Chapter 5

We all stand around listening to SAGE tell us where we are going and what's in each backpack. It's almost comical to see the difference in the size of the girl's bags compared to the boys, of course, RaZ is the first to say anything about that.

"Hey, can I cut in a minute? SAGE, we have these things called hover sleds that would pack all this crap to wherever we are going. Why in the world would we personally lug these things anywhere?"

"The goal is to make this as realistic as possible, MasterRaZ."

"Well, this pack is not going to fit over my wings."

"It's not supposed to, no one on Earth can fly. So, you are going to walk like everyone else."

"Oh, now that's worm shit. I hate walking, that crap is totally overrated." BeforeKatherine can say a word, SoL puts a big hand on RaZ's shoulder, looking down at him.

"RaZ, if the trip becomes too hard on you, I will pack you and your little bag. I wouldn't want my big brother to overexert himself."

"Fine, you can just carry me now."

Weall laugh as RaZ tries multiple times to jump up into SoL's arms only for him to be thrown into the sky. WhenSoL first tosses him up, it startles me, but RaZ's response time simply shows this is not the first time these two have played this game.

Tordangrabs his bag off the ground effortlessly, strapping it on, and I watch as he helps Luna get hers settled. "DaR, I will take point; you bring up the rear. Keep all the females between us and have the other males monitor the sides as we proceed forward."

Lunareaches up, touching his chest lovingly. "Tordan, love … this isn't a mission. This is a leisurely walk through the woods with a group of friends."

"I understand the concept, even though I have never experienced it. Still, this area is unexplored and unguarded. We are on an unfamiliar planet with unknowns everywhere. If this trip only included males, things would be different, but you and the other females are our responsibilities. Luna, you know I will not take a chance with your safety, ever."

SAGEpops up in front of him. "MasterTordan, I have downloaded the trail map onto your personal comm unit, as I have all the others at your request."

XuLpicks up Brittany's bag, hooking it to the back of his, refusing to let her carry it no matter how many times she tries to take it from him. I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling when she rolls her eyes and turns away, talking to Keida. He smiles because he knows he has won this battle, but instantly turns serious when he sees Hugo.

"Hugo, are there any predators we should be advised of?"

"This isn't my territory, XuL, so I can't provide that information."

Ican't help but speak up when I hear XuL ask that. "Guys, we are not going to battle. Everyone needs to chill out." WhenDaR reaches for my bag, I smack his fingers. "I will hand it over if it becomes too much. I am fully capable of carrying a few things myself, none of us are helpless here."

SAGEpops up in front of me. "MistressKira, I will reconnect with you all at the campsite. I have a few things to take care of before I can join the festivities this early darkness."

"That's fine, sweetie."

Tordan'sbooming voice echoes all around. "This rising is not getting any younger. Load up, males." Tordan doesn't wait for anyone else, he simply starts walking off. All the others fall in line like they have done this half a dozen times. If you were not paying attention, no one would notice the weapons on the guy's hips or the fact that every girl is surrounded. Raven walks calmly at Danny's side as the other three hounds seem to have placed themselves protectively between Victoria and Katherine.

DaR, of course, is only steps behind me. "I really wouldn't want to be a misguided thief or bandit and try to attack this group. The hounds alone would tear them to pieces; you guys wouldn't even have to get involved."

"The hounds are quite impressive to watch. Their movements are almost military-like and they work well together. Theirhearing and sense of smell allows them to detect dangers much quicker than we can. It's a comfort having them along."

Theterrain changes drastically once we all step off the beach. Not only in temperature, but the scenery. The trees lining the path are much smaller than the ones on Darverius. I have simply quit comparing anything to Earth anymore as nothing I have seen since even comes close. The tree canopy is a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that shade us from the sun's above. A delicate ground cover of small white flowers lines the path's edge, which seems to be in a zigzag pattern as we approach a hill in front of us.

Hugoand Miya have been chatting quietly in front of me, and I almost run right into him when they suddenly stop. He puts a large red hand out, gathering me close behind him as DaR steps up right to me. Tordan had put a hand up and like a well-trained unit, they immediately stop.

Ravennudges Danny, and I watch as he sits Keida on her back. Tyberius disappears out of sight, but in the blink of an eye he appears behind us. His voice startles me and I jump. "Tordan's comm unit picked up a herd of Bovine ahead and he thinks we should take an alternate route, but it might be harder on the females."

Iswear they all should have been in a competition for synchronized dancing. As every one of us girls, are instantly picked up. "DaR, what the hell? And where did your dad go, he was just here?"

"No complaining, my Kira, just sit back and enjoy the ride. AndI believe Victoria and Father used some of that famous vampire lore you humans love so well and simply flashed ahead." We will catch up with them shortly, he will comm us if he finds any more dangers. He glances down at his comm unit just as Tordan gives the signal to move on.

Thestrength these men show without even being slightly winded is amazing no matter how many times I witness it. Tordan, SoL, AvX, XuL, and Hugo, like DaR, are all packing their significant others on one arm effortlessly, while RaZ has Katherine on his shoulders. Raven and the other hounds walk off to the side, keeping all of us between them. My eyes keep coming back to Danny as he walks next to Keida, who is still on Raven's back. You can tell he takes his training seriously as his eyes scan the area around us. It's sad that he might be one of the last human males alive. I don't know if it was a good thing or bad that he was too young to even remember much before being brought here.

It'seasy to tell the ones who are used to this type of travel. One of SoL's massive horns has wrapped around Alana from behind and the small horns that line her hair have looped around it, anchoring her in place. Miya's legs are draped around Hugo's waist as he holds her up effortlessly while she jabbers on about the scenery. The fact that she has his complete attention is adorable.

Ivyand Luna look as uncomfortable as I do. I am used to DaR tossing me around playfully all the time, but I don't care much for being packed like a three-year-old. "DaR, my love, is there a reason as to why I can't walk?"

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"Well, no … I understand the terrain is a little tricky and there have been plenty of places so far that you would have had to lift me up onto. BecauseI would have to climb up something you can simply step onto, but I am not a child."

"MyKira, I know firsthand that you are not a child, but did it ever occur to you that I enjoy having you in my arms? You should know by now that I will take any excuse to do so. As much as I hate to say this, I know you are more than capable of making this entire trip with or without me, but do you really think I am going to let the others show me up? Anyway, it's not much further, so quit your fussing."

"Fine, pack me then."