GASP! Could...could I be...UPDATING?!?! (passes out) I really am sorry for the long delay! My computer died on me, so I started freaking out. Like, literally – O.O. Yeah. So, then, I started going, "OH MY GOD, PLEASE DON'T LET ME LOSE MY STORIES AND PICTURES...!!!" but about two weeks later, I fixed it. No, not my dad with my help. MEMEMEMEME! I fixed it! Mwahahaaa! I lost all my music, though... ;_;
Vampireizzy: Ashera is pretty...in the face. The feathers are a neat idea, but really...they are wayyy to overdone... Ha. Ha... ANYWAY! Thanks for reviewing! =)
SobriquetP: Sorry, no Lyre with Ranulf. There will be ATTEMPTS, if that makes you feel better! =D Hmm...I will most def consider your idea for the villian/lessthanpleasant character who is unsure of his allegiance and eventually betrays the bad guys during an epic showdown with Mihara during later chapters and eventually helps out the good guys in some cool indirect way by his betraying of the bad guys! Wow. That's LONG. Haha, had to do that! Thanks for the idea and thanks for reviewing!
Iline: It's okay, I like long reviews! And, uh, yeah...I was kinda joking about the take over nintendo. They'd probably have, like, high-level security surrounding HQ and as soon as they saw us coming, they'd go like "Oh crap, more fans looking to take over." Haha! Anyway... I'm glad that you feel that the story is coming along so well that you think it feels real. That makes me feel really accomplished. And on the pairings... They will most assuredly go into thought process. What was the conversation between Tibarn and Nailah? I can't think of which it is... (also makes Tibarn go and attack Nailah in part 3) Thank you for the long review! And...don't worry. Naesala may come in soon... =)
Louise The Zero: You like Reyson/Mihara? Okey-dokey! I can't guarentee they'll get together, but they will eventually become quite good friends! Thanks for your review!
XxXxXxX
Chapter 16
So, it's now been about two and a half hours since we took off from Altiaire. I think that we are about to enter the main part of the forest. But...I just have this feeling deep inside me...it's warning me of...something.
I just don't know what...
Not to mention, Dad was in such a hurry to leave. This whole thing is really giving me a bad feeling.
XxXxXxX
Less than fifteen minutes, Tibarn, Mihara, and Shoen arrived at the altar of the Serenes Forest. There was singing in the air, but it was...frantic...and full of fear. Reyson was standing in front of Leanne protectively while Lorazieh and Rafiel stood on the other side of the altar, staring in wonder and fear at the medallion, which lay on the altar. The swans, who had been singing, suddenly stopped. Without any greeting, Tibarn landed and demanded, "What's going on?"
Laurel turned, catching her breath. "Ashera is going to be unleashed."
Mihara and Shoen's eyes widened. "What?!"
Tibarn's face became grave, his eyes drifting towards the medallion. Adrian commented, "You do not seem surprised, Hawk King."
Mihara and Shoen stared at their father's back with identical questioning faces. Tibarn nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'm not. Yune has already warned me about Ashera, but she asked that I keep it quiet."
Leanne emerged from behind Reyson before saying, "Yune had us sing to her. I think...she hoped it would calm Ashera down. Instead, it's seemed to have enraged her..."
"And until just a few moments ago, the red flame that consumed it was burning like a real fire," added Rafiel.
-So...Tibarn's daughter. I believe we've met.-
Mihara's body suddenly trembled with terror. What the hell...?! What was that?! Mihara glanced around to everyone else, who kept talking, but the words were deaf on her ears. Shoen, however, saw her shaking and asked softly, "Mihara? What's wrong?"
"I...heard...something... A voice..." Mihara choked out, wrapping her arms around herself. She had no idea why, but those seven words struck her very soul, terrifying her. She could practically feel the evil smirk upon the speaker's lips...whoever she was.
Tibarn swiftly turned around, looking at Mihara with concern. "A voice?"
-You poor little girl. They cannot hear me. Momentarily, only you can.-
Mihara closed her eyes and bowed her head, her body shaking harder. "What...is this...?!"
She then felt her father's warm hands on her shoulders. "Mihara?" His words seemed so faint to her... "Mihara, are you okay? What do you hear?"
-Not only can they not hear me, but you cannot get rid of me... Mihara.-
Mihara screamed, out loud, "Who are you?!"
The medallion's flame jumped back to life. The flame danced around, as though trying to show someone something. The others turned to see what was happening with it.
-You know exactly who I am.-
What was this memory tugging at Mihara's mind?! Cold hands...screaming...crying...a person's laughter... No...evil laughter...
Mihara looked up, feeling helpless. "A...shera...?"
-...Correct.- Another evil smirk.
Mihara's legs shook and gave out from under her. She put her hands out to catch herself, but her body continued to shake. Tibarn flung around again, falling to his knees in front of Mihara. "Mihara? What do you hear?"
Mihara shook her head continually. Shoen knelt beside her. "Mihara?"
She shook her head, whispering something. Tibarn leaned in closer to her. "Mihara? What is it?"
"No...leave me alone... It's all your fault...Mom...Shoen...Dad...they all suffered...because of you..." Mihara paused for a moment, then snapped quietly, "No. Leave me alone!"
Tibarn, now genuinely frightened for his daughter, grasped her shoulders again, shaking her slightly. "Mihara. Snap out of it."
-I've already told you, little one: you cannot get rid of me. Everyone will pay. This entire world shall perish...for what they did to me. However...I could spare you. All you have to do is help me.-
"Shut up!!"
Suddenly, Mihara was embraced from her side. She heard Ashera, in her head, growling with frustration. -I'll be back, Tibarn's daughter!- And her presence vanished, the flame on the medallion calming.
Mihara hesitated, wanting to make sure that she was really gone. Then, she slowly raised her head, seeing her father's worried face. However, it was not he that was hugging Mihara. It was Shoen. His arms were wrapped around her upper arms and his head was buried in her shoulder. When he realized that Mihara's shaking had stopped, he looked up. "Mihara...are you okay, now?"
A shiver went down Mihara's spine. "Yeah..." She then embraced her brother back. "Thank you, Shoen..."
XxXxXxX
"Those damned felines are tracking us..." Karoline hissed to her brother, seeing her breath in the air from how cold it was.
Stasik stopped walking and glanced down the mountain path. "Damn...you're right."
Ranulf, Lethe, Lyre, and Lyron were moving fast up the mountain, following the two humans' scent. Karoline prepared a tome. "Should we attack them and try and take them out now?"
Stasik's face became thoughtful. "Hmm...maybe not...quite yet."
Stasik's sister looked like she was about to roll her eyes. "What have you got up your sleeve this time?"
"Hn? Oh, no plan...yet. It's just...something's telling me not to attack them yet." As Karoline opened her mouth to retort, Stasik repeated, "Yet."
Observing what he said, Karoline glanced around their surroundings. She saw how one side of the mountain practically dropped down at least two hundred feet. Even if the cats landed on their feet, it would still be extremely painful. She smirked, once she realized what he meant. "I see."
"Obviously, I received Mother's war tactic mind," said Stasik smugly, which, in turn, got him a hard smack.
Down below, Ranulf said, "Okay, we're getting close. This scent is really close."
"Do you want us to kill them?" Lyron inquired.
"No. Attack them and use self-defense, but don't kill them. We need information from them."
Lethe scoffed. "Bah! We should just go ahead and kill them. What would we do with the information?"
"I'm sure that the Hawk King would like to hear how the people who abducted his daughter and were killed are still alive."
Lyre mumbled, "Good point..."
Since the felines were nearing the peak of the mountain, they began slowing down, the human scent growing stronger from the owners being there recently. The cats, all in full form, crouched to the ground. Then, Lyre and Lyron jumped up onto the flat portion of the peak, only to see that no one was there. Ranulf and Lethe lay in wait, twitching their tails, ready to pounce, in case there was an ambush. Lyre and Lyron scouted around the peak, sniffing, trying to follow the scents that entwined with each other. From behind the rocks, where they were hiding, Ranulf and Lethe suddenly heard a loud fwoosh, followed by two yowling cats. Ranulf and Lethe jumped from their hiding spot. Lyre and Lyron were laying on the ground, unconscious, in their half-forms. Burn marks showed they were attacked with fire. Yet, they still saw no one. Lethe ran over to make sure her brother and sister were okay. She sighed – quietly – with relief. "They are breathing."
Still, the two cat warriors' blood was boiling with rage. The ones who they were tracking were obviously up there with them. Not to mention, they were playing dirty. Ranulf's eyes scanned his surroundings quickly. Their stench filled his sensitive nose. They were close. Very close. Suddenly, behind he and Lethe, a crunch was heard. Their ears twitched and they flung around. Stasik stood there, an arrow knocked to his bow. He smirked. "Why...hello there." His eyes narrowed on Ranulf. "Didn't think we'd see you again."
"Likewise," spat Ranulf. He crouched, ready to leap and dig his claws into Stasik's body. However, with a flicker in Stasik's eyes, he hesitated. Something else was going on. Something dangerous-
A flame then jumped out of nowhere, shooting towards Ranulf, Lethe leaping out of the way. He jumped in the air to try and avoid it, but the flame grew. It caught his stomach and down. The cat growled with pain as he landed on the ground painfully. Lethe rushed to him. "Ranulf?! Are you okay?!"
Swiftly ripping out another tome as she revealed herself, Karoline tsked, "Don't let your guard down, orangey." Without wasting another second, she shot a blast of rexcaliber at Lethe, which hit her, slamming her into a tree. She winced on the ground and tried to push herself up, but her strength gave out. The blow to the tree had hurt her in some way. Ranulf, who saw this, turned with furious eyes towards Petrine's children. Stasik didn't give him a chance to recover. He turned at a strange angle before firing his arrow at Ranulf. Despite the howling pain in his paws, legs, and stomach, Ranulf dodged the arrow. What he quickly saw was that Stasik was pinning Ranulf against what one could only call a cliff. He cursed himself and quickly thought, Okay...I really need to get away from this edge. No doubt they're going to try and push me over...
"Before we kill you, sub-human..." Stasik pulled forth another arrow. "Tell me...why did you follow us?"
"...Because there's someone I have to protect. Satisfied?" Ranulf hissed, crouching again.
"Someone like who? That little hawk girl? King Tibarn's daughter?" Karoline laughed. "That's just precious."
Stasik grinned maniacally, seeing an opportunity to put his plan in full effect. "So, it really is her?"
Ranulf remained silent, watching the two carefully.
"Well, then, I'm sure it'll make you happy to know that I enjoyed cutting her up like I had." Stasik chuckled, as if to emphasize what he had just said. "Her eyes were so full of fear..."
Ranulf snapped, "Shut up..." Stay calm...they just want to distract me...
"Her body was shaking uncontrollably..."
"Shut up...!" No...I need to get the image...out of my head...!
"And you should've seen how she braced herself for what she believed to be the end."
"Shut up!!" Ranulf jumped at Stasik, ready to now tear him apart. Adrenaline pumped in him, making him temporarily forget about his burning pain. However, they had been ready for him. Stasik fired an arrow at him. Ranulf, while still in the air, slashed at the arrow, knocking it away. Karoline took advantage of Ranulf's anger: he was completely focused on Stasik, who was his prey. She muttered a speedy incantation for elwind. Ranulf had no time to move. The wind slammed into his body, knocking him backwards. Lethe, who was barely able to bring her head up, caught a glimpse of Ranulf, falling over the edge of the cliff.
XxXxXxX
Tibarn, Mihara, and Shoen were inside the herons' rebuilt home, sleeping on the floor. The herons were in their rooms, Mihara being in Leanne's room. However, she was violently awoken by...well, something. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, beads of sweat on her brow. She was, for some reason, gasping for breath. Her chest hurt. No...her entire body ached.
Why?
She heard Leanne shifting in her small bed, facing Mihara on the floor, wrapped up in some blankets. "Mihara?" she mumbled. "Is something wrong?"
Mihara didn't want to disturb Leanne – the hawk teenager might've just been stressed out from hearing Ashera earlier in the day. So, she lied, "Nothing. It was just a bad dream."
Apparently, Leanne had been too tired to tell that something was bothering her and that she was lying, for Leanne slowly nodded her head and drifted back to sleep. Mihara sighed slowly, wondering what was wrong with her. Her body was sore, like she'd slept the wrong way for too many hours. Yet, the inside of her chest ached, like when she knew someone close to her was hurting.
-Ranulf...-
Mihara blinked with confusion and slight fear. Great! Now she was hearing another voice! But...it wasn't Ashera...and...did it say...'Ranulf'?
-Mihara...you need to help Ranulf!-
Who...are you...? She thought with panic in her mind.
-It's me – Yune! Listen, you need to help Ranulf!-
What's wrong with him?! Mihara's heart pounded – not due to the fact that Yune was speaking to her (in her mind), but more the fear and urgency in her voice.
-He's been wounded! Badly! No one else can help him right now! I'm too far away and I'm doing so many things at once! Tibarn's out cold – I can't contact him, even in a dream! Maybe what I told him stressed him out...-
Even though it was slightly annoying to Mihara that Yune was drifting off subject, her heart skipped three beats this time. She screamed in her mind, Wounded?! Where is he?!
-He's in Begnion – close to you! All you have to do is follow the map!-
Map?! What map-?! Suddenly, images flashed into Mihara's mind. All at once, she saw a river and the ending of a forest...and mountains in the distance. She saw up to the top of one of the mountains, then over a side. Then, she saw no more. Yet, somehow, she knew where to go.
-Hurry, daughter of Tibarn!!-
No more time to spare! Mihara quickly, but quietly, got up off the floor. She had fallen asleep in her clothes, so she didn't have to worry about changing. She slowly opened the door. It creaked softly, but once Mihara turned and saw that it hadn't bothered Leanne, she tiptoed out of the room and closed it behind her. She looked around, remembering the easy way to get out. Even though the herons were royal, they had no castle – they lived plain and simple. Mihara liked it. She glanced around. Good. No one was outside. She pushed off of the ground, taking to the skies. To make sure no one saw her flash of light, she flew a little ways away from the home before transforming to her full form. She beat her wings, taking off as fast as she could.
She flew hard and fast. Ranulf was trouble. This fact alone made her flying more intense than ever before. The fear in Yune's voice terrified Mihara. This made her think that Ranulf was in real danger. The thought made tears of fear come to her eyes.
No! He has to be okay! This is...Ranulf, after all! He just has to be...
She followed the map Yune had shown her. Every tree, she recognized as though she had lived in the area all her life. Wait...she was coming up on the river! Was it the Ribahn?
It's not important!
There! She saw the river and flew against its course. She glanced around and looked up, seeing the mountains that Yune had spoken of and shown her. Without hesitation, she flew at them. As she got closer, a scent filled her nose and swirled in the air about her. The scents were familiar, but one that she could tell anywhere was that of blood. Something also smelled like something was burning. Mihara grew frightened and tried not to make herself jump to conclusions so that she wouldn't just worry herself more. Still...it was hard.
As she increased in altitude, the air grew crisp, like oncoming winter – which it was. However, Mihara became nervous when tiny specks of ice formed on the tips of her wings, sending more of a chill down her spine. However, she quickly landed on the top. Instantly, she saw Lyre and a strange orange-headed male beside her, laying out on the ground. Mihara first thought, from how motionless they were, that they were dead. However, she shifted to her half-form, ran to them, and saw that they were breathing. She saw slight scorch marks on places on their bodies, leading Mihara to believe that those burns had been the source of the burning smell. She then heard a low growl come from a little ways away from her. Mihara jumped with startlement, then saw that Lethe – still in full form – was struggling to walk towards her. Mihara stood up and ran to her aid, Lethe shifting to her half-form. Mihara demanded, "What happened?! Are you okay?"
Lethe hissed in pain when she tried to stand up straight – Mihara noted that she was trying not to apply weight to her right leg. She choked out, "We were attacked...ambushed. Ranulf...he..."
Mihara's heart beat loud in her chest.
"He fell...off the side of the cliff. I've tried...calling to him, but he isn't answering."
The younger laguz's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Was she too late?! It couldn't be! Lethe continued, "I can watch my brother and sister. Please...can you go look for Ranulf?"
"Of course I can!" Mihara practically snapped. She didn't mean to, but she was simply so worried.
Lethe nodded, encouraging her to hurry. Mihara, first, helped Lethe over to Lyre and her brother, even though that fact hadn't sunk into her mind. She was too occupied with other thoughts. She would freak out later. Possibly. Once Lethe was looking over Lyre and Lyron, Mihara ran to the edge and threw herself off. She shifted to lessen the chill from the wind and air. It was starting to get a little light outside. That made Mihara frightened even more. If Ranulf was still alive, but injured, and had been in the freezing temperatures...it would only hurt him more. She saw an upcoming ridge, so she slowed herself, landing on it. She had gone down about two hundred feet. Even if Ranulf had managed to land on his feet, that would seriously hurt him – possibly even sprain or break something.
Mihara looked around, searching for any signs of life. She knew he had to be around there somewhere – she could smell him. "Ranulf! Ranulf, are you there?!"
No answer.
Mihara's stomach churned. Not only was she worried because silence answered her, but she caught sight of something. She saw orange, green, and white bandages laying across some rocks...along with a touch of blood. She called for him again. "Ranulf!! Please, answer me! It's Mihara!" She paused. "Ranulf!!"
There was movement. She heard a few clattering rocks near her, but she saw no one. She looked around harder, the light on the horizon becoming brighter. She continued to call his name, maneuvering through and around the rocks. "Ranulf!!"
Mihara opened her mouth to call his name again, but she could've sworn she had just heard something – or someone. So, she remained silent, listening hard.
"Mi...hara...?"
It was Ranulf! She turned towards the direction she had heard her name, and Mihara scrambled carelessly over the rocks, which were slightly wet from fog. She became so excited to have heard Ranulf's voice that she slipped on the rocks. However, she payed no heed to the scraps she now had on her hands. She jumped right back up. She ran a little farther and saw Ranulf, laying down on his back, in his half-form, tendering holding his left arm. She saw that he had been battered a bit and was in obvious pain by the way his face scrunched up. She rushed to his side and threw her arms around his neck, being careful to avoid his aching arm.
"Ranulf! I was so worried! Are you okay?!" Mihara demanded all at once, a few tears of relief slipping out of her eyes.
"Owww," Ranulf mumbled hoarsely, yet he rubbed Mihara's back slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine. How did you find me? What are you doing here?"
"It was Yune," Mihara explained, releasing Ranulf, the sun now half visable on the horizon, colors dancing in the sky. "She contacted me. Where all are you hurt at?"
"I think I've dislocated my shoulder. Other than that, really, I'm fine."
Mihara looked over him, as though she didn't believe him. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. Would you..." Ranulf winced as he attempted to stand. "...help me stand up?"
Without a word, Mihara wrapped Ranulf's good arm around her shoulders and she slowly helped him up. She heard him growl a bit – but from the pain. He chuckled weakly. "I guess I got some bruised ribs, too... How about the others up top? Are they okay?"
"Yeah, but we really should get some help soon..." Mihara glanced around, as though someone were waiting to help them, right then and there.
"You don't think that you could carry me...do you?" Ranulf scoffed lightly when he saw Mihara's face, then added, "In your shifted form."
"Oh. Haaa," Mihara mentally slapped herself for not knowing what Ranulf had meant. "Umm...just up to the top, more than likely."
"Okay. Let's try that. You'll have to hold me by my right arm, though..."
"Yeah. Okay." Mihara cautiously let go of Ranulf, to see if he could stand on his own. Then, she quickly transformed.
Ranulf warned, "Make it fast. It's gonna hurt me, but don't stop."
Hearing this warning, Mihara winced. She didn't like hearing her friends in pain...it always left a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. Either way, she pushed herself off of the ground. Momentarily hesitating, Ranulf raised his right arm. Mihara paused a moment, herself, before wrapping her talons around his arm and raising him into the air. Almost instantly, she heard a restrained hiss of pain from Ranulf. She didn't dare look down at him. Instead, she flew as quick as she could back up towards the peak of the mountain. She could feel how tense he felt by the quivering of his arm in her talons. Her heart wrenched.
Even though it felt like it took longer than before, the two came to the top of the mountain. Mihara quickly, but carefully, set Ranulf down on his feet. However, he quickly collasped to the ground, panting for breath. Mihara shifted back and went to his side again. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah...I'll be fine..." Ranulf choked out. As if to prove his point, he looked up to find Lethe, Lyre, and Lyron.
They spotted the other three a little farther over, but a tall, thin, black-winged figure was standing over them and Lethe's face was none too pleasant. The figure turned and Mihara went wide-eyed. There, before her, was the former Raven King...Naesala.
"Well, well...quite the mess I've stumbled upon, no?" From his gaze, Mihara guessed that he directed that at Ranulf.
XxXxXxX
Ike woke from his dream easily. Another message from Yune. He scoffed lightly while he sat up and stretched. Sure, it was easy for Yune to give the message, but for Ike, delivering this particular one would be tricky. Either way, he stood up and walked over to Felicity, who had fallen asleep clutching the medallion she had found the day before tightly. He leaned down and shook her slightly. "Felicity? Wake up."
Felicity jerked slightly before waking. She sleepily opened her eyes and mumbled, "Are we leaving now?"
"Yeah. Yune spoke to me. Not to mention, we need to get this done fast. She'll meet us there in the Serenes Forest."
"Okay...just give me a few minutes..."
"Sure thing."
Ike stepped away from the sleepy female otter laguz and looked up at the trees. They had picked a small wooded area to spend the night at. It was enclosed, and that usually gave Ike an assured feeling, for some reason. Maybe it was because he was born in Gallia...a place surrounded by trees.
Behind him, Felicity gave off a great yawn before standing and stretching fiercely. She still held the medallion in her hand as she walked up beside Ike. "I suppose I'll find me some breakfast after we finish this."
Ike chuckled lightly. "Hopefully, it won't take too long. Ready?"
Felicity nodded. Ike drew Alondite and Ragnell, both blades gleaming brightly in the morning light. As though they had spoken to Ike, he said to them, "It's time. We're heading home to Tellius. Take us to the Serenes Forest altar."
Felicity took Ike's arm – apparently, she needed to be physically touching him to teleport with him. She closed her eyes, waiting for the bright light to fade. Once it had, she opened her light brown eyes again. The scenery hadn't changed much, but she could easily tell that it was a different place. The smells were somewhat strange to her. She released Ike's arm and held the medallion with both hands. The hero of Tellius took a few steps forward, looking around. However, he didn't get far before voices reached the two's ears.
"Where is Mihara? Have you seen her?"
"N-no, I haven't...I woke up about ten minutes ago, but I haven't seen her yet. Are you sure she isn't just outside, Dad?"
"I already checked."
"Come on, Tibarn. Leanne and I will go with you to check again."
Ike and Felicity turned their heads, hearing a door creak open, only to see Tibarn step out first. He caught sight of them, freezing. "...Ike...?"
XxXxXxX
Alrightyyy! Mihara's hearing Ashera. Baaad. Ike and Felicity have returned to Tellius. Okaaayyy? Naesala has made an appearance. Shweeet! Well, as long as my computer doesn't die again, I should have the next chapter up A LOT faster! ...Especially since marching season's over... ;_;
Please review!
