Chapter 45 - Ceremony (2) (2/2)

”Ha ha, you're really tense huh?” By the voice Lydis could tell that it was a boy under the messy hair.

”What do you need?” The boy came closer and stood right in front of Lydis. She stood about three inches taller than him so he had to look up a little. Leaning in close the boy whispered.

”Blood doesn't wash away easily. Even if you fool all these other kids 'we' know.” When he said 'we' the boy made a gesture towards the slum kids. ”It's a smell so familiar that we knew it the moment the winds brought it to us.” Lydis was a bit shocked but it was quickly covered up by curiosity. She placed one hand on the boy's shoulder.

”What do you mean?” Her smile was so sinister it sent chills through the boy. Even Lydis could feel the moment the boy's nerves shook. Although he was a bit hesitant the boy continued.

”You killed before coming here didn't you?” Lydis gave the boy an innocent look but the dark glee in her eyes twisted her image.

”Boy, what's your name?”

”I never received a name so when I was old enough I decided to be called Crill.”

”Crill, Crill what? No last name?”

”Are you an idiot? Why would I need a last name. Just Crill is fine.” Crill folded his arms in front of him. Lydis pulled Crill's shoulder closer so that his ear was close to her mouth.

”Yes, I did kill on my way here. On the trails I encountered a cute little rabbit. I was feeling a bit hungry but it's gone now.” Lydis's nightmarish smile gave Crill chills. He had really provoked someone scary. He felt like crying!

”W-what's your name.” He had tried to sound cool while asking that but instead it came out in a weak voice.

”Lydis. It'd be best for both of us if you remembered.” She patted his shoulder and walked past Crill. The hand that was on his shoulder waved back at him. After Lydis was far away enough Crill fell to the floor, his knees giving way. Worried, all of the other slum children ran to him.

”Crill are you oaky?”

”What happened?”

”Crill did you die?”

”Who was she?”

All their questions swamped him making his head hurt. He waved them off and had a cunning smile on.

”If there was one life lesson I've learned in the slums, it's that to survive you have to either be strong or follow the strong.” Crill watched Lydis's receding back, his eye unwavering and determined.