After Shyla's death, things naturally became more turbulent within the household. With Atheala being as much of a hot-head as she was and without her mother to counter it, things went downhill. Atheala had gotten into a fight with her elder sister, Valeria, who had taken over their mother's duties. There had been fights infrequently as the years passed and they kept getting worse. During this fight though, Atheala had become so overcome with anger that she had thrown some household item and broken the orb containing their mother's memorial. Shyla's memories from the family's past dissipated and evaporated into the air, and what was left of their mother went with it. Infuriated, Valeria slammed her wooden door and left Atheala in the hallway. Atheala, feeling very misunderstood and very much in trouble, didn't want to be around anymore. She didn't want to be around to see the look of disappointment on her father and sibling's faces when they woke up the next morning to see the mess and she had grown weary of trying to explain herself. She was also at the height of her anger with her older sister and decided that Valeria did not deserve for her to stay around. (hmph!) Atheala quickly gathered some important things of hers and headed out of her bush-like home, in small, 3-4 inch form. She had adorned herself with a long, dark traveling robe and unseen items of protection. From the entrance of their bush-home she flew herself through the forest away from her home. After a night's journey by flight and a lot of crying, she emerged at dawn at the edge of a small human city' Here is where Atheala emerged into the online world at around 8 or 9 years old:

Tired from a full night's flight and hungry as breakfast was approaching she was eager to enter the city and demand food.

Too weary to travel so small, she became human size and peered over the hedge to see wooden shacks kept up with paint, well used dirt "roads", and a traffic of people on foot in multicolored garb. They all seemed to be traveling to and from this one 'shack" to her left. She noticed a sign before the door, but could not read it. The aroma of fresh bread escaped from the door as another person went in and her stomach heaved. Looking both ways before she passed onto the road, she kept her face hidden and passed through the door as all the others had. Once she shut the door she saw a long wooden corridor with stairs to her immediate right, a bulletin board, and two more doors at the end of the hallway opposite each other. There was much commotion coming from the room to the left along with that taunting scent of bread. Atheala began speculating the consequences of entering either room when someone else came through the main door. Not wanting to seem out of place, she automatically opened the door to her left and jumped inside.

The place was packed! Stuffy, noisy, busy, and claustrophobic even to a tiny person as her. There were no other children in the room. Only adults and their pets crowded the tables, stools, couches, and even wall space! Hearing the stranger in the hallway approach, she had to make a quick move from blocking the door. Still a bit dazed, she managed to maneuver along a line of people against the wall, step over some young scaly thing with a tail, avoid someone's unhappy bat, and arrive finally and safely at a polished countertop. With a sigh she looked up, and her eyes didn't even reach the countertop. The barkeep looked at her questioningly as she tried to situate herself on a stool. A couple of grunts later she was successfully seated and generating a huge smile. The man behind the bar could only watch her with one brow raised. "I would like your best food and drink, please!", another huge smile. The man pulled out a plate of roasted animal leg and a large mug of ale. Curling her nose at the smell of the meat, the man rolled his eyes and took the plate away. "Just as I thought", he muttered. He came back with half a loaf of the fresh bread she had been smelling and 3 thin slices of poultry glazed with gravy. There was a twinkle in her eye as she ate the food unceremoniously that made him smirk. She took a sip of the ale and nearly choked. Her eyes wide, she spat out as much as she could, but still fainted.

When she came to, there were 2 human men and 1 human woman in a room with her. She was lying on a bed at the lodging upstairs to the pub. Her sight was still fuzzy and she felt stiff, achy, sore, sick, helpless, and generally horrible. The man sitting on the bed in gray robes was the first to notice she was conscious. "Oh! The little one has risen. I'll inform her on what happened. You guys should really return to your responsibilities." With consenting nods the barman from earlier and the woman left. Outside the door they heard him say, "I feel so bad for her. I hope she's alright!". The man on the bed smirked, "He worries more than a mother hen! It's very lucky of you to have met him." Not knowing what to do, she looked out of the window instead of at him. The scenery said it was late afternoon. Looking down and clearing his throat, "Well then, let's get right to the point", adjusting in his spot, "the man you met earlier served you alcohol.? Assuming by the long silence that he had concluded with his explanation, she gave him a confused glance as if to say he hadn't explained anything at all, and went back to staring out the window.

She ate and had a most mood lifting conversation with the barman. He had told her that she was always welcome at the pub downstairs and that since she had no place to go, she could stay here. She promised only to stay so long as he continued to make her delicious food everyday, and they shared a laugh. They came back down the stairs smiling and the barman went back to the pub while she was called into the room across it by the man who healed her. "Yes?", she inquired, wondering if she was in trouble. She waited for the response while rocking on her feet. The man in grey walked to another man who was seated and introduced him, "This is the owner of this wonderful establishment", he motioned with his arms to the building they were in, "I have explained your situation to him, and he will allow you to stay here as long as you need." Her face suddenly changed to a bright smile and she clapped and jumped in excitement. She was interrupted by the healer, ?"IF you work for it." A sad look came over her as she wondered what cruel labor they had in store for her. The healer continued, "You cannot have everything for free, small one. You left your family, and you must be responsible for your actions. You cannot expect people to take care of you. Letting you stay here is a great gift, even if for labor. You should take that to mind. Or did you have some other way to pay for the food you ate and the room you used?" The harsh man's words were difficult to swallow, but as she moved her glance around the room thinking, she had made her decision and knew he was right. She looked up to the spokesman, Mr. Healer, and asked, "So I only have to work as long as I stay?", through gritted teeth. Mr. Healer looked over to the proprietor for an answer and received a nod. Turning back to Atheala he said, "Yes, those are sufficient terms." "Deal then," she concluded and lifted her hand to Mr. Healer. Playing along with her "hard act' he shook her hand and said with a stern face, "As for now you are dismissed. This evening is yours to spend. Your orders await with the woman taking care of the rooms. When you awaken tomorrow you will ask her for your duties. Then, after lunch your duties lie with the barman. Understood servant"!" and he lifted a hand to his forehead in salute. Not meaning to be taken so seriously Atheala looked at him kinda dazed. "uuuh' Ookaaay." She was able to mutter as she stumbled over across the hall to the barman and inform him of her current status.

She thought about his response and said, "Why do you fight animals" I mean, bad grownups are a given. But the little creatures"..." she pouted a bit. He let out a heavy sigh and explained, "Well, sometimes a bad person gets smarter animals to pick on people who can't protect themselves. They do that because they hope that will make the people they really want upset to go fight them. So instead of falling for that trap, the good people ask me to fight for them.", he concluded simply. "You DO that' For people that you don't know"! That's so dangerous!", she was scolding him! He laughed for a bit, "I healed you didn't I" It would have been the same as saving you from a monster." She was silent for a moment thinking of a way to be correct, "Nuh-uh. I'm special to you. You needed me to work here." He raised an eyebrow at her stubborness, "No I didn't. I didn't go looking for you." "So I'm not special to you?", she tried to sucker him into being wrong once again! Seeing that she was smarter than she let on, he left it at that, "Exactly.". Not expecting him to turn it around, her eyes got big in real shock and she gasped, "Really" Taking his time to reply he said, "You are no more special to me than any other person I rescue." and he turned to look at her with that fatherly face again. Feeling relieved and knowing she was outwitted of her league, she let her argument fall apart and hugged him instead. "Thank you.". She was convinced that he would be her new father figure for her new home. After a few moments of consolation they both went back inside, for he had some business to attend to with the owner and she had more intel to get (evil laugh).

Finished with her meal she popped up out of the chair. She moved behind the chair, removed the cloak from the back, and tied it over her shoulders. It really was a chilly day today. A few shivers later she had made the bed, gathered the tray with the used dinner ware, and was headed downstairs. Entering the hallway meeting the end of the stairs she saw a congestion of people fretting this way and that. Dodging a few adults she made her way to the end of the hall and heard Ms. Scarlet's voice. She followed it to the right, into the room across from the bar. The room where she had spoken to the owner and Akrass about her living situation. Ms. Scarlet looked busier than a bee, and Atheala could only think to herself 'what have I gotten myself into'. It was brief though, because Ms. Scarlet saw her as she moved about the office in conversation with others. "Ah good! There you are now, deary! I trust you ate up well" Ah yes, I see a clean plate. Mmm hmm. Very good indeed. Now please put those in the sink behind the counter over the way' Yes, thank you. Someone else will come by and wash them along with the other wares from the morning. As for today, I need you to follow me and learn about the place.", and she hustled off with a customer. Atheala had no time to pause and think about what she just heard. She hurried over to the sink behind the counter, carefully dumped the dishes, and scurried into the hallway after her matron. She caught up to her barely before she had made it out the front door. "Oh good. Hurry along now!", she called as she held the door open. Atheala jogged over and was nearly halted by a cold gust. Nevertheless, she pulled her cloak tighter and stepped on the road next to Ms. Scarlet. She began to explain "This is a small town and we usually see the same people. So it is most important to be on our best behavior.". They turned the corner of the Inn and followed along the outer wall. Pointing to the back area she explained, "Here is where the washing takes place. As you know there are full service baths inside the Inn for the cold season and the more luxurious guests, but some people still enjoy bathing in a barrell! Not that i would understand it...", she shook her head and Atheala looked around and noted the barrells on the exterior wall. Moving onto the patio there were baskets and buckets that were empty at the moment. "These are used for the washing of clothes and linens. Like the dishes you won't be starting there yet.", she pointed out quickly as she let Atheala take everything in and moved on to the back alley. Here she stopped and knelt down, "My dear, If you've heard nothing more this morning I want you to at least remember this. This alley is a bad area. I don't want you back here too long for ANY errand. As you can see and smell, this is where we leave the trash. Don't let anyone trick you into staying here too long. Understand?". Atheala nodded and replied with a glance into Ms. Scarlet's eyes.

"Well, I don't know.", Akrass checked the position of the sun and gathered he had a bit of time. "Let's start with what you've got.", He rose up and waited for her to follow. "wha- you want me to fight you?", she remained sitting at the counter. "Well, of course I do. I can't teach you if i don't know how far you've gotten. Come on, now.", and he mocked her putting his fists up to encourage her. "Um, let me help you out. I know NOTHING. easy right' So start from square one.", and she smuggly drank from her drink. "Aw, come on. You gotta know SOMEthing. I mean, you're a young girl! I'm sure you've played tag and other stuff outside. You might as well stand up and comply or else I'll just come after you.", he thought that might be the best way to make his point. Thinking about it for a time, considering if he would actually attack her, she eventually said not too convincingly, "You wouldn't do that. I mean, that would be unfair. I don't even know how to protect myself!". All Akrass did was smile and shift his weight. Becoming nervous she tried hopping over the counter top and seek protection from Mr. White. Seeing such a juvenile move, Akrass stopped her with a quick yank on her ankle, and she tumbled to the floor. "Hey! I coulda really gotten hurt!", she huffed from the floor. "Then you'd better do something about it.", he stung at her as he picked up a tablecloth. He moved to capture her in it, and she dodged. She thought to herself, 'that could be dangerous. If i get wrapped up in that, i won't be able to use my wings.' and tried to find another way around him. What on earth would she do' She didn't want to hurt him. She just wanted to get away from him! What did he expect of her"! Thinking too much she left herself too easily open. He tried the same attack again to fool her and when she moved he instead came from under the sheet and pinched her leg. "Gotcha!" he ragained a fighting stance once again. "Why you-!", she fumed. He wasn't fighting. he was making fun of her! "More fighting! Less talking!", and he tried the same attack again. This time she took a chance and tried to find some advantage. The only thing that came to mind was flight. So before the sheet reached her she spread out her wings and took off for the ceiling. Being evaded, he reached into his shirt. Intent as to what he would retrieve she watched him. Quickly he brought out his hand and opened it towards her. She was blinded. She closed her eyes and started swatting. He stood on a table and pulled her down by her legs, and tickled her. Still trying to get away and still blinded, she shrunk to pixie form. Not that it did much good, because when she tried to blindly fly away, she hit something hard. Rubbing her eyes, and her head now, she took a minute to look around. The look on her face sent Akrass into a laughing fit. He had trapped her in a jar! Coming to see all the comotion, Mr White emerged from the kitchen. "Well, looky here. I do believe you need a little more practice.", he patted the jar. Akrass just kept laughing. Atheala said to the barman, "You'd better let me outta here before customers arrive. This is humiliating to my race!". "Sure thing i will.", reassured Mr White, "But I'm going to wait until Akrass leaves. That look in your eye doesn't bode well for him and-uh, honestly' I need him around.". Akrass just laughed and laughed and laughed. He would get up from the floor, look up at her, and laugh. "Alright now, I think she's had enough.", Mr. white interjected. Regaining better control of himself, Akrass came back to the counter and began to explain, "Ok, i get it. you know nothing. Like you said.". Atheala glared at him through the glass. "but you don't get better unless you try. Fight and fail, but keep fighting. You learn everytime you make a mistake. It's gonna take a while, but you'll get it.". "Yeah, I'm sure you'll enjoy it taking a long time.", Atheala crossed her arms. "You bet it!", he put in his last remark, "Alright old man, I'm gonna head out so you can get some work done. See you tomorrow.", and he had gathered his traveling case and cloak. Out the door he went and Atheala stuck out a defiant tongue to the door he just closed. "Oh man is he gonna pay..." she muttered from inside the jar. Mr. White could only smirk and tip it open for her.

Athy had really grown accustomed to her new way of life. She was pulling pranks on her co-workers, became efficient at her work, and was really getting comfortable with the people she met. It is hard to estimate, but maybe two years had passed and she could call most by name and remember their preferences. She could also read and write, although at quite a beginner's level. She couldn't dedicate a lot of time to school since she had to provide for herself. At this point, she is an early teenager, and as all teenagers she has gotten a smart mouth (as if she didn't have one before!) and has become moody. But these occurrences were infrequent as these changes were only just beginning. Her body was also changing much like a teenager's would. Her most noticeable change was the texture and coloration of her wings. They got darker, and heavier, and sometimes it would rip all on its own. They became more angular, almost skeletal, but definitely made her look more adult. At first her wings were a light lilac color, but since have gained a nearly heavy lavender tone. Her training had gotten better, and she wasn't the sorry fighter she was when she first arrived. She could actually take a hit and not flinch or run away. She was also more aggressive, and could begin attacks on her own. She has yet to beat Sensei Akrass, but still tries at every opportunity. Speaking of Akrass, we arrive on a night that for all purposes is normal where Akrass stops by for his usual rounds and greets the cheery patrons as he walks on over to the counter top. "What's up squirt?" he patted Atheala's head and he sends a salute up to Mr. White, "old man?" and leans on the bar to settle in. "I'll 'squirt' you? she mumbled as he was speaking to the barman, "I guess whatever you have on the dinner menu tonight and- uh?" he looked over her way, but it was too late. She had already begun firing her water pistol on him. "What the-" Aw man! I had a date later! Now she's gonna think I'm a slob.", he tried to dry it out with a towel from behind the counter. "That'll teach you to keep your guard down. I don't want a cheap victory from you! STOP WHINING AND FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN.", and her pistol ran out of water and she stood to one side. "Little girl", he said through grinding teeth, "go find someone your own age to mess with!" and he attempted to take her by surprise by sitting back down instead of attacking. That was poor judgment. She had pulled her second gun out and shot his cheek, unable to suppress an evil grin. Opening his eyes slowly was her cue to run away because he was beyond pissed. She ran to the other end of the bar and kept herself entertained in front of the fire. Sighing, he turned back to Mr. White who chuckled, "I guess she forgot that you taught her all those pranks." Keeping his head down, he relaxed into his seat and the barman assembled the dinner he had requested. Putting on the countertop he added, "You wouldn't be eating dinner if you had a date later. Why are you so hard on her?". "Eh, I like to have my fun too. Besides its harmless." He responded as he spun his fork in the mashed potatoes. "By the way, I kinda have a mission up in the mountains" he looked up to meet the barman's skeptical eyes. "I know you have a good amount of training, and you're fair in combat, but are you sure you'll be ok up there?" he absent mindedly began wiping down the countertop. "I understand your concern, and I assure you I will partake of the utmost caution. The reason I'm letting you know is for her" he glanced back to the little miss who was pretending to put the fire out with her squirt gun. "I've never been away for so long. I've waited till things were wrapped up as best they could be with my patients. But doing so put me far behind. I really need to get up there now. I'm sure she'll be out of her mind with no one to torture." Nodding, the barman inquired "Are you going to tell her?". Chewing a bit he responded with "Well of course I'll have to tell her this will be a long mission. But I don't think it would be a good idea if she knew where I was, or that it was dangerous. She's too assertive these days." Then he felt a gun to his head and in his left ear he heard "Who's too assertive" Prepare to loose your dinner!" and she made a move to steal the plate. He grabbed her arm and twisted it around till she looked funny. When she stopped squirming he returned to his dinner. "So why are you guys all serious over here" Did someone die?" The two men looked at each other knowingly. "What did you do to your patients this time"!" Putting his fork down on the empty plate he came out with "Oh its nothing. I'm just going on a long mission. So our practice is gonna be cancelled for a little while." The barman put the plate in the sink. "Sure thing, just make sure you bring me back something nice." Akrass got up and brushed off his clothes, "Excuse me, but a proper and well mannered lady is awaiting me" and he made for the door with a bow and a wink to the barman, Atheala bounced behind him. "Yeah right, like a lady would be interested in you. Where are you really going" Are you trying to skip out on our fight' I WILL beat you. Hey- PAY ATTENTION TO ME!? and they were out of sight.