Still stuck on CotF… So I've been working on this little thing in my spare time! With school starting up soon, I won't have much time to update stories, if there's any at all. This here is simply an experiment so it won't be perfect at first and some things may change later on.
About the AU from before this fanfic (an AU within an AU… what the hell is this…)
In the 'reality' on the other side of Minecraft in this fan fiction, there exist not only humans but what can be referred to as 'Elementals'. There are four races – Sylphs, Gnomes, Undines, and Salamanders. Sylphs control the air, Gnomes are Earth (Flora and Fauna, mostly), Undines use Water (including Ice), and Salamanders, of course, wield flame. I suppose, if you needed a 'popular' reference, think of 'Avatar TLA' or 'LoK'. Everything that's important I will explain, but if you have questions just let me know and I'll answer them.
WARNING: Character is gay, and chapters will probably have some sexual content (not graphic, don't worry) and overall sexual themes. Put those together. The only reason I warn you about this now is because I don't want to hear ANY bitching in the reviews about it, so if you don't like it, just turn back now. Story is rated T for now – it will likely be switched to M later on due to excessive cursing and graphic violence. You have been warned.
Running Blind
Chapter One:
Arrows
Saol had once been his home. His 'Hell' as he had jokingly put it. Despite the ridicule and violence toward him, he had loved every square inch of the island. His work in the club his adoptive father had owned was his anti-depressant. At least, it had been before the man was murdered and said murderer turned their focus onto him.
Aah. That didn't exactly matter – he was alive now, that was what mattered. He'd survived the kidnapping, the rape, the murders, the insanity, the torture – everything that had been thrown at him, he had met head-on with a fearless face, cherishing every morning he opened his eyes to find himself still in bed and still breathing.
At least… he had. Now he wished that murderer had simply finished him off.
His entire existence had been based in tradition. While he'd broken that tradition after he'd run away from the forest, his only home, he still followed his original teachings long after it. He'd been taught to avoid humans, but never show fear. Show caution in the city, but continue on with both physical and emotional strength.
These traditions were fast deteriorating.
The rain pounded against the rocks shielding him and he huddled in the corner of the tiny cave, trembling as he squeezed his eyes shut. The twenty-six year old was once strong and capable, if a little emotional at times. He hadn't the chance to be a child, and it had reflected on him in the later years…
But here he was aging… well, too fast.
Clack… clack…
His eyes snapped open and widened as he flattened himself against the wall of the cave, breathing quietly. Once again he attempted to will the flame to his fingertips, and once again it failed – not even a spark. He prayed silently in Salamander, closing his eyes briefly in hopes that She would hear him.
Clearly, She had not.
The bones came into view with an over-dramatic flash of lightening and a loud boom of thunder. The air was aimed directly at him and he screamed instinctively, far too familiar with the feeling of being on the very edge of Death.
His Survival instinct kicked in, and despite the lack of fire in his hands, he leapt to his feet and charged at the figure, nearly suffering an arrow to the shoulder. Instead he strafed about (though there had been very little room to do so) and eventually slammed his entire body into the enemy.
A sickening crack of the dislodging of bones rang clear and true in his ears, even with all the noise around him. He fell to the ground with the feared creature and he rolled away, the adrenaline slowly fading and giving way to terror. It sizzled and the screaming entered his mind, filling his thoughts with guilt and awful crying, a hysterical voice calling out to him, accusing him, insulting him.
And it was gone. He had unconsciously pressed his palms to the sides of his head and, once the noise had died and given way to the rain, he dropped his arms and stared at the space where the figure had once lain.
He could see the shadows in the distance. Figures he had thought only existed in nightmares, the moaning and groaning and spitting and hissing of creatures unknown heard only in his imagination.
He knew not where he was. He knew not how he had even gotten here – but he did know that something had to be done. He had to survive. He had to find a way home. Back to Saol. Back to his life. Back to normalcy.
He stared at the dissolving bones and spotted the bow and the scarce arrows. He stepped closer, gulped, and grasped the weapon in frail hands.
The thunder rolled.