~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~Man, this is another super long chapter, but ever detail in this story I feel is necessary. Besides its really good!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 24: First Sight
~~~ Persecution War: Draconian Castle ~~~
The royal woman glanced over the papers sprawled over her large handcrafted desk wearily, not enjoying the work at all. She had been staring at the parchments for hours studying Gaea's forces. Glances out her pair of glass doors she noticed the stars were heavy in the ebony velvet with the moon at its highest peak. Already half of the night was gone. Sighing heavily the queen turned back to her work.
There was little time for any sort of peace nowadays… She was constantly busy helping with small battles, training her daughter in royal issues, and strategizing an entire war! Rarely did sleep come to play in her life anymore. Queen Iris had come to just having five hours of sleep a day and being able to stretch her energy.
Checking to see if her lantern would need more oil the woman thought of her family. Tonight she would sleep alone again for her husband was out on the countryside checking over the borders' forces. It would be several days before he would return. Lady Rachelle was off in her room long into her dream world. Servants had been dismissed for the night and guards laid on the castle walls. Her people were tucked away into the twilight…
A sudden chill ran over the woman and Lady Iris turned to see her glass doors slightly ajar with their curtains fluttering mildly.
'Latch must have been loose…' thought the queen as she rose from her seat and crossed the large bedroom. As she did this you could fully view the display of the chamber. Richly furnished with handcrafted wood and dazzling crystal the room seemed to pride itself with its beauty. Flowers rubbed off a beautiful aroma and silk fell from the walls and around the large king-size bed of plush feather pillows.
Silently the queen closed the doors and latched them back before securing the lock on the pair with a soft click. Checking over the pair of doors making sure it was secure the queen turned around and gasped. There lying casually on her bed was none other than the forest woman known as Shadow. With knees in the air and laying back on her elbows the female appeared to have no respect for the noble before her.
"You can call off the search" the invader replied smoothly while glancing over the bedroom.
The queen relaxed immediately realizing whom it was and asked innocently, "What do you mean?"
Rolling her eyes Sara replied a bit harshly, "I know about the search you put out on me, lady. It's hard not to notice a bunch of Draconians rummaging through my forest."
Slowly sitting up the stranger replied coolly, "You have been looking for me for nearly a month now. Well, your search is over for I am before you. Now tell me… what do you want?!"
Calmly a pair of emeralds stared at the aggravated forest warrior as the royal replied, "Tell me who you are…"
Sara stared at the noble somewhat surprised before huffing, "You went through all the trouble of looking for me to find out that?"
Lady Iris was motionless as the silver jewels of the female's eyes caught green ones. Sighing harshly Sara pushed off the bed and crossed the room before turning back around. Silently the warrior paced with only the shuffle of fabric in both women's ears. It could be easily seen that Sara was uneasy about discussing herself.
Maybe an indirect approach was better thought the queen. Iris calmly glanced over at the glass doors and asked, "How did you get past the guards?"
Carefully Sara's silver eyes darted towards the noble before resuming her pacing, "All Draconians have special gifts as you know. Mine is speed beyond measure. Getting past your soldiers were easier than you could imagine."
Raising her arms to show a bit of muscle the warrior continued boasting, "But even if I didn't have speed, lady, I could have easily gotten passed your guards."
"You think so?" the queen smiled softly as she eyed a woman who had the pride of a young child, "How do you imagine you would have gotten passed?"
Swirling around with a smirk Sara proclaimed, "I descend from a family of legendary warriors. I myself have already claimed a legendary life as the Shadow. I cannot be stopped."
"You seem so sure of yourself" commented the other woman, "Why do you hate the humans though?"
"Well, I--" Sara's silver glints grew wide and she snarled angrily as her whole body grew tense. The beautiful queen's smile fell as she realized suddenly that she had possible asked the wrong question. The forest female brought her hands into a fighting stance growling, "You tricked me! You tricked me into speaking!"
Queen Iris abruptly fell backwards onto the floor and soon found the woman pinning her down with a dagger to her royal throat. Wild fury simmered in the warrior's eyes of silver as she snarled dangerously in the noble's face, "I should kill you for tricking me like that!"
"But you won't…" whispered the royal coolly.
Sara only grew more infuriated by this and pushed the dagger harder into the woman's neck nearly shouting, "I have slain soldiers before your eyes and you doubt I will kill you! WHY?!"
The royal gave a knowing smile as she gasped against the sharp blade, "Because there is goodness in your heart…"
Silver eyes became shadowed and the warrior seemed as if she wasn't focusing on the noble in her clutches, but beyond her in another realm. Lowly in a remembering voice Sara whispered, "Do not believe that for whatever goodness was in my heart died years ago…"
"Sorry" the other woman replied calmly, "but I can't believe that…"
Burning fire snapped into melting silver as the forest woman snarled back into reality, "How can you?! I am a monster bred in the belly of hatred for humans! I live in darkness and fight that defy my kind or me! Years have I laid in misery destroying the very heart of my soul killing humans by the hundreds!"
Clutching the hilt of her dagger more tightly the warrior shouted furiously, "And yet you believe that there is a heart within this burnt corpse!"
Softly the emerald-eyed queen replied, "Yes…"
Suddenly a wave of light poured over both of the women startling to look over at the open bedchamber doorway where a silhouette stood creating a small shadow at the two's feet. In the blink of an eye only Queen Iris remained on the floor with her glass doors once again open. The soft blue curtains shuffled a bit with a sudden breeze as the figure at the door stepped into the room.
"Mother?!" exclaimed Princess Rachelle as she knelt beside her mother, "Are you hurt?! Where is that woman?!"
"Clam down, Rachelle" the woman coaxed as she hurried to her balcony. Both of the royals leaned against the railing of the structure searching the grounds with their eyes. There was no sight of the warrior and the guards on the grounds seemed unaware there had been a breach.
Iris looked up at the stars tenderly as her daughter looked at her strangely. A soft breeze wisped by tingling their skin and lifting their silky locks. Coughing lightly the princess asked, "Who was that mother?"
Slowly the queen brought her gaze to lie on the horizon as if out there was the knowledge of the universe. Quietly she spoke to her daughter in a low whisper of wisdom saying, "She is a lost child."
Rachelle snorted angrily making herself seem less like a princess, "You always speak in riddles, mother."
"Perhaps" muttered the older woman, "For now leave her alone, Rachelle. She will do no harm to me."
Again the princess snorted, "Mother, forgive me for doubting you, but I saw how friendly she was when I walked in. For Joutei's sake! She had a dagger to your throat!"
Iris shrugged as she stepped back into her bedroom. Tiredly the queen sank into one of her large chairs saying, "That means nothing, daughter. For what little I gather she had a hard life causing her to be outwardly suspicious and even violent. I want to know more about her, but her shell is hard."
"If she comes back perhaps she might kill you" warned the youth as she clutched her wispy nightgown and knelt at her mother feet, "I cannot bare to lose you, mother."
Stroking her daughter's hair affectionately the royal woman replied, "I know, Rachelle, but I must know more about this woman. Her own self is torturing her soul and it hurts me to see it. Her eyes speak of torments that chill my bones. I must help her…"
~~~ Draconian Borders~~~
The dark figure raced across the large field dogging the arrows shot at him. Growling he looked behind him counting what was left of his attackers. There were twenty on the front lines, but there had to be at least thirty more behind them. Cursing for his foul luck the warrior ran for the borderline of his people's country. At the very edge of the royal land stood a dark forest that shadows the darkness. Through the branches and brush you could see another world of nightmares and foreboding dangers.
Smirking Nicholas knew the humans would not follow him in. The royal forest was considered haunted by some being that killed all who trespassed. Humans had been even more afraid of the forest since a group had gone in and only one survived, the general. Personally Nicholas could care less about some lame superstition. If this creature or being was real he was confident that he could stop it.
With a spurt of energy the man shortened the distance between him and the dark wilderness gaining a few feet between him and the soldiers. Behind him a man cried, "Don't let him get to the forest!"
Smirking Nicholas unfurled his wings and glided over the remaining space towards escape. His angelic winds grazed the green countryside just before he dove into the dark brush disappearing from sight. The fleet slowed to a halt several yards outside the border studying the menacing vegetation. You could almost hear the sound of evil voices whispering curses and foreboding dangers. Such darkness poured off the trees that the men shuddered. One of the soldiers huffed beneath his breath, "If we're going in that forest I think I might retire from service about now."
Nicholas had been right. None of the soldiers were willing to go in that god-forsaken place. The warriors began to shuffle back while at the head of the crowd the general stood scowling at the forest. His hard eyes never left the woody terrain as his men began to slowly dessert their task. Angrily the officer turned around shouting, "We will not leave like whimpering pups with tails between our legs!"
"But, commander" cried one of the men, "What use is it now? We have already lost him and beside it is known that some of the most dangerous creatures live in this forest!"
"Yea" shouted another soldier, "He'll be long dead before he even leaves that dark wilderness!"
The general stared at the group thinking hard about the matter. If they left without knowing if he was dead and their leader found out they would lose their lives definitely. Personally, though, the general was just as frightened as the forest as they were. Nodding the commander shouted, "Alright, back into formation! We're leaving him to the torments of the forest! Back to camp!"
Within the shadows of the black wilderness Nicholas watched the league of soldiers march off. Smirking the man muttered, "Cowards."
If he had wanted to he could have blown his powers at them, but it was foolish. His powers of controlling the currents of air could do great things if he concentrated on a single object, liking ripping it apart, but when you had to focus on dozens at once… it was darn near impossible to do anything other than give them a small shove.
Turning around the warrior looked deep into the wilderness that was so feared. Already his ears could catch the sound of animals scurrying in the blackness. Part of him wanted to leave this behind, but he was too filled with pride to just turn around and exit.
'I shall be the first to go into this forest of doom and live' thought Nicholas warily.
His eyes glinted with the thoughts of fame it might bring him… well small fame… Most likely no one would care at this time. Possible small towns would praise him, but that's all. Shrugging the man walked off into the darkness letting the world of doom swallow him into their realm.
*Flash*
Sara leapt through the branches as silently as one could be. Her only trace was the movement of branches and gush of wind trailing her. Half the time her power of speed was involved, but sometimes she relied on her slower pace hoping to heighten her abilities. Her hair whipped in her face dancing before her emeralds. Angrily she snarled as it blocked her eyes time and again. She wondered if leaving her long hair free was wise.
Silently she landed with knees bent on one of the strong branches and grasped the limb in both hands. With her knees jutting out she looked like some form of primate. Carefully she straddled the branch between her legs. Locking her ankles together she let her body swing over the side and hang her upside down. Her hands automatically reached for the limb as her silver eyes darted this way and that. To just anyone the forest looked like an disarray of trees and brush mingling together in walls that held no road out, but to Sara she could see small paths here and there were most beings would travel through. Every blade of grass she knew and could tell when someone had been by from the way it bent.
The forest woman frowned as she felt her mind screaming at her. Her ears pricked at the sounds of the forest knowing something wasn't right. The birds' gentle chatter was a little more rapid then usually and the sound of the large predators (like wild cats and boars) were mulling around the edge of her wilderness, near the border.
'Strange' she thought silently as she stared at the direction she guessed where the disturbance was located, 'but the creatures never act this way… unless… someone has trespass. Could Queen Iris have sent another search group? Or could it be humans?'
Slowly warmth enveloped the maiden as she thought of the possibilities. Her heart pounded in her ear and Sara's eyes widened unable to believe her heart still beat. Something out there was drawing her… Something her soul was demanding she saves…
"Go…" whispered the wind in her ear like the sound of a soft, male's voice, "Save him…"
"Who?" she whispered back to the breeze feeling herself already respond to the call. The angel was brought into another world feeling her soul burn with something she had forgotten for many years… love…
Her eyes widened as she felt a frantic urge to get there. With a gentle flip Sara landed back in the branches before diving at full speed into the vegetation. With grace like a deer the woman flew over the roots and bushes rushing past multiple trees. Soon she disappeared lost in the speed of her powers. The world was a blur of green and black swirling in her vision, but luckily for her the brain within her skull could break down the sight. Her mature mind could barely take in the images showered down on her brain when she raced like this. When she raced through narrow areas where things could jump out at you at any moment it took all she had to keep from running into them.
Slowing down the woman leapt back into the branches and went the rest of the way though the treetops…
*Flash*
Nicholas glanced over his shoulder again and noticed for the fifth time the pair of glowing eyes of gold that were following him through the vegetation. These eyes that glowed in the darkness had come with the night. Feeling a need to disappear the man walked a little faster through the forest. His warrior skills were peaking right now as he made his way through the shadows. His senses were screaming at him about danger urgently crying for him not to let his guard down.
Coming to a halt in a tiny clearing the man studied the dark vegetation nervously. More eyes appeared in the shadows making him even more unease. What kind of animals exactly lived here?
A sudden twitch from the branches caused the warrior to stiffen and glare above him. For a mere moment he could have sworn he saw a shadow within the twisted limbs. His sensitive hearing caught the sound of hooves shuffling outside the range of light that was visible through the treetops. Several times he caught the sound of a low growl and more shuffling. He was in a bad spot. It seems that several predatory creatures were here at once as if they had all become aware of his trespassing on their forest.
Grabbing his sword the man let his blade gleam in the moonlight. Angrily the man growled, "Come get me you dumb beasts and I will slit everyone of your throats!"
Suddenly the creatures began to advance on threat letting the rays of the moon hit them and reveal what they were. The lead beast looked much like a wolf except it was a night blue with lighter blue zebra-like stripes and had a long wispy tail. Another type was a strange kind of feline of four foot gold that had extremely large ears that had whiskers poking from the tips and spiky fur tuffs that ran along its spine. The last kind of beast was a black boar like being with large sharp tusks and red glowing eyes. Each was accompanied by several more of their kinds as they circled Nicholas.
The man swallowed a small lump as he realized how dangerous this was. He possible could escape the wolves and boars by jumping into the branches, but it seemed pretty obvious by the felines' huge claws that the cat-like creatures could climb trees. Going into a fighting stance the warrior decided he would just have to rely on his abilities as a warrior and a Draconian.
"Fight me" the dark male roared, "if you dare!"
That's all it took. In seconds the lead wolf was airborne going straight for the warrior's throat. Fortunately, when Nicholas opened his eyes he saw the wolf had mysteriously been knocked to the ground. Standing in front of the man now was a young woman with long brunette hair that reached halfway down her fur cape. Nicholas gapped at her surprised by her wild beauty, but more surprised that she had saved his life.
The creatures surrounding the two angels suddenly went in an uproar howling and squealing loudly. Nicholas grew tense again as he felt they might attack again. Glancing at the woman he noticed she was fairly relaxed with her eyes set on the shadowy predators. Nicholas shook his head as he felt his skull tingle suddenly.
"Shadow!" came a dark hiss from within the void of blackness.
"Shadow!" exclaimed another more rough voice.
Nicholas wildly whipped his head several ways looking for the speakers, but finding none. Who was that? Where were they?
"Give him to us, Shadow" hissed a female voice darkening with desire for blood, "He is our prey."
"Yes," barked another one, "We shall rip the flesh from his back and devour his muscles. His blood shall drip from our fangs and our bellies will be full."
Slowly Nicholas set his eyes on the creatures before him. Watching them he noticed they were near perfectly still now. Abruptly the tingling inside the man's skull increased as the voices spoke again.
"GIVE HIM TO US!" one cried desperately, his voice filled with emptiness, "Our stomachs are now empty cages needing to be filled!"
"Quiet" the female hissed dangerously. Nicholas stared at the female confused as to how these beings could talk and why they spoke to her as if she were some respected leader. Stepping forward the man tried to get a better view of her face and nearly gasped. The vision he saw was beautiful. This woman though rough and slightly dirty from camouflage paint and mud was gorgeous. There were sparks in her eyes and her body was well figured with some tone muscles that were not too bulky for her feminine appearance. In his eyes she was an exquisite creature.
Gradually his body warmed with emotions he thought he never would feel again. Deep swirls of something in his soul took hold. What was it?…
Her rough, but silky voice cut into his thoughts as she growled, "I am master of this forest and you know my laws."
"Yes, yes," cackled one of the cat-beasts in the minds of the angels, "We know your laws quite well and the punishment for those who do not follow them, but in all rights his hide is ours, is it not? He's human and you say we must either slaughter their kind or bring word of them to you so you may kill them. You prefer the latter and give great reward for information."
"Of course" replied the forest angel, "But you have no claim on his flesh, for he is Draconian."
"Draconian" came several voices in disbelief, defeat, and even anger, "He can't be Draconian."
"I am" Nicholas exclaimed furiously feeling this information might save his life, "I was raised around humans, but have blood of the angels."
"Wretched luck" growled a wolf as he eyed his meal vanishing, "Your flesh looks very tender."
One of the boars angrily stomped a sharp hoof squealing, "I will not accept he is Draconian until I see his wings!"
Silently Sara turned to the male and found herself rather intrigued by his appearance. He wore black armor over dark purple clothes and he had ebony hair and eyes. Strange… She had never known a person with solid black eyes… Checking him over in her great speed so he wouldn't notice she could tell he was very muscular. His dark tone skin made him rather appealing, but she soon ignored this and returned to normal speed. Soon their eyes locked…
In a stern whisper the woman ordered, "Show your wings, or you die by their teeth or by my hands."
It was a half threat- half order, which the warrior could not refuse. Backing a foot away from the woman the man began to play with his armor. His armor that covered his back had three sections leaving two large openings in the back. This allowed his wings to unfurl during battle. It was common trait that all Draconian armor had. In seconds a pair of glowing limbs burst outwards and pushed back the darkness with a soft glow that almost all Draconian feathers had in the dark.
Sara smirked at the proof and turned to the predators saying haughtily, "There is your proof, now go before I skin one of you."
Growls of defeat came from the throats of the wild creatures before they turned tail and disappeared into the darkness. At the sight of their retreat Nicholas retracted his wings and eyed the woman. Who was she? A more disturbing question suddenly came to his mind. Was she even Draconian? Or could she possible be human?
Narrowing his dark orbs on her back as she watched her followers leave he surmised that most likely a human would not have tried to save his life just now. Especially if they had already known he was Draconian.
As the beauty turned to him Nicholas couldn't help, but ask, "How did you know?"
Sara stared at him in silence carefully studying his eyes. Those dark eyes of blackness that held no bright colors to contrast his pupil from the rest of his gleaming orbs. They intrigued her, yes, but there laid something within them that actually seemed to warm her. Blinking a few times the woman pushed away the feeling and quietly responded to his question, "The back of your armor shows you are Draconian."
Turning away the war woman began to stride off into the vegetation leaving him behind. For a second he watched her leave before hurrying to follow. Something about this woman drew him to her… He had to discover more about her…
Coming to stand beside her as they walked he stared at her through the corners of his eyes. Her beauty caught his focus as he watched the sunspots frequently sweep over her profile. Every now and then she would glance at him as if to check he was still there. Before long she growled angrily and snapped, "Well, what do you want?"
Snapping awake from his daydream Nicholas asked any question he could think of. Frantically he asked, "What were those creatures back there? And why did they listen to you?"
Sara glanced at him through a suspicious glare wondering why he was so interested in such a matter. Lowly in an obvious voice of suspicion she said, "They are creatures that live here. When I moved into this forest I quickly showed them I would either slaughter them or master them. In a short time they learned who was in control and have come to respect me over the years. I do not enjoy holding a threat over their heads, but half the time it is necessary for my survival."
"How can they speak to us?" he asked glancing back to see a few shadows drift behind them in the shape of the creatures he last seen. They probably were curious about him.
"They are not dumb beast like you think" she replied coolly as she continued onward, "Like most of Gaea's creatures they have intelligence. Most of the animals here can speak telepathically. It was one of the way I first communicated with them about who would be in charge in this forest."
Turning to stare back at her Nicholas asked bluntly, "Are you Draconian?"
Smirking at him in amusement she smarted, "If I wasn't do you think I still would have save you?"
Nicholas gave no answer as he continued to stare at her. Soon she faced away from him and kept silent as they walked, but it wasn't long before he asked another question. Curiously he asked, "Who are you exactly?"
Her silver eyes snapped a little wider with fire before they simmered to a small smolder. Nicholas realized quickly that she did not like to speak about herself much. Sara gave him a small glare before replying in a sharp voice, "I am known as Shadow who haunts this forest and kills all who trespass here."
"All except Draconians" commented Nicholas as his own eyes formed a suspicious glint.
Sara's jaw tightened as she realized she would be dipping into her past to answer his obvious question. Aggravated at the intrusion set on her history she snapped, "Only because they are persecuted unjustly and that they are my blood."
"So why exactly do you stay here?" he asked as he eyed the dark surroundings. Who would want to stay in this dismal world?
"It is none of your business, stranger," she growled warningly. It was obvious she had no intention of revealing this to him. Knowing better than to push more Nicholas backed off. Tension grew between the two as they continued to walk. As they did it seemed more and more that she was trying to leave him. She could easily use her speed to leave, but for some unknown reason that she couldn't even understand hung her back.
Glancing over at her the man said in soft, yet at the same time rough voice, "I am Nicholas, also a killer of people against Draconians, especially of humans."
Swirling to stand in front of him and halt their walk the woman snarled at him like a wild beast. Violently she grabbed his collar and brought his face, which was about two inches higher than her own, to her face as she bared her canines at him. In a low growl she said darkly, "You know nothing, stranger. Do not speak as if you know me for many lack the knowledge of my past. Further more, I warn you that if I grow tired of your presence in my forest than I shall allow your hide to be fair game to my animal followers and in a short hour of my released protection over you I promise there will be little left of your flesh."
Pushing him hard Sara glared as Nicholas crashed onto his back. Swinging around the girl's long brunette hair shined in the sun's dim glow. Bending her knees the woman quickly flew into the branches disappearing into their darkness. Her haunting voice echoed in the trees that last moment as she called over her shoulder, "Just remember, Sir Nicholas, that I lie in the shadows watching and my patience is thin."
As he heard the silence suddenly take over as her voice faded away Nicholas sighed heavily. Staring up at the intertwined vegetation he quietly whispered, "What an amazing woman…"
*Flash*
Days went by and Nicholas continued to rummage through the forest. He did this for several reasons. The first reason was because he knew humans laid waiting for him outside the borders of Draconian kingdom. For now it was unwise to up against an entire army. He was only one man though he had succeeded in killing dozens of humans at once going against possible thousands was a very rash idea. The second reason was because this was a perfect hideaway. The humans and most other beings were very skittish about coming into this wilderness so it meant few would bother him.
The third reason, however, was the real reason he stayed there. It was because of the woman named Shadow. Her beauty alone had caught his eye rather quickly, but it was her burning fire that really swallowed him into obsession about her. Every shadow that he noticed moved he hoped would be her. The nights he spent sleeping on the forest floor was enveloped by dreaming of her face.
He spent his days wondering whom she really was behind the eyes of silver and what caused her to be this huntress of the shadows. Finally he could no longer stand a week of absence from her side. It was the last day of his first week in the forest that he decided he would track her. He was a very good tracker when it came to hunting and he was pretty sure he could find her if he really tried.
He spent the next few days looking for the tracks of the female warrior anywhere,… but could find none. He searched through the brush dozens of time and could never find a single twig out of aliment that might suggest other then some animal had been by. Even climbing the trees to look through the branches did little, but give him cut and bruises as he fell out of them. He just wasn't use to leaping through the trees like she was.
After hours of searching one day ending another full week of trying Nicholas sat at a small fire tending to some of his many cuts and bruises he had acquired over the last few days. It was late in the night and Nicholas had planned to turn in soon, but his frustration over not finding Shadow kept him up. Along the edge of blackness the animals cluttered watching the stranger. All of creatures had been notified to leave the man alone, but many were curious about him and spent their time watching him carefully. Nicholas always knew of their presence, but cared little for their company. These were the beings that had first attacked his life, but tonight as he glanced at the darting eyes that danced in the blackness an idea struck him.
Carefully he shouted to them, "I know you are there…"
There were a few snorts and more shuffling as they moved about. Nicholas tensed as he asked, "Will one of you help me?"
The eyes danced wildly and shuffling was heard. Growls and snorts sounded as the animals spoke between themselves. Nicholas began to wonder if they would even reply to him. His answer was soon found as he felt a familiar tingle in his head.
A rough, but elder voice spoke, "Why should we help a two footer?"
Nicholas frowned at the phrase, "Two footer?"
"A being that stands on two legs!" cried a sharp young voice.
"Creatures that hunt and kill our kind" growled another remembering how Nicholas had killed a few rabbits in his stay in the forest so he might eat.
Nicholas nodded understanding now. Cocking his head to one side the male Draconian narrowed his eyes, "Why will you help Shadow and not me?"
"Shadow came and killed many of us," hissed a feline voice.
A rough growl interrupted, "She came and took over. If we did not follow her we became fur on her back."
"Surely you can stop her now" he replied logically. He was surprised they hadn't killed her yet. Most being put under captivity always fought for freedom as soon as they saw their chance.
The elder voice spoke again and claimed, "Never shall we harm Shadow. Before she was ruthless to us because we meant to kill her, but now she masters us by her kindness towards us."
"Kindness?" exclaimed the man shocked that the woman he had met could ever show kindness. She had come off as a cruel female of war and honor, quite like himself. He had suspected of little goodness in her… just like him…
A small voice rattled, "She keeps hunters away. Saves our lives from traps set."
"Carcasses of humans are often provided," cried another shrill voice, "She fills our bellies when they are empty!"
"Though you think them bribes, two footer" spoke the elder voice again, "We know they are not for we know her better than you. She might be our master, but we are her humble servants and followers. She protects us from injustice. Brings order into our realm inside the forest and punishes the wicked. We thank her for her intrusion."
Nicholas watched the eyes tentatively looking for the one who last spoke, curious about whom this one was. Softly the man asked, "Will you step into the light, whoever you are? I want to see you."
There was a bit of shuffling and eyes backed away as a single pair came from the center of the blackness. Slowly the beast stepped forward into the area of light allowing his features to be exposed. He was an old beast that could be certain. His hair was a ghost white while his eyes were a soft blue gray. He stood no taller than three and a half feet tall at the shoulders. His body was built like a lion's with a flowing pearl mane, but his head was of a wolf with fangs. His tail was like a cat's and his feet had tuffs of fur surrounding the ankles that fell over his feet in long wisps. A small beard had begun to grow from his chin and his mane had become very long and silky. His old physical appearance made him look ancient and wise.
"Again I ask" the elder said in a slow rhythm of words, "Why should we help a two footer?"
Nicholas sat on bended knees looking straight into the pair of the creature's eyes saying, "I promise you that I mean no harm to any of you. My fight is with the humans."
The elder beast stared at him thoughtfully before replying quietly, "Go on."
"I only wish to find your master, Shadow," the man asked desperately. In seconds an uproar came blaring in his mind.
"Do not tell him!"
"He will try to kill her!"
"Leave him!"
The elder remained motionless as the cries lessen so all could hear the white creature's reply. His stocky stance seemed rather respectful as he stared down the Draconian that was at his eye level. The snowy hair of the ancient beast flowed majestically as he looked deep into the soul of the man before him. Time went by before his blue eyes and the future flashed in his mind. Soon his eyes closed dimming the stars that reflected in his pupils. The air twinkled with sparkles and the breeze caused the beast's long mane to flow beautifully. Quietly the elder replied in a wise kind of air, "Your soul at the moment is tortured, two footer, plagued by the murders and hate you have surrender yourself to,… but I believe it necessary for you to find Shadow."
Several of the creatures muttered disbelief as they watched their most ancient fellow believe in a two footer. Nicholas felt a sort of respect for this being before him. He was willing to trust him when his own kind gave little chance. The other animals gave way to this certain beast as if he was the father of them all.
Slowly the white elder stepped from the angel man and towards the other side of the clearing. Nicholas stared after him wondering what this being had done to earn the respect from all the creatures in this dangerous forest.
"Are you coming?" the elder asked roughly bringing Nicholas into a stand.
The Draconian nodded and the elder took off into the woods. Nicholas dashed after him. The brush raked over his body cutting his rough skin as the poor man followed his guide. Nicholas was a bit surprised that such an old looking being could move so fast. He himself could just barely keep up as he dodged the low limbs and uproots.
Surprisingly their journeying didn't take long at all. It seemed only a matter of minutes before the snow creature had stopped directly in front of a huge tree. Nicholas slammed to halt next to his guide as he gasped for breath. The run had taken a lot out of him yet the elder seemed completely unfazed. The elder stared at the large tree that stood alone in the huge forest. His old eyes darted over the branches as he said, "This is where she usually spends her nights. During the day she often disappears for reasons only known to her."
"Good" Nicholas huffed as he stumbled over to the tree ready to climb it and meet the woman he had been searching for, but just as his hands clutched the trunk the elder stopped him.
"Wait" the beast barked as his eyes turned towards the darkness.
Carefully he sniffed the air as Nicholas asked, "What is it?"
"She's not here" the elder replied quite confused, "Strange… She never leaves the forest…"
"What are you saying?" Nicholas asked bluntly not liking the feeling coming to him by the creature's words.
Turning slightly to see the man through one eye the elder replied, "For three years I have befriended the maiden that dwells this forest and often search her out at times. There are days when my nose must be my guide and for the last years of my friendship with her I noticed she never leaves the boundaries of the forest... However,… it seems she has left the forest this evening to go somewhere."
Nicholas stared off in the direction that would lead one out the forest. Through the intertwined vegetation he could just glimpse the outside realm beyond this wilderness. A large field of tall grass rippled in the breeze.
"Take me to her" the angel said hastily, "I must find her."
"I suppose I must" he replied wearily, "But I shall only bring you to the area. When we arrive I shall leave you on your own to confront her… for if she is displeased by your sudden presence I do not want to feel her wrath."
The Draconian gradually turned his gaze to stare at the snowy wonder.
"Then why did you assist me at all?" Nicholas asked quietly.
Closing his eyes of old the beast whispered, "I am old, two footer. I am the oldest beast alive here and by far the wisest. Over the centuries of my living years, I have come to be able to do things that few have ever being able to do… That's all I can reveal… For now realize that I deem it important that you find her…"
Letting his face turn towards the forest's edge the elder commanded, "Now, for me to get you there before she leaves I must ask you to ride my back."
Nicholas frowned as he looked at the wolf being. He was a very large creature for a canine, but surely he couldn't run that fast with him on his back.
"Hurry up!" snapped the elder in such a hostile voice that Nicholas was surprised to hear from the gentle being. The Draconian wasted no more time and straddled the wolf's back wrapping his fingers in his pearly mane. The elder's muscles tense as he crouched down for a moment and warned, "Hold on with all your strength!"
Before Nicholas could ask why the ancient white beast took off at incredible speed. The trees and vegetation zoomed by in an undistinguishable blur in the eye of the rider, but the ride could easily distinguish everything. Colors swirled and blackness almost wanted to claim his consciousness as he rode. As seconds ticked away the two found themselves on the forest edge where the trees ended, but before they could exit into the opening where the moon washed over the plains the elder turned sharply and ran along the very edge of the forest beneath the treetops. Nicholas guessed the wolf did this to stay unnoticed by people. Before long the angel man could see cities and towns pass by outside the forest with a single civilization looming in the horizon. What seemed to be only a few minutes turned out to be a full hour as the elder suddenly bolted from the forest revealing the moon's position in the sky. Nicholas stared up at it for a second before bringing his gaze back to the land. Buildings flew by as they raced through the civilization that had laid on the horizon. Few were out and about at this time of night, but for those the two strangers passed they were only able to feel a sudden wind burst through the streets.
Soon the elder slammed to a halt causing Nicholas to fly over his head and land a few feet in front of him. Smirking at the warrior's sudden dishevel look from his usual high and mighty one the elder said, "This is where she is."
Nicholas rose to his knees and followed the wolf's gaze behind him. There stood a castle of gray with dozens of soldiers patrolling the walls. Flags of Draconian Emblems flapped quietly in the wind while beautiful arches marked with more crests gleamed in the night. Where he knelt at the moment was the royal garden in the courtyard surrounded by the four walls of the building. Two large open arches showed the way out, but four men each guarded them. Nicholas shook his head and muttered, "She's in the castle of the royal Draconians!"
Smirking at his confusing the elder pointed his snout at a balcony that hung over their heads and whispered, "Her scent is flowing from those open doors. She must be inside."
Nicholas looked up and saw the pair of glass doors that hung a few inches open. Their curtains flapped microscopically ever so often as he stared at them. For a moment a shadow slipped behind the curtain before disappearing again…
"Thank you" the man whispered quietly as he slowly turned back to his guide, "I can never repay--"
He froze as he noticed the spot the elder once stood was empty. He stared at the stone pavement for several minutes before bringing his gaze back to the balcony…
*Flash*
Sara stood at one of the great window with her back to the royal who sat in a large plush chair. Iris stared at the warrior softly as she carefully swallowed the information she had just heard from the warrior about her past. All that Iris had wanted to know had finally be revealed,… but why?… Tenderly the queen whispered, "So why did you come back, Shadow?"
"Sara…" the woman whispered sorrowfully without moving.
"What?" asked the queen as she sat up a little, "What was that?"
The warrior's shoulders flinched slightly before the forest woman whispered a little louder, "My name is Sara… or at least it was…"
Iris stared at the female's back in awe unable to speak. Slowly the maiden of green turned showing the sparkling tears in her eyes. The lone soul quietly whispered, "You were right about me…"
Sorrow tingled in her throat grasping as her words nearly keeping them from pouring out. Silver eyes glistened as her chin trembled, "You said there was still goodness in my heart… For years I have thought the direct opposite… You must understand what I have gone through these last years. I have killed without thought and brought even children to their deaths for being human. Seeing the murders of hundreds before ones eyes can change them…"
The queen stared at her motionless as Sara came to her side and collapsed to a painted knee, "I thought my heart had been stamped out because I could no longer feel it,… but days ago… Something happen…"
The maiden grew quiet as her silver eyes became distant. When the woman did not continue the royal inquired, "What?"
Sara lifted her eyes carefully before whispering, "I saved a man's life within my forest boundaries. I didn't even know if he was Draconian or not. I just felt an urge to not let him perish. I bluffed to the predators of the forest that he was Draconian, but I never knew until he presented his wings. Days later I spent in solitude not understanding what I had done. How could I save anyone who could possible be my enemy?…"
Gazing at the floor now where her tears had begun to make tiny splatters she whispered, "That's when I knew… My soul is, yes, shadowed with the grief of the past, but still within this body is a heart that pumps pureness still. I have fought myself for these years and possibly… my darkness would have claimed victory over me if I had not met you…"
Iris did nothing as she kept her ears open for Sara to continue, "It was you who got me to wondering what did lie in my heart. If you hadn't placed faith in me perhaps I never would have questioned my actions for that man. I thank you, Lady Iris, for saving my soul…"
Smiling warmly the queen whispered, "It was not I, Sara. Joutei has gripped hold of your soul and made you realize the truth about yourself."
"Joutei…" muttered the forest warrior, "So that's what--"
Snapping her mouth shut the maiden jumped to her feet and stared at the pair of glass doors. A shadow flickered on the curtains as a distinct hand reached to pull them back. Sparking the fuel of her gift it only took a second for the female warrior to grasp the intruder by the neck. As her eyes adjusted back into their regular focus the maiden gasped, "YOU!"
"Sorry to interrupt" Nicholas coughed as his neck hurt from her hold on his collar, "But I had to find you."
Growling angrily the female snarled in a low and dangerous voice, "How dare you follow me like some spy!"
Suddenly the bedroom door burst open and a trio of warriors burst in. Iris leapt from her seat at the arrival desperately trying to stop her guards, but it was too late. The light swallowed the two warriors on the balcony and they stared at the trio consisting of three cloaked figures with one masked. One was a slender shadow with a large circle in one fist, another was taller than the other two with a heavy ax in two massive palms, and the last was a muscular man with a plain blue mask over his face. Locking her jaws together Sara grunted and released Nicholas from her hold on his collar. Stumbling back the male stared at the guards warily.
"We heard a cry" came a silky female voice from one of the guards, "You shall not take our queen."
The masked one abruptly twirled a large trydent and leapt at Sara. The woman drew out her sword and locked her weapon with the guard. Iris frantically held up her hands and cried, "Please stop, Tsuno, they are not our enemies!"
The forest maiden angrily snorted, "Anyone who fights me is my enemy!"
Shoving the male away the female turned and grabbed Nicholas by his arm. Unable to do anything the poor man who had gone through so much to find this woman could only follow the one known as Shadow and leapt over the railing of the balcony. With perfect grace the two unfurled their wings and landed in the center of the garden. The trio quickly raced after them also jumping from the high loft. Releasing their wings as well the three guards glided into a small triangle around the two intruders.
A rough male voice growled behind the heavy ax, "Even if you are Draconian it does not mean we can spare you. We shall kill you spies!"
Sara sheathed her sword swiftly and drew out her large bow whispering, "I fight all who oppose me… I shall kill my enemies… and I shall never die…"
Suddenly the giant launched himself forward and attacked Sara. Leaping into the air the female kicked the man hard in the face sending him sailing. Next the other two shot forward their weapons ready. Sara blurred in seconds and disappeared just as the two guards floated through her afterimage. In a few heartbeats the two royal soldiers were hit to the ground from behind crashing hard into the pavement landing at Nicholas's feet.
Sara floated overhead with her wings flapping slightly eyeing the other guard. He lifted himself onto his large bulky legs just as some soldiers raced over to the fray with weapons ready. They had heard the battle from afar. The royal guard of the queen angrily commanded at the men approaching, "Back off, soldiers. These two are the catch of the royal guards and we claim this fight as ours!"
The men slowed and looked at each other uncertain before one shouted back, "So be it, Lord Zaado!"
The giant nodded with his hood shaking before turning back to his prey in the sky. Growling heavily the man hissed, "You are fast, stranger, but I shall clip your wings!"
"Just you try" the female hissed dangerously before the man lunged at her. As he grew close enough to strike the woman disappeared and reappeared at his back. With all the strength she could bring to her fingertips the maiden brought her fist into his neck. Zaado groaned as he slouched in the air and hurtled towards the ground below. Tsuno and Nazomi shuffled into stands and growled as they saw their companion slam into one of the bushes tearing it apart with his fall.
Nazomi snarled at the female above and pulled her shokren (the metal circle) apart into pieces like sharp daggers. With a yell the hidden beauty thrust into the air at the woman. Nicholas growled and also flew into the air cutting in front of the guard. Coming to fly a few feet before Sara the warrior glared down at the woman. Sara stared at the back of the man feeling her heart pound. Why was he doing this?
"I won't let you hurt her," he cried just before his eyes glowed lavender. The wind swirled around the two intruders and formed a sort of small tornado knocking things about. The wind pulled at their forms and the female guard slowed a few yards away from the duo. Nazomi's golden eyes grew wide as the tornado swirled and directed itself at her. With a cry Nicholas aimed his attack at the guard and with great power it struck the woman hard in the chest. In a painful scream the female soldier plunged hard into the earth.
Sara stared at the man before her suspiciously, "Why did you save me?"
Slowly he turned facing a woman he had only come to know in a little over a week, "Because you saved mine in the forest…"
She narrowed her silver jewels on him and hissed, "Fine, but do not think I need help."
Angrily she shoved past him towards the guard that had been most recently struck down. Nazomi began to rise with her back turned to her adversary. Sara brought one of her daggers out and rushed downwards to strike shouting, "You die tonight!"
Nazomi whirled around too late, but Tsuno protected her by charging Sara. Taking the female off guard the woman barely had time to dodge a lethal swipe from the guard. Raising his hand in front of the maiden's face Sara saw crystal droplets form in his palm. They sparkled and grew before swirling together in a tiny floating whirlpool. In seconds a wave of water struck out at her. The violent surge of liquid struck her ribs hard bruising them.
With a howl of anguish she fell backwards towards the gardens. Rolling to a stop the maiden groaned. Tsuno went to follow his prey, but Nicholas quickly blocked his way. With his sword high the dark intruder cried, "Face me!"
"I don't care which one of you I fight!" the masked one exclaimed dangerously, "As long as I can kill one!"
Zaado moaned as he woke from the darkness. Slowly he rose to his feet a little unstable. Rubbing his eyes hard the man mumbled about possible old age affecting him. Growling the giant turned towards his ax embedded in the earth and swiftly dislodged it causing the dirt to whip out. Glaring at the sky the angel warrior watched as his companion and one of the intruders fought. Forgetting about the female stranger the man hurried into the sky to help his fellow soldier.
Sara crawled from her spot of wrecked brush and numbly got to her feet. Blinking several times the woman tried to get her vision to focus again. A slightly blurry female guard stood before her with her twin daggers. Sara growled and readied her bow with an arrow. Nazomi smirked mysteriously as she said sweetly, "Now how can you shoot me when you don't know where I truly am."
"What are you talking about?!" snarled the forest woman furiously, "I know exactly where you--"
Suddenly there were a hundred Nazomis in a circle around the maiden. Each of them was exact copies and responded identically in the same moment. It was the power of the Desert Guard. Nazomi could make illusions in others eyes. Sara swirled her head around wondering if she got hit in the head too hard during her crash landing. The group of look-a-likes grinned wickedly as a multiple voice said, "You'll never find which one of us is the real one before I kill you!"
"We'll see!" cried Sara as she used her speed to quicken the process of eliminating all other options. Her arrows flew rapidly at an immeasurable speed. Right down the line she went striking at the images, but always the arrows went flying right through them and making the clones fade from existence. Sara plunged her arrows through the line crazily never knowing which would turn up to be the right one.
Above Nicholas had his hands full keeping the other two guards preoccupied. Ice and water struck out at him from either side as the poor man nimbly dodged the fatal blows. His wind struck at them constantly, but it was a draw. Not one of them could get a hit that could knock their opponent out.
Nazomi watched as her clone images began to disappear in a straight line. Watching her images falling near her, the guard knew she had to act. Clutching her daggers the woman charged the maiden before her…
"THERE!" came the cry from both female voices followed by a bloody scream.
The men above froze and turned to see the results. Sara clutched her shoulder as one of the daggers dug deeper into her flesh. Blood spilt from the gruesome wound as the guard smirked darkly at her accomplishment. Spitting out blood the woman of green gasped for the air needed in her bleeding lungs. Nicholas froze in shock as he whispered, "No…"
Nazomi violently pulled the dagger from her opponent's shoulder and watched as the stranger stumbled back. Sara's wings were sucked back into their pouches as she fell backwards. Nicholas dove for the injured angel barely catching her before she hit the ground. Beating his wings frantically he took off into the air with feathers trailing. The trio went in pursuit, but the male invader simply used his powers of the winds to quicken his pace and lose the soldiers.
*Flash*
Nicholas brought her back to the forest and tended to her wounds in the large tree the elder had shown him earlier. For several nights Sara was delirious with a high fever calling out in her twisted form of slumber. He never left her unable to for some reason. Some unnatural force drew him to her…
The stars twinkled dimly as Sara finally broke through her fever. Weakly she opened her silver eyes and met the branches above her head. She dropped her gaze slowly to the other side of the tree to see Nicholas sitting on a large limb with his feet dangling over the edge. With hardly any strength left Sara lifted herself up into a sitting position and saw her shoulder had been bandaged. Her hand touched the injured portion tenderly and she hissed in a breath of air as pain flamed from her touch.
"You shouldn't touch it" Nicholas said softly as he looked over at her, "It still hasn't fully healed. You'll possible have a small scar after it finishes closing up."
Sara winced her eyes shut as she gasped, "Why?… Why did you help me?"
"Because I do not want another person I care about to die" he whispered sorrowfully with a wisp of distant memories. The maiden's eyes snapped open and she stared at him in shock.
"You… you care about me?" she asked in disbelief her hair flowing with the starry breeze, "But why?"
Below them on the forest floor the elder stood with only his flowing mane as his motion. His soft eyes gleamed with fondness as he stared at the couple conversing in the trees. Though their voices could not be carried on the wind the beast excellent hearing allowed him to hear every single word spoken above. Smiling in a rough animalistic grin the creature whispered to himself, "He cares because you are soul mates, my lady… I have seen it…"
*Flash*
Hitomi fell back as if she had been struck and landed in Van's strong arms. Everyone stared at the pair of guardians unable to say a word. Nazomi numbly whispered, "That was you two that night?…"
"Yes" they whispered together in a dark form of mystery. Shadows swirled in their pupils as Sian shifted into a better position for comfort. Her leg had gone asleep.
"But there is more" Sian whispered hoarsely, "After I healed Nembus and I became close… very close…"
The black warrior nodded lost in another world, "Yes, we bore our pains and sorrows together. No longer could we go to Queen Iris because her guards were fully prepared for us so we spent the rest of our times bringing our hearts out of the pits. It was a very difficult and painful struggle that neither of us long to remember or to explain. We can only say that our love was what kept us going…"
"Love?" whispered Hitomi her emeralds growing wide, "You are in love with each other."
"Were, at least" commented Sian painfully with downcast eyes of silver, "When Queen Iris appeared before us again after two more years she told us we were the next chosen ones to be brought into her ring of guards. It was what we had always hoped for… We could forget the torments of our souls and the travels of darkness we once took by doing this,… but this meant never being together again…"
"For our rebirth" explained Nembus, "we had to give up our love for one another…"
The group sucked in their breath at this with eyes wide. Sian's bangs fell over her eyes for the moment as she whispered, "It was the hardest decision we ever made. To be a guard we could not hold anything close to one another. If we fell deeper into love and some day started to have children the consequences could have destroyed us. Our own children would have been easily used against us by our enemies, plus a life as shadows is not meant for young ones."
"So you gave it up" whispered Hitomi sorrowfully as the breeze teased her hair, "You gave it up to start your lives over."
They both nodded as Sian replied quietly, "Yes, but it was also because of Queen Iris we did this. It was because of her that we first decided we wanted to end the darkness within ourselves. Without her help we might never have decided to become guards."
Hitomi slowly trailed her eyes over each figure before her…
Sian… a warrior who suffered her own personal darkness and lost love in the process…
Zaado… a warrior who faith was broken by his betraying parents…
Nembus… a warrior who suffered his blackness for being different and lost love in the process as well…
Nazomi… a warrior who watched the person closest to her be murder and then she killed in her sorrow…
Tsuno… Caused the deaths of a crew of humans and also his men…
Shakaku… Nearly died saving the Princess of the Draconians…
Escaflowne… an ancient warrior frozen in metal to protect a kingdom for all eternity…
Rising slowly and walking to the center of the circle Hitomi stared at her followers feeling every bit of their pain. Closing her eyes of green she whispered painfully, "I thank you for revealing your history. I welcome each of you into my arms and hope for peace to one day envelop your souls."
Everyone stared at the seeress as the wind whipped around them. The dust curled at her ankles as she slowly opened her eyes and lifted them to the sky. In authority and understanding the 'Angel' said, "Now it is time to find the final guardian so we might end this suffering on Gaea… and in each other…"
~YES! Finally done with all of the explanations of the guardians! Whew! That took forever, but I felt it sort of necessary. Anyway, what's going to happen next? They begin their search for the final chosen warrior, which doesn't take long at all, but as they find the last one Dornkirk has been waiting for this exact moment… for what?! Wait and see, as Hitomi must seek out the only remaining guardian of her warriors in chapter 25: "Preoccupied" coming soon on July 31st!~
~REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!~
~Man, this is another super long chapter, but ever detail in this story I feel is necessary. Besides its really good!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 24: First Sight
~~~ Persecution War: Draconian Castle ~~~
The royal woman glanced over the papers sprawled over her large handcrafted desk wearily, not enjoying the work at all. She had been staring at the parchments for hours studying Gaea's forces. Glances out her pair of glass doors she noticed the stars were heavy in the ebony velvet with the moon at its highest peak. Already half of the night was gone. Sighing heavily the queen turned back to her work.
There was little time for any sort of peace nowadays… She was constantly busy helping with small battles, training her daughter in royal issues, and strategizing an entire war! Rarely did sleep come to play in her life anymore. Queen Iris had come to just having five hours of sleep a day and being able to stretch her energy.
Checking to see if her lantern would need more oil the woman thought of her family. Tonight she would sleep alone again for her husband was out on the countryside checking over the borders' forces. It would be several days before he would return. Lady Rachelle was off in her room long into her dream world. Servants had been dismissed for the night and guards laid on the castle walls. Her people were tucked away into the twilight…
A sudden chill ran over the woman and Lady Iris turned to see her glass doors slightly ajar with their curtains fluttering mildly.
'Latch must have been loose…' thought the queen as she rose from her seat and crossed the large bedroom. As she did this you could fully view the display of the chamber. Richly furnished with handcrafted wood and dazzling crystal the room seemed to pride itself with its beauty. Flowers rubbed off a beautiful aroma and silk fell from the walls and around the large king-size bed of plush feather pillows.
Silently the queen closed the doors and latched them back before securing the lock on the pair with a soft click. Checking over the pair of doors making sure it was secure the queen turned around and gasped. There lying casually on her bed was none other than the forest woman known as Shadow. With knees in the air and laying back on her elbows the female appeared to have no respect for the noble before her.
"You can call off the search" the invader replied smoothly while glancing over the bedroom.
The queen relaxed immediately realizing whom it was and asked innocently, "What do you mean?"
Rolling her eyes Sara replied a bit harshly, "I know about the search you put out on me, lady. It's hard not to notice a bunch of Draconians rummaging through my forest."
Slowly sitting up the stranger replied coolly, "You have been looking for me for nearly a month now. Well, your search is over for I am before you. Now tell me… what do you want?!"
Calmly a pair of emeralds stared at the aggravated forest warrior as the royal replied, "Tell me who you are…"
Sara stared at the noble somewhat surprised before huffing, "You went through all the trouble of looking for me to find out that?"
Lady Iris was motionless as the silver jewels of the female's eyes caught green ones. Sighing harshly Sara pushed off the bed and crossed the room before turning back around. Silently the warrior paced with only the shuffle of fabric in both women's ears. It could be easily seen that Sara was uneasy about discussing herself.
Maybe an indirect approach was better thought the queen. Iris calmly glanced over at the glass doors and asked, "How did you get past the guards?"
Carefully Sara's silver eyes darted towards the noble before resuming her pacing, "All Draconians have special gifts as you know. Mine is speed beyond measure. Getting past your soldiers were easier than you could imagine."
Raising her arms to show a bit of muscle the warrior continued boasting, "But even if I didn't have speed, lady, I could have easily gotten passed your guards."
"You think so?" the queen smiled softly as she eyed a woman who had the pride of a young child, "How do you imagine you would have gotten passed?"
Swirling around with a smirk Sara proclaimed, "I descend from a family of legendary warriors. I myself have already claimed a legendary life as the Shadow. I cannot be stopped."
"You seem so sure of yourself" commented the other woman, "Why do you hate the humans though?"
"Well, I--" Sara's silver glints grew wide and she snarled angrily as her whole body grew tense. The beautiful queen's smile fell as she realized suddenly that she had possible asked the wrong question. The forest female brought her hands into a fighting stance growling, "You tricked me! You tricked me into speaking!"
Queen Iris abruptly fell backwards onto the floor and soon found the woman pinning her down with a dagger to her royal throat. Wild fury simmered in the warrior's eyes of silver as she snarled dangerously in the noble's face, "I should kill you for tricking me like that!"
"But you won't…" whispered the royal coolly.
Sara only grew more infuriated by this and pushed the dagger harder into the woman's neck nearly shouting, "I have slain soldiers before your eyes and you doubt I will kill you! WHY?!"
The royal gave a knowing smile as she gasped against the sharp blade, "Because there is goodness in your heart…"
Silver eyes became shadowed and the warrior seemed as if she wasn't focusing on the noble in her clutches, but beyond her in another realm. Lowly in a remembering voice Sara whispered, "Do not believe that for whatever goodness was in my heart died years ago…"
"Sorry" the other woman replied calmly, "but I can't believe that…"
Burning fire snapped into melting silver as the forest woman snarled back into reality, "How can you?! I am a monster bred in the belly of hatred for humans! I live in darkness and fight that defy my kind or me! Years have I laid in misery destroying the very heart of my soul killing humans by the hundreds!"
Clutching the hilt of her dagger more tightly the warrior shouted furiously, "And yet you believe that there is a heart within this burnt corpse!"
Softly the emerald-eyed queen replied, "Yes…"
Suddenly a wave of light poured over both of the women startling to look over at the open bedchamber doorway where a silhouette stood creating a small shadow at the two's feet. In the blink of an eye only Queen Iris remained on the floor with her glass doors once again open. The soft blue curtains shuffled a bit with a sudden breeze as the figure at the door stepped into the room.
"Mother?!" exclaimed Princess Rachelle as she knelt beside her mother, "Are you hurt?! Where is that woman?!"
"Clam down, Rachelle" the woman coaxed as she hurried to her balcony. Both of the royals leaned against the railing of the structure searching the grounds with their eyes. There was no sight of the warrior and the guards on the grounds seemed unaware there had been a breach.
Iris looked up at the stars tenderly as her daughter looked at her strangely. A soft breeze wisped by tingling their skin and lifting their silky locks. Coughing lightly the princess asked, "Who was that mother?"
Slowly the queen brought her gaze to lie on the horizon as if out there was the knowledge of the universe. Quietly she spoke to her daughter in a low whisper of wisdom saying, "She is a lost child."
Rachelle snorted angrily making herself seem less like a princess, "You always speak in riddles, mother."
"Perhaps" muttered the older woman, "For now leave her alone, Rachelle. She will do no harm to me."
Again the princess snorted, "Mother, forgive me for doubting you, but I saw how friendly she was when I walked in. For Joutei's sake! She had a dagger to your throat!"
Iris shrugged as she stepped back into her bedroom. Tiredly the queen sank into one of her large chairs saying, "That means nothing, daughter. For what little I gather she had a hard life causing her to be outwardly suspicious and even violent. I want to know more about her, but her shell is hard."
"If she comes back perhaps she might kill you" warned the youth as she clutched her wispy nightgown and knelt at her mother feet, "I cannot bare to lose you, mother."
Stroking her daughter's hair affectionately the royal woman replied, "I know, Rachelle, but I must know more about this woman. Her own self is torturing her soul and it hurts me to see it. Her eyes speak of torments that chill my bones. I must help her…"
~~~ Draconian Borders~~~
The dark figure raced across the large field dogging the arrows shot at him. Growling he looked behind him counting what was left of his attackers. There were twenty on the front lines, but there had to be at least thirty more behind them. Cursing for his foul luck the warrior ran for the borderline of his people's country. At the very edge of the royal land stood a dark forest that shadows the darkness. Through the branches and brush you could see another world of nightmares and foreboding dangers.
Smirking Nicholas knew the humans would not follow him in. The royal forest was considered haunted by some being that killed all who trespassed. Humans had been even more afraid of the forest since a group had gone in and only one survived, the general. Personally Nicholas could care less about some lame superstition. If this creature or being was real he was confident that he could stop it.
With a spurt of energy the man shortened the distance between him and the dark wilderness gaining a few feet between him and the soldiers. Behind him a man cried, "Don't let him get to the forest!"
Smirking Nicholas unfurled his wings and glided over the remaining space towards escape. His angelic winds grazed the green countryside just before he dove into the dark brush disappearing from sight. The fleet slowed to a halt several yards outside the border studying the menacing vegetation. You could almost hear the sound of evil voices whispering curses and foreboding dangers. Such darkness poured off the trees that the men shuddered. One of the soldiers huffed beneath his breath, "If we're going in that forest I think I might retire from service about now."
Nicholas had been right. None of the soldiers were willing to go in that god-forsaken place. The warriors began to shuffle back while at the head of the crowd the general stood scowling at the forest. His hard eyes never left the woody terrain as his men began to slowly dessert their task. Angrily the officer turned around shouting, "We will not leave like whimpering pups with tails between our legs!"
"But, commander" cried one of the men, "What use is it now? We have already lost him and beside it is known that some of the most dangerous creatures live in this forest!"
"Yea" shouted another soldier, "He'll be long dead before he even leaves that dark wilderness!"
The general stared at the group thinking hard about the matter. If they left without knowing if he was dead and their leader found out they would lose their lives definitely. Personally, though, the general was just as frightened as the forest as they were. Nodding the commander shouted, "Alright, back into formation! We're leaving him to the torments of the forest! Back to camp!"
Within the shadows of the black wilderness Nicholas watched the league of soldiers march off. Smirking the man muttered, "Cowards."
If he had wanted to he could have blown his powers at them, but it was foolish. His powers of controlling the currents of air could do great things if he concentrated on a single object, liking ripping it apart, but when you had to focus on dozens at once… it was darn near impossible to do anything other than give them a small shove.
Turning around the warrior looked deep into the wilderness that was so feared. Already his ears could catch the sound of animals scurrying in the blackness. Part of him wanted to leave this behind, but he was too filled with pride to just turn around and exit.
'I shall be the first to go into this forest of doom and live' thought Nicholas warily.
His eyes glinted with the thoughts of fame it might bring him… well small fame… Most likely no one would care at this time. Possible small towns would praise him, but that's all. Shrugging the man walked off into the darkness letting the world of doom swallow him into their realm.
*Flash*
Sara leapt through the branches as silently as one could be. Her only trace was the movement of branches and gush of wind trailing her. Half the time her power of speed was involved, but sometimes she relied on her slower pace hoping to heighten her abilities. Her hair whipped in her face dancing before her emeralds. Angrily she snarled as it blocked her eyes time and again. She wondered if leaving her long hair free was wise.
Silently she landed with knees bent on one of the strong branches and grasped the limb in both hands. With her knees jutting out she looked like some form of primate. Carefully she straddled the branch between her legs. Locking her ankles together she let her body swing over the side and hang her upside down. Her hands automatically reached for the limb as her silver eyes darted this way and that. To just anyone the forest looked like an disarray of trees and brush mingling together in walls that held no road out, but to Sara she could see small paths here and there were most beings would travel through. Every blade of grass she knew and could tell when someone had been by from the way it bent.
The forest woman frowned as she felt her mind screaming at her. Her ears pricked at the sounds of the forest knowing something wasn't right. The birds' gentle chatter was a little more rapid then usually and the sound of the large predators (like wild cats and boars) were mulling around the edge of her wilderness, near the border.
'Strange' she thought silently as she stared at the direction she guessed where the disturbance was located, 'but the creatures never act this way… unless… someone has trespass. Could Queen Iris have sent another search group? Or could it be humans?'
Slowly warmth enveloped the maiden as she thought of the possibilities. Her heart pounded in her ear and Sara's eyes widened unable to believe her heart still beat. Something out there was drawing her… Something her soul was demanding she saves…
"Go…" whispered the wind in her ear like the sound of a soft, male's voice, "Save him…"
"Who?" she whispered back to the breeze feeling herself already respond to the call. The angel was brought into another world feeling her soul burn with something she had forgotten for many years… love…
Her eyes widened as she felt a frantic urge to get there. With a gentle flip Sara landed back in the branches before diving at full speed into the vegetation. With grace like a deer the woman flew over the roots and bushes rushing past multiple trees. Soon she disappeared lost in the speed of her powers. The world was a blur of green and black swirling in her vision, but luckily for her the brain within her skull could break down the sight. Her mature mind could barely take in the images showered down on her brain when she raced like this. When she raced through narrow areas where things could jump out at you at any moment it took all she had to keep from running into them.
Slowing down the woman leapt back into the branches and went the rest of the way though the treetops…
*Flash*
Nicholas glanced over his shoulder again and noticed for the fifth time the pair of glowing eyes of gold that were following him through the vegetation. These eyes that glowed in the darkness had come with the night. Feeling a need to disappear the man walked a little faster through the forest. His warrior skills were peaking right now as he made his way through the shadows. His senses were screaming at him about danger urgently crying for him not to let his guard down.
Coming to a halt in a tiny clearing the man studied the dark vegetation nervously. More eyes appeared in the shadows making him even more unease. What kind of animals exactly lived here?
A sudden twitch from the branches caused the warrior to stiffen and glare above him. For a mere moment he could have sworn he saw a shadow within the twisted limbs. His sensitive hearing caught the sound of hooves shuffling outside the range of light that was visible through the treetops. Several times he caught the sound of a low growl and more shuffling. He was in a bad spot. It seems that several predatory creatures were here at once as if they had all become aware of his trespassing on their forest.
Grabbing his sword the man let his blade gleam in the moonlight. Angrily the man growled, "Come get me you dumb beasts and I will slit everyone of your throats!"
Suddenly the creatures began to advance on threat letting the rays of the moon hit them and reveal what they were. The lead beast looked much like a wolf except it was a night blue with lighter blue zebra-like stripes and had a long wispy tail. Another type was a strange kind of feline of four foot gold that had extremely large ears that had whiskers poking from the tips and spiky fur tuffs that ran along its spine. The last kind of beast was a black boar like being with large sharp tusks and red glowing eyes. Each was accompanied by several more of their kinds as they circled Nicholas.
The man swallowed a small lump as he realized how dangerous this was. He possible could escape the wolves and boars by jumping into the branches, but it seemed pretty obvious by the felines' huge claws that the cat-like creatures could climb trees. Going into a fighting stance the warrior decided he would just have to rely on his abilities as a warrior and a Draconian.
"Fight me" the dark male roared, "if you dare!"
That's all it took. In seconds the lead wolf was airborne going straight for the warrior's throat. Fortunately, when Nicholas opened his eyes he saw the wolf had mysteriously been knocked to the ground. Standing in front of the man now was a young woman with long brunette hair that reached halfway down her fur cape. Nicholas gapped at her surprised by her wild beauty, but more surprised that she had saved his life.
The creatures surrounding the two angels suddenly went in an uproar howling and squealing loudly. Nicholas grew tense again as he felt they might attack again. Glancing at the woman he noticed she was fairly relaxed with her eyes set on the shadowy predators. Nicholas shook his head as he felt his skull tingle suddenly.
"Shadow!" came a dark hiss from within the void of blackness.
"Shadow!" exclaimed another more rough voice.
Nicholas wildly whipped his head several ways looking for the speakers, but finding none. Who was that? Where were they?
"Give him to us, Shadow" hissed a female voice darkening with desire for blood, "He is our prey."
"Yes," barked another one, "We shall rip the flesh from his back and devour his muscles. His blood shall drip from our fangs and our bellies will be full."
Slowly Nicholas set his eyes on the creatures before him. Watching them he noticed they were near perfectly still now. Abruptly the tingling inside the man's skull increased as the voices spoke again.
"GIVE HIM TO US!" one cried desperately, his voice filled with emptiness, "Our stomachs are now empty cages needing to be filled!"
"Quiet" the female hissed dangerously. Nicholas stared at the female confused as to how these beings could talk and why they spoke to her as if she were some respected leader. Stepping forward the man tried to get a better view of her face and nearly gasped. The vision he saw was beautiful. This woman though rough and slightly dirty from camouflage paint and mud was gorgeous. There were sparks in her eyes and her body was well figured with some tone muscles that were not too bulky for her feminine appearance. In his eyes she was an exquisite creature.
Gradually his body warmed with emotions he thought he never would feel again. Deep swirls of something in his soul took hold. What was it?…
Her rough, but silky voice cut into his thoughts as she growled, "I am master of this forest and you know my laws."
"Yes, yes," cackled one of the cat-beasts in the minds of the angels, "We know your laws quite well and the punishment for those who do not follow them, but in all rights his hide is ours, is it not? He's human and you say we must either slaughter their kind or bring word of them to you so you may kill them. You prefer the latter and give great reward for information."
"Of course" replied the forest angel, "But you have no claim on his flesh, for he is Draconian."
"Draconian" came several voices in disbelief, defeat, and even anger, "He can't be Draconian."
"I am" Nicholas exclaimed furiously feeling this information might save his life, "I was raised around humans, but have blood of the angels."
"Wretched luck" growled a wolf as he eyed his meal vanishing, "Your flesh looks very tender."
One of the boars angrily stomped a sharp hoof squealing, "I will not accept he is Draconian until I see his wings!"
Silently Sara turned to the male and found herself rather intrigued by his appearance. He wore black armor over dark purple clothes and he had ebony hair and eyes. Strange… She had never known a person with solid black eyes… Checking him over in her great speed so he wouldn't notice she could tell he was very muscular. His dark tone skin made him rather appealing, but she soon ignored this and returned to normal speed. Soon their eyes locked…
In a stern whisper the woman ordered, "Show your wings, or you die by their teeth or by my hands."
It was a half threat- half order, which the warrior could not refuse. Backing a foot away from the woman the man began to play with his armor. His armor that covered his back had three sections leaving two large openings in the back. This allowed his wings to unfurl during battle. It was common trait that all Draconian armor had. In seconds a pair of glowing limbs burst outwards and pushed back the darkness with a soft glow that almost all Draconian feathers had in the dark.
Sara smirked at the proof and turned to the predators saying haughtily, "There is your proof, now go before I skin one of you."
Growls of defeat came from the throats of the wild creatures before they turned tail and disappeared into the darkness. At the sight of their retreat Nicholas retracted his wings and eyed the woman. Who was she? A more disturbing question suddenly came to his mind. Was she even Draconian? Or could she possible be human?
Narrowing his dark orbs on her back as she watched her followers leave he surmised that most likely a human would not have tried to save his life just now. Especially if they had already known he was Draconian.
As the beauty turned to him Nicholas couldn't help, but ask, "How did you know?"
Sara stared at him in silence carefully studying his eyes. Those dark eyes of blackness that held no bright colors to contrast his pupil from the rest of his gleaming orbs. They intrigued her, yes, but there laid something within them that actually seemed to warm her. Blinking a few times the woman pushed away the feeling and quietly responded to his question, "The back of your armor shows you are Draconian."
Turning away the war woman began to stride off into the vegetation leaving him behind. For a second he watched her leave before hurrying to follow. Something about this woman drew him to her… He had to discover more about her…
Coming to stand beside her as they walked he stared at her through the corners of his eyes. Her beauty caught his focus as he watched the sunspots frequently sweep over her profile. Every now and then she would glance at him as if to check he was still there. Before long she growled angrily and snapped, "Well, what do you want?"
Snapping awake from his daydream Nicholas asked any question he could think of. Frantically he asked, "What were those creatures back there? And why did they listen to you?"
Sara glanced at him through a suspicious glare wondering why he was so interested in such a matter. Lowly in an obvious voice of suspicion she said, "They are creatures that live here. When I moved into this forest I quickly showed them I would either slaughter them or master them. In a short time they learned who was in control and have come to respect me over the years. I do not enjoy holding a threat over their heads, but half the time it is necessary for my survival."
"How can they speak to us?" he asked glancing back to see a few shadows drift behind them in the shape of the creatures he last seen. They probably were curious about him.
"They are not dumb beast like you think" she replied coolly as she continued onward, "Like most of Gaea's creatures they have intelligence. Most of the animals here can speak telepathically. It was one of the way I first communicated with them about who would be in charge in this forest."
Turning to stare back at her Nicholas asked bluntly, "Are you Draconian?"
Smirking at him in amusement she smarted, "If I wasn't do you think I still would have save you?"
Nicholas gave no answer as he continued to stare at her. Soon she faced away from him and kept silent as they walked, but it wasn't long before he asked another question. Curiously he asked, "Who are you exactly?"
Her silver eyes snapped a little wider with fire before they simmered to a small smolder. Nicholas realized quickly that she did not like to speak about herself much. Sara gave him a small glare before replying in a sharp voice, "I am known as Shadow who haunts this forest and kills all who trespass here."
"All except Draconians" commented Nicholas as his own eyes formed a suspicious glint.
Sara's jaw tightened as she realized she would be dipping into her past to answer his obvious question. Aggravated at the intrusion set on her history she snapped, "Only because they are persecuted unjustly and that they are my blood."
"So why exactly do you stay here?" he asked as he eyed the dark surroundings. Who would want to stay in this dismal world?
"It is none of your business, stranger," she growled warningly. It was obvious she had no intention of revealing this to him. Knowing better than to push more Nicholas backed off. Tension grew between the two as they continued to walk. As they did it seemed more and more that she was trying to leave him. She could easily use her speed to leave, but for some unknown reason that she couldn't even understand hung her back.
Glancing over at her the man said in soft, yet at the same time rough voice, "I am Nicholas, also a killer of people against Draconians, especially of humans."
Swirling to stand in front of him and halt their walk the woman snarled at him like a wild beast. Violently she grabbed his collar and brought his face, which was about two inches higher than her own, to her face as she bared her canines at him. In a low growl she said darkly, "You know nothing, stranger. Do not speak as if you know me for many lack the knowledge of my past. Further more, I warn you that if I grow tired of your presence in my forest than I shall allow your hide to be fair game to my animal followers and in a short hour of my released protection over you I promise there will be little left of your flesh."
Pushing him hard Sara glared as Nicholas crashed onto his back. Swinging around the girl's long brunette hair shined in the sun's dim glow. Bending her knees the woman quickly flew into the branches disappearing into their darkness. Her haunting voice echoed in the trees that last moment as she called over her shoulder, "Just remember, Sir Nicholas, that I lie in the shadows watching and my patience is thin."
As he heard the silence suddenly take over as her voice faded away Nicholas sighed heavily. Staring up at the intertwined vegetation he quietly whispered, "What an amazing woman…"
*Flash*
Days went by and Nicholas continued to rummage through the forest. He did this for several reasons. The first reason was because he knew humans laid waiting for him outside the borders of Draconian kingdom. For now it was unwise to up against an entire army. He was only one man though he had succeeded in killing dozens of humans at once going against possible thousands was a very rash idea. The second reason was because this was a perfect hideaway. The humans and most other beings were very skittish about coming into this wilderness so it meant few would bother him.
The third reason, however, was the real reason he stayed there. It was because of the woman named Shadow. Her beauty alone had caught his eye rather quickly, but it was her burning fire that really swallowed him into obsession about her. Every shadow that he noticed moved he hoped would be her. The nights he spent sleeping on the forest floor was enveloped by dreaming of her face.
He spent his days wondering whom she really was behind the eyes of silver and what caused her to be this huntress of the shadows. Finally he could no longer stand a week of absence from her side. It was the last day of his first week in the forest that he decided he would track her. He was a very good tracker when it came to hunting and he was pretty sure he could find her if he really tried.
He spent the next few days looking for the tracks of the female warrior anywhere,… but could find none. He searched through the brush dozens of time and could never find a single twig out of aliment that might suggest other then some animal had been by. Even climbing the trees to look through the branches did little, but give him cut and bruises as he fell out of them. He just wasn't use to leaping through the trees like she was.
After hours of searching one day ending another full week of trying Nicholas sat at a small fire tending to some of his many cuts and bruises he had acquired over the last few days. It was late in the night and Nicholas had planned to turn in soon, but his frustration over not finding Shadow kept him up. Along the edge of blackness the animals cluttered watching the stranger. All of creatures had been notified to leave the man alone, but many were curious about him and spent their time watching him carefully. Nicholas always knew of their presence, but cared little for their company. These were the beings that had first attacked his life, but tonight as he glanced at the darting eyes that danced in the blackness an idea struck him.
Carefully he shouted to them, "I know you are there…"
There were a few snorts and more shuffling as they moved about. Nicholas tensed as he asked, "Will one of you help me?"
The eyes danced wildly and shuffling was heard. Growls and snorts sounded as the animals spoke between themselves. Nicholas began to wonder if they would even reply to him. His answer was soon found as he felt a familiar tingle in his head.
A rough, but elder voice spoke, "Why should we help a two footer?"
Nicholas frowned at the phrase, "Two footer?"
"A being that stands on two legs!" cried a sharp young voice.
"Creatures that hunt and kill our kind" growled another remembering how Nicholas had killed a few rabbits in his stay in the forest so he might eat.
Nicholas nodded understanding now. Cocking his head to one side the male Draconian narrowed his eyes, "Why will you help Shadow and not me?"
"Shadow came and killed many of us," hissed a feline voice.
A rough growl interrupted, "She came and took over. If we did not follow her we became fur on her back."
"Surely you can stop her now" he replied logically. He was surprised they hadn't killed her yet. Most being put under captivity always fought for freedom as soon as they saw their chance.
The elder voice spoke again and claimed, "Never shall we harm Shadow. Before she was ruthless to us because we meant to kill her, but now she masters us by her kindness towards us."
"Kindness?" exclaimed the man shocked that the woman he had met could ever show kindness. She had come off as a cruel female of war and honor, quite like himself. He had suspected of little goodness in her… just like him…
A small voice rattled, "She keeps hunters away. Saves our lives from traps set."
"Carcasses of humans are often provided," cried another shrill voice, "She fills our bellies when they are empty!"
"Though you think them bribes, two footer" spoke the elder voice again, "We know they are not for we know her better than you. She might be our master, but we are her humble servants and followers. She protects us from injustice. Brings order into our realm inside the forest and punishes the wicked. We thank her for her intrusion."
Nicholas watched the eyes tentatively looking for the one who last spoke, curious about whom this one was. Softly the man asked, "Will you step into the light, whoever you are? I want to see you."
There was a bit of shuffling and eyes backed away as a single pair came from the center of the blackness. Slowly the beast stepped forward into the area of light allowing his features to be exposed. He was an old beast that could be certain. His hair was a ghost white while his eyes were a soft blue gray. He stood no taller than three and a half feet tall at the shoulders. His body was built like a lion's with a flowing pearl mane, but his head was of a wolf with fangs. His tail was like a cat's and his feet had tuffs of fur surrounding the ankles that fell over his feet in long wisps. A small beard had begun to grow from his chin and his mane had become very long and silky. His old physical appearance made him look ancient and wise.
"Again I ask" the elder said in a slow rhythm of words, "Why should we help a two footer?"
Nicholas sat on bended knees looking straight into the pair of the creature's eyes saying, "I promise you that I mean no harm to any of you. My fight is with the humans."
The elder beast stared at him thoughtfully before replying quietly, "Go on."
"I only wish to find your master, Shadow," the man asked desperately. In seconds an uproar came blaring in his mind.
"Do not tell him!"
"He will try to kill her!"
"Leave him!"
The elder remained motionless as the cries lessen so all could hear the white creature's reply. His stocky stance seemed rather respectful as he stared down the Draconian that was at his eye level. The snowy hair of the ancient beast flowed majestically as he looked deep into the soul of the man before him. Time went by before his blue eyes and the future flashed in his mind. Soon his eyes closed dimming the stars that reflected in his pupils. The air twinkled with sparkles and the breeze caused the beast's long mane to flow beautifully. Quietly the elder replied in a wise kind of air, "Your soul at the moment is tortured, two footer, plagued by the murders and hate you have surrender yourself to,… but I believe it necessary for you to find Shadow."
Several of the creatures muttered disbelief as they watched their most ancient fellow believe in a two footer. Nicholas felt a sort of respect for this being before him. He was willing to trust him when his own kind gave little chance. The other animals gave way to this certain beast as if he was the father of them all.
Slowly the white elder stepped from the angel man and towards the other side of the clearing. Nicholas stared after him wondering what this being had done to earn the respect from all the creatures in this dangerous forest.
"Are you coming?" the elder asked roughly bringing Nicholas into a stand.
The Draconian nodded and the elder took off into the woods. Nicholas dashed after him. The brush raked over his body cutting his rough skin as the poor man followed his guide. Nicholas was a bit surprised that such an old looking being could move so fast. He himself could just barely keep up as he dodged the low limbs and uproots.
Surprisingly their journeying didn't take long at all. It seemed only a matter of minutes before the snow creature had stopped directly in front of a huge tree. Nicholas slammed to halt next to his guide as he gasped for breath. The run had taken a lot out of him yet the elder seemed completely unfazed. The elder stared at the large tree that stood alone in the huge forest. His old eyes darted over the branches as he said, "This is where she usually spends her nights. During the day she often disappears for reasons only known to her."
"Good" Nicholas huffed as he stumbled over to the tree ready to climb it and meet the woman he had been searching for, but just as his hands clutched the trunk the elder stopped him.
"Wait" the beast barked as his eyes turned towards the darkness.
Carefully he sniffed the air as Nicholas asked, "What is it?"
"She's not here" the elder replied quite confused, "Strange… She never leaves the forest…"
"What are you saying?" Nicholas asked bluntly not liking the feeling coming to him by the creature's words.
Turning slightly to see the man through one eye the elder replied, "For three years I have befriended the maiden that dwells this forest and often search her out at times. There are days when my nose must be my guide and for the last years of my friendship with her I noticed she never leaves the boundaries of the forest... However,… it seems she has left the forest this evening to go somewhere."
Nicholas stared off in the direction that would lead one out the forest. Through the intertwined vegetation he could just glimpse the outside realm beyond this wilderness. A large field of tall grass rippled in the breeze.
"Take me to her" the angel said hastily, "I must find her."
"I suppose I must" he replied wearily, "But I shall only bring you to the area. When we arrive I shall leave you on your own to confront her… for if she is displeased by your sudden presence I do not want to feel her wrath."
The Draconian gradually turned his gaze to stare at the snowy wonder.
"Then why did you assist me at all?" Nicholas asked quietly.
Closing his eyes of old the beast whispered, "I am old, two footer. I am the oldest beast alive here and by far the wisest. Over the centuries of my living years, I have come to be able to do things that few have ever being able to do… That's all I can reveal… For now realize that I deem it important that you find her…"
Letting his face turn towards the forest's edge the elder commanded, "Now, for me to get you there before she leaves I must ask you to ride my back."
Nicholas frowned as he looked at the wolf being. He was a very large creature for a canine, but surely he couldn't run that fast with him on his back.
"Hurry up!" snapped the elder in such a hostile voice that Nicholas was surprised to hear from the gentle being. The Draconian wasted no more time and straddled the wolf's back wrapping his fingers in his pearly mane. The elder's muscles tense as he crouched down for a moment and warned, "Hold on with all your strength!"
Before Nicholas could ask why the ancient white beast took off at incredible speed. The trees and vegetation zoomed by in an undistinguishable blur in the eye of the rider, but the ride could easily distinguish everything. Colors swirled and blackness almost wanted to claim his consciousness as he rode. As seconds ticked away the two found themselves on the forest edge where the trees ended, but before they could exit into the opening where the moon washed over the plains the elder turned sharply and ran along the very edge of the forest beneath the treetops. Nicholas guessed the wolf did this to stay unnoticed by people. Before long the angel man could see cities and towns pass by outside the forest with a single civilization looming in the horizon. What seemed to be only a few minutes turned out to be a full hour as the elder suddenly bolted from the forest revealing the moon's position in the sky. Nicholas stared up at it for a second before bringing his gaze back to the land. Buildings flew by as they raced through the civilization that had laid on the horizon. Few were out and about at this time of night, but for those the two strangers passed they were only able to feel a sudden wind burst through the streets.
Soon the elder slammed to a halt causing Nicholas to fly over his head and land a few feet in front of him. Smirking at the warrior's sudden dishevel look from his usual high and mighty one the elder said, "This is where she is."
Nicholas rose to his knees and followed the wolf's gaze behind him. There stood a castle of gray with dozens of soldiers patrolling the walls. Flags of Draconian Emblems flapped quietly in the wind while beautiful arches marked with more crests gleamed in the night. Where he knelt at the moment was the royal garden in the courtyard surrounded by the four walls of the building. Two large open arches showed the way out, but four men each guarded them. Nicholas shook his head and muttered, "She's in the castle of the royal Draconians!"
Smirking at his confusing the elder pointed his snout at a balcony that hung over their heads and whispered, "Her scent is flowing from those open doors. She must be inside."
Nicholas looked up and saw the pair of glass doors that hung a few inches open. Their curtains flapped microscopically ever so often as he stared at them. For a moment a shadow slipped behind the curtain before disappearing again…
"Thank you" the man whispered quietly as he slowly turned back to his guide, "I can never repay--"
He froze as he noticed the spot the elder once stood was empty. He stared at the stone pavement for several minutes before bringing his gaze back to the balcony…
*Flash*
Sara stood at one of the great window with her back to the royal who sat in a large plush chair. Iris stared at the warrior softly as she carefully swallowed the information she had just heard from the warrior about her past. All that Iris had wanted to know had finally be revealed,… but why?… Tenderly the queen whispered, "So why did you come back, Shadow?"
"Sara…" the woman whispered sorrowfully without moving.
"What?" asked the queen as she sat up a little, "What was that?"
The warrior's shoulders flinched slightly before the forest woman whispered a little louder, "My name is Sara… or at least it was…"
Iris stared at the female's back in awe unable to speak. Slowly the maiden of green turned showing the sparkling tears in her eyes. The lone soul quietly whispered, "You were right about me…"
Sorrow tingled in her throat grasping as her words nearly keeping them from pouring out. Silver eyes glistened as her chin trembled, "You said there was still goodness in my heart… For years I have thought the direct opposite… You must understand what I have gone through these last years. I have killed without thought and brought even children to their deaths for being human. Seeing the murders of hundreds before ones eyes can change them…"
The queen stared at her motionless as Sara came to her side and collapsed to a painted knee, "I thought my heart had been stamped out because I could no longer feel it,… but days ago… Something happen…"
The maiden grew quiet as her silver eyes became distant. When the woman did not continue the royal inquired, "What?"
Sara lifted her eyes carefully before whispering, "I saved a man's life within my forest boundaries. I didn't even know if he was Draconian or not. I just felt an urge to not let him perish. I bluffed to the predators of the forest that he was Draconian, but I never knew until he presented his wings. Days later I spent in solitude not understanding what I had done. How could I save anyone who could possible be my enemy?…"
Gazing at the floor now where her tears had begun to make tiny splatters she whispered, "That's when I knew… My soul is, yes, shadowed with the grief of the past, but still within this body is a heart that pumps pureness still. I have fought myself for these years and possibly… my darkness would have claimed victory over me if I had not met you…"
Iris did nothing as she kept her ears open for Sara to continue, "It was you who got me to wondering what did lie in my heart. If you hadn't placed faith in me perhaps I never would have questioned my actions for that man. I thank you, Lady Iris, for saving my soul…"
Smiling warmly the queen whispered, "It was not I, Sara. Joutei has gripped hold of your soul and made you realize the truth about yourself."
"Joutei…" muttered the forest warrior, "So that's what--"
Snapping her mouth shut the maiden jumped to her feet and stared at the pair of glass doors. A shadow flickered on the curtains as a distinct hand reached to pull them back. Sparking the fuel of her gift it only took a second for the female warrior to grasp the intruder by the neck. As her eyes adjusted back into their regular focus the maiden gasped, "YOU!"
"Sorry to interrupt" Nicholas coughed as his neck hurt from her hold on his collar, "But I had to find you."
Growling angrily the female snarled in a low and dangerous voice, "How dare you follow me like some spy!"
Suddenly the bedroom door burst open and a trio of warriors burst in. Iris leapt from her seat at the arrival desperately trying to stop her guards, but it was too late. The light swallowed the two warriors on the balcony and they stared at the trio consisting of three cloaked figures with one masked. One was a slender shadow with a large circle in one fist, another was taller than the other two with a heavy ax in two massive palms, and the last was a muscular man with a plain blue mask over his face. Locking her jaws together Sara grunted and released Nicholas from her hold on his collar. Stumbling back the male stared at the guards warily.
"We heard a cry" came a silky female voice from one of the guards, "You shall not take our queen."
The masked one abruptly twirled a large trydent and leapt at Sara. The woman drew out her sword and locked her weapon with the guard. Iris frantically held up her hands and cried, "Please stop, Tsuno, they are not our enemies!"
The forest maiden angrily snorted, "Anyone who fights me is my enemy!"
Shoving the male away the female turned and grabbed Nicholas by his arm. Unable to do anything the poor man who had gone through so much to find this woman could only follow the one known as Shadow and leapt over the railing of the balcony. With perfect grace the two unfurled their wings and landed in the center of the garden. The trio quickly raced after them also jumping from the high loft. Releasing their wings as well the three guards glided into a small triangle around the two intruders.
A rough male voice growled behind the heavy ax, "Even if you are Draconian it does not mean we can spare you. We shall kill you spies!"
Sara sheathed her sword swiftly and drew out her large bow whispering, "I fight all who oppose me… I shall kill my enemies… and I shall never die…"
Suddenly the giant launched himself forward and attacked Sara. Leaping into the air the female kicked the man hard in the face sending him sailing. Next the other two shot forward their weapons ready. Sara blurred in seconds and disappeared just as the two guards floated through her afterimage. In a few heartbeats the two royal soldiers were hit to the ground from behind crashing hard into the pavement landing at Nicholas's feet.
Sara floated overhead with her wings flapping slightly eyeing the other guard. He lifted himself onto his large bulky legs just as some soldiers raced over to the fray with weapons ready. They had heard the battle from afar. The royal guard of the queen angrily commanded at the men approaching, "Back off, soldiers. These two are the catch of the royal guards and we claim this fight as ours!"
The men slowed and looked at each other uncertain before one shouted back, "So be it, Lord Zaado!"
The giant nodded with his hood shaking before turning back to his prey in the sky. Growling heavily the man hissed, "You are fast, stranger, but I shall clip your wings!"
"Just you try" the female hissed dangerously before the man lunged at her. As he grew close enough to strike the woman disappeared and reappeared at his back. With all the strength she could bring to her fingertips the maiden brought her fist into his neck. Zaado groaned as he slouched in the air and hurtled towards the ground below. Tsuno and Nazomi shuffled into stands and growled as they saw their companion slam into one of the bushes tearing it apart with his fall.
Nazomi snarled at the female above and pulled her shokren (the metal circle) apart into pieces like sharp daggers. With a yell the hidden beauty thrust into the air at the woman. Nicholas growled and also flew into the air cutting in front of the guard. Coming to fly a few feet before Sara the warrior glared down at the woman. Sara stared at the back of the man feeling her heart pound. Why was he doing this?
"I won't let you hurt her," he cried just before his eyes glowed lavender. The wind swirled around the two intruders and formed a sort of small tornado knocking things about. The wind pulled at their forms and the female guard slowed a few yards away from the duo. Nazomi's golden eyes grew wide as the tornado swirled and directed itself at her. With a cry Nicholas aimed his attack at the guard and with great power it struck the woman hard in the chest. In a painful scream the female soldier plunged hard into the earth.
Sara stared at the man before her suspiciously, "Why did you save me?"
Slowly he turned facing a woman he had only come to know in a little over a week, "Because you saved mine in the forest…"
She narrowed her silver jewels on him and hissed, "Fine, but do not think I need help."
Angrily she shoved past him towards the guard that had been most recently struck down. Nazomi began to rise with her back turned to her adversary. Sara brought one of her daggers out and rushed downwards to strike shouting, "You die tonight!"
Nazomi whirled around too late, but Tsuno protected her by charging Sara. Taking the female off guard the woman barely had time to dodge a lethal swipe from the guard. Raising his hand in front of the maiden's face Sara saw crystal droplets form in his palm. They sparkled and grew before swirling together in a tiny floating whirlpool. In seconds a wave of water struck out at her. The violent surge of liquid struck her ribs hard bruising them.
With a howl of anguish she fell backwards towards the gardens. Rolling to a stop the maiden groaned. Tsuno went to follow his prey, but Nicholas quickly blocked his way. With his sword high the dark intruder cried, "Face me!"
"I don't care which one of you I fight!" the masked one exclaimed dangerously, "As long as I can kill one!"
Zaado moaned as he woke from the darkness. Slowly he rose to his feet a little unstable. Rubbing his eyes hard the man mumbled about possible old age affecting him. Growling the giant turned towards his ax embedded in the earth and swiftly dislodged it causing the dirt to whip out. Glaring at the sky the angel warrior watched as his companion and one of the intruders fought. Forgetting about the female stranger the man hurried into the sky to help his fellow soldier.
Sara crawled from her spot of wrecked brush and numbly got to her feet. Blinking several times the woman tried to get her vision to focus again. A slightly blurry female guard stood before her with her twin daggers. Sara growled and readied her bow with an arrow. Nazomi smirked mysteriously as she said sweetly, "Now how can you shoot me when you don't know where I truly am."
"What are you talking about?!" snarled the forest woman furiously, "I know exactly where you--"
Suddenly there were a hundred Nazomis in a circle around the maiden. Each of them was exact copies and responded identically in the same moment. It was the power of the Desert Guard. Nazomi could make illusions in others eyes. Sara swirled her head around wondering if she got hit in the head too hard during her crash landing. The group of look-a-likes grinned wickedly as a multiple voice said, "You'll never find which one of us is the real one before I kill you!"
"We'll see!" cried Sara as she used her speed to quicken the process of eliminating all other options. Her arrows flew rapidly at an immeasurable speed. Right down the line she went striking at the images, but always the arrows went flying right through them and making the clones fade from existence. Sara plunged her arrows through the line crazily never knowing which would turn up to be the right one.
Above Nicholas had his hands full keeping the other two guards preoccupied. Ice and water struck out at him from either side as the poor man nimbly dodged the fatal blows. His wind struck at them constantly, but it was a draw. Not one of them could get a hit that could knock their opponent out.
Nazomi watched as her clone images began to disappear in a straight line. Watching her images falling near her, the guard knew she had to act. Clutching her daggers the woman charged the maiden before her…
"THERE!" came the cry from both female voices followed by a bloody scream.
The men above froze and turned to see the results. Sara clutched her shoulder as one of the daggers dug deeper into her flesh. Blood spilt from the gruesome wound as the guard smirked darkly at her accomplishment. Spitting out blood the woman of green gasped for the air needed in her bleeding lungs. Nicholas froze in shock as he whispered, "No…"
Nazomi violently pulled the dagger from her opponent's shoulder and watched as the stranger stumbled back. Sara's wings were sucked back into their pouches as she fell backwards. Nicholas dove for the injured angel barely catching her before she hit the ground. Beating his wings frantically he took off into the air with feathers trailing. The trio went in pursuit, but the male invader simply used his powers of the winds to quicken his pace and lose the soldiers.
*Flash*
Nicholas brought her back to the forest and tended to her wounds in the large tree the elder had shown him earlier. For several nights Sara was delirious with a high fever calling out in her twisted form of slumber. He never left her unable to for some reason. Some unnatural force drew him to her…
The stars twinkled dimly as Sara finally broke through her fever. Weakly she opened her silver eyes and met the branches above her head. She dropped her gaze slowly to the other side of the tree to see Nicholas sitting on a large limb with his feet dangling over the edge. With hardly any strength left Sara lifted herself up into a sitting position and saw her shoulder had been bandaged. Her hand touched the injured portion tenderly and she hissed in a breath of air as pain flamed from her touch.
"You shouldn't touch it" Nicholas said softly as he looked over at her, "It still hasn't fully healed. You'll possible have a small scar after it finishes closing up."
Sara winced her eyes shut as she gasped, "Why?… Why did you help me?"
"Because I do not want another person I care about to die" he whispered sorrowfully with a wisp of distant memories. The maiden's eyes snapped open and she stared at him in shock.
"You… you care about me?" she asked in disbelief her hair flowing with the starry breeze, "But why?"
Below them on the forest floor the elder stood with only his flowing mane as his motion. His soft eyes gleamed with fondness as he stared at the couple conversing in the trees. Though their voices could not be carried on the wind the beast excellent hearing allowed him to hear every single word spoken above. Smiling in a rough animalistic grin the creature whispered to himself, "He cares because you are soul mates, my lady… I have seen it…"
*Flash*
Hitomi fell back as if she had been struck and landed in Van's strong arms. Everyone stared at the pair of guardians unable to say a word. Nazomi numbly whispered, "That was you two that night?…"
"Yes" they whispered together in a dark form of mystery. Shadows swirled in their pupils as Sian shifted into a better position for comfort. Her leg had gone asleep.
"But there is more" Sian whispered hoarsely, "After I healed Nembus and I became close… very close…"
The black warrior nodded lost in another world, "Yes, we bore our pains and sorrows together. No longer could we go to Queen Iris because her guards were fully prepared for us so we spent the rest of our times bringing our hearts out of the pits. It was a very difficult and painful struggle that neither of us long to remember or to explain. We can only say that our love was what kept us going…"
"Love?" whispered Hitomi her emeralds growing wide, "You are in love with each other."
"Were, at least" commented Sian painfully with downcast eyes of silver, "When Queen Iris appeared before us again after two more years she told us we were the next chosen ones to be brought into her ring of guards. It was what we had always hoped for… We could forget the torments of our souls and the travels of darkness we once took by doing this,… but this meant never being together again…"
"For our rebirth" explained Nembus, "we had to give up our love for one another…"
The group sucked in their breath at this with eyes wide. Sian's bangs fell over her eyes for the moment as she whispered, "It was the hardest decision we ever made. To be a guard we could not hold anything close to one another. If we fell deeper into love and some day started to have children the consequences could have destroyed us. Our own children would have been easily used against us by our enemies, plus a life as shadows is not meant for young ones."
"So you gave it up" whispered Hitomi sorrowfully as the breeze teased her hair, "You gave it up to start your lives over."
They both nodded as Sian replied quietly, "Yes, but it was also because of Queen Iris we did this. It was because of her that we first decided we wanted to end the darkness within ourselves. Without her help we might never have decided to become guards."
Hitomi slowly trailed her eyes over each figure before her…
Sian… a warrior who suffered her own personal darkness and lost love in the process…
Zaado… a warrior who faith was broken by his betraying parents…
Nembus… a warrior who suffered his blackness for being different and lost love in the process as well…
Nazomi… a warrior who watched the person closest to her be murder and then she killed in her sorrow…
Tsuno… Caused the deaths of a crew of humans and also his men…
Shakaku… Nearly died saving the Princess of the Draconians…
Escaflowne… an ancient warrior frozen in metal to protect a kingdom for all eternity…
Rising slowly and walking to the center of the circle Hitomi stared at her followers feeling every bit of their pain. Closing her eyes of green she whispered painfully, "I thank you for revealing your history. I welcome each of you into my arms and hope for peace to one day envelop your souls."
Everyone stared at the seeress as the wind whipped around them. The dust curled at her ankles as she slowly opened her eyes and lifted them to the sky. In authority and understanding the 'Angel' said, "Now it is time to find the final guardian so we might end this suffering on Gaea… and in each other…"
~YES! Finally done with all of the explanations of the guardians! Whew! That took forever, but I felt it sort of necessary. Anyway, what's going to happen next? They begin their search for the final chosen warrior, which doesn't take long at all, but as they find the last one Dornkirk has been waiting for this exact moment… for what?! Wait and see, as Hitomi must seek out the only remaining guardian of her warriors in chapter 25: "Preoccupied" coming soon on July 31st!~
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