The desert sand swirled in a mean circle around Akoma, his hand holding tightly to Ryan's. Ryan looked up at the man, before glancing back at the other two companions, Jacob and Benjamin. Jacob held his hand over his eyes, and Benjamin, despite being reminded to do the opposite, still held on to his bow and arrow.

Ryan watched Akoma lead them down into a much cooler place, where the burning winds and penetrating sands no longer left marks on their covered skin. The sun slowly faded away from view as they walked deeper down a shifting pile of sand and into a blue-steeled metallic area. Giant cylinders could be seen on each side of the walls, with a cool blue glow. A red light spinned in a circle around the entrance.

"What is this?" Jacob asked. Looking around in awe.

Ryan gazed back to watch his brother's unravel their clothes from their faces. They wore bandages around their arms, covering any area such as their hands and forearms from exposure to the cruel sands. Akoma, wearing a long, off-white, trench coat, did the same and pulled off his metal masked helm. "I can't say for sure, but I believe it's an artifact of the Een."

Benjamin tilted his head as he made his way closer to a cylinder, "They're... cold."

Ryan spotted sparks flying from a black rope which hung from the ceiling and jumped back, startled. "Akoma, I'm scared!"

"This is part of what I do." Akoma replied, "These artifacts we retrieve our given to Daniel, aunt Tabitha's dad. This is how we put food on our table."

"Then what's the point of us going hunting?" Benjamin turned his head back to sass.

"Same reason." Akoma replied, "That, and we have a responsibility to Black Waters."

Ryan's head bounced between the two speakers, "Can we go home?"

"Ryan, you're eight years old. You're old enough to come scavenging with me." Akoma stated, looking into Ryan's eyes.

Jacob scoffed, "Don't be weak."

"I don't need help." Akoma said strictly to Jacob.

"Whatever." Jacob replied, waving his hand in the air.

"Jacob watch over your brother." Akoma replied, "Go see if you can find any water. You know where to go?"

"Yeah, yeah, the Een and whatever, blah, blah, blah, water." Jacob dismissed. Ryan watched the sixteen year old yell over to Benjamin, "Come on you twat, you can drool and stare later!"

Akoma looked back at Ryan, "You're going to help me."

Ryan nodded, holding his knife with his right hand. He didn't draw the blade, but his knuckles turned white with his steady grip. He watched his gardian's eyes spy his hand, but nothing was said. "I want to go with Jacob."

"It's not safe in here, I rather watch you myself." Akoma stated, helping Ryan over a fallen cylinder.

"But you said I was eight now! You let me shoot the bow!" Ryan tried.

"You just said you were scared." Akoma remarked, "Now hush, there may be critters in here."

Ryan let out a sigh as he followed his mentor. The made their way through narrow corridors, the floor becoming more slanted the further they went. What looked like steel doors lied shut, as a deep growling voice was heard echoing throughout the facility. The language was incomprehensible to Ryan, he didn't understand what they were even trying to say.

"Who is speaking?" Ryan asked.

Akoma looked back, "A spirit wanders this place, guarding the contents from those who are unworthy. It's the spirit's voice you hear."

"Do you know what it says?" Ryan asked.

"No one knows for sure, but my tribe believed it was a warning to outsiders. Only the Sandwalkers are permitted inside this holy place."

"What happens to those who aren't Sandwalkers?" Ryan asked.

"That is nothing for you to be concerned with. As long as you are with me, you are safe."

Ryan gave Akoma a fearful glance, swallowing hard before they entered another room.

Ryan's jaw nearly dropped to the floor as he rushed up towards one of the walls. He pointed his finger at the figure within. "Akoma! There's a person in here!"

Akoma rushed up, looking around the room. A blue glass covered each individual in a square area. There was barely enough room for each to stand upright. Akoma nodded, "Yes, these are those who gave their knife for the guardian spirit.

Ryan looked up at them, as Akoma allowed him to gaze. Ryan's mentor took a few steps back as Ryan looked at each of the small rooms. small thin pillars stood between each glass. Ryan inspected their clothing, noticing a second skin. The material was like nothing he had ever seen before, scales covering them from wrist, to neck, to ankle. He took a few steps forward to look at the others just ahead. A red light came from each room, from a small box attached to the outside. He paused, noticing one with a yellow light on. He looked back at Akoma strangely.

"Why does this one have a yellow light?" Ryan asked.

Akoma furrowed his brow, moving closer to Ryan. "I-I, don't know. They should all be red, or have no light at all."

Ryan leaned against the glass, spying the small girl within, she couldn't have been much younger than himself, perhaps six, or seven. Ryan looked down at the box, tapping the yellow light. The boy leaped back in fear, as the glass slowly sunk into the floor. Black thin ropes attached to the young girl slowly retracted as a small, thin metal table she stood on, now tilted and supported her weight as she was 'presented' to them.

"What's happening!" Ryan said in shock.

"I don't know!" Akoma walked forward slowly. "They, open..."

Akoma looked at the boy some what dumb founded. Both man and boy turned their attention to a new noise made, as the little girl, stirred. Akoma quickly caught the child as she rolled over towards the floor. He held the blonde girl in his arms as he looked towards Ryan. Ryan could see sweat drip from Akoma's black skin, despite the cool temperature.

Akoma took in a deep breathe as Ryan watched him intently. The boy spotted him pull a square metal tag from around her neck. Weird symbols were imprinted on the metal. Ryan got exited when he recognize the number E.

"She's hurt." Akoma said quietly.

"Is she dead?" Ryan asked.

"No, I can feel her breathing, but it's shallow."

Ryan watched his mentor walk off back towards the way they came. He paused to watch Akoma before dashing after him. Underneath his breath Ryan could hear his teacher whisper.

"I thought they were all dead." Akoma was quite until his voice rang clear, "Ryan, we are going to town."

"What! I've never been there before!" Ryan exclaimed excited.

"Stop." Akoma snapped and turned his body towards Ryan. "This is not a game, boy."

"Wer bist du?" The young girl mumbled.

"You, talk." Akoma paused.

"What's she saying?" Ryan asked.

"I don't know."

"It sounds so weird." Ryan admitted.

Akoma began dodging obstacles as Ryan followed closely behind. Ryan could see Akoma speaking softly every now and then, yet Ryan couldn't make out the words.

"Akoma?" Benjamin called out as he and Jacob entered the room. "What's going on?"

"Jacob, we are going into town, I need you to take care of the water and watch after your brother."

"Can do." Jacob promised.

"Who is she?" Benjamin asked stepping closer.

"Keep your distance." Akoma told the boys, "Benjamin lay out your bedroll."

The boy followed his teacher's commands, pulling his makeshift bed out of the knot keeping it to his back. He slung the hide pelts down on the ground as Akoma laid the small girl on the bedding.

"Jacob, water; Ryan bandages." Akoma called out.

Jacob took a few good strides forward, lending Akoma a small, metallic cylinder. Ryan ruffled through his bag, taking his glance off Akoma for a split second before passing the man his bandages.

"We should leave her." Jacob commented, "She's dead weight."

"No. We are not leaving her." Akoma looked back at Jacob.

"She's not worth it Akoma. Don't be week." Jacob spoke up.

"Know your place." Akoma said calmly. "Or I'll put you in it."

Jacob growled, "So we're stuck with dead meat. Great."

"Enough! Not another word." Akoma shouted.

Ryan sat down next to the blonde child. His back was against the wall, with his left knee tucked into his chest. He wrapped his arms around his knee as he looked at the injured girl. He watched Akoma struggle for a bit before cutting into the tight blue cloth she wore. He began applying water to the bandages along with ointment to wounds, scratches, and bruises.

Ryan picked up the cloth with his hand. It felt sticky, yet smooth. Its texture was like nothing he had ever experienced. He thought it felt almost like jelly, only that it didn't get your hands sticky.

"When are we leaving?" Benjamin asked.

"We can't take her out into the storm." Akoma replied.

"So we have to wait here?," Benjamin exclaimed..

"Yes." Akoma stated.

"I agree with Jacob. We should leave her."

Akoma stood up in a thunderous stance. His rage was evident in his voice. "I WILL NOT LEAVE THIS CHILD TO DIE! I thought I raised you all better than this. We do not leave the helpless, it is not our way."

The next hour pasted silently, not a soul made a peep. Akoma's ear twitched as he grabbed his lance.

"What's wrong?" Jacob asked. The other two boys watched the sandwalker's every move.

"We have company. Scav's from sounds of it." Akoma stated.

Ryan watched Akoma prop up his lance, placing a lead ball inside the barrel. Black powder and other materials had been mixed in with the paper cartridge covering the ball. Quickly, Akoma pulled out the ram rod and thrust the ball deep inside the weapon.

"Get my arrows ready Jacob."

"Yes sir." Jacob replied, rushing to gather the arrow and bows. "Do you know what they are?"

"Human." Akoma stated, "Criminal."

"Can you see them?" Benjamin asked.

Akoma pulled his lance up to his cheek, placing the stock against his shoulder. "Sandwalkers are trained to feel the vibrations. But no, I didn't see them, I heard them first."

"You can hear them?" Ryan asked.

"Not with all this talking. If you listen carefully you can hear their armor."

Ryan paused focusing hard to listen through the dwindling storm. After he had listened for a few seconds he began to hear small clanking noises. Even at his young age he knew that it was a ceramic armor.

"They're pretty loud." Jacob added. "Can you feel them yet?"

"Not yet." Akoma replied, "short distances only, I can go as far as thirty feet."

Jacob paused as Akoma raised up one of his hands. The black man whispered "Get back. Incase things get messy, I don't want any of you hurt, or trapped in the cross fire."

The boys huddled back, as Akoma clocked the hammer back. He knew he only had one shot before he needed to reload. It took Akoma an average of ten seconds, even with his expertise.

A loud crack sounded out with booming energy as smoke filled the air. A burnt smell leaked into the noses of all the young men, but not before a shattering sound was heard in the distance. Cursing ensued as Akoma reloaded his weapon.

"Sandwalker!" They shouted out. "Find cover, he's got a boom stick!"

The next round was completed as Akoma pointed his bayoneted weapon outwards again. The bayonet was part of the barrel, as sandwalkers first and foremost were trained in the art of the spear.

While called many things, Ryan new that the weapon was referred to as a thunder-lance inside Sandwalker culture. Despite this, some referred to it simply as a lance, boom-stick, or gun.

An arrow flew into the broken metallic structure and skipped off the slanted floor. Akoma adjusted his aim before another boom was made. The crackling sound of their shattering armor was mixed with a fleshy, snapping sound of bone and flesh. The end result was not only a gruesome death, but an equally rememberable sound.

"Remember boys. A sandwalker never looses..." as he made it to the end. Each boy joined in unison, "control, it is not our way."

Another shot rang out, followed by another collapsing body. Akoma had spent hours shooting targets seven hundred yards, making him a unique marksman. It had been ingrained in him to practice every day. He knew his weapon better than his own arms, and felt naked without it. His bow and arrow was a backup in tight situations, but rarely necessary when he had the range advantage.

The lance dropped to the floor as it was loaded once more. Akoma rammer another round into the barrel. He swung the lance over to his shoulder and back into position. The hammer clicked back, ready to drop. Then with a third pull if the trigger another shot ran off. Yelling was heard in the distances as a graze-shot was heard. Akoma cursed as Ryan's eyes went wide. He guard the men in the other side.

"My ear! Where is my ear!"

Jacob licked his lips as he readied an arrow in Akoma's bow. He drew it back and let out a shot just before Akoma grappled the weapon. A heavy thud was heard as the arrow hit true.

"What are you thinking?" Akoma whispered with a passion.

"That this is taking too long!" Jacob whispered back.

"Don't make yourself a target."

Jacob sighed, and mumbled unde his breath. The next word's traded between Akoma and Jacob Ryan couldn't make out. Ryan swallowed hard as he watched a man swing his weapon towards Akoma.

In one swift movement, Akoma dodged the attack and stabbed the man. The blade of Akoma's lance went deep into the offender's side. The weight shifted towards the Sandwalker and then moved. The body made a thumping noise as Akoma pushed the man off his lance and onto the ground.

Ryan gripped his knife as Benjamin drew closer to Ryan with his little bow drawn. Jacob drew his own bow, and notched an arrow in it.

"Ben, I'm scared." Ryan called out.

"Don't worry. We'll be okay." Benjamin tried.

Akoma blocked an incoming blow with his lance and smashed the scavengers face with the butt of his weapon. He shoved the man to the side and Jacob let an arrow loose. The metal tip sank into the assailant's neck.

Akoma slammed his lance into another charging thug. The shaft hammered at the knee cap of the scavenger, making them buckle over. With a small angle adjustment, the lance's point found its way into the jugular of the next bandit. Akoma pulled the blade out as he kicked the body away from him.

Ryan looked up at his mentor covered in blood. The man's black skin was sweaty, and a quick wipe from his leather coat reduced the fluid on his face. Akoma swallowed hard as he looked over the boys. He nodded, "Good work."

Akoma then turned around and examined the blonde girl. She mumbled with little consciousness, "Pistole."

"What is she even saying?" Jacob complained.

"She speaks in strange tounges. Her language is not ours."

"How do you know?" Benjamin asked.

"Because she doesn't understand what I ask."

Ryan looked down at two square metal tags hanging around the girls neck. He examined them looking at the strange symbols.

G E B U R T S O R T : Z E I T A L T E R : N A M E : D E U T S C H L A N D 7 E M M E N Y.

Ryan shifted the first square metal and began investigating the other one when Akoma spoke up. "Hands to yourself Ryan."

Ryan nodded, "She has a weird necklace."

"I'm assuming they're not in our language." Jacob butted in. "Those look like tags, the Kishites wear something similar."

Akoma sank to the floor, resting his lance over his shoulder, holding it by the stock. He gave out a sigh abd watched the storm rage outside.

"Do you think the Een saved her?" Benjamin asked.

"I honestly don't know." Akoma replied.

"Aren't you supposed to?" Ryan said.

"I know this is an ancient artifact made by the Een. She was alive inside of it. Maybe they did preserve her."

"Do you think she speaks their language?" Benjamin added.

"No. But I suppose it's possible. I've never heard such a language before."

"Do you think she's an Een?" Ryan asked.

"No, she's not Ryan." Benjamin glared at Ryan with his hands on hip, "She can't be an Een, besides, she's clearly human."

"Alright." Jacob called out. "Be silent. I'm going to try to sleep. This storm isnt going anywhere soon."

For hours the storm raged on. The twin suns sank down into the distance, yet the storm raged on. It wasn't until three hours after dark that the dust settled. Akoma had been keeping an eye on the young girl. He gave out a sigh, flipping the water cooled cloth on her forehead. He looked over the sleeping boys and sighed. He gentle woke each one, saving Jacob for last. After some rebellious behavior for the early awakening, the boys collected their things and produced a stretcher of the young girl.

Akoma grappled the two ends where the little girl's head rested and began dragging it through the sands. He didn't say much, as the three boys beside him gave him more company than he cared for at the given moment. Ryan could see through it though. Even at a young age, Ryan was fairly perceptive. He could tell Akoma was tired, that he had not yet slept, and was somewhat irritated with Benjamin, Jacob, and himself. Ryan frowned, and grabbed the agrochemicals with his free hands and tried to drag it along side Akoma.

"Ryan stop." Akoma stated. "That's not helping."

"But I want to help."

"He said it wasn't helping." Jacob stated. "Let Akoma be."

Ryan shrank into himself as he stepped away. They had been on the sands for only an hour, with at least two more to go. Time was not easy to tell, especially at night. Yet Ryan tried to do his best. He mixed up minutes and hours at times, but understood the greater concepts all together.

Ryan could see the relief in each soul as they saw the lanter lights of the far out city. They made it there within the hour, and to Aunt Tabitha's they did go.

There was a giant square building made of a desert sand concrete. The building had rounded edges and, despite its warm look, was rather cool inside. A metal door was fitted in the doorway, and hide curtains over the windows.

Akoma knocked on the door and soon after it swung open. A beautiful woman with triangler facial features, and an hour-glass shape, embraced Akoma, wrapping her lengthing arms over his neck. She had long legs, but despite this, she was only an inch or so taller than Jacob. While it was no detriment to her over all appearances, Ryan couldn't help but notice her long legs which took up just a little over half her height. She kissed Akoma's neck as she pulled back, revealing her caramel skin in the night's light. She was only a shade or so lighter than Benjamin.

"Hi Ben!" Tabitha called out. Her eyes soon caught the stretcher.

"Tabby, I need you to look after the boys. I'm going to take her to go get help."

Tabitha tried to maneuver around Akoma with a desperate look in her eye. Akoma stepped aside so she could see the small blonde girl. "What happened to her?"

"I don't know. She's in and out of consciousness. Make sure the boys go to school in the morning. Best some learning take place." Akoma stated.

"Of course. Whatever you need." Tabitha nodded her head. Akoma and Tabitha kissed once more before Akoma looked over the boys.

"Be good. No trouble you hear? I'll be back tomorrow." And with the words came the man's departure.

Jacob sighed, cursing under his breath. Tabitha looked physically pained by his mumbled words, but Ryan caught her quickly swallowing the pain. Benjamin gave Tabitha a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. He smiled wider than Jacob, and even wider than Ryan. Jacob was barely tolerating the entire thing all together.

"I've missed you guys! Especially you Ben." Tabitha announced.

"I've missed you too." Ben replied, still holding on to Tabitha.

Ryan joined in and made it a group hug. Tabitha brushed his hair with her fingers as the two boys shared a moment with the woman.

Tabitha smiled at Ryan as she pulled away. "Hi Ryan, do you remember me?"

Ryan nodded slowly. "You're aunt Tabby."

"That's right!" Tabitha smiled. "I haven't seen you sense you were three; my how you've grown!"

Ryan nodded and began to look around. "I'm tired, can I sleep?"

Tabitha was shocked. She'd never had a child ask her for sleep. "Yes honey, let me show you your room."

Ryan followed Tabitha across the mud room and down a hallway. Rooms branched to the left and right with curtains of hide hung for privacy. One such curtain was peeled back to reveal a man tinkering with metal works. Ryan squinted in place looking over the heavy weighted man. Ryan had never seen someone so round before. This was his first time back in the city in five years.

"Ryan." Tabitha called out. Ryan looked her way when he heard the creeping chair the fat man worked on, creek. Ryan's eyes shot back towards the man as the boy was greater with a smile. A beard cover the fat cheeks.

Ryan looked at the other boys and girls. There were sixteen total. The room they sat in had a concrete floor welcomed by walls made of the same material. He glanced over to the boy next too him, as he stood up.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Ryan!" The man exclaimed. "I haven't seen you sense you were a baby!"

Tabitha walked back as Ryan shrank. Ryan looked over towards Tabitha for guidance and protection. He didn't recognize the overweight man.

"Dad..." Tabitha scolded. "Ryan's very tired. You can talk to him tomorrow."

The man delivered a pouty face. "Alright. Good night Ryan."

Ryan followed Tabitha as her hand guided him. Her palm was okaced against his back as they walked beside each other to an empty room. Tabitha moved a few miscellaneous items around before rolling out a mat. It wasn't much, but it beat trudging through the sands.

"Who was that?" Ryan asked.

"You don't remember Al?" Tabitha said in slight surprise. She quickly finished as she waved Ryan over. The boy followed and he snuggled tightly into his covers.

"Al's your Aunt Tabby's daddy. He loves you very much." Tabbith smiled as she tucked Ryan in.

"Oh." Ryan said. "Good night Aunt Tabby."

"Good night Ryan." Tabitha smiled.

Ryan slept well that night. He wasn't even sturred by dreams. He looked around some what discombobulated for a few seconds before putting his scenario together. He spotted Tabitha by the door frame walking his way. She was dressed in fine apparel, a type of flax to be mire exact.

"It's time for school." Tabitha said. She waited as Ryan sighed, but gave no other protest. He went down the same hall as last night, only walking through one of the curtain rooms. He followed the small four-foot hall way into another building extention. He spotted a few other kids sitting in a circle, and Tabitha beckoned him to sit. Ryan found a spot right next to a fellow boy who seemed a bit too friendly.

Tabitha looked around the room, "Alright let's do introductions. Say your name, and one thing you like. Let's start with you Bek."

"My name is Bek." The boy next to Ryan said confidently. "And... I like meat."

Tabitha in the center of the class seemed satisfied as she turned her eyes over to Ryan. He thought this was stupid. He didn't want to share his name infront of the class. They were eight years old now, they should be done with this stupid stuff.

"I don't want to." Ryan replied pouting on the floor.

Bek looked over to Ryan, whispering loudly, "You got to."

Ryan studied his sandy colored hair. His green eyes seemed so content. Ryan hadn't seen this boy before today, but he felt pressured.

"Ryan?" Tabitha said quite sternly.

Ryan let out a soft sigh, moving his small frame into a stance. "My names Ryan, and I think school's stupid."

The other kids laughed all around him. Tabitha snapped her fingers as she pointed at Ryan. "Akoma's going to hear about this."

Ryan's heart sank. But all he did was the rules! He said his name and one thing he liked, or rather hated. It still counted as something about himself to share with the class. "But I did what you asked!"

"We don't use words like stupid in class." Tabitha replied.

"But you just said it!" Ryan yelled.

"Outside the classroom." Tabitha replied.

Ryan gritted his teeth as he walked outside the concrete building. This wasn't fair. Why could the teachers say bad words but he couldn't. Akoma didn't care if he said bad words. He was more scared about Tabitha telling Akoma he gave her a hard time. He wouldn't get out of this one.

He sat on the steps outside looking up into the blew sky. At least he didn't have to be in class anymore. His heart leaped to his throat as he spotted Akoma. He nearly jumped six feet into the air, it was definitely the highest he had ever jumped.

Akoma had rough hair in a mow-hawk ontop his head. His light carmel skin shimmered in the sunlight and his whiskers glistened with sweat. In his hand was the hand of a small child, roughly the same age as Ryan. She had long blonde hair, and milk white skin. She was so white Ryan thought she was sick. Her big blue eyes were still red from her tears, she snuffed her face into Akoma's leg. It was the same girl they had rescued.

Akoma rubbed his hand into Ryan's hair. "Come on brat. We'll talk about this at the hutt."

Ryan nearly fainted, he was only ever called brat when Akoma was upset with him. Ryan walked with Akoma back to the class were he saw the man kneel down to talk to this new mysterious girl.

"Emmeny, you ready to go to class?" Akoma asked gently.

The little girl shook her head with a serious look.

Ryan looked at Akoma as he embraced the small girl tightly. "You gotta go to class, Ryan will take care of you."

Ryan nodded as Akoma brought him forward. Akoma placed his hand on the back of Ryan's neck. That firm grasp ment he would be in trouble if he didn't comply.

Ryan hesitated, "You can sit next to me, and we can be friends or something."

Akoma smiled, as Emmeny sniffed. Wiping her eyes and sniffling, she took a step from Akoma towards Ryan. Akoma looked at Ryan, standing up.

"Don't let her out of your sight." Akoma said firmly.

Ryan nodded, following Akoma into the class. Tabitha paused, rushing over towards Akoma. "One minute class."

Ryan glanced over towards Bek as he waved his hand. He didn't think twice as he went to sit next to Bek. He stopped looking back at the shy Emmeny.

"Here. You can hold my hand..." Ryan said, "I'll keep you safe."

Emmeny hesitated as she took Ryan's hand and sat beside him and Bek. She was weird. Why was she so quiet? Ryan could see small cuts and bruises on her arms.

Ryan looked back at Akoma as he still talked to Tabitha.

"I need her to stay with you." Akoma replied.

"I understand." Tabitha replied. "But I can't provide for her, not like you."

"What are they talking about?" Bek asked Ryan, interrupting Ryan's eavesdropping.

Ryan shrugged, "I think it's the new girl."

Emmeny shyly smiled as another girl scooted right next to her, giving her hugs. Ryan looked slightly disturbed. He'd rather talk to the grown ups.

"How's Rykker?" Akoma asked.

Ryan looked back again. It was never good when Akoma used his last name.

"He's been okay." Tabitha replied.

"Why was he sitting outside then?" Akoma asked.

"It's his first day Akoma."

"You can't go easy on him." Akoma paused looking at Ryan then turning around to whisper to Tabitha.

"Hi, I'm Amaya, what's your name?" The girl asked Ryan.

Ryan looked her over. Amaya's brown hair was neatly made into a rose knot at the back of her head. She had a rather round face and slanted green eyes. Her nose was a bit small, and she was extremely friendly. She gave a giant grin.

"I'm Ryan." The boy said uncomfortable.

"I'm Bek!" Bek chirped in. "And who are you?"

Emmeny looked over to Bek's pointed finger. She looked at Ryan and then back to Bek.

"That's Emmeny. She can't talk." Ryan stated.

"Oh." Bek frowned. "Why not?"

"That's weird." Amaya stated.

"You gotta think of her like a big baby." Ryan stated.

"Wait, she's a baby?" Amaya giggled.

Bek frowned, "You probably shouldn't say that. You could be hurting her feelings."

Ryan looked over towards Emmeny. "Nah she doesn't even look upset! It's almost like she can't understand what we're saying."

Amaya laughed harder, "Yeah, because she's a baby!"

Ryan giggled some more, "You're funny!"

"Let's promise to be friends!" Amaya said gleefully.

Bek smiled, "That sounds good!"

Ryan looked around awkward for a bit, "Uh, okay?"

"Ryan." Emmeny stated.

Ryan, Amaya, and Bek all froze. Ryan swallowed hard as he looked at Emmeny. "Yeah?"

"Is she your girlfriend?" Amaya whispered.

Emmeny was confused as Ryan waved his fist in the air, "No! She's not my girlfriend! I don't want a girlfriend!"

"Girlfriend?" Emmeny stated as the other two children giggled.

Tabitha watched the children talk as she made her way back to the center of the classroom. Akoma didn't let her leave before giving her a kiss. The girls ogled, as the boys winced. One thing was for sure, their teacher seemed lighter on her feet. Her brown hair flowed in the air as her green joyful eyes met the children's. Her tanned skin stretched across her face with her smile.

"Alright class, who's next?"

Ryan was mostly uninterested in the class. It was stupid that they even had to be there. Who needed to learn how to spell, or do math? He sunk down into the floor as he looked up at the ceiling. This wasn't worth it.

Class didn't last too much longer before Tabitha began excusing everyone. Ryder didn't pay much attention until his name was called halfway out the door.

"Ryan, Emmeny, come here please." Tabitha called.

Ryan made his way over as Emmeny followed. "Yes Aunt Tabby? "

Tabitha smiled, "You guys are staying with me tonight. Akoma is taking Benjamin hunting. Isn't that exciting?"

Ryan gave a confused look, "Why is Ben going hunting? It should be Jake's turn."

Tabitha gave a squinted look, "Akoma wanted to take Ben out I suppose."

Ryan frowned, scratching his head, "Do you have cookies at least?"

Tabitha nodded, "Yes, I have cookies!"