Author's Note: This actually doesn't have anything to do with a book x-over but I'm gonna leave it here until I can find a better place for it. Remember that I don't know what you think unless you tell me.
Ch. 1
"Wake up, big brother!" A high pitched voice assailed Rane's dream and drug him back into the real world.
Rubbing his eyes to regain his vision, he looked for his baby sister; the only one he knew that could possibly have commanded him so well. "Hey! Get up, stop dreaming about Ms. Arra." Rane's eyes finally focused in on the little, round face of Jenny, his little sister. Her long dark hair was made into pig tails that bounced whenever she moved. Rane closed his eyes again, Arra had dark hair too, long and beautiful ; he could see her face, her great big...
" ...eyes and look at me!" Jenny was saying; stomping her foot and folding her arms across her chest while glaring at him. She had a special way of getting what she wanted out of most people, Me not being one of those, he had told himself, she, being little and cute helped her out a lot. Normally, Rane wouldn't have gone down without a fight, but he was too tired to say anything. So he opened his eyes, starting to wonder how Jenny would know Arra... like that anyway.
Shaking his head he sat up and looked down at the still glaring and yet still pouting face, which Jenny had perfected. "What!? How could I have done anything this early in the morning?" He said scratching his head, trying to look as hurt as possible.
"Meanie, you know and you won't say it." Jenny said still glaring and pouting.
Rane grinned slightly, knowing that she wouldn't stop until he said it, that being what he enjoyed the most, made it all the easier to continue. "Okay, I know what you want," he grinned maliciously, " A hug right?" as he said this he grabbed for the girl who easily avoided him, still glaring, I have got to get her to teach me how to do that, he thought with a smile.
"No, you're wrong," as she spoke she turned around, her back facing him.
Rane held in a chuckle, "Alright, alright, then I guess that means it would have to be your birthday," he said in his most matter-of -fact tone. Jenny turned to look at him with a wide grin on her face.
"You did 'amember, I guess you're not all mean," she said giggling and jumping into his lap.
With a grunt he said, "No, I'm not all mean," he then grabbed his little sister and started tickling her stomach. Which brought her into a fit of laughter, as well as made her begin to struggle in his lap.
"Stop! Tee hee...Stop it!" Jenny said as she tried to break free. Rane held onto her for a bit more, he then sat her down and stood up. Stumbling, he tried to make it to his clothes chest without tripping in the still laughing girl now rolling around on his floor. When he finally made it the laughing stopped, as suddenly as she had started, she had stopped laughing and gone to the door, turning back only to say, "Don't you forget to come and cerebrate my birfday with the rest of the town peoples," she then added as a warning, "I don't care if Teran wants you to do something or not, kay?" Said in her most commanding voice.
"Yes ma'am I promise," he said saluting her as she left. Chuckling to himself he pulled out a clean shirt; as he was removing his old one he thought to himself, She'd be a general if she were a boy, he almost burst out laughing at the picture he got of Jenny riding on the back of a dragon, wearing shining steel armor, and brandishing a sword.
After he'd removed his shirt he walked to a bowl on a table in front of his bed to wash his face and hands before going downstairs. He looked at his reflection in the water, staring at the dark brown hair and his brown eye, it was all normal looking except for the fact that one of his eyes was golden instead of brown.
He'd never paid much attention to it himself , but it seemed to instill fear in all of those who didn't know him on a less than personal basis. Because of this he'd often been picked on as well as shunned and some times even bullied into fights with kids hoping to make a name for themselves as the one who beat up the "freak". Because of this his father had put him to work with the cattle at a young age to build his strength for his own protection, as well as using free time to train him by wrestling as well as sending to a local knight, who happened to be a friend of his father for weapons training, "Just as an extra precaution," his father had told him.
It had become apparent though that even though he was young, Rane seemed to tire less quickly than even the young men who worked for his dad, he also seemed to build muscle in a shorter amount of time as well. But his father would just joke about it came from him.
Rane splashed water on his face to get the past out of his head, he had friends now, and even a best friend, he was 17, over childish bullying and teasing as were, he hoped, the others in the village. The left side of his chest throbbed slightly, it was still sore from where a renegade bull had tried to escape and he'd been directly in it's path, and, not having enough time to leap out of the way, had been shoved to the side by a pair of blunted horns. The impact would have crippled most people, but it seemingly failed to do anything but give Rane a big bruise. Which still hurts, Rane growled as he checked for any more sore spots, wincing as he found a couple along his side.
Finishing with his search he pulled on his shirt and boots. He then walked out of his room and into the kitchen. His mother placed a plate with some bacon and bread beside a cup of fresh milk already set on the table for him. "Enjoy that, we may not be getting too much more of it for a while," his mom whispered to him as Jenny entered the room carrying with her a little stuffed horse, one that she'd had since she was born. She sat down and devoured her food quicker than Rane could even take a bite. She then waved to their mother saying thank you and left the room humming to herself.
Finishing his, Rane thanked his mom and left the house for the pasture. As he left he looked up at the bright sunlight and smiled, the dark feeling in the pit of his stomach must just be his own imagination. Suddenly, he heard a soft rustle come from the wall of trees behind his house; without thinking he knew who it was, Teran, who'd been his friend as long as he could remember, he was also the only one that he knew that was more curious about his eye than afraid of it. Except for Arra of course, but then she's nice to everything anyway.
Rane had found out that he could hear and see better than most people in the village at a young age, using these skills to hunt rabbit and keep an eye on the cattle, but now it seemed that ever since Teran had found out, he'd been trying to catch Rane off guard. Rane knew that this would be another one of his attempts, even so he decided to humor Teran anyway.
Listening he followed the ever-so-slight footsteps of his friend through the leaves, he then heard the somewhat heavy crunch of his friend crouching. He anticipated the leap and turn casually towards the trees. When he heard Teran jump he braced himself and threw up his arms catching his friend by the arm and in one motion, using Teran's momentum, hurled him to the ground.
"Dammit! Rane, give me a break," Teran said standing up and brushing himself off.
Rane laughed and shrugged, "Sorry, I can't help but hear those huge feet of yours." he then threw his hand out and caught the rock that Teran had intended to hit him with.
"Shut up, I'll get you one of these days," Teran growled, his face then changed drastically from a growl to a grin, "We'd better hurry or we're gonna be late again."
"I distinctly remember you were the one that was late last time." Rane said running to catch up to his friend who had already started down the path leading to the great field used to feed the livestock.
As they approached the large barn that Rane's father had built, they saw him walking out towards the cow pen.
"Good job bringing him here on time Rane," Rane's father said chuckling.
"Very funny Burne," Teran yelled as he walked beside Rane. "Hey, how come I don't get congratulated for showing up on time?" Teran whispered to Rane.
"Because, he knows that the only reason you're here on time is because you are with me," Rane laughed running up to Burne.
"Teran, won't you be a good lad and go get the horses ready," Burne said walking to the other side of the cow pen ready to chase the cattle out into the field. Rane waited at the gate for Teran to return with the horses. When he did He and Rane signaled to Burne and opened the gate releasing the cattle, as the herd moved in a solid line, only the knowledge of repetition, having done this everyday, kept them from scattering.
Both Rane and Teran climbed onto their horses and rode along side the column keeping the herd moving in the right direction. "Come on Dash, they're trying to circle around us," Rane said wheeling his stallion back around to keep a few stragglers from breaking away. After the column worked its way to the field, Rane, Teran, and Burne spread out to keep and eye on all sides of the herd.
Rane walked beside Dash through the tall grass watching the cows graze peacefully. He tried to think of things to ease his mind, but, nothing, it seemed could get the dark feeling out from the back of his mind. It was like a creature in the shadows, waiting to attack yet holding back for some unseen reason.
Rane was jerked out of his thoughts by a yell and a wicker, he glanced towards the noise to see Teran thrown from his horse, next to him was a large bull preparing to charge. Rane vaulted onto Dash and galloped towards Teran, who was now scrambling to get out of the way of the bull. Rane yelled getting the bull's attention just as he jumped from Dash's back in between Teran and the bull.
Dash trotted to the side, knowing that bull's tend to be temperamental, from years of working with them, content to watch from safety. "Gee, thanks Dash," Rane said glaring at his horse, who whinnied and stomped his hoof as if to let Rane know that he had his back. The bull lowered his head towards Rane.
"Rane! Get out of the way!" Teran yelled pulling on Rane's arm.
Rane pulled him off , "Shut up Teran, go and get my father," he yelled shoving Teran away.
"But..." Teran persisted
"Hurry!" Rane yelled glaring at him. Teran nodded and jumped on to his horse and galloped away. After Teran was safely away, Rane turned his attention to the bull, who had begun his charge, running straight for him. Rane's mind screamed at him to get out of the way, but he felt surprisingly calm and relaxed. He planted his feet firmly on the ground and braced himself for the impact. The thunder of the bulls hooves shook the ground and scared the other cows into a huddle to keep safe. Rane felt something tug at his mind , he couldn't tell what it was and wasn't sure what it wanted, but suddenly it took over. Rane could feel strength surging through him, he could feel his senses heightening, he could hear the bulls heartbeat even over the sound of the hooves, he followed the rhythm of the bull's strides, it felt as if he was the bull. He could feel the anger, he could even see himself coming closer and the bull charged. Suddenly he felt his body move without him controlling it, his hand raised slowly and stopped level with the charging bull's head, and just before the beast met his hand he felt a surge of power run through him like a vicious river flowing through his veins, and as the bull hit his hand he cried out and closed his eyes not knowing what else to do, not even knowing what he was doing.
Rane opened his eyes slowly waiting for the pain he knew would come, but to his surprise, he felt nothing at all, except for a tiny tingling in his palm where the bull's head had hit. He looked around and found himself in a dark corridor, dimly lit by torches running along the black walls. He looked down and saw his reflection in the smooth black marble floor. Rane was looking around when he heard footsteps heading in his direction. Quickly he looked for a place to hide, but as he turned back to see who was coming he came face to face with a tall bulky man, encased in a shell of articulately designed steel armor. The man had long blond hair and a handsome face, though it seemed to be made from stone. The man blinked at the odd finding of someone in the corridor, but he only seemed confused for a moment, as if realizing something, he smiled, though not a friendly smile, his smile chilled Rane's blood and caught his breath.
"I've been waiting for you boy. I'm glad to finally see you." The man's voice was a boom, low and firm, matching his face. "So, it has begun at last, good I've been growing bored, my master will be pleased when I bring him his new general." The man's smile widened slightly then he burst into a dark, bone-chilling laugh, which made Rane freeze from both fear and confusion. Suddenly the man grabbed out for him with the speed of a cat, Rane held out his hand and a ball if blinding light burst forth from his hand. As he ran blindly he could still hear the insane laughter chasing after him.
Rane opened his eyes again almost afraid of what he might find, seeing the grass at his feet and feeling the soft breeze he open his eyes and looked around relieved to find himself in the cattle field again. He looked forward and found the body of the bull lain over in a heap, he could see the back of the bull smashed into itself as though it had run into a wall and completely snapped it's back. He looked up to see Teran and his father standing by their horses both with scared and surprised looks on their faces. Rane tried to figure out what was going on when he suddenly felt the strength leave him and he blacked out again.
Rane opened his eyes, for the final time, if I black out again I'm never opening them again, he thought to himself as he looked around. He noticed a shape leaning on the bed, probably asleep.
"Mom," Rane said raising up slowly, he could still feel the spot on his hand were...what happened to me?, he thought holding himself up on his elbows. As he spoke the figure stirred and then rose looking at him. What's Arra doing here in my room!?
"Oh, hi Rane, I was just...um...keeping an eye on you until your mom came back." Arra said raising awkwardly.
She's so beautiful when she blushes, Rane thought with a smile.
"I guess that means that you feel better now?" Arra said smiling at him.
"I...uh...I...yeah, yeah I feel fine now." Rane stammered trying to regain some of his composure. Arra giggled slightly and felt his head.
"You feel ok, I'll go get your mother and let her know that you're ok." Arra said turning.
Rane smiled slightly, "Thanks for watching over me Arra."
"You're welcome," Arra said, Rane chuckled slightly, which made her blush again and leave the room quickly. Rane laid back down and grinned, I wish I could wake up to that everyday.
Arra came back leading Rane's mother, along with his father. "I hear you're feeling better son," Burne said smiling.
"Yeah," Rane said sitting up in the bed. His mother put her hand behind him to hold him up. "I'm fine mom, really, I am" Rane said standing up and stretching. He then looked around to a room full of curious even slightly worried faces. "What?" He said looking at each one.
"Thats what I want to know, thats what we all want to know." Rane's mother said looking from Rane to her husband.
"I didn't want to say anything without him being awake to confirm it," Burne said defensively.
"Teran doesn't seem to have any problem with that, it seems as though he's already told half the village, most of them didn't even believe him, but I' worried someone might think it's an omen or something." Rane's mom said gripping her apron tightly.
"He wouldn't tell anyone that he thought would be dangerous, the boys a bit slow but he's not stupid, don't worry Lily, we've done fine this long, this wont change anything." Burne said putting his arm reassuringly around his wife.
"What happened Mr. Burne," Arra said.
"Well, I only know from that I saw and from what I heard from Teran, so I'll have to let Rane fill in the blank spots." Burne said sitting in the chair next to Rane's bed. "From what I heard Teran was being his usual self and yelling at the cows more than necessary. One of the bull's got mad and charged at him, this spooked his horse which threw him to the ground and ran off. Teran said that he saw Rane jump off of Dash in between him and the bull. Rane then told him to go and get help and he crouched down like he was planning on wrestling the bull to the ground by himself. The next thing I know I'm looking down at my son and in front of him was the bull lying on the ground in a broken heap."
Rane ran his fingers through his hair, " I don't really remember a whole lot, other than seeing the bull and then seeing Teran and Father looking down at me." He said then he felt weakened suddenly.
"Whats the matter Rane?" Arra said rushing to his side.
"It's nothing , I'm just still tired." Rane said laying back down.
"Lets let the boy rest." Burne said ushering the everyone out of the room. He then turned to look at Rane who was already fast asleep. "Sleep well my son," and then he left the room shutting the door behind him.
Rane stood up and walked to the table and reached into the bowl and threw the water onto his face. The cold water made him catch his breath, but it woke him up and helped him to regain his senses. He looked around his room, noticing that it was still very late, but he didn't think he could go back to sleep again that night, or maybe ever. So instead he changed from his sweat soaked clothes and walked outside. He'd often walked around the field at night, when he couldn't sleep. His father had warned him against it, but, Rane did it anyway, he was just sneakier about it.
The night air was still warm from the hot day, but it was also free from the sticky feeling of the heat of the sun. The wind was still and there were only the noises of the usual nightlife to keep him company. Rane followed the path up to the cow field, walking at a leisurely pace, absorbing the warm air. When he made it to the field he went out into the middle of the pasture, where a hill stood where he could see all of the village and his house as well. When he made it to the top, he sat down beside a huge oak tree that had grown right in the middle of the hill. He sat down and looked up into the clear night sky, the stars shown brightly everywhere thousands of bright balls of light dotting the night sky. He loved night like this, still, and peaceful, nothing in the world to bother him, he was alone. Rane was still looking up into the sky when something made his jerk his head towards the village, he wasn't sure what had made him look, but when he saw why, he didn't care.
Flames were lashing out at the might sky coming from the homes of all the people he knew and cared for. He jumped to his feet and turned to run back towards his house when she was stopped in his tracks. Flames shot out from his home as well, viscous tendrils licking the night with angry rage. He ran down the hill and down the path to his house. He skidding to a halt when he made it to his house, the fire had consumed the entire building, and what wasn't engulfed in flame was already fallen and smoldering. How could this have happened, I wasn't gone that long, how could I have not noticed? Rane yelled angrily at his stupidity, he should have never left the house. "Mom! Dad! Jenny!" He called out desperately hoping that they'd made it out okay. He called again, and still no response, he had to find them. Rane prepared himself to dash into the house but something kept him from doing so. They're not in there… he heard an echo from his mind. He instead ran to the side of his house, looking for his family. When he found them his mother and father were both sprawled out on the ground. Rane walked to them slowly, but when he could see them clearly he fell to his knees, his father had a long gash running from his right shoulder down to his stomach and his mother had a cut across her throat.
He slammed his fist on the ground fighting back tears, why, why would anyone do this? He suddenly jumped to his feet and ran to the front of the house, Not Jenny too, please god not her too! When Rane stood in front of the house he wanted to scream out in agony and anger. The front of the house had already collapsed into itself barring his only entrance into the house. They didn't kill her, they want her. Again Rane heard the voice in the back of his mind. How could you know that? He thought back, they know what she is and what you are, that's why they came here. Besides you have already alerted him.
"What are you talking about, you're not making sense!" Rane said aloud to nothing. He has come for you, she's just bait to lure you to him, you must follow her.
"I'm going mad, I have to be, I'm having a conversation with myself." Rane said.
"I'm fine," Rane said checking him, but as his hand passed over his ribs he winced, "I think."
"What do you mean you think?" Arra said looking at him.
"It's nothing." Rane said.
"You're bleeding!" Arra exclaimed pushing Rane's hand away as he tried to stop her from lifting his shirt. Eventually he gave in and let her have her way. Rane had a large red bruise on his side the middle bleeding heavily. Arra ran her fingers gently along his side checking for any further damage.
"What are you doing?" Rane asked staring at her with a confused look.
"I'm looking for breaks, now hush." Arra commanded.
"As you wish your highness," Rane chuckled, beginning to bow but thinking better of it. Here and I thought that she'd never notice me, now she's checking me. "Ow!" Rane growled.
"Oh stop it, big baby," Arra said glaring at him.
Rane grinned, "Am I going to live?"
"You may if I don't get angry," Arra said hiding a smile, "You have a bad cut, but everything is still whole."
Gods but her eyes are beautiful, Rane thought to himself looking at the girl's deep blue eyes. Rane felt his face suddenly growing hot. He was about to looking away when he noticed movement in the shadows behind Arra. Rane had just heard the bowstring as he wrapped his arms around her, throwing her to the side. He then gasped as the arrow slammed into his chest burying itself deep .Rane gripped the sword of the slain man and stood to his feet slowly and awkwardly.
The soldier was slightly taken aback by this show of will, but her merely drew his blade and charged at Rane. Who quickly raised his blade barely glancing the blow to the side. Rane gripped the man's sword-arm and drew him in close kicking him in the chest, knocking him back. Rane then swung his blade aiming for the soldier's middle. His blow was easily blocked and returned on him, Rane stepped back quickly to avoid being gutted, he almost fell over, but steadied himself. He could hear Arra scream, faintly, as though it were a whisper. His senses were failing, his eyesight leaving, I have to end this or he'll have no problem with me or…
He glanced toward Arra who looked back at him with terrified eyes, I can't lose, I have to protect her. Rane held his sword up and turned back to the soldier; he spat the blood out of his mouth and charged at the man. Rane hacked and slashed, beating the man back, but not landing anything on him.
Rane closed his eyes searching in himself for anything he could use to help fight this soldier. He looked deep within himself; he was surprised to find a light in the middle of the darkness. As he came closer he saw that the light was a cage. What can this mean?, he thought coming closer. As he stepped towards the cage to pools of light appeared within its bars, the lights became eyes, golden eyes with red pupils…a beast's eyes.
But to Rane's surprise he wasn't afraid of the behemoth creature in the cage. He actually felt a connection with those eyes, and then the creature's mouth opened to reveal glowing white teeth, huge fangs encased in a malevolent grin.
"You have come to seek help." The deep voice was more of a long growl than actual speech.
"What are you?" Rane asked looking into the cage.
"I am you; I am what you were meant to be." The beast growled its answer, "I can give you the help you need, but not from within these bars, I will have to be released."
"Why are you in the cage?" Rane asked.
"There are those who fear what we will become if we are joined."
"Why?"
"They fear what they do not understand, as all humans do, you'd best be quick in deciding, your enemy will not wait forever."
"I am in charge of my body and mind, and it will stay that way." Rane said
"As you wish." The beast's grin seemed to grow showing even more deadly fangs. Rane raised his hand looking for a door when he heard a click and the bars swung open. As soon as there was room the beast roared and lunged at Rane with his mouth opened wide.
