• Philatanus gripped Rin's hand tightly, looking out over the water. Then suddenly the water bubbled, steam was rising as if something very hot was rising from the bottom of the river. Philatanus jumped up, pulling Rin close to him. "They're coming," he whispered into her ear. A black dome started rising through the water, cutting through it like it was nothing, with steam pouring off the hot dark surface. Philatanus didn't move, he knew that if he ran it could be much worse. The dome rose, floating on the water and opened slowly, revealing three tall figures.

    Philatanus took a sharp breath, "The messengers from below, Alva, Samil and Lilitu." The three figures stepped off the platform that floated, drifting effortlessly over the water and onto the river bank. Alva spoke, hissing slightly, "So, Philatanus," she said, licking her lips maliciously. "It looks like you have got yourself a cherub," she twisted a finger into Rin's hair and slowly pulled away, then sharply. Holding a single hair she grinned. "Your going to be in trouble." Samil said in a sing-song voice, laughing harshly. Lilitu didn't speak, she held her pink toy rabbit, staring at Philatanus, who was breathing heavily, trying not to show his fear. "I, I, I'm not g-going to let you d-do anything." He stuttered, gaining confidence, "You can't take her away from me!"

    Finally, Lilitu spoke, "Oh, we're not going to," her voice was a monotone, "But, we can take you from her," a small smile flickered across her lips. But, her eyes weren't happy, they looked blank and evil. The three messengers walked slowly towards them, the grass dying under their feet, as they stepped slowly towards them. Philatanus backed away a little, holding Rin close to his chest, "I'm so sorry," he said quietly, a small tear running down his cheek and into her hair.