Hey all, sorry it's taken a ridiculously long time for me to write this chapter, life's been pretty hectic recently – I'll try my best to finish this story as soon as possible. Thank you for being patient, hope you like it!


Chapter 9: Figure in the Night

Last time:

"Don't tell me what to think! Do what you want, but remember I've warned you – you just didn't listen."

With that Kai walked off back in the direction of the dojo, leaving Cassie standing there puzzled. She slumped to the floor, before sitting cross-legged in front of the river.

Angrily she took out her moonstone and rubbed it gently between her fingers. Closing her eyes she began her mediation. It was something the elders in her village had taught her from a young age to manage her emotions, so that Patiere could always be controlled safely.

Her concentration was so intense that she failed to notice the shadowed figure that moved closer and closer to her. With deadly silence it proceeded nearer and nearer to the petite girl. Cassie remained totally oblivious to everything

Until…

SNAP

At the sound of a twig shattering into pieces Cassie whirled round, but it was too late. Almost immediately she was pinned to the ground by the shadowy figure. The shock caused her to scream hysterically; her shrill voice echoing into the night.


Kai continued to make his way through the forest back towards the dojo. His mind still lingered on Cassie's words. Every second he felt angrier at the thought of this boy, Finn, the one who had managed to trick his love.

Suddenly the sound of someone screaming caught his attention. The voice filled the forest air. He felt his heart leap into his mouth as he recognised who it belonged to.

'Cassie'

Without another thought, Kai turned on his heels, running as fast as fast as he could to reach the girl.


Panic consumed the girl as the figure continued to pin her to the ground, desperately trying to silence her screams. As the person tried to cover her mouth, she bit his hand causing the man to groan in pain. In the seconds that followed, Cassie used the moonstone. Again the man yelled in agony as the blinding white light illuminated from the tiny stone. The figured shielded his eyes from the light, giving Cassie the opportunity the push him off her.

Before the man could scramble to his feet Cassie used all her strength to summon Patiere. The light slowly subsided, revealing the panther standing protectively in front of the gasping girl, its tail swaying dangerously with anger as the figure pulled out a knife…


As Kai ran through the forest, a blinding light suddenly filled the woodland area. Skidding to a stop, the Russian shielded his eyes with his hand. It only took a moment before the light disappeared, and Kai was once again running among the trees; the thought of Cassie spurring him on.


Patiere leapt towards the figure, digging its claws into the figure's arm. As the figure called out in pain it sank the knife into the panther's sleek paw. An agonising roar emerged from Patiere; simultaneously Cassie screamed grabbing her own hand, as the wound mimicked on her own flesh. The girl sunk to her knees in pain making Patiere return to her protective stance as the figure scrambled away into the night.

No sooner had the figure vanished, Kai hurtled into sight releasing Dranzer immediately from his yang necklace. The beautiful phoenix rose high into the sky, her fiery tail illuminating the sky once again.

Momentarily the figure froze as the silhouette of the phoenix spread across the trees before him. He paused to admire the bitbeast, before running back into the shadows.

Kai continued to search the area around the girl until he was satisfied the figure had gone. When he did return he found Cassie slumped on the ground, Patiere tenderly licking the wound on her hand. Carefully Kai knelt beside her and hugged her.

"I'm sorry" she whispered

"Shh, it's ok, you're safe now."

Cassie managed a weak smile before a look of pain spread across her face. Alarmed, Kai noticed how pale she had suddenly got, but before he could do anything she fainted.

The petite girl fell softly into Kai's arms, her face finally looking at peace.

'Why are they after you?' He pondered

It was then that Kai noticed something was clenched in her fist. Carefully he loosened her grip to reveal a piece of black cloth with a large gold and purple star on it.

Was this a clue? Could this help them find the people responsible for this? Only time would tell… Kai's first concern however was making sure Cassie was safe.


I'm a bit out of practice so I apologise if this seems a little lame… I'll try better next chapter. Please feel free to leave any comments! I'll try and update soon!!

Wreckless Spirit