Highland

The Avalon search party had left the inn. They had been walking around for a while now. Blossom didn't say much nor did Cos. They even walked separately. Amethyst found that strange, dual the fact that Blossom and Cos always had been close friends. She had just assumed something had happened between them, but nothing too big otherwise she would have notice it, right?

“I think we will be there in perhaps 2 hours, if we keep this speed. But that's only what I estimate..” said Cos while he was looking around. He saw in the distance the beginning of the route they had to take order to get to the actual route they wanted to be. “Then we better keep it.” Blossom sounded like a first class Blossom, her bitch self. Cos rolled his eyes.

Do you really have to act like this? - What Cos? Everything is fine.

“Blossom. Get out my head.” Cos looked angry at her and even passed Blossom within a few seconds. “I'm walking ahead until you stop acting like a child!” he yelled. “What's that about?” asked Amethyst kindly. “Nothing that concernes you, Thyst!” “Don't act it out on me now, Blossom. You're clearly being rude to both Cos and me!” Amethyst wanted to pass her as well but Blossom grabbed her by her arm. She sighed. “I'm sorry, little one. It's just…” She sighed again. Blossom glanced at Cos. Amethyst saw the way she looked at Cos. “I should have opened the door.” Blossom smiled. “It's alright. We just have our…” Cos turned around. “..issues at the moment. But we won't that ruin, finding dad!” said Blossom rather optimistic. “I wonder how he is. If he is still..” Amethyst dropped a tear. “Don't finish that sentence.” said Cos who had returned to them. “We will find your father.” Blossom nodded. “Cos is right.” she smiled.

“So, what will we do when we find dad?” asked Amethyst as they had been getting closer and closer to the route they had to take. “Blossom and I will take out whoever is holding Avalon captive and you will free him. Does that sound good?” Amethyst nodded. “I meant, does that sound good to you, BLOSSOM?” Blossom looked offended. “You like to be the one in charge, Blos.” laughed Amethyst. “The plan is fine by me.” “The plan is fine by ME!” mocked both Amethyst as Cos at the same time. They started laughing. “Very funny. Very.” said Blossom while rolling her eyes at them. Cos high-fived Amethyst. “Are you two done?” “Haha, we are, Blossom. Relax.”

Oh boy, did he just say to Blossom, BLOSSOM, to be relaxed? Oh, poor Cos.

“I beg your pardon! I need to be relaxed! Are you sure about that, Cos?”

Ahh, Blos. Look at him. Cos is all nervous now.

“I meant..” Cos looked at Amethyst. “Help me..” he whispered. Amethyst smiled. “Blos, I’m sure he didn’t me-” “I think Cos is old enough to talk for himself, Thyst.”

Nice, now she is acting the bitch on me. For a Linker who can invade minds, she isn’t really good at reading people.

“Forget about it and focus on finding Avalon!” she yelled.

Somewhere

It was early. Avalon opened his eyes. Everything was blurry until the sunshine had faded from his sight. He didn't see Hiro. He wondered where he was. Avalon saw this is as another chance to get away from his kidnapper. Right when Avalon wanted to try to make ties looser once more, Hiro appeared out of the woods.

“Here. I got you some water. You must be thirsty.” Avalon smiled nervously. He drank the water. “You tried to escape again. I can read it on your face.” He nodded. “You kidnapped me after all. I still have people out there looking for me. Does anyone even look out for you?”

Honestly, Avalon doesn’t seem that bad. But.. his elves murdered my mother in cold blood during his command. He is responsible. He ordered the Highlanders to brutally murder residents of Northwind. Avalon, you may try to fool me but I know you are a monster like Baldwin.

“Kid? You’re awfully quiet.” asked Avalon after a few minutes. Hiro seemed in conflict with himself for a second, he thought. But now? Avalon saw a determined look on his face. He saw hatred in Hiro’s eyes. Avalon knew enough, it was his time to die.

“I’m done with the game you are playing, Avalon. Acting all nice, like you are any better but you are the same as just any other leader in Eviona. You are no better.” “Perhaps, I’m no better but at least, my region didn’t kill an entire species!” yelled Avalon angry. Hiro laughed. He looked furious. “Your so-called good region killed innocent souls too during the war! I hate hypocrites like you.” Hiro grabbed his blade. He put it next to Avalon’s face. “I wish I could just stab this into your head..” Avalon was a bit afraid.

Amethyst.., she needs to know. Don’t do it, kid.

“..but I have other plans for you. Starting now.” Hiro put his blade back. Avalon was relieved. “Who’s awfully quiet now?” Avalon sighed. “What are your other plans then? You might just tell me. I can’t escape. I haven’t seen any elf around here.” Hiro smiled. “Your daughters are kind protective of their father, I heard. I made a little lead for them. If they are indeed smart enough, they will be with us soon.” Avalon was shocked. “Leave them out of your plans, I beg you. They have nothing to do-” “Orders are orders. Your daughters will find their way here and then? Sadly, you won’t be alive anymore to see what will happen to them.” “Bastard!” Hiro slapped him. “I prefer orphan. You made me one!” he screamed in anger.

Ahh, I see. He lost his parents..

“I’m sorry for your loss. I-” “It were your soldiers. I don’t expect you to care. In case, you have forgotten, they were there in my village in the north! Killing all the women and children, what kind of monster orders a mission like that?! One that is just as wrong as Baldwin, Orion, you name it. You are all the same somehow. But here we are today because of the soldiers who missed me, and that was your mistake, Avalon. This is will be the price you pay. Death by the victim.” Avalon couldn’t believe how The Wind has manipulated their elves into thinking that. “My men could never have done that under my command, this was planned by someone else. Most likely, The Wind, themselves or have you forgotten what happens to anyone that stands into their way?!” Hiro punched Avalon in his stomach. “I hope we will see your daughters soon, Avalon.”