~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~I apologize for the lateness of this chapter, but so much has been going on its driving me crazy!!!! And with my writer's block its not helping!!!~
~Anyway here's the story about Nazomi you have been waiting for! ENJOY AND PLEASE REVIEW!!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 21 ~ Footsteps in the Sand Blown Away
~~~ Nazomi's POV ~~~
The darkness of my past begins shortly after I was married. It was about two weeks after my new husband and I had wed that we moved to a small village inside the Draconian borders. We were both nearly twenty in rotations and young, but we were very much in love. He and I had just set up our small house in the village with my husband working as the town's blacksmith. About three weeks later it was discovered I was pregnant,… there was great rejoicing in the news, but soon it faltered when the persecution began and our village was attacked…
It was a surprise attack, but we were able to rally enough people to hold our own. My husband forced me to stay in the house, fearing not only for me, but also for our unborn child. Sadly I was a bit of a hothead and grew angry with him for telling me to stay behind like a defenseless child so I snuck out of the house as soon as he went to fight. Taking only a staff as my weapon I raced into the large battle being held in the streets and beat my way through the crowd.
Though we had gathered all of the fighters in our village the humans outmatched us and thus we became a small group. I came face to face with a man twice my size and knew I couldn't beat him. I was still young to battle and my practice of fighting was very small, however, I was a stubborn one and struck him hard in the stomach with my staff. Unfortunately it only angered my opponent and he lashed out at me by kicking me hard in the stomach… because of that blow I lost the child… I flew through the air losing my only weapon in the process… At the time I had no idea if I had injured my unborn baby, but I knew something was wrong for my stomach was on fire…
Lifting myself from the ground I clutched my abdomen tenderly as people fought all around me. I looked up to see my opponent coming at me with a heavy sword. I tried to go into a fighting stance, but the prior blow had taken its toll on my body and every small movement was painful. He came at me and I stumbled a dodge catching the edge of the sharp blade on my arm. Blood trickled from the heavy gash as I landed roughly onto my side. Tears of my own fell to the earth mixing with soil and copper blood. He stood over me with his blade ready to take my life, but my savior came stabbing his already stained sword through my attacker's chest. I cried out in joy at my husband's presence as he removed his bloody weapon from the dead body.
My beloved went to help me up, but suddenly grew still with pain twisting into his face. At first I didn't know what was wrong, but then blood began to slip from his lips. I remember several droplets falling onto my hand as he fell into my arms. The world seemed to stop as his breathing did the same. I clung to his body as if it were my life… and in a sense… it was… In that moment there was only he and I as I cried over his limp form. Never before had I felt such pain… not a single blade could have inflicted a worse punishment…
My tears began to pour as his blood began to rub off onto me. I looked at his back to see a dagger embedded in his flesh. The heavy hilt of the item was hand crafted and marked with human symbols. I snarled as I noticed a figure standing nearby watching me hold him. The 'Man' stared at me heartless his hand still in the air from when he had thrown the dagger…
I snarled angrily as I rose from my husband's body tenderly taking the dagger from my angel's back. He had been me life mate and with his death I desired vengeance. I shifted the weapon in my hands before charging the human. I wish I could say I kill the human staining his own blade with his blood… but sadly I did not… I was knocked out before I even truly got close to the man and when I awoke I was far from my home…
I was kicked hard into the side bringing me back to reality… My eyes fluttered open and I saw a large man standing over me… Before I could grunt out my discomfort or realize where I was the man grabbed my hair in a large fist. I cried out at the pain he caused, but it was soon silenced as I was struck for my noise. My eyes snapped open at the blow and I struggled to strike back the one who had hurt me, but my wrists were bound together behind my back making my effort fruitless and awkward. I snarled at the dark figure before me and brought my heel into his shin. He grunted at the pain and backhanded me knocking me out once again.
The second time I awoke was when someone dumped a pitcher of water on my face. I gasped as the cold fluid running down my dirty body just as someone lugged me into a kneeling position. I shook my head violently and looked up to see a man dressed in dirty garments looming over me. Ignoring him for the moment I glanced around and noticed that I was in a large tent filled with people from my village. Most of the captives were young adults near my age. No elders or children occupied any portion of our small tent and I suddenly knew why. The men around me were some well-built folk while the women were some of the most beautiful ones of our town. We were slaves… The men would be used for hard labor while the ladies would be sold as concubines or domestic workers. I gulped as knew what I was to be used for…
Suddenly the man behind me pulled me to my feet and pushed me into the blinding sun making me wince at its brightness. The sound of footsteps walking over soft dirt came to my ears and I gently opened my eyes to see the world I now resided in. I frowned when I noticed I was in a large alleyway containing troughs for animals with another large tent position to the one I had just emerged. Looking down the passage I could see a market place filled with people bartering loudly. I snorted angrily as I realized my captors would probably sell me soon.
Abruptly I was pushed forward towards the large troughs making me stumble to my knees. I growled as another large man came towards me with a sharp dagger. I shifted on my knees testily trying to keep my eyes on the blade. The two muscular men got either side of me both holding impressive blades at me. The other man who obviously was the leader of the three seeing that he wore rather nice fabric came stand before me with his hands behind his back. Growling savagely I eyed the man feeling automatic dislike for him. He stared at me studying me carefully. I felt like some sort of meat under his gaze and quickly spat at his feet, but he ignored the disrespect. Slowly turning away the man muttered, "She'll do…"
I stared at his back with wide eyes as I felt my heart fly into my throat. What did he mean by that?… Before I could truly figure out the answer someone released me from the ropes that gnawed at my wrists. The second I felt my constraints fall I automatically jumped to run away, but one of the guards blocked my escape with his blade gleaming in the sunlight. I saw my reflection stare at me in the silver metal and I knew I could not evade them. Glaring up at my guards I growled, "What do you want?"
The one before me gruffly snorted, "Clean yourself off as best as possible, girlie. Make yourself presentable."
"Whatever for?" I retorted hoarsely suddenly feeling a need for water.
"To be sold, whore" he snarled angrily baring teeth that needed obvious cleaning.
I growled a warning at the insult and snarled hotly, "I don't see why I should even corporate, bast--"
My words were cut off as I was swiftly kicked in the back making me shout out my pain. Landing roughly in the earth I looked up at my attacker, the guard who had been behind me. He glared at me with bared teeth, "You will corporate or your life will have a shortcoming…"
I tensed up as he showed me his large sword. I snarled at him, but was reluctant to do more being weaponless as I was. Mumbling beneath my breath I walked over to the water keeping an eye of the two men through the corner of my sight. Coming to kneel next to the trough I studied my reflection in the glimmering mirror. My face was very dirty being caked by dried mud and blood with a small scratch over my left cheek and my usually well kept hair in a dishevel. I tenderly brushed back my hair with my fingers feeling the roughness of my once silky locks. The next hour I spent working the tangles out of my proud hair and cleaning myself as best I could with the water set before me. Though I asked the guards for soap and a brush I was ignored and soon realized I had to do with what I had which was absolutely nothing, but plain water.
By the end of the hour I had done a great deal to my appearance. I had fully removed the dirt and blood from my skin and pulled back my long hair into a decent ponytail with a strip of my ragged clothing. To say the least it was a great improvement… Unfortunately I could do nothing with my attire and was forced to wear what I had. I wasn't about to strip in front of those men anyway. Once I appeared to stop fiddling with my appearance the men quickly grabbed my forearms and dragged me out into the main street of the market place.
At first I made a ruckus by howling out screams and curses, but a quick threat on my life close my mouth. I glanced around nervously as I was led to a large tent just fifty yards away from the alley I had been led from. I frowned as the three of us ducked into the canopy, but said nothing. My eyes became faced with a large crowd cluttering into the area making me surmise this was the auction of slaves here. I was soon shoved into a long line and was given a wooden marker to hang around my neck to show my starting value, my origins, and other small notes about myself. I tried to look for an exit or possible escape, but my guards refused to move from my side making me forget my plans quickly.
I winced as an explosion of voices rang through out the tent at the start of the auction. Slaves were brought up in ones or in pairs depending on prices and value. Ones in pair were usually scrawny and set at low prices for labor. As my turn grew closer and closer I wished only to disappear… for who desired to be subjected to such torture. Sadly, my nightmare became reality as I was pushed onto the stage where all 'property' was sold. I tensely walked to the front of the platform keeping my arms cross and glaring at the crowd. A few shuddered beneath my gaze, but only for a moment… I was slavery and many would not grow fearful from such a lowlife's gaze…
Scanning the crowd I spotted the man I had seen earlier watching me, his slave, be auction. I bared my teeth at him as I heard the man at the front begin his description of me. The moment the word 'Draconian' passed his lips people began to shout out numbers. Truly I wasn't surprised for it was the start of the persecution about this time and I knew being one of the angels made my worth go up a notch, but it was also my exotic look that made me desirable. I do not say this as a boast or vain retort, but exactly what my new keeper told me after my purchase. I snorted as I saw a man in airy wraps throw out a heavy price.
It wasn't long before it was all over and I became property of the desert man. He grinned at me devilishly as I had my wrists once against bound by his men. I watched my life be sold into new bondage as pieces of silver were passed between him and the man of earlier. Other slaves were bought along with my purchase and soon the seven of us were bound by our wrist and necks to each other in a long line. Days went by and moons passed before my eyes as our band of seven slaves, five guards, two assistants, and our keeper made our way over several lands. After the first moon, we came to the edge of the desert. I was nervous as I we stepped out across the cool sand of the night knowing the dangers of the great dunes. Old wives tales were always spun about the horrors of the sand and at that time I had no way to doubt their stories. I was probably the only one of the entire band that was truly afraid of the countryside. It took nearly three days for me to finally sleep peacefully.
We traveled mostly on foot with the moonlight on our backs for it was too hot during the day to trek anywhere. My keeper rarely left the comfort of his Yui and neither did our guards who constantly held a whip ready to strike at us. More than once I had felt the temper of their lashes and was forced to bite my tongue. I became known as the 'spitfire' of the group since I was always the first to retort something and always caused problems. I didn't care… If I hadn't been so weak and tired I probably could have given a better fight. During the coming of the dawn we would set camp. Two tents were always set up; One for the guards, the other for the master. We were tied to a single stake that was heavy and buried into the ground. Being too weak from lack of food and water none of us could pull out the steel object. Not that it truly matter if we every got the thing out for there was nowhere to go. The desert was miles in any direction and predators continually watched out groups. At night I could hear the howling of the desert hounds as they watched us tread over large dunes. Some nights I thought they had surrounded us as their cried filled my ears, but never came too close to the group for their fear of 'Man.' They never appeared during the day though for they were nocturnal creatures who roamed the moonlight…
Finally one day when the sun was high I sat restlessly in the hot sand amongst the other slaves. We were always left in our circle around the hard stake our necks bound tightly to the anchor. I played with my clutched agitated. The rough rope was cutting into my flesh making my skin raw. It burned constantly and I was growing desperate for water. Last night we had been given nothing more than what was necessary to keep us from dehydrating. I was the only one awake in the whole camp. My stomach was grumbling angrily keeping me awake though extremely tired as I was. I stared at the Yuis nearby noticing the water skins hanging from the beasts' sides. They were heavy with water and my eyes stared hungrily at their hanging bellies.
I began to crawl towards the Yuis with the soul hope of gaining a drink. As my rope came to its end, a few feet away from the water skins, I strained against my line. The threads wined against the pull, but I ignored their cries for I was more focused on my goal. Even the rough edge of the rope running through my raw flesh seemed faint as I tried to reach my life source… My tan fingers were like thin rods attempting to stab the bag of liquid. That's when the doors of Hell burst open releasing its fury…
Suddenly desert hounds attacked our camp sending uproar of screams from the frightened Yuis. I was so surprised as the hounds raced into our small camp that I fell backwards into the pile of slaves waking them abruptly. Cries came from my fellow captives as they cowered from the yellow haired mongrels. I was startled as I noticed the hounds run right past me and leap unto the slaves surrounding me. Their fangs ripped into the weak ones' flesh and blood poured from their wounds. My heart nearly stopped at the gruesome sight of survival of the wild.
Suddenly my conscience cried, 'RUN! ESCAPE WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!'
For a moment I was dumbfounded imagining that I had actually heard a voice, but I soon shook it off as I struggled with my bonds. The ropes rubbed into my skin and I cried out at the pain. Then a shroud of flying sand runs through my fingers making me calm down slightly. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed a large desert hound starring at me with eyes of burning orange. For some odd reason I felt no fear for this dangerous creature who could easily maul me at any second… I stared into its flaming eyes for a strong minute feeling at peace. The dog grunted after and quickly grabbed the ropes that wrapped around my neck in his sharp fangs. A loud rip pounded into my ears and my hands suddenly became free… yet I remained in a starring contest with my rescuer.
As the area remained in chaos I found myself slowly rising to my feet. We stand there looking at one another until I feel the need to leave… to escape the horrible world of slavery… Tentatively I stepped away, but I hung back to stare at the hound one last time… I almost imagined I saw the beast nod to me as if telling me to run… Without another moment of hesitation I raced from that spot towards the fleeting herd of Yuis. I melded into the stampede… racing alongside the creatures that could easily run over me… My hand flew at the reins that flapped against one of the Yuis' neck. The whirl of strong fabric became tangled in my tan digits and I became dragged by the beast. Losing my footing at the sudden lurch of the creature I fell into the swirl of dust, sand, and pounding feet. For about thirty yards I was dragged through the gold land before I began using the little muscles I had left from the slavery and pulled myself onto the animal's back. I never glanced back as I raced over the dunes… away from the herd… and from the darkness of my bondage…
The first night of my freedom I found a bit of shelter near a small spring and clove of palm trees. As the moon rose high in the velvet blackness I was quick to look through my Yui's packs that had never been removed from its hide before the hounds had appeared. Unfortunately though the packs had remained little had been left in them. Most of the food and water skins were gone with only a small package of gyserpebbles, which were small chunks of fruit that held water in its hollow inner. Though the food could sustain a being for nearly a week I being deprived already of water and nutrients down many before realizing how important is was to ration. It wasn't long before I was out of the helpful plant…
It was not resources that interested me though… It was the weapons that had been left in the sacks. I had found several weapons that had peaked my curiosity, but it was the two twin daggers that truly caught my eye. They were glorious in craftsmanship and beautiful in display… The blades were curved rather strangely so that if they were laid a certain way they almost created a circle together. Nights would crawl by me, as I would play with the delicate yet deadly twins. For some odd reason working with the daggers relaxed me… perhaps it was because I dreamed of taking revenge for my husband's death…
Slowly my practice with the weapons began to show in my attitude… My soft heart began to harden… and my eyes once so delicate and fine became a pair of stones that were like cat eyes piercing through the darkness… Muscles began to develop in my limbs from the use and my soul became bleak… My soul purpose came to be finding my beloved's killer and destroying him…
Days went by… and the sun's burning eye stared down at my scorch back… With no water in two days and no food in three I was very weak and struggling just to stay on my ride's back… My Yui seemed to constantly stumble and with each misstep I tittered on its hide coming nearly to a fall… Finally it came when my newly acquired muscles gave out and my hold on the reins faltered… I slipped from the beast's comfortable back into the golden sea tossing up many grains… Tiredly I raised my head and watched the Yui stumble a few feet forward before collapsing about twenty feet away from me…
My twin daggers that I usually kept tied together fell from the packs and tumbled a few feet before my eyes. Groggily I crawled over to them and quickly ripped off the leather bounding them. I then tied them to my belt, one on either side of me for easy access. Giving them a final glance of approval I staggered to my feet. With feeble steps I began to walk over the endless dunes not really knowing my destination…
Time flew by me unnoticed and before long the moon had changed… The cold of the night clung to me and the heat of the day beat me down… I slept little for I felt no purpose of it by now… One early dawn my feet could no longer sustain my body weight and suddenly I was faced down in the sand to broiled with the sunrise…
How long was I out?… I am forever unsure, for when I did awake I knew only that the sun was already in the sky. I had awoken because I felt someone rummaging through my jacket for valuables. Though I had been startled to reality my eyes remained shut. Trying not to make the person aware that I was awake I kept my breathing low. Gradually I inched my fingers towards one of my blades letting the tan digits curl around its fancy handle. I heard the stranger gasp making me understand he had caught sight of my movement.
The warrior in my heart caused me to suddenly react. With quickness I did not know I had I removed the blade and thrust it into the stranger's chest. My eyes flew open at the moment of contact and I felt the color drained from my face. I was looking into the eyes of a child no more than ten rotations…
His body fell to the ground with a thud and blood trickled from his bloody gash. Never before had I witness a scene more damaging to the soul as I watched his small form collapse into the dark realm of the afterlife… I stared at him in shock still holding the bloody dagger that had killed him… Fear clung to my skin as I began to back away from the dead corpse… a dead corpse that had once been alive…
That child wore clothes that were rugged and torn marking as probably a desert thief. I didn't know how he come to find me or why he resided to such bad moral, but I didn't care at that moment. All I wanted was to get away… To get away from the entire scene…
I fled with speed I thought I had lost from exhaustion… Suddenly a storm flew into my face and I was lost in the air of gold. I raced through the world of airborne grains unable to determine what was solid ground or which end was up. Sometimes I felt I was running on the planet… other times I felt I had been lofted into the clouds…
I don't know how I found the eye of the storm, but I stumbled into it and marveled at its beauty. To see an empty space-like tunnel swirling with sand can make one lose their breath. Cautiously I stood in the empty air with my mouth opened wide. As I stared at the empty ceiling of my cell I never noticed the sand a few feet before me shift and bulge. Slowly a mound grew and then it height advanced towards the heavens in the shape of a disfigured pillar. It was when the top of the mound came to my chin did I finally noticed the sand. Slowly the pillar twisted and molded itself into a figure. Before long I could make out fingers, toes, limbs, and even hair… With more time lips and lashes could be distinguish. In all matters the sand looked exactly like a woman… and not just any woman… It was Queen Iris of the Draconians!… For I know her face from a painting of the royal family that use to be mounted in my old home…
I fell to my knees at the sight of the statue of golden grains dropping my blades into the ripples of her foundation. She smiled softly at me as a pair of sandy wings burst from behind her throwing grains in all directions. The splendor was enough to make tears glisten in my eyes…
In warmth the sand figure spoke, "Good day to you, Lady Noi… As you already have guessed… I am, Queen Iris of the Draconians…"
I dumbly nodded never blinking away from her. Her smile disappeared as she continued; "I come to you under the most dire circumstances…"
"I don't understand, my queen" I replied still confused with her strange appearance.
Her face grew hard as her eyes became distant, "At this hour a shadow has fallen over our kingdom and the war against the humans has become greatly one sided. If things continue to progress like they have over the last few moons our people will soon fall. Being the ruler of the Draconians puts me in great peril for the humans want my life most of all. If I should fall our people will be left without anyone to rule, for if I die my husband will die with me… I am certain of this…"
"How is that possible?" I asked uncertain at her words.
"I am unsure why, but I have foreseen it in a vision for several nights" she replied calmly as if the question of her death was unimportant, "In the foreshadowing I fall onto the ground in a pool of blood with my husband already dead a few feet away. Standing over us with tears in her eyes our only daughter stands. She claims vengeance for our lives and turns towards the darkness ready to fight against all of Gaea. Suddenly the remaining Draconians stand behind her and in her hand she holds the pendant of Atlantis."
Turning her sandy eyes to me she said, "In short, Noi, the vision means with my death the only person to rule the Draconians will be my daughter, Princess Rachelle. Sadly my child is ill prepared for such a feat and I must be given a few more years of my teachings to be fully trained as an effective ruler. For the sake of our people's survival I must continue to live until the time is right…"
"Why tell me this, Queen Iris?" I asked numbly waiting for my confusion to be cleared.
"Because" she answered gently, "Joutei has told me I must chose royal bodyguards to stand for the royal family."
I stared at her beginning to understand why she stood before me at that moment and my heart filled with dread. She lifted her left palm and slowly three glowing orbs of whiteness appeared in its cradle. Letting their light reflect in blue eyes of the dying woman the royal spoke, "I am to choose three warriors at this time to protect my family and I. For nights my heart has searched out the individuals in my visions and finally I have found them. I have come to ask you, Noi, if you would--"
"NO, PLEASE DON'T!" I cried desperately knocking the sentence from the royal's teeth, "DO NOT ASK ME!"
The beautiful maiden of golden grains stared down at the kneeling angel slightly confused, "Now it is I who does not understand. What do you mean, Lady Noi?"
Bowing my head scornfully I whispered, "I do not deserve even the honor of being asked to take on such a position, my lady. Not only am I very 'green' warrior, but my heart is tainted with the blood of a child."
Queen Iris closed her eyes as she softly replied, "I already know…"
I gasped and flung my eyes back on her as she continued, "Along with my vision of the three of you I was blessed with knowledge of each. I know of your past and the world you suffered through. I even know of the life you took. I was told all this by Joutei… even I was given images to watch play before my eyes…"
I stared at her with my mouth hanging open in shock. Queen Iris allowed the three globes to disperse as she said, "With time your skills will greatly improve, Noi, and as for your past it will be forgotten if you follow Joutei."
"Follow Joutei?" I muttered becoming lost again, "I thought I was to follow you…"
"No" she automatically responded, "Joutei is our true ruler. He is the one who gave us life. Because we have forgotten him he has sent down this war against us. Only if we turn back to him will we save ourselves... Our souls…"
I remember staring at the ground thinking how we had forgotten our true heritage. Joutei was the one who had given us life yet we discarded him once we began to show a glimmer of strength. He had done so much and us so little…
"Your sins will be forgotten if you return to Joutei's side as his loving follower" Lady Iris said, "He has asked me to propose this position to you, Noi. Please accept it."
I stared at the hand that offered a new life for me. To reaffirm myself with an untainted soul… It was something I had longed for… My hand slowly open to take hers in a final handshake, but she quickly drew it back causing me to look into her eyes in confusion. Her eyes once soft and playful were now hard with serious determination. In a stern voice my queen spoke, "Listen carefully now most of all, Noi. Once you agree you cannot go back. This offer is permanent. You can never escape from this duty. It shall forever haunt you... Never leaving you… It is the shadow that shall hide you and nip at your heels… Even once I am gone your duty will continue until your death… And when you take up this hard life your name shall be forgotten, your face no longer seen, and your heritage never known. You will be a protector of an entire race's future. The responsibility and sacrifices are a very heavy and long burden. Are you sure you are willing to take up this duty?…"
The world became quiet in my ears as I checked the weight of this offer. All that she held before my eyes I had longed to desire these last moons. To disappear without a trace, and start all over… forgetting the mistakes and pains of the past… Smiling sternly I said, "I'm sure about my decision."
And with that I took her hand…
All things that fell after that moment is either unimportant or already told by Zaado, so I shall skip ahead to something very important that happen after we were assigned to our group of Draconians to protect. I was given the group of villagers who would go to the ripples of the desert. When I first set my group into a settlement I realize we would have to often move about because we needed water and food. Both of which came sparingly. Springs could be found here and there, but they could never keep up a village for long, plus finding food was even worse. Most creatures were nocturnal keeping to the darkness forcing us to hunt in the blackest of hours. Though the moon was often helpful if the smallest cloud would hide the light it cause us to often starve. Vegetation we could last on only for so long. Meat was often desired amongst my protected people and thus I would set out on my own to take down some of the largest predators,… sandworms. I would lure them close to the camp and then slaughter them. Unfortunately it wasn't easy to get only one to follow me seeing that they patrolled in groups, but when my objectives did work out what a feast would begin in the village.
Overtime we discovered the food known as 'spice'. The herb was delicious and very much appreciated in my group. The wondrous plant grew everywhere and could easily be harvested for it lived close to the surface of the sand. A bit of digging and you could find the herb right underneath your feet. There was only one slight side affect… the chemicals found within the plant caused your eyes to change to a gold color. Personally it wasn't a problem, but it was very strange to all who observed the change…
It was many generations later that my whole attitude towards life changed. By then I had become one of the best healers and a master in the arts of fighting. I had seen ten generations of a single-family come and go before my eyes as my life continued to stretch onward. I rarely associated with people taking it hard to become close to them only to see them die later, but finally a certain woman drew me into her friendship.
Her name had been Varia… the same woman you all met when you first saw me days past. Her heart was like any warrior's… strong and honorable… But for some unknown reason her and I became very close in a matter of a short time… Even in her toddler years I had become fond of her… Finally as she grew near her teens I took her up as my pupil… I spent many hours training her and teaching her the arts of fighting… I guess it was her own wisdom at her young age that caught me into her life… You could not push one over her and it was hard to make her see things in an immature fashion. When children would be playing she would be speaking of knowledge and beliefs like she was an adult. With time she became not only my pupil, but also my teacher…
She regular saw me for lesson when her free time permitted and I taught her hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and even some of my own tricks of the trade. Each day seemed to show me something new about my little student and with the changing of the moons I became more intrigued by the youngster. After a full rotation of my teachings the child could do things no other young one of her age could ever do. She was a quick learner who often wanted to please others. Sometimes I caught sight of her practicing long after our session of that day. She would practice until she improved her move or until her parents called her. Sometimes I would stand in the shadows watching my pupil with amusement as she stumbled through the steps time and time again. Her strawberry hair whipping around her face mocking her determination. I was very proud of her…
Time went by and her parents died in a sandworm attack. I felt deeply responsible for the little angel's pain as I watched her cry during their small funeral. During the night my group had been surrounded by the monsters and several were slaughtered included the young one's mother and father. I came to her after the ceremony exclaiming my apology, but she refused it saying it was never my fault. Still feeling relatively guilty I offered myself as a replacement for her parents. She eagerly accepted…
As her maturity progressed and her adulthood began we became very close and often were seen together. Though her training sessions had ended many years ago I continued to be her mentor telling her of things she had yet to see… such as war… slaughters of battle… democracy… powers of immense magnitude,… but most of all I taught her about Joutei… Telling of his teachings and reading from books written about him…
However, one day came when I told her of my life in the castle… where I had my two friends, Zaado and Tsuno, there. I spoke of them mostly and would mention Sian and Nembus in certain incidents exclaiming my dislike for two when one day she interrupted me. We sat on some boulders found near one of our weekly settles as I played with my weapon, sharpening the edges. The sun was growing close to the horizon as I spoke of the times of fights between the five of us…
"Nazomi?" she inquired a little too forceful for my like.
"Yes?" I asked curious to why she seemed so firm.
Her golden eyes were hard with anger, but what shocked me worse was the fact that the anger seemed to be directed at me… Slowly she rose from her rock standing on it with her eyes sternly locked on the growing sunset. Her eyes glimmer with fire as she whispered roughly, "Why were you so mean to them?"
"Mean to Sian and Nembus?" I asked stupidly still shock over her anger. She didn't look at me, but gave a small nod. I too turned to the sunset letting its orange, pink glow dance in the reflection of my eyes. Carefully I spoke, "There presence was a disgrace to the three of us. When our Queen brought them to us it showed each of us that we were in need of assistance… as if we couldn't handle the job alone…"
"But why be angry at Sian and Nembus?" she growled hotly, "They only came because they were asked. If not because of that, but to escape their own lives like you did."
I glanced at her through the corner of my eye contemplating what she had just said. Her logic was perfectly true and factual, but that was not all to my story. I turned my attention back to the burning orb disappearing behind the horizon and spoke, "It was not only that, Varia. They acted as if they had faced the same pain as we had. Even if they did they were too young to even be true warriors… They were only twenty of age when we had over a decade more of experience and wisdom beneath our belts. They were still 'green' like some call them. They were still new to the world of war and battles making us automatically dislike them for they often appeared to know everything we knew. They were kids and we their elders yet they showed no sort of respect towards us… They just saw us as… as…"
"Equals…" Varia completed my sentence quietly watching the last bit of the sun disappear. Hopping off of the hard stone she turned towards me and said harshly, "You know what I think, Nazomi? I believe your prides were hurt and you shun them because of it."
"Your wrong, Varia" I snorted turning my eyes to the sky watching the first stars glitter on, "We were the varsity team, like Queen Iris once said. We were just too different to relate and slowly we grew infuriated with one another…"
"If age makes a difference, Nazomi" my pupil replied angrily, "Than I don't understand how a twenty rotation old girl can ever be friends with an immortal guardian who centuries older."
My gold eyes snapped onto her form in the darkness and our eyes met.
Though our eyes were identical making mine look only a decade old behind the glassy reflection of my pupil there was a difference in wisdom. One had knowledge and understood of years while another was very much lacking in that department showing off the short amount of experience the owner had dealt with… I was the latter…
Slowly a star appeared in her eye and for that moment my heart twisted with guilt. My anger and fury that I had just laid on the two younger guardians had been under the same category my young pupil had been under.
"Varia,… I…" desperately I tired to apology for the misinterpretation, but the young girl of twenty quickly shook her head.
With embers glowing in her pupils she firmly said, "Don't apology. Instead come walk with me."
She quickly turned away and walked parallel to the nearby camp. Scrambling off the rock I was swift to catch up with her and follow. The second I came along side her she began to speak in her serious voice she always used when she was speaking something very important… so of course I tuned everything else out except for her voice.
"I understand your feelings towards Nembus and Sian, Nazomi" she started, "But I want to share with you something. Age is only a measurement in years you have been alive. It is maturity that is truly needed to be considered when judging an individual. Even though centuries of time and years of experience are between the two of us we are no more different then two people of the age twenty…"
Silence came from me as I constantly watched her feeling drawn to her knowledge… almost begging for it… Slowly she let her words roll from her mouth expressing a teaching I have forever kept close to my heart.
We walked across the desert sand softly as she continued to speak like an adult who had spent years collecting and knowing knowledge. Softly she spoke to the night, "It is not because of our age that attract us to each others' side, Nazomi. It cannot be the maturity either for even at a young age I have been with you as a close friend…"
I looked at her and asked quietly, "Then why are we such good friends, Varia… I just don't understand…"
"Because…" she said as she stopped to turn to me, "we both have love in our hearts. Though you thought your heart had died many years ago it actually has begun to grow… Like the other guardians your souls have deepen with feeling, not died away. You have reached that plateau that you so long ago fell from, Nazomi. The love in your heart has once again begun to pump through your soul. With time it will blossom further and grow so great that all will see… I was the first to discover it and that is why we have become friends… You have been lonely these last few years longing for the company of a friend… Years ago Tsuno and Zaado had filled the gap in your soul, but your heart… all five of your hearts were still very hard and you had problems between you… Now those problems have become small in your heart though your mind thinks otherwise…"
Turning away from me she began to walk towards the camp, but before she left me she said one last thing, "You might think you hate Sian and Nembus, but actually I think you have begun to see them in a new light… You understand there is more to a person other than experience and age… there is the soul within the flesh that matters… a soul created by Joutei…"
I stood there watching her disappear into the array of tents with her words mulling in my mind. The evening campfire began to erupt throughout the settlement and I listened to the sound of my group's voices playing on the breeze. Strange how a mind can change in a matter of a few seconds… I closed my eyes and thought of my old friends… It had been so long since I had last seen them… I could barely even remember their faces… Zaado… Nembus… It was their personalities that were imprinted in my mind… Slowly I remembered the other two… the two guardians that had forever been refused into our friendship… As I looked back on the two I cannot remember a single time in which I had truly tried to be kind to them… Their presence had been too much hurt to my warrior pride. Now I wish I had done things differently…
She was my friend… my companion… my alliance… my assistant… my student… the child I never had,… but most importantly she was a person who was my teacher and taught me things I had never learned in the hundred of years of my life… and her name was… Varia…
~~~ Story Ends ~~~
~So that's why Nazomi had suddenly change her attitude towards Sian and Nembus? Varia had changed her heart for the better and taught her they were all the same. They were all children of Joutei…~
~Next up to reveal his past shall be Tsuno. The connection between him and the sea is finally open to the group along with his hate for humans. Check it out in Chapter 22: The Tide of the Past Once Again Rises~
~I apologize for the lateness of this chapter, but so much has been going on its driving me crazy!!!! And with my writer's block its not helping!!!~
~Anyway here's the story about Nazomi you have been waiting for! ENJOY AND PLEASE REVIEW!!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 21 ~ Footsteps in the Sand Blown Away
~~~ Nazomi's POV ~~~
The darkness of my past begins shortly after I was married. It was about two weeks after my new husband and I had wed that we moved to a small village inside the Draconian borders. We were both nearly twenty in rotations and young, but we were very much in love. He and I had just set up our small house in the village with my husband working as the town's blacksmith. About three weeks later it was discovered I was pregnant,… there was great rejoicing in the news, but soon it faltered when the persecution began and our village was attacked…
It was a surprise attack, but we were able to rally enough people to hold our own. My husband forced me to stay in the house, fearing not only for me, but also for our unborn child. Sadly I was a bit of a hothead and grew angry with him for telling me to stay behind like a defenseless child so I snuck out of the house as soon as he went to fight. Taking only a staff as my weapon I raced into the large battle being held in the streets and beat my way through the crowd.
Though we had gathered all of the fighters in our village the humans outmatched us and thus we became a small group. I came face to face with a man twice my size and knew I couldn't beat him. I was still young to battle and my practice of fighting was very small, however, I was a stubborn one and struck him hard in the stomach with my staff. Unfortunately it only angered my opponent and he lashed out at me by kicking me hard in the stomach… because of that blow I lost the child… I flew through the air losing my only weapon in the process… At the time I had no idea if I had injured my unborn baby, but I knew something was wrong for my stomach was on fire…
Lifting myself from the ground I clutched my abdomen tenderly as people fought all around me. I looked up to see my opponent coming at me with a heavy sword. I tried to go into a fighting stance, but the prior blow had taken its toll on my body and every small movement was painful. He came at me and I stumbled a dodge catching the edge of the sharp blade on my arm. Blood trickled from the heavy gash as I landed roughly onto my side. Tears of my own fell to the earth mixing with soil and copper blood. He stood over me with his blade ready to take my life, but my savior came stabbing his already stained sword through my attacker's chest. I cried out in joy at my husband's presence as he removed his bloody weapon from the dead body.
My beloved went to help me up, but suddenly grew still with pain twisting into his face. At first I didn't know what was wrong, but then blood began to slip from his lips. I remember several droplets falling onto my hand as he fell into my arms. The world seemed to stop as his breathing did the same. I clung to his body as if it were my life… and in a sense… it was… In that moment there was only he and I as I cried over his limp form. Never before had I felt such pain… not a single blade could have inflicted a worse punishment…
My tears began to pour as his blood began to rub off onto me. I looked at his back to see a dagger embedded in his flesh. The heavy hilt of the item was hand crafted and marked with human symbols. I snarled as I noticed a figure standing nearby watching me hold him. The 'Man' stared at me heartless his hand still in the air from when he had thrown the dagger…
I snarled angrily as I rose from my husband's body tenderly taking the dagger from my angel's back. He had been me life mate and with his death I desired vengeance. I shifted the weapon in my hands before charging the human. I wish I could say I kill the human staining his own blade with his blood… but sadly I did not… I was knocked out before I even truly got close to the man and when I awoke I was far from my home…
I was kicked hard into the side bringing me back to reality… My eyes fluttered open and I saw a large man standing over me… Before I could grunt out my discomfort or realize where I was the man grabbed my hair in a large fist. I cried out at the pain he caused, but it was soon silenced as I was struck for my noise. My eyes snapped open at the blow and I struggled to strike back the one who had hurt me, but my wrists were bound together behind my back making my effort fruitless and awkward. I snarled at the dark figure before me and brought my heel into his shin. He grunted at the pain and backhanded me knocking me out once again.
The second time I awoke was when someone dumped a pitcher of water on my face. I gasped as the cold fluid running down my dirty body just as someone lugged me into a kneeling position. I shook my head violently and looked up to see a man dressed in dirty garments looming over me. Ignoring him for the moment I glanced around and noticed that I was in a large tent filled with people from my village. Most of the captives were young adults near my age. No elders or children occupied any portion of our small tent and I suddenly knew why. The men around me were some well-built folk while the women were some of the most beautiful ones of our town. We were slaves… The men would be used for hard labor while the ladies would be sold as concubines or domestic workers. I gulped as knew what I was to be used for…
Suddenly the man behind me pulled me to my feet and pushed me into the blinding sun making me wince at its brightness. The sound of footsteps walking over soft dirt came to my ears and I gently opened my eyes to see the world I now resided in. I frowned when I noticed I was in a large alleyway containing troughs for animals with another large tent position to the one I had just emerged. Looking down the passage I could see a market place filled with people bartering loudly. I snorted angrily as I realized my captors would probably sell me soon.
Abruptly I was pushed forward towards the large troughs making me stumble to my knees. I growled as another large man came towards me with a sharp dagger. I shifted on my knees testily trying to keep my eyes on the blade. The two muscular men got either side of me both holding impressive blades at me. The other man who obviously was the leader of the three seeing that he wore rather nice fabric came stand before me with his hands behind his back. Growling savagely I eyed the man feeling automatic dislike for him. He stared at me studying me carefully. I felt like some sort of meat under his gaze and quickly spat at his feet, but he ignored the disrespect. Slowly turning away the man muttered, "She'll do…"
I stared at his back with wide eyes as I felt my heart fly into my throat. What did he mean by that?… Before I could truly figure out the answer someone released me from the ropes that gnawed at my wrists. The second I felt my constraints fall I automatically jumped to run away, but one of the guards blocked my escape with his blade gleaming in the sunlight. I saw my reflection stare at me in the silver metal and I knew I could not evade them. Glaring up at my guards I growled, "What do you want?"
The one before me gruffly snorted, "Clean yourself off as best as possible, girlie. Make yourself presentable."
"Whatever for?" I retorted hoarsely suddenly feeling a need for water.
"To be sold, whore" he snarled angrily baring teeth that needed obvious cleaning.
I growled a warning at the insult and snarled hotly, "I don't see why I should even corporate, bast--"
My words were cut off as I was swiftly kicked in the back making me shout out my pain. Landing roughly in the earth I looked up at my attacker, the guard who had been behind me. He glared at me with bared teeth, "You will corporate or your life will have a shortcoming…"
I tensed up as he showed me his large sword. I snarled at him, but was reluctant to do more being weaponless as I was. Mumbling beneath my breath I walked over to the water keeping an eye of the two men through the corner of my sight. Coming to kneel next to the trough I studied my reflection in the glimmering mirror. My face was very dirty being caked by dried mud and blood with a small scratch over my left cheek and my usually well kept hair in a dishevel. I tenderly brushed back my hair with my fingers feeling the roughness of my once silky locks. The next hour I spent working the tangles out of my proud hair and cleaning myself as best I could with the water set before me. Though I asked the guards for soap and a brush I was ignored and soon realized I had to do with what I had which was absolutely nothing, but plain water.
By the end of the hour I had done a great deal to my appearance. I had fully removed the dirt and blood from my skin and pulled back my long hair into a decent ponytail with a strip of my ragged clothing. To say the least it was a great improvement… Unfortunately I could do nothing with my attire and was forced to wear what I had. I wasn't about to strip in front of those men anyway. Once I appeared to stop fiddling with my appearance the men quickly grabbed my forearms and dragged me out into the main street of the market place.
At first I made a ruckus by howling out screams and curses, but a quick threat on my life close my mouth. I glanced around nervously as I was led to a large tent just fifty yards away from the alley I had been led from. I frowned as the three of us ducked into the canopy, but said nothing. My eyes became faced with a large crowd cluttering into the area making me surmise this was the auction of slaves here. I was soon shoved into a long line and was given a wooden marker to hang around my neck to show my starting value, my origins, and other small notes about myself. I tried to look for an exit or possible escape, but my guards refused to move from my side making me forget my plans quickly.
I winced as an explosion of voices rang through out the tent at the start of the auction. Slaves were brought up in ones or in pairs depending on prices and value. Ones in pair were usually scrawny and set at low prices for labor. As my turn grew closer and closer I wished only to disappear… for who desired to be subjected to such torture. Sadly, my nightmare became reality as I was pushed onto the stage where all 'property' was sold. I tensely walked to the front of the platform keeping my arms cross and glaring at the crowd. A few shuddered beneath my gaze, but only for a moment… I was slavery and many would not grow fearful from such a lowlife's gaze…
Scanning the crowd I spotted the man I had seen earlier watching me, his slave, be auction. I bared my teeth at him as I heard the man at the front begin his description of me. The moment the word 'Draconian' passed his lips people began to shout out numbers. Truly I wasn't surprised for it was the start of the persecution about this time and I knew being one of the angels made my worth go up a notch, but it was also my exotic look that made me desirable. I do not say this as a boast or vain retort, but exactly what my new keeper told me after my purchase. I snorted as I saw a man in airy wraps throw out a heavy price.
It wasn't long before it was all over and I became property of the desert man. He grinned at me devilishly as I had my wrists once against bound by his men. I watched my life be sold into new bondage as pieces of silver were passed between him and the man of earlier. Other slaves were bought along with my purchase and soon the seven of us were bound by our wrist and necks to each other in a long line. Days went by and moons passed before my eyes as our band of seven slaves, five guards, two assistants, and our keeper made our way over several lands. After the first moon, we came to the edge of the desert. I was nervous as I we stepped out across the cool sand of the night knowing the dangers of the great dunes. Old wives tales were always spun about the horrors of the sand and at that time I had no way to doubt their stories. I was probably the only one of the entire band that was truly afraid of the countryside. It took nearly three days for me to finally sleep peacefully.
We traveled mostly on foot with the moonlight on our backs for it was too hot during the day to trek anywhere. My keeper rarely left the comfort of his Yui and neither did our guards who constantly held a whip ready to strike at us. More than once I had felt the temper of their lashes and was forced to bite my tongue. I became known as the 'spitfire' of the group since I was always the first to retort something and always caused problems. I didn't care… If I hadn't been so weak and tired I probably could have given a better fight. During the coming of the dawn we would set camp. Two tents were always set up; One for the guards, the other for the master. We were tied to a single stake that was heavy and buried into the ground. Being too weak from lack of food and water none of us could pull out the steel object. Not that it truly matter if we every got the thing out for there was nowhere to go. The desert was miles in any direction and predators continually watched out groups. At night I could hear the howling of the desert hounds as they watched us tread over large dunes. Some nights I thought they had surrounded us as their cried filled my ears, but never came too close to the group for their fear of 'Man.' They never appeared during the day though for they were nocturnal creatures who roamed the moonlight…
Finally one day when the sun was high I sat restlessly in the hot sand amongst the other slaves. We were always left in our circle around the hard stake our necks bound tightly to the anchor. I played with my clutched agitated. The rough rope was cutting into my flesh making my skin raw. It burned constantly and I was growing desperate for water. Last night we had been given nothing more than what was necessary to keep us from dehydrating. I was the only one awake in the whole camp. My stomach was grumbling angrily keeping me awake though extremely tired as I was. I stared at the Yuis nearby noticing the water skins hanging from the beasts' sides. They were heavy with water and my eyes stared hungrily at their hanging bellies.
I began to crawl towards the Yuis with the soul hope of gaining a drink. As my rope came to its end, a few feet away from the water skins, I strained against my line. The threads wined against the pull, but I ignored their cries for I was more focused on my goal. Even the rough edge of the rope running through my raw flesh seemed faint as I tried to reach my life source… My tan fingers were like thin rods attempting to stab the bag of liquid. That's when the doors of Hell burst open releasing its fury…
Suddenly desert hounds attacked our camp sending uproar of screams from the frightened Yuis. I was so surprised as the hounds raced into our small camp that I fell backwards into the pile of slaves waking them abruptly. Cries came from my fellow captives as they cowered from the yellow haired mongrels. I was startled as I noticed the hounds run right past me and leap unto the slaves surrounding me. Their fangs ripped into the weak ones' flesh and blood poured from their wounds. My heart nearly stopped at the gruesome sight of survival of the wild.
Suddenly my conscience cried, 'RUN! ESCAPE WHILE YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!'
For a moment I was dumbfounded imagining that I had actually heard a voice, but I soon shook it off as I struggled with my bonds. The ropes rubbed into my skin and I cried out at the pain. Then a shroud of flying sand runs through my fingers making me calm down slightly. I glanced over my shoulder and noticed a large desert hound starring at me with eyes of burning orange. For some odd reason I felt no fear for this dangerous creature who could easily maul me at any second… I stared into its flaming eyes for a strong minute feeling at peace. The dog grunted after and quickly grabbed the ropes that wrapped around my neck in his sharp fangs. A loud rip pounded into my ears and my hands suddenly became free… yet I remained in a starring contest with my rescuer.
As the area remained in chaos I found myself slowly rising to my feet. We stand there looking at one another until I feel the need to leave… to escape the horrible world of slavery… Tentatively I stepped away, but I hung back to stare at the hound one last time… I almost imagined I saw the beast nod to me as if telling me to run… Without another moment of hesitation I raced from that spot towards the fleeting herd of Yuis. I melded into the stampede… racing alongside the creatures that could easily run over me… My hand flew at the reins that flapped against one of the Yuis' neck. The whirl of strong fabric became tangled in my tan digits and I became dragged by the beast. Losing my footing at the sudden lurch of the creature I fell into the swirl of dust, sand, and pounding feet. For about thirty yards I was dragged through the gold land before I began using the little muscles I had left from the slavery and pulled myself onto the animal's back. I never glanced back as I raced over the dunes… away from the herd… and from the darkness of my bondage…
The first night of my freedom I found a bit of shelter near a small spring and clove of palm trees. As the moon rose high in the velvet blackness I was quick to look through my Yui's packs that had never been removed from its hide before the hounds had appeared. Unfortunately though the packs had remained little had been left in them. Most of the food and water skins were gone with only a small package of gyserpebbles, which were small chunks of fruit that held water in its hollow inner. Though the food could sustain a being for nearly a week I being deprived already of water and nutrients down many before realizing how important is was to ration. It wasn't long before I was out of the helpful plant…
It was not resources that interested me though… It was the weapons that had been left in the sacks. I had found several weapons that had peaked my curiosity, but it was the two twin daggers that truly caught my eye. They were glorious in craftsmanship and beautiful in display… The blades were curved rather strangely so that if they were laid a certain way they almost created a circle together. Nights would crawl by me, as I would play with the delicate yet deadly twins. For some odd reason working with the daggers relaxed me… perhaps it was because I dreamed of taking revenge for my husband's death…
Slowly my practice with the weapons began to show in my attitude… My soft heart began to harden… and my eyes once so delicate and fine became a pair of stones that were like cat eyes piercing through the darkness… Muscles began to develop in my limbs from the use and my soul became bleak… My soul purpose came to be finding my beloved's killer and destroying him…
Days went by… and the sun's burning eye stared down at my scorch back… With no water in two days and no food in three I was very weak and struggling just to stay on my ride's back… My Yui seemed to constantly stumble and with each misstep I tittered on its hide coming nearly to a fall… Finally it came when my newly acquired muscles gave out and my hold on the reins faltered… I slipped from the beast's comfortable back into the golden sea tossing up many grains… Tiredly I raised my head and watched the Yui stumble a few feet forward before collapsing about twenty feet away from me…
My twin daggers that I usually kept tied together fell from the packs and tumbled a few feet before my eyes. Groggily I crawled over to them and quickly ripped off the leather bounding them. I then tied them to my belt, one on either side of me for easy access. Giving them a final glance of approval I staggered to my feet. With feeble steps I began to walk over the endless dunes not really knowing my destination…
Time flew by me unnoticed and before long the moon had changed… The cold of the night clung to me and the heat of the day beat me down… I slept little for I felt no purpose of it by now… One early dawn my feet could no longer sustain my body weight and suddenly I was faced down in the sand to broiled with the sunrise…
How long was I out?… I am forever unsure, for when I did awake I knew only that the sun was already in the sky. I had awoken because I felt someone rummaging through my jacket for valuables. Though I had been startled to reality my eyes remained shut. Trying not to make the person aware that I was awake I kept my breathing low. Gradually I inched my fingers towards one of my blades letting the tan digits curl around its fancy handle. I heard the stranger gasp making me understand he had caught sight of my movement.
The warrior in my heart caused me to suddenly react. With quickness I did not know I had I removed the blade and thrust it into the stranger's chest. My eyes flew open at the moment of contact and I felt the color drained from my face. I was looking into the eyes of a child no more than ten rotations…
His body fell to the ground with a thud and blood trickled from his bloody gash. Never before had I witness a scene more damaging to the soul as I watched his small form collapse into the dark realm of the afterlife… I stared at him in shock still holding the bloody dagger that had killed him… Fear clung to my skin as I began to back away from the dead corpse… a dead corpse that had once been alive…
That child wore clothes that were rugged and torn marking as probably a desert thief. I didn't know how he come to find me or why he resided to such bad moral, but I didn't care at that moment. All I wanted was to get away… To get away from the entire scene…
I fled with speed I thought I had lost from exhaustion… Suddenly a storm flew into my face and I was lost in the air of gold. I raced through the world of airborne grains unable to determine what was solid ground or which end was up. Sometimes I felt I was running on the planet… other times I felt I had been lofted into the clouds…
I don't know how I found the eye of the storm, but I stumbled into it and marveled at its beauty. To see an empty space-like tunnel swirling with sand can make one lose their breath. Cautiously I stood in the empty air with my mouth opened wide. As I stared at the empty ceiling of my cell I never noticed the sand a few feet before me shift and bulge. Slowly a mound grew and then it height advanced towards the heavens in the shape of a disfigured pillar. It was when the top of the mound came to my chin did I finally noticed the sand. Slowly the pillar twisted and molded itself into a figure. Before long I could make out fingers, toes, limbs, and even hair… With more time lips and lashes could be distinguish. In all matters the sand looked exactly like a woman… and not just any woman… It was Queen Iris of the Draconians!… For I know her face from a painting of the royal family that use to be mounted in my old home…
I fell to my knees at the sight of the statue of golden grains dropping my blades into the ripples of her foundation. She smiled softly at me as a pair of sandy wings burst from behind her throwing grains in all directions. The splendor was enough to make tears glisten in my eyes…
In warmth the sand figure spoke, "Good day to you, Lady Noi… As you already have guessed… I am, Queen Iris of the Draconians…"
I dumbly nodded never blinking away from her. Her smile disappeared as she continued; "I come to you under the most dire circumstances…"
"I don't understand, my queen" I replied still confused with her strange appearance.
Her face grew hard as her eyes became distant, "At this hour a shadow has fallen over our kingdom and the war against the humans has become greatly one sided. If things continue to progress like they have over the last few moons our people will soon fall. Being the ruler of the Draconians puts me in great peril for the humans want my life most of all. If I should fall our people will be left without anyone to rule, for if I die my husband will die with me… I am certain of this…"
"How is that possible?" I asked uncertain at her words.
"I am unsure why, but I have foreseen it in a vision for several nights" she replied calmly as if the question of her death was unimportant, "In the foreshadowing I fall onto the ground in a pool of blood with my husband already dead a few feet away. Standing over us with tears in her eyes our only daughter stands. She claims vengeance for our lives and turns towards the darkness ready to fight against all of Gaea. Suddenly the remaining Draconians stand behind her and in her hand she holds the pendant of Atlantis."
Turning her sandy eyes to me she said, "In short, Noi, the vision means with my death the only person to rule the Draconians will be my daughter, Princess Rachelle. Sadly my child is ill prepared for such a feat and I must be given a few more years of my teachings to be fully trained as an effective ruler. For the sake of our people's survival I must continue to live until the time is right…"
"Why tell me this, Queen Iris?" I asked numbly waiting for my confusion to be cleared.
"Because" she answered gently, "Joutei has told me I must chose royal bodyguards to stand for the royal family."
I stared at her beginning to understand why she stood before me at that moment and my heart filled with dread. She lifted her left palm and slowly three glowing orbs of whiteness appeared in its cradle. Letting their light reflect in blue eyes of the dying woman the royal spoke, "I am to choose three warriors at this time to protect my family and I. For nights my heart has searched out the individuals in my visions and finally I have found them. I have come to ask you, Noi, if you would--"
"NO, PLEASE DON'T!" I cried desperately knocking the sentence from the royal's teeth, "DO NOT ASK ME!"
The beautiful maiden of golden grains stared down at the kneeling angel slightly confused, "Now it is I who does not understand. What do you mean, Lady Noi?"
Bowing my head scornfully I whispered, "I do not deserve even the honor of being asked to take on such a position, my lady. Not only am I very 'green' warrior, but my heart is tainted with the blood of a child."
Queen Iris closed her eyes as she softly replied, "I already know…"
I gasped and flung my eyes back on her as she continued, "Along with my vision of the three of you I was blessed with knowledge of each. I know of your past and the world you suffered through. I even know of the life you took. I was told all this by Joutei… even I was given images to watch play before my eyes…"
I stared at her with my mouth hanging open in shock. Queen Iris allowed the three globes to disperse as she said, "With time your skills will greatly improve, Noi, and as for your past it will be forgotten if you follow Joutei."
"Follow Joutei?" I muttered becoming lost again, "I thought I was to follow you…"
"No" she automatically responded, "Joutei is our true ruler. He is the one who gave us life. Because we have forgotten him he has sent down this war against us. Only if we turn back to him will we save ourselves... Our souls…"
I remember staring at the ground thinking how we had forgotten our true heritage. Joutei was the one who had given us life yet we discarded him once we began to show a glimmer of strength. He had done so much and us so little…
"Your sins will be forgotten if you return to Joutei's side as his loving follower" Lady Iris said, "He has asked me to propose this position to you, Noi. Please accept it."
I stared at the hand that offered a new life for me. To reaffirm myself with an untainted soul… It was something I had longed for… My hand slowly open to take hers in a final handshake, but she quickly drew it back causing me to look into her eyes in confusion. Her eyes once soft and playful were now hard with serious determination. In a stern voice my queen spoke, "Listen carefully now most of all, Noi. Once you agree you cannot go back. This offer is permanent. You can never escape from this duty. It shall forever haunt you... Never leaving you… It is the shadow that shall hide you and nip at your heels… Even once I am gone your duty will continue until your death… And when you take up this hard life your name shall be forgotten, your face no longer seen, and your heritage never known. You will be a protector of an entire race's future. The responsibility and sacrifices are a very heavy and long burden. Are you sure you are willing to take up this duty?…"
The world became quiet in my ears as I checked the weight of this offer. All that she held before my eyes I had longed to desire these last moons. To disappear without a trace, and start all over… forgetting the mistakes and pains of the past… Smiling sternly I said, "I'm sure about my decision."
And with that I took her hand…
All things that fell after that moment is either unimportant or already told by Zaado, so I shall skip ahead to something very important that happen after we were assigned to our group of Draconians to protect. I was given the group of villagers who would go to the ripples of the desert. When I first set my group into a settlement I realize we would have to often move about because we needed water and food. Both of which came sparingly. Springs could be found here and there, but they could never keep up a village for long, plus finding food was even worse. Most creatures were nocturnal keeping to the darkness forcing us to hunt in the blackest of hours. Though the moon was often helpful if the smallest cloud would hide the light it cause us to often starve. Vegetation we could last on only for so long. Meat was often desired amongst my protected people and thus I would set out on my own to take down some of the largest predators,… sandworms. I would lure them close to the camp and then slaughter them. Unfortunately it wasn't easy to get only one to follow me seeing that they patrolled in groups, but when my objectives did work out what a feast would begin in the village.
Overtime we discovered the food known as 'spice'. The herb was delicious and very much appreciated in my group. The wondrous plant grew everywhere and could easily be harvested for it lived close to the surface of the sand. A bit of digging and you could find the herb right underneath your feet. There was only one slight side affect… the chemicals found within the plant caused your eyes to change to a gold color. Personally it wasn't a problem, but it was very strange to all who observed the change…
It was many generations later that my whole attitude towards life changed. By then I had become one of the best healers and a master in the arts of fighting. I had seen ten generations of a single-family come and go before my eyes as my life continued to stretch onward. I rarely associated with people taking it hard to become close to them only to see them die later, but finally a certain woman drew me into her friendship.
Her name had been Varia… the same woman you all met when you first saw me days past. Her heart was like any warrior's… strong and honorable… But for some unknown reason her and I became very close in a matter of a short time… Even in her toddler years I had become fond of her… Finally as she grew near her teens I took her up as my pupil… I spent many hours training her and teaching her the arts of fighting… I guess it was her own wisdom at her young age that caught me into her life… You could not push one over her and it was hard to make her see things in an immature fashion. When children would be playing she would be speaking of knowledge and beliefs like she was an adult. With time she became not only my pupil, but also my teacher…
She regular saw me for lesson when her free time permitted and I taught her hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and even some of my own tricks of the trade. Each day seemed to show me something new about my little student and with the changing of the moons I became more intrigued by the youngster. After a full rotation of my teachings the child could do things no other young one of her age could ever do. She was a quick learner who often wanted to please others. Sometimes I caught sight of her practicing long after our session of that day. She would practice until she improved her move or until her parents called her. Sometimes I would stand in the shadows watching my pupil with amusement as she stumbled through the steps time and time again. Her strawberry hair whipping around her face mocking her determination. I was very proud of her…
Time went by and her parents died in a sandworm attack. I felt deeply responsible for the little angel's pain as I watched her cry during their small funeral. During the night my group had been surrounded by the monsters and several were slaughtered included the young one's mother and father. I came to her after the ceremony exclaiming my apology, but she refused it saying it was never my fault. Still feeling relatively guilty I offered myself as a replacement for her parents. She eagerly accepted…
As her maturity progressed and her adulthood began we became very close and often were seen together. Though her training sessions had ended many years ago I continued to be her mentor telling her of things she had yet to see… such as war… slaughters of battle… democracy… powers of immense magnitude,… but most of all I taught her about Joutei… Telling of his teachings and reading from books written about him…
However, one day came when I told her of my life in the castle… where I had my two friends, Zaado and Tsuno, there. I spoke of them mostly and would mention Sian and Nembus in certain incidents exclaiming my dislike for two when one day she interrupted me. We sat on some boulders found near one of our weekly settles as I played with my weapon, sharpening the edges. The sun was growing close to the horizon as I spoke of the times of fights between the five of us…
"Nazomi?" she inquired a little too forceful for my like.
"Yes?" I asked curious to why she seemed so firm.
Her golden eyes were hard with anger, but what shocked me worse was the fact that the anger seemed to be directed at me… Slowly she rose from her rock standing on it with her eyes sternly locked on the growing sunset. Her eyes glimmer with fire as she whispered roughly, "Why were you so mean to them?"
"Mean to Sian and Nembus?" I asked stupidly still shock over her anger. She didn't look at me, but gave a small nod. I too turned to the sunset letting its orange, pink glow dance in the reflection of my eyes. Carefully I spoke, "There presence was a disgrace to the three of us. When our Queen brought them to us it showed each of us that we were in need of assistance… as if we couldn't handle the job alone…"
"But why be angry at Sian and Nembus?" she growled hotly, "They only came because they were asked. If not because of that, but to escape their own lives like you did."
I glanced at her through the corner of my eye contemplating what she had just said. Her logic was perfectly true and factual, but that was not all to my story. I turned my attention back to the burning orb disappearing behind the horizon and spoke, "It was not only that, Varia. They acted as if they had faced the same pain as we had. Even if they did they were too young to even be true warriors… They were only twenty of age when we had over a decade more of experience and wisdom beneath our belts. They were still 'green' like some call them. They were still new to the world of war and battles making us automatically dislike them for they often appeared to know everything we knew. They were kids and we their elders yet they showed no sort of respect towards us… They just saw us as… as…"
"Equals…" Varia completed my sentence quietly watching the last bit of the sun disappear. Hopping off of the hard stone she turned towards me and said harshly, "You know what I think, Nazomi? I believe your prides were hurt and you shun them because of it."
"Your wrong, Varia" I snorted turning my eyes to the sky watching the first stars glitter on, "We were the varsity team, like Queen Iris once said. We were just too different to relate and slowly we grew infuriated with one another…"
"If age makes a difference, Nazomi" my pupil replied angrily, "Than I don't understand how a twenty rotation old girl can ever be friends with an immortal guardian who centuries older."
My gold eyes snapped onto her form in the darkness and our eyes met.
Though our eyes were identical making mine look only a decade old behind the glassy reflection of my pupil there was a difference in wisdom. One had knowledge and understood of years while another was very much lacking in that department showing off the short amount of experience the owner had dealt with… I was the latter…
Slowly a star appeared in her eye and for that moment my heart twisted with guilt. My anger and fury that I had just laid on the two younger guardians had been under the same category my young pupil had been under.
"Varia,… I…" desperately I tired to apology for the misinterpretation, but the young girl of twenty quickly shook her head.
With embers glowing in her pupils she firmly said, "Don't apology. Instead come walk with me."
She quickly turned away and walked parallel to the nearby camp. Scrambling off the rock I was swift to catch up with her and follow. The second I came along side her she began to speak in her serious voice she always used when she was speaking something very important… so of course I tuned everything else out except for her voice.
"I understand your feelings towards Nembus and Sian, Nazomi" she started, "But I want to share with you something. Age is only a measurement in years you have been alive. It is maturity that is truly needed to be considered when judging an individual. Even though centuries of time and years of experience are between the two of us we are no more different then two people of the age twenty…"
Silence came from me as I constantly watched her feeling drawn to her knowledge… almost begging for it… Slowly she let her words roll from her mouth expressing a teaching I have forever kept close to my heart.
We walked across the desert sand softly as she continued to speak like an adult who had spent years collecting and knowing knowledge. Softly she spoke to the night, "It is not because of our age that attract us to each others' side, Nazomi. It cannot be the maturity either for even at a young age I have been with you as a close friend…"
I looked at her and asked quietly, "Then why are we such good friends, Varia… I just don't understand…"
"Because…" she said as she stopped to turn to me, "we both have love in our hearts. Though you thought your heart had died many years ago it actually has begun to grow… Like the other guardians your souls have deepen with feeling, not died away. You have reached that plateau that you so long ago fell from, Nazomi. The love in your heart has once again begun to pump through your soul. With time it will blossom further and grow so great that all will see… I was the first to discover it and that is why we have become friends… You have been lonely these last few years longing for the company of a friend… Years ago Tsuno and Zaado had filled the gap in your soul, but your heart… all five of your hearts were still very hard and you had problems between you… Now those problems have become small in your heart though your mind thinks otherwise…"
Turning away from me she began to walk towards the camp, but before she left me she said one last thing, "You might think you hate Sian and Nembus, but actually I think you have begun to see them in a new light… You understand there is more to a person other than experience and age… there is the soul within the flesh that matters… a soul created by Joutei…"
I stood there watching her disappear into the array of tents with her words mulling in my mind. The evening campfire began to erupt throughout the settlement and I listened to the sound of my group's voices playing on the breeze. Strange how a mind can change in a matter of a few seconds… I closed my eyes and thought of my old friends… It had been so long since I had last seen them… I could barely even remember their faces… Zaado… Nembus… It was their personalities that were imprinted in my mind… Slowly I remembered the other two… the two guardians that had forever been refused into our friendship… As I looked back on the two I cannot remember a single time in which I had truly tried to be kind to them… Their presence had been too much hurt to my warrior pride. Now I wish I had done things differently…
She was my friend… my companion… my alliance… my assistant… my student… the child I never had,… but most importantly she was a person who was my teacher and taught me things I had never learned in the hundred of years of my life… and her name was… Varia…
~~~ Story Ends ~~~
~So that's why Nazomi had suddenly change her attitude towards Sian and Nembus? Varia had changed her heart for the better and taught her they were all the same. They were all children of Joutei…~
~Next up to reveal his past shall be Tsuno. The connection between him and the sea is finally open to the group along with his hate for humans. Check it out in Chapter 22: The Tide of the Past Once Again Rises~