It was my thirteenth birthday and January was starting to wake up and it's icy breath was starting to take hold of the land. Elena had just handed me her present as our parents watched. Elena always gave the best gifts. I tore open the wrapping paper with a giant smile, bright smile on my face. When I saw what was beneath that brightly colored paper, i heard a surprised gasp leave my mouth. Next thing I know I'm yelling "I can't believe you bought me that expensive ruby necklace!" Elena just sat there and chuckled. I picked up the necklace by it's long black chain. The ruby was carved and set into a tear drop shape and mold. I clipped it around my neck and let it slide down my neck and onto my chest where it would permanently stay. Then all hell broke loose, the window broke as a bottle of flaming beer crashed through our living room. The carpet caught fire fast and started to spread. I was frozen like a deer in headlights. Elena grabbed my wrist and pulled me out the front door. Another flaming beer was thrown into the upper part of our home and the fire spread quicker. I remembered that upstairs my parents had a stash of alcohol for those nights they fought with each other. I was looking around for help when there was an explosion coming from our house. I looked back and saw the entire house in flames. I cried out for our parents. I heard Elena yell " Mom, Dad!" But no one came. One of our neighbors called nine-one-one and soon firefighters were spraying down our house with hoses. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up expecting to see Elena but instead seeing a strange man. This man wore a white shirt with white dress pants and black dress shoes. His bright amber eyes were focused on my house while his hair was perfectly styled to stay in place. I looked over to see his other hand on Elena's shoulder. Elena looked unsteady and then this man spoke, "My name is Sensai Azulan and I'd like to take you to a safe place. Where the both of you learn to protect yourselves." Me and Elena looked at him suspiciously. We both tried to pull away and his grip tightened. He whispered in a menacing way "I wasn't asking, you won't need anything so just come along with me and if you don't follow . . . there will be more hell to pay." He let go and began to walk away. I looked at Elena and she sighed. I knew what that meant and we both followed him to an unknown street where our lives changed forever. Elena looked at me and gave me her softest smile yet and tried to get me to smile too but my face just wouldn't do it. I wouldn't let myself feel any type of joy or even let myself fake it. I sighed and looked away from my sister. Just then three figures jumped in front of us, these three figures would be my new family and my new home. These are the people I trust with my life and the people I will make the worst decision of my life with.