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Welcome to a world of madness and mayhem. Relax, cut loose, let your creativity run wild. From Fanfictions to Roleplays, to game reviews, to discussions, let your voice be heard. Never let anyone stand in the way of your voice, but remember to reciprocate. Never keep another from speaking. Remember we're all friends here, lets have some fun and keep it within the bounds of respect. And also remember, sanity is a myth, we all reflect one of the thousand faces of madness...


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Crucyx
Topic Started: Oct 22 2008, 12:26 PM (1,308 Views)
Cameron aka Cam
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Golden Blossoms
So are you trying to get it published? Because it's really good and the amount of work and time you've put into it really shows.
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Yaomi
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Gathering Chi
You know... I'd love to get it published. You see I'm actually trying to keep a good schedule with the writing. That's actually my main reason for posting on this site. I figure you all would keep me going. Well, sorry for taking so long with this next post, but I've actually had it written for ahwile, just forgot to post it lol, eep :P . I would like to ask a small request from my dear readers. You all have been doing a great job of catching errors in grammer and writing style. However I would also really like to make sure my plot makes sense. So, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I'd like you to make a list of questions after each chapter. That way I can make sure they're all answered through out the novel. Thanks, chapter 5 coming soon!
Pyon... best word ever!!
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Yaomi
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Gathering Chi
Alright folks, here's chapter 5. Please note, due to time (and lack of patience), thoughts are not italicized in the raw forum post. However in the attached word document they are. Enjoy :)

Chapter Five




Araali screamed. She screamed, and screamed, and screamed until her lungs burned. She thrashed about wildly, trying to break free from Reyn's grip. Despite this he held on to her like a vise.
"Calm down, Ah said Ah wouldna let anythin happen ta ya," he shouted back to her. Araali was doing her best to regain her composure even though they were still falling. She eventually built up enough sense to speak.
"Are you mad! Your gonna kill us both," Araali sounded frantic to say the least. She couldn't get the images of their bodies smashing into the ground out of her mind.
"Stop worryin and enjoy it. Ah'll bet ya've never felt a boost like this in your life. Feels great na? Besides Ah've got everything down just right, let loose a little!" Reyn cackled hysterically. To Araali's bewilderment, it seemed that Reyn wasn't frightened in the least. In fact he seemed to be having the time of his life. She had to admit that it was very exhilarating. A fog had rolled over the land in the early morning, the sun hadn't risen enough to burn it away, so she couldn't see the oncoming ground. The wind whipped past them caressing their bodies and it did sort of feel like flying. She used this mental image to calm herself down further until she was reasonably sane. Without warning they hit the fog. At that moment time really did seem to slow, and for a moment, it felt as though they weren’t falling, but rather, were floating. Araali grinned widely, finally feeling a spark of the pleasure that Reyn was intoxicated with. The sky was its own world, its own universe, and it was a home, even to those who had no other. And this was the gift it offered, a complete free fall, no restraints, no guarantees, only a single, blindingly ecstatic moment. Reyn began to pull closer to the wall of the convent. Soon they were in arms reach of the solid stone surface.
"Wrap your legs back around mah waist quick," He said with some urgency. Apparently it was time for the fun to end. Araali did as she was told. Without hesitation Reyn righted them and pushed off an oncoming lip on the wall with one foot, launching into vault. Because of their sudden change in direction, it almost seemed like they were hanging in mid-air but the feeling passed as they cleared the gardens closest to the garden and into the jungle like oasis that surrounded the convent. With a twist he hit the ground running. It happened so fast that no one noticed the blur of air barrel into the dense fruit bearing jungle that formed the untamed part of the communal gardens that extended for at least a mile in every direction before it met the high wall that blocked the convent's grounds from the city. Reyn kept up his frightening pace for several seconds before a careless misstep sent both of them tumbling. They laid there sprawled about on the jungle floor letting their bodies naturally recover from the adrenaline high. Reyn's pulse was still racing when Araali picked him up off the ground.
"That was a blast," he grinned at Araali innocently," Sorry for so little warnin, but ya did say ya trusted me."
"We could've just flew you know," Araali groaned straightening out her cloths and hair.
"Yeah, Ah know," Reyn pranced from foot to foot," But that was a lot more fun and we didn't have ta worry about the airborne gaurds closest ta the convent."
"I have to admit it woke me up. Still I could've...," Araali stopped talking when she saw Reyn tense. Something was wrong. She drew closer to him for protection and let her sword reform in her hand, not realizing that she had unconsciously dissolved it after her training. She saw the same sword from earlier form in Reyn's hand. She whispered into his ear, "What is it?"
Reyn began sniffing the air seeming for all the world to be a beast on the hunt. Strange, Araali thought to herself, I don't smell anything odd. Reyn visibly relaxed before replying. A feral smile lit up his face.
"It's just Arc. He's really got ta work on the stealth," The sword dissolved into nothing leaving only the armored gloves. Reyn's eyes were fixed on the top of a tree standing a few yards away from them. From this tree a hooded figure leapt holding a very long and strange weapon. The shaft was curved outward slightly and ended in three scythe-like blades. Each scythe like blade was as long as a short sword. The figure descended rapidly clearly aiming for Reyn. In one fluid motion Reyn shoved Araali bodily back into a tree and held his hands above his head just in time to keep the triple scythe from splitting him in two. Araali watched on in awe as the assailant struck with tremendous force. She could feel the ground tremble beneath her. Reyn's feet sunk down a few inches into the ground. Both he and the attacker broke contact in an instant. Without giving any time for Reyn to recover the attacker began slashing and hacking wildly, his scythe singing as it sliced through the air. Araali was shocked by the attacker’s speed. Even if the assailant was incredibly strong, which he no doubt was, there was no way that anyone could wield a scythe in one hand, and still move at such speed. He was moving almost as fast as Reyn had when he'd been training with her. The assailant continued his mad rampage pushing Reyn further and further back. All it took was a brief pause in the fighting for Araali to see the reason for the attackers speed. The scythe's shaft was very slim, and a hole along each of the back ends of the scythe's blade proved them to be hollow. They were positioned so as not to make the blade weak but still allow air to pass through the blade itself. It was a beautiful weapon if any weapon could be called beautiful, intricate designs had been pressed into the shaft of the scythe, and if she wasn't mistaken, there were pictures on the blades as well. It looked so deceptively fragile as if even the smallest of blows would snap the masterfully crafted weapon. But Araali could tell that it would take an impossible amount of force to even cause a dent. It was the same as Reyn's sword, that same deceptive appearance of fragility, but how could two different people design weapons so similar. There was one difference though, she thought she’d imagined it at first, but it was real. The strange scythe was singing. It’s hollow body combined with its masters frenzied swings was producing the oddest sound Araali had ever heard. There was no rhyme or reason to it yet it was distinctly melodious all the same. Reyn and the assailant continued fighting at a blinding rate. They were starting to blur. From what she could make out Reyn was smiling, his teeth bared in a even more barbaric grin. She noticed the metal plated gloves were the only things keeping the attacker's blades from cutting through his hands and yet there was not a scratch on them. Araali knew something was decidedly odd about the battle. On one hand the assailant was attacking furiously and on the other Reyn was simply dodging or blocking, playing. Apparently the assailant noticed and was not happy about it. He launched himself high into the air and twirled the triple scythe at a terrific rate until he hovered for a second. He stopped twirling the triple scythe and brought it down on Reyn. The sheer force of the impact threw Araali from her feet and sent her flying backwards. She pulled herself up quickly just in time to see a breathtaking sight. The ground all around Reyn was completely ripped to shreds except for the land Reyn was standing on. Reyn held the scythe over his head. He was gripping one of the three blades in one hand tightly with the assailant hanging on to the other end, still trying to recover from the force of his own attack. Reyn smiled and with a horrible twist, snapped the blade in two. Both Araali and the assailant were stunned. In that moment of confusion Reyn went ballistic. His ferocity stunned even Araali. It was incredible. He went from playing to battering the assailant. He pummeled the assailant into the ground. Grabbing the remaining part of the scythe he wrenched it from the assailants hands and threw it high into the distance. His attacks were blindingly fast and heavy, so much so that he was lifting his assailant violently off the ground. Araali had to give the attacker some credit. He was doing a much better job of fending off Reyn's blows than she ever could. Despite this it was plain to see that the assailant was fighting a losing battle. Reyn thrashed the assailants body viciously with fist and foot. With a one solid hit he hurled the assailant into the side of a nearby tree. It was beautiful and chilling at the same time. Each of Reyn's blows no matter how blindingly fast they were delivered had enough power to kill any normal creature. Reyn was attacking so frantically, it made Araali’s head spin, she couldn’t even begin to predict what he would do next. At one point Reyn slammed his would be assassin solidly in the chest, sending him barreling through the woods, but instead of pursuing him he thrust himself backwards into a tree and spring boarded forward, closing the gap that he had created and pummeling his attacker all the more thoroughly. Araali noted a subtle change in the fight’s pace. She could tell that Reyn was about to finish it. He charged the assailant once more. The assailant did exactly as Araali had learned to do in a similar situation. A frantic kick to the side, where Reyn had a habit of attacking. Odd though, in order to of predicted that, the assailant would've had to of fought Reyn before. In any case, it didn't do any good. Reyn ducked and slammed his knee upwards into his opponents stomach sending him flying into the air. Reyn leapt, grabbed his opponents feet with his hands and neck with his feet, and began twisting them both upwards, higher and higher in a blurring loop. At the top of the rise, Reyn released the assailants legs and neck, sending him hurtling back to earth. He struck with enough force to cause a wave of grass and earth to issue forth from the impact site. Araali was almost thrown to the ground again. She righted herself and looked to see what had happened. Reyn landed lightly with barely a sound. Now he was crouching and pacing on all fours looking down into the small crater the impact had formed. Araali had never seen Reyn like this. The way his body moved, the way he reacted to everything around him. He wasn't even in his half form and yet he acted like a predator gazing hungrily at his fallen prey. Probably looking at the bits of bloody pulp left over, Araali thought. Nothing could’ve lived through that. Wrong. To her great amazement she saw a hand find its way over the edge, trying futilely to grip onto the slippery grass. Reyn reached in and grasped the still alive assailant's arm and pulled him out of the crater. Araali looked on stunned. The assailant was no more than a young boy, no older than Reyn himself. Even more confusing was that both of them broke out laughing. Reyn helped the other boy up and supported him as he limped towards where Araali was standing dumbfounded.
"Araali, Ah want ya ta meet mah friend Arc," Reyn winked at her. Arc extended his hand as she did and grasped it firmly.
"Nice ta meet ya. Hope ya didn't get too wazered at that little scrat Ah had with Reyn," Arc seemed nice. He had completely white hair, pale green eyes and was fair-skinned like Reyn. His accent wasn’t as thick as Reyn's but he used the speech of the commoners. What struck Araali the most, was the fact that for all intents and purposes it appeared that Arc was Ben Tu. She was very impressed that any creature could even limp away from a beating like that.
"It’s nice to meet you too," Araali wasn't sure if she wanted to let another person in her small circle of friends, but Reyn seemed to trust him so she would as well, "That was a really impressive fight Arc. You can really take a beating."
"Well he's gotta helluv an advantage," Reyn laughed. He stopped suddenly with an abashed look. Obviously he’d said to much. He shuffled nervously and turned towards Arc. Arc nodded with only a slight look of annoyance, so Reyn proceeded," Arc isna some average Ben Tu. He's a lot different then what ya'd think..."
"Let me guess," Araali interrupted hoping to spare Reyn the trouble of sharing Arc’s secret," He's part of a clan that tried to mix beast and human, the same as the Idwali, simply with Ben Tu phoenix instead of Dra’Ka dragon.. But he isn't as powerful as an Idwali since he's a first generation, an all."
"Damn your smart somethin fierce girlie," Arc chuckled, "Ya've got me wazered more than Ah have ya. Ah had ta spell it out for Reyn and he was bright for a lagger. But let me clear it up a bit. Ah'm no wee birdie. I'm a Scythan, a full-blooded gryphon-shifter and proud of it."
As he spoke he shed his human form and turned into something marvelous. Once his transformation was complete Araali could only gape. Crouching where the boy had stood was a brilliant white creature with the head and wings of a warlike falcon and the body and tail of a powerful lion. Both his feathers and fur were as white as his hair was in human form, and a few of the feathers were tinged with gold. Despite his presence Araali could tell that he was no larger in his gryphon form than in his human form. He shifted back quickly and gave Araali a quick grin and a wink.
"Now Ah've got ya wazered proper," He said with a hint of glee. Reyn looked unsurprised as if he'd seen it several times before. Arc flexed his hand and his triple scythe, now whole and undamaged, reappeared and disappeared in his grasp, "Just remember, Scythan's love scythes. Eh Reyn, Ah brought your spare pack and your cloak for ya. Can't believe ya just left em at Den of Wolves and went and wondered off."
Reyn began to shift forms and Araali realized that this was the first time she'd seen him as a dragon. He was even more impressive than Arc. His scales were a brilliant bronze a few shades darker than the the gold of his eyes. His tail was about three feet long. He had the same feather like offshoots coming out of his wrist, ankles, and tail as he did in his half form although they were much longer now. He had no wings, but Araali had heard that wasn't unusual in some Dra'Ka clans. He moved the same way he had when he was fighting. She looked at his shoulder and saw that the brand was still there. Reyn took his pack and waited as Arc took off his cloak and Reyn's and slung them both around Reyn's neck.
"Be back in a sec," Reyn shot off into the sky at a speed that Araali didn't think was imaginable, but where was he going? They'd just left her room in the convent.
"He he, that Reyn's a real pal, "Arc pulled a shirt out of his back pocket now that the cloak was gone. As he turned to pull out some of his shirt that had caught in his pocket Araali notice a trail of white feathers going down his back. So he can't return to his pure form either. She'd noticed a similar line of smooth scales on Reyn's back. The price of power. Impurity… Perfection and imperfection all rolled into one. Araali's head was filled with questions that screamed to be asked.
"I know this is sort of rude but... I thought...,"Araali struggled to put her question politely.
"...that all the Scythan had been wiped out," Arc finished, his calm facade faded for a moment and gave her an angry glare, "Well all a the scholar class was but there still a few cells a warriors runnin around. We may not be as bright as them scholars were but we're a helluva lot stronger."
The glare faded as quickly as it appeared. Araali was taken aback by Arc's sudden change in attitude. Araali felt a rush of wind blow her forward as Reyn fell from the sky apparently having completed his errand.
"Arc, Ah guess Ah should tell ya that Ah got another student," Reyn gave her a quick glance.
"Oh, well don't keep me foggy, who is it," Arc was very attentive know.
"Your lookin at her," Rey threw his arm around Araali's neck in a gesture of camaraderie.
"Ya've got ta be of your knocker. After all the Hell and Fury ya gave me about trainin ya go and choose a fiddy little girl," Arc looked surprised but only for a second. He smiled mischievously at Reyn and Araali, "Aye, ya gone soggy for er havent ya."
"Shut it, for Ah give ya a scrat ya willna soon ferget," Reyn shoved Arc playfully but roughly, Arc shoved back and a mild play fight ensued. Araali was more than a bit perplexed over the whole conversation. She was just barely beginning to perceive the vernacular which both boys used freely. When Reyn was talking to her she could understand well enough as long as she read his eyes as she listened, but when he talked to Arc she couldn't catch nearly as much of the conversation. They eyes conveyed more meaning than she’d given them credit. But she did not know Arc as well as she did Reyn and when the two started at it she could barely catch a thing. She found it best to just remain silent for she hadn't the slightest idea about what they were talking about.
"Well why we standin around here mouthin," Reyn rubbed his stomach consolingly, "Ah'm hungry, especially after that scrat and Ah gotta get somethin ta eat. Ah left the last a mah hype juice with Granny."
The three resumed their journey through the convent jungle with Araali acting as guide. After about ten minutes, they reached the wall that encompassed the monastery.
"I hate to say this after coming all this way but I don't know how to get past the wall without doing a great deal of flying. The wall's too well built to have any cracks to squeeze through and there guards along the whole perimeter," Araali looked at her feet trying not to see the disappointment on their faces.
"Hey, no worries. We always got a back door," Arc smiled at her cheerfully. He and Reyn began walking along the wall. They continued for a few minutes before Reyn stopped and smiled.
"Hey Arc, let's have a little fun," Reyn said confidently, "Ah bet that Ah can find a way diffrent from yours and still beat ya ta the outside."
"Reyn," Araali whispered nervously. His ideas had a tendency to shorten ones lifespan.
"Relax, Ah'll think up a way ta do it," Reyn answered her casually, "I think it'd be a good idea for you ta get on my back again."
"No offense ta Araali but do ya think ya can do it with the extra weight," to be honest, Arc didn't really care. Any handicap on Reyn would help him out a lot.
"Don't worry about me. Its ya Ah'm worried about. Can ya go fast enough to beat me at anythin," Reyn was completely unconcerned with his own welfare.
"Please! If ya ask me whatever crazy plan ya're comin up with in that muddled head a yours is gonna be suicide. Ah'll be takin the easy way. One high flight with a nice steep dive right under the guards noses," Arc shifted form and blasted off into the early morning sky.
"Do we really have to play this game Reyn? I mean wouldn't it be easier to just copy Arc," Araali's voice was taking on a nervous edge," What are you going to do, run through solid rock?"
"Course not! Ah'm not that much a lagger. Nobody can smash through rock! Ah just needed ta tell ya a few things without Arc around, Ah thought we’d have a bit more time ‘fore runnin inta him… First off he's the first and only student Ah took before ya. Ah met him around two years ago so he's a good bit further along than ya when it comes ta scratin. He's mah best mate, were pretty grottin much brothers, but he's also a little stuck up some times. Scythan have a habit a being a little snotty, but he's a good guy. Another thing, Ah know he mightna show it a lot but he has a real snat for Ben Tu. Ah saw that glare he gave ya when ya asked him about Scythan. That's why Ah came down when Ah did. Dona ask him anything that personal unless your around people or Ah'm nearby."
Araali noticed that the pack Arc had given him was still slung on his back, he'd been telling the truth.
"Reyn? I thought you said that all the Scythan were killed centuries ago," Araali gave Reyn a squeeze," How is it that Arc's even alive. He said something about there still being Scythan around."
"Well Ah guess what Ah said before isn't true all the way," Reyn thought for a moment, "Ah think that it was all a the scholars that were killed, ya know, the thinkers. But some a the fighters survived. They're scattered all over the world in packs a ten or twelve. The God Emperor actually puts a lot a his lot inta wipin em out for good. When Ah found Arc, his clan had just been hacked ta pieces by a Ben Tu patrol. He and a woman were the only ones left alive and that was because they were out gatherin food at the time. Ah saw ‘em runnin and Ah killed the soldiers that were after ‘em. They were two from the main unit sent out ta take care a the strays. Ah was still very little then so it was a tough fight, but in the end Ah won. The older woman was really hurt and was pretty much about ta die. They slashed her across the gut, a really painful way ta go. Ah think she was his mother but he never told me. She did tell me ta take him and run before the rest a the soldiers caught up with them. Ah gave her a knife, just in case she wanted ta put up some kind a fight or take her own self out. Who knows what happened ta her. Ah had ta just about drag Arc away from her and eventually had ta knock him out and carry him away. Ah felt sorry for him and knew what he was going through, so for the first few weeks Ah took care a him and got him stuff ta eat and stuff like that. At first he was real snotty and wouldna touch anythin Ah gave him, but he sure did eat when he got hungry enough. We became really good friends and for awhile we just wandered around doin what we pleased but then he asked me ta train him. Ah really didna want ta. Ah couldna even fight all that good myself and Ah knew that if Ah tried ta teach him anythin he just go and get himself hacked to pieces in his first fight. At first Ah tried ta explain that ta him but he wouldna give up. Then Ah tried ta lose him whenever we went wanderin but he’s honestly the best tracker Ah’ve ever seen. He followed me everywhere Ah ran. So in the end Ah just gave up and trained him. Ah just couldna keep sayin no… he reminded me a somebody from a long time ago."
"That's one long story Reyn, "Araali fought back a tear. Was everyone she met going to have a tragedy, "But it does explain a lot. Well since that's all cleared up, how are we going to get past the wall?"
"Doing what Arc does takes way too long, especially since there's a second squad a airborne guards. Ah've got a better idea. Ya're gonna love this," Reyn smiled craftily to himself," No one has ever seen me do this, na even Arc. So ya cana tell anyone. That's another reason Ah didn't want Arc around. He'd have some kind a fit if Ah showed something ta ya before Ah showed it ta him."
Reyn clapped his hands together but did not make a sound. Araali felt herself lighten. What's going on, she thought nervously to herself. Reyn had done a lot of weird things in the past few days but this was by far the most bizarre. Her vision hazed for a few seconds and then snapped back into focus. There was a faint shimmering aura around Reyn and herself. Her vision blurred again, this time when it refocused everything changed. Everything she saw, even herself, had dissolved into clear, tiny, marbles. She felt a fast wind from up under her push her and Reyn high into the sky. At that point, whatever invisible bonds held the marbles that were them snapped. Araali's consciousness shattered into a multitude of fragments. She was everywhere at one time. She could see thousands of windows each holding a different view surrounded by brilliant light. It was terrifying but strangely euphoric. Through one she saw Arc in his gryphon form soaring higher and higher into the air. Through another she saw a group of children playing in the street. Through another she saw the High Lady of the Siren Convent turn restlessly in her sleep. Waves of euphoria swept through her. She was a part of everything. Some images were dark, some images were shining brilliantly with happiness. It was an incredible feeling of belonging that coursed through the scattered thing that was her being. After what felt like an eternity the bonds that had snapped began to heal and slowly the windows began to merge into one image. It took her awhile to get used to seeing only one view at a time. She was on the ground now. She stood up shakily. The ground around her was covered in thick fog. Usually it wouldn't be that odd, fog was a common enough thing near the convent. But now they were out in main city, a far more arid place, closer to the surrounding desert, moisture was rarer here. Not to mention the fact that only the place where she was standing was swathed in the nearly liquid mist. She quickly orientated herself with her surroundings. Reyn was there, he was leaning against a wall panting heavily. They appeared to be in an alley. She saw Arc running towards him.
"What's wrong Reyn," she looked at him concerned. Not many things made Reyn tired so quickly.
"Doin that takes a lot out a me when Ah just do me. Doin that with ya was harder than Ah thought it'd be," Reyn gave her a weak smile. She was surprised, so there were still things left for even Reyn to learn. Arc reached them pretty fast.
"Ah can't believe ya got here before me," Arc didn't seem to notice Reyn's condition or perhaps he expected it.
"Ah'm definitely hungry now," with a burst of energy Reyn began loping deeper into the city. Arc was right behind him. Araali, determined not to be left behind took off after them. The city itself was the picture of a desert metropolis. Although there was a fountain in every square and lush gardens in certain areas the sandy color of the stones in every building and the ever present sand in the streets bore witness to its humble and dry beginnings. After one or two minutes Reyn called for a stop. He motioned for silence and held his hand out to Arc. Arc rifled through his pocket until he found what he was looking for. He pulled out something about the size of a grape and handed it to Reyn. Araali strained to see the object in the dim morning light. She saw it glint slightly.
"What's that for and where are we," Araali said just a little bit louder than she meant to. Reyn and Arc shot her withering glances. She held her tongue. They crept along for a few more feet until Reyn again motioned them to stop. Delicious smells of new baked bread wafted from the window they were now under. I get it, Araali thought to herself, this must be the bakery. Reyn jumped and somehow was able to grab hold of the ledge. He could only hold on with one hand as the other held a shiny glass ball full of milky liquid, and a nugget of gold. Despite this he managed to haul himself over the ledge. They didn't hear a thing for awhile and Araali wandered what was taking so long. A loud clattering issued from the window and all hell broke lose. An explosion of mist erupted from the window. There was shouting and the clap of feet. Reyn leapt out the window and took off running without even stopping to see if Arc and Araali were following. A hail of knives and cooking utensils showered down around them as they ran frantically after Reyn. The caught up to him a couple hundred yards away from the bakery.
"What in hell and fury was that all about," Araali asked breathless, "I thought you were some kind of expert assassin, a to'juk. You can't even steal a loaf of bread without causing a ruckus."
"Seems like," Reyn's voice dripped with vehemence, " They heard me comin. Ah wonder how that could a happened. Ah cana believe ya had me lookin like a fool up there. After those bakers heard ya they was waitin for me. Ah hadn't taken but two steps before Ah was jumped by three guys armed with all manner a things. Ah barely had time ta snatch three loves 'fore a fourth person came with a bread knife. If Ah hadn't a brought that smoke bomb for back up Ah'd a been screwed for sure."
"But I thought you paid them with the gold," Araali replied, confused.
"That wasna real gold," Reyn shook his head, "Ah havena have a job in weeks, and my stash is still at Den of Wolves. That was just somethin ta use ta distract them if push came ta shove. Ah didna even get the chance to use it."
"Opps," was all Araali could say.
"Opps is right," Arc spat," Ah can't belive ya let a lagger like this train with ya."
"She's a good fighter even if she's worth about as much as a pile a grot when its time for shutin up," Araali didn't know if she should be insulted by Reyn's comment or not," She's better than ya were when ya started."
"Huh, yeh got ta be off your knocker now. Ah could beat this girlie with a finger," Arc spat contemptuously.
"Bet you couldn't say that with no teeth," Araali's pride was in full bloom. Reyn stepped in between them before anything could happen.
"Give it a second. After Ah eat ya can both beat each other ta mash for all Ah care," Reyn was getting hungrier by the second and it wasn't improving his mood. He pulled a loaf of spiced bread for each of them from up under his shirt. The bread was delicious, warm, and tasted strongly of garlic, and it filled their stomachs. Now they were ready for the day, the sun having fully risen.
"Ah, now Ah'm in the mood for a good game of spudge," Reyn gave both Arc and Araali a cheery smile, his mood much improved by the food. Araali didn't have a clue as to what spudge was, but after breakfast she was game for anything.
"Aye, so'm Ah but we don’t know anyone in this town," Arc seemed as eager to play this "spudge" as Reyn was.
"Dona worry about that. Ah know some older kids who play it almost every day. We just gotta get over ta their hangout. Ah'm sure they’re gettin ready ta play," with that Reyn began running deeper into the city. Arc and Araali followed him soon after. It was hard work trying to keep up with him. He wasted no time with leisurely strolling, but rather tore through the desert city at a breakneck pace. Dead ends, angry merchants, crowded streets, almost nothing slowed them down. They merely provided Reyn with an excuse to invent a number of wild shortcuts. After almost half an hour of his wild dashing, they came mercifully to a stop. Araali thanked the gods that he had. If they'd of kept up that pace she wouldn't of been fit to play anything. They had run right through the heart of the city, coming all the way to the outskirts. Most of it was abandoned and that made it the perfect hiding place for gangs of runaway children and orphans. Reyn made a sharp whistling sound that lingered on to adulterate the quite of the empty streets. At first only one came, an older boy, about sixteen or seventeen, covered in old clothes.
"Whata you laggars want," the older boy grunted disdainfully.
"Just came ta see if ya and your boys were up for a game a spudge," Reyn matched the boys disdain.
"Hey guys, seems like we got three laggars lookin ta play spudge, now ain’t that jus piddily," the older boy shouted at no one in particular. One by one more boys and even a few girls, all as rough looking as their leader, emerged. Soon there were almost two score children gathered around the first. They were all around the same age as the boy who had called them.
"Hey, whata we got here, their not but mites," one of the girls commented, "They'll get squoshed before we can have any fun with em Yanid."
"Well we were gonna play anyway, some more trash ta knock around wouldn't be so bad, wonder if they gotta anythin nice worth bettin," this came from another boy.
"Fine then," the head boy, who the others had called Yanid, said, "ya can play. Just don't get in the big kids way. There's three a ya so yer one team. Don't think ya'll be any good. What are ya wagerin."
“Do ya still keep that emergency stash on ya Arc,” Reyn whispered out of the corner of his mouth. Arc proceeded to reach into the bottom of his pants leg and feel around the edge. After a few seconds of struggling, he managed to pull out a beautiful jewel. He held it up to the sun and smiled as it shone brilliantly, casting multicolored beams of light upon the dirty children. Araali could only gasp in awe at the stone. It was at lease the size of a grape and looked flawless. Her family may have never had a need for money, but even she could recognize the value of such a gem. Reyn took the beautiful stone and tossed it to Yanid, the apparent leader. Yanid caught it hastily and the others around him rushed in to take a closer look at what was undoubtedly the most expensive thing they’d ever caught sight of.
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Gathering Chi
“You know we can’t match this bet,” Yanid sighed.
“True, but here’s somethin for us both,” Reyn smiled slyly,” If we lose, ya keep the stone, if we win ya keep the stone but we dona have ta put up for any future bets.”
“Done,” Yanid said without hesitation. Araali almost gawked in surprise. Why had Reyn made such an offer. Arc was just as surprised, as the gang of children argued over bets amongst themselves he took Reyn aside.
“Tell me your na actin like such a lagger all ta protect some girle,” Reyn sighed and shook his head.
“Maybe,” he shrugged.
“What do you mean ‘protect’? Why would I need protection,” Araali asked indignantly.
“Cuz, spudge ain’t no gentle sport,” Arc scoffed,” There ain’t no rules and ya can get torn up pretty bad. Reyn thinks he can make them go easy on ya wit that wee little bribe. But that’s only cuz he’s waxed in the had cause he’s sog-“
Reyn rapped Arc upside the head before he could continue.
Reyn pulled out three lengths of white and gold cloth," It's a simple game really. The leader, that'd be the guy we were talkin ta first, finds a goal. Then everyone splits inta teams a three, each team wearin a diffrent set of markers, thats what the cloth is for. The one ta get ta the goal with the most teammates still around wins."
"Wait, how do teams lose members," Araali asked as she tied her length of cloth around her arm. This game was sounding less and less peaceful.
"They get spudged," Reyn noticed that Araali's look hadn't gotten any less confused, "There are three ways ta get spudged. Ya can either have your armband stolen or ya can get beat down until ya either give up your armband or beat down till ya cana get back up period."
Araali couldn’t help but chuckle, so all of this talk of games was no more than a cover. Even if Reyn and Arc seemed blinded to the fact, this game was still training, intensive training by the sound of it. Araali glanced at the two boys, both were grinning widely and jigging from foot to foot slightly. It may seem like training to her, but they were definitely looking forward to it.
"So what’s the plan this time," Arc spoke directly to Reyn ignoring Araali completely.
"If Araali can go fast enough will do that infinite sprint we made up a while back," Reyn looked at her with concern, "If we’re gonna pull this off were gonna need to stay in half form. We’ve gotta milk out every last drop of speed."
Araali scoffed inwardly, as if she was going to do anything that sounded this painful in full and fragile human form. She’d come close to death once before, it wasn’t something she planned on doing again. The familiar fiery feathers took their positions on her body, as did Reyn's scales. Arc was covered in an odd mixture of both fur and feathers. Their tribal marks appeared on the designated spots. She could feel a slight electric tingle between all of them. The older boys had assumed their half forms as well.
"Me n me boys have made our choice. The goal will be the White Spire," the older boy smiled cockily. Araali knew of the White Spire. It was a monument dedicated to the city’s past leaders, but if she remembered correctly it was all the way on the....
"Are ya crazy, that's on the other side a the grottin city," Reyn knew why the boy choose that place. He and his gang were older than Araali, Arc, and himself so naturally they had greater stammina, "Fine, then full forms are off."
"Fine by us," the older boy did not seem to worried. Reyn pulled Araali and Arc into a huddle.
"Araali…, Arc and Ah've played this game forever. We made a really good winnin srategy. First we run in a certain way. Ya'll find out what that is soon enough. If we find another group ahead a us it’s law that ya take on whoever is closest ta ya. Always stop and fight. Don't worry about speed all that much later on. These boys play rough. They'll probably try to take out every other team before they pass the halfway mark."
Reyn concentrated and the banded gloves appeared over his hands and feet. Arc followed suit except that his were entirely made of metal. She focused and was able to form gloves similar to that of Reyn. Ever since Reyn had made the weapon for her, Araali found that it was almost easy to change the sand into whatever she choose.
"You laggars ready," all of the older boys had wrapped strips of leather around their knuckles and ankles.
"Ready," Arc and Reyn called out simultaneously.
"Go," the leader of the boys virtually screamed.
Had it not been for the tension in the air and the training from Reyn, Araali would of been left behind immediately. All three of them shot off like arrows. Araali lagged behind at first. Reyn and Arc were going unbelievably fast. She pumped her legs and let the phoenix consume her. She caught up quickly. Reyn and Arc were running in an odd pattern. Reyn would speed ahead then move to the side and drop back diagonally just as Arc came forward diagonally. Araali caught the meaning of the running pattern quickly. From above it would look as though the boys were running in an infinite loop. Araali could feel herself tiring. It was a brutal pace to say the least. Reyn and Arc carried on, not seeming to be tired in the least. It's that running, she thought, they're drawing strength from each other. Araali waited patiently and calculated the exact point when she could enter the pattern. Her first try was a little rough but by the second try she'd gotten it. Now they were moving in a trinity. Araali could feel the effects instantly. Her weariness vanished. She felt energy charge through her veins. She was no longer running, in her mind she was flying.
"This is incredible," she now had enough strength to speak.
"Ah wondered when ya'd get the hang a it, "Reyn kept his face forward, "Now we can get going."
Reyn kept the front position as Arc and Araali rotated, he put on a burst of even more speed. Araali could keep up easily. Now instead of going in straight paths they twisted into alleys, and avoided dead ends by taking Reyn's familiar monkey routes just as they had when they were going to the city outskirts. Not once did they trip or stumble. For the time being they were in perfect harmony.
"Some a the boys are gettin close now," Reyn continued staring straight ahead. Araali could see that they were approaching a team as Reyn spoke," Whenever we make contact, don't stop. Just clip them with a punch or kick as we pass. Not a full blow. At this speed we'd rip 'em in two. And make sure ya snatch their band as we go by."
They were on the team of boys in seconds. Just as Reyn instructed she gave the boy in front of her a glancing blow to the ribs and snatched off his armband in the same movement. She saw Reyn graze the other boys side with his knee as he snatched off his armband. Arc simply pushed the remaining boy against the arm as he snatched off his marker. In an actual fight the boys wouldn't of even flinched but at their speed the blows were devastating. The first boy that Araali had struck was thrown into a wall while Reyn's victim was flung trough the window of a nearby house. Arc's victim had smashed into Araali's opponent and bounced high into the air, just now landing with a rather unpleasant thud. How could they of gotten past us, Araali thought.
"It's a side effect a the way we run. We give off energy in every direction including ahead a us. They were probably shadowin us for awhile and just now tried ta make their move," Reyn read her mind.
"Look behind us," Arc nodded to her. She did just that with more than a little dread. Running directly behind them and feeding off their slipstream were at least seven of the twelve remaining teams in full pursuit.
"We're gonna have ta take a stand," Reyn's started mind feeding him a plan, "Okay we're almost at the one quarter mark. From then on it's gonna be an all out brawl. We'll have ta stop there anyway."
"We've gotta be more than a quarter of the way there at the speed we've been goin at," Araali was on the point of screaming.
"Were gonna stop in exactly thirty seconds," Reyn's voice was serious as he spoke. Araali knew she'd do well to listen, already the countdown was beginning, "In thirty seconds we'll move into the point in the trinity where we're in a line. We’re comin up to a narrow alley, so they’ll all have to funnel. When that happens both a ya have ta kick your right leg out in a sweep along the ground. That'll stop ya. Then as quick as ya can put both a your arms out crossed in front a ya. The gloves'll take most of the impact. Got it."
Arc and Araali nodded. Twenty seconds had already elapsed. Araali counted them each precisely in her head. When thirty seconds had elapsed all three kicked out as one, coming to a dead stop. Araali put both arms in front of her as she had been told. The effects were fantastic. One team in the back actually realized that what was about to happen and was able to stop. The rest realized all to late. Since Reyn had ordered them to stop so suddenly at such a speed, a wall of compressed air formed in front of them. It was a convenient cushion and a convenient shield. Araali heard the impact before she felt it. When the mass of boys stuck the sound that issued forth could only be called a thunderclap. When the group of boys hit they did not mass into one clump but instead shattered. Araali, Reyn, and Arc were barely moved an inch. The boys on the other hand went a tad farther. Some were bounced backwards, some were launched into the air, many hurtled over the wall of kids and slammed into various objects. Some of these objects were soft, most were not. The one team that was able to avoid the collision walked foreword. Their apparent leader was a tall boy with dark black hair and jet blue eyes with ebony skin, several shades darker than Araali.
"I've got to hand it to you. Taking out half the competition in a game of spudge in one go is no mean feat," the boy and his teammates gave them a slight bow, "My name is Kiju. This is Shanti and Moroi."
He pointed to a girl whom Araali hadn't noticed up until now and another younger boy. All three seemed to be siblings.
"I won't be fighting your team just yet. Save the best for last,eh," Kiju gave them a slight chuckle, "It gets rougher from hear on in you know. I think we shall walk with you."
Reyn was taken aback by the boys courtesy. The rest of the completion had all been decidedly unpleasant. Reyn knew that Kiju was right. The remaining three quarters in a game of spudge were always the worst. Some teams were notorious for having hidden reserves of players who had not identified themselves at the games start. The leader, who they still had not found, probably had a score more boys left. Not to mention that any boys that recovered could still pose a threat even though they could not win. Besides, Reyn was feeling a bit dizzy.
"Let's rest awhile," Reyn sat down rather suddenly. He was sweating profusely and his clothes were soaked. His cheeks were flushed. Araali was a little confused. She and Arc had been running just as hard and neither of them were tired. She felt the worry begin to build in her chest. If Reyn passed out winning would be the least of their problems.
"Sorry friend, but we don't have the time. We've still got a good many miles left. You can ride on my back for a few minutes until you feel a bit better," Kiju offered. Reyn was too tired to have much pride left. Besides, Kiju was a lot bigger and older than him, "Your running pattern is pretty good, but it’s got a few bugs."
"Well it was sorta spur a the moment, ya know," Reyn slurred drifting off to sleep.
"What bugs," Araali spoke up now. She'd been evaluating them from the start. She was good at seeing people for who they were. Their motives were pure enough, but there was still something slightly... off about them.
"I'm surprised you didn't already notice. You seem quite sharp. I was impressed by how quickly you were able to get into the pattern," Kiju turned to her as they continued walking, "The biggest one is probably your Wyr production. No doubt, you noticed that the energy you all released was not contained. You saw all of the other teams that were feeding off of it."
"Were you," Araali doubted it. They were able to stop.
"No, we weren’t. We were on the fringes, "Kiju answered. Who were these kids who could keep up with them in that running pattern," The other bug you and your friend didn't notice because it didn't affect you. It only affected this one. It is the reason he's so tired. If you all had some more time to develop that strategy you would've realized that in order for none of you to grow tired you would need to rotate the front position, but instead, this one kept it. In effect, he was setting the pace. Most of the Wyr the two of you received was his. He on the other hand had to rely on his own strength. That's why I'm so impressed. To move at that speed is one thing, but to do it with so many other sources leeching your own energy. Hmmm, that is truly interesting."
The others had to agree. Arc was agitated; he had just finished collecting the last of the fallen boy's markers when he overheard Kiju's comment. If what he said was true that meant that he had taken part in weakening Reyn. He'd done nothing to help. He'd only been a burden,… just like before, a burden… and burdens only got everyone killed.
Araali looked at Reyn. He was fast asleep. He hadn't heard a thing. She made a move to wake him up but the girl, Shanti, stopped her.
"Let him sleep, he'll need the rest," Shanti smiled at her.
"Honestly, this is the first time I ever played spudge. It's a really in depth game," Araali talked directly to the three newcomers. Reyn was asleep and Arc was deep in thought, now seemed as good a time as any to find out a little more about them.
"I believe at first it was a training regime in the military," Kiju, the oldest, smiled down at her. It was odd, Araali thought, they acted older than they were. Kiju couldn't of been more than eighteen, and Shanti looked about as old as the leader of the gang of street children they were competing against. Moroi was maybe year younger.
"So what's your story," Araali asked impatiently.
"Ha, you have quite the mind for questions. To put it simply we are orphans of the sand. We once belonged to a tribe of Ki'Tsavo, of desert panther shifters who live on the edge of the Hasaad, at least those lucky enough to escape genocide. Our parents were taken by disease a few years ago. Orphans are not wanted in the Hasaad so we were cast out. After a few months of wandering, we set up here with Yanid and his gang," Kiju increased his pace walking up to Arc.
"Your friends are Akwaja, no," Shanti asked, seeing Araali's confusion she explained," They are mixed with their beast state. The white-haired one you called Arc, is only first generation. The other one with golden eyes, Reyn… He is a many generation mix. I bet he could not go back to his pure human state if he tried."
"How did you know," Araali was perplexed. It had taken her some time before she realized what Reyn was.
"There were many Akwaja in the desert, but they were dangerous. As it is we are all in grave danger just being around these two. Akwaja are mentally disturbed. They go mad with rage at the slightest things," Shanti’s eyes grew dark as she spoke, no doubt feeding her a gruesome memory. Araali was taken aback by Shanti's statement.
"I've done things to Reyn that would've drove anyone to kill me, but other than in training he has never struck me," Araali knew Reyn to have a good heart. Arc was pure hearted as well save for a well suppressed hatred for the Ben Tu and admittedly that was well deserved.
"That is why we followed your team. We have never before encountered an Akwaja like your two companions. By the way they move and carry themselves we knew at once what they were, but they show no signs of madness," Shanti's assured composure hazed for a second with suppressed anger, "It is all quite odd."
The six of them kept up a brisk pace. The sun was now directly over their heads and the heat was oppressive. Araali had to admit that spudge was a little enjoyable. It was such an adventure, a game that lasted the whole day. Kiju slowly came to a halt. He was guarding the rear of the group. In a split second three older boys leapt from the window of the nearest building. All three were aimed at Kiju. He wouldn't stand a chance. He was too heavy to move out of the way with Reyn on his shoulders. Just as the boys were less than a foot away Reyn released his hands from around Kiju's neck, and hung by his legs form Kiju's waist. Grabbing the first oncoming boy by the collar he swung him and used him as a human club, smashing him and his friends into the thick stone wall of a nearby house. Things broke, but not the wall.
"You couldn't have chosen a more perfect time to awaken my young friend," Kiju ruffled Reyn's hair as Reyn tumbled to the ground. He hopped up, brimming with energy thanks to his hour long nap. With Reyn awake Araali noticed a subtle change in the group. Arc came out of his mope, Shanti and even Moroi began to talk a bit more, and for some reason, everyone was smiling. They stopped soon after and swiped some fruit from a local vendor. The meal provided them all with some much-needed energy.
"We're deep in the third quarter now," Reyn was up and striding ahead, "From now on things are goin ta get a lot rougher."
They traveled on for a little under an hour and still there was no attack. Arc, Reyn, and Araali were getting anxious now. Reyn had given them several plans depending on different scenarios, now all they had to do was remember them. They were wound tightly, even the smallest sound made them snap to attention.
"We've made it ta the final quarter," Reyn's voice was laced with excitement," Somethin's bound ta happen."
They didn't have to wait long. In the distance, they could see a large group of kids, at least two dozen strong. At their head was Yanid.
"Welcome ta the end mites. Ya done a right job gettin this far, but this is as far as you go," As Yanid finished his words a hush descended upon both groups and they paused for a breath. Araali waited, it would happen any second now. She shivered slightly; the oddest sensation was coursing through her, almost as if a chill and a tingle were rolled into one. It was as though her body was telling her it was ready to fight. Seemingly without warning, Reyn roared out a deafening sound, like a peal of laughter and a battle cry sounded at once, and literally threw himself into the opposing crowd. Araali actually heard a few screams as Reyn tore into the center of Yanid’s gang, a wolf among sheep. As the now terrified children fled outward, they were met with the three desert siblings, who had been slowly surrounding them. With quick and clean blows, they dispatched them one after the other. At last, Araali’s turn was up. The remaining children were funneled directly toward herself and Arc, the two lashed out brutally at all who came towards them. Araali felt herself reliving the training she’d had with Reyn, only this time it her opponents under the rain of blows. In a matter of moments, every child that had attacked was floored and put out of commission. Yanid's confidence wavered with the loss of his fighters. As the six slowly approached him Araali could almost see the gears spinning in his head.
"What are you mites," Yanid had actually grown a little pale, he sighed as he made his decision," I give."
Yanid threw his marker to them and ran with a speed that surprised even himself. His face was burning with humiliation. I won’t let this happen again, he thought to himself, I've never seen anyone fight like them. He’d known Shanti and the others would probably turn on him, but he’d never thought they’d find such monstrous allies. He made a mental note to do a little snooping later on and to stop by Mamave's and let her know what her apprentice and her two pet freaks had gotten themselves into.
Reyn and the others made it to the White Spire without any further interruptions. Araali almost broke into tears at the sight of the brilliant monument. She let her hands run over the beautiful artwork that was engraved in the brilliant white marble. She almost let herself collapse until she remembered the three siblings. This is far from over, she told herself.
"Usually Ah'd just give up seein how nice ya've been ta us," Reyn shuffled anxiously from foot to foot,"...but ya see Ah've been itchin ta scrat with ya all day."
"So be it little one," Kiju assumed his fighting stance the customary ten paces from Reyn," Moroi, Shanti take care of the other two."
Both did so without hesitation, taking up positions across from Arc and Araali respectively. Nothing good will come of this fight, Araali thought briefly. Just as the faint light cast by the now setting sun touched the tip of the White Spire they began.
Reyn and Kiju charged each other without hesitation. They struck rapidly, spinning and sliding just out of reach of an oncoming strike. The counterattacks were swift and precise. The air sung with the movements of each fighter. In a matter of seconds, the limbs of both were a blur. It was dazzling. The two boys moved across the ground so rapidly it seemed as though they were gliding. It was a dance of limbs. Each opponent searching for an opening.
Arc took advantage of Moroi's distraction to attack. He dashed at him in a zigzag pattern building up strength. With full thrust, he slammed Moroi in the stomach with his knee, expecting to finish him in one blow. A blinding pain shot up his knee as if he'd slammed it into solid rock. Moroi hadn't flinched.
"How troublesome you are," with one powerful backhand Moroi sent Arc flying into a group of woven baskets.
Shanti was not so easily distracted. She had been the one to attack the entranced Araali. Both girls were locked in combat instantly. Shanti was much stronger though despite Araali's recent training. She toyed with the younger girl for a moment, allowing the Araali to land a few glancing blows before she dealt her a punishing blow to the back of the neck sending the younger girl face down in the dirt.
Reyn was beginning to tire. Kiju was horrifically strong. He bore down on Reyn's defenses with terrific speed. Reyn wasn't defeated yet though. He switched from flurries of strikes to launching attacks at awkward angles making it hard for Kiju to block them. Reyn grabbed Kiju's arm and used it as leverage to flip himself into the air where he dealt Kiju a solid kick to the base of his spine. Kiju staggered for a moment. Reyn took the opportunity to lash out at Kiju's unprotected side, beating the other boy mercilessly. Kiju's hand lashed out with unprecedented speed. He grabbed Reyn's throat in a vise-like hold, choking him and holding the younger boy dangling in the air.
"You caught me off guard," Kiju grinned maliciously," I could just hold you like this until your consciousness fades, but what's the fun in that."
"Kiju, control yourself," Shanti growled," This is just a game. You will kill him."
Araali could only stare at them in confusion, what was going on, why had Kiju switched so abruptly?
"No stopping me this time my dear, dear sister. Come on little man, where’s that delicious Wyr you were dosing out earlier, where is all that Akwaja strength," Kiju glanced at Reyn’s back and saw the seal. He laughed and shook the younger boy maliciously,” What a pretty little seal, maybe that’s what’s holding it all back he, he, he. Let’s see how much pain it takes to break it!”
He flung Reyn into the air. Arc and Araali watched helplessly as Reyn fell back to earth. Kiju began chuckling manically," Thirty-two Points!”
“Don’t!” Shanti screamed out, but Kiju paid her no attention.
"Two points," As Reyn fell Kiju struck him twice with two knuckles. Once right in his lower back and once on his lower ribcage. Araali winced as Reyn's face contorted in pain.
"Four points," Kiju struck in rapid succession four more points on various parts of Reyn's body, "Eight points."
Reyn was screaming now as Kiju continued his torture all the while juggling Reyn in the air with the sheer force of his blows.
"Sixteen points," Araali couldn't bear it. She was screaming for him to stop, "Thirty two points."
Reyn lay on the ground thrashing violently in pain. His whole body writhed as his nerves were overloaded with agony. He was crying. Tears streaming down his face. He’d never felt physical pain like this before, it kept arching higher and higher. It wouldn’t end, it would never end, he couldn’t take it. He felt something inside of him tipping, farther, and farther. Tipping… tipping… it fell and Reyn was plunged into darkness.
"How troublesome," Moroi was not fazed by his brother's brutality in the least.
"Kiju what have you done," Shanti seemed as horrified as Araali as to what Kiju had done to Reyn," He is only a child. He could die from the pain! And what will you do if succeed, and break his seal! He will kill us all!"
"What do I care? I'm sick of your little pet project. You promised me blood on this mission and blood I will have. Where’s all that ferocity, where’s all that anger and rage! Show me, show me," Kiju kicked Reyn’s prone form savagely. He threw his head back in gales of laughter as the boy’s body was bounced from a stone wall a few feet away. Araali couldn’t speak, could barely breath. Where had Kiju's sudden sadistic attitude come from, what demon had possessed him? This was not the same boy who had helped them only a few hours ago. The boy who Araali had deemed trustworthy. Shanti turned and faced her fallen opponent.
"Now you see the madness of the Akwaja," Shanti's words shook Araali to her core. So Kiju was a half... The consequences of Kiju's plans became clear. Shanti's maniac brother wanted to bring out the madness in Reyn. Reyn is not like that, Reyn is not like that at all, Araali chanted to herself. It didn’t matter how much pain he was put through, he would never snap and turn into some sort of monster. But even as the though passed her mind she could see the third specter from Reyn’s mind. What would happen if it overwhelmed the other three from before...
Reyn's body stopped convulsing. He awoke to the darkness of his inner mind. He looked across the void to see the chains of light struggling to retain his third manifestation. The specter thrashed wildly, breaking more and more of the chains. It did not take long for it to free itself. Now, unrestrained it threw itself on top of Reyn. As it bore down on him looking directly into his eyes he could feel a change coming over him. For the first time he could remember, he could only feel one emotion, not joy, not hope, not even sadness. Only one terrible feeling, it consumed him, it reached into every crevice of his being and possessed him, a burning demon. It felt as though a dam had broken and he was drowning, drowning in rage.
Reyn’s eyes unclenched. For a second Araali hoped he had been knocked out by the pain but her hopes vanished. The sky clouded and darkened blocking out the setting sun. Araali could feel something terrible, something horrific emanating from Reyn. He opened his eyes slowly and looked at Kiju. Araali couldn’t help but gasp. His pupils were jagged and his eye color had went from golden to what looked like a mosaic of broken diamonds all in a backdrop of inky darkness. But that was not what scared her so much, when she looked into those eyes all she could see was hate and wrath. She couldn’t find Reyn at all, it was as though he was no longer in his own body. Those eyes, they were not even the eyes of the third specter, who had been nothing but malice and rage. This thing, this thing was something new and something all together more dangerous. It was primal, it was savage, it was the Beast, free at long last. The Beast rose to its haunches, and settled on all fours. A growl so low it sent a shiver through bone issued from its throat as it began stalking around Kiju. What have we done, Shanti thought to herself, he will… he will kill us all. Shanti heard thunder in the distance. Soon great torrents of rain were pouring from the sky. The Beast vanished into black mist, when he reappeared; he was right in front of Kiju. The older boy never had time to move before he was struck hard in the throat and sent hurtling into the side of a nearby building. Before Kiju’s body had finished striking the wall The Beast was upon him beating him into the hard stone. Araali’s stomach turned as the Beast’s strikes began to draw blood, he was no longer hitting Kiju as much as he was striking trough him. Kiju turned his head to Shanti as if to call for help, he never got the chance. The Beast’s final vicious blow struck Kiju’s skull. Arc actually wretched as the blood splattered reaching him and the others, even staining the White Spire. Moroi screamed and charged towards the demented creature, seeking to avenge his brother. Before Shanti could even call out he stopped abruptly and looked down to see a bloody arm protruding from his midsection. Araali closed her eyes as she heard a sickening tearing sound followed by a muffled cry from Shanti. She wanted to run, to get away, to be anywhere but here.
A demonic roar issued from the Beast's throat, so loud and unearthly it almost seemed to be a physical thing. Surely the entire city had heard it and all found that they had lost the ability to move.
Araali could only watch in horror as he turned towards Shanti. The older girl froze for a moment that terrifying gaze fixed upon her, but the deaths of Kiju and Moroi galvanized her. She felt her latent Wyr uncoil itself like a serpent reeling back, preparing for a fatal strike. Kiju and Moroi were dead, time to mourn for them later. Now it was her responsibility to stop this creature, before it killed every last living thing in the city. The Beast noticed none of this, he continued his onslaught now charging Shanti. She began sprinting backwards, sending up pillars of earth and sand to block the Beast’s rampage towards her. He ripped through wall after wall, slowed but never stopped. Shanti grew more desperate, she tried to attack using missiles of stone that she called forth from the ground, but none could find their mark. The demon would merely vanish into the same black mist, and reappear ever closer to her. She would die soon at this rate, she would have to try one last desperate tactic. Using the missiles to distract and distance him she began to chant.
“Still the tremors of the earth, stone lying eternal upon the plains, mountain stands as immortal sentinel, stillness of earth penetrates the soul, Suppress the beast!” she thrust her hand forward and a shockwave of nearly invisible energy tore through the space between her and the maddened boy. It struck with enough force to stun him and an odd symbol appeared on his chest, before he could continue thick ropes of earth erupted from the ground beneath him and secured him firmly to the ground, each containing a series of intricate symbols similar to the ones on his chest. He tried to disperse into the black mist, but the earthen bonds refused to let him go. Now was her chance, Shanti charged, drawing a long knife from along her leg. If she could just bury it in his chest, right where the mark of her seal was, she could end it. She would have to work quickly, time was short. Her seal was dissolving. The heavy rain would eat through the earth she had bound him too. She cursed the distance she had worked so hard to put in between them. She was so close, no more than two feet away when a fierce blow to the stomach sent her flying several yards back bouncing along the ground. The Beast roared and stood, the bonds had given way at last and the cause of his captivity was helpless. His bloodlust peaked, he had long stopped seeing in colors, everything was black and grey save for his prey who was a burning red. He launched himself towards Shanti, ready to land the killing blow on his most difficult enemy. A shining light blinded him. He stopped as the light moved closer to him, standing in between him and his goal. He tried desperately to push forward, to tear through this newest obstacle, but he couldn’t, he could not make himself move. Only one thing more was in his way, just one more deterrent standing between the raging creature and its hated prey, just a small, frightened girl, no larger than himself. Araali had stepped in front of him.
"Stop this Reyn. This is not you. Please! Listen to me," Tears streamed down Araali's face. The Beast shivered, and tried again to move forward, and again finding that he could not. He looked at her, his face a mask of indecision, the need for blood was so strong. Araali stepped closer to him. He tensed. She needed something that would bring him back to her. Slowly, without making any movements that would set him off she pulled him into her arms, paying no attention to the blood he was covered in. He kept looking at her with those fragmented eyes that looked so confused. She put her forehead to his and in almost a whisper began to sing,"

Mah're, Mah're aheh re
Anat mo sha're bo'ide
Saya da'ma ha'ly'ay
I mek ni shi'ta 'irow

lo'a na'sha fa me'ri
Vah'da sho to jha Un'yi
Toji rey re'yn ah'eh
Mek ne re'yn ay'un"
She kept singing until she felt Reyn shudder. She pressed her cheek to his feeling the a few rebellious tears run down his face onto hers.
"Araali...," the Beast was drawn, screaming back into Reyn’s mind, his blood lust and fury evaporated,"..., sorry."
He collapsed to his knees and his eye changed from that of a demon’s to those of the boy before as he sank to the ground, unconscious. Araali thanked the god's that she remembered the song Reyn had told her before. Even thought she didn't know what it meant, she knew it was a memory from his past. It was still raining but now it only drizzled. The sky changed from ominous black to pale grey. Reyn was still on the ground out cold. Arc was backed into a corner wide-eyed with fear.
Shanti was also out cold. Araali went to Shanti’s side, and saw that she was still breathing. What was she going to do? She was too tired to go back to the convent and she could not just abandon Reyn. She shook herself, she had to focus, there were things that needed to be take care of.
"Come and give me a hand with this," Araali called to Arc, he came to her hesitantly,” We need to find some rope to bind Shanti, if she wakes she will probably try to kill Reyn.”
Sullenly the both set about searching for a length of rope. Araali nearly feinted when she found what was left of Moroi.
“I think I found Moroi,” she gulped.
“I think I found him too,” Arc called out to her, swallowing hard. He’d found a coil of rope and was trying to tie Shanti up. Araali grimaced at the blood stains. Together they securely bound Shanti. Arc turned to Reyn. He looked at Araali for some sort of command. She shook her head. In her heart she knew that Reyn would never hurt either of them intentionally, even if her head told her otherwise. Together they dragged Reyn and Shanti to an abandoned little hovel. Arc curled up in a corner and promptly fell asleep. Araali curled up beside Reyn and soon was also asleep.
Outside, the various townspeople closed up there shops and headed home. The sudden rainstorm was bad for business, not to mention that sound, that horrible sound. The traveling merchants packed up their belongings and headed south out of the city. Black clouds like those of earlier were deathly omens. They had felt the evil presence born in the city and could feel the subtle shift in the flow of things and in their own way, they were wise enough to realize that it was past time to leave.
Outside the city an elderly woman approached the White Spire and took in the bloody mess around her. She shook her head sadly. I'm too late, she thought to herself, the seal has cracked.

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Pyon... best word ever!!
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Cameron aka Cam
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Golden Blossoms
Lol K, will do! Thanks for the indy reading.
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EnigmaticSevens
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Elemental Crown
indy reading? ehh you mean like behind the scenes, I guess you're right. I never get to ask my favorite authors questions about their books as I read. It is quite a nice feature of a burgeoning artist.
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"It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark." - K'naan
"Ningjiao wo fu tianxia ren, xiujiao tianxia ren fu wo." - Tsao Tsao (Better that I should wrong the world, than the world should wrong me.)
"Why should it ever end, why shouldn't we go on living forever." - Oyks
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Cameron aka Cam
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Golden Blossoms
Yes this is quite true indeed. So Yaomi... I'm still waiting to finish your story. I'm actually going to re-read it since it's been some time. Consider Sevens and I your first fans. That being said, I've been working on some short stories and poems that I'd like to gather opinions on so please stay tuned!
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Yaomi
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Gathering Chi
Oi oi!! This place is still alive? Ha, good news to hear. Thanks for the fandom Cam, much obliged. Well now, looks like i should get back to work. *scrambles wildly, spins around in chair, flails, dies* *revives* Ok, here we go!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Six



Arc stired and pulled his blanket over his head. Blanket? Arc opened his eyes slowly, just a crack. He was indeed under a number of blankets. Araali and Reyn were across from him curled up under several blankets aswell. He sniffed slightly, he was clean, his clothes smelled laundred too.
"Cunning one you are," he looked up, disguising the movement as a restless turn, to see an old, grizzled face looking down at him," Trying to fool old Mamave looking like your asleep."
The woman looked ancient, to say the least. Her face was creased with deep wrinkles, and there was something homely about her, like a grandmother, he thought to himself.
"Look like you and your friends have been trough Hell and Fury," Mamave held a bowl of delicous smelling soup to his mouth. Dropping all pretense Arc snapped up and began gulping it down," Take your time now. The foods not going to run away."
Arc looked around the dwelling he was in. The floor was covered in plush rugs. The place wasn't very big but it had a cozy feel. In one cornor was a small oven. Reyn, Araali, and himself occupied another cornor. He tensed when he saw an unbound Shanti standing silently by the doorway.
"Now don't you fret over her," Mamave stroked his cheek reassuringly," She has a part to play in this whole affair, bigger than I or you. My, I just can't get over your hair. In all my years I've never seen anything like it."
She brushed a stray lock of his brilliant white hair from his eyes.
"You'd think you were as old as me looking at it," Mamave walked over to her oven. Araali stirred and woke. She looked at Arc. He shrugged and mouthed, I think she's okay. Araali got the same impression but she'd been wrong before.
"Ahh, I see the young siren has woken," Mamave fixed a bowl of soup for Araali. She ate as ravenously as Arc," Goodness. You mites really have been through Hell and Fury."
"Where are we," Araali asked quietly.
"Oh you're at my humble home in the cities modest third quarter. I really must say that I wish you would stop throwing people through my window during your games of spudge."
“How long have we been asleep?” Araali felt oddly refreshed, as though the events so fresh in her mind hadn’t happened at all.
“Oh a wee bit over two days now,” Mamave smiled as Araali gasped,” The body needs time to recover, my little chick.”
The old woman saw Araali tense, she sighed and glanced at Shanti.
"It seems that mischefs been at work. Had it not been for Yanid dropping in here in a panic I'd never of found you all," Mamave shook here head," It seems that my dear apprentice has done you and your freinds serious wrong."
"She's your apprentice," Araali was shocked that such a kind old lady would take anyone like Shanti as an apprentice,"But she's a monster. Look what she did to Reyn."
"And remember what your friend Reyn did to Moroi and Kiju," Mamave looked at Reyn solemley," I had seen signs that an Akwaja dwelled in this city. I was very surprised that it was this one in particular. The one who showed no signs of the Madness like poor Moroi and Kiju. It would appear that Shanti found you. I admit that she had no right doing what she did, setting him up like that. But she did it with the best intentions. Moroi and Kiju may not have been her real brothers but she feels bad enough about what happened to them. I would like to know exactly what happened..."
Both Shanti and Araali were about to blurt out their version of events when Mamave scilenced them with a wave.
"...from Arc," Arc looked at her startled. He was not the one known for the most truthfu. Mamave closed her eyes meditatively and nodded to him," You seem to be the most level headed one at the moment, not to mention the most unbiased. Reyn may have been your closest friend, but you've seen him through both the good times and the bad. I would like only the facts please."
"It started out simple really. Me, Reyn and Araali was just out for a bit a fun,"Images flashed up in Arc's mind," Reyn said he knew some boys who would probably be up fer some spudge. We joined the game and got off ta a pretty good start. About an hour or two inta the game we met up with Shanti and the others. We walked together and fought as one big team till we reached the White Spire. That's when things got wazered. We had ta scrat with eachother. Kiju went against Reyn, Ah went against Moroi, and Araali took on Shanti. Ah got clocked right off. Then Araali was laid out. The only one who was doin any good was Reyn. It was somethin fierce the way he and Kiju was fightin. Ah was woke but coulnd't move an inch. Ah did think it was odd that Shanti and Moroi just watched but Ah was in too much pain ta think about any thing fer very long. At one bit it looked like Reyn was gonna win seein how he found an opening and was really gettin into Kiju. But then outta nowhere Kiju gets this second wind and smacks Reyn straight into the air and shouts ‘thirty somethin somethins’, Ah don’t quite remember. Then he does this really freaky move where he starts hittin Reyn on all these different points on his body. Must a been something fierce behind them hits, cuz he kept poppin Reyn back up into the air. Anyways Reyn's lyin on the ground cryin..."
"Kiju did what," Mamave interrupted with a horrified look on her face.
"Yes mistress. Kiju did use the Thirty-two Points," Shanti's voice was cold and emotionless.
"And you did not stop him!" Mamave was outraged,” Gods below! No wonder the seal-“
"Excuse me," Araali interrupted timidly," I still don't see why that attack affected Reyn so much. It didn't look that damaging. I know it must have something to do with pressure points, but what is it exactly."
"There are over a thousand points of sensation scattered trouought your body. These points are where one’s Wyr circulates most heavily. Some cause pleasure, some cause pain. By striking some of these points in rapid succesion immense pain can be caused. By striking others, sickness can be caused. By striking a certain few, death can be caused by a single blow. The Thirty-two Points is an attack wherein the user strikes the pain causing points in overlapping succesion. First two, then those two again in addition to two more and so on. It is a move that causes unimaginable pain. It used to be used against criminals in ancient times and even then it only went up to eight points. I fear that it was I who taught the three to use it. The learning of controlled attacks was one of the only ways I knew to give an Akwaja too weak to wear a seal a chance to overcome madness," Araali and Arc still looked confused. Mamave sighed," Hold out your hands."
They did so obediently. With two blindingly quick jabs Mameve struck them just below their elbows. Pain coursed through the two. Arc chocked back a sob. It was like the entire right side of his body was on fire. Araali gave a muffled cry. Mamave struck them again, just below the point she had previously struck. Instantly the pain vanished. Cooling waves of relief eminated from the point. Arc was shocked by the pain he had just felt. To think that Reyn had endured countless blows like that and remained concious. He was on the point of tears from just one strike.
"Now you see. That was not even the most painful of strikes, and had I not delivered the counterstrike the pain would of only intensified," Mamave gave Shanti another glare of dissaproval. She closed her eyes and nodded to Arc," Continue."
"We'll after a couple a seconds Reyn stops wriggling and gets up. He had his eyes all squeezed tagether but now he opens em and their all crystal like and his pupils are all jagged. Thats when the sky gets all stormy and it starts rainin. He’s roarin and growlin an its like… its like its not even him anymore. And I couldn’t even move, not even a twitch… I was so scared I nearly pissed mahself… Well anyways Reyn starts goin totally beserk and poof dissapers in a black cloud. All of a sudden, poof, he's right in front a Kiju. He just keeps on growlin and nobody can move. Then he just starts pounding Kiju to pulp until Kiju's head just explodes and blood's goin everywhere. Then Moroi tries ta make like he’s gonna charge Reyn, but Reyn tears right trough him, an Ah mean right through him. Then he goes after Shanti. She does this weird thing with her hands and makes this thick wall a sand come right up outta the ground, but all it does is slow him down. She the same thing a whole bunch a times but it don’t work. So she’s like throwin these huge sharp rocks at him right up from the ground but he’s still poofin around all over the place. The she starts chantin and ropes come out the ground an hold him down. She goes to stab ‘im with this knife when he breaks out and gives her a good knock right to the gut. He's about to finish her when Araali steps in front a him. He stops and Araali starts singin somethin that sounded like gibberish and Reyn falls on the ground, out cold. And its over just like that," Arc finished his story completly out of breath. Mamave's eyes were still closed. She stayed that way for several moments. After a while it looked as though she'd fallen asleep,"Ma'am?"
"Just reading your memories child, I belive I delved a bit to deeply. Such cruelty to befall a child, the world is wicked indeed," Arc nodded still thourghly confused," Your story is true."
Mamave turned towards Araali and closed her eyes. Araali could almost feel Mamave's presence in her head, it was very unsettling.
"My oh my, a princess as well as a siren. Your mother's got quite the head on her. She knew to give you a way to defend yourself," Mamave smiled at her warmly," She misses you dearly."
Araali was comforted by her words. She didn't no exactly why. Mamave shuffled over to Reyn and cradled his head in her lap.
"Let's see what this little one has to offer," Mamave placed her forehead directly on top of Reyn's forehead," It's a tad harder to read someone's memories if they're asleep."
Mamave closed her eyes and concentrated. For a few seconds she remained like that, but as she delved deeper into Reyn's past she grew more and more unselted. Soon tears were rolling down her wrinkled face. She pulled Reyn into her arms and cradled him their for many moments. She rocked him back and forth like a mother consoling a child.
"In all of my years I have never seen so much sadness in such a young heart. To think that he saw it all, everything, things I couldn’t even stand to see. I know not what forces kept this boy from Madness for so long. I did not think it possible of any poor creature to endure this much. Oh, my baby, my poor baby. My cherished one. Mik al'jodi. I couldn’t dare to read him in all this time… I am so sorry," Mamave laid Reyn back down on top of the covers. She stroked his forehead tenderly,"Shanti, bring me the ink. It is time to see the full extent of the damage done to this one."
Shanti walked over to the wall opposite the doorway. She tapped it once and a small slab fell away. Out of the hole she took a large inkwell. She replaced the slab which melded back into the wall seemlessly. Shanti kneeled and handed the inkwell to Mamave. Gentely Mamave removed Reyn's sleevless shirt. She traced his back and ribs with a finger.
"It is odd that he does not have any broken ribs or even bruises. The Thirty-two points should of done much more," Mamave felt the brand on Reyn's right shoulder,"This one carries the mark of the first ones…, the Idwali. He’s not like the others…"
"I didn't know there were more than one clan of Dra’Ka trying to meld forms," Araal was surprised by Mamave's insight. She had recognized the symbol form one of the ancient texts and her mother's bedtime stories.
"There were Idwali several thousand years ago but they were destroyed by the gods. They were rumored to have perfected the mixing of human and dragon more so than their modern couterparts. It takes hours of intensive training for the dragon of today to control the madness experienced by the Akwaja if they dare attempt such a mixing. The Idwali of old on the other hand were said to have controled the madness with a seal or brand such as this one. But due to the encouter with Kiju..."
Mamave tapped the mark. It cracked and fragmented instantly.
"...it has been broken. I will need to apply something a bit better of my own creation," Mamave pulled from behind her oven a jug of what looked like water. She took a handful and splashed it on the mark. Reyn's skin began to hiss and the water turned murky. Shanti took a cornor of the blanket and sponged it off. Reyn's back was left smooth and unmarked. Mamave took a thin-tipped brush from a hem in her sleeve. She then took a bowl of the soup she had fed them and sprinkled some powder in it. She placed the bowl to Reyn's lips and gradually he began to drink unconciously. He relaxed and seemed to be put into an even deeper sleep. The ink was a deep brown metallic color, almost bronze, it glinted slightly. Mamave dipped the brush into the inkwell. After a moment of meditation she began. She replicated the symbol that was originally on Reyn's back although she made it several times larger. around it she applied a ring of whisps and strokes with a few dots place randomnly amongst them. The marks strongly resembled a wind with a few leaves blowing in it. She replaced her brush and took a breath as did the rest of them. They hadn't realized that they'd been holding it," This will not nessicarily block the effects of the madness completly, rather it will help him to access that power without losing himself. It is done. I have made right with those on high. Hopefully he will be strong enough to wear this seal."
"Ah hope Am'm not the only one whose more than a little bit wazred by all a this," Arc broke the uncomfortable silence. Araali smiled, cheered by Arc's confession. At least she wasn't alone in her confusion. Hopefully this would help, whatever it was. She couldn't help but think that things were headed in a bad direction until now. Three days and already she felt like she was getting some gray hairs. But she'd had some fun and was free of full siren control, all thanks to Reyn. Reyn... Hopefully he would still be sane when he awakened..., hopefully.
"What was that powder that you put into his soup for," Araali asked.
"Oh it was merely a heavy sleeping potion so he wouldn't move about so much during the transfer of the seal. He was set to wake any moment. He'll be up and about in a moment or two. His metabolism is too fast and too advaced for any kind of poison, even a heavy tranquilizer, to have much of an effect," Mamave looked to Reyn and smiled sadly,"I hope I’ve done the right thing."
"Well Ah think Ah'll go and strech me legs, see ya in a hour or so," Arc almost sprinted out the door, desprate to get out of the worry filled room. Shanti followed him soon after. Mamave turned to Araali and sighed.
"Can the children of today find no rest? Always bouncing and running about, makes these old bones weary indeed," She chuckled and for some reason Araali relaxed. There was nothing to fear from this old woman, and vaguely, ever so vaguely, Araali could remember a woman like this. Where had she seen her before? It was just at the edge of her memory," You are different from the rest. I saw in your memories your meeting with this boy. Ben Tu do not give freindship at the drop of a hat. I wonder what made you do it. Was it that he confided to you the secrets of his race. Was it because he banished that childish ignorance? How is it that he broke threw years of lies in only a few mintues? How is it he survived you trigger unscathed. I have been trying for years and have only rarely succeded, and I have the knife scars to prove it."
"Well I only met him a few days ago. He fell on me from one of my ceiling beams, but I guess you already know all that. I just listened to him, because..., because all the things he said just seemed to make sense. Thanks to my mother I already had many doubts on my own. The things he knew just joined those cracks into one big canyon. I can sometimes read a persons intentions. Most everyone I met had something to hide, but he seemed truly pure and nice too so I said he could stay," Araali shuffled uncomfortably. She did not know what she felt in the inside. Everything was muddled now.
"I would advise you to stay away from him, though I know you wont listen," Mamave looked at her with concern," There are forces greater than you or I that would see the death of this boy and all those around him. The cycle is coming again. We are nearing the first crucible, the First Crucyx at a frightning pace. I would like it if you simply stayed with the sirens and continued your training. At least they could offer you some protection. But all in all it is not likely any of us will survive the coming events. Fulcrum worlds have such a habit of blowing out of proportion."
"I don't care! I don't know what all this doomsday stuff is about. I dont even know what a crucible is! All I know is that I wont just abandon him. I might not know him very well but I do know that he's got a good heart and thats something that I don't even know if I have," Araali’s eyes burned into the older woman, who merely brushed the glare off, diffusing Araali’s anger in an instant. Araali delicately traced the newly drawn seal on Reyn's back, ignoring Mamave's words. Despite her strong words she still felt an overwhelming fear. She thought back to that morning earlier in the week. She had said she trusted Reyn. Whatever was coming she would continue to trust him," I didn't do a thing to deserve his kindness. He gave it for free. I don't know if I could've done the same. I tried to kill him and said a lot of bad things and still he didn't change. If things are going to get as bad as you say than I can't think of anywhere I'd wanna be more."
Mamave chuckled yet again.
"Your're as stubborn as Yali herself," Mamave was rocking with laghter now," Ooh, I must say. Talking with you brings up such fond memories."
"Yali? But… but Yali was my great great grandmother. She died over a thousand years ago! How could you of possibly known her," Araali was greatly troubled. Sure Mamave was definately old but she couldn't be that old.
"Child I'm well over twenty thousand years old. I knew your ancestors," Mamave was laughing full gale.
"That's incredible. The most I've ever heard a somebody living was seven hundred years or so and they could barely move," Araali looked at Mamave in awe.
"Oh, well I'm not just anybody. Trust me, living for thousands of years has it's ups and downs. I've seen joy and I've seen sorrow. I've seen victorys and I've seen defeats. And despite all the wisdom I've gathered I still find myself being a silly old biddy from time to time. Perhaps if my dear mother hadn't spoiled me so," Mamave patted her on the shoulder," Well for the mean time or until the world ends you youngsters can stay with me. It's not much but it is a place to lay your heads."
"Thank you very much," Araali's voice was still a bit shakey. It took awhile for her to get the concept of someone living for so long wrapped around her mind. She wanted to ask questions. She wanted Mamave to explain just what she was. But something about the old woman, held her back. A feeling. Why did she need to know? A voice in her head. A voice that kept telling her that knowing the truth would be dangerous. And something in the old woman's satisfied smile. A smile with a hidden warning. A glint in those eerily pale blue eyes. Araali knew at once that this was a secret that Mamave had only told to her. A secret that not even Shanti knew. Reyn stirred and turned over and yawned but did not open his eyes.
"Oh what is with you children and faking," Mammave began to tickle Reyn relentlessly. He was able to keep a straight face for a few seconds but soon he burst out laughing and begged her to stop.
"Stop ticklin me Granny," Reyn opened his eyes and rolled across the room out of reach," Mornin Araali, hope your feelin okay after that scrat last night."
"I should be asking you that," It seemed as though Reyn was back to his normal carefree self," Do you know Mamave."
"Sure Ah do, she's Granny," Reyn sat up," Ah've known here since Ah was little."
"He speaks truth, I've known him scince he was only a babe," Mamave smiled at her warmly and her mouth formed the words, I will explain later.
"Um, where’re Shanti, Kiju, and Moroi," Reyn was suddenly very solem," Ah can only remember bits and pieces a what happened last night. But Ah know that Ah must a did somethin really bad."
"It wasn't your fault, Kiju...," Mameve made a curt gestrure, effectively silencing her. Perhaps it would be good for Reyn to make his peace with Shanti, even if Araali didn't think it was his fault," Shanti is outside taking a walk with Arc. They couldn't of gone far."
"Right then, be back in a little while,"with that Reyn sprinted out the door and took off after Arc and Shanti.
"Alright, don't think I didn't hear all of the things you called Reyn while you read his memories, or how he called you Granny. What exactly does mik al'jodi mean? You might have your reasons for keeping it from the others but I need to know. Just how do you know Reyn," Araali really wanted awnsers now.
"Hm, you are different from the others. But what a head for questions you have! It seems my little performance did not fool you," Mamave sighed and smoothed her long silver hair," The story is quite long, but seeing as we've nothing else to do. Why not? In any case mik al'jodi means 'my grandson'. I will gladly tell you how I came to know someone by that title. Thousands of years ago, mellenia before even your ancestress Yali was born I came across a roving band of traveling dragon. They called themselves Idwali, or children of the wind. They were terribly strong and for an instant I thought that I might have to destroy them as I had done to other destructive tribes. But to my surprise, they were very hospitable. They fed me from their meager rations and gave me much respect. I have to say I became quite enamored with them. I decided to stay with them for a few years. While I was their I raised a young orphan girl. I taught her all that I knew. So much did I teach her that the Idwali swore to make her their high priestess, a position I had refused, when she came of age. She grew up quickly into a ravising young woman. Oh, how the boys in the tribe wanted to court her, but she refused them all. I must say her standards were always too high, but perhaps it was for the better. She had beautiful golden eyes, a color never seen in the tribe..."
"Did you say golden?" Araali interrupted without thinking. Could this story be going where she thought it was.
"Hush and let me finish," Mamave wrinkled her brow and contiued," Well she refused each suitor except for one. He was a quite boy. All thought he was mute, or perhaps that he simply choose never to speak. He was not an Idwali but merely a stray that had snuck into their camp one night and never left since. Many dissaproved of her choice but she would not hear it. In time they we're married. Years past and they grew older and had many children. Still the young man never spoke or told anyone his name. Despite this he and the girl loved eachother dearly. I remember so clearly what that girl would call him. Mik ara'tai, that means 'my beloved' in the old tounge. Nearly two decades passed and all continued on the way it had been. No one complained, in fact they prospered. Everything the man touched grew and became plentiful. The Idwali thought it to be a blessing from the Omraah, who was their chief diety. In time another child was born to the silent man and the preistess. This one was differnt from the rest. All the other children that had been born to the two looked just like the father with dark black hair and deep brown eyes. This boy though looked just like the mother, with soft brown hair and beautiful golden eyes. When he was born his father smiled and spoke one word, the only word anyone had ever heard from his mouth,'Re'yn', or 'wind bringer' in the old tounge. The mother decided to name him this. The boy grew to be healthy, strong and energetic. He played and laughed and smiled all the time. Just being around him dispelled bad moods. How happy those days were. Perhaps it was a preperation from the gods for the horror that struck only a few years afterward. In these ancient times the gods roamed the world freely. All knew of the clash between the two gods of evil. All knew of the forming of the Nak. But it had not claimed many victims yet and not many thought it a threat. I must say that I was as complacent as the rest, afterall what force was there that could conquer the Omraah. I must say that those five years were proablaly my happiest. I spent my time advising the tribe and playing with my grandchildren, especially Reyn. Whenever his mother was at her duties, Reyn would come over to play with me. His happiness did my heart good. I watched as they began training the boy when he was around five. He excelled at everything. His mother said it was because of the lullaby she sang to him every night. It was the same lullaby that you sang to Reyn to bring him out of Madness. It was then that I looked deeper into this boy. He did not give off the aura of a mortal but of something divine, yet I myself had seen him scince he came out of his mother's womb. I also noticed that his Wyr, his life force, was massive, far to powerful for someone so young and inexperience! I would've gone deeper into the matter had I not been visited with a rare treat. His father asked me to walk with him. I must say that I was more than flattered considering that he had never before spoken to me or anyone else for that matter. I left Reyn to his mother, the both of them playing about. As I and Reyn's father walked out of the tribe's encampment I noticed a tear form in his eye. I asked him what was the matter. He told me that he wasn't sure if he'd done the right thing, giving Reyn the sky was a very large risk. At first I didn't undrestand him. He explained that in reality he was not a man but the Omraah in the guise of a man. He told me that it was he who had directed me to the orphan girl. It so happend that she was a desendent from the Lord of Heavens. Although the Lord of Heavens had long scince passed on to another realm he had left behind children to watch over the sky and all its breezes. It was said that whenever times are dire that he would give the sky in its entierty to one of these children. The Omraah thought that now was that time with the asendency of the Nakish. The reason the child looked different from the rest was that he was the one the random will of the Lord of Heaven had choosen. Needless to say I was shaken by all of these words. Still I did not fully understand the danger. That was when he told me that the Nakish had already killed the heir to the earth and the heir to the waters. In each instince, the Nakish had either killed or converted all of those in association with the two. He feared that it was only a matter of time before the Nakish found the Idwali and did the same. I said that surely the Omraah had enough power to destroy the newborn Nakish. He told me that he had already tried several times. He said that the best he could do would be to seal the Nak away along with its followers and he did not know how long the seal would hold. Just as he had finished speaking he tensed. We had walked some distance from the village. Without warning he dissolved his mortal form of a man. The Omraah told me to go as far away from the place as I could and to keep going. I asked him what was the matter. He said that the Nakish were drawing near to the village. I wanted to go help but he ordered me to go saying that he would deal with the matter. Without another word he disappered. I left. I should of never done so. I had lived a nomadic lifestyle for so many years that it just seemed natural. I was gone for almost fifteen years until one day I found that I had circumnavigated the globe and would soon be coming to the site of the village. However, when I reached my former home, I lost all hope. Everyting was in ruins. Some few dusty remains littered the ground, but most of the village had been burned to ashes. I lost my composure and for the first time in my life I began to cry. From where the village had once been I could see that in the distance was a bright haze. Upon further inspection I found there a huge shining wall, it went on for as far as the eye could see. It would appear that the Omraah succeded in sealing off the Nak and it’s Nakish but not before they succeded in their own twisted purpose. But all is not lost! Reyn is alive. I'm not sure how the Omraah did it but he did. Not only that, but I believe that Shanti may just be this era’s heir to the earth!"
Araali wavered under the floodtide of knowledge she had recieved. As if her vision of the world hadn't been shaken up enough in the past few days. Her head was pounding from the amount of mind bending information and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't wrap her mind around the things she had been told.
"Oh my, looks like I've gone and filled you to the brim with my rambling," Mamave took some to the powder she had given to Reyn and put a tiny pinch in Araali's mouth,"That should lessen the ache in your head. Rest now, I'll tell you more later when you’re better prepared."
Araali found that the world was darkening around her. She closed her eyes and let herself fall into the cool embrace of exhaustion. Her last thought before she lost conciouness was one of Reyn. She hoped he'd be all right alone with Shanti.

Reyn took off running in the direction that Araali had pointed him towards. He was worried about what he'd say to Shanti. He didn't know all of what happended last night. He just felt the gut-wrenching sensation that something within him, something terrifying, had been released. The few things that he could remember was blood, and a frightning yearning to spill it. He remembered death and pain, pain unlike he had ever felt before. Both Kiju and Moroi were gone. He hadn't seen them when he woke up. Were they okay? Araali had said nothing about them. Reyn continued to run but still could not find Shanti or Arc, they must of changed directions. Reyn relied on his senses, it was hard to tell their scents from those of the city but after a few false starts he was back on track. After a few more minutes of running he came upon Arc.
"Hey Arc, how ya doin," Arc looked at him somlemly.
"I'm fine, how bout ya, ya okay after last night,"Reyn was more than a little confused. He'd never seen Arc so mellow.
"What's wrong?" Reyn's stomach tightened. Whatever had happened definetly wasn't good.
"Shanti is over at the cemetery. Its about a mile north a hear," Reyn tried to say something, but Arc was already walking back towards Mamave's house. Reyn walked to the cemetery not sure of what he would find. Shanti was there standing in front of two freshly dug graves. Reyn felt tears well behind his eyes but he bit them back. He knew who was buried there.
"Shanti...," Reyn approached the tall girl timidly.
"What is it Akwaja," Reyn winced at how she spat out the word. Such vhemence was carried in her voice that it scared him.
"Ah...Ah just wanted ta talk about what happened last night, that's all," Shanti turned towards Reyn her eyes ablaze with poorly veiled loathing.
"There is nothing to talk about," Shanti continued to stare at him, making his stomach turn to rot.
"Ah don't know what Ah did last night but Ah...," Shanti cut him off with yet another hate laden stare.
"What you did last night was brutally murder both Kiju and Moroi, the way only an... Akwaja could. How does it feel? How does it feel to beat someone’s head in with your bare hands? How does it feel to tear a living person in two? How does it feel to kill so mercilessly? Does it make you feel sad," Shanti said with mock concern. She saw the tears behind his eyes and despised him all the more for it. Why does this disgusting Akwaja persist in acting human? No matter, I can show it no mercy. I will slay this abomination," Do not cry for Kiju or Moroi. They were just as much sickening Akwaja as you are. You are not human. You are nothing but a demon in a humans skin. I would rid the world of you if it were in my power. The Madness of Akwaja destroyed my family, slaughtered my village and killed my friends. I will never forgive you, no matter how human you try to appear! Know this. Know that everyone you come near risks death. Know that you could kill anyone at any time in any place, just for being in your presence. Know that no one will ever be safe around you. Are you happy? Are you happy with the monster you and your disgusting kind have created."
"Ah didna ask for it! Ah never tried ta be what ya call an A... an A... whatever it is ya keep callin me. Ah was born with it and Ah don't care what ya say! Ah'm not a bad person," Reyn was almost crying now and looking desperately at Shanti, praying that she'd take back what she had said. Praying that it wasn't true. He was not a bad person, he would never kill a friend. Shanti found this amusing.
“Ha! Not a bad person? Of course you’re not a bad person, you’re not a person at all! You’re a monster! A beast,” Shanti sneered,” You have no soul, you have only Madness!”
"Ah dona know what Madness is. Ah don't want it. It never happened before ya came, Ah promise. If ya can get it out a me then do it," Reyn's eyes were wild. His brain was a mush of horror for what he had done and confusion at what he could become. He was so confused. Sure he'd killed people before, but never, never like this. Those times they had always been jobs, and he knew that the people he killed were bad and deserved to be killed. But Kiju and Moroi. They had been nice, as far he could remember they had been nice. So why did he do it?
"I can take the Madness from you," Shanti's voice had lost all vehemence. Plans clicked into place perfectly, so easy… She had hunted down many crazed Akwaja. This could be the easiest one to deal with yet. Her voice turned cool and sickly sweet. Her voice made Reyn shiver," Raise your head to the sky and close your eyes and I will take it all away."
Reyn did as he was told only vaguely aware of the threat that Shanti posed. She was his grandmother's apprentice afterall. She wouldn't hurt him, would she? Inside Shanti was elating. This was her chance. This was the perfect opportunity for her to slay this creature. She drew a long knife from a fold in her robe. This creature would require special preperation to kill. It would take awhile to draw the seals that would keep him from healing the wound. There was no Earth Chain seal like before. She sat down and with a small stylus and a little inkwell of her own, began making the necessary adustments to her blade.
"Ah lost all a my family too, but it was when Ah was very little," Reyn's body screamed of danger but he would not heed it,"Everyone Ah knew was killed 'cept for Granny."
Shanti ignored him and continued work on her knife. She would not be fooled by the human guise of this demon.
"My mom used ta sing a lullaby ta me everynight. If Ah think really hard Ah can still remember what she looked like," Reyn had since stopped talking for Shanti's benefit. He was in his own little trance remebering things he'd pushed aside for so long. Shanti paid no attention anyway, but she found her resolve wavering. This thing acted so human.
"Ah remeber that Ah used ta play a game with some a my friends when we were't in training. It was sorta like spudge but with a ball," Reyn smiled at the memory of warm and sunny afternoons, never having to care about fighting or protecting or war, just having fun," Ah liked it back then. The only time Ah cried back then was because Ah scrapped a knee or stubbed a toe."
Shanti bit back a tear of her own. This creatures lies brought up memories of a time when she also was carefree and happy. I must not stop, Shanti reafirmed herself, this thing must die!
"Ah had a lot a brothers and sisters," Reyn's mind took him back to his home, a place of warmth and security. It showed him faces, faces that smiled at and accepted him without question, faces that loved him,"There were eleven a us in all. The oldest, Elkim, was maybe a year older than ya. There was him, Lish, Toge, Vlakya, Rigen, Meshna, Zathi, Imal, Kitandra, Heezi, and me. We got along really well even though there were so many a us. Sure we had a few fights now and then, but we were family. Heezi was born only three or four years before me. We played together a lot. Ah got my hide tanned more than once for all the trouble the two of us caused. Ah liked Elkim a lot. Ah thought he was the best at everythin and Ah remember wantin ta be just like him. Ah remember tryin ta follow him everywhere when he went ta relax with his friends. He didna really want me around cause Ah was his baby brother. But after a little while he would let me come and his friends didna seem ta mind. Ha ha, Ah was sorta like a mascot. We had a lot a fun my brothers and sisters and me."
Shanti rose to her feet having finished the seals. Her hand was trembling slightly. How could something she knew to be evil act so trusting and innocent. This thing acted more human than Moroi or Kiju had ever even attempted. She stilled her hand. It was still just an act. She could not let this opportunity pass even if it tore her up inside.
"When the fightin started Ah begged and begged mom ta hide one a them instead a me, but she still hid me sayin that Ah was the youngest. Ah cried and screamed until they came and promised that it would all be over soon and that they would come and see me whenever it was done," Reyn fought his tears back remembering his siblings efforts to comfort him,"But they never did! Ah kept tryin and tryin to break through the wall so Ah could help. Ah was just too little, too weak. The little room was so small and so dark. It was choking me. Ah wanted power so much, power so that Ah could protect them, so that Ah could keep them safe forever."
Shanti's heart was breaking inside her breast. She couldn't stop shaking now. How could she kill this thing, this thing that was monster and child at once. She poised to strike, willing herself to end this creatures life.
"Shanti...," Reyn's voice was quite and a little shakey," Ah know this is sorta..., sorta silly, but..., will it hurt?"
Shanti let her knife drop from her hand. She couldn't do it. No matter how much she tried, no matter how much she thought of her own pain, she knew this was not right. She could not kill this child. A monster might lurk inside of him, she thought, but this is only a boy, a little boy caught up in more than he could ever hope to understand. I unleashed this thing inside of him. I'd be running from my mistake if I killed an innocent to console my own wretched heart.
"I'm sorry Reyn, but I cannot take the thing that is inside of you away," Shanti looked at Reyn, his eyes full of fear, and she could feel her pain magnified in those eyes.
"But ya said ya could do it. Ah don't want it," Reyn's eyes burned with such a terrible intensity," This thing..., it makes me hurt everyone around me and Ah dona want ta. Ah use ta always know that no matter what, Ah would never hurt mah friends, that Ah'd always be there to protect them. But now Ah cana even be sure a that anymore. So what’s that make me?"
"You are a little boy, no one is asking you to be anything more or anything less,"Shanti took Reyn into her arms and hugged him tightly," Mamave and I will do everything we can to help you. Maybe we can turn the thing inside of you into power. Power you can use to protect the ones you love."
Shanti and Reyn walked out of the cemetery and back to Mamave's dwelling. All the way they walked hand in hand. To the passerby it appeared as an older sister walking her little brother home, completly unaware of the previous tension.
Mamave smiled as she watched Shanti walk home with Reyn at her side both of them traveling happily. My dear apprentice, Mamave thought warmly, even you cannot resist my little one, mik al’jodi.
Days passed and life went on happily. The children all worked hard to earn a little money to help Mamave out and when they had some spare time they would play, train with Mamave, or train eachother. Araali's training moved at a faster pace now that she trained with Reyn's more advanced student. Things were hard at first but she learned quickly. Frighteningly quickly. Everything she saw she absorbed and adopted. In little more than a week she was almost on par with Arc. Araali still remembered to train her singing as well. Even if she no longer stayed in the convent. After several trips back and forth they were able to gather all of Araali's most cherished belongings and anything they could sell. Even though Araali didn't have very much, it was still too big for the Mamave's small house. Thankfully her house did have a second level. The boys bunked their and left Mamave and the other two girls the ground floor. They could still feel the slight tension of something large coming, but with every passing day, it seemed to be farther and farther away rather than closer. Life was happy and relatively peacful but not without it's worries. Araali still struggled with her memories, something that had happened when she was in Reyn's mind when they had first met. Everytime she tried to focus, she saw only one thing, those seven doors that had been underneath her when she was in Reyn's mind. What she felt was entirely diffrent. Such odd sensations, a slight moistness on her forehead, like she had just been kissed and even more insistent, a pressure on the crown of her skull, like someone was patting her head. As she sat in meditative repose, she was interrupted by a loud gust of air, something was happening.
Reyn and Shanti walked along the dusty road to Mamave's dwelling chatting happily. Reyn stopped first, sniffing the air alertly. Shanti did not ask questions, she knew he smelled something unusual.
Mamave frowned sensing a playful but hostile presence. Shanti and Reyn were only a few feet away from her home and she saw that Reyn could probably smell his attacker. What is that Yanid up to now, Mamave sighed.
A near electric thrill coursed trough the air. Arc sensed it immeadiately and dashed outside to Reyn's aid. Araali was at Arc's side in an instant, careening madly out ot Mamave's house. Both stopped in awe at what they saw. Yanid and a band of at least a hundred older youths had surrounded both Reyn and Shanti both standing back to back ready to fight.
"Ya need any help," Arc called across to Reyn.
"Nope, we can handle it," Reyn looked across at all of the dirty faces that stared back at him," what do ya laggars want."
Yanid stepped out of the crowd grinning wickedly, he looked pleased with himself.
"Calm down now mite," Yanid stepped forward and ruffled Reyn's hair,"No need ta get in a fuss. We just came ta give ya your initiation inta our little club."
"What if we dona wanna join," Reyn eyed the situation carefully. It wouldn't be to difficult to get past the first few boys and join up with Araali and Arc.
"Ya don't have much of a choice mite. Ya beat us at a game a spudge, we can't just let you run around like ya please," Yanid's smile widened," I keep order on these streets. Any kid runnin about on ‘is own is my responsibility."
"Hey! What about us," Arc shouted out, not one to get left out.
"Oh don't think I fergot about you," Yanid wagged his finger reprovingly," You and that girlie are a might tougher than ya look that's fer sure."
Yanid snapped his fingers. A thick cloud of dust blew out of the alley adjacent to Mamave's home. Out of it emerged another four score children. Araali and Arc were quickly surrounded aswell. Mamave chuckled, even she hadn't seen that coming.
"That was... good," Reyn mumbled, overcoming his surprise. He had underestimated Yanid. That did not happen often.
"Ya'll be tested in the three Ss: Speed, Stance, and Strength. You already passed Shanti, so ya're sittin out for this one," Yanid motioned for the boys to part allowing Reyn, Arc, and Araali to gather, They contiued to seperate Shanti from them lest she help. Shanti tensed as she remembered the trials she had faced to be accepted into Yanid's clan. They were no joke to say the least. Of course, she knew that Yanid's clan was just a front for his father's dream of a personal army. When his father had passed, Yanid took up his mission to create a well trained civilan milita. Yanid's father had never been very trusting of the God Emperor, it was rumored that he was once a high ranking general in the God Emperor's Imperial Gaurd. He had of coursed passed down his tactical knowledge to his son, and in all honesty, Yanid was a tactical genius. He’d become quite powerful in the last few years, so much so that the city leaders recognized him and his band of children as a legitimate faction. Slowly but surely their numbers had grown. Children seemed to migrate towards them, even from far away cities. It was rumored that his forces were almost a thousand strong, with at least half that number in actual fighting condition,"In each trial ya must work as a unit. If one a you fails, the rest a ya fail as well and we will personally throw ya out a the city. Reyn, Araali, Arc your first trial is speed. Back in our camp there is a huge fire going. All ya have ta do is get there in under an hour."
Reyn, Araali, and Arc exchanged knowing glances. It would not be difficult at all if they ran the same way they did when they played Yanid at spudge before.
"Oh, and ya cana use your full forms or that little running pattern ya used the other day," Yanid smiled as the three paled. He knew the task was impossible and felt sorry for making it like that, in a way he wanted them to succeed, at least Reyn. It was odd, but he felt a sort of kinsmanship with Reyn, almost like a little brother, annoying at times but he made things interesting. Yet there was something strange about the all three kids. Something about them, it was as though they posed a genuine threat to his people, and he could not let such a threat remain. It be better if he cleared them out before they caused trouble,"I'm leaving two a our fastest ta make sure ya don't try ta break these rules. The rest a us will be in full form waiting for ya."
With that the whole assembly of children turned to their full forms. A flock of blazing Phoenix took off into the skys.
"You kids take care now and be back soon," Mamave called from her door. The three nodded.
"Reyn, what're we goin ta do," Arc was puzzled.
"Ah remember how Yanid's camp looks and Ah can smell where the smoke is," Reyn sniffed the air feraly as he spoke. Araali knew what he was about to do, but the others didn't have a clue," Anyone who's goin grab on."
Araali did not hesitate and immeadiately climbed on Reyn's back latching herself on firmly. Arc hesitated but after a moment he followed suit grabbing firmly onto Reyn's neck and ackwardly latching on to his side.
"Look at him! The laggar's gonna try ta carry both of them," the two boys Yanid had left to gaurd them were rolling with laughter. Shanti couldn't help but chuckle. This she had to see. Mamave merely shook her head thinking back upon the foolishness of only looking at the surface of a situation. This will be a good lesson for Shanti and Yanid, Mamave thought. Plans within plans.
"They're right Reyn, ya can't carry us and run at the same time," Arc refused to let himself be a burden a second time.
"Who said a thing about runnin?"Reyn gave another feral grin. Araali felt the same elation. Before Arc could as any further questions Reyn stilled himself, and all three of them vanished. A stiff breeze and a light mist were all that remained.


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Pyon... best word ever!!
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Cameron aka Cam
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Golden Blossoms
Thanks and I'll let you know when I've finished!
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Keep her workin' Cam, keep her workin'
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"It is better to light a candle than to curse the dark." - K'naan
"Ningjiao wo fu tianxia ren, xiujiao tianxia ren fu wo." - Tsao Tsao (Better that I should wrong the world, than the world should wrong me.)
"Why should it ever end, why shouldn't we go on living forever." - Oyks
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