AmethYst

Chapter Eighteen

They reached the mountain's top, and Miles started panting. "That was quite a walk, huh?" he asked Crimson. "It was nothing much," Crimson answered. "There is a cave just up ahead; that's where he usually works," Crimson exclaimed.

They reached the entrance of the cave when they heard a loud boom.

"What was that?" Miles asked.

"How the hell would I know?" Crimson replied.

They hurried into the cave to investigate the noise and found an elf covered in black dust. The elf, with striking green eyes and blond hair, resembled Lilith.

"Crimson!" the elf exclaimed, rushing to hug him. "It's been so long, brother!" "Yes, it has been Lance," he said. "Where's Sis? Did she come with you?" Lance inquired, looking past Crimson to see Miles. Crimson lowered his head in disappointment. "That's the reason we're here, Lance. Lilith got injured," he exclaimed.

 Lance's eyes widened in disbelief. "You must be kidding! You said you would protect her!" Lance shouted angrily. "Look, Lance, it wasn't me; it was that guy," Crimson said, pointing to Miles.

"What you said you wouldn't tell! You liar!" Miles exclaimed.

Lance pushed Crimson away and lunged at Miles, pouncing on him before he could react. He stayed on top of Miles, slapping him as he shouted, "Who are you, and how dare you fail to protect big sis?"

Crimson rushed over and pulled Lance off Miles.

"Thanks for getting that sis-con off me, Crimson," Miles said, catching his breath.

"What did he say? Put me down and let me get to him!" Lance said.

"No, not until you come down," Crimson replied, still holding onto Lance.

"Then it looks like you'll be holding onto me until you decide to leave," Lance muttered angrily.

"This is Miles, Lance, and he needs our help with something urgent," Crimson exclaimed.

"By urgent, I hope you mean a beating because that's what he deserves," Lance shouted.

"Look, I'm sorry for not being able to protect your sister, but right now you need to stop acting like a child and listen to why we are here," Miles insisted.

Both Lance and Crimson looked surprised by Miles' words.

"I'll stop. Put me down," Lance said to Crimson.

"What do you need, Crimson?" Lance asked, finally prepared to listen. Crimson leaned in and whispered into Lance's ear, "I need you to create a good weapon for this idiot. Trust me, Lilith will be very happy with you."

"Okay, what are you whispering about? You better not be talking bad about me to that kid," Miles muttered, looking concerned.

Lance replied, "Hmmm, okay, I will do it, Crimson."

Crimson exclaimed, "Thank you! Can you make a sword for him?"

"Can I make a sword for him? Are you kidding me? Of course, I can; I'm a blacksmith after all!" Lance shouted proudly.

"Yes! Finally, you got through to him!" Miles exclaimed happily.

Lance walked up to Miles and said, "You better hurry and help Crimson get your friend so you guys can leave Amethyst."

Miles smiled and replied, "Well, that's why I will need you to create a katana for me." Realizing the implications of Lance's words, Miles snapped to his senses. "Wait, did Crimson tell you that I'm not from this world?" Yes he did Lance replied. Miles turns to Crimson and gives him an angry but thank you look.

"But before I create your sword, I need your help with a sinister menace here in Elven Von," Lance said with a smirk.

"And what might that be?" Crimson exclaimed.

"Well, it's kind of a Blood Screecher," Lance muttered.

"No way are we dealing with that, Lance! Do you want us dead? Besides, aren't they just legends now?" Crimson replied.

"That's what I thought too, but it looks like Rigor didn't wipe them all out like we believed. This one keeps coming to steal livestock from Elven Von," Lance explained.

"But if you don't want to help, I understand. You should know, though, that Blood Screechers have a particular interest in those from another world," Lance added with a smirk.

Miles' eyes widened, determination suddenly filling him. "Let's go and deal with this Blood Screecher before it finds Laurel," he declared to Crimson.

Crimson facepalmed in frustration.