Two Sided

It was a peaceful day. And that’s what scared them.     There was never a peaceful day in Alastair. Ever since the monarchy fell on what was called The Bleeding Night, there was always something bad happening in the kingdom. Fights, murder, robbery, you name it. The kingdom was in shambles. No outsider dared to step foot near the walls that surrounded Alastair, for they feared that they would get mugged or hurt upon entry. Travelers would go around the kingdom even if it was a longer path. No one dared to go near it. And no one dared to leave it. The people inside the walls didn't know what it was like outside the kingdom, and they didn't want to know. But getting back on track, it was a peaceful day in the kingdom. No one knew why. Everyone locked themselves inside their homes in fear. A peaceful day never, ever happened. No one walked the streets. Except for one.     Her name was Akila Dea. She was unlike any other. Most of the people in town were darker-skinned and had dark eyes and hair. But Akila has skin that resembled a porcelain doll, unscratched and not a single mark of any kind in sight. She had pale blonde, practically white hair to match her fair skin that was usually up in a low bun, or in some pretty hairstyle. Her body was slim, yet had curves in all the right places. She was the definition of beauty. But, unlike the rest of her, her eyes weren't so pretty. She had one blue eye while the other was a stunning silver. Different color eyes were a sign of witchcraft among the kingdom. She wore a white flowy kaftan; a color that was rarely seen in the kingdom with a royal blue cape over it. She looked to be about sixteen at first glance, due to her smaller stature, but she was actually nineteen years old.  She carried a large brown satchel as she walked. She went down the main road, her head held high.     Everything about this day was strange. How? You may ask. Well, for one, it was a peaceful day, and two, Akila was out; the only one roaming the streets. Out of everyone in the town, she was the only one to step outside. Why though? Well, she was on a mission. To collect some herbs for her master. Her master was a kind, young alchemist; only at the age of twenty. He had short fiery red hair that was cropped in the back and on the sides while it was tasseled and curly on top. He had crystal blue eyes that almost appeared gray. He had a chiseled jaw and strong features. He was very handsome. His name was Emilio Ricardo. He was Akila’s master and mentor. He sent her out on this peaceful day to collect some herbs for a potion he was brewing.     As Akila walked the streets, she noticed how quiet it was. It almost scared her. She would always hear the cries or screams coming from some part of the town. But none could be heard on this day. She whipped her head side to side, sweeping the streets. An uneasy feeling crept its way into her stomach. She took one hand off her satchel and slowly brought it to one of the hidden pockets in her Kaftan. Akila slid her hand inside and wrapped it around the handle of the hunting knife she kept in there.      Just a bit farther. She thought to herself.      The field of herbs and flowers finally appeared in her sight. She quickened her pace, feeling as if she was being watched. Just as she was about to step into the field, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She quickly turned around, throwing the hand off her shoulder and pointing her knife at the person who dared to touch her. It was once she had the knife at the person’s throat, she realized who it was. It was her best friend that she had known practically her whole life; James Daniel Prinn. He was her only friend in the kingdom. He was the same age as her master, but he looked a lot younger. He had short brown hair with bangs that swept across his forehead. He had the most brilliant hazel eyes and tan skin that was free of any mark; except for the scar that went from the top of his left eyebrow to the bottom of his left   He was much taller than Akila; about a foot or two taller. Overall, he wasn’t bad looking.      “James?! What are you doing out?” Akila asked. She knew James was only allowed to leave his house to visit her because she lived so close. Even then, it was more like he sneaked out instead of being allowed. His mother refused to let him out after his father was mugged and killed years ago. It took him about five months to even convince his mom to let him visit Akila after that with her (his mom) present.      “I was looking for you. I went to Emilio’s place and you weren’t there. He said that you’d gone out and I panicked so I came to find you,” He explained. Akila looked at him confused.      “Why did you panic?” She asked. James was always slightly protective of her. Even when they were little, James would always put himself in harm’s way to make sure that Akila would be safe. That’s the reason he got his scar; he was protecting her, and Akila was thankful that he did, or she would’ve been killed that day.      “Well, uh, I- um,” James stuttered out. He began to rub the back of his neck, something Akila knew he did when he was nervous. “You know how much you mean to me. I made an oath to protect you for as long as I live. When Emilio told me that you went out, I panicked because you were out alone. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you,”      Akila wasn’t shocked. He’s told her this many times and its the same thing every time. “Well, since you’re with me, you can help me pick some herbs.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the field with her. She kept walking hand in hand with James until she found the first herb she needed. She let go and sat down on the ground, trying not to dirty her kaftan too much. “James, can you go pick out some of the herbs that look like grain please?” She asked while picking her own herbs and placing them in her basket.      “Yeah. Sure. No problem.” He walked off to pick some of the herbs he was told to. As he walked away, James made sure to keep a close eye on Akila. He couldn’t, no, wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He promised Akila’s family that he would protect her if anything ever happened to them. He finally spotted some of the herbs Akila was talking about. He sat down and began picking it. As he sat, he too noticed how peaceful it was today. He stopped, suddenly feeling as if something was wrong. He quickly picked what was left of that herb in the area and speed walked to Akila.      “Should this be enough?” He asked her.      “That should be plenty,” she smiled at him, “thank you James. You’ve been a big help.”      James returned the smile. “You’re welcome. We should get going. Do you have everything you need?”      Akila checked her basket. “Yep. I’ve got everything. Emilio needs these herbs for a medicine ASAP.” She hooked her arm (the one not holding the basket) around James’s. The two walked arm in arm back to Emilio’s place.      Unbeknownst to them, a pair of curious eyes were trained on them, watching the two closely from a dark alleyway, well, more or so watching Akila closely. The figure watched them until they disappeared around a corner. Once they did, the figure left the alley. But they didn’t return to a house or another alley, they walked up to one of the large walls that surrounded the kingdom. They paused for a moment, before walking straight through the cobblestone wall, leaving the kingdom.