Disclaimer: I do not own RW/YST. I am just a thirteen-year-old kid, who has no cash. I need a job.
Inspirational Music: llSum 41ll// Motivation, In Too Deep, Fat Lip.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
*** Scene Changes
(Author's Note)
"I don't wanna waste my time and become an causality of society. I'll never fall in love and become a victim of deformity. "—Fat Lip
Kyushu's actions are based upon my bunny, Seishi; forgive me if they are wrong.
Blissful SnowThe first drop of snow plopped onto the ground, instantly melting away into a droplet of rain. The wind was being quite helpful in making the area freezing. Its harshness and relentless manner caused a shiver to run down Eric's spine. It was barely the beginning of winter and all ready Silvia the Ice Nymph [1] had descended her grace upon the land. A mere thought had brought a smile onto Eric's face, amazingly due to the intermittent wind blowing at his chilled face. It was nearly the gift season, and Eric was rushing back home to snag some time with his beloved daughter. Mia was not his daughter by blood, but mentally she was. With a broad grin he patted a small package located in the left pocket of his beige trench coat. He was positive that Mia would enjoy the gift, even Kyushu agreed!
Kyushu, by far was the most intelligent spiritual animal guide [2] on the face of Tokoma [3], in Eric's opinion anyhow. Kyushu was a white snow hare, with a gray nose, paws, and tail. Her buckteeth was perfect for gnawing on carrots and helped her hold her grip upon an object. Her height was approximately around Eric's feet; her paws hopped with each step Eric took. "Eric, quit fumbling with the package, you are going to lose it." Kyushu chided, her tone was one of a mother's and yet one of a child. Eric took a hold of Kyushu and sat her in his trench coat pocket, which was wide and large enough for two puppies to fit.
"For some strange reason, I do believe that in your past life, you were a nagging wife and mother." Joked Eric as he rubbed his calloused hands in between Kyushu's ears.
Kyushu gently nibbled on Eric's hand teasingly, "My ass. You know I cannot tolerate kids, 'cept for Mia-darling, and I oppose the idea of marriage." Eric laughed as he heard his dear Kyushu spoke undignified.
"My, my… someone sure is cranky." Eric muttered as he ignored the gentle nibbling of his coat. The snow increased, and soon enough snow covered the entire area by around three inches. Eric groaned as he felt the snow enter his dirt-covered sleek black boots. Stopping at a small cave, he took out a match and brushed it against the wall until a fire sparkled from the match. Quickly Kyushu piled a bunch of twigs into a mound, and signaled for Eric to drop the match. At the signal he dropped the match and watched as the cave was illuminated. He smiled and removed his coat, carefully unbuttoning his shirt he scratched his muscular chest and sat on the fire, enjoying the warmth emitting from the fire. Kyushu's whiskers twitched towards the left, as she hopped over the stone and snuggled against Eric's chest.
"Kyushu, how long have we been gone?" he whispered as he lay on the ground. Kyushu, who was nearly asleep, awoke from his whisper and hopped up his chest towards his face.
"We have been gone for… three entire years." She said, a lopsided grin formed on her face as she sat on Eric's chest, her front paws were tucked under her body, her tail protruded out, and her feet were jutted out towards the right. Eric smiled, his eyelids felt heavy, emitting a low yawn, he fluttered his eyes shut, and heard a soothing melody. "Sleep Eric…"
***
He awoke hours later, the fire had gone out and he was shivering. Slowly pushing Kyushu off gently, he stood up and took out another match and lit it, dropping it back onto the twigs, he pulled his trench coat closely to his body and sat on a large rock and gazed at the outside world. It was dusk and the snowstorm did not cease its downpour. Sighing he prodded Kyushu awake, who was agitated upon being woken up. "Yes?" she said sleepily, her eyes blinked four to five times in order to get adjusted to the flame's light. Smiling at Kyushu's typical reaction, he removed a book from his pocket and began reading it to Kyushu. "You are… still worried about the prophecy, are you not?" Kyushu said as she pressed against his thigh and nudged it. Eric let out a distressed sigh and remotely nodded. "Mia, she is a brilliant and wonderful lass, she will figure it out… and when destiny calls… she will answer its call." Kyushu assured. "Now get some sleep, Eric!" Kyushu commanded; her stern cobalt blue glared at him commandingly. He raised his hands in a sign of obedience, lying back down his eyelids fluttered shut and soon he found himself asleep.
Kyushu sighed, as she hopped towards the wall and rubbed her body against it. She then hobbled to Eric's trench coat and removed a few carrots and a piece of fresh apple. Gnawing on it she looked towards the horizon, and noted that no sun had appeared, the snow seemed to have blotched out the sun's rays or… was it a sign? Kyushu shook her head and chided herself for being paranoid; it could not be a sign of Eric's death! He was here with her still, but the thought lingered in her mind. How she had become Eric's animal spirit guide, was a puzzle to her. Groaning she dragged herself to the prophecy book and closed it. In the Animal Spirit World, the prophecy was well known and she had basically memorized every line of it, though there were extra parts that were not known to the human world. Sighing she shook her head and forced herself to sleep.
Unbeknown to the two, the storm had ceased and the sky had turned a pitched black. The prophecy's sacrifice had begun.
***
Kyushu was the first to awake, when the sun's glorious rays poured over her face. Moving her whiskers, she stood up and flickered her right paw upwards and she slowly rose onto her hind legs. Her tongue lashed out onto the tip of her hair-coated paws and began licking it, then she carefully brushed the paw over her small face and the daily routine of cleaning herself began. By the time she had finished, it was half past noon and Eric still had not arisen, carefully hopping towards him she brushed her fur against his arm several times before he woke up.
"Ah… Kyushu, have I slept long?" he asked as he brought out a piece of salted beef jerky, a piece of stale bread, and a canteen of water. Tearing the beef jerky monstrously, he chewed on it carefully as he felt the salt absorbing the saliva from his mouth; he then ripped a small portion of the bread and stuffed his mouth. Groaning, he coerced his teeth to chew and ingest the food.
Kyushu stomped her way towards Eric and flapped her ears together, with a look of hunger upon her face, she asked for a tidbit of food. "No you have not slept long." She muttered sarcastically as she gratefully nibbled on the piece of bread and apple. Eric shook his head; his golden eyes regarding the small animal for a second and began humming a tune. Kyushu's ears twitched as she flashed her eyes towards the entrance, quickly jumping towards Eric's side, she bore her teeth and nipped Eric on the side to get his attention.
"Who is there? Show yourself, you fool! I am a mercenary from the Oracles, you will not deceive me that easily!" he shouted, as he removed his rapier from the scabbard. Slowly moving himself towards the entrance, Kyushu ran first and ducked an attack. Eric then ran after her and swiped at the creature. Kyushu's paw protruded forward and slashed at the creature's foot. The creature howled in agony, as he dropped onto his four paws, his claret eyes transforming into a dull azure. The hair on his body began to retaliate back into his body as he glared at Eric and Kyushu.
Eric grabbed the man by the nape of his neck before he could retaliate, "You are?" His teeth clenched tight as he held the blade of his rapier towards the man's neck.
The man shook in fear as he felt the cold air of the blade upon his neck, he gulped and reluctantly said, "Ye… Ye… should not be here!" Kyushu's ears twitched again as she turned her silky body towards the snow-covered mountain paths. She nipped Eric's leg, causing him to drop the blade, and in a flash the man had retreated and disappeared behind the bushes. Eric growled as he glared at Kyushu. Ignoring the glare, she pointed her nose to the paths.
"What?" he said as he looked towards the area where Kyushu indicated. Eric's eyes widened as he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, "It cannot be!" Kyushu ran forward and slid down the path towards the village. Eric laughed in merriment, quickly forgetting the man. He ran down the path, his eyes twinkled as he slid down a path and continued to head straight. I am coming home Mia! Eric thought happily as he continued his walk.
***
A young girl of ten winters, stood outside of her home. A crown of dried daffodils was tied along her forehead; her long mahogany hair reached past her neck, a faint touch of red decorated her cheeks. Smiling she twirled in her white shirt and brown breeches, which she had, begged Thomas to get her for her birthday. Her other father was coming home today! "Mia, you are going to catch a cold!" Thomas chided as he stepped outside, ten years had passed since Melody died. Age seemed not to have an effect upon Thomas as he bended down the child and scooped her up in his arms.
Mia opened her mouth to refute, but no sounds came out, instead she moved her lips. Thomas smiled as he read her lips perfectly. "Where are Nashi and Lacier?" inquired Thomas as he set Mia onto the ground of the pub. Mia sighed as she rapped her knuckles against the wooden frame of the door, two animals appeared. One creature moved towards Mia and licked her fingers, grabbing a hold of the animal's fur she sat herself on the creature and grabbed a coat as she evaded Thomas's grip. A victorious grin formed on her face as she exited the pub.
"Mia!" he shouted as he waved her scarf. Mia did not look back even as Thomas continued to shout at her. She grinned as she felt the wind whipped her face, and she tumbled off of the animal and leaned against the other animal. She pulled out a brush and began combing Nashi.
Nashi, was a white arctic fox, her coat was by far the most dazzling and most spectacular arctic fox there was. Her fur was velvety soft and warm, there were no tangled knots nor was there any parasites infested in the fox. Dark hazel eyes mixed with amber would flash vibrantly in the sun's glows. Nashi's eyes were the most enchanting part about her; her eyes contained wisdom, sympathy, enigma, and friendship. To describe Nashi's personality was difficult, she was by far a courteous, obedient, sagacious, affable, calm, collective, and witty fox. Her voice was honey; it was soothing and melodic. Her small black button nose grazed the air as she sniffed out the scent of her companion. "Tsk, we have someone following us Mia." She said, as her eyes flickered towards the object in the distance.
Nashi's companion, Lacier, was a jet-black wolf. Goldenrod eyes were narrowed as he ran forward to peer at the intruder. Mia, had always found Lacier to be fascinating, his eyes were always cold, foreign, distant, and stoic. His fur was soft and long, coating his body with warmth. He was quick-witted, arrogant, anti-social, and cold. His barricades were due to something that had happened so long ago. With a swift pounce on the creature he caught it in his paws and trudged back to Mia and Nashi. "Here." He said in his monosyllabic language as he revealed the struggling white, brown-spotted hamster. In its teeth clenched a mini-scarf.
Upon seeing the hamster in Lacier's mouth, her eyes widen as she saw the hamster, gently her fingers pried the hamster away from Lacier's mouth, her eyes reprimanding him for his brutal actions. "T-Thomas wanted me to give you this!" squeaked the hamster as he handed her the gray scarf. Bringing the hamster's fur to her lips, she gently brushed it against her lips and placed a kiss upon his head. Her eyes were apologetic as she dropped the hamster onto the ground. Her lips pursed as she glared at Lacier, who seemed to be unfazed by the glare, gently smacking him on the muzzle.
Nashi looked disapprovingly at Lacier, "You should have not done that! You knew perfectly well that it was Thomas's animal spirit guide!"
"So?" he said, as he sat, his eyes closed, his face bore neither remorse nor anything except coldness.
Mia saw Nashi's mouth open, and ceased them from continuing their quarreling. Grabbing a hold of Lacier she sat and cuddled against him. She snuggled closer, finally feeling the warmth emitting from Lacier's body. She felt a wet nose nudge her cheeks, turning her head towards the direction of the nudge she glanced at what Nashi was indicating at.
A snow hare stood there looking at them hesitantly especially at Mia. The hare began plummeting its way towards her, its ears twitching slightly to its left, "M-Mia?" the hare stood upon its hind legs and took note of her facial expression, her eyes, and her lithe frame. Mia detached herself from Lacier's fur and crawled towards the hare. Meeting its eyes, Mia quickly embraced the hare and stroked its fur. "Mia, it really is you! My, you have grown! Wait till your father sees you!" exclaimed the hare as she cuddled closer to Mia's chest and found herself falling into a deep sleep.
"Kyushu!" cried Eric as he ran down the last path leading towards the village. What awaited him there surprised him. "Mia!" he cried in surprise and in bliss, quickly skipping over the icy patch he slid over towards his daughter and embraced her tightly. He breathed in her rosy scent and caught glimpse of her rosy cheeks. He picked her up and twirled her in the air. "Mia I could have sworn you were a guy with your breeches and shirt." Said Eric jokingly as he sat Mia on his broad shoulders. Mia gently rapped her knuckles against her father's head.
Nashi smiled as she headed back towards the pub, Lacier in tow. Kyushu was perched in Eric's trench coat pocket again. Everyone's heart seemed to have lightened upon the arrival of Eric. They walked one mile before arriving at the pub, and saw Thomas flirting with a bar customer. Mia shook her head in disapproval as Eric dropped her onto the ground lightly. She pulled up her breeches, and ran towards Thomas, her swift legs carrying her light body towards their destination.
She leapt forward and tugged on Thomas's trousers impatiently. Thomas looked down and stopped his conversation with the woman. Her eyes glowed with fury as she smacked Thomas's leg, and ran with Kyushu, Lacier, and Nashi in tow towards her room. Thomas sighed and waved a "bye" to the woman as he went and greet Eric.
"What have I done this time to upset her?" inquired Thomas as he sat himself on the bench, removing a pipe from his trousers, he began pouring in tobacco and gently lit it, enjoying the wonderful sensation of blowing away his troubles. Eric laughed recalling Thomas, being the carefree chap he was smoking and flirting with every women of the bar, if Melody was still here she would have probably smack him senseless. He stiffened slightly and again remembered why Thomas had become like this. The next day after Melody's death, Thomas had begun flirting with the women and smoked the local weed.
"Probably by smoking and flirting. You know she still believes that you and I love her mother dearly, plus it is unmoral to do things like that even for you." Sighed Eric exasperatedly, he leaned against the back of the bench and emitted another sigh. "There is another prophecy," he muttered in a low tone, as if he was aware that there were people listening upon their conversation.
"Another one?" Thomas said as he emptied his pipe and threw it away, and leaned towards Eric, his eyes appealed with interest.
"Yes. There apparently is another prophecy that we are unaware of. I have no idea what the other prophecy says, but Kyushu told me that sacrifices will be made." They both sighed and leaned against the back of the bench. A comfortable silence engulfed them as they watched the curious pigeons peck away at the pellets.
***
Mia stood angrily behind her door, which she had locked. Running towards the window, she pushed the shutter open and poured a gallon of water out the window, successfully splashing them on Eric, Thomas, and a few boys. She grinned at her success and shut the window shutter, before they had a chance to yell at her. She emitted a low relieved sigh and sat stroking Nashi's fur and Kyushu's fur. Lacier busily licked his paws removing any unnatural thing. Nashi was an empathic and sensed what she was going to say, "You miss your mother… do you not?" Mia ferociously nodded having never had a maternal figure in her life.
"Mia, go play with your friends." Suggested Kyushu as she glanced at Nashi, her eyes demanded for Nashi to stay. Compelled by Kyushu's eyes, Nashi nodded and supported the idea.
Mia nodded, her eyes twinkling as she unbolted the door and ran down the stairs. Her hair flew in the air as she swiftly skipped the steps; the daffodil crown went flying along with her hair. Lacier snorted as he watched the mood-changing girl turn from depressed, to angry, then to ecstatic. What a strange girl, he commented. She dashed out the door and found herself looking at two wide-eyed boy and two wide-eyed men, who by the way were drenched to their bones. Lacier stood forward, and sat himself in front of Mia. His eyes carefully focused on the four men.
"Aruka and Mi wanted to visit you." Said Thomas as he indicated towards the two boys. They blinked and laughed, feeling the wet soggy clothes cling onto their bodies as they ran forward.
"Mia! It has been like two weeks, has it not?" said a fair-haired lad.
"Yeh! Where have you been?" exclaimed a dark-haired boy as they both led her to the forest.
Lacier followed and glanced at the other animal guides. One was a cougar and the other one was a falcon. "Lacier, my dear friend, how have you been?" said the falcon as he perched himself on the cougar's broad shoulders.
"Fine." He responded, the cougar and the falcon nodded and followed their charges.
Aruka stood by Mia's side comfortably, his hair was like grass, whenever the wind would blow, and his strands of hair would quaver and sway in the wind. Short dark russet hair stopped at the nape of his neck, large innocent round coal-black eyes peered at the world with eagerness. He was optimistic, kind, empathic, and carefree. He felt an added weight towards his shoulder and petted, Chi.
Mi also stood by Mia's side, his shoulders were tensed, and his back was not arched in a slouching position or in a comfortable position. His stature closely resembled one of a warrior. Amber eyes peered at ground and read the sundial. Platinum blond bangs covered his eyes, giving him an air of enigma. At the age of thirteen winters, he was truly the oldest of them all. Feeling fur brushing against his legs, he petted Kaze.
Of all the friends to befriend, Mia had chosen Aruka and Mi. Being a mute never stopped them from becoming friends. The girls of the town had found Mia, repulsive, idiotic, pointless, and irritating. To be frank, they could not handle her being a mute. One day she was busily doing an errand, and accidentally bumped into a man, who dropped a packet of meat. Flustered at the event, she hastily picked up the meats and handed it towards him, instead of taking it he grabbed a hold of her hair and threatened her to never do it again. It was then that Aruka and Mi showed up. Mi coldly glared at the man, and Aruka said, "She apologized, did she not? You shall not do this to little girls! Idiot! If you ever do get married, though I highly doubt that, is this the way you are going to treat her? BACK OFF!" Mia smiled at her saviors as the man scrambled off.
Oh, how memories are sweet! Thought Mia. She leaned against Aruka, her eyes felt drowsy, having stayed up all night waiting for Eric to arrive. Aruka smiled and motioned for Mi to sit her on the rock. Whenever, the issue of Mia would come up, Mi was gentle with her and never bore any hindrance or abhorrence towards her. With a firm and ginger grip, he guided her to a smooth gray rock. Fluttering her eyes open she sat herself on the rock and glanced at the waterfall. Aruka sat across from her along with Mi. The sound of the waterfall drowned out any hopes for a conversation.
The waterfall supported a lot of wildlife. Fishes swam in the harbor of the waterfall. Panthers, tigers, and even on rare occasions, deer appeared to drink the water. The forest was a beautiful touch to the kingdom of Takiyo. Though few knew about it, only the local villagers knew anything about this. Comfortable silence engulfed the three children and also the three animal guides.
Lacier peered into the water streaming away from the waterfall, carefully dipping his muzzle into the water; he licked the cold refreshing water. It tasted faintly of strawberries and apples; gulping more water he looked at Mia hesitantly and stopped his exploration of the water. Mia smiled and beckoned him to "come", bowing his head down; Lacier sauntered towards her and sat in front of her. His ears alert as always.
***
The feeling of being stalked could not escape his mind. Thomas had called it paranoia, but it couldn't be! His instincts were always correct and he could sense in the air, that he was going to die fighting. He sighed and shook his head; he was going to prolong his life span. Yes, he was going to try to get away from death, but men have tried and failed, miserably. Pulling out a package from his pocket, he twirled it in his hand. The brown wrapping paper concealed the item, scrawled hastily across the paper was the word, "Mia: Ni shi i ga da ni hai, le!
Wo ai ni hai yo shi wang ni, gao shing.
Eric." (Dear Mia, You are becoming a big girl! I love you and wish you happiness! Eric). He had found an oriental man and paid him to scribble the foreign words onto the sheet. Yes, Chinese writing was beautiful and decorative. He thought that Mia would enjoy it. Sighing, he fingered the words again and walked towards Thomas. Upon arriving at the bar stool, he took note of a woman with red-painted fingernails. Her eyes were hidden behind shades; a sword scabbard was concealed behind her coat. Looking seductively at Thomas, she whispered words; causing Thomas to turn a variety shades of red. Eric cleared his throat, causing Thomas's attention to shift from the woman to him. "Yes…?"
Slipping a package towards Thomas, he glared at the woman assertively. "Thomas give this to Mia. I need to talk with Stella for a minute." Thomas gave a hesitant look between the two, and finally nodded. He took away Stella's glass and poured the rest in the drain. Stella, smirked and stood up from her seat, and motioned Eric towards the door. Eric refused to budge from his seat until Stella left her seat and ventured outside. Following, he was unaware that a shadow companion followed them.
"Stella." Eric growled upon the recognition, of her dirty blonde hair. Her lips smirked, as she removed her coat and revealed a tight-fitting strapless violet dress. It revealed cleavage, Eric's lips raised in disgust. "Still being the local tavern tramp?" Eric sneered as he raised his sword out of the scabbard and pointed it towards her.
Stella flicked a piece of imaginary lint off of her, and glanced at Eric. Her eyes twinkled with excitement, her cheeks were rosy as she peered at the man behind Eric and winked. Eric, confused by this sudden action glanced behind him, which turned out to be too late. The sudden impulse of the attack caused Eric to fall on the ground. The look of terror on his face as he watched his "once comrade" stab him in the back. "You betrayed the Oracles. You will die." Said the man as he pulled out the sword, and wiped the blood onto his jacket. "Fool you should have never swear alliance to them."
Eric groaned as he collapsed onto the ground, emerald eyes caught his gaze, as a tear slipped his eye and fell onto the ground. "M-Mia… M-Mia… I am sorry." Were the last words he uttered before crossing the chasm of life to death.
***
Mia closed her eyes as she left the forest and waved goodbye to Aruka and Mi. Lacier stood in front of her, still protective and alert as ever. The wind blew harshly, jangling the trees and forcing Mia to rub her arms in warmth. The wind chimes of the local store rattled wildly, Mia's surroundings were rather quiet producing an air of uneasiness in her mind. Lacier dove into a bush, Mia raising an eyebrow in query, jumped in too. Her eyes protruded in the bush, as she pushed the insects off of her.
There in front of her, she witnessed the entire incident of Eric's death. After a minute or so, the murderers glanced around; Mia held back her breath and prevented herself from choking with sobs. After two minutes, they left. Mia immediately scrambled and ran towards her father. Tears streamed down her cheeks as they dripped on the corpse, no sounds were emitted from her throat. Lacier watched the painful incident. "I am sorry." He said breaking out of his language. Sitting himself near her, he howled mournfully.
Kyushu sat her eyes quavered as she felt her charge vanish and glanced at Nashi. "The prophecy begins today." She said in a monotonous tone. Nashi's eyes widen as she rose towards the door, but Kyushu stopped her. "Do not comfort Mia, let Lacier do so." She said. Nashi nodded and laid herself on the ground, her tail curled around her frame as she forced herself to sleep.
~~ End of Chapter 1 ~~
[1] Silvia the Ice Nymph- She was a normal nymph, until one day she rescued a Trexx god from drowning. He instead cursed her with ice power. Everything she touches instantly becomes ice, afraid for her friends; she quickly deserted them and lived a life in solitary in the mountains. Each year or so, she would make her way to land and freeze it to demonstrate her loneliness.
[2] Spiritual Animal Guide- was discovered when Melody died. They are wise beings and guide mortals, to be truthful, they are the half part of human's soul. Almost everyone has one spiritual animal guide, however in Mia's case, she has two. She is the only exception to the rule.
[3] Tokoma- the world that this story is taking place at; it has eight moons and one sun.
A/N: I know you guys are probably wondering, what are you talking about? I never read anything about the prophecy's sacrifices! I think you made a mistake! However I did not do so. Heh, the prophecy sacrifices are mentioned in the animal's spirit guide's prophecy. I hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to leave criticism, 'cause I need them.
Thank You:
Lady Aquarius: Thank you for giving this story a chance, and being my first reviewer. Yeh, I sort of realized that the summary sounded like a Mary-Sue so I quickly changed it. Thanks!
Max*the bishie deliverer: Without you, I wonder where this ficcie would have been? –Glances at the garbage can and whistles- LoL. Thanks for beta reading and telling me it was ok.
Lady Dragon Heart: Thank you for the compliment, it made me smile!
Stargirl2004- Thank you for the compliment!
1/27/03
Ja!
The evermore,
~*~*l Water Dragon l*~*~