Shards of Twisted Light
Chapter 1
The crash in the middle of the night woke some, but not many. It was on the beach after all. And those that did wake, quickly dismissed the sound and returned to their well needed slumber.
Except for one Relina Peacecraft.
'What in the world was that?' She wondered, brushing strands of hair from her icy blue eyes. She would have returned to bed if her window was not open, bringing in the smell of burning sand.
'Bonfires on the beach at this hour? How odd. Perhaps it's Dorothy or-' her thoughts were cut short by her curiosity to go investigate.
She slipped out of bed and into the closest thing she could find, which happened to be a pair of slacks and a blouse. After placing her shoes on she quietly let herself out through her bedroom window.
**********************************
Dorothy Catalonia watched with a frown as her good friend climbed down the side of the house and trot towards the beach.
She was awakened by the noise as well, but knew it was best just to ignore it. Relina however, was a curious young lady and would have to investigate.
"Oh Relina...What trouble will you bring upon yourself this time?" Dorothy sighed, as she stepped away from the window to find her shoes.
***********************************
The cool water splashed against his face rousing him from a dead sleep. Immediately sights, sounds, and twinges of pain flooded into him.
Wincing he pulled himself up from the damp surface of the ground and looked around. There was a darkened scorch mark next to him, with fresh footprints heading in his direction then trailing off into the shadows.
He glanced around frantically hoping he was the only one there. Unfortunately the sight of several other scorch marks told him he was not.
Daring to move, he rolled slightly to the left and into the grassy area of where the water touched.
"Damnit they got away!" someone cursed.
He tensed and listened to their conversation.
"Where do you suppose they went?"
Another voice replied, "I don't know, but you had better hide those so we can find out."
Taking a chance, he peered out from around the grass. His eyes, already adjusted to the darkness, took in the sight before him with shock.
A few yards away still unconscious lay his beloved Trowna. Brown hair covering a good portion of his narrow face. His garments were tattered from the fall , but other than that there seemed to be no other damage.
Two stood above Trowna. Hirto and Dwano.
'No! How can I get to him if both of them are here?!' he thought frantically, trying to pull the rest of his mind out of the thick haze it had been in since waking.
Dwano yawned and stretched, then looked down at Trowna with a smirk, "Looks like someone got an ouchie on the descent."
"Shhh!" Hirto hissed glaring about, cobalt blue eyes gleaming in the shadows.
His ears picked up the sound as well. Light footsteps were approaching. 'This could be my chance! If they're distracted then I can get to Trowna!'
****************************
Relina came to a halt at the sight before her. Two figures stood looking at her, hidden by the shadows of the night and the large boulders surrounding them.
Holding her chin up high, she approached boldly, yet with caution, "Excuse me but-" she stopped short when she noticed there was another on the ground unmoving at their feet, "Oh! Does your friend need help?!"
There was no answer. They only stared at her expressionless.
She swallowed becoming worried that they were foreign and couldn't understand her, "I'll go for help."
"Ouy...Tahw evah ouy ot troper ot em Rekia?"
Hearing the blue eyed one speak as if he were addressing her she said, "Huh? I'm sorry I don't understand."
He looked at her as if she were insane then said, "Evah ouy nettogrof?"
Relina shook her head.
The other's smile gleamed in the darkness as he said something too fast and in a similar language as the blue eyed one.
'Who are they? What are they talking about?' she thought curiously.
The one with the gleaming smile took a step forward, almost revealing himself in the clouded moon light, "It's obvious she's not the one. Let me-"
"No!" hissed the other, holding up an arm then turning his attention back to Relina, "She's forgotten."
'Now they can understand me? What's going on?' Her mind was a blur of confusion.
"Rekia?"
Shaking her head, "No. My name's Relina. Who-" Relina gasped in shock as he stepped partially into the light. He was so familiar and gorgeous. Short darkened brown hair and eyes the color of midnight ocean. A name floated through her head and immediately she spoke it, "Hiro?"
******************************
Dorothy skidded to a halt, recognizing the two even though she couldn't see them clearly in the darkness, 'What are they doing here?'
She looked around taking note of the different scorch marks in the sand. Two near the boulders, Two near the waters edge, and one still occupied by an unconscious form.
She sighed in relief hoping that he got away in time, but all too soon spotted the glinting crystal blue-aqua eyes fixed in the direction of the boulders, 'No! If he remains...'
"She is still of some use." spoke the dark haired boy.
"Fine, fine." sighed the other tossing his braid over his shoulder, "Rek-Relina, our companion has injured himself. We need to take him somewhere quiet, which means no one is to know about this got it?"
Relina glanced at the other, who nodded absently, "This way."
Dorothy couldn't believe it. Even after all her hard work Relina still had an underlying loyalty to that bastard!
When she turned her gaze back to the aqua-blue eyes peering around the marshlands, they were now fixed on her.
She mouthed the word "Go".
He shook his head and flicked his eyes toward the unconscious boy, who was now being carried by the bastard.
Indigo eyes swept around the area, "I'll be right there, just wanna double check."
Now Dorothy was really in trouble, "GO!!!" she mouthed nearly whispering it.
Aqua-blue eyes brimming with tears, he still moved with all the grace and beauty she remembered. His garments rustled about him as he sprinted across the beach, a few stray snow colored feathers littering his pathway.
She watched in fascination, because never before was she allowed to look upon such wings and beauty.
Finally taking to the air in a single 'swish' then rhythmically beating against the night air.
Then without warning another sound caught her ear, and she looked back shocked to see the braided one glaring into the sky , both wings raised high above his head. Both the color of starless night, but different in appearance. The left consisted of long dark feathers, which aligned the wing delicately, and the right was leathery and claw tipped at the folded corner.
"Kalin Dwano," Dorothy called to him before he was able to pursue.
Whirling at the sound of her voice, she braced herself for the attack.
"Who are you to address me in that way?" he asked suspiciously.
Clasping her hands in front of her she dipped her head respectively and simply said, "I am Dorothy Catalonia. Rekia has lost her memory. I was sent to help her do her task and revive her memories."
He nodded, then tensed for flight once again.
"Kalin Dwano, it would be most unwise for you to pursue him. Having descended so soon you are no doubt tired. I fear you will suffer the same fate as he if you follow."
For a moment she didn't think he'd heard her or would listen, but she was proven wrong when he lowered his wings and turned to face her, "I guess you're right." he sighed
Good he had believed her. Dorothy let the night breeze tug at her lengthy blonde hair then she turned gracefully, "I shall show you and Kalin Hirto to where you may stay and fill you in on anything in which Rekia cannot."
He smiled cheerfully in the darkness, "Good. Only one question,"
She kept her demeanor calm and cool, "What would that be?"
"What do you have to eat?"
*********************************
Sally Po had been adopted by the Dragon clan when she was very small. And from that time on she had been trained to serve and fight for her fellow clans members, One in particular.
She had sensed there was trouble once more in the higher councils but it wasn't her place to question such things.
"Hey Sal what's wrong? You seemed distracted."
Blinking she glanced over at her friend Lucreicia who sat in the passengers seat next to her, "No. Why?"
"Well we've passed that store several times now and people are starting to look at us oddly."
"Oh. Sorry. It's just that my thoughts keep drifting. Hey have you heard from Zech's lately?"
She looked down, "No. He's been away for a while." she laughed, "Must be something in the air because he was acting distant too. Even for him."
"It's one of those odd times where the stars align themselves....he'll be back." Sally said distantly.
"I suppose your-Look out!!"
She swerved just in time to miss hitting a young looking boy who had the most stunning blue hair.
"Sorry bout that." Sally apologized, looking down at him from inside the truck.
He dusted himself off, then tipped his head to the side, "Hey, no prob." Then he smiled and nodded at Lucrecia, "Thanks for warning your friend there."
She nodded in return and Sally asked, "And you're sure you're alright?"
He smiled charmingly again then shrugged, "If I had a soul ya' woulda' scared it right outta me. Later." and with that he disappeared into the growing crowd of people.
"Did he just say-"
Sally raised her hand, while starting forward with the truck, "Some things are best not to question."
***********************************
Once again opening his eyes to an unfamiliar place Quatronin. This time light flooded into his aquiline eyes causing him to groan in annoyance. As much as he appreciated the light of any star there were times when it was just unnecessary.
"Ah, so you're awake."
Recognizing the language, he was on his feet and posed for an attack, "Come near me an-"
"Ease your self Kalin Quatronin. I pose no threat."
Relaxing his shoulders and dropping his white feathered wings, so that their tips dusted the ground, "Thank the stars for small favors. Although I am confused as to how you know my name, title, or language for that matter."
The other smiled, icy blue eyes visible through the metallic mask the stranger wore, "Just a neutral observer trying to decide where his alliance should lie." He paused, crossing sleeved arms over his chest, "By the looks of things it seems as though you've just descended."
Quatronin nodded, recalling the descent, his first awakening, seeing his Watcher, and Trowna. He sighed heavily, as memories of fleeing his love returned to him.
"Do you know this place?"
The other nodded then turned and gestured forward towards a tiny city, "You are on the Earth Sphere. The city before you is called 328. If you wish to visit there you had better do something about those."
"Huh?" Glancing over his shoulder, he flexed his sore left wing with a frown, "I suppose you're right. You never told me-" but when Quatronin looked up again the masked stranger was gone, leaving him in the open plains alone.
The small city was extremely busy. He was constantly dodging and ducking people with large packages or families. Picking up the language as quickly as Dwano and Hirto would, Quatronin entered one of the closest garment stores.
If people on the street weren't staring at him odd enough the people in the store most certainly were.
"May I help you?" the man behind the counter asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. I require new garments."
The man sneered, "No shit. What happened to ya? Fall in a crater?"
Quatronin had never been addressed in such a way before, "I beg your pardon?"
"Take a look in that mirror over their pal." The bearded man nodded towards the mirror.
Taking in the image of himself in the lengthy mirror, he frowned. His golden blonde hair was whirled about on his head with bits of dried dirt and mud clinging to it in places. His once white garments were now brown and still damp. Not only that but his body was still sore in places from his flight and landing.
'Oh my. No wonder others were staring. I look awful.' He would purchase garments first then find somewhere to clean himself up.
Approaching the man behind the counter Quatronin reached into one sleeve and produced a coin, "Will this be enough for this?"
The man eyed the simple pair of brown slacks, white shirt, and shoes, then snatched the coin up from the counter top.
Quatronin watched as the mans expression turned to that of surprise when he eyed the coin, "This is solid Silver! Do you know how rare and expensive it is to get this!?"
He shrugged, "Is it enough?"
"Enough! Hell yes! For this You can get 12 more sets of clothes and then some."
Smiling, He gathered his new garments, "This will be fine." then left the store leaving the manager and several customers in shock.
'How am I going to get to Trowna? Surely they're looking for me, and they can't guard him all the time.'
"Well lookie what we got here. Hey pretty boy I'm talkin' to you."
Slightly lost in thought Quatronin looked up absently to see two people in front of him. One male the other female.
"Whatcha got there?" Asked the female, smiling at him.
Quatronin blinked in confusion, "Garments."
"Garments?" mocked the other then they both laughed.
The golden blonde haired boy proceeded to walk by the two, but was grabbed by the arm roughly.
The Male snatched the garments from his grasp and began pawing through them, "Awww Obri there ain't nothing here."
"Maybe he's got it on him then." said the one called Obri as she pushed Quatronin into the alley.
He bumped the wall with his sore back where his retracted wings would be.
"Ohh does baby have a boo boo?" laughed Obri, grabbing a fist full of the front of Quatronin's robe.
The fabric tore easily, exposing his skin the slight afternoon breeze.
"Nope don't see it here either, but I'm sure some people would want to buy him. He's got such a pretty fa-"
Before the last words even left her mouth Quatronin shoved the other away a bit harder than anticipated.
She slammed into the opposite brick wall with a thud and slumped to the ground.
"Obri!!!!" cried the male, dropping Quatronin's newly purchased clothes, as he glared at Quatronin, "You little Shit! What'd you do to Obri?"
Quatronin scooped up his clothes and started to leave the ally, "Please don't follow me. I have nothing you want and I don't want to hurt anyone else."
He heard the other moving behind him, and turned just in time to miss the firing off of a weapon.
The projectile hit the hit the wall next to his head, but before he could pull the trigger a second time, the blonde had his wrist and had twisted it firmly.
'Snap' it was a dull sound muffled by flesh and the screaming of Quatronin's captive.
The aquiline eyed boy frowned at the other, "I warned you." Then he turned and was on his way. If there was a way to save Trowna then he was going to find it, or destroy this world trying.
*********************************************************
"But Hilde why do I have to go too?" Umi whined, pulling his hat down over his head.
The short dark haired girl glowered at him from the passengers side of the car, "Yes. If I have to go then so do you. Remember your place."
Umi grumbled curses under his breath and was practically dragged out of the car when they reached their destination.
"They came here? Man this place looks fancy doesn't it Hilde?"
"That's because it's Relina Peacecrafts' home idiot." she replied, straightening out her uniform.
Meanwhile Umi shoved his hands in his pockets and slowly tagged behind her. He didn't really want to go in. Ever since Hilde had received that faithful call two days ago she had been on the move. Unfortunately she had run into Umi as well and now...
The door opened and they were both greeted by an older gentlemen with a mustache and wrinkles so heavy that his eyes were barely noticeable.
"You must be Ms.Relina's guests. This way please." he began walking down the hall and towards a larger well lit room.
Umi's eyes were wide with wonder at the mere size of the home, "You go on, I'm gonna take a look around."
She had other plans and all but dragged poor Umi into the dinning area by his ear.
"Welcome Ms. Hilde. Ms. Relina has been expecting you." smiled a rather elegant looking young woman. She was dressed in a dark blue dress which clashed with her floor length blonde hair and elegant eyebrows.
Umi sat cautiously, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention.
"She will be down shortly. Do you require anything?"
"Bathroom?" Umi asked anxiously.
"Up the stairs third door on your left." She replied gesturing smoothly.
Umi stood up, receiving the deadliest of glares from Hilde, but what else was new with her. He couldn't understand why there was such a huge stick up her ass.
Taking his time, he examined the house. Each painting on the wall and tile on the floor all seemed to fascinate him. On his way back from his 45 minute bathroom break he assumed Hilde would be ready to go. However, as he neared the bottom of the steps he stopped to listen to the conversation.
"Maybe he's not feeling so well after all." Hilde said.
"Pagen will check on him." an unfamiliar feminine voice replied.
Umi heard footsteps heading in his direction, so he quickly ducked down the remaining stairs and pressed himself against the wall until he was sure the older man was up the stairs.
'Whew. Now all's I gotta do is get the Hell outta here.' He thought to himself, glancing about for a window.
A very familiar voice spoke next in the same language he had heard so long ago and still remembered, "You haven't seen either of them then?"
"No." replied Hilde in the same language.
Umi swallowed. It was time for him to leave. He wasn't ready to go back to the way things were before. He was just easing himself out of the window when he was pulled back in by the fabric of his shirt.
As he was spun around, he opened his mouth to speak, when an iron hand wrapped itself around his throat.
Umi stared into the suspicious cobalt blue eyes of the other and managed to choke out finally, "Long time no see Kalin Hirto."
Rolling his eyes in annoyance, The dark haired boy released his throat and shoved him in the direction of what appeared to be a drawing room.
Umi stumbled into the room then straightened his clothes as Hilde gave him a funny look.
"Umi, so nice of you to join us."
Hirto passed him and took a spot leaning against the wall by the humongous bay window.
"Kalin Dwano perhaps I would be more suitable for this task. Umi doesn't seem to...thrilled at the idea. As a matter of fact I had to practically drag him here with me."
Umi gave her a dirty look and vowed to do something really fun with explosives to her truck.
Dwano smiled as he approached Umi, draping an arm about his slumped shoulders, "See that's what I love about this guy,"
Umi flinched when his cap was plucked right from his head, allowing segments of blue hair to spill into his face.
Then placing the cap on his own head Dwano continued, "He reminds me of myself."
Hirto snorted and looked out of the window, "Baka."
Dwano stuck his tongue out at Hirto then all of a sudden Umi found himself facing the braided haired Kalin, "Umi, I have a job for you."
He looked away, "Really?"
Dwano nodded, "I want you to find the other two Kalins. Do you know which ones?"
"Kalin Quatronin and Kalin Fei?"
"Right. Do you know what to do once you find them?"
Umi nodded.
"Any questions?"
He hesitated, but he knew that he just couldn't stand to go back to the way things were, "I was wondering....could Hilde do this one for me? I'm still trying to readjust here and-"
"But you see Umi," said the other softly, while brushing aside blue strands of hair from Umi's silvery eyes, "If you don't do this for me, then I won't think you're loyal to me. And if I don't think you're loyal to me then I can't trust you. And if I can't trust ya then....Well," he sighed, "I don't think you want that."
Umi frowned, wanting to argue some more, but knowing that it was of no use, "No...I guess not."
"Great !" the other beamed looked up at Kalin Hirto, who was gaze was fixed on something outside, "What is it?"
"Looks like military." he replied.
"They must be here to discuss peace negotiations with me." The young girl dressed in simple slacks and a button down shirt said, while standing, "If you'll excuse me."
'Relina Peacecraft...' Umi thought, 'Why the hell would they choose her home to stay at. They must still be recuperating from the descent. Could she be Hirto's watcher?' He dismissed the idea quickly. The girl had shown no type of respect, just simple politeness. But still, perhaps this could be to his advantage.
"Umi didn't you hear a word I said?!" Hilde scolded, taking hold of one deeply tanned arm, "We have to get going!"
Not having the opportunity to protest, he let her guide him out and towards the door. Yes he would certainly have happy fun times with explosives and her truck when he got the chance to.
**********************************************************
The darkness of the room bothered him more than anything else. he was use to the light. It helped him thrive and heal. The descent had been hard on him. He couldn't remember exactly what had happened after, or where he was. Just whenever he awoke there was darkness surrounding him.
'Am I dead?' He thought briefly, then realized he was too sore to be dead.
Slowly he shifted, the hard wooden surface beneath him creaking softly. Brown slightly spiky hair fell into his face as he propped himself up on one elbow.
Turning his head to get a look at his wings, he found that they hurt the most. Wings were tricky things. So strong and sturdy, yet delicate and fragile all in one. He tried to close and retract them back into himself but to no avail.
'Why can't I retract them?' He tried to open them fully, feeling the pull, then hissed in pain feeling the bones shift in both his gold feathered wings. They were broken.
Relaxing his muscles, he looked around the room. It was an elegant room, with a bed a table and lamp, a scenery painting on the wall, and a rug by the door.
'Perhaps strangers found me in this condition.'
The door opened.
Looking over his shoulder he tried to turn, but was embraced by the pain of his descent and battered wings.
"No, don't move. Be still and listen to me."
He nodded.
"You've been captured. Hirto has broken your wings, so you mustn't try to escape."
Hearing the name made him shutter internally.
"They don't know you're awake so you must be silent. I will try my best to assist you, but for now you must rest."
Trowna nodded, remembering the sound of the voice, then a wave a panic struck him, "What of-"
"Kalin Quatronin escaped. I was able to distract Dwano long enough for that reason."
He breathed his thanks then settled back onto the floor, trying to ignore the dull hunger pain settling in his stomach.
"Once they leave, I will bring you something to eat." and with that, the footsteps stepped away from him and he was left alone in the room once again.
****************************************************
Relina couldn't help but wonder about the guests in her house as the peace talks continued. They were so mysterious, yet she seemed to know them.
"And what are your thoughts Ms. Peacecraft?"
Being addressed caught her attention, "Forgive me, perhaps we can have this meeting another time. I don't seem to be feeling well."
"Ah, I am sorry my dear, after that whole ordeal with your fathers illness. We'll continue this next Thursday." the older gentlemen known as Minister Goreb said, standing up.
Relina apologized as they were leaving once again, then she went to her room for a bit of peace.
Sitting down on the edge of her bed, the door shut with a slam.
Gasping, "Oh! Dorothy your startled me. What is it?"
"There are complications Ms. Relina, that need to be dealt with right away." replied the grey-blue eyed girl, stepping forward.
Relina swallowed, "What are you-"
But before she could continue Dorothy pulled out a clear stone, that was glowing brightly as it caught Relina's gaze.
"Now listen very carefully to me."
******************************************************
Katherine bowed deeply as the audience applauded her performance. After she exited the tent heading towards her own, a strange sensation flooded her thoughts and caused her to stop.
"Huh? Oh no...." she muttered, dropping her baton to the ground and looking up into the sky.
She broke into a run, throwing open the flap of her tent and fishing around for her traveling bag. Katherine had to find him. His thoughts were pained and calling out to her. It was her duty to protect him and she had gotten off to a horrible start.
How could she have let her mind close up?
"Damnit!" she cursed, shoving clothes into her bag all the while pulling the feathers from her hair, "I should've been there when he descended!" she growled to herself. She knew he would be weakened the most. And as his protector she should've at least sensed something.
With a final toss of her curly auburn hair, she was out of her tent and heading towards a nearby vehicle. She was sure no one would miss it, as she tossed her bag in through the open window of the grey van.
The wind of the late nights air tugged at her performance skirt, which was black, red, and roughly about the bottom. She cursed herself again for not changing clothes first, but for some reason she felt as though she was being rushed,
As she slid around to the drivers side, the door still open, "Rrrr where are the keys."
'Jingle....jingle'
Hearing the sound she looked up and could help but let out a sharp gasp of surprise when she saw a dark haired, piercing blue eyed boy crouched on the hood of the car, a set of keys dangling from his fingers.
"Hirto...." was all she managed before a fist was slamming through the window and glass sprinkling about her.
Katherine cried out in pain as she rolled out of the car to avoid the larger glass shards.
Still crouched on the hood of the car, he looked over at her , dropping the keys and gracefully leaping to the ground.
Even with his wings no longer visible, and his clothes so casual, he was still a sight to behold. A lithe yet powerful build, complete with cold and calculating eyes. Even she was slightly stunned. But it didn't stop her from trying her damndest to get back to that car,
"Katherii, protector of Kalin Trowna." he addressed her.
Her look hardened as she stood, ready to face off for her Kalin, "Hirto." was all she said as she lunged for him.
She may not have had his strength, but she had agility on her side.
As he leaned to the left to avoid her punch, she dropped to a crouch and swung her right leg around. The move was meant to bring his legs out from under him, but instead he had stooped and took hold of her ankle.
"Ahh!" Katherine cried out in shock as she was lifted all the way off the ground and flung into the side of a car.
On impact the dull crack and brief mind numbing pain she felt, told her that something inside of her had been damaged. She then pulled herself to a standing position, her left arm pulled close to her damaged mid section.
Hirto still stood in the same place, arms at his sides. He was dressed in a dark green shirt, that absently clung to him, while on his lower half he wore black shorts.
As she gathered her thoughts she began to wonder where the others were.
Movement broke her train of thought , as the other came at her, fist raised.
She barely escaped the window shattering punch. And when she looked up again the car keys were in sight.
Hirto's eyes darted from her to the keys.
They both sprang forward, Katherine's thoughts were of her Kalin.