Aether Winds

Chapter fifteen- The Guide

By- IceWind

A/N:

This is my first fanfic for The Protector of the Small books by Tamora Pierce. The names, places, things, ect, all are credited to her. The word Aether goes to Juliet E. McKenna, but the way I use it and the gem idea is all mine. This fanfic is set in an alternate universe. I.E: Joren is NOT dead, Cleon and Kel are not together (hehe), and other incidents that have I messed up on and don't feel like making it exactly like the book. Please REVIEW *grins* and as long as its not flames on how Kel and Cleon should be together or something of that trivial nature, flames are fine. This story is PG-13 for anything that might come up lol.

IceWind: *blinks and grins* Wow! Chapter 15 already! *smiles*

Raen: *pads up* When are we gunna get to the elves? People are getting impatient!

IceWind: *sticks out her tongue at him and the readers* When I feel ready! I TOLD you guys this is a long fic! *sighs and pouts* Can you blame me for putting in a lot of detail and stuff?

Raen: *frowns* …

IceWind: *brightens* SEE! *grins*

Sweet Thang: *sighs* Well, if it was a compliment… *grins* That's okay then, I just don't want to be seen as copying someone's work. That is never good right?

Silverwing: Chapters? I'm not too sure in all actuality, I know exactly where I'm going to go, but I'm not too sure how to bunch it up into chapters yet, into the 20s most probably. Hope you guys can put up with me until I'm done! *winks then sighs* Ok, Ok! I'll get to the elves sooner then later like I was planning. *laughs* And Joren stop calling Raen a cat? *blinks and thinks* probably not!

Rhysati: It's not a stupid question… you see, it SYMBOLIZES something rather then tells what's going on in the chapter. Raen in the so-called 'phoenix' since his pack got decimated and he recovered from that and met up with Kel, understand? *smiles*

Ti-Ti: *gives a sheepish smile* I'm not too sure myself, but I think it's an hour. So when you see the candle-mark, just think of it as an hour each time ok?

Ekstatis: *gives an evil kind of smirk* Let me just say… if you knew me better you'd know that I tie EVERYTHING together… and that's all I'm going to say. And about Kel and Joren *this is for everyone else also* While I personally love them together… no relationship is perfect (especially theirs it seems!) Not only do they have steps forward, but also back, they HAVE to or else I think that the relationship is almost meaningless. *gives a shrug* That's because without arguments and such, then it's pretty much a false front or that it's not a good relationship at all, nothing is perfect especially if it has other people involved. They WILL get together, but I decided when and where, Joren isn't just going to pop up to Kel and proclaims that he loves her and will love her for ever more. That's unrealistic, don't you think? Thanks for hearing my side of it all lol.

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Kel cleared her mind of all thoughts, eyes closed, expression relaxed. Next to her Joren was the same way, each of them patiently waiting for Raen to start the memory process. If looked closely, one would be able to see the slightly pensive expression on her face, while waiting for Raen to begin.

Raen paused for a second, gathering energy to do the spell. Finally done, he also closed his eyes and linked his mind to Joren's and Kel's, his memories, feelings, and actions suddenly appearing in their minds.

~Memory Sequence~

Raen glared at Takashi, his muscles taunt and ready, fury in his eyes. His side was bleeding from a deep gash where the man's sword had struck him. Quietly he began to circle him, eyes intent and movements fluid and graceful, ignoring the sharp lances of pain that were being emitted from the wound. Blood slowly dripped down his side to fall with soft 'pats' upon the ground, staining it a crimson red.

Takashi watched the hizar with something akin to amusement; he stood still, just moving his eyes. He firmly gripped his bloodstained sword, a smirk playing on his face as he followed Raen's movements. "You seemed to have gotten slower… weaker… then the last time we met, Raen of the Eclipse Guardian pack," his smirk just got bigger as he saw the glare the hizar pointed at him, "Don't tell me that since you bonded to that girl you have forgotten about what happened. Don't you plan to take revenge?" His voice was cool, his eyes mocking the hurt hizar.

A soft hiss escaped from his muzzle, eyes flashing dangerously, how I hate that man… Raen continued to circle, looking for the best place to attack. Sharp eyes scan the man's form, up and down, not missing a single detail about him. I don't see any opening… Teraith damn it! He unconsciously named one of the seven gods in his thoughts, the god of hunt and the chase, the patron god of all hizars. My side hurting isn't helping the matter either… the demon MUST have a weakness! I have to find it!

~

{Kel looked upon the scene with worry apparent in her eyes. Calm down Mindelan, you are like stone… this is just Raen's memory remember? It already happened and Raen's okay… suddenly another thought occurred to her, I must be going nuts, I'm talking to myself. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she returned her attention to the oncoming fight.

Joren watched Kel out of the corner of his eye, noting that she wasn't about to do something stupid like she tried to do last time, it wasn't really that stupid… I mean… how would you feel if you just say your bonded's entire family get killed? He blinked and shook his head to clear his thoughts. Greaattt… not only do I have to deal with over grown cats, another world, people chasing us, I also have to put up with talking to myself. He frowned slightly and watched the pacing hizar and man, focusing his attention to them instead.

She turned from the fight for a moment, looking at Joren with a frown on her face, ~That man is the same one that attacked Raen and his pack~ Her hands clenched by her sides, coldness for the man emanating from her eyes. Her look of rage was not lost on him.

He gave a curt nod towards her, attention still on the battle. His brows furrowed as he watched the entire thing, finally saying out loud, ~That man… he moves to fast for a regular human, way too fast~ His ice-blue eyes narrowed, slight confusion in them, ~The cat wouldn't have missed otherwise~

Raen's mind-voice suddenly filled their heads, it sounded slightly annoyed though it was apparent that the annoyance was only directed at Joren, ~What have I said about calling me a cat?!~ A sigh was heard before he continued to speak, ~Doesn't matter right now I suppose. And for your question human…~ The hizar made the word human sound like something to be stepped on, ~I believe it's either the gems or the demon's master who gave him the power~

Joren just gave a slight scowl, even though he knew that the Raen couldn't see him, just as they couldn't see the hizar. He gave a slight nod before going back to the fight.}

~

Takashi quickly grew tired of the hizar's constant pacing and lunged at him, sword thrusting towards the chest area. His movements were quick and swift, dealt with deadly accuracy. At the last moment, Raen jumped to the side, hissing furiously. He pivoted on a foot and lunged towards the man, aiming down for his legs, claws extended.

The man glared down at the attacking hizar, and smoothly sidestepped out of the way, his sword now going in the direct line of the hizar's path. Raen gave a soft snarl in defiance and jump up over the blade, claws striking out quickly and making a slight gash on the side of Takashi's face. Blood welled up in the cut and slowly dripped out before the cut disappeared, nothing, not even a scar, remaining on the man's face.

"Is that all you have?" Takashi grinned ferally and gripped one of the gems around his throat, eyes flashing dangerously. A red/black aura seemed to surround him, fire curling up around him, yet at the same time not hurting him. He said coldly, an amused glint in his eyes, "How about this?" He held out a hand in front of him and started to shoot out fireballs at a rapid speed, each one deadly accurate and with enough firepower to level a small house.

Raen looked at the fireballs sharply; in split-second decision his eyes turned a deep blue and began to counter the fire with streams of fast shooting water. At impact with the fire, both elements canceled each other out. He began to run, dodging the fireballs and hitting away with water those that he knew he couldn't dodge fast enough. Anger sparked in his gaze, a furious one. A low hiss emerged as he ran towards Takashi at a quick speed, die demon! He went for a tackle, head lowered, body ridged.

At the incoming hizar, Takashi smoothly let go of the dark red gem and grabbed the sickly yellow one, his aura now yellow with tinges of black. As the hizar leaped a shield suddenly seemed to appear, slamming Raen away, electricity crackling around the hizar's prone body. A malicious chuckle escaped the man's mouth and he began to shoot lightening at the open form.

Pain… it lanced through Raen's body fiercely, with each strike hit against him, it seemed to double in intensity. He shuddered and tried to pull himself together, tried to get away from the blasts, dark blue eyes filled with pain. He refused to cry out, Takashi may have taken away his past life, but his honor… never.

~

{~Raen!~ Kel cried out in anguish, almost feeling the pain in her own body. Anger was apparent in her gaze as she screamed out to the unheeding man, ~Stop it you monster! Leave Raen alone!~ She once again made a move as if she would run at Takashi, but Joren got in her way, eyes glittering with an unspoken emotion.

~Stop it Kel, you aren't thinking again~ He knew that she was hurting, but she could not do anything about it, he needed to get that face through to her. ~Why can't you LISTEN for once in your life Kel? Stop acting so foolish, as if you don't deserve to be a knight of Tortall! I know that you're stronger then this!~

She turned her gaze towards him, fury not even beginning to describe her emotion felt towards him and the scene she was witnessing, ~I did deserve to be a knight! I passed the chamber! I got my shield!~

A sneer slowly appeared on his face, and he answered her with brutal honesty, ~You may have deserved it then, but what about now? You keep acting like a page, or worse! One of those idiotic court ladies! You know for a fact this already happened, yet you still keep going on as if you can change it!~ His ice-blue eyes stared down at hers calmly, ready to meet any retaliation. Unbeknownst to him, someone was watching them with deep thought…

Horror appeared on her face for a moment, and she seemed to step back once. Kel's hazel brown eyes looked slightly confused, as she whispered, ~Like… a court lady? Not all of them are bad like you think!~ She groped for something to tell him, saying the first thing that came to her mind, ~The queen isn't!~

Joren looked down at her with exasperation, saying calmly, ~I said IDIOTIC court ladies Kel, you and I know that there are plenty in court~

She winced as his words hit home, falling silent for several seconds. Finally she gave a nod, murmuring softly, ~Thank you…~ At that she turned away at Joren and rested her gaze upon Raen and Takashi, eyes expressionless.

He watched her for a moment more, making sure she was fine, damnit, why do I even care? Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts, Joren followed Kel's gaze to the memory once more.}

~

Takashi gave a short laugh, "This was even easier then last time! You have grown weaker! You are not even a good practice round anymore, pathetic!" He strode over powerfully, his hand once again at the pommel of his sword, "I shall finish you off mercifully, aren't I so nice?" A smirk appeared as he raised his sword into the air.

Raen tried to shake of the momentary paralysis from the electricity that had flowed through him, desperately trying to gather his thoughts. I cannot die now… Mistress and that boy need my help still… He blinked to clear his gaze, watching the man stride towards him with narrow eyes, closer… closer… NOW! The hizar suddenly rolled onto his belly and struck out at Takashi's stomach, claws ripping through the tunic as if it wasn't there. His claws dug into the soft flesh and tore through it viciously.

The man staggered back a few paces, his non-sword arm clutching his wound, eyes slightly wide. Blood streamed out from the cuts and gashes, pushing out through small places where the arm could not cover it. The damage was extensive; the hizar had even managed to his some key organs. "Shit!" An uncharacteristic curse emerged from Takashi's mouth, eyes filled with anger. "Never mind then… I'll kill you slow and painfully!" The wound slowly closed as the man once again moved in closer, an insane glint in his eyes. "Die!" His sword swooped down towards the hizar.

A smirked seemed to play on the hizar's muzzle and a white glow surrounded him, Not yet I won't Just before the sword struck his body, Raen seemed to glow a bright silver and disappeared, one last thought echoing through Takashi's mind, Bye bye! The sword hit the ground heavily, dust rising from it and a scar in the earth from the blade.

~

{A relieved look appeared in Kel's face, eyes sparkling with amusement as she questioned softly, ~Bye bye, Raen?~ A soft chuckle escaped her lips, feeling to much relief to be like stone.

Even Joren looked slightly amused at the hizar's departing thought, ~Well… seems that the cat has a slight sense of humor after all~ He gave a wicked grin as he felt, rather then saw, the hizar's scowl.

~I needed to say something witty!~ Raen's indignant mind-voice cried out, sounding slightly miffed at their amusement.

Kel's lips twitched in an effort to stay serious, every so often giggling softly to herself, ~Surrreee… REAL witty Raen…~ Even Raen couldn't help but hear the sarcasm in her voice.

A soft sigh was heard, and Raen grumbled, ~No appreciation…~}

~

Raen reappeared near the town of Morain, a soft sigh escaping his muzzle, to bad I can only teleport to places that I have already gone to…He suddenly collapsed, energy severely drained. I… I think I should just rest for a bit… before I find Mistress. He laid his head down on the forest floor, closing his eyes wearily, ignoring the pain from his many wounds.

~End Memory Sequence~

Kel and Joren opened their eyes, feeling as if sleep had suddenly lifted from them. She shook her head to clear her thoughts looking at the tired Raen, "So that's what happened…"

The hizar gave a weary nod, After a moment I summoned up energy to track and find you. I had to, Takashi might have found you before I had His head dropped back down to the ground, a silent yawn emitted from his muzzle. His ears drooped down to press against his head, he was tired.

Suddenly all three of them heard a distant sound of hooves hitting the ground. Joren bolted up and put his hand upon the pommel of his sword, silently listening. Kel unsheathed griffin, eyes serious and intent. Raen just flicked up his ears, willing to wait until whomever there was out there was closer, before getting up himself.

Kel cast a look at Joren, softly whispering to him, "What do you think?" She held herself tensely, disliking having to wait. Damn it we are not up for another battle so soon! Raen is still hurt… and if it's that man Takashi… She shuddered to herself; it went unnoticed by the hizar or Joren.

He looked over at her before returning his gaze to where the sound is coming from, murmuring softly, "It may be Takashi… we'll just have to stay quiet and hope they pass us without noticing." He crouched down next to a tree, his dark clothes blending with the darkness of night, "Put out the fire."

For once she did what he asked… well told… without hesitation, she cupped her gem and her hand seemed to glow red for a moment. The fire dimmed and finally died out, nothing stirring from the cold ashes. That done, she returned her concentration upon the sounds.

Several minutes passed by, the sound of horses getting louder and louder with each minute. Raen was now up on his feet; his teeth bared slightly, no innocent traveler rides around this late at night with all the bandits out… His fur bristled a little, making him seem slightly larger then usual and his puffed up fur hid all of his cuts and wounds.

The sounds got closer and nearer, finally stopping right next to the bushes that surrounded the camp. They all tensed up and prepared to attack when the leaves rustled and started to move. In their view poked two heads… with large wondering eyes… and halters…

Kel was the first to snap out of her wide-eyed gaze, followed closely by Joren. "Arctic Wind?" Her voice was hesitant and tinged with disbelief, "Demon Wind?" If she were prone to fainting… she probably would have been down on the forest floor.

The two horses emerged from the brush and went up to Kel and Joren, their coats glistening, and heads held up high. The filly's ice-blue eyes stared down into Kel's, reminiscent of their first meeting, before she nickered softly in welcome and nudged the shocked girl. The ebony stallion trotted up to Joren, his stance proud. He only gave one low whinny in acknowledgment before he fell silent.

Joren ran a critical eye over the horse, still wondering how they could have found them… and knew that they needed rides to go to that elf place. Something isn't right… He raised his hand and mechanically stroked Demon's nose as he gazed around with suspicion.

Er… Mistress? the hizar looked quite lost as he stared at the two horses his mistress and the boy seemed to know well. His dark blue eyes stared at the equines with curiosity, wishing to know where they came from and why.

"I can answer that question for you Raen of the Eclipse Guardian Pack…" A soft graceful voice wafted into the air and a figure appeared, leading one last horse behind him. The man had long blond hair up to his shoulders and bright forest green eyes. He was wearing unique clothing that seemed to blend into the forest whenever he moved and he carried himself with unconscious grace as he walked towards them. The man seemed to ignore the fact that Kel and Joren both had their swords out towards him, and stopped in front of them both, giving an elegant bow, "My name is Laynith, and I shall be your guide to the elfin forest, Loryinthia."

They all unconsciously looked up at his ears… they were pointed, confirming that he was indeed an elf.

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A/N:

IceWind: *she sweatdrops* I am so SORRY that this chapter is sooo short, it's out late, AND its at a cliff hanger… *cringes* I just have a lot of school work to do, I'm starting to write a new story that I haven't even posted yet…

Raen: *he sighs* Yes, yes… they don't want to hear your excuses Mistress…

IceWind: *levels a glare at him* Anyway, I'll get you guys to the elf place sooner then I was going to because I'm so nice! *chuckles* So I provided Kel, Joren, and Raen with an elfin guide named Laynith!

Kaori: *she snorts softly*

IceWind: *ignores her* A hem… And I also got Kel and Joren some horses! *winks* Do you remember them????? *laughs* Anyway… Nothing else to say so review! ja!

~

Facts:

Seibutsu Bond: A bond between a creature and a humanoid. It is less powerful then a life-bond yet it is strong none the less. The bonded can thought-speak to one another and they also feel the others emotions. If one of the bonded dies, the other feels a deep and wrenching pain in themselves, but they don't die also.

Seibutsu Items: These are the items that Raen and Kel got when the bonding was over. Kel had gotten a dagger and Raen a chain. If one of them breaks it symbolizes that one of the bonded has died.

Hizar: A highly intelligent species who are organized like wolf packs with a dominant male and female. All hizar are black and look like large cats, panther sized. They are lithe and graceful, all of them agile and fast. Each one has their own type of magic and that type, and power, is shown by the color of the gems on their forehead. When using their power the hizar's eyes turn that color. The types of gems are fire, water, earth, air, light, dark, ice, lightening, psy, and a silver unknown color. The alpha males must have the silver kinds of gems to lead, the alpha females can have any kind and are chosen by the males.

Jerogil: A type of creature in the world of Medea. They are usually peaceful animals and tend to stay away from others except their own kind. Their color range from black to a muddy gray and they have large eyes for seeing at night. Their tails are curved like a monkey's and can pick things up in that fashion. All over their body they have hard plates for armor, something not easily dented or broken through. Running along their backs is a series of sharp spikes.

~

My e-mail address is flyby311@hotmail.com and put Aether Winds, so I know what the e-mail is about. Anything you want to add/criticize/comment/whatever you guys just review it… please? Thanks for listening to me ramble for that you get a tootsie pop *hands person a tootsie pop*

Raen and Kaori (hizar and rabblite) are MINE! GET IT? MINE!!! *they sweatdrop in the background* no stealing or else I'll blow you up! MWAHAHAHA! Also any other made up characters in the story are mine to, if you want to use any of them please ask before doing so, same goes for Raen and Kaori. ALSO, the poems that appear in the story are also mine (duh) I'll tell you if I use any that aren't. BYE NOW!