages, and after that they began opening their Sanctuaries to others who needed refuge.  This one appears to have been built before they were opened to others."

Evabelle had listened intently finding it all so fascinating, but she was still curious.  "But why a bell tower?"

"Well," Lucis began.  "The Mage creates their Sanctuary to their own liking.  This obviously was a bit old fashioned.  He might have had some fascination with religion, which is kind of ironic."  He pointed to an old church house.  "I doubt he was a preacher, but he might have liked the feel of old churches.  There is a bit of a mystical feeling to those old buildings." 

Evabelle nodded.  "And why is the Mage who owns this Sanctuary not here?  It feels like it's been abandoned."

Lucis nodded as well.  "Because it is.  The Mage probably just moved on, but the power didn't die when he left.  A Sanctuary's magic is very strong and it does not simply go away.  So, when the Mage of this Sanctuary left, the magic remained, but of course it does begin to erode after a while.  As you can see this bell tower is falling apart."  He looked up at where the bell should be.  "And I am assuming that the bell was this Sanctuary's main source of power."  When he saw the puzzled expression on Evabelle's face he went on.  "There is always an object that protects and increases the power of the Sanctuary.  But the Mage probably took the bell with him when he left, so that is how the Annihilators got in.  But I believe there is still enough magic around this place to keep normal human beings out."  He finished, turning his head to watch a young blue bird fly past. 

Evabelle sighed looking outside as well.  "Are all Sanctuaries this beautiful?"  She asked thinking if they were it wouldn't be so bad.

Lucis continued to gaze out of the window. "It all depends on the Mage it belongs to.  The one where we are going I believe is better than this."

Evabelle watched the trees sway peacefully below and listened to the birds singing their sweet song.  She tried to imagine something better that this alluring landscape, but couldn't.  This place was so different than what she was used to.  She was used to the sounds of heavy traffic and the smells of gasoline and hot dogs, not the peaceful sounds of animals and the sweet smell of honey.  It definitely wasn't New York.

A grunt echoed down from below her, stirring Evabelle from her thoughts.  She turned away from the window just as Lucis pushed away as well.  He peered over the edge, a little too close for Evabelle's taste.  She had never been scared of heights; she'd never really seen the big deal.  She knew Sophie was not too fond of them, but heights were one of the only things that really didn't bother her, but in this case with the ledge being so unstable, she was a little nervous. 

Lucis sat down right on the edge with his legs swinging over as casually as if he were three feet off the ground instead of twenty.  He offered her a seat next to him and Evabelle politely declined.  Instead she stayed a few feet behind him, but where she could still see what was going on below.

Aza had returned and was currently fighting some invisible enemies.  Evabelle noticed the ear buds in her friend's ear and wondered whether she was listening to Mulan.  Suddenly "Let's Get Down to Business" started running through her mind. 

Lucis was smiling down at Aza's mock battle and finally called out.  "Are you winning?"

Aza started and looked up, taking out the buds.  She grinned up at the two of them.  "I thought you guys had gone out somewhere.  If I had realized you were going to stay I might have stayed away longer to give you some more alone time."  She grinned mischievously.

"Aza," Evabelle moaned, once again feeling a flush of color light her face.

"Hey... Lucis," Aza called.  She bit her lip before continuing.  "I'm sorry for being such a pest.  I was being rude, I'm sorry."  She apologized.

Lucis smiled.  "Apology accepted, Aza."  He paused.  "Now could you tell me what exactly you were just doing?"

Aza grinned.  "Since I'm the magicless human in this group and can't do any nifty spells, I figured I needed to find something I could do.  I mean, I don't want to be useless, so I figure I'll practice some of my ninja skills."

Lucis raised his eyebrows. "Now where exactly did you learn your ninja skills?"

Aza shook her head.  "I taught them all to myself."

Lucis laughed playfully.  "Truly?  I never would have guessed.  I mean with the way you dance, I figured you had to be trained by a professional."

Aza put her hands on her hips.  "Alright, wise guy, why don't you come on down here and I'll show you what I've got."

Lucis nodded.  "Alright then."  And to Evabelle's shock, Lucis just slid himself off the edge.  She gasped and ran forward just in time to see him stretch his wings out and glide down to the floor as softly and gently as a butterfly.  He almost landed perfectly, but his wounded wing jerked a bit and he stumbled slightly.

"Are you alright?"  Evabelle shouted from above.

Lucis turned to look up at her.  "I'm fine."  He beamed.  "Although I may not want to try actual flying until tomorrow."  Then he turned back to Aza.  "Alright Aza, let's see what you got."  He held up his hands just like in those karate movies and said.  "Hit me."

Aza's fist swung forward and punched Lucis's open palm with a satisfying smack.  Lucis didn't flinch, but merely wrapped his fingers around Aza's fist.  Her mouth drew back into a puzzled expression.  "What are you...?"  But she never finished.  For just then Lucis pulled her forward and spun her around so quickly Evabelle barely had time to blink.  Now she was looking down at her friend whose limbs wrapped around her body with Lucis pinning them to her back.  Aza gasped.  "What the...?  How did you do that?"  She tried to turn her head back to face him.

Lucis, who was still smiling, gently released Aza.  Quickly, Evabelle's friend spun away from Lucis to stare at him with a new sense of awe.  "I don't know."  Lucis shrugged.  "You tell me.  After all you're the professional."

Aza smirked.  "Alright, I see how it is."  Then she lunged forward.

Lucis easily sidestepped and caught her arm once more, spinning her like a dancer, and finally catching her in a hold with his arms wrapped around her. 

Even from this distance, Evabelle could see faint splotches of pink on her friend's cheeks as the Anahalian held her.  Evabelle was truly stunned.  These... these angels were... they couldn't be real.  Even small movements were so graceful, more elegant than any human Evabelle had ever seen.  And not only did they have the swiftness of a cat, the strength of a bull, and the grace of a bird, but one had actually managed to make the Azalyn Kendall blush.  They were inhuman.

Aza pulled away from Lucis, who complied.  "Okay, okay."  She quickly composed herself.  "I think we have established that I am no professional, so how about you show me how it's really done."

Lucis tilted his head to one side.  "Alright.  Show me your stance." Aza adjusted herself with her fists up, ready for a fight.  Lucis circled her with his blue eyes narrowed.  Finally he stopped.  "Spread your feet further apart.  You need to have a firm foundation.  If you are easily off balanced, then you're done for."

Aza did as he said.  "Like this?"

"More," Lucis replied.  "It may feel strange at first, but it becomes natural over time.  This isn't a bad idea, actually.  It could be useful in some cases.  If you're coming with us, you'll want to be strong."

Aza looked up at Evabelle.  "You hear that Bellz?  It may a good idea for us to learn this stuff.  So come on down."

Evabelle shook her head.  "Fighting is not my thing."  But she did begin to climb down the ladder.  She heard Lucis continue to teach Aza.

"Another thing, when you punch someone, you need to swing with your entire body, not just your arm.  You have more power that way."

Evabelle jumped down from the last rung and turned to face her companions.  "If you are fighting a vampire or a werewolf, it would be best to keep away from the mouth, but in the case of a witch or warlock, aiming for vocal is your best bet.  If they can't finish their spell they can't hurt you.  For a vampire..."  Lucis caught Evabelle's eye.  "What is it?"

Evabelle froze then took a deep breath.  "Well..."  She had been listening, but couldn't help thinking that it seemed useless.  If vampires and werewolves were as skilled as these Anahalians, then mere humans had no chance against the supernatural.  She swallowed hard and told Lucis this. 

He smiled.  "Yes it's true," he said softly.  "That you probably wouldn't last long against them without the proper weapon, but if there is ever a time where you find yourself in the position where you have nothing to use, it's still a good idea to know a few tricks that will help you escape."

"Hmm," Evabelle murmured.  Well, I guess it makes sense.

"Yeah!" Aza chimed in.  "It's like that self-defense class we took last year."

Lucis raised his eyebrows.  "Wait, you mean, you have taken a class?"

Aza shook her head.  "Not really.  Basically these guys came in padded suits and taught us a few moves if anyone was trying to attack us, but they only came for like a week, and I can barely remember any of their tricks anyway."

"Well," Lucis began.  "If we teach you to fight, we'll make sure it becomes muscle memory."  He spread his legs apart and put his hands up.  "Come on now Azalyn hit me for real this time."

Aza grinned.  "Now you're talkin.'" She swung forward, just as he said, with her whole body, but he dodged away from her.  "Hey!"  She cried, stumbling.

"Watch your footwork!"  Lucis called.  "Come on Aza.  Is that all you got?" 

Aza laughed.  "You ain't seen nothin,' pretty boy!"  She whirled around and tried at him again, but she was no match for him, but Evabelle knew that she wouldn't give up.  She watched them as Aza threw blows, while Lucis danced around her so easily.  They were both smiling and laughing, and it was at that moment that Evabelle realized that they had become friends.

It was incredible how fast it had happened.  Evabelle longed to be able to just joke and laugh and become friends with anyone she wanted, but she just didn't know how, she always felt so small and stupid.

Just a few minutes ago Evabelle and Lucis had been talking about how Aza pushed people away, now she was watching her friend laughing with a boy she had barely met.  She had seen it before.  Aza did make friends easily, but she would never let them get too close.  She kept people at a distance.  Evabelle had often wondered if it had anything to do with her uncle, but there was one person that Aza had let into her life, had let that person become very close.  And Evabelle knew that that person was herself.

She had always wondered why.  Why me?  Why am I your best friend when I'm afraid of everything and you're not?  Why am I the one who's supposed to be this legendary princess, when it's obvious that you should be?

"Am I interrupting a dance lesson?"  Said a cold voice, shattering Evabelle's thoughts and causing her to tense.

All three of them turned to look up and see an angel of darkness standing in the high window of the bell tower.  Blazing light, burned bright behind him, creating a mere silhouette of the Anahalian. 

"Ohhh!"  Aza moaned.  "I think I'm going to be sick."  She then turned away and began to make puking noises. 

Del jumped down from the window, out of the sun's glare, and onto the ledge.  Arms folded, teeth clenched, and his violet eyes twitched at the sight of Evabelle's dramatic friend.  Aza had a skill for making friends in a heartbeat, but she had quite a knack for making enemies as well. 

Lucis looked at Aza, who had opened her mouth to make another discourteous remark, but she caught his eye and, with difficulty, managed to stop herself.  Then Lucis glanced at Evabelle and gave her a meaningful smile, which she returned shyly.  "Alright then," he said.  "I believe it's time we take our leave.  We can go get something to eat and then we can resume our, much longer than expected, journey to the Sanctuary."

"Finally!"  Aza exclaimed.  "I swear if I don't eat something soon, I will die!"

Del swooped down from above, landing like a cat beside them.  "How about we just eat her.  It would save us the time."  He hissed.

Aza's eyes narrowed as she advanced on Del.  "You can try, but if we do resort to cannibalism, I say we eat you.  We could just turn you into a taco and vwalla we got a Del Taco.  It's like eating at a crappy restaurant."

Lucis stepped between the two, before Del could speak.  "Rule number one," he said, looking from one to the other.  "You two do not speak to each other."  Then he added.  "Ever if possible." 

Aza and Del glared at each other for a moment longer, then finally turned away.  "He's just too easy to taunt."  She muttered just loud enough for them to hear.

Del snarled and clenched his fists.  "That's it!  We are leaving her here!"  He glared at Lucis.  "How can you stand this little cretin?"    

Lucis shrugged, a grin tracing his lips. "Well, I'm not on the receiving end of her uncannily accurate remarks."

Del's eye's narrowed.  "Oh, I see how it is.  Two against one, with my own brother against me.  Maybe she is a witch."

Aza giggled.  "You know, I really like you Lucis.  You're my kind of guy."

Lucis, still smiling, said.  "Come on Del, these are young ladies, are we not gentlemen to take their side?" 

"I give full responsibility of the gentlemen status to you."  Del shook his head.  "I'll take my chances on my own.  Just keep that brat away from me."

Lucis sighed.  "Okay, enough of this, not to each other or about each other.  Just pretend the other does not exist."

Del huffed.  "That's how I'd prefer it."

Aza nodded.  "Let's just go eat something."

Lucis glanced between the two of them and then shook his head, knowing that this feud was far from over.  "Alright," he looked up and caught Evabelle's eye once more.  "Let's go."

~(A/N: Hey guys! Let me know if you liked this chapter by voting and commenting! I'm curious did this second half go too slow for you or was it okay? Anyway thanks for being my fabulous readers!! You rock!!!)~