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Eternal Twilight & Darkness Room 3
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Eternal Twilight & Darkness
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Eternal Twilight & Darkness Rp Room
"No. It only started happening recently, what about you?" Aeld replied smiling back at Shade.
"I'm usually alone. I don't enjoy traveling with... others" Shade answered with slight distaste.
"Oh... I think we are getting close to where he said the cave is..."
"Ok" She said softly and glanced around alertly
"There it is!" He said pointing to the cave. ((scroll down to where Pyre and the others are))
"And if it does?" Alder asked.
Auvreeron muttered in his sleep as he held on to Cara.
Pyrite looked over at her brother and Izara. "I believe that she is connected to the Gem, if not the Gem itself....for whenever she is the most happy, at her happiest, Pyre being the greatest cause that I've seen, Light fell from the sky, bathing the earth in warmth..." Pyrite looked at him. "You seek the Gem."
"I seek to restore it, and I believe she is the gem as well...I was born with the ability to sense the gem, I hadn't expected to find the gem as a person. If Izara was to be killed....the world would fall into darkness forever."
"Then it was good that you were able to get to her, to help save her....she get restore the light, but I believe that she will help my brother...and in return he will have a hand in restoring the light to the world."
He smiled. "That would be nice."He looked sad for a moment. "Providing my father isn't following..."
Cara snuggled closer to Auveeron.
"What's the story on your father? If I may ask that is," said Pyrite.
Mya turned in her sleep, she had been asleep, but she had woken up to their voices and had kept her eyes closed.
Alder absentmindedly stroked her hair lovingly. "He never wanted children...he.
.killed my siblings and he would have killed me but my mother managed to get me away...."He paused looking sad. "He found us when I was little, he was obsessed with my mother, he tried to kill me and my mother saved me...she died in my arms....I was seven....he went to kill me but realized I possessed power he wanted...he tried to extract it but I escaped, I have avoided him since." He paused for several moments obvious pain on his face."He came across me recently, a year ago and discovered I could follow the trail to where the gem is...he wants me for that reason, he seeks to possess the gem..."He looked down. "I guess the only reason I am telling you this is because...well if we are to travel together we should be able to trust each other."
"I wish for light to be over the world," said Pyrite. "I want my brother to be happy..." Looking over at her sleeping brother, she said, "He has always been my protector, but I have always wished for him to find the one he is destined to protect, one that he feels love for.... and I am glad of our meeting of Izara and Tai'ho...." Looking back at him, Pyrite said, "We must do what we can to protect Izara, and return light to the skies."
He nodded. "I know...."He looked sad as though something else troubled him.
"I don't like that troubled look, young sir," Pyrite said. "What is it?"
"I have done something...I shouldn't have, and I fear it will lead to heartache..."
"Hmm?" Pyrite looked at him to continue.
"I...fell in love...and let her love me in return..."A tear rolled down his face as he looked down at Mya.
"WHy is that a bad thing?" asked Pyrite.
"When the light is restored...I will no longer walk this land...I will watch as a star in the night sky....that was foretold before my birth...I swore to never fall in love because I knew I would have to leave the one I love....and I love Mya....I don't want to hurt her and yet I know I will ....either by leaving....or by breaking it off." Silent tears rolled down his face and he made no attempt to wipe them away.
Pyrite looked sad at this. "If that is so, then you should make your time with her a happy time."
"Will you...help comfort her when I am gone?" He asked as he gently stroked Mya's cheek and kissed her forehead.
"I will...." Pyrite said. "But don't think about this til we know every for sure, alright? The love you have for her is great....and neither you nor her deserve to lose one another before the time comes. Act as if everything is alright...."
He nodded. "I will try...but my heart feels heavy...are you alright with taking over the shift? I want to rest."
"Yes, I'm fine," said Pyrite. "Sleep well."
"Thank you." He laid down and held Mya close as he drifted off to sleep.
((don't forget you said Mya is a wake but she has been pretending to sleep))
Pyrite looked out into the world outside the cave.
Mya carefully got up after a while, hours just thinking laying in Alder's arms. She walked over to Pyrite. "I'll take over now," she said to Pyrite.
Pyrite looked at Mya. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," said Mya. "I'll watch." Mya moved and sat by the entrance to the cave.
"Alright," said Pyrite. She went over to Tai'ho, and laid next to him, falling to sleep.
Mya looked over at Alder. "I love you Alder, but please don't ever stop loving me. I had never known love til you came along." Mya pulled out her drawing book, and began to draw Alder as she has seen him in the light, the rainbow of colors, the wings...but in a scene of a wedding to her.
Touching, but it will never happen, he will leave and you will be alone again little girl
Mya looked around. No, he won't
He won't have a choice. He will leave you when and if the light is restored, or his father will force him to leave, or his mate will.
Mate?? What?? No...Alder loves me, and I love him
He has a mate and she is with child, did he neglect to tell you this? awww the deception and lies
Mya shook her head. No no no
It is true.
Izara woke and sat up she looked over at Mya. "What's wrong?"
Mya looked over at her. "Nothing, I'll be right back..." she said. Mya tore out the wedding image, laying it beside Alder. She walked out of the cave, and continued to just walk. I don't believe you
Izara looked after worried and not sure if she should wake anyone.
She decided to wake Pyre. "Pyre...wake up please..."
Yawning, Pyre said, "What's wrong, Izara?"
"One of the girls left..."
"Who..?"
"Umm...I think she was called Mya..."
"Hmmm..."
"She looked troubled..."
Pyre got up, and went over to Alder, gently shaking him.
He stirred and looked up. "Hmm what's wrong?"
"Izara said that Mya walked off."
"What?!" Alder jumped up and rushed out of the cave to find her, he didn't notice the drawing.
Pyre picked up the drawing, and showed it to Izara.
"Oh...it's pretty...I hope it works for them."
"I do too...." said Pyre.
Izara hugged him. "I love you."
"I love you as well."
"What is the plan now?"
"We wait for him to come back," he said.
She nodded. "I know...but then what?"
"I don't know."
She settled next to him, to wait. "I am glad I met you..."
"And I, you."
She leaned against him. "Do you think my brother will come after me with this many people in a group?"
"We can never know...maybe not..."
"I hope not..."
Pyre hugged her. "I won't let anything happen to you."
She smiled. "I know."
Pyre kissed her.
She kissed back hoping Mya and Alder were alright.
Pyre held her.
She hugged him back leaning her head against his chest.
Pyre watched the cave enterance.
Izara fell asleep leaning against him.
Shade walked carefully into the cave, she held a small knife ready at her side.
Aeld looked around surprised at the increased number of people.
Pyre layed Izara down, and woke his sister, not taking his eyes off the strangers. "Who are you?" he growled.
Pyrite looked at the two. "I suggest that you answer my brother..."
Why don't you?
Because I don't know you, and I have grown up trusting very few Mya thought. Mya continued to walk.
And you trust him? What do you trully know about him?
I know more about him, then I do about you. You don't know what I've been through before I met Alder, my life became better because of him, if it were not for Alder, I may be dead right now.
He still failed to tell you about his mate, ask him if you don't believe me
Who are you? Why are you telling me any of this?
To try to save you heartache...as I did. I have seen death..known it...felt it, I thought I knew love.......and I lost it, I don't want another to fall in love only to lose it, I want you to know the truth.
Who are you?
I was Runa
Runa, I would have ended up dying, if I had not ran into Alder, I would be dead.
I would not have allowed that to happen sister...
Sister? I have not sisters or brothers....I grew up on the street alone, with no one but me...............
We were separated, death has a funny way of revealing secrets to you...I was raised by a kind family and forced to wed someone I didn't love,I fell in love with his brother and was betrayed...
What does this have to do with Alder?
It was Alder I fell in love with...he has one surviving brother...the man I was forced to marry.
All of his siblings were killed by Alder's father....I nearly got killed my Alder's father because he wants Alder...
All but one older sibling
Alder called out her name from a distance away.
Mya turned around. "Alder?"
He rushed up to her and hugged her. "Where are you going?" He looked relieved to of found her.
"I wasn't really going anywhere...." said Mya. "I heard what you had told Pyrite...."
He froze his eyes going wide. "Y...you did?"
"Yes," said Mya. Looking down, Mya said, "I hear a voice in my head...."
"A voice? What is it saying?" he looked concerned.
"It said that you have a mate... that you are married.... to a person who is named Runa..."
He looked down. "I am not married to anyone by that name. I knew someone who liked me that had that name, but she was married and so I left."
"Married to your older brother....the only other sibling to live.....what do you mean 'she was married and so I left'?"
"She liked me, I didn't feel the same way, I tried to tell her I didn't feel that way, she wouldn't listen to me and I didn't want to ruin my brother's marriage...if he even is my brother as he claims." He looked at her sadly. "I love you, I didn't love her."
Lies. He kissed me! He said he loved me! now he claims he didn't love me!
"What was she, Alder?"
"She was like you, a werecat."
"The voice, Runa, said that she was my sister...... but I don't know what to beleive.... I told it that I may have ended up dying in that town if I hadn't met you, and I'm really glad I met you, but then it said that it wouldn't have let me die....but if she was my sister, why didn't she show herself......" said Mya, tears in her eyes. "I don't want to lose you..."
He held her gently. "Mya...if you heard what I said...you know that I will have to when the time comes, I don't want to...but I may have no choice."
"You found the star... Izara... just need to get her where ever, keeping her from your father.... and then you're gone... and I'm alone again," said Mya, with tears in her eyes. "I... I... don't want....to be.... alone again..."
He hugged her tightly. "I don't want you to be alone....I don't want to leave....I love you...I...want to marry you..."
"I left you a picture I drew before I went on my walk... of what I wanted...." Mya said into his chest.
"I am afraid I didn't see it..." He said hugging her tightly.
"I drew you how I show you that one morning at your friends' camp, when I had been awoken by light...."
He smiled. "I remember..."
"Then I added myself into it..."
"Are you saying you want to be married to me too?"
Ask him if he is married!
Be quiet, Runa, if that really is your name..... I don't even know if you really are my sister.... Looking at Alder, Mya said, "....Yes...." Mya blushed.
He kissed her gently.
I am your sister! I want you safe I don't want you hurt!The voice sounded sad this time, pleading.
I've never had anyone come out, and tell me that they cared about me... he took me from that sad life I had lived... I have always been alone til I ran across him.... sister or not, you are just a voice in my head... thought Mya sadly. I'm sorry I made you sad.... I... I should have just stay in that town, a theif soon to be caught...and Alder just travel by himself.... No... Alder... Runa, I have a pull to Alder....
I just don't want you hurt the way I was...
"Let's head back to the others, it is getting cold."
Mya smiled, nodding. Runa...please show yourself... let me meet you....
I can't...I wish I could but...I can't...
He started to lead them back to the cave.
Why can't you? Mya followed distracted.
I am a spirit without form...
"Mya? Is something wrong?"
You're dead....?
I tried to tell you that...I was murdered
I'm sorry I didn't listen.... I.... Mya looked at the ground, tears in her eyes.
She thought she felt a gentle hand brush her shoulder. It is alright, at least you live, I want you to have happiness, happiness that was denied me
"Mya are alright?" Alder looked at her in concern.
Runa....if you want me happy, please support me.... I have a True Love pull to Alder.... Mya nodded to Alder's question.
I do...I just don't want you hurt...he said he had loved me too..
Alder didn't look convinced. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, Alder...." said Mya. Runa, is Runa your full name or apart of it?
Runaria is my full name
"...Runaria..." spoke Mya out loud softly. That's a beautiful name...I am at least glad that you at least had a family...
Alder looked at her. "Runaria?"
I did...but I would have liked to of known you.
How did you find me? Mya looked at Alder. "Runaria...that's Runa's full name...."
"I know..."
Not all spirits are bound to the place of their death, I was able to find you
But how did you know about me? "My sister..." siad Mya.
He looked concerned.
When you die you are allowed to ask one question, I asked if I had any family I never knew about and I was told about you,I searched for you and found you. I have been with you nearly a year, it is only recently that I have been able to communicate with you.
Thank you for asking that question... Mya looked at Alder. "What's wrong? Alder?"
"She was your sister?"
"She said that when you die, you are allowed to ask one question...and her question was about family... and she said that she's been with me a year, and just was able to start talking to me...." Mya said. "Do I smell familiar to Runa? That can tell if it's the truth..."
He frowned. "Now that you mention it you do."
"Then Runa and I are sisters...." said Mya. Mya looked right at Alder. "I love you, Alder.... but can you tell me about Runa?"
"She was married to a friend....I don't think she was happy with her marriage she seemed to like me and one night she kissed me. I was scared by it, I didn't feel anything for her and she was married...I left. She was a nice girl but I think she had some inner demons."
"She said it was your older brother........and that you kissed her......."
"She kissed me...older brother? I thought his scent was similar to mine but it wasn't exact..."
"I only know what she has said.... please don't be upset for me asking about all of this..."
"It's alright, you have a right to know."
"Can you please tell me about that time in your life, Alder?"
"It was a time when I didn't have to worry about hiding. There was another reason I left, the main reason I left..."
"What was the main reason, Alder?" asked Mya.
"I was accused of murder, they were going to execute me without proof."
"What?" said Mya, worried for Alder.
He nodded. "I was forced to flee, I can't return there."
Runa "I'm sorry Alder."
Yes?
"It's alright..."
What do you remember? "Who's murder?"
"That's the thing...they wouldn't tell me."
My murder.
"Runa...you were murdered?" Mya thought and said out loud.
I told you I was
"She was murdered?"
Mya nodded. Did he kill you?
I don't know who killed me, my back was turned
He looked sad at hearing she was dead.
"Her back was turned, she doesn't know by who she was killed...they blamed you for her murder...."
"Yes...but I was no where near the place they claimed I had killed someone, and I was with someone at the time."
"With someone...at the time......?" Mya.
"Yes why? I was with...a friend"
Mya looked at Alder, he seemed to be slow with his words. "Alder, if you had been with someone, like how we are now, please just tell me, don't hide it, please..."
"It was arranged..."
"What?"
He looked down. "I ...was...am...married...it was arranged I didn't want it...I want to be with you."
"I want to be with you, Alder..."
He looked at her relieved. "I am glad."
Mya looked at Alder. "Please, just don't leave me til you absolutely have to, because it would hurt to much....and even when the time does come, it's going to be painful..... You took me with you when you didn' have to..."
"I wanted to...I love you." He said as he kissed her.
Mya kissed back.
He hugged her close. "Should we head back?"
"You're not going anywhere son." Came his father's voice.
Mya spun to look at the man, glaring at him. "Leave us alone!"
Alder gently moved in front of her protectively. "Leave me alone, I don't belong to you!"
"Yes you do, you are my son, you will lead me to the gem!"
"Even if I knew where it was I would die before I lead you to it!"
His father looked angry.
Runa....I hope you never liked Alder's father, because I hate him, and want him gone from here, far from here Mya thought. Speaking to Alder's father, Mya said, "Why don't you just go lay down somewhere and just die."
He laughed. "Not till you do my dear."
Alder glared at him.
Suddenly his father pitched forward as though shoved.
Runa... was that you?
Yes
He seamed unable to get up.
Alder grabbed her hand and ran with her not toward the cave where the others were but away.
"Alder," Mya said as they ran. "It was Runa...she helped us..."
He nodded. "We need to get away then circle back to our friends."
Mya nodded. "I'm scared... We can't risk him being too close... I wish we could just send a message to the others to meet us some where...."
"So do I but we can't risk it...he can read my mind sometimes..."
Runa?
Yes?
Have you ever tried getting a message to someone that wasn't me?
No but I could try...
That's all I'm asking... Mya continued running with Alder.
Who?
Anyone at the cave I was at just before we really started talking....
What do you want me to say?
Mya looked at Alder. "If I can get a message to the group, where would you want to meet up with them?"
He gave the directions to a cabin to the east. "I know the people there, they are kind and will let us stay awhile."
Them to go there, Runa, okay? If you can....
I will try.
Thank you Mya looked at Alder. "She's trying something."
He nodded and quickly lead her into some brush.
Mya followed Alder.
Eventually they reached the cabin and he hurried her inside. "Are you alright?" He asked after he was able to catch his breath.
"Yes, I'm okay...." said Mya, breathing heavily.
he gently hugged her leading her to a cot to rest.
She hugged him back.
He held her as they waited for the others. "Why does he keep finding me..."
"I don't know," said Mya scared. Runa, were you able to....?
I was...but it was more tiring then when I speak with you...
I'm sorry...
It's alright...I was glad I could help
I'm still sorry "She was able to tell the others..."
He nodded. and she noticed he seemed to clutch his left side a little. "I am glad."
He is bleeding...
"You're bleeding..." Mya was at Alder's side trying to help him. Thank you for telling me...
"I...It's nothing..." The wound was bad a dart with a large head was deeply embedded in his side.
You're welcome...I don't think he wanted to worry you..
You can see he cares for me, then...
Mya grabbed the dart, and pulled, pressing down on the wound after it was out. She tore her shirt, pressing the cloth against his wound.
He passed out.
"Alder..." she gasped. "Please, be alright...please don't leave me..." She pressed more on the wound, wishing there was something she could do.
His eyes flickered open. "My pack....healing potion..."
Mya nodded, quickly grabbing his pack and the potions. "Here..."
He drank it and slowly he seemed to get better. "Thanks."
Mya nodded, smiling. "I love you..."
(Dream)
Cara sat upon the ivory throne that had belonged to her family since the kingdom's founding. She was dressed in a gorgeous purple satin dress and her faithful black wolf laid next to her.
somewhere beyond her subconscious she could here some voices.
Cara rose from her throne. "Who is there? Show yourself." She called out.
There was no response.
Cara stepped down from her throne. "Show yourself!" She ordered.
Suddenly a cloaked figure appeared from the shadows. "You have something I want."
Cara grabbed her long sword from beside her throne. "Who are you and what are you seeking?"
"I seek your throne."
"Over my dead body." Cara growled.
"We shall see." The man rushed forward and attacked
She felt someone waking her
Izara fell asleep leaning against him.
Shade walked carefully into the cave, she held a small knife ready at her side.
Aeld looked around surprised at the increased number of people.
Pyre layed Izara down, and woke his sister, not taking his eyes off the strangers. "Who are you?" he growled.
Pyrite looked at the two. "I suggest that you answer my brother..."
Shade watched them warily and dipped her head slightly, "I am Shade, and this is Aeld"
"I'm Pyrite, and my brother is Pyre.... now I suggest you put your knife away."
"Where is Alder? He said we would find friends here..." Aeld said.
Pyre looked at Aeld. "Alder went off to find Mya."
"Oh..." Aeld sat down on the cave floor to wait, on occasion he would glance at Izara.
Pyre went back over to Izara's sleeping form, picking her up, and hold her close as he is sitting down against the wall.
She stirred and opened her eyes. "Sorry I fell asleep..."
"It's okay," said Pyre.
Shade carefully returned her knife and glanced longingly outside
She smiled ."Are they back?"
Aeld settled himself next to Shade. "What's wrong?"
She glanced at him, "Nothing..."
"No, they're not back yet..."
Izara gazed outside the cave in worry.
Aeld fell silent next to Shade.
Pyre and Pyrite watched for Mya and Alder to return.
Shade finally gave in to her impulse and slipped outside.
Pyre thought out loud, "Where is she going?"
She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes a deep gold and her canines lengthening as she moved, "For a run."
"Will you come back?" Aeld asked.
Shade shrugged, "I don't really know... if I don't then I'll find you when you need me." She smiled at him and winked
"Be safe."
"Of course" she said cheerily and disappeared outside.
"I hope she will be alright." Aeld whispered.
Pyre held Izara.
Pyrite petted Tai'ho, her eyes closed, meditating.
Izara nodded to the young boy.
Pyrite felt as though someone with an icy cold hand had brushed her cheek.
Pyrite opened her eyes, looking around. She saw her brother still holding Izara, and the rest around her, with Tai'ho beside. She began to concentrate on the feeling, seeking what it was.
I was sent here...please listen.
What be it, spirit?
Mya sent me. Alder's father came after him they are fleeing him. They head to a cabin in the woods, you're group is to meet them there. She gave directions to the cabin.
Thank you, spirit Pyrite opened her eyes. "We have to get going from here."
Pyre looked at his sister. "What are you talking about? Two of our group is not here."
"We are going to meet them," Pyrite said. She stood up, and began to urge the group to get going.
Izara nodded. "What about Shade?"
"She could follow our scent.." Aeld said
Auvrearon started to wake Cara.
Pyrite just looked around that scene outside the cave.
"Can we trust this spirit?" Auvrearon asked.
Pyrite looked right at him. "I never said anything about a spirit," she said glaring at him. "And the spirit used Mya and Alder's name....plus they have yet to return...."
"Spirits can know the names of mortals and use that knowledge to deceive others."
"And you don't think I know this....but you did not answer my question."
"witch one?"
"The one where I said I never said anything about a spirit..." Pyrite said.
"I can read minds...I was curious as to why you woke us."
Pyrite just looked at him.
Pyre growled. "Don't go reading my sister's mind."
"Pyre, it's okay...." she said. "Sir, Mya had gone off, and Alder had run after her....and they still have not come back..."
"And I don't want to stay here long anyways," said Pyre. "There are those that wish to harm, Izara...and I'm not going to let that happen.....and I trust my sister's feelings on things."
"I am just saying we should be cautious. I don't trust spirits." he said in anger as he looked at Pyre in challenge. "I will do what I want."
Pyre made a move to go at him when...
"Stop, both of you," said Pyrite. Pyre stopped and looked down. "Please, don't just go and read peoples minds...and if you could do that, you wouldn't have had to try and cut my brother and I over whether we have harmed humans..."
"I don't have control of my ability...it comes and goes." He snapped in anger.
Izara bit her lip. "Please...don't fight. If any of our enemies are near they may hear..."
"Sound advice little sister." Came a man's voice.
Izara froze in fear her eyes wide. "No...Izar."
Tahio growled.
Pyre stood in front of Izara, growling at the man. "You will not have her."
Pyrite formed a bow and arrow out of flame, holding it at the man. "Stay back."
Izar stood in the mouth of the cave."I just want to take my little sister home. Unless you all want to be arrested for kidnapping."
"They didn't kidnap me! I ran away, they saved me!"Izara growled
"Come home little sister. Mother's worried."
Pyre continued to stand in front of Izara, fire irrupted on his arms.
Pyrite stood her ground. "Leave!"
Izar smirked. "Why? I just want to make sure my kid sister is alright, and return her safely home."
"She is safe, now leave, she doesn't want to go anywhere with you," growled Pyre.
he vanished and appeared behind Izara grabbing her and appearing several feet outside the cave with her. She struggled and his hand went over her mouth. "She has no choice." He kissed her neck and licked it where the pulse was. she shivered her eyes wide in fear.
"No!!! Izara!!!" yelled Pyre.
Pyrite shot her flame arrow at the man.
Pyre ran at the man.
He vanished and appeared a little further away. "Careful, you don't want to hit her do you?"
"Give her back to me! Izara!" shouted Pyre running at them, going to grab Izara's hand.
he vanished again and appeared on a tall boulder. "She is really cute isn't she?" His hand slid under her shirt and she struggled harder to get away.
"You bastard, family doesn't do that!" Pyre still ran after them.
He grinned and vanished this time not reappearing
As he vanished a large silver and black wolf laded where he had been. I missed him!He said to Shade
"Bastard!" growled Pyre in rage. His eyes became the slanted ones of a wolf, with rage in its eyes.
Talkiner hung his head in anger and defeat.
Tia'ho growled. That bastard better not hurt her!
"I agree Tia'ho," said Pyrite.
Pyre howled in rage.
Shade stood with her head cocked and her nose lifted into the air. She could feel the disturbance in the air because of her shadows, She looked around at everyone, "I...I think I can track him..."
Talkiner looked over. "We better try..."
Shade sighed with relief as she let the change sweep over her and wandered through the trees as a wolf once more.
She heard a snap from behind her
Her ears instinctively flattened against her skull and she shied away into the shadows where she could hide
She heard another snap this time from her other side
Her fur bristled and Shade whirled around baring her teeth in anger, "Who's there?!" She asked. the sound distorted through her clenched teeth.
"You escaped before but not this time little wolf." Came a voice as an arrow zipped forward and struck her shoulder
Shade yelped in surprise and ripped the arrow from her shoulder with her teeth in one violent motion. "Leave me alone!" She snarled and bounded away into the trees, running and jumping to avoid the onslaught.
She could hear her pursuers follow
She dodged into a large stand of trees and abruptly whirled around and lay in wait by the entrance. Her claws dug tensely into the soft ground and her eyes glared out watching for enemies.
some of her pursuers walked close to her hiding place
Her jaws parted and she silently bared her fearsome teeth and waited for them to come closer, she held her breath she was completely still
She felt pain in her side and realized they were diverting her attention from the real attack and others had closed in from the side
She yelped in surprise and whirled around feeling her teeth slash through flesh before she leaped away out of reach. This time though she didn't run, instead standing quietly and watching her pursuers, "Why are you doing this?" She asked them softly.
"Your kind are killers! Tell is were the gem that will bring light is and we will spare you." The man she bit groaned and one of his comrades killed him quickly.
Shade shook her head sadly and shifted her form. She was completely naked but her skin was stained crimson from her bloody wounds, she held out her hands outstretched, "I don't know where you're stone is... honestly I don't care, I enjoy the darkness." She watched them carefully her eyes flickered gold, "I can't help what I am... we aren't all killers." She said softly.
They looked at her with disgust. "Tell us where more of your kind are then."
She shook her head softly, "I don't know... my pack was destroyed long ago... I wander the forest alone now."
They started to move away from her. "your not worthy of the hunt."
"Because I will not fight?" She asks.
"Because you are a waist of time."
Shade raised her head proudly; her eyes still reflected sorrow as she turned away from the hunter. "Such hunts are waste of my own time, hunter" she said softly.
they laughed. "You aren't fast enough
She walked away a few more feet, "Thank you for sparing me in your hunt." she says in obvious disgust and then her shadows rise up and she vanishes from their sight. However she can only use them to transport high into a tree above them where she can watch their movements and bind her own wounds.
They spit on the ground and left the area continuing deeper into the woods
Shade finished binding her wounds and jumped down from her seat in the tree. With a final glance at the hunters she turned and walked away, progressing deeper into the woods but away from the hunters at once.
She heard a yelp from the direction the hunters had taken followed by a howl of rage.
Shade whirled around and stealthy followed after the hunters to find out the source.
They were attacking a silver and black striped wolf that had torn out the throats of several of the hunters
She hesitated for a microsecond and then jumped into the battle and started to fight
The men finally realized they were outnumbered and so they fled.
The other wolf looked at Shade. "Thanks for the aid.
She dipped her head in acknowledgment, "No problem." She said softly and turned to walk away.
"My name is Talkiner. What's yours?" She felt a strange connection to him
Her tail wagged slowly, "I'm Shade. I don't mean to pry... but how did you run into these guys?"
I was tracking a friend. His name is Alder. He slowly shifted into a handsome young man with dark stormy blue eyes and dark black hair that had a blue tinge to it
Shade smiled at him, "I know him... I can take you to where you'll meet him if you want"
"That would be very much appreciated." He said with a smile
Shade led the way back to the cave, she felt slightly nervous at being with another of her kind, but froze when she saw what was happening.
His eyes narrowed asd he took in the scene and slowly he shifted into a wolf.We need to help them
Shade nodded in agreement and let her shape change. I agree
he started to get into place
Shade bristled and slinked forward, staying the shadows
Mya nodded, smiling. "I love you..."
"I love you too." Alder said as he carefully sat up.
"Careful, Alder..."
He nodded. "I will."
"I hope the others are okay...." Could you check, Runa? I'm sorry I keep doing this to you.....you don't have to....
"Me too..."
I will
"Runa's going to check on them..."
Izara was kidnapped!
"What?!" said Mya out loud. Looking at Alder, she said, "Izara has been kidnapped!"
"We need to go back to the others then!" He said trying to get up.
"You can't stand, you're hurt...we have to hope that they'll be okay...." said Mya.
"But...she needs us."
"Alder, your father..."
"She is the light Mya..." He looked panicked not sure what to do.
"What about the wolves that were with her...and Cara and that man....and Shade and Aeld..... They are right there... and if we leave now, your wound could open up....your father could find us....." Mya was worried about Izara, but as worried for Alder.
He closed his eyes and his shoulders slumped. "You're right...we have to trust in them..."
"I'm sorry Alder.....we'd be there if it hadn't been for me....." Mya looked down at the ground.
He shook his head and hugged her. "Don't. It isn't your fault."
"You would have been there to protect her if I hadn't left....."
He hugged her tightly. "It was my choice to come looking for you....and it is me he was tracking love."
"Alder..." she cried into his chest. "Don't let me go back to how I was living....please..."
he held her gently. "I won't, shhhh I love you you are my life."
"I love you...."
"I love you too."He said wrapping a blanket around her.
"Thank you..."
he nodded hoping the others were going to be alright.
Mya looked into the distance scared for the others. Runa...are they okay?
Runa told her what is happening and paused when she got to Pyre. He...has a pull to Izar...
"What....? Pyre has a pull to Izar, Izara's brother..?"
"What?" Alder looked at her in shock. "But....he is evil..."
"Love knows no bounds..."
"I know but....he wants to rule the world!"
Shade closed her eyes and her shadows lifted off the ground and whirled in place until a small cloud like thing hovered in the air where Izar had last vanished. She panted with effort, "Walk through that... it should take you where ever he transported to..."
Pyrite looked at the others. "Not all of us should go....someone needs to tell Mya and Alder..."
Pyre didn't listen to his sister, and ran through the space Shade had made.
"Pyre!" shouted Pyrite. "Damn...Tai'ho please go with him, and make sure that all of you come back safely."
he nodded and ran after him.
Talkiner looked to Shade Should we go?
"You can go with them or stay, but I need to keep this portal open." She grunted softly.
He went over to her lending her strength. "I will stay with you."
Shade shot him a smile, "thank you..."
"I feel something for you..." He said quietly
Shade glanced up, startled, "What?"
Pyrite just looked at them, and sighed. She was happy for them all.
He nodded still giving her energy.
Aeld walked toward the portal. "I'll go..."
Shade suddenly glared right into the shadows, "Damn, they lost them."
"What??" said Pyrite. She grabbed Aeld. "We are not losing anymore...can you find them?"
He closed his eyes and a soft glow appeared around him he looked a little grim. "Tahio's spirit is detached from his body ....and...Pyre is being fed on...Izara is unharmed."
Shade started to look a little annoyed when one of her shadows drifted out of the portal and circled around her giving her the news.
Pyrite looked sternly at Aeld and the others. "Stay here..." She moved through the portal, and disappeared.
Aeld looked worried
Izar threw Izara onto her bed. "Welcome home little sister." He smiled. "Did you find a love? He seemed to get fired up when I touched you."
She trembled. "Just leave me alone...."
"You bastard!" came Pyre's voice, punching the guy in the face.
He smirked and grabbed Pyre pushing him against the wall. "Your cute too." He said as he licked his cheek.
Tia'ho growled stalking closer.
"Bastard! Let her go!!" Pyre howled, digging his claws into the guy's arms.
He waved a hand and Tia'ho fell to the ground. Izar and Pyre vanished from the room.
"PYRE, TIA'HO" Izara screamed. She hurried to Tia'ho to ensure he was alright.
"Tia'ho....Izara...." said Pyrite once she got there.
She looked up tears in her eyes. "He took Pyre...I can smell his blood...Tia'ho won't wake..."
Pyrite started to concentrate of Tia'ho. Tia'ho....please come back to us...
She felt something brush her cheek.
Tia'ho?
She felt it brush her cheek again.
Pyrite concentrated as hard as she could, pulling all of her energy together, to reunite Tia'ho with his body.
there was a soft glow and he started breathing again. Izara looked relieved. "What about Pyre?"
Pyrite looked tired. "We'll have to pull all of our energy to try and pull him back to this location......" she said, still just looking at Tia'ho's now breathing body.
"You can't...you look exhausted." She looked at her door with determination and tested it. She hurried over to a box and got something then started to fiddle with the door. She managed to get it open. "Stay here with Tai'ho..."
"Izara...no...don't go...it's not safe..."
She paused and looked back. "I...I have to...Pyre."
"Thank you for your love of my brother...." said Pyrite, looking down at Tai'ho's form.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with him..." She hugged her and carefully snuck out of the room.
"Careful..."
She nodded and left.
Pyrite stayed with Tai'ho. "I'm so sorry..."
His eyes slowly opened. Pyrite...
"Tai'ho....thank the gods..."
What happened?
"Your spirit was pulled from your body...."
Where...is Pyre and Izara?
"Izara went after Pyre...I don't know what happened...."
He tried to get up but fell. She can't...I think it was his plan...
"Damn...it's my fault, I should have made her stay....it's just that he has Pyre....and you know she loves him..." Pyrite looked down.
It isn't your fault...
"I've always kept Pyre from getting into too much trouble..."
Don't blame yourself..." He broke off as Izara appeared in the room a click sounded from the outside of the room. "Pyre...." Izara whispered, tears in her eyes.
"Izara...what's going on?" Pyrite said worried more.
She explained and tears rolled down her face. "It's my fault....I should have died when those men attacked me then you all wouldn't be in this mess." She sobbed collapsing to her knees.
Pyrite took Izara up in her arms. "No...no....Izara, because of you my brother is opening up to people more....he is stronger because of you...." She looked at Tai'ho. "I'm sure, Tai'ho would miss you just as me and Pyre would..."
She cried into her. "I am weak...I can't even save the man I love...the one I want to marry!"
Pyrite looked Izara straight in the eye. "You are not weak, you are strong....you and Pyre share a great love for one another.... mother and father would tell us that love is indeed a powerful thing when you know how to use it..."
"Pyre is being hurt by Izar because of me...and you two were captured because of me."
"Izara, you're family..." Pyrite said, hugging her close. "You, Tai'ho, Pyre... are my family..."
"How are we going to help Pyre?"
"We'll think of a way...."
She looked down. <i>It's not your fault. Tai'ho assured her.
"Plus I'm sure that Pyre is trying to come back right," Pyrire said.
She nodded but still looked worried.
Please Pyre, be safe...
Izara cried herself to sleep.
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho. "I really do hope Pyre knows what he's doing..."
As do I, for Izara's sake.
Pyrite nodded.
Izar and Pyre appeared in a different room and Izar pushed Pyre to the bed pinning him. "No scratching. I loved how angry you looked when I touched her. Her skin is so tasty and soft." He said as he kissed him forcefully.
Pyre bit down hard on Izar's lip. "Bastard, don't you dare kiss me!" He started to claw him again.
He smiled and secured his wrists to the bed above his head. "No more clawing naughty boy." He smiled and licked the blood away from his lips. "I wonder how you would taste?" He slipped his hand down Pyre's pants and his other hand pushed his neck to the side he sank his fangs into Pyre's neck drinking some of his blood and playing with his package at the same time.
Pyre howled. "Bloody damn vampire!!! I hate you, let me go you murdering demons!" He struggled against him.
He licked the blood from his neck and thrust both hands into his pants. "You taste good. Or would you rather I be with Izara right now?" He said and moved as though to leave after tearing off Pyre's shirt.
"Damn, let her alone!" growled Pyre. "Why are you doing this?"
He settled on the bed next to Pyre and smiled down at him. "I enjoy it." He said as he bandaged Pyre's neck and stroked his chest. "Aren't you the least bit curious what it would feel like making love to another man?"
"No, I'm not....especially vampires like you...like the murderous vampires that killed my family..." Pyre said glaring.
He feigned a hurt expression. "I haven't killed anyone." He said as he removed Pyre's pants. "You do have a very nice body, I see why she likes you." He said as he licked the tip of his package.
"Ah....stop it now...I have no interest in guys!" he growled.
He smiled and peered at him with slitted eyes. "How do you know? It could be fun." He stroked his inner thigh. "By the way. You have a sick mind to believe I would touch my sister. I did that to get a reaction out of you. You have such passion, I am attracted to such a fiery spirit." He smiled. "I wonder...are you trembling because you are aroused or because you are angry? Or could it be both?"
Pyre growled. "I'm angry....Let me go, now! And you are the one that touched her!" Pyre struggled to get freed.
"No. I touched her but I didn't touch her in the manor you imply. It was all an act. I do so love illusions. I never licked her and my hands never went under her shirt, it was all illusion, created to get a reaction from you." he frowned and tightened the restraints then secured his feet for good measure. "You should relax, it won't hurt as much that way." He said kissing his inner thigh.
Izar felt something, a connection.
Pyre felt a connection to Izar. His eyes went wide. "Don't please.... I..." Pyre had never stumbled over his words before, but then again he never thought that he'd have feeling for a guy.
Izar stumbled back a bit he had never felt anything like this before. "W...what did you do?" He asked a little stunned for the first time in his life he was a little unnerved.
"Me?" Pyre looked confused. "I'm the one tied down....not you....what did you do...? I've only felt like this for...."
"Ive never felt this..." He sank down next to him on the bed still trying to figure out what was going on. "Is...this love?" He whispered to himself.
Pyre nodded. "Yes...it's the same thing I feel for Izara, a pull of true love...I've just never thought of a guy in that way...."
He looked down at him he looked unsure of himself and perhaps a little vulnerable and distrusting. "I...have watched you for awhile."
He looked at the guy. "Why have you been watching me?" asked Pyre. Then thinking of his sister, he said, "You better not have watched my sister doing anything behind closed doors things...."
This seemed to get him snapped back into control. He looked sly. "No, just you." He purred as he gently kissed his inner thigh and sucked his package for a moment.
"Aahhh....please... I..." he started, shaking.
A small gasp came from the door and Izar stopped looking up then he smiled. "Oh...Izara you really should knock."
Her eyes shown with tears. "Wh....what are you doing....d...don't touch him...."
"Hmmm, what do you mean? You don't want me to touch him like this?" one hand stroked his chest. "Or like this?" The other gripped his package and gently squeezed it
A tear rolled down Izara's cheek. "P...please don't touch him...let him go, I won't run away again....don't punish him for what I did..." She shook and more tears started to fall.
"Izara...." said Pyre struggling against the restraints.
Izar waved his hand and the restraints fell away, he waved them again and Pyre was clothed.
Izar looked between the two as though confused by what he just did. Finally he looked at Pyre. "Leave, take your sister who is with Tai'ho and him and leave." He grabbed Izara's wrist she closed her eyes and sighed as though in relief, she looked at Pyre. "I...love you."
"Izara....I love you," said Pyre. He looked at Izar, and said, "Let her go!"
He narrowed his eyes. "No. Take your freedom and go, I usually am not this generous, you have ten minutes to take your sister and that mongrel and go, or none of you leave."
Izara looked at Pyre in worry. "Go....please.."
"Izara, I can't just leave you here?"
She looked down. "I don't want you hurt again...he hurt you because of me...please go."
"Five minutes." Izar said, he looked like he was enjoying his sisters anguish
Pyre looked at Izar. "Izara, he was hurting me, until we both realized that we feel for each other, as I feel deeply for you...a pull of true love... I don't want to keep secrets from you."
Her eyes widened. "B...but..."
Izar looked upset. "I didn't say i felt it." He said trying to keep a mask of cruelty up. He rushed forward and slammed Pyre into the wall roughly kissing him. "I said i was attracted to you."
"PYRE!" Izara cried trying to pull Izar away from him.
Pyre just looked into Izar's eyes. "Yes, you did...by saying that you have 'never felt like this...is this love..?' That's what you said, after I had said that I have only felt this once before...and that time it was Izara..." Looking at Izara, Pyre said, "I would never stop loving you, your presence helped and is still helping me to see that all vampires are not like the ones that murdered my parents, orphaning Pyrite and I...." Looking between the two sibling Pyre said, "I feel pulled to both of you..."
Izara looked at her brother. "Izar....please, I know there is good in you...find it."
Izar was silent a few minutes when he looked up he looked cold and angry. Shoving the emotions down that he felt for Pyre savagely he grabbed Pyre and pinned him against the wall. He glared into his eyes his fangs exposed. "Times up. No one is leaving." He waved a hand and Izara vanished. He threw Pyre onto the bed roughly and began to secure him to the bed once more.
"Great this again....being raped by someone I feel something for...you might as well just kill me if you're going to do this!" shouted Pyre at Izar.
Izar sat on the bed. "Shut up or I might. Why did you tell her about my weakness? Why?!"
Pyre glared at Izar angered at that statement. "You think love is a weakness!? I fought for my sister's safety because I love her....she gave me strength.....I found Izara, and I love her....I will and have fought for her, and she and my sister have given me strength, made me stronger.... adding my love for you, would just increase that.....love is strength!"
"Love...it killed my father...killed others. It is a weakness." He said glaring at Pyre. "It has only made Izara weak. Are family name is respected, feared, we have a reputation as being warriors, a reputation for our strength, and she ignores this and is a weakling a weak minded little fool with dreams of a light and happy world that will never exist. The reality is this world everywhere you go danger lurks, darkness prevails, the weak are trodden on the strong are the only ones who survive long. That is the reality of this world, a reality I have tried to show her and yet she is to naive to see the truth. In this world there is no room for her kind...a foolish dreamer." he snapped.
"SO, she can not dream of a world of light?" asked Pyre. "You want to keep this world as it is...with no hope of peace and love...? mother and father would tell us that love is indeed a powerful thing when you know how to use it..."
"Love....doesn't exist, it is an illusion. Look around you look at the world, what do you see? I see darkness, hatred, famine, war, a dying world, there is no light, no love. Just darkness and lust." There was something in his eyes that looked almost like pain, it stabbed deeply at Pyre's heart and he suddenly realized Izar was lonely.
"I'll stay with you, Izar....just as I promised Izara... no matter what happens I'll stay with you two..." Pyre said, staring into Izar's eyes, into his soul. A world of light...
He looked unsure of himself again. "What are you? Why are you doing this? You make my heart ache and I don't even know why... I am strong damn it....strong!" He punched the wall and his hand started to bleed. He smirked. "I lied to you. I said I hadn't killed but I have. I was the one who killed your parents too." He looked into his eyes. "Now tell me you hate me!"
Pyre looked at Izar, smelling the air, to see the truth.
To his horror he did smell blood of innocence on Izar it was hard to tell if his parents were Izar's victims too due to how much blood he had spilled.
"Where did their bodies lie after their murders?" Pyre asked, hoping he didn't kill his parents.
He replied the exact location his parents were found right down to the position of their bodies.
"I never knew who killed mine and my sister's parents...just that vampires were involved, and we never knew why.... what you have said, tells me that you are my parents' murderer....but.....I could no much kill or hate you as I could kill or hate Izara....I'd hurt myself doing so..." said Pyre. "Let me out of these restraints, Izar..."
His eyes widened. "You don't hate me? And you talk about love. You didn't love your parents if you did you would want vengeance. What a fool you are." He looked at him in anger then slapped him. "Don't dare compare me to that foolish dreamer!"
"I do want vengeance, or at least I did...I wanted all vampires to be punished for my parents deaths....but when I met Izara, I changed.... I do want vengeance...but I want vengeance against the men that were going to kill her" said Pyre looking at Izar, his cheek red from the slap. "I compare the two of you, because of my feelings...." Pyre's hands and arms changed into something you'd see a demon having, and he broke the restraints, then freed himself from the restraints on his ankles. Holding up an arm in front of him, Pyre asked, "Do you hate me? I have these hands and arms that are like that of a demon, but I am full wolf just like my sister...."
"I hate...everything. To love is to be weak." He growled. Pyre could see that what he said he didn't completely believe.
"So you hate me then?" asked Pyre, standing infront of Izar, his arms still in their demon-like form.
"What?" Alder looked at her in shock. "But....he is evil..."
"Love knows no bounds..."
"I know but....he wants to rule the world!"
"I don't know......"
He sighed not sure what to say or think.
"I just hope...." Mya sighed. "Okay, come on, let's go..."
"I will be careful..." He said reassuringly as he got up.
Mya helped him get up, staying by his side as they headed back. Runa....thank you again for being my guardian angel...and staying with me.....and for your warning...
That's what sisters are for
Mya continued walking beside Alder.
He walked a little slower because of his side but looked anxious about the others.
"We have to be slow... your wound may open...."
"I know..."
Mya kept an eye out on the surroundings.
so did he he winced as his wound pulled a little.
"Alder..." said Mya, her voice full of worry.
"I....will be alright, we need to get to the others..."
Mya just nodded, keeping an eye on Alder and their surroundings.
He stumbled and tried to right himself but fell again. "I...am sorry." He said with a wince clutching his side.
"Alder...you're hurting yourself more....we have to stop..." Mya said. "If I changed, I wont be able to carry you, seeing as I'm a little cat...a kitten....We have to stop...I don't want you hurting..."
"But...the others..."
"If you die...what's going to happen....? We need you...you know more than anyone in the group...." Mya kissed Alder's cheek. "I don't want to lose you..."
He sat on the ground. "I am sorry...you're right, I just feel so helpless..."
"No..stop that Alder...you're not helpless...I'm the helpless one....I wouldn't have been able to get as far as I have with out you...."
he hugged her. "You are not helpless, you only needed to be shown the way to your strength, to tell you the truth you saved my life when we met, I was on a path toward destruction and you helped me see the light."
"I did...? You met a thief..."
"I met a beautiful woman that has a lot of hope and kindness. One who is able to see some good in the world, your drawings are testimony to that."
"Really?"
"I swear it." He said as he kissed her.
Mya kissed back.
He smiled then passed out.
"Alder!" Mya searched the packs for anything that'd help him.
She found a first aid kit.
Mya started working on Alder's wounds.
He groaned in pain.
"Alder...please be alright...." whispered Mya. She continued to work at his wounds.
After awhile he opened his eyes. "I'm sorry..."
"No...you have nothing to be sorry for...Alder, I love you..."
"I love you too...I am slowing you down."
"I'm staying with you...."
"I will only slow you down my love."
"I said that I'm staying by your side, no matter what..." Mya said, crossing her arms with a smile.
He held her hand. "Thank you...I don't think I should move for awhile though..."
Mya nodded. "But we need to get out of sight...." Mya helped Alder up once more, moving back to the cabin, yet thankfully they hadn't gotten very far from. She layed him down on the bed, and locked the door.
"Lay with me...please."
Mya layed down next to Alder.
They both fell asleep
Mya woke later on he still slept.
Mya looked outside, letting Alder sleep.
the sun was just starting to rise.
"The sun...the light..." said Mya.
As it rose it darkened falling into darkness once more.
Aeld walked toward the portal. "I'll go..."
Shade suddenly glared right into the shadows, "Damn, they lost them."
"What??" said Pyrite. She grabbed Aeld. "We are not losing anymore...can you find them?"
He closed his eyes and a soft glow appeared around him he looked a little grim. "Tahio's spirit is detached from his body ....and...Pyre is being fed on...Izara is unharmed."
Shade started to look a little annoyed when one of her shadows drifted out of the portal and circled around her giving her the news.
Pyrite looked sternly at Aeld and the others. "Stay here..." She moved through the portal, and disappeared.
Aeld looked worried
Cara's eyes cracked open and she moaned softly. "Kono, where did you go?"
Auvreeron looked at her. "Cara...I tried to wake you, Izara was kidnapped and I think some of her friends are in trouble, they haven't returned."
Cara looked up into Auvreeron's eyes. "Then we must find them." She climbed to her feet and grabbed her sword.
Shade suddenly groaned with effort and the shadows creating the portal started to slip as she lost control.
Talkiner added more of his energy. "If any of you are going you must hurry, this is wearing on both of us!"
"I do want vengeance, or at least I did...I wanted all vampires to be punished for my parents deaths....but when I met Izara, I changed.... I do want vengeance...but I want vengeance against the men that were going to kill her" said Pyre looking at Izar, his cheek red from the slap. "I compare the two of you, because of my feelings...." Pyre's hands and arms changed into something you'd see a demon having, and he broke the restraints, then freed himself from the restraints on his ankles. Holding up an arm in front of him, Pyre asked, "Do you hate me? I have these hands and arms that are like that of a demon, but I am full wolf just like my sister...."
"I hate...everything. To love is to be weak." He growled. Pyre could see that what he said he didn't completely believe.
"So you hate me then?" asked Pyre, standing in front of Izar, his arms still in their demon-like form.
His eyes hardened but Pyre could still see the pain and deep loneliness in his eyes. "I just told you. I hate everything, I even hate myself. I especially hate Izara, she who can find good in everything, she who thinks this world is savable, she who is liked by everyone, she who believes love is a wonderful thing and not a weakness! She who is responsible for father's death!" He shouted.
"How did he die, Izar?" Pyre asked, taking a step forward.
"Why does it matter? he's dead all because of that little bitch."
"It matters because it matters to you."
"He got in the way...she was the target of the hunters attack and he sacrificed himself for her and mother, all in the name of love, and yet I nearly died. I was a boy I could take care of myself...I don't know who or what saved me but I lay dying watching my father jump in to save my sister and mother as he lay dying he looked at me and said only five words..." he paused his eyes had clouded over and seemed darker as though reliving the memory, his voice didn't betray emotion. "Those five words were this 'weakling...like your old man.'"
"How old were you? And what did you know of the reason the hunters targeted Izara?" asked Pyre, stepping closer.
"I was six...and so pitiful, so weak...my father was right I was weak like him. Now I am strong, I won't make the mistakes he did. I wont be weak like he was." He growled. Pyre thought he saw barely contained tears.
Pyre looked at him, and then thought of something. Pyre lifted one of his demon-like hand up in front of him, and a small fire appeared. He concentrated so as to be able to see Izar's past that he had spoken of, to see if Izar's father had called Izar a weakling.
He saw that what Izar said was the truth, he also saw that Izar's father had abused and neglected Izar but doted on Izara.
"'You're a weakling...you should have been more like your old man'" said Pyre. Pyre looked at Izar.
Izar's eyes went wide and he launched at Pyre. "I am not a weakling! I am stronger then he ever hoped to be!" He screamed as he pinned Pyre to the bed and started to strangle him, he seemed to have lost all control, it seemed almost as though he were reliving the past.
Demon-like hands grabbed Izar's wrists, pulling Izar's hands off Pyre's throat. "I didn't say that you were a weakling....that is what your father said. He said that you should have been more like him....but I don't want you to be like him, if you're going to do what your father did to you." Pyre wrapped Izar in a hug, holding him close, and not letting go. "I saw everything he did to you through my fire...."
He froze. "W...why? Why....do you care...you have the precious one ...Izara...why do you want the failure...the dark one...?"
"Can't you both be my precious ones.... the ones that light up my life...and Izar you are not a failure...I saw what you went through growing up," said Pyre, still holding Izar in a hug.
"I am darkness...she is light. I was born knowing I would like both genders. it sickened my father he wanted to disown me, my mother wanted to keep me. She was only able to talk him into it when she said I could help care for Izara. It was always about her, even my mother started to forget about my ills. I became isolated, left out. When Izara had a fever, she got treatment and attention, her birthday always celebrated, if she got hurt everyone cared for her, if she was scared there was always someone to comfort her. She was the precious child, the golden child, and I....I was nothing....when I was hurt I had to take it like a man, only problem was...I wasn't a man, I was a child, when I was sick no one came to visit, I was forced to fend for myself, when I had nightmares....some of them about my father....there was no one to turn to for comfort, i was lucky if they even remembered what day my birthday was let alone celebrate it!" He took a deep breath. "You speak as though you see light in me. I have none. I have nothing to give, I wasted tears, hopes, dreams on them, and now I have no more, and I never will, for it was weakness. Father wanted a strong son he got one, one who is cold and uncaring....ARE YOU HAPPY WITH ME NOW FATHER? I AM STRONGER THEN YOU EVER WERE I NEVER GAVE IN TO LOVE OR EMOTIONS!" He yelled toward the sky. "I am strong..."
"I do see light in you, even in darkness there is light....you should never have been treated the way you were..." said Pyre, holding him closer. "You should never had been made to act like a man so young...everyone needs a childhood...." Pyre kissed Izar's forehead. "Please let me show you that love is not weakness. Please let me be your strength."
He looked unsure of himself, lost, his cool and arrogant facade broken showing through was a lost soul, one of suffering and fear.
"Let me be someone you can count on, Izar...." said Pyre, as he kissed Izar's forehead again, then holding Izar's head against his shoulder, hugging still.
"I...don't know what...to say..."
"Do you really hate me...?"
"I....don't know any more..."
Pyre kissed Izar on the lips.
He pressed against him, kissing back.
Pyre pulled away. "May I be your strength when you need it?"
"I...no..." His eyes hardened and he looked pained, he pushed Pyre away. "What fool do you take me for? I know your game you want to gain my trust and then you will betray me! You will leave me for the golden child. I won't fall for it!" He pushed Pyre to the bed roughly. "I will have my way with you, but I won' love you, I won't be weak!"
Pyre stood up again. This time Pyre glared at Izar, and grabbed him roughly, and threw him on the bed, and tied his wrist and ankles to the bed. "No, I will have my way with you...I'm tired of trying to make you see that if it had now been for your sister, I would have been fighting what I feel for you til the day I die...but I'm not!"
His eyes went wide in fear. He struggled against the restraints. "No....please....daddy...I'll be good...I am sorry I like guys....please..." He looked like he no longer was there, like he was reliving some horrible memory.
Pyre had a flash of Izar as a child being shoved to his bed by a man that looked a little like him. "If you like guys too, lets see if you like this!" His father said as he forced himself into Izar. Izar looked no more then five and he cried out in pain and fear. "No....please... daddy...I'll be good...I am sorry I like guys....please..." "It's to late, I should have had a son that isn't a coward and an abomination! Do you like it? Does it feel good?! If you love men they will only use you!" His father screamed as he hit him. He forcefully had his way with Izar tell he cried and bled.</i> The vision faded.
Izar was silent tears in his eyes and was still he stared off into space. "No....please..."He kept whispering.
Pyre quickly untied Izar, pulling him into a hug. "I'm so sorry Izar...I didn't want to scare you, I love you with all my heart as I do to Izara....you're father was no father, raping his own son....Izar, I'm so very sorry..."
He was limp in his arms his face in Pyre's neck, Pyre felt moisture and realized Izar wept.
"Izar...I'm so sorry...I didn't want to do that to you...I'm so sorry...."
"I...am weak...lonely..."
"I'm here for you Izar...I feel pulled to you...I love you...." said Pyre. "You are not weak...not at all..."
"What...am I then?"
"You are someone who needs true love...someone that loves you for you.... You are a strong man who just needs someone....I love you Izar," said Pyre, holding Izar close still.
He clutched him. "I....don't know what to say....to think...you will love her more in the end..."
Please Pyre, be safe...
Izara cried herself to sleep.
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho. "I really do hope Pyre knows what he's doing..."
As do I, for Izara's sake.
Pyrite nodded.
Izara muttered Pyre's name in her sleep.
"Pyre, don't you dare leave us...." said Pyrite out loud.
Tai'ho looked worried.
"Tai'ho...."
yes....
"Everything is going to be alright...right?" Pyrite look unsure of her own self.
Yes...it has to be... He broke off as he fell to his side slowly he took on the form of a man, but he was naked. He looked at his hands. "I....am ...back to being myself...How?"
Pyrite blushed, and looked away. "I don't know.....but ahh....."
He blushed as well and quickly grabbed a blanket from the bed wrapping it around his waist.
Pyrite looked at him. "This is good news, Tai'ho...." said Pyrite. Whispering she said, "He's so.....handsome....."
"I heard that." He said with a smile.
"Ah...." Pyrite couldn't say anything....Pyrite looked down blushing.
He went over to her and wrapped her in a hug. "I wanted to do this for a long while." He said as he kissed her on the lips.
Pyrite blushed deeply and kissed back. "You have??"
"Yes."
Pyrite blushed more.
"You are easily the most wonderful woman I have met."
"Ahh....thank you....." Pyrite said, she felt warm, very warm.
he kissed her gently. "I hope Pyre is alright..."
"He had always been my protector... he better be alright...."
"At least Izara is able to rest, it's probably better that way she is worried sick about him."
Pyrite nodded, worried too for her brother.
Izara started to stir.
"Izara..." said Pyrite, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Pyre...he's still gone..."
Tai'ho looked down. "I am sorry...he hasn't come yet."
She looked up when she heard his speak out loud. "H...how? You're back....how?"
"I don't know how either Izara...." said Pyrite.
"I am glad you are back..." She said but still looked worried for Pyre.
"Pyre is strong...he'll be back." said Pyrite.
"I hope so..."
Pyrite nodded. "I just know he will be back."
Izara nodded.
Tai'ho looked around testing the room for a way out. "I think I found something!"
"Really?" asked Pyrite.
Izara glanced over.
He showed where a faint outline of a door was in the wall, it was hardly noticeable but it was there.
"I see it too..." said Pyrite, coming over to the wall.
Izara traced it with her fingers frowning. "I never noticed this before."
"Help me find something to pry it open with, it could be our way out and way to find Pyre."
A black fox raced through the woods in the eastern forest, something held in it's mouth. After a while, the fox stopped running, and ducked into a large hollow of a tree.
the fox could tell something followed it.
The black fox curled back against the far side of the tree's inside, away from the opening, watching, waiting, and listening.
it felt something grab it and pull it out but didn't see anything. Then Keinan appeared. "Hmmm at least it means I won't starve." He said as he started to carry the fox toward a camp, it looked like he intended to cook it!
The black fox struggled in his grasp.
When he got to the camp he gripped a knife. "I am sorry little fox, but I haven't eaten in nearly a weak and you are the first food I have found."
The black fox struggled more this time, and actually broke free of the man's hand. The fox moved a distance from him. Tsura shifted back. "No one is eating me, ever," she said.
"Ohhh....AHHHHHHHhh why didn't you say something before! If I had known you were a person...I am sorry...I am just soo hungry!!"
"I....ah...didn't...want to be known.... I...have not seen any...I... don't know....I was just scared that you were one of the people chasing me...."
"Why are you being chased? Want me to fend them off for you?"
"I'm a black fox... you know the views of humans out there...don't you? Plus I stole some food, very little food...but still food...." she said.
His stomach rumbled. "I get that too. Except I haven't seen anyone tell you recently."
Tsura just cocked her head.
"Let's try to find some grub shall we?"
"Alright....but first what's your name?" she asked.
"Keinan, sorry how rude of me...but it's Keinan. And you?"
"My name is Tsura."
"Nice to meet you...again sorry I was going to eat you..."
"Yeah...at least you didn't knock me out..." Tsura said.
"yea...that would have been bad."
"I agree," said Tsura smiling.
He smiled a little. "I am a wereraven."
Tsura cocked her head again. "You don't seem flighty," she said, smiling.
"My wings were clipped...I escaped from slavery, nearly a year ago and yet my wings still haven't healed..."
"I'm sorry..." said Tsura.
"It's all right. I guess that is part of what keeps me going, hope."
Tsura nodded. "Hope...hope for a better future...."
"Yes. Do you travel or do you have a place to stay?"
"I travel to where the food is..." said Tsura.
"Know where any is around here?"
"The next village?" Tsura said with a smile on her face.
"Lead the way I am starved."
Tsura smiled, and lead the way to the next village. She told him to stay, and she headed into the village looking human, but a while later came running from the village, a black fox pulling a cloth bag. Villagers chasing.
He ran with her changing into a fox and following, after throwing off her pursuers he changed back. "I can change into many forms." He explained.
Tsura smiled. "Thanks...and here..." She opened the bag, there were cheeses and bread and some fruit. "Dig in..." she said, and took some bread and cheese.
He started to eat after thanking her. "I really needed that."
Nadya had been traveling for a long time. The land, to her, had the look of death upon it, and she thought how beautiful it would be if light shone upon it. Nadya was journeying in the northern-west region, and had been for a while. Soon, Nadya decided to break for camp, and set up a fire pit and her sleep mat out. She began to cook her meal for the night.
"It's not wise traveling alone."
Nadya looked towards the voice. "Oh, it's not? Why is that? I have been traveling for some time, with no problems arising," she said.
Talon walked over. "There are many who wouldn't hesitate to attack a lone traveler, especially a girl. My name is Talon"
"Talon," Nadya said. "The Messenger...?"
He looked down. "I prefer to go by my name, many people accuse bad occurrences on me because they want a scape goat..."
"I've only heard a few things, Talon...I still haven't understood any of the stories." Nadya turned back to her cooking, and stirred some more. "Would you like some?
"I don't want to intrude. I watch this area ensure the safety of travelers..."
Nadya poured a bowl of stew and handed it to him. "Even protectors of travelers need to eat..."
he smiled thankfully. "Thank you, it has been a few days, may I ask where you head?"
"I have no real heading....I just traveling..." said Nadya.
"Do you need a companion?"
Nadya smiled at him. "That would be just fine," she said. "I don't know the area...."
"I do,I can help you.This food is really good"
"Thank you," she said.
"You are a good cook so the thanks is on you."
Nadya nodded. "I'm just glad that I watched others as they cook...."
"This is the first time in a long time that I have been able to eat a good meal."
"Then it is a good thing you came across me then Talon..." She got him another bowl.
he smiled. "Thank you. Do you believe in the gem of Eron?"
"The gem of Eron? Yes, I do," Nadya said, thinking and hoping he's looking for it as well.
"So do I, I remember this world when light shown down on it, it was beautiful, full of life and peace, I seek to restore it."
"It sounds beautiful..." Nadya said. She didn't want to let it be known what she was and that she wanted the same thing for the sake of her people. Nadya searched Talon's soul.
She was shocked to find it blank, unreadable but she had a feeling he was allot older then he appeared. "It was...and shall be again when it is restored. This world needs balance, the moon is lonely for his lover the sun." He murmured the last part quietly as he gazed at the moon.
"Talon," said Nadya. "You're not what you seem..." Nadya turned back to the stew, and the fire.
"Is anyone truly what they seem?"
"I guess not...though I don't really know..." Nadya said looking off in the distance.
"You are different than who you seem as well."
Nadya nodded. "I am not from here, but I am...my people have not been seen in these parts since the disappearance of the light..."
"Elves. They went into hiding when the sun was slain, they and other races of light." He said as though he had seen that time and been there.
Nadya nodded. "Yes, elves. If I tell you something, do you promise to keep my secret?"
"To the best of my ability." He smiled. "As long as it doesn't put any innocence in danger."
"I am an elven princess...who is also half werecat...panther..." Nadya said.
"I know. I knew that before you told me. I am the god of Life and death. My true name is Caldarias, but call me Talon, no one can know who I am, the only reason I told you is because I know I can trust you. The gem of Eron isn't a stone, it is a living breathing girl. Her name is Izara and she is the Sun goddess reborn, though she doesn't know this. Do you know why she is called the gem of Eron?"
"Talon, my knowledge is and was limited....what I know of the gem came from old stories from telling on how our people got to where they are now...and the hope of the light returning. I came to help with that, in a way of trying to prove to the people that my father is sane enough to take the throne, and that I did not cause the death of my mother at birth or of the deaths of people that had been around me...." she said. "Up here, til the gem has been restore, I wanted to seem to be human...for I have seen, since I've been up here the pain caused towards the other races...and it's not right...."
"No, darkness descended on this world when she was slain, the grief of the moon turned him bitter. Erona was the name of the sun, over time many believed the moon was the woman and the sun the man and thus her name was changed to Eron, then eventually the stories ceased to be told and ignorance descended on many..."
"The sun...the light..." said Mya.
As it rose it darkened falling into darkness once more.
"It was beautiful while it lasted..." said Mya heading back over to where Alder laid.
Alder started to wake up.
"Alder," said Mya, smiling. "G'morning..."
"Morning...did you get any sleep?"
"Yes I did...." smiled Mya. "How are you feeling, Alder?"
"Better...I think."
"I'm glad," said Mya smiling more.
"I hope the others are fine..."
"I do too."
He hugged her gently. "There should be food stored in the corner."
Mya went to get some, and started to cook some food.
He carefully sat up testing his side and winced a little. "Still tender..."
"It's going to be for a while..." said Mya.
"You're right...but I am afraid for the others."
"Me too..." said Mya looking towards the door.
"Is the food ready?"
Mya nodded, and handed Alder some food.
He started to eat after thanking her. "I love you."
"I love you," said Mya smiling.
He kissed her gently. "I want you happy."
Mya nodded. Runa, G'morning...there was such a beautiful sun rise...
I saw.
You were there when I drew Alder in the sun, weren't you? What did you think of that...?
I liked it...but I am still unsure of him
Mya nodded to nothing said out loud.
Alder hugged her. "Can you ask Runa to check on the others?"
Runa could you check?
<Alright...I will try</i>
"She'll try..." Mya said.
He nodded and held her comfortingly.
Auvreeron looked at her. "Cara...I tried to wake you, Izara was kidnapped and I think some of her friends are in trouble, they haven't returned."
Cara looked up into Auvreeron's eyes. "Then we must find them." She climbed to her feet and grabbed her sword.
Shade suddenly groaned with effort and the shadows creating the portal started to slip as she lost control.
Talkiner added more of his energy. "If any of you are going you must hurry, this is wearing on both of us!"
"Then let's go, Sir Auvreeron." Cara said and stepped out of the cave, once outside she searched Izara and her abducters' tracks.
Auvreeron took her hand and lead her to the portal stepping through.
Shade panted with effort and glanced at Talkinor, "You might want to get through quickly if you're going with them... I can't keep them together much longer."
Auvreeron and Cara appeared in an empty room. "They have to be here somewhere..."
"I see it too..." said Pyrite, coming over to the wall.
Izara traced it with her fingers frowning. "I never noticed this before."
"Help me find something to pry it open with, it could be our way out and way to find Pyre."
Pyrite nodded, and found a bar and handed it to Tai'ho. "Here..."
He started to work at the spot and eventually it swung loose revealing a dark passageway.
"I hope it's not some sort of trap," said Pyrite.
"Me too..."
"I will go first." Tai'ho said. He carefully moved down the passageway keeping alert for traps. "be careful, there could be hidden dangers."
Pyrite nodded. "Izara, you next, I'll go last..."
She followed the path eventually lead to the back of what looked like a portrait. "Shall we?"
Pyrite nodded. "Let's go."
He pushed it open and they saw Pyre holding Izar.
"You are someone who needs true love...someone that loves you for you.... You are a strong man who just needs someone....I love you Izar," said Pyre, holding Izar close still.
He clutched him. "I....don't know what to say....to think...you will love her more in the end..."
"No," said Pyre, as he kissed Izar's forehead. "I will love you equally...the only woman that I love more than all is my sister, Pyrite...because she has forever been there, putting her happiness off to take and get me to see the good in all races, especially vampires...Izara started my change to acceptance...and you have finished it....you are all important to me..."
"You don't hate me for what I did to your family?"
"I already told you...I wanted revenge for my family...but you have already been punished enough from how you grew up.... I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I did any more to you....again I'm sorry for tying you down...I was just tired of you doing that to me...." said Pyre, and he kissed Izar's forehead again. "I love you...."
He clutched him for a long time in silence tears dampening Pyre's shirt. Eventually they stopped and Pyre realized he had cried himself to sleep. He seemed more Innocent and vulnerable in his sleep.
Pyre held him, stroking his hair. Pyrite, Izara, Tai'ho....please find a way here....
He moaned a little in his sleep.
"Shhh....rest Izar...everything will be okay..." Pyre said.
He snuggled closer, Pyre noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.
Pyre held Izar ready for anything.
"Pyre..." said Pyrite. "What happened?"
"Shhh..." whispered Pyre. "He's asleep..."
Izara carefully went over and hugged him.
Tai'ho grabbed some of Izar's clothing and quickly dressed."He looks peaceful when he is asleep..."
Izara looked at her brother. "What...are we going to do?"
"We are going to be going, taking him with us...." said Pyre.
"Pyre...." said Pyrite.
Izara looked at him in shock."We can't...his army will pursue us, think we took him against his will..."
Pyre gently woke Izar. "Izar...come with me, please...stop the fighting....I won't leave you..."
He blinked and looked around his eyes hardened in hatred as he saw his sister and he wrapped his arms around Pyre possessively. "Why can't you stay here?"
"Izar," said Pyre. "I have a duty to my self and to my sister to protect her..." Pyre turned Izar to his, and said, "Izar...I told you that she is important to me just as you are....you two are equally important....I love you both...I'm not going to be like what had happened in the past...I promise..." Pyre kissed Izar's forehead.
Pyrite watched on.
Izara looked at Izar. "What happened in your past?"
"As if you don't know!" Izar snapped.
Pyre looked at Izar. "Remember when I how looked into the flame to see what happened? She never knew....nor did your mother..."
"She is the seed of my troubles!"He snapped.
Izara looked down. "Izar...I love you, you're my big brother..."
He backhanded her hard and she fell to the floor. "Bitch!"
Izara gazed up at him tears in her eyes.
Tai'ho growled at Izar in anger. "Why did you do that?!"
Izar glared at him. "Watch it or I will curse you again!"
Pyre grabbed Izar back. "Izar...don't....please..."
Pyrite slapped Izar. "Don't go threatening people! You're sister loves you, and yet you treat her like shit!"
He growled and backhanded Pyrite in anger. "Watch who you are talking to bitch!"
Pyre was shocked. "Izar! That's my sister, don't hit my sister.....!"
Pyrite looked at Izar. "My brother cares for you from the looks of things...." A fire appeared in the middle of the room, and Pyrite said, "Show me the lives of Izar and Izara...and whether or not Izara and their mother even knew..."
She saw what had happened to Izar and then saw that Izara had been born ill with nearly no chance of living. Their mother didn't know what had happened to Izar and neither did Izara because she was trying to get well. Their were even times when both Izara and her mother asked about Izar and the father claimed he was too busy playing to see Izara.
Izara looked at her brother in horror, tears in her eyes. "I...Izar..."
Izar snarled in rage. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT! NO RIGHT TO SEE INTO MY PAST!"
Pyre looked at Izar. "You didn't yell at me when I viewed your past...and don't you go yelling at my sister or Izara..."
Pyrite placed a hand on Izara's shoulder. "She didn't know..."
She shook suppressing the sobs. "I...didn't...father...was...so cruel to you..." tears ran down her face.
Izar glared at her. "Now you know...I was weak."
Izara looked at him and threw her arms around him. "No...you were an innocent child...he was weak to have hurt you like that..." Izar went stiff and slowly grabbed her by the arm. "Let go...you're hurting me..." She said. He glared into her eyes.
"I don't care if you knew or not, I will never love you, you are nothing to me." He said throwing her into the wall as hard as he could. She hit the wall despite Tia'ho trying to catch her, and went limp unconcious, blood stained the side of her face. "Izara!" Tai'ho said hurrying over to her.
Izar spun away froim all of them. "I hope she dies.."
Pyrite went to Izara's side trying to help Tai'ho work at Izara's wound.
Pyre's eyes went red. "IZAR! How could you!" Pyre grabbed Izar by the arm. "Do you think that to be strong, you have to harm people?!? That just makes people think that you are weak!?! I LOVE YOU!!! YOU ARE STRONG!!! YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN WEAK!!! SO STOP ACTING LIKE THIS!!!" Pyre pulled Izar into a hug and kissed him passionately on the lips.
He kissed back and then grabbed him possessively. "Leave her then."
"I won't...but I won't leave you either," said Pyre. He held him not letting go.
"Your father was insane, Izar!! He didn't care about you or her sister!" shouted Pyrite.
"He was obsessed with her! He loved her! But not me." Izar glared at all of them in anger. "Leave her or I can't be with you!"
Pyrite's fire still stood in the room. "Show me whether or not Izar's and Izara's father loved Izara more than Izar...or if he didn't care about either of them.."
It showed that he loved Izara but despised Izar.
"But why?" Pyrite asked the flames.
"See?"
The flames seemed to have no answer.
Pyrite looked at Izar. "What the hell did your father tell you, Izar!" yelled Pyrite.
Pyre looked at him. "Please tell us..."
He turned away from them. "Why does it matter?"
Pyre held onto Izar. "Because I care, Izar...I care about you..."
"You care about that bitch."
Izara moaned as she started to come to. "I...Izar? I...swear I didn't...know."
"Don't speak to me!"
Pyre looked at his sister with a look of 'don't help me I want to provide a point'. He looked back at Izar. "Izar...I care about Izara and I care about you... I love you both with all my heart....It's hurting me so much you thinking that I care more about one that I do the other....I love Izara...and I love you, I don't want to lose either of you.... if I did, I'd die..."
Pyrite watched her brother ready to grab people.
Izar looked a him. "Then...then die..."
"Izar!" Izara protested.
Pyre looked down. "I love you Izar...." said Pyre. He turned to look at Izara. "I love you too Izara...please don't hate me..." Saying this towards Izar, but with his back turned, Pyre said, "If you want me dead, then your wish is my command..." Pyre's body fell to the floor, a dagger in his chest.
Pyrite held on to Tai'ho.
"PYRE!"Izara screamed rushing to his side tears rolled down her face.
Izar's eyes widened in horror. "No..."He whispered.
"Don't leave me....please Pyre!" Izara said pulling the dagger out of his chest and trying to stop the bleeding.
Izar was frozen in shock his mind numb, he wanted to go to him but wasn't sure what to do.
Pyrite looked at Izar. "Izar! Snap out of it! Help him!"
He stumbled over to Pyre and Tried to stop the bleeding. Izara tried to keep the tears from falling but they came anyway.
Izar hurried to a drawer and took out a flask he hurried back and poured it on the wound which began to heal.
"Ahh..." coughed Pyre. Pyre hadn't wanted to do that, but it had to be done to prove a point. "Izar...Izara....I love you both...." coughed Pyre.
Pyrite looked at the three. "You care about him, Izar....just as Izara does...you may have told him to die....but he knew that neither you nor Izara would let him die.... Izar, Izara...Pyre has been on the edge of killing himself since our parents' death, but he had me to take care of...even I could have pushed him to this....if I had, I would have done what you had..... Saved him....helped him...."
Izar Slugged Pyre. "Don't you ever do something that stupid again!"
Izara glared at Pyre too. "I don't want to lose you you idiot..." tears rolled down her face.
Pyre looked at the brother and sister, then looked down. "I'm sorry... I..." said Pyre, looking down.
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho, and leaned against him.
he held her gently.
Izar tilted Pyre's chin up and then kissed him. "Don't ever do that again."
Izara kissed him too and hugged him tightly.
"Please don't make me choose, Izar...I want you both....I love you both.... Izar your father wasn't a good father.... please trust me...." said Pyre.
"Just....don't leave me..." Izar whispered.
"I said I wouldn't....I am pulled to you and your sister, and I love you both.....I wouldn't dream of leaving either of you....." said Pyre.
"Then don't ever try to kill yourself again asshole." Izar said.
Izara nodded.
"I deserved that...."Pyre said.
Pyrite nodded. "Yeah, you did idoit....I don't want to lose my brother too after all these years."
"And I don't want to lose a good friend." Tai'ho said.
"Tai'ho...?" Pyre nodded. "You won't....I have two very important people with me besides my sister and you that won't let me lose my life..." Pyre smiled at Izar and Izara, then kissed both in turn.
"I still can't come with you..." Izar said.
"Why? Why can't you, Izar?" asked Pyre.
"I am cursed...I can't be far from here for more then a few days without having to return."
"Is that why you had to give up your hunt on Tai'ho and I and give it over to some of your men?"
He nodded.
Pyre looked upset, and growled at the air, his eys seeming to be looking at something or someone not there.
Pyrite looked at Izar. "Who cursed you?"
He shrugged. "I never got his name. He was hooded. He said he would remove it if I helped him gain control and get the gem of Eron."
Pyrite and Pyre looked at each other. "Did he say how you were suppost to find the gem?"
"No. But he said it may be closer then I think..."
Izara looked at Pyre in worry.
"Talon, my knowledge is and was limited....what I know of the gem came from old stories from telling on how our people got to where they are now...and the hope of the light returning. I came to help with that, in a way of trying to prove to the people that my father is sane enough to take the throne, and that I did not cause the death of my mother at birth or of the deaths of people that had been around me...." she said. "Up here, til the gem has been restore, I wanted to seem to be human...for I have seen, since I've been up here the pain caused towards the other races...and it's not right...."
"No, darkness descended on this world when she was slain, the grief of the moon turned him bitter. Erona was the name of the sun, over time many believed the moon was the woman and the sun the man and thus her name was changed to Eron, then eventually the stories ceased to be told and ignorance descended on many..."
Nadya nodded. "Like I said...I have but stories to go by..."
"The moon is my brother...will you help me restore the light?"
"Yes...I wanted to before...." she said.
"Thank you, there are others who will help, and there are those who seek to destroy her once and for all, we can't let that happen, if that happens everyone will die even the fools who desire her death."
Nadya nodded. "I'll help....and for now, like you, I am not who I am...." Nadya smiled at him.
"Fair enough. Let's get a move on shall we?"
Nadya nodded. "Lead the way..."
He started heading east. "What have you heard?"
"Nothing really....just people talking about you....or about how humans are superior, or that all races but humans should be killed." Nadya said as they walked.
"Ignorance seems to spread like the plague..."
Nadya looked away.
"I'm sorry...how is your home doing?"
"We try to keep with traditions...except for father with his love and marriage of my mother....home just doesn't feel like home when I'm around others that aren't my father...because of what they think I did when I was born...kill my mother..."
"You were not responsible. Your mother was ill before you were born. You were lucky to have lived, but I knew you needed a chance to live, to give others hope, especially you're father."
"Did you help me live?" Nadya asked.
"Yes,I am sorry I could not spare your mother, but it was her time."
Nadya sighed. "Thank you anyway....shall we go?" Nadya said smiling.
He nodded and lead the way. "Do you want to see what it looked like when the world had both light and shadow?"
Nadya nodded. "Yes...there had been some elves that were old enough to remember the light..."
"Do you want to see it?"
"Yes, please..." said Nadya.
He walked over to a pool of water and touched the surface the water rippled and when it cleared it showed the world during the day, nature flourished and it seemed a time of peace and prosperity with many of the races living in harmony and helping each other. The sun warming them and crops flourishing. "This is what the earth once was and will be again if she is restored."
"I would love to see it for real....to live it..." said Nadya, walking with him again.
"It will come to past if the light is restored, but it will take time for the world to recover."
Nadya nodded.
"Do you know the meaning of your name Nadya?"
"No..I don't.." Nadya said. ((Nadya means 'Hope'....and Tsura, my black werefox, her name means 'Light of Dawn' ^_^ ))
"Hope."
Nadya smiled. "Really?"
"Yes. Your father named you because he had great hopes for you."
"I love my father....and miss him..." said Nadya. She looked at him. "Where's our current distanation going to be?"
"There is a keep we need to get too."
"Alright, lead the way..." said Nadya.
He lead her. "What do you plan on doing after your quest is over?"
"Go home, and be there for my father as he takes the throne...or if I don't get back for that...go home and celebrate privately with him...." Nadya said, walking.
"And then?"
"I don't know...." said Nadya, looking at the surrounding area.
"You are young, you have time to discover yourself. But as this quest progresses, promise me you will consider what you want in life, too many quests end with a person not knowing what to do with their life after they finished their quest, too many forget the greatest quest of all is life itself."
"Thanks for that, Talon....but my life is already set....when I get back....and the gem is restored....I have duties to attend to in the court....and when my time comes duties as queen......" Nadya said.
He smiled a little. "Life can throw surprises your way. Do your duties include who you are to marry?"
"I don't know if it will be planned or if I will be free to choose...." said Nadya. Looking over at Talon questionally, she asked, "Why? Why do you ask?"
"Because whatever life throws your way, do things for love. If you fall in love on your quest, don't turn your back on it, even if others say it can never be. I learned this lesson too late and lost the one I loved, don't make the same mistake..."
"I'm so sorry Talon...." said Nadya. She thought about what he had just said. "I'll try, Talon....I'll try...."
"I am glad...let's speak of kinder things, describe your home to me please..."
Nadya started to describe the home that many elves that have been in hiding call home. "I'm sure that it would be more beautiful once the sun has returned."
"Yes, but it sounds like your people have done well to make a small haven."
"Yes it has...so much so...we seem to be no more that a legend..."
"But at least you have your health, at least you are a legend that will be reborn with the restoration of the light."
Nadya laughed a bit. "I am half legend...and half reality right now...."
"and I am more a legend then reality too."
Nadya nodded. "But we are still real."
"That we are." A faint rumbling sounded from nearby, he frowned. "Shall we go investigate?"
Tsura smiled. "Thanks...and here..." She opened the bag, there were cheeses and bread and some fruit. "Dig in..." she said, and took some bread and cheese.
He started to eat after thanking her. "I really needed that."
Tsura nodded, eating.
"What now?"
"Survive.....travel...eat..." said Tsura. "It's how I've been living for some time...."
"No...that's existing, how are you living? What's your drive your aim in life, your meaning?"
"I have none...the world is hell for those like us...existing is living to me..." said Tsura.
"Maybe...help me find the gem of Eron."
Tsura cocked her head. "The gem of Eron? That exists?"
He shrugged. "Dunno, but if it does I am gong to find it, could rake in the money, maybe change the world for our kind..."
Tsura smiled. "Alright, count me in."
He smiled. "There is a tinsy wincy problem..."
"What??" asked Tsura.
"Not sure what direction we need to go..."
"Why don't we pick a direction?"
"What's your favorite direction?"
"North..."
"Then we head north." he said with a smile.
Tsura smiled back, and started walking with him to the north.
he stretched. "How long have you traveled?"
"I've traveled for a while now..."
"Where did you come from?"
"The east..." she said.
"a village, or city?"
"Near a village....wasn't welcome..."
"I'm sorry...I was born a slave...my parents kept my hopes alive telling me stories of when they were free. Then one day a man was brought in and he described seeing it..."
"It's nice being free..." said Tsura.
He nodded and smiled. "If only my family could have experienced freedom..." He looked down sadly.
"What happened?"
"They were slain as we tried to escape..."
"I'm sorry..."
"Thank you...I miss them."
"I think I had family....but I don't really know..." said Tsura as they walked together.
"You don't?"
"Don't really know...."
"So did you live on your own the whole time??"
"Yeah... as far as I know..." said Tsura.
"How far back to you remember?"
"I was a pup..."
"Do you know how old?"
Tsura shrugged.
"Oh...I'm sorry.."
"You don't have to be...." said Tsura. "I'm use to not knowing...."
"Maybe we will get your memories back with this quest too."
"Maybe, that would be nice...."
He smiled and continued walking. "I hope at least one of my family members escaped..."
"I'll pray with you for that...." said Tsura smiling at him, as they walked.
"Thank you...and I will for you to remember or for family you don't know about."
"Thanks," Tsura said.
He nodded. "Did you just hear that?"
Tsura stopped and crouched down low, looking around alert and listening.
There was a slight rumble sound from further ahead.
Tsura looked at him. "Come on, let's see what's going on...." she shifted into a fox, and used her head to motion for them to head on silently.
He turned into a fox too and followed.
Alright...I will try
"She'll try..." Mya said.
He nodded and held her comfortingly.
Mya leaned against Alder.
He held her gently. "Things are going to be alright..."
Mya nodded.
Runa explained what was happening with the others as best as she could understand.
Mya relayed the information to Alder.
He looked concerned.
"I don't like this at all..." said Mya.
"I don't either...but what can we do?"
"We could try to get back there again..." suggested Mya.
"I'm not sure if we can chance it with my side..."
Mya nodded.
"We are just going to hope they get free...and things work out."
Mya didn't like that, but she could tell that Alder didn't like it either.
"I hate being worthless!"
"You're not worthless...love..."
"I feel worthless at the moment..."
"Please don't....please...."
He hugged her. "I am sorry love..."
Mya hugged back. "I love you..."
"I love you too..."
"I saw the sun rise...this morning..."
"I am glad, it gives hope..."
Mya nodded.
He held her. "Mya...if there is a way for me to stay after this is all over...will you marry me?"
Mya looked at Alder. "Yes, yes of course I would marry you...." said Mya smiling.
He gently kissed her
Mya kissed back. "I love you, Alder..."
He held her gently. "I know...I don't want to lose you."
"I don't want to lose you either..." said Mya.
He rested his chin on the top of her head gently massaging her shoulders in a comforting manner. "I don't want to leave..."
Mya nodded, leaning against him.
He held her in silence not sure what else to say.
"I am glad that I ran into you that time just before we left the town....that other guy scared me..." Mya mummered as she layed against Alder.
"Other guy?
"Yea...he scared me, saying that I should just die..." Mya went into describing him and more of what he had said.
He hugged her protectively. "Nox..."
"Who's Nox...Alder?"
"He works for my father or the other way around....bad news either way he is obsessed with power."
"oh...." said Mya.
He held her lovingly. "If he was there...that can only mean trouble.."
"Oh Alder...what are we going to do...?"
"We can only keep on the alert and hope he isn't on to our trail..."
Mya nodded, "Hope."
He nodded and gently kissed her
Mya kissed back.
He wrapped his arms around her.
Mya looked towards the door. "I hope I get to see the sun again..."
"I know love...I know."
Mya leaned against him more.
He held her, hoping the others were well.
Mya fell asleep. He held her as he drifted off to sleep
Tsura looked at him. "Come on, let's see what's going on...." she shifted into a fox, and used her head to motion for them to head on silently.
He turned into a fox too and followed.
Tsura headed towards the sound.
When they got there there was a small crater in the ground.
Tsura looked around to try and find a source.
There was no sign as to what caused it. But she spotted the other two
Tsura ducked into scene bush.
So did her companion.
Nadya nodded. "But we are still real."
"That we are." A faint rumbling sounded from nearby, he frowned. "Shall we go investigate?"
Nadya nodded.
He headed in that direction
She followed.
they spotted the other two and the crater
"Hey over there...."
"I saw them". he looked toward the other two. "Come out. You don't need to hide."
Tsura came out of hiding, shifting back. "We won't belong to you if you think of taking us!"
Talon frowned. "We don't want slaves we want friends."
Tsura looked at the two. "I don't believe you!"
Nedya looked at the girl. "We are friends...we are the same..."
Talan looked at them. "My name is Talan, I swear to you by the god's that we are friends. If you have heard of me you would know I am a fighter for the freedom of slaves."
Keinan stepped up. "You...helped me escape....tried to help my family."
Talan nodded looking down. "I regret I was unable to help them."
"I was never a slave...and I've never heard of you....I've never been able to stay long enough to even find a home..." said Tsura.
Nadya looked sad at that.
"I am sorry...perhaps we could help each other out."
"Oh yeah...."
Pyrite and Pyre looked at each other. "Did he say how you were suppost to find the gem?"
"No. But he said it may be closer then I think..."
Izara looked at Pyre in worry.
Pyre looked at Izar. "We did meet up with someone that knew how to find it..."
"You did?" He looked up in hope.
"Yes..." started Pyre. "The person is tracking it so that he may restore the stone and bring light back to the world...."
Pyrite looked at Izar. "I have a question for you, Izar....why hunt down Izara and Tai'ho?
"Izara's magic and energy, I could tap into it, and I was hoping to make Tai'ho obey."
"Is that why I was always tired?" Izara whispered.
He nodded. "I tapped into your magic..."
"Why force Tai'ho to obey?"
"A slave."
Tai'ho growled
"But he's your cousin."
"Even so...he is a wolf."
"that doesn't stop Izara and I from getting along."
"That's because Izara is an idiot."
Izara looked hurt. "Is that what you really think of me Izar?"
He looked at her. "Isn't it an improvement from completely hating you?"
She looked down. "Not...to me..." Tears filled her eyes and she darted out of the room.
Tai'ho growled. "look what you've done!"
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho. "Stay here." She ran after Izara.
Pyre looked at Izar. "Izar, I want to help you....and restoring the gem will help with that.....and the man that cursed you will come to justice....please, work with her, for me..."
he looked down. "I...don't know if I can...after so long it is hard to change...and that was part of my curse...."
"What?"
"To hate my blood...any who share my blood."
"I am going to kill the person that did this to you!" growled Pyre, eyes filled with rage.
"Perhaps it was my fault..."
Pyre looked at Izar with raging eyes. "What? Why do you say that?" he growled.
"I killed his daughter after she shared her bed with me." He said it casually as though it wasn't a big deal.
"Why did you kill the girl....?" growled Pyre.
He shrugged. "It was fun."
"Killing an innocent girl was fun?!" howled Pyre.
"And she was delicious."
Tai'ho narrowed his eyes in anger.
"Izar! Did you love her?"
"No...she was a play thing."
"Why are you playing with people like this?!"
"It's fun." Izar said as he hugged him and kissed him.
Pyre pulled from the kiss. "How is playing with someone fun? I'd never do that...."
"You should try it...then you would understand."
Pyre pulled away from Izar. "I love you Izar...but I'm not going to harm innocent people like you! I have a way of finding the stone, and I will help you break the curse on you...and I hope by then you will have seen that you can hurt people you love by harming others.... I love you Izar"
"This is who I am, If you don't like it,leave me like everyone does."
"I love you, but I will have to leave...to find the Gem.....and restore it to its place..."
"And you won't return will you...?"
"I'll return.....I'll return having freed you of the curse placed upon you."
He kissed Pyre once again.
Pyre kissed back. "I have to go....please....allow us all to leave.... I promise I will return..."
"I'm keeping Izara here."
"Why? Do you not trust me? Do you think that I'm going to leave with her and never come back?" Pyre was hurt.
"No...I don't trust her."
"That's the curse talking, you know that right?"
"I don't know any more. BUT she stays."
"Izara..." whispered Pyre. Pyre looked up at him. "I'll...."
"I'll stay with you," came Pyrite's voice. "Let everyone go."
He looked at her. "No. I want Izara to stay."
"I will stay. Let them go." said Pyrite. "Tai'ho go to Izara."
"Pyrite, where is Izara?"
Tai'ho left
"Yes where is she?"
"She had gone to another room, upset..." said Pyrite.
Tai'ho returned looking pale and worried. "She's gone..."
"WHAT?!" Izar snapped
Pyre and Pyrite were worried. Looking at Pyrite, Pyre said, "Sis....where is she?"
"She was just in the other room...worried that'd she'd never see you again...that she love you and her brother...." said Pyrite. Looking over at Izar, she said, "Who wanted you to get them the stone? What did they look like?"
"I told you he was cloaked..."
"Izara!" called Pyrite as she ran after her.
Izara leaned against the door of her room crying and trying to catch her breath.
"Izara, Izara..." Pyrite came up, and hugged Izara. "You're important to Pyre and to Tai'ho and to me...you have made Pyre open up so much...if he hadn't met you, Pyre wouldn't have gotten as far as he has...."
She looked up. "I...love Pyre...he didn't even come to check on me...and my brother hates me...maybe I should tell him...let him turn me in to that man so the curse can be removed and he will be happy... "
"He loves you, Izara.... he didn't come over to you because he was pissed that Izar did that to you.....and your brother was just lucky that Pyre has a pull to you and him, because if he hadn't, when you woke up I don't think we would have been in a building....Pyre loves you so much that I know that it hurts him to see Izar treat you the way he does, because he can ever see himself treating me that way.... Izara, Pyre may be fighting a losing battle with Izar when it comes to you, but he will continue to hit it.... plus I know that Pyre will need you and me to keep a float as he fights to bring you two together...and if he is forced to give up his love of your brother.... please just know he loves you with all his heart," said Pyrite holding Izara.
She nodded looking tired. The sky outside seemed even darker then usual. "Masybe...I should let him be with Izar...it would make both of them happy..."
"But not you...nor Pyre.... Pyre would never want to lose you.... You gave him the first smile I have ever seen on his face in years.... and I know you don't want to give him up."
She looked down. "I don't...but I want them both happy.."
"You need to be happy too...and Pyre won't be happy if you're not happy"
"Can I be happy? Pyrite....I will be gone when I restore the light...I will have to return..."
"Who is to say that you can't be happy up to that point...you were able to cause Pyre to smile for the first time in years....and I've seen it when you've smiled because of him...the actual world lights up with joy. Izara, Pyre wants you happy...he loves you."
She looked down tears in her eyes. "I am scared..."
"Pyre is scared to, you know....I can see it in his eyes..."
"What should I do?"
"Believe and trust Pyre," said Pyrite, who hugged her close.
She hugged back. "Yes...I love him..."
Pyrite smiled. "Pyre would never leave you for anything..."
"I don't want to leave him.."
"Then don't...."
"But...when the light is restored..."
"Do you know that for sure, Izara?"
"I feel it..."
Pyrite looked upset. "Pyre is going to be....I don't want to think about that... Izara if that is what is going to happen...you need to spend as much time with Pyre....sharing very happy times together...moments that each of you will remember forever..."
She nodded. "You're right..."
Pyrite smiled at Izara. "May I see your smile, Izara...?"
She tried but it looked a little forced.
"I know who can get you to smile..." said Pyrite.
"Who?"
"Pyre."
She smiled a little. "He's busy..."
Pyrite felt Pyre's stress. "Izara....wait right here okay? I'll send Tai'ho to stay with you....Pyre needs help....he wouldn't want you hurt... I've got to make a deal with a devil-of-sorts" said Pyrite just before she ran from the room.
Izara sat and waited, upset at the turn of events and upset with herself. She sighed and let out a gasp as she felt the cold steal of a knife press to her skin. "Move and you die little girl." Came a man's voice. He grabbed her and they vanished.
"I was never a slave...and I've never heard of you....I've never been able to stay long enough to even find a home..." said Tsura.
Nadya looked sad at that.
"I am sorry...perhaps we could help each other out."
"Oh yeah...."
"What are your names. I already introduced myself."
"....Tsura...." she said, still on guard.
Her companion introduced himself.
"I'm Nadya..."
"Nice to meet you. Do any of you need food?"
Tsura looked at her companion ((WHat is his name)), then nodded.
Kienan Slowly nodded ((I think that is the name))
Nadya handed them each some food. "Here you go...."
"...thanks...."
"Thanks."
Talan looked off the direction they had been traveling a frown on his lips. "It's getting darker..."" He whispered.
Nadya looked. "I don't like this....what's happening?"
"The light...is hurting..."
"The light is hurting...? What do you mean?" questioned Tsura.
"Her heart is aching..."
Nadya looked sad.
Tsura just looked confused.
"We need to continue. Do you two want to join us, I can tell you aren't trouble. We seek to restore the light."
"The gem?"
"Yes. Are you seeking it too?"
Tsura nodded.
"You seek to restore the light?"
"I guess...yeah..."
"We seek to restore the light too."
Nadya nodded.
"I'll go with you..." Tsura said, she looked questioning at her friend.
He nodded.
"Alright..." said Nadya.
"Let's get going."
Nadya nodded.
He lead them toward their destination.
Nadya followed close to Talon.
Tsura followed with Keiran.
The sky darkened further and Talon paused looking at the sky. "Not good..."
"The gem...." said Nadya.
"This is not good..."
Nadya looked at Talon.
The keep came in view after awhile of Talon picking up pace. "I don't think the gem is here any longer..."
Nadya looked at him. "We have to find 'it'..."
He nodded. "We need to locate the one who can sense it."
Tsura looked around the area, as did Nadya.
They spotted Alder and Mya.
"Talon...there's some people over there," said Nadya.
He nodded. "I think one of them is who I spoke of." He said heading over to them.
Nadya followed, as did Tsura.
Mya fell asleep. He held her as he drifted off to sleep.
She woke up.
Mya looked around.
Alder lay next to her asleep.
Mya got up, and looked out the window.
It was darker then it had been lately.
"I don't like this..."
Alder stirred. "Hmm...what's wrong?"
"The sky..I don't like it..."
He carefully came to the window and looked worried. "Izara is in trouble..."
"How are we going to get to where she is quickly?"
"Take hold of each other."
"What? okay....what are you going to do, Alder?" asked Mya.
"I think I may have enough energy to bring us there..."
Mya nodded.
He took her hand and they appeared outside of Izar's keep he passed out.
"Alder...." Mya said, grabbing him.
He moaned. "Guess...I am still weak..."
"I agree with you on that..." Mya said. Looking around, she started to help Alder up.
he slowly got to his feet and winced, his wound had reopened with the effort of his spell.
Mya went back to work on the wound.
"I'm sorry..."
"It's okay....love," said Mya as she finished up.
He looked down not sure what to say.
"I love you, and we need to find Izara.... I'm not going to let you die on me, you know...." said Mya, and she kissed him.
He smiled kissing back. "I know..."
"Hello old friend." Talon said as he came over.
Alder looked at him in surprise. "Talon...."
It got a little lighter
Nadya and Tsura looked towards the sky.
Mya looked at Talon then at Alder. "Who's Talon??"
"An old friend." Alder replied.
"The gem is no longer here is it?"
"No...not anymore...I don't feel the gem." Alder replied.
Talon went to him and muttered something healing the wound. "Better?"
"Yes...now we will have a better chance of finding her."
"Ahhmmm, Alder...." started Mya. "I think I just saw Pyre and Pyrite...."
He looked and called to them.
Two red wolves came up to Alder and Mya, ignoring the others. Pyrite was the one that shifted back. "Izara's been taken again...Izar's been cursed to hate her...by someone that wants the gem." Pyre just looked off into the distance wishing for Izara to be safe.
Tsura just watched them, as did Nadya though she stood near Talon.
Alder nodded. "I see...She was taken North lets go, but first we should get a message to the others...they still maintain the portal."
Talon Called a raven to him and said something to it. The bird flew off. "That should take care of it, we can't waste time."
Tai'ho stayed near Pyrite.
Pyrite nodded. "She was so upset...and then this happened...."
Pyre shifted back. "Izara...Izar..." he muttered to no one.
"So you found her...only to have her taken again?" Alder asked.
Pyre and Pyrite were worried. Looking at Pyrite, Pyre said, "Sis....where is she?"
"She was just in the other room...worried that'd she'd never see you again...that she love you and her brother...." said Pyrite. Looking over at Izar, she said, "Who wanted you to get them the stone? What did they look like?"
"I told you he was cloaked..."
"Damn....we are screwed unless we can get Izara back...." said Pyrite.
"Damned if she dies...I doubt that Izar will be freed from his curse...and all will be right..." said Pyre to her.
Izar looked at them. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Pyre looked at Izar. "If Izara dies, we are all doomed."
"What are you talking about?"
"The world....everything...you...me...everyone....if Izara dies...we all die..." said Pyre.
"We have to find her," sand Pyrite. Looking down, calling flame to her hand to find Izara, Pyrite muttered, "It's all my fault...."
She couldn't see anything.
Tai'ho hugged her gently. "No it's not...."
Izar looked at Pyre. "Are you saying...she is the gem?"
Pyre looked at Izar. "Yes, god, yes...she is the gem in humaniod form....and that man that wants her is not going to lift your curse....he was just using you....destorying the gem, killing Izara....will destory everyone and everything."
"Then why would he kill her, he would kill himself!"
"Izar! We have to find her! The man is crazy!"
Pyrite looked out the window. "She's scared....and it's effecting everything already!"
Izar rushed to the window. "It's darker then I have ever seen it..."
Pyre placed a hand on Izar's shoulder. "Izara's scared. She needs us....Izara needs you...her brother....her protector..."
"Izar..." said Pyrite. "You are her brother and protector, just like I know that Pyre would be there for me, to protect me...."
He slowly shook his head. "I...I can't protect her..."
"I can Izar...do you trust me? I can protect her... I will free you from this curse and we all will be happy...please lover...." begged Pyre.
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho with a looked of 'oh my'.
Izar quickly nodded. "Go before the curse makes me keep you all here..."
Pyre kissed Izar quickly on the lips. "Thank you lover..." Pyre then rushed off, Pyrite following close behind.
Tai'ho hurried after them. "Look...it got lighter..."
"I will find you, Izara..." Pyre muttered to himself, rushing out the main door, and across the land.
"We'll find her," Pyrite reminded, running close as she has always done with her brother.
Tai'ho shifted into a wolf and followed.
Pyre and Pyrite shifted into a wolf too. Pyre leading, searching for her scent.
They spotted Alder and the others but could not find her scent. Alder was able to locate Izara....he could helpTai'ho said
Auvreeron took her hand and lead her to the portal stepping through.
Shade panted with effort and glanced at Talkinor, "You might want to get through quickly if you're going with them... I can't keep them together much longer."
"I'm staying to help you maintain this."
Shade nodded quickly and then feel silent as she concentrated on keeping the portal open. She had never used her shadows this much before and she was nervous as to how much longer she could maintain them.
Talkinor helped her
A raven flew over and dropped a note. Aeld picked it up. "The others moved further on, they head North, Izara was taken away from there, they said that the portal can be dropped and to meet with them heading North.
Shade dropped the portal gratefully, and stood wearily as she rested briefly
Talkinor gently stabilized her by lending his arm as support. "Are you alright?"
She nodded and grimaced, "Yes, but I won't be able to use my shadows for a while."
He gently lead her over to set against the wall, he then handed her a canteen of water.
She drank gratefully and sat down on the stone floor, "Thank you."
He smiled and nodded. setting next to her. "That takes allot out of you."
She smiled and nodded, "Yes, they're hard for me to control... plus they drain my life force so I try not to use them alot. Just alittle though." She smiled gently
"We should rest before we go to find the others then."
Auvreeron and Cara appeared in an empty room. "They have to be here somewhere..."
"Where are we?" Cara asked.
"Where that monster took Izara..."
"What took her?"
"From what I understand a man by the name of Izar...her brother."
"If Kono was here he could track them with ease." Cara whispered.
"Kano?"
"Kono was my loyal companion when I was a human. I don't know what became of him when I was..." Cara stopped herself.
"Turned?"
It was cold in the north, always covered in snow even if it was just the lightest dusting of it. It was why Asta picked this city to live in because of the cold. Quietly she walked down the street heading towards the grand library with a pile of books in her arm. She had just bought them from a book salesmen visiting from the south. Most of them the genuine first editions the other some books people had been looking for in the library that surprisingly they did not have yet. She walked down the street in a pair of lovely knee high black leather boots with silver clasps running all the way up. But that was all of her outfit you could see due to her long knee length trench coat. It was solid black leather with a black fur collar. Her wicked long white hair was pulled back in a pony tail while she had her chin length bangs framing the sides of her face. She wore simple leather gloves with an engraving of a white cresent moon embroidered on the back of each one, as she held her bag of books to her chest walking down the road. She gave a soft smile to the people as she walked passed them heading down the street she knew she looked funny with white hair and golden brown skin but it’s the way she was. The city was lovely and peaceful that’s why she moved here. Living here working with the books she loved so much was the most peace she had gotten in years since her turn. She looked at the sky with her gorgeous eyes, emerald green with a small circle of gold around her irises, for a moment seeing the rolling clouds above. “I remember when the sun would shine the only warmth in my cold world” she whispered softly to herself as she kept walking not paying full attention to where she was going.
She noticed it was darker then usual.
"Let go of me! Please...I want Pyre..." Came a young woman's voice, the voice somehow reminded her of warmth and light, it came from a dark alley.
"No...you are mine now you little brat!" Came the voice of a man, the man's voice was cold, almost dead.
"Oh my" Asta said coming to the alley. She saw the woman struggling to get away from the man. "Get away from her you perve!" she yelled dropping her books to the ground and summoned the power of air and cold to her hands. "Step away from her now!" her eyes slit with anger as her vampire side was coming to the surface. The man could feel a great power of the frozen winds coming from this woman.
The young woman was beautiful, her hair shown gold-red, and reminded her of the sun her eyes were a gold color that currently were dulled by fear and pain. The man held tightly onto her arm. "Mind your own business. I am not a perve, I own this girl she is my slave!"
Izara looked to Asta pleadingly as she struggled against the man. "He lies...I was stolen from my friends!"
"I taste your lies and her truth in the air. Feel the wrath of the bite of winter!" suddenly her magic erupted and slammed into the hooded man. the young woman was blinded by the snow and ice. she felt a hand on her arm. "Come on I've got you" Asta dragged her off leading her out of the alley. She snatched her bag of books as she ran by them and headed down the road quickly. In the sanctuary of the library they would be safe. Their were wards against evil that protected the knowledge within one of the worlds greatest libraries. With Asta's Air magic she boosted their speed and soon they came to the monolithic structure that was the library. "In here you'll be safe" she said to the woman as she pushed in the huge door pulled her in then closed it behind them. "Well now that was fun" Asta sighed softly then turned to the young woman. "Hi I'm sorry for the rude introduction. Astaroche Angeline at your service my lady" she graced a bow then stood. "Do not worry he will not find you in here I worked with preists and designed the seals on the library, he will not be able to find you behind the magic that protects this place." she said in a regal but friendly tone.
"Thank you...my name is Izara...princes Izara..."She whispered before passing out. Asta noticed a dagger sticking out of her back, her blood stained the back of her dress.
"Oh no miss Izara" she pulled Izara in her arms and ran off to the back of the library where her home was, a small apartment designed for the head keeper of the library. "Hang on I've got you" she said bursting into her room. she ran to the bedroom laying Izara down and yanking out her first aid kit got to work on helping save her life.
It was a few hours later and Asta brushed the sweat from her forehead with the back of her arm. "There she should be alright now" she said as she cleaned up her tools. She heard a cough from Izara and grabbed a glass of water from her kitchen for her. Going to her side Asta stood there making sure she was alright. "Lady Izara are you feeling better? I closed the wound it wasnt anything fatal you should be alright" she said standing there in her green dress shirt with her sleeves rolled up and her black pinstripe skirt. she was good at healing people from living so long so she only got blood on her hands and that was washed off. she stood there waiting as Izara was waking up.
She moaned. "Pyre..." She still looked pale and still slept. She noticed outside the window that the sky was even darker then before.
Asta looked out the window confused by why this was, first the girl and now this? She had a bad feeling her simple life was going to be turned head over heels soon. She walked over to her window seat and sat down crossing her legs. "well you don't live as long as I have without having a few adventures. what have you brought on my door step young one?" she asked herself softly looking at Izara laying there.
She noticed Izara had the scent of a vampire...and yet when she treated her her skin was warm and felt as though she were alive. Izara slowly opened her eyes. "Pyre...?"
Asta went over and sat down next to her on the bed. "I am sorry my lady it is only I Asta." she said and took a cloth from a bowl of water she had put and placed the cool rag on her head to help take down the fever. Maybe it was normal for vampires to feel warmth if they were not cursed like she. Asta stayed away from her kind as much as possible not wanting to be dragged into that world. Gently she dabbed Izara's forehead with her rag. "Are you feeling alright? I was able to mend your wound for you."
"Yes...thank you...may I ask where we are? I don't know how far that monster took me." Asta realized Izara was the name of the princess of the East.
"We are far to the north west my lady in the city of Andromedia. I have you here in my library, the Arcane library of the north I live in the apartments as head keeper of the library. Do not worry miss Izara you are safe here in the library the wards and magic around this place will hide you from the monster or other people being able to sense you or even get in here" she smiled at her a soft but still lonely smile. "you are welcome to stay here in my home while you heal."
"Thank you...please just call me Izara...are you alright?" She asked in concern.
"I am fine Izara nothing to worry about the man was blinded by my attack so he wasn't able to land a hit on me or anything like that" she smiled softly. "I'll go make you some tea" she stood and walked off out of the bedroom to the kitchen. Asta seemed to have an air of sadness about her that chill of winter and loneliness.
Izara looked at where she had gone. She felt sad as well knowing there was something tragic about the woman.
Asta realized when she was near Izara she had felt warmth, and her sadness was diminished.
Asta looked at her hand as she boiled the water on the stove and sighed. "she is here and she will go and the coldness will always stay as I live my life without the feeling of love nothing I should be excited about" she whispered to herself and looked over her shoulder in the direction of the bedroom. "Remarkable girl meant for great things" she whispered as the water boiled quickly and soon she was back in the bedroom with two cups of tea one for Izara and one for herself.
"Thank you." She said with a smile. It seemed it got a little lighter outside. "I really appreciate it...I hope my friends will be alright..."
"I have many connections in the city so if you need to travel anywhere just tell me and I will get you transportation there." she said bowing her head before she sipped her tea. She could feel small amounts of warmth like the tea she drank and the clothes she wore, or the warmth of a fire but it wasnt enough to thaw her soul. Izara felt a chill through her body sitting close to this woman and looking into those solem eyes.
Izara slowly got up and went over to her. She reached out a hand and gently placed it on her shoulder. Warmth rushed through Asta like a dam had burst. She felt heat ripple off of Izara and realized she was more then she seemed. The warmth spread through Asta to every corner of her soul. She smiled at her her eyes lighting up as though made of golden sun light. It will be alright, you won't be alone forever.Came a peaceful voice, she wasn't sure if it came from Izara or not.
Asta pulled back from her as fast as she could her back suddenly against the wall. The familiar embrace of that bitter cold bit back into place in her soul "What are you doing?" she asked breathing ragged gasps. "I give you sanctuary and your using magic on me?" she asked softly and slightly scared. That warmth had felt amazing but it wasnt what she deserved. she deserved the bitter cold and that's all she deserved the lonely life of a woman who walked the frozen world.
Izara looked at her with sadness in her eyes. "N..no...I didn't...I don't know what I did...."Tears filled her eyes and it suddenly got darker outside again. "I...I'm sorry!" She dashed from the room.
Asta easily caught up to her and snatched her by the wrist. "Please miss Izara its alright I understand" she said thinking about when she let her vampire side get out of control. "don't run away stay its alright I forgive you you didnt know what you did" Asta said standing there looking at the woman. "Please?" she asked softly watching her hoping she would agree. especially with that wound she shouldnt be running around like this. The stiches would hold if she didnt strain herself.
She slowly nodded. "I'm sorry..."
"Its alright" she smiled softly at Izara. "Now come lets go back in and you sit down. Those stitches I put to mend your wound are strong but they arent perfect and if you strain yourself they will break" Asta's hand around Izara's wrist felt like ice as if Izara had shoved her hand in a freezer. Upon releasing Izara's hand it felt as if the heat seemed to flow back into place. "Now come let me make you a meal you must be hungry" she giggled softly and smiled. "My way of making it up to you for freaking out for an honest mistake" she smiled and headed off back into the apartment to the kitchen to make them a meal.
She followed and sat down. She sighed. "You live alone?"
((Izara would not feel her cold, of course Asta would not know this but Izara is the gem of Eron))
((Ooh ok then I was thinking about it in a way as in Asta would feel Izara's warmth and Izara would feel Asta's cold.))
((It's ok, but technically speaking She would be the sun so she is always warm ^-^))
"I've lived alone all my life" she said as she went to the fridge and pulled out some meat from the fridge and some vegitables of hers for a good meal. "Well not all my life, when I was still human I lived with my family but after I was turned I lived alone until now." she said as she started the stove.
"I'm sorry...it must be lonely. I lived for a long time with my mother...and brother, when my mother vanished I was alone with my brother...locked in my room." She sighed. "Then when I escaped I was with my cousin Tai'ho, we were attacked and saved by Pyre and his sister...I was with them and others until my brother found us...then that man took me..."
"Well at least you have friends now though and I have a good feeling you will be back again with them soon." she said over her shoulder with a soft smile before looking back at what she was doing. "it must be nice to have friends" she said softly mainly to herself.
"I could be your friend...If you wish"
"You barely know me though" she said with a soft smile over her shoulder "and besides when your friends come you'll be leaving anyways and I'll probably never see you again so lets just be friendly aquantinces" she said as she went back to cooking their meal.
"I could write to you...and I could get to know you. I barely met my other friend and yet they are my friends too. No one should be lonely."
"Why are you so worried about me miss Izara? trust me I'm ok really I am" she said softly but she could see the hurt in her eyes. Asta was trying to push her away it was for her own good. Nothing good came to people being around Asta for long periods of time.
"Because I don't like to see people hurt...I want peace and happiness...warmth....and that's why I will have to give up my love when the time comes..."
"You should never give up love, its the most important thing in this world to feel the love of someone for you and your love for them the ultimate bond in this world. Don't give up that bond for anything, I am unlucky unable to have such a thing but a beautiful woman such as yourself you should do everything to keep it if you have it."
"I don't want to...but I may have no choice. Have you...ever heard of...the gem of Eron?"
"Of course I have I was around long before it went missing in this world." she had a feeling where this was going and was confused on why this young woman would trust her a complete stranger with such information.
She looked down biting her lip."I feel I can trust you...what if...the gem wasn't an item....what if it was a person?"
"You are the Gem? arent you?" she asked softly "Don't worry I promise to keep your secret. I noticed that when you were unconcious and hurt the sky darkened and when you awakened the sky and lightened. I don't know what to say I am honored that I was given this chance to meet you my lady" she gently bowed to her.
"Please...don't treat me any different...I want to be friends...and I want to find a way to help you."
Asta smiled she understood the sadness she was seeing "I wont treat you any different Izara I want to be your friend" she said softly gently standing back up and turned back to the pan. "there we go that should do it." she used a fork to check the meat.' Yep all done" she giggled and after turning off the stove she plated the food. "Its seared chicken and vegitables." I cooked it all in the same pan to give the chicken a little richer flavor from the peppers and onions. "a good way to put it its like stir fry without the rice." she blushed "I don't eat rice that often so I didnt have any in the cubboard but I wanted you to have a good meal Izara." she smiled and walked over to the table with a beautiful plate and set it down infront of Izara the chicken and all the mixture of vegitables smelled amazing.
She smiled thankfully and began to eat. "It's delicious, aren't you going to ea..." She broke of as they both hear yelling outside. "That sounds like....Pire..."
She smiled and nodded, "Yes, they're hard for me to control... plus they drain my life force so I try not to use them alot. Just alittle though." She smiled gently
"We should rest before we go to find the others then."
Shade nodded, "I completely agree." She grinned.
He handed her some food and started eating as well after handing Aeld some too.
Aeld thanked him and ate.
She nibbled at her food for a bit but then simply curled into a ball and fell into a deep sleep
He gently placed his cloak over her.
After a while Shade stood up and stretched, she glanced around cautiously and then glanced back for her companions
They stood and stretched. "Are you ready then?"
She nodded, "Yes, we can leave whenever you're read."
"We had come through a portal...." said Pyrite. "Pyre had spent the most time with Izar...."
"I love them both."
"I see...we should get going she still may need us." Alder said as he got up.
Pyre was ready to go as was Pyrite looking at Tai'ho, knowing he worried for his cousin.
Tsura looked at Keiran, saying, "I'm ready to find this gem."
Nadya looked at Talon, and nodded.
"Let's go then. Talon instructed them all to hold on to each other.
Nadya and Tsura did so. Pyrite took Pyre's hand, and Tai'ho. Mya took Alder's hand and offer the other to Pyre, who took it. Nadya reached for Talon's.
The others did as well soon they appeared outside of the Northern city. "She is close..." Alder said.
Pyre rushed off, seeking her scent.
"Pyre!" yelled Pyrite. She then sighed, grabbing Tai'ho, racing after him.
Mya looked at Alder. "He's very fast...."
Alder sighed and nodded. "Follow me." He said as he lead the way toward the library.
Pyre raced, catching Izara's scent. "Izara..." he breathed.
"Pyre!" Alder called out. "She is in the library."
Pyre ran to the library, Pyrite following.
They got there. The scent came from the back, and apartment area.
Pyre rushed inside the library. Pyrite behind him, draging Tai'ho.
Mya looked at Alder, she whispered, "I know you'd do that for me....come after me..."
Tsura looked around the area, not liking the cities.
Nadya just looked around at the strange structures, then at Talon. "Should we follow....?"
"I don't feel like she is in danger anymore, so we can wait here, or go inside."
"Alright..."
"Do you want to go in?"
Nadya shrugged. "We have been seeking the gem...."
Tsura just stood by Keiran.
Mya looked at Alder. "I hope that Cara, Aeld, and the rest are okay...." Runa...that was a big scare.....
I know...
"They should be."
"If you found the gem what would you do with it?" Talon asked.
"Talon... I already told you...." said Nadya.
"I mean the others."
"Restore the gem..." said Mya. No matter the outcome.... her thought was sad.
Keidan nodded.
Tsura nodded.
He nodded. "And if the gem were made of flesh and bone?"
Keidan looked suprised. "The gem...is a person?"
Tsura looked surprised as well.
Mya looked at Alder then at Talon. "We know that the gem is a person....."
"I know you two do, I was checking the others. Yes. She is a person."
"How were we to know that before..." said Tsura.
He shrugged. "I want to know, now that you know she is a person, do you still seek that goal?"
Tsura didn't know what to say. "I..."
He waited.
"I don't know..." replied Tsura.
Mya just watched the man.
Nadya listened.
"I know all of you are trustworthy. But one of you cannot carry the secret any longer, so I will pluck the memory away."
Tsura looked confused, and on guard. "What are you talking about?"
Nadya looked at Talon for an answer. She knew that her secret was safe with him, but that this secret was even bigger.
Mya just stepped closer to Alder.
He walked over to Kiadan. "I am sorry. I know you mean well, but your captors will be able to extract that information." He said softly as he placed his hand on his head. Kiadan collapsed to the ground.
"Kiadan!" shouted Tsura, going to his side. "What did you do, why did you do that?!"
"I just said why, his captors are able to read his thoughts, luckily when he learned that knowledge they weren't paying attention, but we can't risk their finding out about Izara..."
"What are you talking about? Are you saying their watching him?"
"Sadly...yes."
Tsura tried to wake up Kiadan.
Nadya looked at Talon. "Looks like luck was with us there...."
He nodded. "I will try a charm...but I'm afraid it will be temporary..." He said as he placed a pin on his clothes, as he began to come to.
"Kiadan?" asked Tsura.
Mya watched from Alder's side.
Nadya watched.
Alder gently hugged her.
He moaned as he opened his eyes. "What...happened?"
"You passed out."
"Oh...What are we doing here?"
"We're looking for a friend of their's...we're helping them..." said Tsura, helping him.
He stood up and held his head. "Oh..."
Pyre rushed through the room, followed by Pyrite and Tai'ho. "Izara!" he shouted.
they reached the apartment door.
Pyre rushed into the apartment. "Izara!"
Asta whipped out her staff and stood ready in a battle stance ready to defend Izara not knowing who these people were. Her cold magic surrounded her hands as she stood ready to fight. Suddenly she felt Izara's hand on her shoulder. "Do you know these people Izara?" she asked looking at her.
Izara rushed forward and hugged Pyre. "Pyre...."
Pyre held her tightly. "Izara....I....failed you....I said I'd protect you....I'm sorry..."
Pyrite watched from the door way, eyeing Asta.
She shook her head. "It's not your fault...but I was saved by my new friend Asta."
Pyre looked at Asta. "Thank you...."
((OMG! i'm sorry! I'm trying so hard not to do stuff like that))
((I know, it's ok. It can be hard to break a habbit))
Asta smiled, "there is no need to thank me she was in trouble and I did what any good person would and went to her aid." she leaned on her staff a little bit. "I do have to say one thing though. Don't let Izara exert herself, she was wounded and I stitched her up as good as new but if she does something to exert herself she will most likely ripp the stitches and re open the wound." Asta said worriedly.
Pyrite went over to Izara. "We still need to give thanks to you, miss....I can finish your work..." A flame errupted from Pyrite's hand, and she place the hand on Izara, sending healing warmth and power through her.
Asta took a little step back from the flame, she was uncomfortable around warmth and fire always. "thats good then all of you can continue on your journey sooner then expected I wish you all great luck" she said with a smile that as always never reached her eyes, feeling the souls of fire in the room it made her soul of ice and frost feel ever in danger she could hold her ground but it was just natural that she would be uncomfortable being around fire beings.
Izara looked back at her in worry. "What about you? You're my fiend too..."
"You can join us..." said Pyrite.
Pyre just watched the woman as he held Izara.
"thank you but I must decline." she said softly and put her hand to her chest looking at the ground. "Lady Izara you are the Gem of Eron you are filled with such life and a flame of warmth and creation." she looked up and looked at those around her "and you surround yourself with people filled with the flame of life and so much passion of the world around you. you do not need someone like me I am nothing but a creature of cold of death. everything you are not. you do not need someone like me around you I am nothing but a burden" she looked away. her aura seemed filled with great sadness.
Izara hugged her and she felt swept with warmth again, comforting warmth. "Please...you are not nothing. Don't think so little of yourself. We can help lift your curse too...we search or one for my brother...in a way his curse is similar to your own. Please let us help, come with us."
Asta blushed as she was hugged when suddenly her chest felt as if a knife was being dug in. "thats right the love of friendship counts" "No... I.. Can't..." her body began to shake and her veins began to turn black under her skin. her body felt as if she was having something stabbed into her over and over again. "Curse..." she croaked out as she felt her knees buckle out from under her and she was knocked out from the pain.
Pyrite went to her side. "Miss..." her voice was full of worry
Asta was out cold from the pain of her curse. She never liked burdening people with her pain and she knew that she would burden these kind people if she was left with them.
Izara's hand flew to her thought as tears went down her face."M...my fault...I hurt her..."
Tai'ho looked at her and shook his head. "No...she said curse..."
He gently picked Asta up and put her in her bed.
The hours passed and they saw her veins shift back to normal and her body return to its original state. it wasnt until about nine in the evening when she awoke in her bed with a gasp. "By the gods" she whispered as she sat there putting her hand on her chest. "so it strikes again" she whispered and looked at her hand thinking about her curse it was why she stayed alone it was why she didnt want anyone around her she had to get Izara to go wtih her friends she didnt want a woman as gifted and lucky as Izara to be stuck with someone such as herself in life. She sighed putting her hands to her side sitting there and turned her head looking out the window. "what am I going to do?" she whispered softly to herself wondering if her guests had left or if they were just in the other room.
"Perhasp let us help you...." said Pyre.
Asta jumped and went stiff looking at Pyre, she hadnt heard him come in. "Oh no really its ok don't worry about me I'm alright." she blushed sitting there looking at him.
Izara looked at her sadly. It was pitch black outside. "I...I am so sorry...I on;y wanted to help..."
"Izara, don't blame yourself you didnt know." Asta propped her back against the head rest of her bed. "I never wanted to burden you with my problem so don't blame yourself for something I didnt tell you about really. But now you see why I don't want to come with you. You'll always have to worry about me having another... Attack you could call it." she said sighing softly.
"I want to help..."
"I have lived with my problem for many centuries Izara, the man who did this to me.. not even the Gem of Eron could break what was done to me for the man is a man of great power that even lives to this day, A man who is the prince of the dead cursed me to live this way. To never love for it was my hunger for love that brought my family to ruin. I am cursed to never feel the true warmth of life again and to never feel love's warm embrace no matter the type of love it is, it is forbidden for me and you see what happens if I do experience it." she looked up at Izara. "its why I live alone with no friends, never letting anyone get close to me for if they get close to me then they worry about me and my problem. a problem that will most likely follow me for the rest of time until finally my time comes and some hunter or enemy successfully turns me to ash." Asta looked at Izara with sad eyes. "Do you really want me around you now knowing this?" she asked softly.
Izara slowly looked hopeful. "The prince of the dead did this to you? Maybe there is a way...my brother is the prince of the dead...Izar."
Gently she shook her head "Not the same man I don't think because if Izar looks like you deffinantly not the same man who did this to me. He called himself the prince of the dead because he was one of the first creators of the vampire lines." she sighed softly and looked at the look in her eyes. "But... if you really think your brother can help then what can it hurt to ask?" she smiled at them. "I feel like I really found a friend in you Izara."
Pyre just watched, not wanting to lose Izara again.
She smiled. "If it is Izar...it may not be easy to get him to reverse it...he is under a curse too...to hate his own blood...which means me."
"I remember, that the man who did this to me did it out of jealousy and spite to my family so he might just kill me on sight." she hugged herself and sighed trying to remember so very very long ago.
"If Izar is the one that cursed you, I won't let him kill you..." said Pyre.
"Izar...has problems...but I think he has good in him...deep down..."Izara whispered.
"Well I trust you Izara just know that." Asta said sitting there wondering what she would have to do to call Izar. A chill ran down her spine wondering if that was the man who did this to her, so many years she suffered this curse.
"We...could go back to him..."
"And Izar won't let you leave, Izara..." said Pyre softly. "Damn hateful curse..."
"sounds like going to your brother is more trouble then its worth" Asta climbed out of bed. "Izara if its so much trouble then don't worry about it. I've lived as long as I have with this curse I'm fine with living longer If it puts you in harms way then no I'm not going to have you do it." Asta put her hands around herself hugging herself looking at them. "you barely know me and yet you wish to put yourselves in harm's way for me. I will not let you do that for me." Asta said seriously standing there.
Izara got a determined look in her eye. "I don't care...I said I will help, I keep my word!"
"Izara please don't I beg of you, your the Gem of Eron you are the treasure of this world I am nothing in compairison please I beg you don't do it." Asta said worriedly. If her brother was as mean as he was sounding she couldnt let her do it.
"Come with us...if Izar tries anything, I'm sure that Pyre will give him a what for..." said Pyrite.
"None of you know me? why? why do you want to help me so badly?" she asked confused by this new thing in her life.
"You're a good person, you don't deserve this curse, you deserve happiness." Izara said
"Everyone deserves happiness..." said Pyre and Pyrite at the same time.
Asta felt the tears fill her eyes "You guys are all so, so very nice" she whispered "I don't deserve to have met people like you I wish I could just give you all a big hug!" she felt the tears begin to stream down her cheeks as she cried tears of happiness.
Izara handed her a handkerchief. "That's what friends are for."
Asta sniffled dabbing her eyes and blew her nose. "now how do we get hold of him? Izar?" she asked scared wondering if he really was the man to ruin her life.
"There are others that came with us...they can help us in that aspect..." said Pyrite.
Pyre hugged Izara protectively.
She hugged back. "Don't try and stop me..." She whispered
"I I wont I promise" she said sitting there dabbing her tears again.
Pyre just held Izara tighter.
"We should try and get to him...maybe you can talk him into lifting the curse..." She said looking at Pyre.
"He doesn't have patience for many....I fought to have him let me in..." said Pyre. "We will try..." Looking at Izara, he said, "I would like you to stay with Alder and Mya, who are outside.... Izar won't let you go if you go back...and I...Izara..." Pyre didn't know how to finish.
She looked down. "I want to help..."
"I know that's why I want you to stay with Alder and Mya...please Izara..." said Pyre.
"How can I help if I stay with them?"
"I...I'm just worried, Izara....I want to protect and help both you and your brother..." said Pyre, holding Izara close.
She hugged back but he got the feeling she felt hurt.
"I love you Izara, I'll follow you any where you go....for you my light...my world...." Pyre said, kissing her cheek. Whispering he said, "I didn't want to hurt you, love....forgive me..."
She hugged him. "It's...the idea of you and Izar...am I bad to be jealous?"
"No...you're not....love..."
"I will stay...but I want to help..."
Asta sat there not knowing what to say what to do she was so confused whatever they wanted her to do she would do.
"I don't want to stop you from helping, Izara," said Pyre.
Pyrite looked at Asta. "Sorry about this but when Pyre decides to protect someone, he sometimes gets too much..."
"Its alright don't worry I'm just nervous wondering whats going to happen." she said scared her heart throbbing in her chest.
"I know...I love you Pyre. We should start...I will stay with the others you should talk to him."
"I will talk to him..." Pyre said.
Pyrite nodded to Asta. "Shall we head out..."
Asta nodded as she stood to her feet. "yes that sounds good" She just wanted this done and over with she shivered.
"Good luck." Izara said.
Pyre took Izara's hand.
She smiled at him. "Be careful."
Asta was envious of the wonderful love those two had she craved to have something like that in her life.
Pyrite took hold of Tai'ho's hand. Looking at Asta, she said, "Love has its ways about coming out on top of everything...."
"I was a wolf tell receantly." He said
"You two are very sweet together I feel great love between the two of you" she smiled softly and timidly. Each minute they waited to speak to Izara's brother was another minute nerves and fear settled on her shoulders. Fear for her life. she was ready to turn tail and run pretty soon
Pyre and Pyrite lead the way outside to the others.
Tai'ho followed, as did Izara.
Asta followed behind them, she closed and locked her door then turned following after them threw the library. She hugged herself as a chill ran down her spine, she had a really bad feeling
"Yes." Cara replied, the term she was going to use was "cast down".
"I understand....what race was he?"
"Wolf, when my father died he was the only friend I had."
He gently hugged her. "I am sorry..."
"It was long ago, thank you."
"We...should find the others. We can talk about it later if you wish...but, know that I am here for you now."
"Kono." Cara whispered. "Let's go." Cara sniffed out the scents of their allies.
They lead to what appeared to be a large room. The doors were large and ornate
"Sir, Auvreeron, do you recognize the design?" Cara asked examining the doors.
"The dark lord...the lord of the dead." He whispered.
"We're looking for a friend of their's...we're helping them..." said Tsura, helping him.
He stood up and held his head. "Oh..."
"I have you...." said Tsura, holding him.
Mya took Alder's hand.
Nadya looked at Talon. "Talon...I know you are near your goal.... I would hope that we come across one another again....but I wish to see more of ...everything...."
"Be careful..."He handed her a dagger.
Alder held Mya
"Thank you for allowing me to travel as far as I did Talon...thank you for this dagger..." Nadya said, strapping the dagger to her side. "Til we meet again....friends..." Nadya began to head out to travel on her own.
"Be careful." Alder said.
Nadya wave back.
Mya waved to the young woman that had helped get them to where they were now.
"We will see her again..." Talon said.
Mya nodded.
Talon sat down waiting for Pyre and the others
Tsura and Mya sat down too. Alder and Kiedan did as well
Nadya traveled a great distance after leaving the others and Talon. She started to make camp, making sure that her elven ears always were hidden from view, she just wanted to be seen for now as a human woman traveling.
She heard whistling.
Nadya looked up towards the whisling.
She saw a cloaked figure ahead. The cloak the figure wore was travel stained and faded, it looked like it once was red.
Nadya ducked back, watching the figure.
She felt a connection to the figure.
Nadya's heart jumped, but she wanted everything to seem okay so she went back to building the fire for her camp.
The whistling began to fade.
"Should I continue...? Talon...." whispered Nadya to herself. "Destiny won't wait for me....when the gem is restored....what would my life really be like if I didn't follow my heart and destiny will show itself...." Nadya quickly stopped the small flame that had started, and grabbed her things, heading off in the direction the whisling had been going.
She saw the figure feeling a drinking bottle by a stream.
Nadya walked on, eyeing the figure out of the corner of her eye.
He settled under a tree and shook of his hood. His hair was blonde and he looked tired.
Nadya stopped, and looking over at him. Destiny... she thought to herself. Nadya started to walk over towards his direction.
His head snapped her way and he studied her."I have no money if you want to beg."
"I have no need to beg, sir...though I don't really have a need for money, though I have some...I live mostly from what the earth can give me...." said Nadya still coming over.
"Do you need something?"
"I...I am sorry....I had seen you alone...I...should just continue on....sorry to have bothered you, good sir...." said Nadya, turning to continue on her way. Destiny...? I guess not...
"Wait...Maybe company would be nice for a change. join me for dinner?"
Nadya stopped, looking back at him. "Really?"
He nodded. There was sorrow in his eyes, loneliness.
Nadya came over to him, sitting down. "Thank you...."
"My name is Baku...what's yours?" He asked as he began to start a fire to cook with.
"Nadya..." she said. "May I help?"
"Fill this pot with water. I am making stew. Nice meeting you"
"You too...." Nadya said, going to fill the pot. She filled it, and brought it back over. "Here you are...."
He smiled a little but she saw a little bit of sadness in the smile. He handed her some vegetables and a knife. "Could you cut these?"
He asked as he began to cut meat.
Nadya nodded, and started to cut the vegetables for the stew. "So, where are you heading?"
"Where I am needed...I am a hunter"
"Oh...a hunter of what, if I may ask?" Nadya asked, looking down at the vegetables she was chopping.
"Werecreatures, vampires, their offspring...unnatural beasts."
Nadya stopped chopping the vegetables. "Oh," she said. Nadya laid the vegetables near Baku, and sat back in thought.
"What's wrong?"
Nadya looked over at him. "I was just thinking...do you hunt all werecreatures and vampires, and the like...?"
"Yes...my family was slaughtered by those unnatural beasts...why do you ask?"
Nadya looked at him, and then down. "I was asking....because I...have some friends that are....not human..."
"What are they?"
"A were-raven, were-fox, were-cat, vampire..."
"You should keep better company..." He said stirring the stew.
"If it had not been for the company I had, I'd be dead now..." Nadya said, looking at Baku directly. She was pushing the whole 'dead' thing, but who knows what may have happened to her if she had not met up with Talon.
Baku sighed. "Still...I am sure there could have been an alternative, they are tricksters and probably want something of you."
"Yes, an alternative...you sitting here alone, and me lying dead somewhere..." Nadya said, looking down. She started to think towards Baku, searching his mind and his soul.
He seemed to be lonely and in pain, due to this he had a tough exterior but it appeared to hide his pain. "I Don't believe so, you look strong."
Pyre and Pyrite lead the way outside to the others.
Tai'ho followed, as did Izara.
Asta followed behind them, she closed and locked her door then turned following after them threw the library. She hugged herself as a chill ran down her spine, she had a really bad feeling
Pyre and the other walked over towards Talon and the group.
Talon smiled. "I see she is safe. Who is this though?" He asked with a smile toward Asta.
"I am Astaroche Angelique I found and helped Izara when I saw that man trying to hurt her." she said giving a bow to the man "its an honor to meet you." she said standing back up straight.
"I am Talon." She recalled reading about Talon, legend had it his sight was said to forewarn people of death.
"I'm Mya," she introduced herself, still standing close to Alder.
"Tsura..."
"Alder."
Mya smiled gently at Asta.
"Its nice to meet all of you" she said softly her arms wrapped around herself they could tell she was nervous. She wasnt used to being around so many people this way.
"What is the plan now?" Alder asked.
"Asta and I are going to head to Izar's to speak with him," said Pyre, not wanting to let go of Izara's hand.
Pyrite spoke up, "And we are to head to where ever we need to get to..."
"Be careful Pyre." Talon said as he nodded.
Asta rubbed her left arm with her right arm feeling awkward standing there. All these friends and couples together it made her feel so weird.
"And good luck to you miss." Talon said
Mya looked worried.
Pyre nodded, and then hugging Izara close. "I'll be back soon..."
"Be careful...and keep Asta safe."
Asta blushed standing there. Izara cared so much about her, well she was the Gem of Eron and that wamrth was understandable coming from someone like her.
"I will..." Pyre promised. Looking at Talon and Alder, he said, "Could someone send Asta and I to a room near Izar...?"
Talon stepped forward. "Just the two of you?"
Pyre nodded. "Unless someone else wished to help?"
Alder looked toward the others. "I will help."
Asta watched them confused by what was going on.
Mya looked at Alder. "Are you sure...? but what about...?"
He sighed."Alright...you're right."
"She is right Alder, you are needed here, but I will accompany them." Talon said.
Alder nodded.
Tsura looked at Talon. "Be careful, friend..." she said from Kieran's side.
Asta watched them, they were so close like a family together she was honored to watch all of them together.
He nodded. "Take hold of each others hands and don't let go till we reappear in the room." Talon said
Pyre took Talon's hand, and offered his other to Asta.
Asta looked at it then took it. Maybe this would end her pain.
They vanished.
Alder sighed. "Let's head east."
Pyrite nodded looking at Tai'ho and Izara, worried.
Mya nodded. "Alright..."
Tsura placed a hand on Kieran's shoulder.
Izara sighed and nodded.
Tai'ho held Pyrite's hand.
Kieran still looked confused. "Why are we heading east?"
"because it's a start," said Mya.
Asta, Pyre and Talon reappeared in a room.
Asta went rigid standing there feeling something dark that seemed to touch a peice of her soul.
"Are you alright?" Talon asked in worry.
Pyre looked at her.
"this feeling" she whispered softly and hugged herself and began to shake as the darkness creeped into her heart. her eyes wide as she held a hand over her heart breathing hard.
Talon handed her a charm of protection. "Put this on quickly...it will help for awhile ."
She put the charm around her neck and took a deep breath feeling the dark feeling be chased back from her. Turning she looked at Talon and smiled "thank you so much Mister Talon" she said softly he could tell she was still in pain but the charm was helping.
"Please call me Talon. I hate to see people in pain." She felt a strange cold and lonely feeling from his, much like her own. "The next room over is where he is."
Pyre lead them over, knocking on the door.
Asta looked at him with her beautiful emerald and gold eyes the only thing warm about her cold body. She looked ahead at the door and shivered wondering what was going to happen.
Talon stopped them. "Two others are here...a Cara and Auvreeron and they are facing Izar at this moment..."
Pyre looked at Talon. "What?!"
Asta shivered as a deeper chill filled her body as she stood there she was frozen in place with fear.
"Yes. Apparently they are questioning him about the whereabouts of their friends." He turned to Asta and handed her another charm to strengthen the current one.
Pyre smirked. "Talon, their friends are right where we left Mya and Alder..."
"I know...but they don't."
"Should we just head in...?" Pyre asked
Asta didnt want to go in this was a mistake. "No I... I can't" she whispered backing herself up so she was against the opposite wall away from that door.
"Asta....what's wrong?" asked Pyre worried.
"We will protect you."
Asta's eyes were filled with a dead look in her eyes. "So cold" she hugged her arms around her body and began to tremble. Being so close to her creator was really taking a toll on her body even with the protection charm.
Pyre looked at Talon. "I'm regreting this right now....but I had hoped to talk to him..."
Talon whispered a chant and it leant Asta strength. He placed a few more charms around her. "We must go forward or you will never be free."
Asta blushed looking up at Talon feeling calmer now "thank you" she pushed herself to her feet and hugged herself staring at the door. "we should go in now before I break down again."
He nodded. "Pyre."
Pyre nodded, grabbing the door knob.
The knob turned easily and opened to Izar's room. Izar faced Cara and Auvrearon, his back was to them, but from the back of him he did appear to look like the one who had enchanted Asta.
"Yes, an alternative...you sitting here alone, and me lying dead somewhere..." Nadya said, looking down. She started to think towards Baku, searching his mind and his soul.
He seemed to be lonely and in pain, due to this he had a tough exterior but it appeared to hide his pain. "I Don't believe so, you look strong."
Nadya smiled sweetly at Baku. "Then it is working..." she said. "You see, I know nothing to this region nor of the surrounding areas... I came from very far away so...and I didn't want to be caught off guard."
"What is working?"
"Me pretending that I know how things are here..."
"What do you mean?"
"You said that I look strong....I may be strong, but I also make myself seem stronger than what I am....I'm sorry if I'm confusing....I'm just trying to work everything out...." Nadya said, looking down.
"I think people often underestimate their strengths." He stirred the stew. "And it's alright."
Nadya nodded, she had to really watch her appearance with Baku after what she had heard. "How is the stew coming?" she asked as a change of subject.
"It's along coming well. Almost done."
Nadya nodded again. "Alright...."
"May I ask why you are traveling alone?"
"Because I thought I could move faster..." She looked down.
"Safety in numbers...where are you heading?"
Nadya looked at him. "You'd let me join you...? I agree with safety in numbers... Honestly, I have been traveling alone because I was cast out of my home because they believed that I caused the death of my mother when I was born....I hadn't wanted to travel alone...but those that I had befriended didn't want to cause me trouble for what they were... I've just been alone in a strange place....so....you'd really let me join you??"
"Yes...but I may kill some of those type of 'people'..."
Nadya just nodded understanding that everyone has their reasons for things, but that still didn't stop her from hoping she could help him see the good of non-human. Nadya searched his mind for thoughts.
She couldn't really make out much of his thoughts. "Stew's done."
Nadya shook her head, and looked up at him with a smile. "Smells good...thank you again Baku," she said.
"You're welcome." He said as he handed her a bowl of stew.
Nadya smiled again, taking the bowl, and ate. "Mmmmm...this is not good...it's great, Baku....I haven't eaten anything like this in a long time...."
He smiled a true smile. "I am glad you like it."
Nadya continued to smile. "You have a wonderful smile as well...I hope that I see it some more during our travel together..."
"Thank you...I guess I have problems finding something to smile for these days."
"Oh.... it really is beautiful"
He blushed a bit. "Thank you. So is yours."
Nadya stopped, blushing. "You....really...think so...?"
He nodded.
Nadya smiled again. "Thank you."
"you're welcome. So...where did you originally hail from?"
"Far from here...it has no name...but my....people have a name for it...but all who leave must make a vow not to reveal its location or the name...for names have power...and my... home was one built very soon after the light was taken from the skies..." Nadya said softly, and sadly.
"I see...you believe in the light then?"
Nadya nodded. "I believe...as do those back home... stories have been past down through the years, telling of the light that had shone..."
"I don't...why would it come back....if it is dead?"
"Dead? What do you mean, Baku?" Nadya asked.
"no one has seen the light in so long...I heard tale that she was slain. Her love the moon seeks her, if she were alive he is a failure at love if he can't find her, and if she isn't alive...." He fell silent.
He knows that the gem is not a gem...and the Sun is the female of the two...the sun and moon.... she thought to herself. Nadya looked at him, and said, "You think that the Sun was not reborn...."
"Where is it than? Why hasn't she returned the light then? If she has been reborn maybe she should stay dead rather then torture us with unfulfilled promises."
"What if she's trying...?" Nadya didn't know why she was saying this to him, she had just met him, and yet... "What if there were people out there that wanted to prevent her from returning...that wanted to keep her dead..." Nadya had pain in her voice, she right then wanted to make Baku think that she may be the Sun reborn as a human. She didn't want to lie to him, but then again she was already lying to someone that hates a part of her, and doesn't know it.
"What...are you saying...? Are you?"
Nadya just sat then looking at the ground. "Baku... I'm scared..." she said softly. Nadya was telling the truth there, she didn't want to loss Baku because of a lie, but then again she may not want Baku to come after her for what she was.
"I will protect you..."
"Thank you...Baku..." said Nadya. She looked up at him. "I'm not the Light...I'm not that important... I'm just me...but... I am friends with the Light...and she is with friends that would risk their lives for her...she is with her lover..."
He nodded. "So...she will return the light to the world?"
"Yes...the last I saw them...they were starting to head to where she needs to be to bring the light back...." said Nadya. Whispering to herself, she said, "Then I'll be home, father..."
He hugged her gently. "I hope it works. We should join them then."
Nadya looked down. "I don't know where they are now....and...you wouldn't want to join them....." Her voice was soft.
"Are they the friends you...were talking about?"
Nadya nodded. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable.... I..."
He looked down pinching the bridge of his nose in thought. "If they are...why help her? i don't understand...is it possible they can have good in them?"
"Because," Nadya started, still looking at the ground. "Everyone needs the Light... The earth needs the light to help make the trees and plants grow... and the animals need the plants.... the whole circle of life needs the Light from above..." She began to mark the ground with everyone she made mention of. "Werecat...werewolves...mixed...wereravan...werefox....vampire..." she said. "Me..."
"Are you saying...you aren't human?" He asked in surprise.
Nadya stood up. "Thank you for allowing me to join you in your meal, and even invite me to journey with you..." she said, hiding her face from him, she didn't want him to see her tears. Nadya started to walk the way she had been heading. I can't tell him what I am....
he grabbed her wrist. "Please...don't go."
Nadya didn't look at him, she didn't want him to see her tears. "I'm not human... you hate non-humans... that's why I acted the way I did earlier... that's why spoke how I did... if you want to kill me know, you should... I won't fight...."
he spun her around into his arms and hugged her close his lips met hers and tears were running down his face as well.
Nadya's eyes went wide, but then she kissed back, more tears falling.
They stood like that in silence for several minutes before he pulled away. "I...love you."
"I...love...you too..." Nadya cried. "But...I'm not human...."
"You've shown me that not all none humans are evil..."
Izara sighed and nodded.
Tai'ho held Pyrite's hand.
Kieran still looked confused. "Why are we heading east?"
"because it's a start," said Mya.
"Oh..."
Mya looked at Alder. "Shall we?"
Pyrite held Tai'ho's hand, and placed a comforting arm around Izara's shoulders, whisper, "All will be well..."
She nodded.
Alder began leading them east, "If any of you need to rest don't hesitate to say so."
Tsura nodded, as did Mya and Pyrite.
So did the others.
Mya watched the scenry, staying as close to Alder as she could.
Tsura watched for bandits and others that may attack.
The further east they got the more life they saw. "Strange..." Kieran said
Mya smiled. "I like it..."
"But yes odd," said Tsura.
Pyrite smiled, and whispered to Izara. "You're happiness helps the earth grow, as does it help Pyre think and feel something other than fighting..."
She nodded. "I hope so..."
"I do to....Izara..." said Pyrite.
Izara smiled a little and it got a little broghter.
Alder looked back. "Izara? I need to speak with you a moment." He said.
Izara nodded and went forward. Alder lead her out of hearing range and began to speak withy her. Izara looked down and slolwly nodded. Eventually they both came back to the group.
Alder started to lead them once more.
Mya looked back at Izara. Runa...? He told her something sad didn't he?
Pyrite looked at Tai'ho worried, and then at Izara. "What's wrong?"
He was trying to tell her to mask her emotions so as not to be found out
"Nothing..."
Mya took Alder's hand and squeezed it. Thank you Runa...
Pyrite nodded. "Alright..."
Alder smiled at her.
Izara hugged her. "I'm alright."
Pyrite hugged back.
Alder called a rest. "Let's rest a bit for now, we have made good progress so far."
Tsura nodded, finding a seat.
Mya sat down whereever Alder was going to, and Pyrite sat Izara down, before doing the same.
Izara bolted from her seat her eyes looked on the direction Izar's castle was. "No...Asta..."
Alder looked worried as did the others.
"Pyre... Talon....please protect Asta..." Pyrite prayed.
Izara had tears in her eyes, tears of worry. Tai'ho hugged her gently. "Trust them..."
Pyrite joined Tai'ho in hugging Izara. "Pyre will come back to you...to us...and so will Talon...and Asta...." she whispered.
She nodded. "I...need time to think..." She whispered drying her eyes and setting apart from the others. She gazed off the way her other friends were. That's all they can all be...friends...Pyre, I want you happy, my brother needs you. I won't be here when we succeed...please, forget about me, it is better for both of us.She though silently as she fought the tears. Her thoughts turned to Asta and it will help him remove the curse...
Pyrite watched Izara, whispering to Tai'ho, she said, "I don't like this...her face...her voice..."
"I know...she is hurting I can smell it...her heart is breaking."
"Pyre...please...send her your strength..." whispered Pyrite to the winds.
Izara felt a power of sorts go into her, a familiar power...that of Pyre. She felt his love for her warm her whole body. She also felt strength coming from him.
A tear rolled down her face. She lead down on the ground closing her eyes letting his love wash over her. "Pyre."
"Izara..." came Pyrite's voice. "Don't give up on him, you have given him something, other than me to live for....Please..."
She opened her eyes and looked toward her a smile on her face. "It's alright...I understand. I love Pyre."
Pyrite smiled, and gentlely hugged her.
She hugged back and looked down. "Talon's...gone..."
Tsura looked over. "WHat?"
Pyrite looked at Izara, and asked, "Are you sure?"
Mya was worried.
She looked down. "he sacrificed himself for Asta..."
Tsura looked at Keinan, a tear rolled down her face.
"Oh...my...." said Pyrite, who hugged Izara to her.
Alder looked the way they came and he looked anguished. "No...Talon..."
Mya hugged Alder.
He hugged her and could feel tears dampen her neck.
"Alder..." said Mya, there was a knot in her throat. "Oh Alder..."
He held onto her. "Mya...I have a confession to make...Talon wasn't just my friend...we had been lovers..." He whispered.
Mya whispered back, "Alder...oh Alder... I'm so sorry... I" Tears started to fall on her cheeks.
He held her close.
Izara looked around sadly. "He was a good friend..."
Tsura nodded. "I met Talon after....that Nadya and him had come upon me and Keinan...."
Pyrite looked to the distance. "Pyre is doing something.... and his heart is hurting...."
Izara looked up in worry. "Pyre..."
Pyrite looked at Izara. "We need to help him...he's trying something that only I am practiced in...." She took a hold of Izara's hands. She concentrated on sending some of her strength to Pyre.
Izara did the same
Cara drew her sword. "If he stands in our way I will promote him to full dead."
"We must both be cautious."
"I realize that." Cara said and kicked the door in. No one ever said she was subtle
Izar looked over at them with a cold gaze. "What do you two want?" He said in anger. He was the only one in the room.
"We're looking for some companions and friends, don't stand in our way." Cara replied.
Izar smirked. "Friends...there is no such thing. Why search here?"
Asta felt fear slam through her body looking at the man she knew it was him her blood sang out to him her maker her master. Her eyes were wide with horror looking at him.
Izar frowned at Pyre, Talon, and Asta's entrance.
"Of course there is Pyre, who just came in with two friends. And...I wonder where they found you dear Asta?"
Asta whimpered softly shrinking away and he didnt even have to look at her she could feel the weight of his power. "it is you, the bastard who" she whimpered scared tears running down her cheeks.
"Izar...what did you do to her?" qustioned Pyre.
"He is!" she cried out and began sobbing "the bastard who turned me and forced me to slaughter my own family!" she put her face in her hands crying. "he cursed me to never feel love for it was love that turned me into this love that made me kill my family everyone I love" she sobbed. "So I may never feel warmth he made my soul freeze" she cried from fear seeing the man.
Izar smiled coldly. "Why? Because it was fun. I enjoy it. I desired her and she didn't even take notice."
Talon watched silently. "Cara, Auvreeron, stay out of this." He said.
"Ah...the middlesom Talon." Izar spat in disgust finally turning to look at them.
Auvreeron watched eyes narrowed.
"Pyre, where are the others?" Cara asked, weary of the other master vampire.
"Izar..."Talon replied.
"I tried to tell you the others aren't here. I'm surprised he came back bringing those two with him." Izar said.
"I came back because I love you Izar! I LOVE YOU!!" shouted Pyre hurt, but knowing, that Izar had hurt Izara's friend in the past just for fun.
Izar grimaced not looking at Pyre. "Foolish boy." He said.
Pyre just stared at Izar. "Foolish...? Is that what you think of me? I...I showed you...Pyrite showed you..."
Izar turned and looked at Asta with a cruel look. "Want to have some more fun beauty?"
Asta was frozen with fear staring at him. it was a chill of death and a cold unloved lonely feeling that tore into her body. her blood was pounding in her veins. She whimpered in fear backing away she felt the charms loosing their power fast as the feeling of that utter darkness was creeping in. She whimpered unable to speak, she knew this was a bad idea she knew it he would never release her of her curse.
Cara lowered her blade tip to the ground. "I missed something here. Auvreeron do you know what's going on here?"
He frowned and shook his head. "No but...Pyre did you say you love this monster?"
Izar froze and for a moment pain flickered in his eyes. "Monster? You are the one who hunts your own kind." He said silently, deadly.
He rushed Asta and forcefully kissed her his hand clutching her breast. "You want to know what it feels like? I can help you, only I can help you Asta."
"IZAR!" Talon said in anger stepping forward.
Pyre rushed Izar, pulling him back and off of Asta. "You are not a monster...remember what we had talked about before, Izar... I love you, and you know that" He held Izar to his body, not letting go.
Asta slid down the wall tears streaming down her cheeks her body was shaking. Images of what he had done to her filled her mind. he had used her and raped her and tormented her for so long. When he had touched her like that again it had brought it all back to the surface. She sobbed crying wanting to just die wanting this agony to stop.
Talon hurried over to her and handed her a handkerchief, he glared at Izar. "How dare you...you have good in you Izar...brother. Use it!"
Izar stiffened and glared at Talon. "I should have killed you years ago." He whispered. He pushed Pyre away and grabbed Talon slamming him against the wall. "We are only half brothers. I may not touch Izara...but you." He kissed Talon who struggled against it. At the same moment he clutched Talon between the legs. Talon struggled more.
"IZAR!!!" screamed Pyre. "This is not you! You are stronger then this!" He had the start of tears in his eyes.
"No let go of him!" Asta got to her feet and shoved Izar off of Talon. He and Pyre had been so nice to her she couldnt let Izar hurt them. "I'll... I'll... Give myself to you just leave them alone!" she yelled at Izar and stood between him and Talon. No more people were going to suffer for her. Talon and Pyre were both so kind to her she wouldnt let this bastard hurt them no matter what she had to sacrifice.
"No, Asta!" yelled Pyre. He then tackled Izar, and shouted, "Talon get them all out of here!" Pyre then kissed Izar with a claiming passion.
Talon recovered and all of them vanished.
Izar stiffened eyes going wide before he returned the kiss. "Stay...stay with me."
"I love you, Izar...you and Izara both...I'd go to the ends of the earth for either one of you....no...I'd go to the ends of the earth for Both of you..." cried Pyre, tears in the corners of his eyes, but not falling.
Izar gently but firmly pushed him away. "If you had to choose one of us...which one would it be?"
Pyre heared Pyrite's call, and sent some of his strength to her, along with his love and hope for her. "I wouldn't be able to, Izar...I have told you this...I'd die inside if I didn't have either of you... I haven't felt like this in all my life.... Pyrite loves me, but we are brother and sister... I would always stand there beside her, and she'd tell me that someday there will be someone out there...who knows how many that may be... and then I met Izara and you... now I don't think about another moment with out either of you two in my life...with me...." A tear rolled down his check, and Pyre turned his head, knowing that Izar may think bad of him if he cried.
"She isn't my sister..." he said still looking away.
"What do you mean, Izar...? I thought...." Pyre still had the tears in his eyes.
He didn't turn around. "She...is my daughter."
"Your....daughter...? But...." Pyre said, confused. "How...?"
"I am the oldest left. I can't even remeber the time I was a child. Eventually my body began to give out so I had to be reborn. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I was reborn to the very family who stole my child from me...."
"Izar....then you are being forced to hate your own daughter...." said Pyre slowly. Then he growled, and said, "I am going to kill some crazy evil..."
Izar hugged himself actually showing his grief. "Yes...her mother died giving birth to her...she was beautiful. We had such a peaceful life. I was even able to provide a loving, happy life for Izara...then she was taken. It's ironic...I am the lord of darkness...and I gave life to the lady of light...yes...I know Izara is the light now. I have put to and to together. Pyre...you say you love me, then end my life. I can't live like this...hating my own child...she looks so much like her mother..."
Pyre's eyes were red as he looked at Izar. "You've wanted to die... Izar, you may have killed my family...but how could I explain me having killed her father...her 'brother'... someone she loves...her family... the loss of loved ones cuts deep..." said Pyre, turning his head down. "Oh Pyrite truely knows how much I hurt...I saw them get killed...Izar...I watched them die... I hated myself for being such a coward... that I would fight, even if the odds were against me...I thought if I died I could see them again... But then I would have left Pyrite alone...I know that she is strong, but she's no fighter.... I can't, Izar... I'd die inside... I would be worthless to my sister...to my new friends.... to Izara..." Tears were rolling down Pyre's face. "The sky lit up because I made Izara so happy that she smiled...even after what I had said to her... our first meeting, I told her that I hated her and her kind for what happened in the past... but it hurt me to say that... I apologized... I loved her...do you really think that I could kill....wait...." Pyre still had tears falling down his face, but there was a thought full look in his red eyes.
Izar looked at him a pleading expression. "I need to die, you don't understand...the madness I live with every day..."
Pyre looked at Izar. "Then you die...but she needs her father..." There was something in his eyes.
He looked confused. "I...don't understand..."
"Who killed you before...?"
"I don't remember."
"I'm not as skilled at Pyrite, but..." said Pyre, bringing up both of his hands. Flame irrupted in his hands, and Pyre sought out the past to the time of Izara's birth.
He saw her get born and Izar held her in his arms. he looked happy, truly happy and then he was told his wife was dead. The sadness entered him there but as Izara got a little older he seemed to live for her, he appeared to be a loving father. When Izara was one his home was attacked. He tried to defend Izara but she was taken. He pursued them and was attacked from behind. As he lay dying He muttered a spell to help him become reborn near his daughter, to help him be older then she was.
Pyre looked at Izar. "Give me your hands." He still had his hands held out, the flames still there.
he hesitated but did so. Pyre closed his eyes, holding Izar's hands. Please god...let this work... Pyre began to concentrate on Izar, imagining Izar's life like that of a pheonix's...from the ashes he would be reborn, free of all that plagued his old life. Gods...please take this life from him, and allow him to be reborn for me...for the love I have for him....most importantly, for the love he has for his daughter... He felt Pyrite's power adding to his own.
Izar gasped as he fell to his knees. After a few minutes there was a blinding flash of light and Pyre stood alone.
Izar... Pyre's mind was freaking out. "No...I did something wrong...Izar!"
His voice echoed through the silent halls and he got no response.
"Damn it! Damn it!" shouted Pyre, tears falling freely, he slammed his fist into the floor.
He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Pyre, don't give up hope, it wasn't your fault, the man that has Izar as his slave took him from you before you could complete it, but you were able to help Izar a litle. You need to get to the others, things are going to get more dificult. Came Talon's voice.
"Talon....I'm going to kill him..." said Pyre standing up, looking around.
He saw no one.Go to the others Pyre...Asta's curse was lifted...at a cost.
Pyre raced from the place. "The cost was you...Talon..." he said into the wind as he ran.
It was....I'm sorry.
Don't be.... He continued to run.
Talan, Cara, Asta, and Auvreeron appeared several miled away. Talon panted and looked a little shaken. "Asta...don't...offer yourself...to him..."
"what else was I going to do?! I'm nothing and if I were to do that you wouldnt be hurt!" she yelled at him as she cried. "Just leave me alone I'm nothing leave me to this damn curse and just go live your lives" she turned and ran off into the forest not caring where she was going. her life caused people nothing more then pain and she wouldnt let that happen anymore. She didnt have anything to live for so why not just kill herself end all of this so no one would have to deal with her again. She ran away not wanting to be in there way anymore.
Auvreeron looked at Cara not liking the turn of events. "Should we follow?"
Talon Vanished and appeared before her. "Don't you dare say that! Everyone has worth, we are helping you because we care about you. Don't be selfish and run from that, don't give up hope, as long as he has feelings for Pyre there is hope."
"No I say this because I don't want all of you to die" she said backing her back against a tree tears filling her eyes. "Every one who ever helps me, whoever befriends me, whoever... loves me ends up dead!" she slid down until she was sitting on the ground and put her face in her hands crying her eyes out. Izar's darkness was still clinging to her from being so close she couldnt shake this feeling she didnt deserve to live.
Talon's eyes were filled with worry, pity, loneliness, loneliness deeper then her own. "You at least have a chance. Asta...live. love, be free. If there is another way, one without him lifting the curse. Would you take that path instead?"
Asta looked up at him "if there was a way to live without him breaking the curse, I mean truely live how I have longed to live then yes I would take that path I would live it and feel the joy and happiness of friendship and the warmth of true love that I've hungered for so very very long. " she suddenly turned red realizing how she was speaking and looked away from him.
He walked over to her knelt before her. he gently turned her face to his. "Don't dissapoint me. I will be watching. It's time anyway...tell them to be strong all of your quests have merely began." He cut his finger and gently traced a symbolon her forehead. The sadness in his eyes was emence. "Live and be happy, don't grieve for me." he said as he gently kissed her forehead. She blacked out.
When she came to She felt different, she felt stronger, happier, the way she had before the curse.
A few feet away lay Talon. He appeared to be asleep.
Asta crawled over to him "Talon?" she asked softly and went over to him gently shaking him "Talon wake up" she said as tears filled her eyes "Talon this isnt funny wake up" she shook him harder "No no Talon Talon no!" she cried shaking him harder. "No Talon why?! Why?!" she laid her body ontop of his sobbing having a feeling he wasnt going to wake up. "No Talon" she buried her face into his chest clinging to his clothes sobbing not understanding why he did this for her.
In her head she heard his voice.Don't grieve for me, the others need you, Izara needs you, you're future awaits and you will find your love. I want you happy. It was my fate to die eventually, my fate to save you. Don't give it up smile for me.And be strong. When your oldest is born name him Talon.
She sat up and wiped her tears nodded "yes alright" she whispered softly. "I promise I'll live, for both of us Talon, The least I can do is to name my Eldest child after you and that would be an honor." she said unable to stop the tears. She leaned over him and laid a soft kiss on his cold lips "thank you Talon you'll always be in my heart." she said softly and stroked his beautiful hair. She sat there wondering should she bury him was he truely dead or was he in a deep sleep. She didnt know she kneeled there not wanting to leave him here she wouldnt be able to live with herself if she left him here.
She felt a gentle hand on her cheek. he others need you, I am fine. Go Asta and be happy.
Asta nodded "Alright Talon, b-be safe I'll always have you in my heart" she looked at his hand and saw one of his rings. "just so I can always have a peice of you with me" she whispered sliding it off. She held it in her hand and to her chest. "Thank you Talon" she whispered and turned and headed off in the direction she had ran from. She stopped at the edge of the clearing and looked back at him for a moment then headed off.
When she looked back the body was gone.
Her grip on his ring tightened, then she slid the ring on her ring finger of her right hand. "I'll never forget you" she whispered and then headed off to live her life for the both of them.
She appeared near Alder, Izara and the others.
"Alder...look," said Mya pointing Asta out.
Asta saw that Pyrite and Izara were holding hands, eyes closed.
Asta hugged her right hand to her chest and walked forward timidly not knowing what to say about Talon and Pyre.
Izara and Pyrite fell to their knees exhausted. Izara opened her eyes and they widened when they saw Asta. "Asta...you're alright."
Alder stood and gently lead her to a seat. "Talon's gone now isn't he?"
Pyrite sat up, and looked at Asta.
Asta nodded gently. "yes he gave up his life to free me from Izar's curse" tears filled her eyes thinking about it. But he said for everyone to be strong and to not greive for him he wants us to keep going." she ran her finger over his ring gently she would never take it off.
Izara hugged her. "I'm glad the curse if lifted, he will never leave us, I know he is with us."
Pyrite nodded. "and I hope that Pyre is safe...."
Asta broke down crying in Izara's arms. It felt so good to hug another being the warmth felt so wonderful.
Izara let her warmth fill her. "Asta...don't cry please..."
Asta pulled back and wipped her tears. "I'm sorry" she whispered and looked at Izara. "I-I just had to get that out." she whispered softly.
Pyrite looked around. "Please Pyre...get here soon...."
Izara nodded and hugged her. "Asta...did you....love Talon?"
"I barely knew the man but he was so kind to me. And the fact that he sacrificed himself for me I think maybe in a way I did love him and if I were to fully get to know him then maybe it would have been real love." she blushed bright red "its hard to explain." she said softly and ran her finger over his ring.
Izara hugged her. "He was a good man."
"Izara!" came Pyre's voice.
She turned. "Pyre." She hugged him tightly
Asta backed up quickly to let Pyre hug Izara. She stood there quitely watching the reunion.
Pyre pulled back. "Talon..."
"is dead..." finished Pyrite.
Pyre nodded. "And I tried to have Izar reborn through pheonix fire..."
"That's why I felt you needed Izara and I....
He nodded. "Izar wanted me to kill him....but I couldn't after what he had told me....and now the one that cursed him has Izar again..." the last part was a growl.
Izara looked worried. "Izar..."
"Izara, I have to talk to you in private...." Pyre said, and took her hand, leading her away a bit.
Pyrite looked at Asta, Mya, Alder, well, everybody, worried.
Asta leaned up against a tree thinking to herself wondering what had happened to Izar. She was worried about Pyre and Izara hoping they would be ok.
Asta thought she felt a cold presence nearby
Asta turned towards the feeling "What? is that?" she whispered softly to herself as she shivered and rubbed the goosebumps that were on her arms.
Pyrite looked over at her. "Are you okay?"
Alder looked concerned. "What's wrong?"
Mya looked worried.
"I'm feeling a cold presence from that direction" She said as she continued to look over in that direction of where she was feeling it.
Alder went on guard cautiously heading toward the source
Mya watched nervously.
Tsura and Pyrite were on guard.
Asta stood there nervous but on guard wondering what was going on. what was this chilling presence going down her spine?
Alder stood frozen in shock. "Izar!" The feeling vanished. "He's gone..."
Pyrite looked. "Izar...what do you mean?"
"He was just over there...watching us."
Asta was confused by this "watching us? why though?" she thought to herself.
"But...." Pyrite said "...that the one that cursed him, took him during the spell..."
"I know...unless it was a look alike or an illusion...that was him...either way I don't like this."
Mya was worried. Runa...did you see him?
Yes...
Can you help us find him?
I will try
Thank you
When Pyre had Izara a good distance from the group, he hugged her.
Izara hugged him back tears rolling down her face. "I love you...I know you did your best."
"I love you too, Izara...and I'll get him back..." said Pyre. "Izara...your father was not your father..."
She looked confused. "What...do you mean?"
"When you were a baby, you were taken from your real father... your mother had died soon after your birth....and your father was left for dead....but he did a spell...and was reborn.....Izara...Izar wanted me to kill him because he hated that he was being forced to hate his own daughter...."
Her eyes widened in horror and shock. "My...father...is...Izar?" She passed out.
Pyre caught her, and gentlely woke her. "Izara...please its the trust...if you had seen him...he wanted me to kill him...."
She had tears in her eyes. "Why didn't I know...He's...my father...."
"He was reborn...and then everything that happened to him, along with the curse..."
She hugged him tightly shaking. "I...how can I think of him like a father..."
"I know it's hard...growing up with him as your brother...but...here...let me show you..." Pyre said, forming the fire in his hands, showing her what he had seen of her birth, kidnap, and Izar's first death...
She looked sad. "Why did they take me? They treated me like I was their daughter..."
"I don't know...but Izara...Izar did love you....very much....so much that he'd ask me, the one that loves you both so much to kill him..."
She hugged him tightly. "Thank you for telling me..."
"Izar told me...he kept asking if I had to give up one of you, who'd it'd be...and I told him I couldn't give up either of you...it would hurt too much..." Pyre hugged her back.
"I love you..."
"I love you, too...Izara..." he then kissed her.
She returned the kiss.
"Let's join the others again...."
"I...love...you too..." Nadya cried. "But...I'm not human...."
"You've shown me that not all none humans are evil..."
"I'm a werepanther..." Nadya started.
"I don't care I love you."
"And..." Nadya started. How was she going to tell him...
"What? You can tell me."
"My father and mother were of the time of Light..."
"But how?"
"I'm an..." she started, then looked down. She moved her hair away from one of her ears. "...Elf..."
He kissed her. "As long as your not a vampire."
"You...believe...that...elves exist?"
He nodded. "I met one once, I didn't say all none humans were evil. I was ten when I met him, he saved my life."
"Oh..." she said with a sigh. "I was sent out of my home because they claimed that I caused my mother's death when I was born....my father fought those stories....but...as I got older....it became harder for him to gain the trust of the others...." She looked at him in the eyes. "I am Princess Nadya....of the Elves..."
he hugged her close. "Was your father's name...Nakarias?"
Nadya looked up at him. "How...?"
"He was the elf that saved me when I was a child. You have his eyes..."
"But....I didn't know father had left home anytime during the past few decades...."
"If that's his name...then he did." He leaned against a tree. "I was playing in the moauntians near my home...I was told not too but I was stubborn. I spotted a dog up the side of a cliff that lookied like he was in trouble. I started to climb the cliff and fell, I would have died if your father hadn't caught me."
"I'm glad he left then..." said Nadya, looking down, thinking of her father.
"When you see him again...thank him. But for now...let's go help the gem and your friends, if they are like you..maybe I can trust them."
"You'll see him too when the gem is restored.... and he will be king then..." Nadya said. She still looked sad.
He hugged her gently."What's wrong?"
"I just don't know if I could ever go back...like I had said...no one but my father ever wanted me there...saying that I was cursed...that I killed my mother...."
He hugged her gently."If you help restore the light I am sure they would accept you. And I they don't I will take them on in your honor."
"Thank you, Baku..." Nadya said hugging back.
Baku nodded. "Shall we find these friends of yours?"
Nadya nodded. "They'd be heading east..."
"Let's go then."
Nadya nodded. "But...I thought you were readying yourself for the night...?"
He shrugged. "This is more important."
"Okay...." Nadya said, nodding.
He packed up. "Lead the way."
Nadya lead the way, she knew the other were going to be heading.
Talan, Cara, Asta, and Auvreeron appeared several miled away. Talon panted and looked a little shaken. "Asta...don't...offer yourself...to him..."
"what else was I going to do?! I'm nothing and if I were to do that you wouldnt be hurt!" she yelled at him as she cried. "Just leave me alone I'm nothing leave me to this damn curse and just go live your lives" she turned and ran off into the forest not caring where she was going. her life caused people nothing more then pain and she wouldnt let that happen anymore. She didnt have anything to live for so why not just kill herself end all of this so no one would have to deal with her again. She ran away not wanting to be in there way anymore.
Auvreeron looked at Cara not liking the turn of events. "Should we follow?"
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