One More Step...

The whole place is pitch black. The night in Peril is always like that for as long as LiLi have stayed there. Which is her whole life.

"I still don't think going by night is a good idea" Chloe said and they all groaned with glares on their faces.

Ever since they embarked on this journey, Chloe have been complaining about unnecessary things.

"Maybe if you keep shut, you wouldn't have thought so much" Leo mumbled and the rest held the upcoming laughter they believe they had been holding since.

They all felt the indignity Leo released towards her. He wasn't indulgent towards her and in his heart, he swore to be willing to the others but she... Was not an option.

It was a hit-and-miss situation and they all felt the type of tension in the air.

Who thought that the both of them hated each other so much?

LiLi on the other hand, remained quiet. She couldn't believe that she is finally embarking on the mission she never thought she would.

But she felt different and anxious. It had never felt like that but now it was happening to her. She wondered why.

Her head bowed completely and she is staring at the ground, unaware that the rest have been staring at her since.

Leo's focus was his front. Like he said; he didn't want anything to do with girls, so... I believe that is the plan that he is sticking to.

But his conscience was judging him. Not in a positive way though. He didn't want to talk to anyone but, it didn't feel right.

He turned to look back at the others as they all passed by him to head out to the front ahead of him. He stood by the side and watched as each one of them passed by him to the front and kept walking.

LiLi stared up at him and wondered why he stood there. When there was a close distance inbetween both of them, she started to feel nervous. She didn't know why but...

"Is everything okay?" LiLi asked when she got to the front of Leo.

Leo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He didn't think that any of the people he is on the trip with will be concerned about him. It was like a surprise to him.

"Why would you care?" he asked with a smirk on his face.

LiLi felt embarrassed. She started to think asking that question was a mistake.

"I just tho... Thought that maybe you had... Something both... Bothering you" she stuttered, not staring into the eyes of Leo but looking down at the ground and dragging her feet slowly.

Leo stared at her not knowing what to say but wanting to say something.

He stared at her for some seconds before opening his mouth to speak.

"I'm fine actually... " he whispered.

LiLi nodded. That's all she wanted to hear.

"Umm... Guys!"

LiLi and Leo looked up. Ryan and the rest had already gotten to the gates of the kingdom of Peril.

Leo led the way as both of them ran to the gates to see what the others have discovered.

"What's wrong?" Leo asked his brother.

Ryan lifted the lamp in his hand and Leo's face turned pale immediately.

The gate had a key hole.

They needed the key that will be able to open the gates.

"Brilliant" Liam groaned out in anger and the rest placed their hands on their waist in thoughts and anger.

"Where are we going to get a key now?" Chloe asked.

"Up there" Leo said, staring up at a little house being built for security.

The man in the house is asleep, though the key is dangling outside but is tied to a thick rope.

"So... How are we going to get there?" Salient asked.

"It's not as easy as it looks" Ryan stated.

Leo prepared for this though. He knew he had to take risks if they were all to survive on this journey.

"Turn the lights off" Leo ordered.

"What do you think you're doing?" Ryan asked as all eyes settles down on him (Leo).

"Obey before questioning" Leo retorted and Ryan turned the lights off, making sulky faces behind Leo.

Leo dropped his bag on the ground and took three steps forward but stopped when a hand wrapped him around his arm.

"Please be careful" he heard a whisper.

Leo turned to stare into the eyes LiLi. It's dark but he could still see her eyes, clear and bright as crystals.

Even in the dark, he saw little crisps of tears trying to unfold down her eyes.

LiLi's move surprised her greatly. She didn't know what made her to make that move.

When she realized what she did, she quickly withdrew her hand from his arm with a little gasp and went into the warm embrace of Ryan.

Leo smiled at her warmly, and in a smirky manner.

"I will, sweetheart" he whispered, smirking at her and that got her blushing profusely.

He nodded one last time and silently crept beneath the bushes into the tower. He skillfully passed through all the traps laid in tower and went upto to where the key is and also where the guard is fast asleep.

Skillfully, he claimed the stairs with no shoes, so as not to make any sound while going up. When he got there, he acknowledged the darkness and everything that was there and went through it smoothly.

The key that dangled close to the window of the place showed brightly because of the reflection of the light of the Moon on it.

Leo walked upto the window, in full awareness of what is in the room.

He pulled the key out of the rope used to tie it to the roof and looked at the guard that is fast asleep.

He breathes out a sigh of relief and headed back to the gate to meet the others that is waiting for them.

"You got it?" Ryan asked immediately he sighted Leo.

"Yeah. I got it" Leo whispered.

LiLi let out the air she have been holding, in relief as the others followed suite in Joy.

"So what are you waiting for? Open it" Salient small voice was heard.

They all smiled at the boy and Leo took a step forward and just as he inserted the key into the keyhole, a voice was heard.

"Stop!"

They all looked back to face a soldier, standing and facing them.

"Oh shit"

"We're doomed" Chloe and Ryan both said in Unison.

LiLi maintained balance, though her heart started beating and she started thinking of what her next move will be.

"Do not move an inch!"