AN-Hello, well this is my first fic, so please be nice. I hope you like it. Italics means telepathy, or mind-speech.Oh, and any news onupdates will be available under my bio settings.
Disclaimer: Yes, yes I know, almost all characters, and the Night World concept itself, belong to L.J. Smith (Humph, sniff sniff); anything or anybody else is mine, unless specified in the chapters. Anyways, now on to the story.
Chapter One: The Dream
The air was heavy with dust and smoke. Except for the many flames that scarred the land, all around her was a blanket of darkness. Through the smoke, blurry figures clashed with each other. The sounds of metal biting flesh and screams filled the night.
All at once, she felt that she was drowning in a sea of despair, the heat and stench of death making her gag. Bringing her hands to her face, she stared in horror at the sight. Red. Her hands were red. Fresh and dried blood marred her fair skin. Starring past her bloodied limbs, her eyes widened at the carnage surrounding her. Her mouth formed a silent scream. 'No, not again! No!'
Hannah jolted awake, trembling with fear. She could hear her blood pounding in her ears, her chest heaving in terror. Glancing down at her hands, she stared at her creamy clear skin. No redness. No blood. But she could still feel it. She unconsciously rubbed her hands together trying to rid herself of the sticky sensation.
She tried to calm herself down. Sitting up in her bed, her eyes scanned the room until they landed on her clock, and she moaned. It was 3:47 in the freaking morning. The only sound was her roommate's snores from the other side of the room.
"Ughh, I really don't need this right now." Lying back down, she knew that there was no way she could go back to sleep. 'Why do I keep on having these dreams?' It was the same thing over and over again. She'll find herself in the midst of a battle, armed and everything, ready to fight. And that was the strangest thing. 'I don't kill, I'm not a killer...but you have killed before, haven't you?' her mind accused.
It had only been a little over a year since Maya died. Since then everything's been so chaotic, from helping Circle Daybreak search for the wild powers to trying to make it through her first year at Utah State, and now she had these visions to deal with. She knew that the dreams were glimpses into another time, another life, but she didn't know which one. And she didn't want to remember.
Inside, her mind was torn. Hannah knew that there were things in her pasts. Secrets, which she wished to keep locked up forever. However, no matter how hard she tried her subconscious kept picking at those memories, and she feared that soon that that scab would bleed, like the opening of a floodgate and she'd be swept away by the torrent of memories.
Even though this scared her, it wasn't just these memories, but the other little changes that really worried her. The very world around her had changed somehow, making her more attuned to it. She began to notice things that seemed trivial before, like whistling of the wind, and the way a candle's flame flickers and dances to the very earth itself. In just the past few months, Hannah felt the stirrings in her blood, as if she was missing a part of herself, something that begged to be found, or remembered. And while it intrigued her, she feared these emotions, and what they meant.
For so long she'd kept her feelings a secret. This was something neither her soulmate or her friends could help her with. Mom is busy with her work, and a potential boyfriend, which Hannah was too tired to even think about. Chess would probably be the best person to talk to if it weren't for the slight problem of her having absolutely no idea that she was an Old Soul. Then there was Thierry. He'd been so busy what with the wild powers and all; I don't want to burden him even more with my problems. These were poor excuses, she knew, but she really didn't feel like telling anybody. This was her business; something that she needed to work out by herself.
This decision just made her feel even more alone. There were times when she was tempted to just call her soulmate and tell him everything. Wanting more than anything the comfort he was sure to give. But comfort wouldn't take the awful visions away. No, they wouldn't stop until she got to the bottom of their mystery. And they would only get worst.
This type of thinking did nothing to lighten her mood. Forcefully, pushing away her depressing thoughts, Hannah tried to think of other things. The fact that she could still feel the heat on her skin; the smoke in the air, and the stench did not make this endeavor any easier.
Gathering her covers up to her chin, Hannah steeled her mind to think of other, happier thoughts. With a start, she realized that she was 18 today. 'Well this is turning out to be just a delightful day.' As if in acquiesce, her roommate gave a particularly loud snort before rolling on her side. 'I don't think I can take another night of this, not with my finals this week.' She groaned again in frustration. 'Well, at least I only have two more weeks. Just two more, and then I'll be with Thierry.' Just the thought of her soul-mate soothed her nerves. 'Just think in only two weeks, you will be in his arms again.'
Hannah had been on the road for two hours. It should only be another hour before I reach Las Vegas. Thank God I live only a state away. Having just finished her first year at Utah State, She was looking forward to a long vacation, and to being with Circle Daybreak.
I hope Thierry is home. Worry filled her at the thought, since she hadn't exactly told him that she was coming. Heck, she didn't even plan on traveling today, but she couldn't wait, not after last night and her most recent nightmare. Just thinking about it made her blood run cold. The dream had been the longest one yet, and the most unnerving.
It was like she had been sucked right into the dream, instead of watching on the sidelines. She was actually there, dressed in the same primeval armor, okay, it was more skins than a real armor getup; I even had a freaking sword, or what looked like one. It was a strange looking weapon, long with a crude, but sharp blade. There were archaic symbols running down the shaft's length. But it was powerful; she could feel it. Its power sang to her, like a long, lost lover.
Everything was so real. So real, in fact, that she was almost killed. The humongous man charged her; wicked looking blades in his hands. She'd seen him coming, and immediately went into a fighting stance. The thrill and adrenaline of battle pounded in her blood.
Hannah lost all sense of herself, and became one with her dream-self. She anticipated her assailant's moves, parrying every one of them. Determination marked her features. The brute was good, a seasoned warrior, but so was she. She wouldn't use power. No, that was needed for a much bigger adversary. After a few moments, she saw her chance. He had left his right side open for just a second, and a second was all she needed. Moving in for the kill, she raised her blade, and...hesitated.
Hannah came to her senses once she realized what she was about to do. No, I can't, no more blood, no more, please. It was as if something inside her had broken, and she struggled to withdraw from the scene before her. No, please, let me wake up, her mind whimpered. And then she was sucked in again. But it was too late. She'd missed her chance, and could barely block her opponent's strike. Pain flashed through her body, and her arm burned like fire. Her breath got knocked out of her when she hit the ground. Staring up into the crazed eyes of her opponent, all she could think was, I'm going to die. She felt a sharp pang of anguish in her heart at the revelation.
From far away, a voice called her name, frantic in its tone. Something was coming toward them. As the figure got closer, she could make out his light brown hair, but it was his forest-green eyes that struck her. They made her feel warm and safe. He'd tackled the man from the side, sword piercing the man's ribs. And then he reached out his hand to her. She'd barely touched his skin before the world blacked out. She'd awakened in her bed, drenched in her sweat.
The Descouedres mansion rose up before her, as she got nearer. As she got her luggage out of the trunk, someone called out her name. In the front doorway stood a surprised Lupe. Hannah had a huge grin on her face as she hugged the werewolf. Lupe was also beaming, and immediately pulled Hannah inside. She said hi to Nilsson, but told him that she didn't need help with her bags. There was just the one. Before she even had a rest, Lupe was talking rapidly to her.
"Hannah, you're here! We didn't expect you to arrive until next week, but I'm so happy you're here. It's been so hectic these past months. Everyone's been so busy. And Lord Thierry's been working harder than ever. He's stressed but, he'll be really happy when he sees you." This was all said so fast that it took Hannah a while to comprehend what her friend was saying.
"It's good to see you too, Lupe. Is Thierry home right now?
"No, I'm sorry, but he had to go see the Aradia."
"Oh." Hannah tried to hide her disappointment, but failed miserably. Ever since the witches and shapeshifters had openly declared their separation from the Night World, they'd been trying to work together along with Circle Daybreak. However, prejudices don't vanish overnight, and on more than one occasion had Thierry been forced to act as peacekeeper between the shaky allies.
Hannah sighed as they walked to her room. It was no great wonder why the Night Lord was so stressed. She was still pondering this, when out of nowhere a red blur ran into her.
"Hannah, you're here!" Poppy squealed. They hugged, and Hannah had to laugh at her friend's energy.
"Hi Poppy. How have you been? It's been so long since I've seen you. Where's James."
"Oh he's talking to Eric, and Thea's in the kitchen, coming up with some concoction or other. I feel sorry for Eric. He's her guinea pig..."
"Thea and Eric are here too? That's great, is there anybody else here?"
A voice from behind answered her. "No, just us, but more should arrive since we have a meeting in two weeks. So you're out for the summer, how's college life?" James said coming along with a smiling Eric. Poppy leaned against James, a contented grin on her face.
"Yeah, things have been going pretty well, but I'm sooo happy it's summer. Hey, when did you guys arrive here?"
"Oh, me and Jamie's been here for a few months or so, and so have Thea and Eric. Thierry's let us live here since the Night World's looking for us. This way we can also help the Circle as much as we can," Poppy chirped.
"Yeah, but since were outlaws, we've had to be very careful. We can't really go to many places, because someone from the Night World may see us, but then again, it's been great living here. You don't mind do you?" Eric suddenly became serious. His question and tone totally surprised Hannah. She didn't expect it at all. Then again she was practically the lady of the house.
"Mind? Me? No, not at all, you're my friends, and you can stay here as long as you want." In an instant Eric's face lightened up as if a burden had been relieved off him.
Poppy and James were happy to hear her say that too, and they seemed more relaxed.
Poppy finally tired of the silence, and said, "Well what should we do?"
"I'm going to go unpack, but that'll only take me a minute. I didn't really pack a lot." Hannah looked down sheepishly. Her one medium sized bag lay lonely at her feet. She'd rushed that morning in the wake of the dream, throwing all sorts of stuff into her duffel bag, and then running out the door. Even now, she didn't know what she packed.
"Maybe you should teach Poppy here how to travel light. We needed four guys to carry her stuff in. Our poor car's been abused by all the luggage she had to carry." James said jokingly. This earned him a slap from Poppy, who gave him a very dirty look.
"Uh, James you better run. Pixie here looks like she's going to hurt you," Eric said with a laugh.
"Too late, she already did," James said rubbing his arm.
"Oh, stop it, I did not, and I do not pack that much, just the necessities, and it only took you and Nilsson to carry my bags upstairs." Arms crossed, lips in a pout, she stared defiantly at him. James just looked amused. Poppy couldn't be angry at her soulmate, or anyone forthat matter,for long and gave a big grin and nestled into his embrace again. "Okay maybe I do go a little overboard with packing, but not so bad." James just rolled his eyes and laid his head on hers.
(Later on that night)
Hannah laid in her bed, enmeshed in the fluffy cream covers, just staring at the canopy overhead. Several blue and red pillows with the gold lining and designs surrounded her. The palladium windows framed by cream-colored curtains, with the same gold and blue lacy design on the bottom, filled the room with moonlight. . A rich mahogany vanity and armoire also filled the room. Paintings that extenuated the theme of blue, red, cream, and gold covered the off-white walls. In all it was a beautiful room, but Hannah was too wrapped up in her thoughts to pay attention to her surroundings.
Outside the wind howled, as if beckoning for her to come. Slowly getting up, she walked to the window. The cries of the wind became louder. Her blood was singing in her ears, pounding in her veins. Hannah didn't hesitate as she unclasped the latch, nor did she flinch as the doors blew back.
The storm whipped around her, playing with her hair and drenching her nightgown. Hannah lost all sense of herself as a surge of memories threatened to overwhelm her. And behind the wave came a faint voice from her past, calm the tempest.
But I can't, I don't know how. Hannah tried to pull away from it all, but the voice restrained her.
Yes you do, don't fight your power. It's in your blood.
With that Hannah let go of her doubts, and reached down within herself to the part of her that was still barred. Hesitating no longer, she through the chains away, and called the power forth.
It was like opening a floodgate. Power coursed within her. From her head to toe, her body sang with it. Suddenly, it was as if she found the missing part of herself, and she couldn't hold back her joy.
The clear voice was back, now calm the storm. She didn't know why, but all of a sudden, Hannah knew what to do. Letting the air curl around her, she released the force within her, all the while humming a tune that had been forgotten for so long.
The storm clouds rolled and twisted, surrendering to her might. Soon the wails had died down, and the rains had stopped as the sky was left clear, without a cloud in sight.
Then the power flowed back into her, leaving her overcome with exhaustion. She'd just barely made it to her bed before she lost consciousness, and floated along the sea of her memories.
Green-grey eyes stared up into the clear sky. There, he'd felt it; the sudden release of magic. Could it be, after all this time? Full of curiosity, he sent out a wisp of his own power, searching the area. He felt the residue of power somewhere to the west, near Las Vegas, damn. Even from just his little whiff of it, he could tell that the person had little control, but powerful. Such a great amount power for a beginner, but how can that be, and with so little control.
His eyes widened with shock, and he concentrated even more on the feel of the magic on his skin. He felt the world swim beneath him as he fell to the ground. He couldn't believe how he didn't sense it before. He'd recognized the taste of the magic. It's her; it has to be. He was almost sure, but his elation was short-lived. If he could sense her, that means that others could as well. Damn, damn, damn. Please Goddess don't let anybody else feel her too, or at least let me get to her first. With that, The green-eyed man jumped back in his car, and barely closed his door before stepping on the gas, and racing toward the distant horizon, where laid a city of blinking lights.
Thousands of miles away, across an ocean blue, something else felt the surge of magic, and cold ebony eyes awoke to darkness. Disbelief marred his features for he too recognized the power. Then he smirked, so old foes shall reunite once again, let it be so. Spreading his magnificent wings and he took flight, soaring into the night.
So how was that? Please r/r