Dark Skies

Rewrite by CyberNinjaKat

Author's Note: I'm planning to make changes throughout the story, both big and small, but I also intend to keep the original story plot. What I want readers to keep in mind is: I'm not Splitheart, and rather than replace her original writing I am writing what my interpretation of the storyline was. I hope you guys like my version at least almost as much as you liked hers.

Warning: This version is going to be darker in some aspects, as well as more in detail. If this is not for you, then find a less graphic story to read. Other than that.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

A mild breeze blew across the dirt road, kicking up small plumes of dust from the dry surface. Many trees of varying kinds lined the road on both sides, their leaves dancing in the wind as sunlight filtered through in a beautiful display of light and shadow. A lone figure walking down the dirt path shivered a little when the wind blew his dark purple cloak off his head. The figure was a warrior who had the head of a leopard, named Guin. Sunlight glinted off the black armor underneath as he paused to readjust his cloak. Raising his amber eyes skyward to check the sun's position, he couldn't help but yawn in exhaustion. After having safely brought the twins Rinda and Remus to Parros he was now traveling in search of clues to his past. He didn't have much to go on, just to go north, the mysterious ship Randok, and the single word "Aurra."

Another breeze blew through the trees, causing Guin to pull his cloak tighter to his shivering form. He knew it wasn't that cold out since summer was only just reaching its end, but the air still felt like ice on his burning skin. He'd begun to feel rundown late in the evening the previous day, but had simply thought he was just tired from traveling so much. Now, as he moved to rest by a large oak tree, he had to admit he was definitely more than simply tired from his travels. Sitting with the trunk of the tree between him and the wind, Guin recalled how Rinda had mentioned he'd had a fever when they first met. He couldn't remember what that had felt like back then, but he was fairly certain what he felt now was a fever. Keeping his ears alert to listen for any potential travelers, he sighed in dismay as he settled in for a short rest.

—

The eerie feeling of being watched dragged Guin from his sleep. Listening intently to his surroundings, he groggily stood from his seated position. He could not hear anything, but the feeling of being watched persisted. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he instantly regretted it when a wave of dizziness forced him to grab the tree to maintain his balance. Blinking as the dizziness faded, he stilled. There, he heard something across the small clearing. It was soft, almost unnoticeable, but it definitely sounded like footsteps.

Moving slowly, Guin reached under his cloak for his sword as he breathed in the surrounding scents. He turned, maintaining his hold on his sword. What he smelled wasn't human, or anything he'd sensed before. It was almost reptilian, but carried the scent of blood.

"I know you're there," Guin called across the clearing, feeling almost foolish for speaking to what was most likely a beast. More footsteps greeted his call as the sound grew louder and split into multiple locations. His ears twitched in agitation as he realized that whatever was out there was definitely not alone. The footsteps continued to spread out, reaching all sides of the clearing while Guin watched closely for any movement. Suddenly, all sounds ceased. There was a soft rustle of leaves across the clearing as a tall thin figure made its way through the underbrush. Guin's eyes widened in shock at the sight of it. The creature before him was humanoid in shape, and of similar stature if not slightly shorter than the average human. It's skin was covered in pale olive scales and had deep red eyes. The creature's bald head was accented by long pointed ears which tapered towards the back, and two small brown horns above its brow.

The imp-like being cocked it's head to one side as it looked the tense warrior over, nodding to itself as if confirming something. "Our master wishes to see you," the imp stated as more of its kind in varying colors came into the clearing, "will you resist, or come quietly?"

Guin remained tense, tightening his hold on his sword. His gaze swept around the clearing, fighting back a milder wave of dizziness. He estimated there to be about twenty imps all together. It wasn't good odds, not with his current physical state, but something about these creatures made him very uneasy.

"I see," the apparent leader said in mock resignation, raising its clawed hand to gather magic into its palm, "looks like we will need to use force after all."

Guin leapt to the side, dodging the bolt of energy shot his way. He rolled with the momentum as more bolts struck the ground where he'd been standing moments ago, the impacts sounding like small bursts of lightning or thunder. Drawing his sword he quickly swiped at an approaching imp, forcing it to jump back. Another bolt of magic forced Guin to backpedal. He turned and parried a dagger that a smaller imp swiped at him. Forcing the locked blades to the side, He used the opening to kick the creature in the chest. The imp fell back, its ribs breaking under the force of the blow. Guin panted from the exertion, taking the opportunity to regain his bearings. Another imp rushed in, hands crackling with energy as it tried to get ahold of him. Vision swimming, Guin dodged the creature's attempts to grab him as more bolts narrowly missed his body and singed the edge of his cloak.

A red scaled imp rushed him from behind forcing him to jump out of the way. The imp's dagger instead hit the other imp's right hand, discharging the energy it held. Regaining his balance, Guin took the opportunity to stab the red imp in its shoulder before ripping his sword downward through its torso. The red imp shrieked in agony, shooting bolts of lightning off in a blind rage. A stray bolt caught Guin in the side as he dodged one aimed at his head. The force of the blow knocked him off balance and sent him tumbling to the ground. Electricity coursed through his armor, causing his limbs to spasm before going numb. The red imp he'd stabbed glared at him before grinning, blood trickling out from between its pointed teeth.

Struggling against both paralysis and nausea, Guin raised himself up part way before freezing at the sight before him. The red imp plunged its clawed hands into its wound and pulled, widening the gaping hole to allow more blood to pool around it. A black imp rushed over and placed its hand on the red imp's shoulder, pushing magical energy into its comrade's body. The crimson liquid came alive, rushing around Guin and surrounding him with archaic symbols. A strange chant reached his ears as the dying imp collapsed, wicked grin still on its face. With a grunt of effort Guin forced himself up to his knees in a futile attempt to escape whatever the creatures had planned. The symbols glowed brightly before deep red chains burst forth, trapping the warrior and dragging him once more to the ground. Guin's vision faded in and out, the battle having taken a toll on his already weakened body.

Two olive colored feet stepped into his range of sight before the imp that had spoken before crouched down in front of him. "Pity that it came to this," the head imp said while gazing upon his prone form, seemingly not caring that the other imp had perished, "but the master will be pleased." Guin glared up at the imp in defiance, growling at his captors. The leader grinned at him, reaching forward. An electric shock coursed through his armor once more, and the world went black.

-End Ch. 1-