Ahsid found herself this time in a dark yet comforting woody area, surrounded with birch and tall spruce trees.

"Welcome to Anadarko, the Valley of Peace."

Ahsid asked,"Why the Valley of Peace?"

Dane's face fell, although he didn't show it.

"Our world has had its fair share of battles and wars too, Ahsid. This is where the peace treaties or memorandums are signed to put an end to the carnage.

"What's with this change of time, like when I came out, it was night, at Yares, it was early morning, now here, it's twilight."

"It's because we are jumping through time,"stated he simply.

"That's not it,"argued back Ahsid,"you are not obeying the laws of physics here."

Dane rolled his eyes,"I don't know. Ask Master."

And just like that, Ahsid knew the topic was closed. Walking through, Ahsid was simply mesmerized by some of the foreign flowers around her. Dane told her something special about each one of them, making Ahsid feel like a complete dunce.

"So...."trailed off Ahsid.

She didn't know whether it would be the right time to ask.

"It's okay,"he assured,"I promised I would try to tell you everything."

Sighing, Ahsid blurted out,"What is Eugene's relationship with you?"

Dane stopped in his tracks.

Then he whispered,"What made you think he was different?"

"Because you seemed genuinely concerned about him. When you handled Nikolai there, you did it because you were worried Eugene might get hurt as he isn't as strong in hand to hand fights. Also, you both didn't greet each other at first. It means both of you are frequently in touch."

Ahsid tried to gauge his reactions but she was disappointed to find a neutral expression on his perfect face. "He was my sister's closest friend."

"You have a..."

"She is dead."

Ahsid was muted for once. She then noticed how he was shaking and then...Dane begain to cry uncontrollably.

He blubbered,"I am the reason why she is no more. Do you know that it is potentially dangerous to stay with me? My parents, Eva, everyone died to protect me...I am PATHETIC."

He sunk to his knees, trying to steady himself by rubbing his eyes roughly on the sleeve of his white T-shirt.

"I am only a threat to you, a bad charm. You should leave before I am the reason you die. I miss them so damn much."

"Just because you miss someone dosen't mean you need them back in your life, missing them is just a part of moving on."

Dane looked up at Ahsid, his yellow eyes a shade so yellow. Ahsid dropped to his level.

"I think you are doing a pretty good job. Now, look at me."

Dane gazed into her brown eyes. Ahsid recoiled a bit as she had never seen that intense look in anyone's eyes before. Taking a deep breath, she hugged him.

"Don't you blubber like a baby. I think you are the strongest and most loyal person I have ever met and forget about me leaving you, don't think you can get rid of me so easily. We have to go on adventures and quests."

Dane laid his head in the crook of her neck, rocking her gently.

"Can't...breathe.."

Dane immediately let go. Ahsid laughed. Realising that she was teasing him, he smiled. Ahsid's eyes widened in shock. His smile was so beautiful, priceless. It was the first time that she had seen him smiling. So mesmerizing....

Dane stood up.

"Sorry, I just wanted to share this so long with someone."

Ahsid nodded.

"Thank you for listening patiently. I am so sorry if I scared you."

Ahsid smiled,"It is nice to see your human side once in a while. I love your smile. You should do it more often."

Dane composed himself, nodding grimly,"I will try."

Ahsid could only smile.

"So, done your investigation?"

"For now,"admitted Ahsid.

Dane raised his eyebrow in answer but didn't push her.

"We will start your training tomorrow."

"Right, I can't wait."

"I am a hard taskmaster, Ahsid,"said Dane in a matter of fact tone.

He had reverted back to his original cold self.

Smiling, Ahsid shot back,"It's okay. I am not leaving you."

Dane's eyes widened and he bit his lip, but kept his thoughts to himself as he opened a portal for the third time that day.