Hey! I'm back, and yes there is going to be more drama and death. How
about that Naomi? Looks like Ripfang's got his eyes on her, but whose
going to die? Will Rose have any more visions, oh well, on with the story!
And if any of you haven't read my other fic, go do that too. Oh and by
the way, for those out there that don't know this, my other fic, TAFH isn't
connected with this story in any way shape or form!!! It's great though
and I'm really starting to get into the action with it.
Chapter 16,
The Dice
Author: All right, you're all going to finally find out, in this chapter, why this story is called Gambling With Death! I had a dream about this and it was very interesting. I dreamt that I was Sora though, (kinda weird, but still awesome!) and it was really cool! Things are really going to get messy soon. So let's read!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sora awoke the next morning very abruptly as a huge clawed foot lashed out and clipped her chin. She sat up quickly, gasping as she touched her jaw and a few drops of blood fell onto her hand. Apparently Naomi had awoken and had become entangled in her blanket. She thrashed about until Sora had no choice but to immediately calm the animal before either of them was seriously injured. Calmly loading a dart into a small gun she shot the animal in the neck and Naomi instantly slumped onto the ground. Sora began to untangle her and the raptor watched her with dull eyes.
Naomi: Kee hamorai, moochata narookoo? (Where am I, who are you?)
Sora: (smiling gently and also speaking in the strange tongue) You cannot speak English?
Naomi: No, I can say a few words, but my master just yelled at me most of the time.
Sora: Well, I am Sora, are you are feeling better?
Naomi: Yes, I feel tired.
Sora: That would be my fault, but you are too strong for the medicine to knock you completely out. It will wear off in an hour.
Naomi: Where is my master? He will whip me if I am not present in the slave hall at dawn.
Sora: You no longer have a master.
Naomi: That isn't possible. How did I get away from him? (an evil smile slowly spread across her face) Did he die!!
Sora: Well, actually, it's the other way around; he thinks you're dead. So you're going to stay with us now. Or you can leave if you like, but either way you're free.
Naomi: It is a miracle! Who must I thank for my freedom?
Sora: Well, I wouldn't think you would really want to thank Ripfang for almost killing you.
Naomi: This is much better than being dead, but even if he had killed me I would've been eternally grateful to him for ending my suffering!
Sora: You poor thing. Come with me and we shall get some breakfast.
They left the tent and walked over to the river. The others were elated to see that Naomi was all right. She looked about and smiled when she saw everyone's happy faces. Never had she gotten such attention before, but she liked it! Then her eyes shifted over to Ripfang and the others. Phantom snickered as he caught sight of the way his eldest son starred at Naomi. Ripfang shot him one of those, don't get any ideas, it's not like that, glares and then headed over to her.
Naomi: (speaking in the strange language) Thank-you so much for freeing me from my cursed life!
Ripfang: (not realizing she couldn't understand English) Um, you're welcome, I guess.........
Naomi looked at him strangely and tilted her head to the side (like those pet birds do). When Sora finally realized why they were looking at each other weirdly she walked over and explained to Ripfang that Naomi didn't know English. After that, there weren't any more problems, except for the others, because if they wanted to talk to Naomi then they needed either Sora or one of the Shrikans to translate. Not even Ian knew the strange language, though, but it didn't matter because words were not needed to express how happy the two were once they saw each other again! Ian ran over to her and hugged her, laughing like some child whose just been reunited with an old friend. Sora for some strange reason felt herself getting jealous at the sight of someone other than herself in Ian's firm grasp, but she made sure no one could see her face.
Sora: So Ian, if you helped raise her, then how do you communicate with her?
Ian: Well, after she was put in my care, I taught her sign language.
He quickly formed several shapes with his hands and Naomi nodded.
Sora: Wow, I'm actually impressed, I don't know sign language though. It must be great when you two hunt together, you wouldn't ever need to make any noise! My Shrikans and I communicate in the old language when we hunt. The good thing about it though is that we sound like birds when we talk so it doesn't give our positions away.
Everyone looked at Sora and her Shrikans strangely.
Everyone: What do you mean hunt together?
Sora: What? They make great hunting partners, and they taught me a whole bunch of great moves. Plus, they make great conditioning coaches; you have no idea how hard it is to keep up with them once they take off!
Everyone: Ok, never mind, we don't need to know.
Finally they got around to making breakfast. The Shrikans dove in and out of the water, catching large fish to cook over the fires, while Yusuke and the detectives went over the note. They were trying to think of what tricks Coronsoe could possibly have up his sleeve this time. There were a lot of places to hide in that old stadium.
Razor: (speaking in the old tongue) Come on in Naomi! Help us catch some fish.
Naomi: I can't!
All of the Shrikans turned and looked at her.
Shrikans: Why not!?!
Naomi: This happens to be another one of those horrid handicaps of mine. It just goes to show you how obsolete I really am.
Flamejaw: Well what's wrong dear, why must you stay out of the water?
Naomi: My reptile genes are so underdeveloped that I react to temperature like a normal reptile. You can all swim and play in any temperatures like the humans, but I must not get too cold or too hot. At night I slow down as the temperature drops, and in cold water I will slow down and sink!
Ripfang: Aw, just come in, I'll hold on to you, if you get too cold then you can get out.
Naomi: I can't! It's bad!
She started backing away, memories of past experiences came flooding back to her.
~*Flashback!*~
There she was, little Naomi. She stood at the waters edge.
Coronsoe: Get in the water you little whelp!
Naomi: (in the old language) I am scared, what if it's too cold!?!
Coronsoe: Stupid brute! You know I can't understand you!
With that he kicked her in her right leg and she collapsed and fell into the freezing water. It was so cold and she instantly began to slow down. As she floundered about Coronsoe stood there and laughed at her feeble attempts to scrabble back onto the bank. Relief surged through her as strong arms rapped about her and hoisted her from the freezing river. The last thing she heard before she blacked out was Ian's firm voice arguing with Coronsoe about how important it was that she live.
~*End Flashback*~
Ripfang had gotten out of the water and gently tugged on Naomi's arm.
Ripfang: I promise you, it's not that cold, and if you start to get tired then you can just get out.
Sora: Wait! (holding up a small shot) Here! Let me give you this.
Naomi: What is it?
Sora: This is a special medicine that I've created. It's like a steroid, except it's not addictive or anything weird like that. It will give your body a boost for 24 hours. Once all of this is over I can give you a proper operation and fix your genes back at my house, but until then this will have to do.
Naomi: Thank-you!
Breakfast was an uneventful affair, except for once they had finally gotten down to the last morsel of fish. Sano and Kuwabara both wanted it, and so of course a small fight broke out. Yelling and cursing commenced as the two rolled around on the ground trying to be the one to eat the last piece. Naomi looked up at them and smiled, feeling proud that she could recognize a little of what they were saying. The poor little thing had only learned a little bit of English over the years, sadly enough the few words that she knew were all curses since that was just about all anyone ever said to her. Even though she knew how to pronounce them, she had no clue what they meant. Everyone watched as she stood up and stepped in between the brawling boys. They both looked up at her and she had the biggest grin on her face. She looked like a kid who had just stolen a cookie from the cookie jar and was about to whisper to her friends how she had done it. Well she leaned down and looked both boys in the eyes, first Sano and said,
Naomi: Dumb A**!
Sano: (he was flabbergasted) WHAT! Naomi: (turning to Kuwabara) S*** Head!
Kuwabara: (also flabbergasted) WHAT!
At this point everyone was shocked and just starred at Naomi.
Naomi: What? Was it something I said?
Sora: Yes, yes it was. Dear, those are not words that we use unless the time is right.
Naomi: How do I know when the time is right?
Sora: Well, normally you use them only when you are grown up and very, very angry.
Naomi: Oh.
Sora: You must also understand what you are saying before you say it, otherwise you could end up in big trouble.
Naomi: (looking at the ground and scuffing her toes in the dirt) I'm sorry, am I in big trouble?
Sora: (her heart melted at that adorable little face!) Of course not! Just promise me you'll not speak like that anymore ok?
Naomi: Ok.
Heehee, well, since Sano and Kuwabara were no longer paying attention to the fish, as their faces were riveted on Naomi, Razor took the opportunity to snatch it up and gulp it down.
Razor: Hah! That's what you get. But what I don't understand is why does she get away with bad language and I get punished whenever I use it?
Flamejaw: Because you know that you're not supposed to use such language.
And that gave everyone a good laugh. Anyway, on with the story!
Later that day, after they had made their way back to spirit world and discussed their position with Koenma they retired to the lounge. Sora was sprawled on the couch, intently watching something that she kept tossing on the floor. Ian came over and sat on the floor next to her.
Ian: Whatcha doing?
Sora: Oh nothing, just rolling some dice.
Ian: Really, let me see.
The others soon gathered around her as well. The dice were like normal gambling dice, except they were handmade and carved of heavy black marble. Every side on both dice was black, except for one. Each dice had one white side, and on that side there was painted a picture of Sora with that devil may care smirk of hers spread across her face, a shining white serpent wound up around her body. But on all of the other black sides there was a picture of Sora, but this time her eyes were closed peacefully and she rested limply in the arms of a tall angel cloaked in black shadow.
Sora: Ever since I was a child I was considered to have been favored by the gods, for I was luckier than any other living being! When I was five, I made a bet against my uncle for 500$! All of the odds were against me, but I won! My father had these made for me when I was 10, and I've treasured them so much. When he gave them to me he said there was a spell on them. If I role the dice and both white sides come up then I shall live out that day, but should one black side come up, then I'm finished. My father said that I would only ever be able to get both white sides to come up, and I usually only role them before I go into a battle. Here, I want you all to role them both 5 times each. Everyone tried rolling the dice but none of them could get even just one white side to come up, yet when Sora took them back and rolled them, all 5 times she got both white sides. He said that the day I role a black side on these dice would be the day I die, and I've still yet to role anything but a white side!
Botan: That's kind to scary if you think about it, I mean if what you say is true, then you could know when you were going to die!
Sora: I laugh in the face of fear, and even if I did role a black side, I would make sure to put up the best fight of my life. My mother always said that I was like a snake, wise and fierce. Now I understand why she would always say that. Snakes are proud and dignified fighters, especially cobras, most snakes run from fights, but not cobras. They spread wide their hoods and stand firm in the face of danger. And when they sense the end drawing near, they never let their hoods fall slack; they draw them as wide as possible and are always on their guard. It is then that they fight at their best and with the most ferocity, and they always go out with a bang!
Ian: Are you a warrior, or a motivational speaker?
Sora: I'm being serious; none of you have seen what I am capable of.
Ian: Don't worry; I'm sure you're as deadly as you sound!
Sora: What's that supposed to mean! Ian: Nothing, geese can't you take a joke?
Sora: It depends.
Ian: On what?
Sora: On whether or not the jokes on me!
They all got a good laugh out of that and everyone started to head off towards their respective rooms.
Sora: Ripfang, bring your family to my room, you know of what we must speak of.
With a silent nod the young raptor shot off to gather up his kin. A few moments later they were all gathered in Sora's room.
Sora: I know Coronsoe well enough, and I know he won't fight us all alone. He will have a large army, of both men and demons. We shall have to seek out aid in our struggles.
Phantom: I know what you are thinking, and I whole-heartedly agree. We could easily enough gather one of the clans, but we shall need both for this. And they are not on the best terms with one another as of now. I know they will not come to my command; they hated it when I ran off with Flamejaw. Even if I am the rightful leader, they will never follow me. But perhaps, if they new of a certain child.........
Sora: Exactly! The omens always told of a great leader that would one day rise to reunite the old tribes, and forever end their feuding. Plus, Ripfang is next in line to rule anyway, and he serves as a permanent bond of the two clans.
Rose: You've all overlooked one thing, his color. Ripfang's hide is jet black, and such a color has never before existed among the Shrikans until Phantom's birth. His color is extremely rare, and signifies a mixture of all of the colors. No other Shrikan besides these two has such a color. You all remember the fear that it struck in the hearts of our kind. Phantom is the biggest and fiercest Shrikan ever to have lived, but Ripfang stands now even taller than he and for Ripfang to show his face to the tribes would make them think they were seeing a ghost!
Sora: Ripfang, we need you to seek out the ancient clans, and bring unity to them. Only you can accomplish this, and it's about time you stepped up to the throne anyway. Are you up for it?
Ripfang: Does the eagle worship the skies?
Sora: Good, now, once you find them and complete this task, I want you to bring them to my home. I know that Coronsoe will hold the final battle there, that way he will be close to all of my technology. I don't want you to go alone though, so maybe we should send you and Phantom as a double monarchy.
Phantom: Absolutely not! He does not need my assistance this time, I have faith in my son's abilities and he shall not fail me.
Naomi: I will go with him.
All eyes turned on her.
Sora: Naomi, such a trek would be too hard for you. You can't even independently regulate your body temperature.
Naomi: They have labs here! Give me the operation now, and I will go with Ripfang. And if you refuse, then I shall brave the elements the best I can!
Razor: She's got spunk; I like her!
Sora: I can do it, but is this all right with everyone else?
Everyone: Here, Here!
The others filed out of the room and Sora rushed off to get her supplies for the surgery. Ripfang and Naomi stood there for a while.
Ripfang: Why did you volunteer to go? It will be so dangerous.
Naomi: You are always true to your word, and already I am in debt to you for freeing me from Coronsoe. It is only fair that I accompany you on this journey.
Ripfang: (chuckling) If we live through this, remind me to thank you.
Naomi: I shall not forget.
Sora had made her way downstairs to her things and had retrieved everything she would need for the operation. As she turned to head back upstairs she walked right into Ian.
Sora: OOF! Hey watch where.........oh sorry Ian I didn't see you there!
Ian: Geese, what have you got there? Is that a scalpel? You're not going to try and murder me in my sleep or anything are you?
Sora: Now what good would that do me?
Ian: Then what's it for? Sora: Naomi.
Ian: WHAT!?! Now Sora what did she ever do to you?
Sora: Nothing, I'm just going to give her that genetic operation that I was talking about.
Ian: Why?
Sora: Because she and Ripfang are going to go out and recruit some help for when it comes time for the final showdown with Coronsoe.
Ian: Oh, say, it's not going to be dangerous for her is it?
Sora: What the operation or the trip?
Ian: The trip
Sora: I will be honest with you, there is a good chance that neither one of them will come back alive, but this they already know, and they have readily volunteered for the job.
Ian: Just tell Ripfang to keep an eye on her,
Ripfang: Why don't you tell him yourself?
Ian jumped into the air; he hadn't noticed the great lizard sneak up behind him. Ripfang stood in the shaft of moonlight that came through one of the windows, and for a moment Sora had to inwardly admit to herself that he was quite a magnificent sight indeed. He now was at least 2 inches taller than his father, and his lean, muscular figure was breathtaking, not to mention handsome (well, as far as Shrikans go anyway!)
Ian: Hey, good luck to you guys, and be careful.
Ripfang only nodded sagely and winked roguishly at Sora.
Ripfang: I'll leave you two alone for a bit; see you tomorrow. I can't wait to see how Naomi's surgery turns out.
Sora: I have no idea what you're talking about! Why would I need to be left alone with Ian?
Sora continued to shout after him, but he just ignored her. Ian then placed his hand on her shoulder and spun her around.
Ian: I think for once that little guy has actually spoken a few words of wisdom!
Sora: Hey, But she was cut off with a quick kiss. Sora then pulled away to go meet Naomi in the lab.
Sora: Sorry, um, got to go, um, uh, see you later!
Ian: (chuckling) Hah, fine, don't be up too late.
Well readers, what do you think about those dice? I personally can't wait until you all find out about the new and improved Naomi. I know what I want her to look like, but if any of you would like to make some suggestions, I'd be happy to consider them and give you credit for the idea! Oh, and does anyone have any requests for the coming chapters, like who should I kill off, who should fall in love, who needs to be betrayed etc. Can't wait to hear from you all! I'm also going to be starting another fic soon; it's going to be called American Woman. Wait till I get it started, boy is it gonna be great!
Chapter 16,
The Dice
Author: All right, you're all going to finally find out, in this chapter, why this story is called Gambling With Death! I had a dream about this and it was very interesting. I dreamt that I was Sora though, (kinda weird, but still awesome!) and it was really cool! Things are really going to get messy soon. So let's read!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sora awoke the next morning very abruptly as a huge clawed foot lashed out and clipped her chin. She sat up quickly, gasping as she touched her jaw and a few drops of blood fell onto her hand. Apparently Naomi had awoken and had become entangled in her blanket. She thrashed about until Sora had no choice but to immediately calm the animal before either of them was seriously injured. Calmly loading a dart into a small gun she shot the animal in the neck and Naomi instantly slumped onto the ground. Sora began to untangle her and the raptor watched her with dull eyes.
Naomi: Kee hamorai, moochata narookoo? (Where am I, who are you?)
Sora: (smiling gently and also speaking in the strange tongue) You cannot speak English?
Naomi: No, I can say a few words, but my master just yelled at me most of the time.
Sora: Well, I am Sora, are you are feeling better?
Naomi: Yes, I feel tired.
Sora: That would be my fault, but you are too strong for the medicine to knock you completely out. It will wear off in an hour.
Naomi: Where is my master? He will whip me if I am not present in the slave hall at dawn.
Sora: You no longer have a master.
Naomi: That isn't possible. How did I get away from him? (an evil smile slowly spread across her face) Did he die!!
Sora: Well, actually, it's the other way around; he thinks you're dead. So you're going to stay with us now. Or you can leave if you like, but either way you're free.
Naomi: It is a miracle! Who must I thank for my freedom?
Sora: Well, I wouldn't think you would really want to thank Ripfang for almost killing you.
Naomi: This is much better than being dead, but even if he had killed me I would've been eternally grateful to him for ending my suffering!
Sora: You poor thing. Come with me and we shall get some breakfast.
They left the tent and walked over to the river. The others were elated to see that Naomi was all right. She looked about and smiled when she saw everyone's happy faces. Never had she gotten such attention before, but she liked it! Then her eyes shifted over to Ripfang and the others. Phantom snickered as he caught sight of the way his eldest son starred at Naomi. Ripfang shot him one of those, don't get any ideas, it's not like that, glares and then headed over to her.
Naomi: (speaking in the strange language) Thank-you so much for freeing me from my cursed life!
Ripfang: (not realizing she couldn't understand English) Um, you're welcome, I guess.........
Naomi looked at him strangely and tilted her head to the side (like those pet birds do). When Sora finally realized why they were looking at each other weirdly she walked over and explained to Ripfang that Naomi didn't know English. After that, there weren't any more problems, except for the others, because if they wanted to talk to Naomi then they needed either Sora or one of the Shrikans to translate. Not even Ian knew the strange language, though, but it didn't matter because words were not needed to express how happy the two were once they saw each other again! Ian ran over to her and hugged her, laughing like some child whose just been reunited with an old friend. Sora for some strange reason felt herself getting jealous at the sight of someone other than herself in Ian's firm grasp, but she made sure no one could see her face.
Sora: So Ian, if you helped raise her, then how do you communicate with her?
Ian: Well, after she was put in my care, I taught her sign language.
He quickly formed several shapes with his hands and Naomi nodded.
Sora: Wow, I'm actually impressed, I don't know sign language though. It must be great when you two hunt together, you wouldn't ever need to make any noise! My Shrikans and I communicate in the old language when we hunt. The good thing about it though is that we sound like birds when we talk so it doesn't give our positions away.
Everyone looked at Sora and her Shrikans strangely.
Everyone: What do you mean hunt together?
Sora: What? They make great hunting partners, and they taught me a whole bunch of great moves. Plus, they make great conditioning coaches; you have no idea how hard it is to keep up with them once they take off!
Everyone: Ok, never mind, we don't need to know.
Finally they got around to making breakfast. The Shrikans dove in and out of the water, catching large fish to cook over the fires, while Yusuke and the detectives went over the note. They were trying to think of what tricks Coronsoe could possibly have up his sleeve this time. There were a lot of places to hide in that old stadium.
Razor: (speaking in the old tongue) Come on in Naomi! Help us catch some fish.
Naomi: I can't!
All of the Shrikans turned and looked at her.
Shrikans: Why not!?!
Naomi: This happens to be another one of those horrid handicaps of mine. It just goes to show you how obsolete I really am.
Flamejaw: Well what's wrong dear, why must you stay out of the water?
Naomi: My reptile genes are so underdeveloped that I react to temperature like a normal reptile. You can all swim and play in any temperatures like the humans, but I must not get too cold or too hot. At night I slow down as the temperature drops, and in cold water I will slow down and sink!
Ripfang: Aw, just come in, I'll hold on to you, if you get too cold then you can get out.
Naomi: I can't! It's bad!
She started backing away, memories of past experiences came flooding back to her.
~*Flashback!*~
There she was, little Naomi. She stood at the waters edge.
Coronsoe: Get in the water you little whelp!
Naomi: (in the old language) I am scared, what if it's too cold!?!
Coronsoe: Stupid brute! You know I can't understand you!
With that he kicked her in her right leg and she collapsed and fell into the freezing water. It was so cold and she instantly began to slow down. As she floundered about Coronsoe stood there and laughed at her feeble attempts to scrabble back onto the bank. Relief surged through her as strong arms rapped about her and hoisted her from the freezing river. The last thing she heard before she blacked out was Ian's firm voice arguing with Coronsoe about how important it was that she live.
~*End Flashback*~
Ripfang had gotten out of the water and gently tugged on Naomi's arm.
Ripfang: I promise you, it's not that cold, and if you start to get tired then you can just get out.
Sora: Wait! (holding up a small shot) Here! Let me give you this.
Naomi: What is it?
Sora: This is a special medicine that I've created. It's like a steroid, except it's not addictive or anything weird like that. It will give your body a boost for 24 hours. Once all of this is over I can give you a proper operation and fix your genes back at my house, but until then this will have to do.
Naomi: Thank-you!
Breakfast was an uneventful affair, except for once they had finally gotten down to the last morsel of fish. Sano and Kuwabara both wanted it, and so of course a small fight broke out. Yelling and cursing commenced as the two rolled around on the ground trying to be the one to eat the last piece. Naomi looked up at them and smiled, feeling proud that she could recognize a little of what they were saying. The poor little thing had only learned a little bit of English over the years, sadly enough the few words that she knew were all curses since that was just about all anyone ever said to her. Even though she knew how to pronounce them, she had no clue what they meant. Everyone watched as she stood up and stepped in between the brawling boys. They both looked up at her and she had the biggest grin on her face. She looked like a kid who had just stolen a cookie from the cookie jar and was about to whisper to her friends how she had done it. Well she leaned down and looked both boys in the eyes, first Sano and said,
Naomi: Dumb A**!
Sano: (he was flabbergasted) WHAT! Naomi: (turning to Kuwabara) S*** Head!
Kuwabara: (also flabbergasted) WHAT!
At this point everyone was shocked and just starred at Naomi.
Naomi: What? Was it something I said?
Sora: Yes, yes it was. Dear, those are not words that we use unless the time is right.
Naomi: How do I know when the time is right?
Sora: Well, normally you use them only when you are grown up and very, very angry.
Naomi: Oh.
Sora: You must also understand what you are saying before you say it, otherwise you could end up in big trouble.
Naomi: (looking at the ground and scuffing her toes in the dirt) I'm sorry, am I in big trouble?
Sora: (her heart melted at that adorable little face!) Of course not! Just promise me you'll not speak like that anymore ok?
Naomi: Ok.
Heehee, well, since Sano and Kuwabara were no longer paying attention to the fish, as their faces were riveted on Naomi, Razor took the opportunity to snatch it up and gulp it down.
Razor: Hah! That's what you get. But what I don't understand is why does she get away with bad language and I get punished whenever I use it?
Flamejaw: Because you know that you're not supposed to use such language.
And that gave everyone a good laugh. Anyway, on with the story!
Later that day, after they had made their way back to spirit world and discussed their position with Koenma they retired to the lounge. Sora was sprawled on the couch, intently watching something that she kept tossing on the floor. Ian came over and sat on the floor next to her.
Ian: Whatcha doing?
Sora: Oh nothing, just rolling some dice.
Ian: Really, let me see.
The others soon gathered around her as well. The dice were like normal gambling dice, except they were handmade and carved of heavy black marble. Every side on both dice was black, except for one. Each dice had one white side, and on that side there was painted a picture of Sora with that devil may care smirk of hers spread across her face, a shining white serpent wound up around her body. But on all of the other black sides there was a picture of Sora, but this time her eyes were closed peacefully and she rested limply in the arms of a tall angel cloaked in black shadow.
Sora: Ever since I was a child I was considered to have been favored by the gods, for I was luckier than any other living being! When I was five, I made a bet against my uncle for 500$! All of the odds were against me, but I won! My father had these made for me when I was 10, and I've treasured them so much. When he gave them to me he said there was a spell on them. If I role the dice and both white sides come up then I shall live out that day, but should one black side come up, then I'm finished. My father said that I would only ever be able to get both white sides to come up, and I usually only role them before I go into a battle. Here, I want you all to role them both 5 times each. Everyone tried rolling the dice but none of them could get even just one white side to come up, yet when Sora took them back and rolled them, all 5 times she got both white sides. He said that the day I role a black side on these dice would be the day I die, and I've still yet to role anything but a white side!
Botan: That's kind to scary if you think about it, I mean if what you say is true, then you could know when you were going to die!
Sora: I laugh in the face of fear, and even if I did role a black side, I would make sure to put up the best fight of my life. My mother always said that I was like a snake, wise and fierce. Now I understand why she would always say that. Snakes are proud and dignified fighters, especially cobras, most snakes run from fights, but not cobras. They spread wide their hoods and stand firm in the face of danger. And when they sense the end drawing near, they never let their hoods fall slack; they draw them as wide as possible and are always on their guard. It is then that they fight at their best and with the most ferocity, and they always go out with a bang!
Ian: Are you a warrior, or a motivational speaker?
Sora: I'm being serious; none of you have seen what I am capable of.
Ian: Don't worry; I'm sure you're as deadly as you sound!
Sora: What's that supposed to mean! Ian: Nothing, geese can't you take a joke?
Sora: It depends.
Ian: On what?
Sora: On whether or not the jokes on me!
They all got a good laugh out of that and everyone started to head off towards their respective rooms.
Sora: Ripfang, bring your family to my room, you know of what we must speak of.
With a silent nod the young raptor shot off to gather up his kin. A few moments later they were all gathered in Sora's room.
Sora: I know Coronsoe well enough, and I know he won't fight us all alone. He will have a large army, of both men and demons. We shall have to seek out aid in our struggles.
Phantom: I know what you are thinking, and I whole-heartedly agree. We could easily enough gather one of the clans, but we shall need both for this. And they are not on the best terms with one another as of now. I know they will not come to my command; they hated it when I ran off with Flamejaw. Even if I am the rightful leader, they will never follow me. But perhaps, if they new of a certain child.........
Sora: Exactly! The omens always told of a great leader that would one day rise to reunite the old tribes, and forever end their feuding. Plus, Ripfang is next in line to rule anyway, and he serves as a permanent bond of the two clans.
Rose: You've all overlooked one thing, his color. Ripfang's hide is jet black, and such a color has never before existed among the Shrikans until Phantom's birth. His color is extremely rare, and signifies a mixture of all of the colors. No other Shrikan besides these two has such a color. You all remember the fear that it struck in the hearts of our kind. Phantom is the biggest and fiercest Shrikan ever to have lived, but Ripfang stands now even taller than he and for Ripfang to show his face to the tribes would make them think they were seeing a ghost!
Sora: Ripfang, we need you to seek out the ancient clans, and bring unity to them. Only you can accomplish this, and it's about time you stepped up to the throne anyway. Are you up for it?
Ripfang: Does the eagle worship the skies?
Sora: Good, now, once you find them and complete this task, I want you to bring them to my home. I know that Coronsoe will hold the final battle there, that way he will be close to all of my technology. I don't want you to go alone though, so maybe we should send you and Phantom as a double monarchy.
Phantom: Absolutely not! He does not need my assistance this time, I have faith in my son's abilities and he shall not fail me.
Naomi: I will go with him.
All eyes turned on her.
Sora: Naomi, such a trek would be too hard for you. You can't even independently regulate your body temperature.
Naomi: They have labs here! Give me the operation now, and I will go with Ripfang. And if you refuse, then I shall brave the elements the best I can!
Razor: She's got spunk; I like her!
Sora: I can do it, but is this all right with everyone else?
Everyone: Here, Here!
The others filed out of the room and Sora rushed off to get her supplies for the surgery. Ripfang and Naomi stood there for a while.
Ripfang: Why did you volunteer to go? It will be so dangerous.
Naomi: You are always true to your word, and already I am in debt to you for freeing me from Coronsoe. It is only fair that I accompany you on this journey.
Ripfang: (chuckling) If we live through this, remind me to thank you.
Naomi: I shall not forget.
Sora had made her way downstairs to her things and had retrieved everything she would need for the operation. As she turned to head back upstairs she walked right into Ian.
Sora: OOF! Hey watch where.........oh sorry Ian I didn't see you there!
Ian: Geese, what have you got there? Is that a scalpel? You're not going to try and murder me in my sleep or anything are you?
Sora: Now what good would that do me?
Ian: Then what's it for? Sora: Naomi.
Ian: WHAT!?! Now Sora what did she ever do to you?
Sora: Nothing, I'm just going to give her that genetic operation that I was talking about.
Ian: Why?
Sora: Because she and Ripfang are going to go out and recruit some help for when it comes time for the final showdown with Coronsoe.
Ian: Oh, say, it's not going to be dangerous for her is it?
Sora: What the operation or the trip?
Ian: The trip
Sora: I will be honest with you, there is a good chance that neither one of them will come back alive, but this they already know, and they have readily volunteered for the job.
Ian: Just tell Ripfang to keep an eye on her,
Ripfang: Why don't you tell him yourself?
Ian jumped into the air; he hadn't noticed the great lizard sneak up behind him. Ripfang stood in the shaft of moonlight that came through one of the windows, and for a moment Sora had to inwardly admit to herself that he was quite a magnificent sight indeed. He now was at least 2 inches taller than his father, and his lean, muscular figure was breathtaking, not to mention handsome (well, as far as Shrikans go anyway!)
Ian: Hey, good luck to you guys, and be careful.
Ripfang only nodded sagely and winked roguishly at Sora.
Ripfang: I'll leave you two alone for a bit; see you tomorrow. I can't wait to see how Naomi's surgery turns out.
Sora: I have no idea what you're talking about! Why would I need to be left alone with Ian?
Sora continued to shout after him, but he just ignored her. Ian then placed his hand on her shoulder and spun her around.
Ian: I think for once that little guy has actually spoken a few words of wisdom!
Sora: Hey, But she was cut off with a quick kiss. Sora then pulled away to go meet Naomi in the lab.
Sora: Sorry, um, got to go, um, uh, see you later!
Ian: (chuckling) Hah, fine, don't be up too late.
Well readers, what do you think about those dice? I personally can't wait until you all find out about the new and improved Naomi. I know what I want her to look like, but if any of you would like to make some suggestions, I'd be happy to consider them and give you credit for the idea! Oh, and does anyone have any requests for the coming chapters, like who should I kill off, who should fall in love, who needs to be betrayed etc. Can't wait to hear from you all! I'm also going to be starting another fic soon; it's going to be called American Woman. Wait till I get it started, boy is it gonna be great!