I looked out the window of the car that is steadily driving out of Tenguu City, my home. I go to the country when ever school has any breaks to visit my cousin Ricki.

I don't have any friends and Ricki is the closest person I have. My parents are never home, and I'm very shy around others. So I always look forward to these visits. Uncle William always shows me the things he and his team are working on.

The only thing I really hate about these visits are the long car rides. It's always just sit and look out the window for two hours. I usually sleep, but today I decided to stay awake. I just have a feeling that something will happen this week, but I don't know what.

I finally arrived and Ricki, my cousin, was waiting outside for me. Beside her was a girl with blue hair. She held a katana that glowed blue in certain places. Its the first time I have ever seen this girl here. The car stopped smoothly and I got out, bag on my back. Ricki ran up to me and hugged my waist.

"Welcome back Alice!" Ricki squealed. I returned her hug.

"It's great to be back." I replied. The other girl walked over to us. I looked over at her and she stared into my eyes. I stared back into her blue eyes. Ricki let me go and noticed my stare.

"Alice, this is Maya. She is here for daddy's research." Ricki explained.

"That is right. He is trying to find a cure for this disease I have, but don't worry. It's not contagious." Maya said.

"Come on Alice, I'll show you to your room. Maya needs to go back to her room." Ricki said. She lead us inside. Maya walked down the stairs toward the lab. Ricki lead me to the room beside hers.

"Thank you for showing me my room Ricki." I said then patted her back.

"Just helping out." she said with a grin.

Dinner time came around faster than I thought. Ricki and I were playing outside with her dog when aunt Danielle called for us. After dinner, I went to my room. Ricki followed and we watched some tv until her bedtime. I went to sleep that night, feeling uneasy about what the next day may bring.

The next morning I was woken up by Ricki. We headed to the dinning room for breakfast. After we ate, we went outside and found Maya sitting under a tree. She looked like she was resting soundly. She noticed us and looked our way.

"Good morning Ricki, Alice. What are you two up to?" Maya asked us.

"We were just going for a walk." Ricki replied, "Would you like to come with us?" Ricki was trying something, but I wasn't so sure. She is just ten, so it may be my imagination.

"Ricki, come to the lab main room." an intercom announced. Uncle William must want Ricki for some reason.

"Sorry guys, be back in a few minutes." Ricki said then ran off. She left me alone with someone I don't know well.

"So Alice, do you like stones?" Maya asked. I looked at her, my brow furrowing.

"Yea...depending if its unique or not." I replied cautiously. She brought up her hand and opened it. There was a shiny green stone sitting on her hand. My eyes grew wide. I have never seen anything like this. "It's amazing!"

"You can have it if you want it." she replied with a grin. I nodded quickly and held out my right hand.

"Thanks!" I said as she dropped it onto my hand. I stared at the stone. I could see my reflection. My red eyes and light brown hair were completely visible. After a minute, a slight burning started where the stone sat. It began to shrink. Then I noticed it was dissolving into my hand. I tried to grab onto it, but it wouldn't come out. Once it was completely gone I looked back over at Maya. I couldn't say anything though.

"Don't tell no one about what I gave you." she said as she put one finger up to her lips. I just fell to the ground as she grinned down at me.

My vision began to blur and my head felt like it split open with a massive headache. Ricki came running over to us.

"Hey Alice, what's wrong?" she asked. She sat down beside me on the ground.

"She told me that she wasn't feeling good." Maya said, "She may need to lay down." Maya put her hand on my forehead. "feels like she is running a fever."

"Alright, I'll help her to her room."she said to Maya. "Can you stand Alice?" I nodded. I forced myself to stand and had Ricki help me to my room. We arrived at my room and she sat me down on my bed. I position myself to where I was laying down. My strength feels like its been drained away after that walk back.

"I'll go get mommy." Ricki said with concern then left me here alone. With the strength I still had I raised my hand to where I could she the palm. There was no trace of the stone. I lowered my hand and closed my eyes. What did she do to me?