Author: MarieAmethyst

Title: Daughter of the Ancient: Chapter One

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: violence

Author's Note: An 'old' idea I've had. The Ancient has always intrigued me, so I've decided to expand his background a little more…^_~

~*~

Ayanna stumbled along, her body screaming with pain and weariness. Her usually long, clean hair was tangled and matted with blood. Her once white dress was similarly stained and torn. Her mind still refused to think about what had happened.

When she could no longer walk, she found a park and laid down on the sweet smelling grass. Before letting the birds' songs lull her to sleep, her hand went the green and gold amulet she wore. Finding it on it's chain as always, she let sleep overcome her.

Sage walked down the quiet streets, thinking about the latest battle against the Dynasty. It left him tired and a need to be alone. He put his hands in his pants' pockets and stared at nothing and everything. He decided to visit his favorite place in the city: the park. He let the birds' songs calm his mind. At peace with himself for awhile, he smiled at two kittens as they play-fought with each other. Then he noticed something on the ground.

His curiosity aroused, he walked toward it. What he found shocked him. Sage knelt down next to the body and pushed back long hair. He found a face covered in blood, but he could tell she was no older than himself. As his eyes traveled down her body he noticed that she was covered with and her dress was ripped in many places.

It took only a second for his mind to come to a decision. He carefully slipped his arms under her and lifted her gently to his chest. Turning back to the way he had come, he started toward home.

The sun was setting when he arrived at Mia's house, and the house he had learned to call home. Because his arms were still holding the girl, Sage knocked on the door with his foot. A moment later the door opened to reveal Ryo.

"Hey, Sage-" the rest of what he was going to say died on his lips as he saw what Sage was carrying.

Sage pushed past him, "I was taking a walk when I found her." He entered the living room where the other Ronins, Mia, and Yuli were sitting around. When they saw what Sage held in his arms, they quickly cleared the couch so he could lay her on it.

Mia was the first to recover and quickly ordered the guys to get hot water, towels, and healing balm. After everyone had left to get their appointed items, Mia turned to Sage. "Do you know what happened?"

Sage shook his head, making more of his blond hair fall into his face. "No. I found her in the park. But I wish I did."

The others returned and Mia set to work. A hour later she hardly resembled the girl Sage had first brought in. Sage gazed at her in amazement, seeing her face fully for the first time. She had high cheekbones and slightly full lips. Her eyebrows were sharply arched and the shape of her eyes indicated they were slanted. Just then her eyelids began to flicker.

"Look, I think she is starting to wake up," Cye said.

As if to prove his words she opened her eyes. The look in them went from sleepy to fearful when she noticed she was not alone.

The man, no teenage because he looked no older than herself, for that matter, none of them did except for the little boy, said in a quiet voice, "Don't be afraid. We're not going to hurt you."

Ayanna tried to make her lips form words, "Who are you?" she asked. Her voice held a soft lilt to it, but was also slightly husky from pain.

"I'm Sage. That's Ryo, Cye, Rowen, Kento, Yuli, and Mia," he pointed to them one by one.

"And who are you?" the teenager Sage had said was Kento asked.

Ayanna tried to tell them, but her voice wouldn't work.

The one named Ryo quickly asked, "Are you hungry?"

She nodded.

"Just rest here, I'll go make you some soup." Mia stood up and left the room.

Ayanna decided to listen to her and closed her eyes.

When she opened them next only Sage was in the room. He was in a chair reading a book and didn't notice her staring at him. He had blue eyes, and a shock of blond hair, strands of it falling over one of his eyes.

As if he felt her eyes on him, he looked up. He smiled at her, "Do you feel any better?"

Ayanna returned the smile with a small one of her own, "Yes, thank you. I'm kind of hungry though."

Sage stood up, "I'll go warm you some soup." In a few minutes he returned with a bowl in his hands. Settling it onto her lap, he handed her a handed her a spoon. But when she tried to lift it, she found she didn't have the strength. "Here, let me," he gently took the spoon from her and began to feed her. After the bowl was empty he took it back to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. He held it for her as she drank slowly from it. After drinking her fill, she laid back on the pillows.

"Can I ask you some questions?" Sage asked. She nodded her consent.

"What is your name?"

"Ayanna." No last name.

"Ayanna. That's a pretty name. Why were you hurt?"

"I was out walking when suddenly two men appeared in front of me," she said with a hint of fear in her emerald eyes, "they were in armor. They told me I was to go with them because their master wanted to see me. I told them no and they started attacking me. Then this old looking man with a staff appeared and beat them off. Then they all disappeared and I wandered until I found the park and went unconscious. The next thing I knew I'm here."

Sage had managed to keep quiet during all this, but burst out when she finished, "The Dynasty!"

"What?" Ayanna asked, drawing back a little ways.

Sage gained control of himself, "The Dynasty was who attacked you. Probably the Warlords. Talpa must want you really bad if he sent them to capture you."

"Then who was it that saved me?"

"The Ancient."

She then yawned, covering her mouth with a slim hand. "I'm sorry. I just feel so tired."

He nodded his understanding. "You can sleep in my room tonight and I'll sleep on the couch." Getting up, he led her up the stairs and to his room. He turned on the lamp that was on the bedside table and pulled back the green covers. She slid in and let him pull the covers up over her. He turned to leave but turned back when she grabbed his hand.

"I'm scared. Will…will you hold me?" He pulled back the covers and slid in behind her. He slowly put his arms around her and held her softly against him. Feeling safe at last, she closed her eyes and let sleep claim her.

~*~

Author's Note: Part Two: Confusing, I know. I'll try to explain more in later chapters. Oh, and though it may seem like it, Sage and Ayanna do NOT fall in love…^_~