Tales Of Darkness And Light
Chapter 8's

"Wait here and don't go anywhere. I'll be right back." The order of the Apples on Rue while already in the room was a small inn they found.

"Ehhh! Where are you going Apple?" rue asked in surprise upon hearing Apple's orders.

"I want to exchange this jewel for Penna. We need it to survive outside the forest." Replied the Apple while taking out a bag of gems from behind its black tunic bag. Penna is the currency of the world.

"Penna? I don't understand, Apple," Rue replied confusedly, although a moment later it turned to surprise that she recognized the gemstone in Apple's hand.. Uhh! That rock we found in the lake?"

"true." Answer the Apple briefly. The gemstone in his hands was a stone they often found within the forbidden forest lake. Rue did not know at all that the stone he often picked up while playing in the lake was a very expensive gemstone.

"I'm coming, yeah." asked Rue with a smile. He still wanted to see this Radiata city, and also, he simply did not want to be inside this unfamiliar room alone.

"No. You won't come with me, stupid," Apple refused, not caring about the smile on Ruem's face, turning her back, she walked out of their room in the inn. "Wait for me here."

Apples did not like the view that everyone gave as he and Rue walked in the city. With eyes covered in cloth, everyone would definitely think himself blind. However, as they walked in search of the inn, the one guiding the way was him, not Rue. It must look very strange in anyone's eyes. Moreover, another reason she did not want Rue to come with her inside this city was because of the beauty of the girl. Although his eyes were closed, Apple could feel clearly everyone's gaze was fixed on Rue—, enchanted by his beauty.

He was very selfish, Apple knew that, Rue who had never left the forbidden forest all this time must have been very interested in seeing the outside world. But, he did not allow it, even if he could, he wanted to hide Rue from anyone for the rest of their lives.

Rue who could do nothing could only stare at the figure of the Apple that disappeared from sight. Full of frustration, he decided to sleep. However, he could not sleep at all. All his life, this was his first time entering the city. He was very curious and interested to see this Radiata city more.

"If I can go home before Apple gets home, it's fine" he told himself with a smile.

With such thoughts in mind, Rue got up from the bed and rushed out of the room. He walked out of the inn with a smile and started exploring Radiata City.

Rue's green eyes twinkled looking at his surroundings. The view of the city is completely different from the forest. He saw many things he had never seen or imagined. Even though it was late at night, the city was still crowded.

Rue who only looked around did not look ahead at all, and without hesitation he hit someone, "Oh! I'm sorry!" he apologized while bowing his head.

While raising his head back to look at the face of the person he hit, Rue found three young men his age standing in front.

"Ouch! It hurt so much, my arm cracked," said the young man who was hit by Rue while grimacing in pain. "You have to take responsibility."

"Ehh! It can't be!" rue shouted in surprise. He felt that he could not hurt the young man, because he did not hit him strongly at all.

The three young men smiled grinningly looking at Rue's facial expression. They had been after the girl since they first saw her. Her rare beauty made them imagine how much fun it would be when they played later.

One of the young men pulled the rough arm of Rue. "Come, come with us."

Rue who knew nothing could sense the evil intentions of the three young men in front of him. Fear enveloped his heart. He did not want to follow them at all. "Take me off!" loud shouting.

Hearing Rue's cry, the three young men burst into laughter. There was not the slightest feeling of fear on their faces even though they were now in the middle of the city with the residents passing by.

"Please!" rue shouted for help. Her frantic green eyes stared at the surrounding townspeople.

The townspeople who were around Rue immediately threw their faces away, pretending not to see what was happening. They all did not want to get into trouble, because the three people Rue faced were now the most feared thugs in the city.

Seeing that no one was helping her, Rue grew even more panicked and tried to remove her arm that was pulled by one of the thugs. However, the gang of thugs is very strong. He was simply unable to fight it. When the fear in his heart was not restrained anymore, he closed his eyes and shouted loudly. "Apple!!!"

A small stone suddenly shot out quickly hitting the thug's hand which pulled Rue's arm. The thug screamed in pain and let go of his grip.

Simultaneously, both Rue and the three thugs immediately turned to look at the direction the small stone came from.

Not far from Rue and the three thugs, a handsome man smiled at them. His age was visible in his early twenties, and his body was tall with black hair and blue eyes.

"Can you release the girl? it doesn't seem like he wants to come with you" said the man with a smile that never disappeared from his face.

"Bad!" shouted the thug whose hands were thrown stones full of anger. Running closer to the man, he raised an attacking hand followed by his two friends.

The man kept smiling looking at the three thugs who were running to attack him. There was not the slightest feeling of fear in his heart even though his opponent was more numerous.

Moving his body, the man easily dodged the attacks of the three thugs. One of the thugs who felt their opponent was not an ordinary person immediately pulled out a small sword from his waist to attack him. However, easily, the man kicked the hand of the thug who was gripping the sword with his left foot.

Soaring high the sword also floated upwards. Without giving a chance, the man turned his body and kicked the thug again with his right leg until it fell backward. Jumping up to catch the little sword, accurately, he threw it right next to the thug's face. Instantly the face of the thug paled with fear.

When the man landed, the two remaining thugs again attacked him. They believe they can still win because of winning numbers. Again, however, the man dodged the attack. Then, with a sigab, he grabbed the arm of one of the thugs and slammed it into the ground.

The other thug stood looking at what was happening. His face was paled with fear. This man was too strong, they were simply unable to defeat him.

"Get out of here and don't you dare bother people anymore." Said the man still with a smile on his face. But not for his sharp blue eyes full of warning.

The thug immediately ran away leaving the man followed by his two friends. They did not dare to fight anymore, the man was too strong.

Looking at the three thugs who had disappeared from sight, the man walked towards Rue who had not moved in the least, "You're okay?" tanyanya slow.

"I'm fine," replied Rue quickly. The fear had disappeared on his face replaced by a smile."Thank you." Thank you."

Seeing Rue's smile, the man smiled "Thank God. Oh yea! I'm Calix. Your name?"

"Rul." Reply Rue quickly. Despite having just met, not knowing why he felt comfortable enough with Calix, probably because of his smile, friendly nature and also the fact that the man had just helped him.

"Balix!!!!" the scream of someone shocked Rue and Calix suddenly.

Rue and Calix immediately turned to look at the direction the voice came from. A beautiful woman of Calix's age with shoulder-length red hair and blue eyes walked towards them approaching them. Unlike Calix who was full of smiles, anger was clearly visible on his face.

"Esthel!" call Calix as soon as you see the woman. There was not the slightest change in her face even though Esthel looked full of anger.

Arriving in front of Calix, Esthel immediately raised her right hand to punch Calix in the face. "I said, don't look for trouble in the city."

Rue was shocked to see what Esthel was doing. Not moving, he was sculpting not knowing what to do.

Esthel who was preparing to launch her fist again immediately stopped as soon as she heard Calix say. Directing his eyes to Rue, Rue immediately paled in fear.

Aware of Rue's fear, Esthel then laughed and lowered her fists. "Sorry, I'm not trying to scare you at all."

"Whoever sees you will be terrified." Sela Calix is beside me slowly.

"Whatdidyou say? Repeat once more if you dare!" esthel countered, her blue eyes gleaming at Calix sharply.

Calix silently nodded and threw his face away. He did not dare provoke Esthel's emotions anymore, because he did not know what the red-butted woman would do if her anger really peaked.

Esthel paid no attention to Calix at all, looking back at Rue, both of her hands raised holding the golden-haired girl's shoulders. "Girls as pretty as you are better off not wandering around this town by nightfall. Where's your house? We'll take you home."

Rue's green eyes met with Esthel's blue eyes, and Rue could see no anger on that face but rather no worry. The fear he felt immediately disappeared, the woman he was before him was not a scary person.

Slowly, a smile adorned Rue's face. "thank you. My house is not in this town. I'm staying at the inn."

"Lodging huh? Where is the inn where you stay. We'll drive you." Esthel smiled as soon as she saw Rue's smile.

Hearing Esthel's question, Rue suddenly came to a realization. The smile on his face disappeared and his face paled. Fear once again filled him, for he could not remember the name of the inn and the direction to its inn. "I-I don't know...."

......................

The apple walked into his rental room and Rue inside the inn. However, he was extremely shocked when he did not find Rue. Without thinking anything more, he ran out of the room and asked the innkeeper, where Rue was.

"The girl came out of the peek not long after you came out. I thought he went looking for you." Obviously the innkeeper.

Hearing the innkeeper's reply, Apples darted out of the inn to look for Rue. It was dark and she had no idea where the girl was. An overwhelming fear enveloped his heart, Rue knew absolutely nothing about life outside the forest, anything could happen to him.

While running, Apple opened the cloth that bound his eyes. He didn't care about anything anymore, he wasn't afraid that anyone would notice his eyes. The one in his mind now was only one, that is; finding Rue.

......................

Rue stared at the large and majestic building before him motionlessly. Both of his eyes widened and his mouth opened, this was the first time he had seen a building as beautiful as this. He found no words to explain what he was seeing now. "Is this your home, Brother Calix, sister Esthel?" takjud tanyanya.

"No. This is my acquaintance's house." Calix answered with a smile.

"Let's go in, Rue." asked Esthel while pulling Rue's hand and guiding her into the grand mansion in front of them .

Rue who was following Calix and Esther could not hide his feelings of fascination when he saw the contents of the mansion. From gardens with beautiful blooming flowers, elegant and artistic buildings, to the beautiful furniture that adorns them. Amazed, her green eyes did not blink staring around.

Calix and Esthel who saw Rue's reaction were unable to hide their smiles. Like a child, the beautiful girl makes them want to pamper and protect her.

A servant ran up to Rue, Calix, and Esther. Subduing his back politely, he greeted them. "Welcome, Your Highness Crown Prince Calix, Princess Esthel. Mr. Linden has been waiting for you both in the living room."

Hearing the servant's words, Calix smiled. "Good, Come on Rue! I'll introduce you to my friend."

"Gee!" rue exclaimed confusedly, and yet emoat said a word, he had already been pulled by Calix towards the living room followed by Esthel who shook her head from behind.

Calix who is very familiar with this mnsion does not need anyone to guide him to the living room. Opening the door of the living room, he blurted loudly while laughing. "Everything! Comehere! Let me introduce you to my new friend!"

Hearing Calix's cry, the three figures who had been sitting on the chair immediately stood up in shock. Spontaneously, they immediately stared at the opened door.

As Rue looked at Calix's three friends, his green eyes immediately widened in shock. He could hardly believe what he was seeing now, because he knew two of Calix's three friends; Fedrick and Lara.

Fedrick is shocked to see Rue, as well as Lara. Unmoving, the two of them stared at the golden-haired girl whose eyes were now beginning to glaze over.

"L-lara? Fedrick?" Call Rue stammering. The tears she was holding back immediately flowed down unhindered. A feeling of joy and relief filled his heart seeing the face of a familiar person.

"You know them, Rue?" calix asked, watching Rue, Fedrick and Lara react.

"Dara!!" Shouted Rue loudly. No matter her surroundings, she immediately ran over with a teary face hugging Lara.

Lara who was still unconscious from her shocked feelings did not move and let the hard crying Rue hug her tightly. "Well!! I miss you so much!!"

Lara looked at Rue, and sighed. He wanted to ask how Rue could be here with Calix and Esthel, but seeing the attitude and tears of the girl, he undoes his intentions. Slowly, the black-haired girl raised her hand back at the embrace and tried to calm her down. "Don't cry, stupid."

Lara had absolutely no idea why she who had only known Rue a few days ago could behave like this to him. He really wasn't the type of person who would entertain others, but to Rue, he couldn't stop himself.

Rue nodded his head in Lara's arms. Trying to calm himself down, he who did not let go of his embrace opened his eyes and looked at Fedrick who was at the side, "It's nice to see you again, Fedrick." - sweet smile.

Seeing Rue's smile, Fedrick immediately regained his senses from his stunned feelings. Instantly, his face flushed "Eh?—ya! Nice to see you again, Rue."

"You know each other, don't you?" ask Calix to interrupt. He looked at Rue, Fedrick and Lara confused.

Fedrick nodded his head answering Calix's question. Staring at Rue again, he who did not find the figure of the black-haired young man beside him asked, "Rue, are you alone?—where is Apple?"

Hearing Fedrick's question the smile on Rue's face disappeared. The tears she had once managed to control flowed back down."I-I don't know. I have absolutely no idea where Apple is now..."

Rue really did not know where Apple was now. He knew the young man must be looking for him right now. A feeling of fear filled his heart, shouldn't he be violating Apel—'s orderswhat if he won't meet her again?

Silence filled the living room as soon as they heard Rue's reply. However, suddenly a noise rang out from outside. The sound of soldiers from the park sounded powerful. "Infoillers!!!"

Hearing the cries of the guards, Calix sprinted out of the living room with the others.

.....................