Disclaimer: All chapter titles and portions of songs belong to Nightwish

Chapter 1: Ocean Soul

One more night
To bear this nightmare
What more do I have to say
Crying for me was never worth a tear
My lonely soul is only filled with fear
Long hours of loneliness
Between me and the sea

xXx

The wind coursed through the city's walls, past various dwellings and shops until it reached the meadows outside. There, a warm breeze whipped several strands of white hair around into the eyes of the owner. Reaching a hand up, she brushed the hair behind a pointed ear while turning to face the city.

"Kira!" A young male voice called, and she turned to smile at the approaching youth. Like her, he had skin the color of the ocean, and his white cropped hair whipped about behind him as he ran towards her.

When he came to a stop in front of her, bending down to catch his breath, Kira laughed, "Ice, why are you running around so much if it makes you tired?"

"Heh…I have to, Sis…if I'm going to…join the ranks of…other warriors," he grinned up at her.

Shaking her head, Kira had to smile at her younger brother; he was determined to follow in their father's footsteps as one of the great fighters of the Water Drae-gun Tribe. Her brow furrowed as she thought of the other warriors that trained alongside the males of her race. It worried her to know Ice would have to be taught by one of them, but there was little she could do to change his mind.

Almost ten years ago, the Yautja came to Do-ra'Gun, and their leader, Elder D'rhan, had immediately met with Oreana. She had sensed no form of malice from them and welcomed the Yautja as guests of their people. But not all of the Drae-guns shared Oreana's view of the Yautja, and one had chosen to attack D'rhan. The Yautja elder had demanded retribution from the Guardian, and Oreana gave it in the form of a battle to the death…her death unfortunately.

Now, as Guardian of her people, it was Kira's duty to ensure that peace was maintained even among the Yautja. It was a difficult task even though she and Ice had been placed under the protection of D'rhan's clan. He had even requested Na'ra, his personal eta, to care for and instruct them in the ways of the Yautja.

Over the past three years, Kira had tried to speak on behalf of the Yautja to her people. However, most were still uncertain especially knowing what happened to Oreana, and it was all Kira could do to try and keep her people at ease.

"I don't understand it, Ice." Kira let out a harsh breath, looking at her brother. "Why won't our people listen to me? Why do they continue to feel such unease around the Yautja?"

Giving her a shrug, Ice said, "Well, maybe if you practiced more of what you preached, they would believe it more and feel more comfortable."

"What are you talking about?" Kira frowned. "I adore Na'ra! She's been very helpful to us. And Elder D'rhan isn't so bad...when we actually see him."

"Yes, Sis, but I think they're more concerned with your reactions to another," he told her as his dark eyes drifted to a group approaching their location.

Turning to see what Ice was looking at, Kira's eyes widened as they stopped on the large being in the center of the group. His mottled, copper skin was easy to recognize, and his huge form brought back memories of him standing over her mother just before piercing her with the spear. Though Kira had only seen him from behind, she knew him all too well.

"Master Ro'nan," she managed to squeak, using the formal name given to all warriors. Immediately, the young Guardian turned away and started to walk down into the meadow away from the direction of the approaching Yautja.

"See? That's what our people see." Ice's words made her stop. "Your reactions to Master Ro'nan are what have them so uncertain, so untrusting."

"Well...that's different," she protested, fingering the crystal pendant at her neck and looking at her brother.

Shaking his head, Ice told her, "No, it's not, Sis. Master Ro'nan had to end the fight honorably...I don't think he really wanted to kill Mother."

Inhaling, Kira swallowed and walked back to her brother. "You're right...I have to show them I practice what I preach." Slowly, Kira walked towards the small group of Yautja, Ice just behind her, and she bowed her head to them respectfully when they stopped.

Stopping and staring at the two blue-skinned Drae-guns, Ro'nan knew who they were immediately; it was hard not to know the children of a warrior he had defeated. He raised a heavy brow curiously, thinking, 'It is unlike the female to approach like this.' Normally, when she, the one called 'Kira', saw him even from a distance, she would immediately grasp the younger male's arm and pull him swiftly in a different direction. Now, the two stood before him, almost casual though he could hear the fast heartbeat of the female pounding hard.

"Master Ro'nan?" she asked, keeping her eyes to the ground.

"Yes?" He cocked his head to the side, watching her.

"Um...I wanted to ask…isn't it time for...my brother to begin his warrior training?" He knew she was trying hard to stay calm.

Although he already knew their names, Ro'nan felt it necessary to have them formally introduce themselves to him. Both Kira and Ice, the young male, had been too young to do so just following the defeat of their mother, and Ro'nan believe it was too soon to really do so. Now that Kira seemed to be of a mature age, he could ask her.

"What are your names?"

Blinking, Kira looked up, and her voice immediately froze in her throat as she looked upon the face of the one who had killed her mother. It wasn't his appearance; they had been used to the Yautja's different looks with their wide brows, locked hair and mandibles covering their mouths since the first time they came to the planet. It was the fact that he, the one who had killed her mother, had green eyes. It wasn't a trait she was used to seeing in the Yautja; all others seemed to have golden, orange, even red eyes. His were the first that seemed almost like the eyes of her people...and it startled her.

Seeing his sister in an odd state, Ice nudged her until Kira almost fell into Ro'nan. When she finally found her voice, Kira cleared her throat, saying, "I'm called 'Kira' and my brother is 'Ice'."

Glancing from Kira to Ice, Ro'nan nodded, asking, "How old are you, boy?"

"Thirteen winters, Master Ro'nan," Ice said, proudly puffing up his chest as he had seen younger Yautja boys do.

Ro'nan chuckled at the familiar behavior from the young Drae-gun, and he clapped a hand on Ice's shoulder, saying, "Your sister is right, Ice. It is time for you to start your warrior training. Come to my home tomorrow at sunrise, and I will assign a warrior as your mentor."

Nodding to the Yautja, Ice tapped his chest as Ro'nan returned the tap and briefly nodded to Kira before continuing with the other warriors.

"You see, Kira? That wasn't so hard." Ice grinned at her once the Yautja were out of hearing range. "Now, I get to start my training."

"Yes, you do," she said, giving a small smile to him and glancing at Ro'nan's powerful vanishing figure.

"Oh, Sis…why did you freeze up like that?" Ice looked over his older sister, wondering if she was ill or something.

When she glanced up, Kira answered, "I…well, it just…startled me that…Master Ro'nan actually paid attention to us."

"Kira…you are weird." Ice shook his head.

"Thanks, little brother, you're too kind," Kira drawled, rolling her eyes.

xXx

The following morning at sunrise, Kira escorted Ice most of the way to Ro'nan's home. It was still a little odd seeing the varying types of houses on their planet. The Drae-gun homes looked like small versions of castles with towers reaching to the sky while the Yautja homes had an appearance similar to their dome-like ships. Both were built to appear smaller than what the inside really looked like, and Kira was surprised that Ro'nan's home was set some distance outside of the main city. At the entrance to the house, Kira hugged her little brother who gently shoved her away, telling her that he would be fine.

Heading back into the city, Kira went about her increasing duties as Guardian, visiting various Drae-guns and even some of the Yautja etas who shared joined homes with Drae-guns. The etas lived inside the center of the city while Yautja of higher rank had homes moving gradually further away from the main area of the city. From what she had heard, the reason behind this was so the inner city was well-guarded. Elder D'rhan's home was actually close to the main entrance of the city, possibly to ensure he knew who moved in and outside the city's walls.

Sighing, Kira knew there was one place she had yet to visit ever since her mother passed on. Unfortunately, it was sheltered within the forest beyond Ro'nan's home, and she was uncertain about entering the area.

It was the glow of her crystal, the possession of all Guardians past, which drew Kira once more to Ro'nan's home. Looking around, she inhaled slowly before moving around and past the house. The tree line was rather close, so she hurried her feet along into the sheltering shadows of the trees. It had been awhile since she had journeyed into these woods, and it was almost like coming home.

Suddenly, Kira heard a sound; it was quiet and not deliberate, but she had heard it nonetheless. Turning around, she scanned the trees and even looked up into their branches, calling, "Please, whoever you are, show yourself! I mean no harm here!"

She heard another rustling in the trees and something large landed near her with a thump, making her immediately face that direction. There was some sort of distortion in the air, something she had not seen many Yautja use before.

"You do realize that I could have attacked you for being here," a familiar gruff voice said, just before Ro'nan's figure appeared. Blue lightning crackled around him as his cloaking device was deactivated, and he crossed his huge arms in front of his chest.

Bowing her head, Kira swallowed and said, "I know, and I am sorry for entering these woods without your permission. But there is somewhere I need to go, please, Master Ro'nan."

"How far is it?" Ro'nan asked, staring at Kira and waiting to see if she should try to deceive him. He didn't think that she would, but he didn't always know for certain with Drae-guns.

"I...honestly, I'm not sure, Master Ro'nan," she told him, glancing up at his imposing figure. "It's been some time since I have been here, but I know it is in the center of this forest."

Sighing, Ro'nan said, "Very well. I will go with you."

Kira blinked before staring at him, practically shocked he would do such a thing. But she nodded to him and continued down the forest path, Ro'nan close behind her.

In truth, Ro'nan felt obligated to allow Kira some liberties. Even though it had been three years since the previous Guardian's death, it still bothered the Yautja warrior. What bothered him more was the fact that Kira bore such a strong resemblance to the dead Guardian. But no-he knew there was always something different physically. He couldn't place it with the Drae-gun female, but at least her personality was not completely like the dead Guardian's. Kira was more soft-spoken, but that could just be around him.

Shaking his head, Ro'nan walked several paces behind her, allowing her some space since he could hear her heart hammering once more inside her chest. It wasn't fear...at least not all fear from what he could tell. There was much anxiety in her, but he didn't think that he was the sole cause.

Walking down the path, Kira found her thoughts swirling around. She wasn't entirely sure she knew the way, but she prayed that the crystal would lead her there safely. And then, the idea of why she was going made her want to stop. However, Kira continued on, somehow knowing that the reason would be revealed to her.

Then, there was the fact that Ro'nan was also with her. His presence made her nerves work on edge, but she tried to calm her body, telling her mind there was nothing to fear. Still, she wondered why he even chose to come with her.

When she passed two huge trees, Kira notice the crystal glow brightly, and she turned around, saying, "Master Ro'nan, please stop. You can't come past this point."

Frowning, Ro'nan growled lowly, demanding, "And why not? What is in this forest, Kira?"

Swallowing, Kira lowered her head. "I mean no disrespect. This is sacred ground, and only certain persons can come this way. Not even my brother would be allowed to go beyond this place." She looked ahead within a glade where the path turned and went down where she saw a massive waterfall. Pointing, Kira said, "That is where I am going, I swear to you, Master Ro'nan."

Looking where she pointed, Ro'nan saw the waterfall, and returned his stern gaze to Kira. "I will be here when you return," he said, leaning against the thick trunk of one of the trees.

Watching him for a moment, Kira nodded and continued down the path towards the waterfall. Part of her wanted to look back and make sure Ro'nan wasn't following, but she knew she should take him at his word. It would set a good example for the rest of the Water people, and it's better to practice what one preaches when no one was watching.

xXx

When she reached the waterfall, Kira stared up at the huge mountain of water crashing down into the wide pool which fed the main river for the city. Kneeling down, Kira slowly reached a hand down to the pool at the base of the falls and brushed the surface. Blue light shone from the water before swirling around the falls, making all sounds cease. There was no longer the thunderous roar of the falls, though the water still fell as it always had. Within the center of the column of water, Kira could make out a figure taking shape.

Gasping, Kira fought back tears when she saw who the figure was; Oreana stood within the falls as though she had never left this plane. She smiled, saying, "My daughter, the crystal has finally led you here to the hallowed ground of our ancestors. As the new Water Priestess, I bid you, the new Water Guardian, welcome."

"Mother...I'm sorry it took so long for me to come here," Kira told her, blinking fiercely to stop any forming tears. "The crystal had pulled me in this direction before...but I...I just couldn't bring myself to come."

"It is all right, Anikira," Oreana said the true name of her daughter, holding up a hand. "But it is time for you to start your training. As the Water Guardian, you will need to practice your gifts and build your skills."

Lowering her head, Kira wanted to just talk with her mother, but she knew it probably wouldn't help matters.

"There is something weighing within you, Anikira," Oreana stated, giving her daughter a concerned look. "What troubles you, my child?"

"Um...well...I..." Kira stammered, but she just couldn't speak her mind.

"Ah...I see." Nodding, Oreana gazed at Kira and said, "You're afraid that what happened to me will be your fate."

"Not just that, Mother," Kira finally admitted. "I'm afraid...Master Ro'nan..."

"Oh, Anikira, he would never harm you, not unless he wanted to go back on his own father's oath. Elder D'rhan promised to keep you and your brother safe, and I see that he has marked you," Oreana declared, pointing to the mark on Kira's shoulder.

Giving a small smile, Kira said, "I suppose you're right. I'm afraid of something that's really nothing...if that makes any sense."

"Being concerned is not bad, Anikira. It is when we let those concerns control our every move that is becomes a problem." Oreana stated. "But as I said, you must begin your training. And I will help you whenever you need guidance."

"But, Mother, where can I practice my skills and where can I train?" Kira asked, giving a worried look to her.

"Most of the skills you already know, even if you're uncertain how or when to use them, Anikira. But the crystal will let you know when you are ready and when you need to use them," Oreana explained. "Trust in it, and you will know what to do."

Nodding to her mother, Kira rose and watched the figure of Oreana fade as the sounds of the falls returned once more. She walked back the same way she had come, feeling more at ease with herself. When she reached the place where she had left Ro'nan, Kira found him still standing next to the tree.

Giving him a respectful nod, Kira strode past Ro'nan and heard him follow her once more up the path. She wondered if he had heard the falls grow silent, but he made no mention of it so she felt no need to either. In fact, he was quiet as they walked back through the forest. Then, Kira remembered that Ice was supposed to be assigned a mentor, and she stopped, waiting for Ro'nan to catch up to her.

When he stopped and looked at her, she asked, "Master Ro'nan...if I may ask…who did you choose to become Ice's mentor during his training?"

Raising a brow, Ro'nan answered, "Someone I trust to actually train the boy properly. Ice will become a fine warrior."

"Not that I doubt my brother's abilities, Master Ro'nan...but how can you be so certain?" Kira inquired, turning her head to look at him.

Chuckling lightly, Ro'nan continued walking, calling, "Because...I am his mentor."

xXx

TBC