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My Statistics 
About Me Likes/Dislikes |
Dislikes Babysitting Droughts/hibernating season Bossy kids Knitted sweaters The color pink |
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Likes Koj, Mom and Dad Bugs Exploring Cooking Snow |
My Stories |
Through the window... I can see her. It's been so long. She's changed; but I can still recognize her. One never forgets the face of his own blood. It was a cold March night as Ainad was cleaning the kitchen in her new wildwood cottage. Koarai and Kojeru had both retreated to the waterfall again, leaving her and Aire alone in the cottage. She felt safe here, though, knowing Koarai wasn't too far away. And these woods were sacred - a flow of magic rushed through them that matched no other place she had ever visited. But she wasn't alone in her small forest clearing. A dark figure crept outside her house. After weeks of searching, he had finally found her... and she was alone. She couldn't sense him coming. The overwhelming feeling of protection this valley provided clouded her senses. It was only after it was too late that she realized he was there. Crouching by the window outside her kitchen was a face she hadn't seen in ages. A face she was sure to recognize the minute he barged into her peaceful home. It was the face of her brother. With a powerful leap, he crashed through the kitchen window and pinned her neck up against the wall of her cabinets with his mighty claws. Completely caught off guard, she struggled at first, writhing to release herself from his grip until her eyes fell on his face. Drev... her mind raced as a blinding blue light caused him to shield his eyes and drop her to the floor. Barely taking time to think, she fled to the living room and grabbed Aire from her play space on the floor, but he was only a step behind her. You can't run from me, Ainad." He snarled. "You know I'm more powerful than yo...." He paused when he saw what she held protectively in her arms. "... a child?" There was a crash of lightning and the lights in the house went out, leaving both of them barely lit by the moonlight coming in from the window. Ainad bit her bottom lip so hard it nearly bled as she backed herself into the wall. "You lay one hand on me or my daughter and I swear I'll... You'll what?" he taunted. "Blind me again with some of that wimpy blue magic? You can't stop me, Ainad, you never will. Her eyes narrowed with the most hatred she could ever possess as Aire looked nervously from one full-grown Draik to another. "Why now?" she asked, "Why now after all this time. The green Draik smirked and nonchalantly leaned his weight on one of his sabers, knowing full-well that his victim wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. "I've just escaped." He said. "Surely you remember the day I was captured. Ainad glared and lied, "No, no I don't. You don't?" he cackled. "Let me jog your memory a bit... It was sometime in the fall during the year Darigan first invaded Meridell, remember? You and I were still pretty young... older child, younger teen... I don't quite remember. It was one of our first encounters: me, who had been raised as a warrior for Darigan and you, a pathetic domestic-type Draik living with that human. But we connected. After all, we share the same blood-line... us being twins and all. Ainad winced as the memories she had fought off for years came flooding back into her mind. Seeing her reaction, he continued. We'd meet in the forests of Meridell every day and talk about our lives, and what we'd do once the war was over. But I still scared you, didn't I? You never thought you could trust me, even during our harmless chats. Believe it or not, I really wasn't so bad back then... I really did want to settle down once the war was over. I really did want to leave my life as a killer and live peacefully. You said you'd help me do it, too. You weren't very strong physically, but you were always very powerful. Remember that? You promised me that once the war was over you would help heal me and begin a new life. But, of course, that never happened. Ainad was shaking now with the fear of what was to come in his story. She remembered it all so clearly now. She had tried to forget this time in her life, but it was always nagging at the back of her mind. One day when we met, some members of the Darigan army showed up." He continued. "Remember? You heard them coming and I told you to hide in the bushes. I was one of them, I could get them to leave. But that's not what happened, was it? These people were not who I expected to be." He eyed her carefully to make sure he knew that she was recognizing the story, "I was one of Darigan's most loyal followers. I was young, but he viewed me like a son. That never sat well with several other members of Darigan's followers... They decided they'd get rid of me. They just needed to find me in the forest alone and then they could do with me as they wished. I was strong, but not strong enough to fight off eight of them. Not strong enough to fight off Darigan's army General, Kass. Ah, there you are, Andrevlin.' I remember hearing him say. 'We've been looking all over for you... What's up, guys?' I asked after I made sure you hadn't been spotted. 'New orders? Indeed...' Kass snarled as all eight of them jumped on me with iron shackles and chains. I roared for help, but you did nothing. Where are you taking me??' I demanded as I struggled against them. Kass laughed evilly and waved his hand for them to start dragging me off, 'You have an appointment with Master Vex. He's arranged a place for you to stay.... indefinitely. NO!!' I pleaded as they dragged me out of the clearing, 'Somebody help me, please!' I knew you had the power to stop them. Your powers of protection could have cleared them out long enough for us both to high-tail it out of there. But you did nothing. Ainad shivered, small tears streaming down her face. "I... I didn't know how to use my magic... SILENCE!" Drev roared. "You could have helped me, but you betrayed me. You betrayed your only family! Ainad could barely see through all her tears, "That... that's not true... I tried to help. ...but you decided to save your own hide instead." His accusation dripped with poisonous hatred as he narrowed his eyes in her direction. Ainad raised her voice in her defense, "I TOLD YOU! I couldn't use magic at the time, there was nothing I could have done!!" she held her head in one of her hands and sniffled silently. Do you remember what I called out as they were dragging me away? Ainad's eyes widened in fear as she blinked back silent tears and looked straight into his eyes. "No... please don't... Ah!" he smirked, "You do remember, don't you. I said, 'Ainad! I swear upon my life or death if I ever see you again, I'll kill you and all that you love. Ainad hugged Aire close to her protectively, "You wouldn't... Oh, I would." He said as he took a step closer to her. "And I think it'd be best to start at the bottom and work my way up. Your child..." he motioned to Aire. "What's her name? Ainad narrowed her eyes and spat at his feet. "You can't touch her. Not while she's with me. Drev glared back, "So you finally learned how to manage your magic then, eh? Damn... Ainad stood her ground, "Go back to where you came from. You're not welcome here or anywhere on Clan Property. Drev laughed, "Like your stupid Clan could protect you from me... I swore I'd kill you and I will. I escaped the prisoner chambers of the Darigan Citadel to find you. I sat for ages in a moldy prison being tortured mercilessly for a crime I didn't commit. You know what they tried me for? BETRAYAL! I will get my revenge, Ainad. You can count on it. Ainad was shaking in fury. "Stay away from my family. Don't you dare touch any of them! There's more of them?" he asked as he made a quick swipe for a family photo on the mantelpiece. "Awww, aren't you a happy family... Ainad made a grab for the photo. "Don't! Drev smiled a toothy smile. "I think I'll keep this... as a memento of the life I could have had..." He waved at Aire, "Don't worry, little one... Uncle Drev will be back later... once your mother is no longer around... Ainad opened her mouth to protest but he had already left, leaving a dagger stuck in a stuffed animal and a broken window as his exit. Aire, who had been fighting to stay quiet all this time nuzzled under her mother's neck, "What'sa matter, mommy?" she asked, "Why are you crying? Ainad did her best to wipe her tears and assure Aire. "Nothing's wrong, honey... mommy doesn't like him, that's all. Aire looked confused, "Is he mommy's brother... like Koj? Ainad, "He's not like Koj, Aire. He's a bad Draik." She slung her cloak over her shoulders and opened the front door. "We're going to Daddy's. Mommy has to tell him something important. She made sure to lock the door behind her as she ran off into the night, her daughter still clutched protectively in her grasp. Koarai had to know before it was too late. She had never wanted it to come to this, but she had to get to him before Drev found out where he was... |
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It was the month of November, and a young child sat in the snow in the middle of the Lirakalya Meadow playing with her pet Flowper. Quilly, as she called him, was a tolerant little friend and didn't even mind it when she buried him in the snow. It was just like any other day: she passed the time doing whatever she found amusing. During the summer she was usually out hunting for bugs to munch on, but in the winter all of the insects that inhabited the woods had gone underground or into hibernation. She missed this form of entertainment, and thus spent the time turning her petpet into a living snowball. She was just expressing her sorrow over the lack of bugs to Quilly when a strange sight caught her eye. There was something out there, just at the edge of the forest... it looked like a blue light, but it couldn't be, could it? All of the fireflies had to be long gone by now. She tapped Quilly on the head and pointed in the direction where the faint light had come from. "What's there?" she asked him. The light flashed again, and this time Quilly noticed it too. He purred and looked excitedly at the snowy colored Draik who was his owner. "What do you think it is?" she asked him, "A firefly? Without another word, they both began creeping closer to the light. Every now and then it would flash faintly before disappearing again. In truth, something this suspicious should have made her wary, but safety wasn't exactly the first thing on her mind... ever. The source of the light had flown inside a pine tree and was sitting delicately on one of the branches. With a nod at Quilly, Aire stuck her arm into the branches and began reaching for the bug. She stuck her tongue out in concentration and continued to feel around between the branches for firefly. Quilly ran under the tree and began to kick at the stump in hopes to shake the bug free, but he was so little that he only managed to make the tree shiver slightly. GOTCHA!" exclaimed the Draik finally as she pulled the bug out of the trees branches grasped securely in her fist. Quilly squeaked and clapped his paws together in triumphant excitement. "What should we do with it?" Aire asked him as they began to walk back towards the middle of the meadow. "Should we eat it now or save it for later? Do you want the head or the abdomen? She had barely even finished asking her question when the dimming light in her hands suddenly lit with such intensity that Aire and Quilly both stumbled backwards into the snow and the bug was released in their surprise. "What's going on?" Aire cried out as they both shielded their eyes. No sooner had the light begun when it was matched by another radiating from the cottage nearby. Aire could barely make out the figure of her mother in the doorway through her squinted eyes as Ainad began her march across the lawn. She looked strange, different than usual. Her eyes were narrowed and her face was set with more determination than Aire had ever seen in her life. Aire was speechless as Ainad lifted her into her arms before turning to the small source of light. "Leave." Ainad said simply. "I'll not have you endangering my forest. The light radiated for a few seconds longer as if considering its next source of action before it slowly faded to reveal its source. It wasn't a bug at all, but a very small Draik. Aire gasped and Quilly fell flat onto his face in surprise. Ainad looked stunned too, as if she had been expecting some sort of miniscule monster. The draik was a pure white in color with markings of pale blue and wavy hair of the same color. Her earfins, wings, and tailfin were all a light, colorless material, and were barely noticeable unless they looked close enough. She had a horn like a unicorn's on her forehead and a strange golden band around her right forearm. She was so tiny that they couldn't make out the markings on the armband even if they had wanted to. The small Draik was floating ominously in front of them and they had barely even begun to notice its petite features before its figure suddenly began to swell. In a matter of only a few seconds, the 3-inch Draik had grown to be a foot long from nose to tail. Who... who are you?" Ainad asked, still holding Aire protectively. The Draik bowed its pearly head in an extravagant manner and answered, "My name is Nayalme, Elvin Goddess of the Amase'ere Race. Ainad gawked stupidly for a minute before blurting out, "Hummawha? The small Elvish Draik looked slightly annoyed and frowned disappointedly at Ainad. "You've... never heard my name before? No." Aire answered for Ainad as they both looked on in shock. Oh dear." Said the small white Draik as she slowly began to float towards the ground where she began pacing around nervously. "Where do I even begin...? Ainad's voice shook when she next spoke, "Erm... I'm sorry, but who are you? Nayalme locked eyes with Ainad and sized her up before answering, "Nayalme - known as Naya to my most-loved. I was one of the three Goddesses and protectors of the Amase'ere Race of Elvish Draiks. That's... nice." Said Ainad suspiciously. "And what are you doing here? Well, of course," said Naya, "I came here to find you. Me!?" Ainad and Aire said at the same time. Well, both of you." Naya assured. "You're two of the last remaining, the last of our kind. Ainad frowned,Our kind? The Amase'ere Race was highly regarded." Naya began in explanation. "We were known far and wide and we lived in peace and harmony with most of the creatures in our area. But, like all others, we had our flaws, our weaknesses. These weaknesses eventually led to the downfall of our culture. It pains me to say it, but the Amase'eres are no more. Gone... forever?" Ainad asked confusedly. "And how does this relate to us? Naya sighed and explained as if addressing a child, "You and your children are the last remaining. Your ancestors were of the Amase'ere Race. Ainad looked uncertain, "I have... relatives? This was nearly too much for the small Draik, "Of course you have relatives!! How else would you exist!? Ainad looked embarrassed, but was quick to defend herself, "Well, Rose had a Draik Egg and hatched me from that. Naya smirked, "And where did she obtain such an egg? Ainad frowned, "She bought it... I'm afraid you're mistaken!" sung the small Draik cheerfully before lowering her voice, "I gave it to her. Ainad looked shocked, "You!? How? Why? I was one of the few to escape." Naya explained, "I was eager to use what little of my magic there was left to create another egg: yours. Ainad's voice wavered, "I... I don't understand... Eggs are made differently in our culture..." said Naya smartly. "They're manifested magically as opposed to..." she eyed Aire grudgingly, "...biologically. I created your egg in hopes that the hatchling might continue in the ways of our life, that I could raise you as needed to make you a successful, contributing member to our dying community. Ainad stared, "So... how come I've never met you before...? I'm not finished!" snapped Naya, "The downfall of our civilization and the creation of your egg was more than my magic could handle - I was left out of commission for several years, leaving you to be raised by a human. Biggest mistake of my life, I might add. Rose isn't that bad..." Ainad mumbled in Rose's defense. No?" tried Naya. "Well, if it weren't for her, my plan might have succeeded... What do you mean? It's her fault your egg didn't hatch properly. She's the one who got tangled in the conflicts that caused your improper hatching. You mean the Meridell and Darigan war-thing? Yes. Once the dispute over your egg began, I immediately had to take action to prevent your egg from being destroyed altogether. The only thing I could manage to do was split the egg in half, dividing up the magical powers which I had tried so hard to preserve. You mean... Drev?" asked Ainad disgustedly. Yes." Said Naya in the same manner. "Such a disappointment, that boy. And a waste of good magic. Okay, so I'm beginning to understand..." Ainad offered cautiously. "But if you created my egg, would that make you my... mother? Heavens no!" said Naya with a short laugh. "I am mother to no one. If you insist on relation, though, you may refer to me as your Godmother. Ainad couldn't react fast enough to hide the small tear forming in the corner of her eye. All her life she had dreamed of a family, a history, or even anything of the sort. Here was living proof that she really had something, that she didn't just randomly exist. She'd never be able to express how happy this made her feel. If Naya noticed Ainad's emotions, she chose to ignore them as she continued, "My magic has slowly been strengthening, though it will never be what it was. My magic was powered by the existence of the other Amase'ere... without them, there's not much I can do. I was, however, able to lead you to this place. You mean the woods?" Ainad asked, "This meadow? Of course." Said Naya plainly, "It's a good location. It's no Amae Forest, but it'll work. Ainad was somewhat speechless as she remembered back to the time she was exploring the woods for the first time. She had noticed a strange blue light and, thinking it to be a firefly, had followed it directly to the meadow where she now resided. She had never thought a second thought about it... until now. So - I guess this explains my blue magic..." Ainad reasoned as Naya nodded. That's one of the traits you picked up from me." Said Naya with a hint of pride in her voice. "Though, I must admit, I was a little disappointed when you took Daya's course of color rather than my own. Course of... what? Color." Explained Naya as she raised an eyebrow. "The pink-hue? A complete disappointment. I would have preferred you stay blue - it looked so much better on you. Wha... what!?" asked Ainad incredulously, "I had no control over what happened to me! I just changed! It just... happened! Naya laughed heartily, "In our race, a girl takes the color of the goddess she's most like. For a while you were blue, my color for my traits. I couldn't have been happier! But then..." she frowned disappointedly, "You met that boy and fell in love. Ainad blushed, "Ho... how do you know about Koarai? Child." Said Naya simply, "I know everything about you. Ainad refrained from expressing how creepy this was before demanding further explanation. "So... I turned pink because I was in love? I'm pretty certain that's what it was. There's no telling, of course, because you can never be confident of the exact event that triggers a change. It's very rare for one of us to change in the middle of their life - maybe that's why yours caught me so off-guard. So, if they change colors, will Aire and Koj...? It's hard to tell." Said Naya. "They are not full-blooded Amase'ere - for all I know, they could stay those colors forever. And even so, I've never seen a male change before... with the exception of your brother. Drev?" asked Ainad. He's green, correct? He took the colors of Fara. Another goddess?" Ainad asked, "How many of you are there? Only three." Said Naya distantly, "Three to maintain the entire society. Ainad had been so intrigued by the Elf's story, that she had forgotten exactly how cold it was outside, she was only snapped back to reality by Aire shivering in her arms. "We'd better go inside." She said. "Er... you're welcome to come in if you'd like." She added to Naya as the four of them returned to the cottage. Hugs eyed Naya suspiciously as she entered and began to generate his usual static current just in case she did anything he didn't approve of. So..." said Ainad as she and Aire sat down on one of the fluffy pink couches. "What got rid of all of the Amaseer? Amase'ere." Naya corrected. "You need to work on your Elvish. Ainad frowned before Naya went on, "Our forest neighbors, the Scythanians eventually broke through and destroyed us. But that's a story for another day. Oh..." said Ainad, who was curious but not wanting to press the issue any further. What's that thing on your arm?" Aire burst out after what seemed like an eternity of being politely quiet. Naya waved her right arm to display her golden arm brace, "This? This is our symbol of immortality. Wearing this preserves our life; it may only be removed by the wish of the wearer. What happens if they take it off?" asked Aire. Well, they'll eventually die." Said Naya awkwardly. "Depending on how much magic they have left, of course. Couldn't they just put it back on? Once it's removed, it can never be replaced. Both Ainad and Aire were silent for a minute before Ainad finally spoke up again. "This is all really hard to believe, you know. I've lived a really normal life - I never expected to be part of some weird fairy tale. Fairy tale?" barked Naya, "This is your history whether you choose it or not! It's time you knew... and your children too, as it effects them. Aire took this as her cue, "So am I gonna be pink and have blue magic too? Naya looked surprised, "Well, there's really no way to tell until you're old enough... I'd say a change would happen about your teens if at all. Koj too? No idea. It's possible. Not likely, but possible. What's my magic?" Aire asked excitedly. No telling." said Naya again. "Could be protection, could be healing, could be disguise. It all really depends on your course of color. Your mother is a special case in the fact that she's kind of took the powers of two colors. Blue and pink." Said Aire. Yes." Assured Naya, "My protection and Daya's healing. I can't heal that well, though." Said Ainad defensively, "I'm still learning - I can't really control it. It's commendable enough that you've learned it as well as protection." Said Naya proudly. "Normally, subjects only learned one power. You're probably the first to learn two..." but she was suddenly cut off as she looked out the large window on the front of the house. "Someone's coming. Ainad's eyes widened in panic and she dove towards the window, "NO, PLEASE NOT AGAIN!!" but it was too late. Less than a second later, a large green figure came crashing through the window, shattering pieces of it all over the small room. Aire had promptly ducked behind a couch and pulled Naya behind with her just in time, but Ainad had caught the full wind of it. Damn you, Drev..." she snarled as she wobbled to her feet to glare at the smirking figure before her. "I have a door, you know. That's the fourth one this month... Drev ignored her comment and looked around, "Who's here? You were talking to someone. AND WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO QUIT SPYING ON ME!?" Ainad spat without an answer to his question. It's about time you arrived." said the small Draik coolly as she sat comfortably on a sofa's armrest. "You've been outside lurking for the past half an hour. Drev shot a nasty glance towards the small Draik before his expression quickly changed to panic. He stumbled backwards and hit the wall, staring frightfully at the petite figure before him. "What... what are you doing here?" he mumbled barely over a whisper. Ainad and Aire both looked towards the small Draik for an explanation of Drev's reaction, but she looked just as puzzled as they did. "You... know who I am?" she asked him. I've seen you before." Drev said cautiously. "In... in visions... nightmares. Nightmares?" she asked, "Go on... Drev swallowed hard and continued in a shaky voice, "You and... another like you. Differently colored, but still the same. And a war and her body and..." he stopped and looked at her warily. You've seen a war?" she asked, her own voice wavering a little. "And... you've seen someone else like me? With a horn." Drev assured as he pointed towards the single horn on her forehead. "And... and green markings. Fara." Said Naya sadly. "And you've witnessed her death? No." he said. "Just her... dead body. But how?" said Naya as she looked frightfully around to the other three in the room. "You're seeing my visions? My memories? I didn't mean to!" Drev blurted out. "They just happened while I was sleeping! Most of them happened..." he lowered his voice again, "... while I was in prison. What about you?" said Naya quickly as she turned to Ainad, "You're his twin; do you have these visions too? No!" said Ainad dreadfully, "I never! You didn't?" Drev asked. "You never had visions like this too? I can't remember ever seeing..." she paused and he eyes suddenly widened and filled with tears. "Oh wait... it's been so long, I couldn't remember. What did you see?" asked Naya gently. I saw you." Said Ainad shakily. "And... I saw another. Fara?" Naya asked eagerly. No..." Ainad said distantly as though trying hard to remember, "Pink. That's Daya." Said Naya, "What did you see? Ainad choked and covered her eyes, "It... it was terrible... What was it?" asked Drev, who sounded both interested and relieved that he wasn't the only one. I remember part of a war too... but before that, I remember seeing her. She was dead. Mangled, deformed... and she was with... someone terrible. Someone dark, I couldn't see their face. Drev, Ainad, and Aire all looked at Naya for an explanation and were surprised to see her crying. Small, pearly tears were trickling down her cheeks and she was beyond words. I... I'm sorry." Ainad apologized between her own tears. "I hated these visions. They haunted my dreams for nights after Drev was captured. I was so distraught and I couldn't live with the pain. That was when I left... and I came here. Drev frowned sadly and looked at Ainad carefully, "I didn't know that's why you left. Ainad turned her eyes to meet his, "I was devastated..." she sobbed. "...after I lost you. Drev eyed her for a minute, wanting more than anything to forgive her and let it be, but he wouldn't give up so easily. His eyes narrowed and when he spoke again, it was in his usual icy tone, "Then why didn't you come looking for me? I DID!" Ainad wailed. "I did, I sent my brother up to the citadel to find you. He fought for Darigan, he asked around. They all said you were dead! Dead?" asked Drev amusedly, "And you believed it? What was I supposed to think?" she demanded. "I couldn't stand it, when I thought you were gone... that's when the visions were the strongest. I couldn't stand to be at my home anymore because it was so near to where I met you. I had to leave - escape. I came here to start a new life and forget about all of those things. Consider yourself lucky." Drev spat. "That you were successful in that. My pain is harder to escape, I'll have to live with it forever. You can start a new life too!" she said enthusiastically, "You can change, you can forget about the past! HOW CAN I FORGET!?" he demanded. "I lived in that cell for ten years. Ten years, Ainad. During that time, you managed to create a new life, find a mate and even have children! Can you even imagine how I feel? I can!" she cried mournfully, "I can, Drev. I know you better than anyone else, I knew you before - we're one and the same! We were." He said sadly. "Once. Stop." Naya interrupted sternly as seemed to have finally recovered from the shock of having her painful memories played back. "Stop right there, and don't say another word. Please don't fight." Aire finally cried out from the side of the sofa, holding Quilly tightly in her arms. "I hate it when you fight!" Small tears of her own were dripping down her nose and Quilly nuzzled her to cheer her up. You should be ashamed of yourselves." said Naya angrily in Aire's defense. "All these years and you two still can't put aside your differences and forgive each other! Ainad bowed her head guiltily and muttered an apology, but Drev stood solid and pointed a claw at Ainad, "I can never forgive her. After all she's done to me? She's lucky I haven't killed her yet. The day might come..." Naya interrupted, matching his angry tone, "When you two will be all each other has. Drev snorted indignantly and she continued, "I beg you, please! You two are one divided! Combine your powers, work as a team. I've been alone since she left me so many years ago." Drev said simply. "And I'll continue to live that way until I can manage my revenge. Don't you dare..." started Naya, but she was too late as he had turned and left out of the broken window as quickly as he had come. Ainad choked back another sob and carefully sat herself on one of the sofas. "He'll never change." She said knowingly. "He's so stubborn! He'll never forget; he'll live with it forever! Keep trying." Said Naya as she waved a hand towards the forest outside. "Even the most steadfast leaves will fall from their perch as the weather gets cold enough. Ainad looked over to Aire and held her hand out for Aire to climb up in her lap. "I'm sorry, Aire." She said as she hugged her tightly. "He makes me so sad... and we've both been through a lot. More than you could ever imagine. It's okay, mommy." Said Aire as she hugged back. "I don't want you to be sad... and I don't want him to be mad at you. Ainad just nodded and looked back towards Naya who was now sitting on the windowsill. "You're welcome to stay if you'd like." She said as she offered a smile. "I have plenty of room... and I'd love to hear more about the Amase'ere. Naya remained still for a moment before turning around and smiling back, "Thank you, I think I will. For a little while, anyway. |
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It was a peaceful night. Christmas had been a huge success at the Mizu woodland household; Ainad's small living room was scattered with shredded wrapping paper and untied bows. Aire was off in her bedroom admiring and playing with her new prizes. (The sweater Ainad had knitted for her was left forgotten on the floor under the tree) Koarai and Koj had already retreated to their waterfall hideaway for the night and Ainad had withdrawn to the kitchen as usual. Ainad hummed merry Christmas tunes to herself as she washed dishes from the Christmas dinner and birthday cake. Nothing could have interfered with her pleasant mood... that is, nothing but her petpet, Hugs. Hugs hated Christmas. This wasn't much of a surprise, of course, as he really hated every day of the year, but still - not many people hate Christmas. He had spent most of the day hiding from people to avoid any unnecessary cheerfulness and brooding in the shadows. Naya was in the living room with him that night while Ainad did the dishes - it was her who had alerted Ainad in the first place... Oh dear!" Naya shouted from her usual perch on the sofa armrest. "What's wrong, Hugs?? Ainad poked her head out of the kitchen with rubber gloves still on and eyed her petpet in confusion. Hugs' face was contorted like never before, his color was slowly changing to a dark grey, hinting that he was not in a good mood. Hugs?" asked Ainad cautiously as she stared at him with the utmost concern. Shortly after she had spoke, Hugs inhaled sharply and, making a loud whistling noise, spat a small object across the room where it bounced off the window and landed on the floor. What the...?" Ainad wondered aloud as she and Naya looked back and forth from the window to Hugs, who still looked a mixture of sick and angry. What was that!?" Aire asked as she screeched to a halt in the living room. "What did Hugs ha...." But she quickly cut herself off once she saw what the object had been. She squealed with delight and dove down on it immediately screaming only one thing as she cupped her hands over it. "BUG! Aire!" said Ainad sternly. "Don't touch that thing! It might be poisonous! But I haven't seen a bug in forever!!" said Aire with her hands still cupped over the spot on the carpet where the bug was laying. "Did Hugs find it? Hugs opened his mouth angrily and began to generate his usual electric current as if he were trying to communicate something. It was in his mouth." Naya finally said. "Almost as if he were... choking on it. Aire peeked under her hands to look at it. It was small and yellow with a bee-like stinger on one end. "It looks juicy... and I think Hugs knocked it unconscious. Ainad breathed a sigh of relief. "Good... then we can get rid of it easier. Give it here. But Hugs wouldn't have it; he zoomed right over to where Aire was squatted on the carpet and snarled directly at her. I think he wants to get rid of it himself!" Naya chuckled as Hugs buzzed Aire to get her out of the way. Aire rubbed her hands where Hugs had zapped them and eyed him disdainfully as she backed away from the bug. "You could have asked nicely... Hugs narrowed his eyes and lowered himself closer to the bug to get a better look. No sooner had he done so when the bug's large eyes fluttered open, the bug ignited like a match and it sprung off the floor like a Jack-in-the-Box. Where'd it go?" asked Ainad frantically as she had run into the kitchen to find a flyswatter. It jumped on Hugs!" said Aire excitedly as she pointed to the small, yellow bug clinging to Hugs' underside. Hold still, Hugs..." Ainad whispered as she tiptoed towards Hugs with the flyswatter poised to strike. Hugs saw this and speeded backwards away from her. Even he knew better than to let Ainad swing a flyswatter at him. Ainad noticed this and frowned, "Well, how are we supposed to get rid of it, then??" she asked him. Hugs peeked downward at the little bug clinging helplessly to him and then he looked over at Aire who was still staring at him hungrily. The little bug felt warm against him, the fire now emanating from it didn't bother him at all, seeing as how he was mostly only made up of air anyways. Sure it had tried to choke him... but could he really just let Ainad kill it - or let Aire eat it? It was probably only looking for shelter from the cold outside... He looked back at Ainad with an odd look of uncertainty on his face. "Oooooh no." she said sternly as she recognized the look. "You're NOT keeping that thing in my house! Hugs buzzed slightly and Ainad shook her head. "No... not even just over the winter - I won't have it chewing on anything or getting us sick or something! Aire had been paying close attention to the conversation and grinned mischievously as Hugs' plan came apparent. If he kept the bug, maybe she could catch it alone someday and eat it when he wasn't looking... She'd just have to play along with his plan. Aw, let him keep it mom." She said sweetly. "It could be his... his... Christmas gift! Ainad deepened her frown and looked back and forth from Aire to Hugs. She would rather die than allow her house to be infested by even one creepy-crawly... but she couldn't deny Hugs the only thing he'd ever really asked for... especially on Christmas day... Oh FINE." She said with an exasperated sigh. "But the minute that thing crosses the line, I'm coming after it with bug repellant. Yay!" said Aire as she eyed the Hugs and the bug deviously, already beginning making plans of how to get at it. Hugs didn't notice Aire in the least - he was too occupied by the little bug sticking to him. Was that a smile on its face? It was so little that it was hard to tell... but he could have sworn the bug had just smiled at him... Well, I hope you're happy, Hugs." Said Ainad as she folded her arms across her chest. "You know it's going a lot against my will to let you keep that thing. Just promise me you'll get rid of it as soon as spring hits. Hugs buzzed happily and flew over to Ainad to nuzzle her in thanks. This Christmas gift was much better then the sweater she had given him earlier... maybe Christmas wasn't so bad after all. |
| I love it when daddy cooks..." Aire said contentedly as she and Ainad strolled back to their cottage in matching cloaks. Ainad looked slightly disappointed at this as her meals never received that kind of reaction, but she quickly forgot about it as they rounded another familiar grove of trees on the path between her cottage and Koarai's waterfall. She closed her eyes and held a hand out to her side, using her memory to guide her along as Aire hummed at her side. She sighed, letting the peaceful setting wash over her and allowing her mind to clear when, without warning, she stumbled, clinging to the nearest tree to catch her fall. Her eyes were still open, but she couldn't see anything in front of her. She blinked frantically and noticed black figures moving across her mind. They were saying things to each other, but the harder she tried to listen, the more her head began to ache. When the pain was finally unbearable, she cried out and fell to her knees, clutching the sides of her head as though it might ease the pain. Slowly, her vision began to return and the quiet of the forest was all she heard. Mom?" Aire asked cautiously, looking very pale. "That was really scary... what just happened? Are you okay? That's never happened before." Ainad said shakily as she stood up, still clinging to the tree for support. She noticed her heart was racing, and her entire body felt as though she had broke out in a cold sweat. "I saw something, but I'm not sure what it was... I've never had a vision while I was awake. Let's go home." Aire said concernedly as she grabbed for Ainad's hand, "Naya will know... NAYA!" Ainad shrieked as she pushed off of the tree and stumbled forward. "Something's not right..." She began to run, feeling unstable on her feet but unwilling to stop, knowing her home wasn't too far away. She reached the clearing where their home was shortly; the same welcoming smoke was drifting out of the chimney, but something about it was eerie. What was it? Finally regaining her balance, she stormed up the front path and threw the door open to find the room dark. Hugs and Quilly were both sitting on the couch, Hugs looked upset and Quilly looked as though he was trying to comfort him. She's gone." Ainad breathed. What?" Aire asked as she caught up, "Who is? Naya." Ainad explained, small tears forming in her eyes. "She just left, didn't she? Hugs nodded sadly and looked towards the table by where Naya usually sat. There, lying perfectly on a coaster, was her small golden wrist brace. Noooo," Aire moaned as she crept closer for a better look. Ainad was just about to say something when she felt her heart wrench and turned around to look out the large window just in time to see Drev's large form collapse in their front yard. "Goodness!" she shouted as she opened the front door and ran down the path towards him. Drev, are you okay?" she demanded, wiping the tears from her eyes. I came as quickly as I could." he said, breathlessly as he shakily sat up. "It happened while I was hunting - I just dropped everything. What happened?" Ainad asked. "Unless... did you black out too? I guess you could call it that," he said as he brushed some drenched hair out of his face, "Whatever it was, it was terrible. And I knew she was gone. Ainad frowned, wondering what could have happened to them, why Naya would leave in the first place, and why Drev had felt he had to come. "Why did you come here?" she asked, "You never knew Naya. I did," he answered simply. "She came to my cave once. She went to your cave? Why would she do that? She wanted to talk to me." Drev said vaguely as he stood up. "How am I supposed to know? Why did she leave?" Ainad asked him desperately, slowly beginning to tear up again. "Why didn't she tell me? She didn't want you to freak out," Drev answered, "and she did tell you. Ainad stared at him blankly, "She didn't... unless you mean what happened... Why not? Wouldn't you rather find out that way then just come back and see her gone? Once it happened you knew, didn't you. Yes," Ainad admitted, "but it didn't hit me until Aire mentioned we go home... They both sighed and looked downward, allowing their minds time to process their thoughts before Ainad spoke again, just barely over a whisper, "What does this mean... for us? I don't know," Drev answered truthfully. "Did she leave anything? Just her brace." Ainad choked. That's it!" Drev said as his eyes widened with realization, "The brace! What about it?" Ainad demanded, looking at him with cloudy eyes. It's there for a purpose - it's got to mean something..." he mused aloud as he paced back and forth, rubbing his chin. "I think... I think maybe you should try it on. HAH!" Ainad laughed harshly, "Try it on? It might fit on my pinkie finger if I squeezed it enough. Don't you have any respect for the dead, Drev? How can you suggest that so shortly after her passing! If nothing else, we should bury it in honor of her memory. No." Drev said firmly. "You can't get rid of it. She left it with you; it's your responsibility now. Something tells me she wouldn't be happy if she knew you had gotten scared and disposed of it. Ainad sighed exasperatedly, "So I'm supposed to play dress-up and wear it? That's the silliest thing I've ever heard of, Drev. Here we've just lost the only relative we've ever known and you're coming up with these stupid ideas - why can't you grieve like a normal person? Mom?" Aire called out as she closed the front door to the house and walked towards Ainad and Drev, holding something small in her cupped hands, "You need this. Ainad frowned when she was what Aire had brought her, were she and Drev working together in this? "No, Aire, I don't need it, nor do I want it. There's just something wrong with playing with those kinds of artifacts. She reached over to take it from Aire, but quickly withdrew her hand. As soon as her outstretched palm was over the brace, it had immediately begun to glow and increase in size. Aire shrieked and dropped it into the grass where it stopped growing and split open down the middle like a trap waiting for its prey. Creepy..." Aire voiced for all of them as they carefully surrounded it. "Why'd it do that? Ainad's its next wearer." Drev explained before he turned to face Ainad. "It's time for you to awaken your powers. Small, pearly tears flowed down each of her cheeks as she looked back and forth from the object to Drev, "I... I'm scared. Don't be, mom." Aire said as she patted Ainad awkwardly on the arm. "I think he's right. Ainad looked back to Drev and was shocked to see something different in him. Had Naya's passing changed him too? For once, she felt like she could trust him... he seemed to know more than she did - he seemed so mature. Without another word, she lowered to her knees and placed her arm in the brace. It clasped shut and sealed with a beam of golden light. It seemed to be the perfect fit! Cool..." Aire said as she watched Ainad stand up. Well, I tried it on, now what?" Ainad asked, seemingly disappointed that nothing had happened and all of her apprehension had been for nothing. "And how do I get it off? The wish of the wearer, remember?" Aire said excitedly. "You just have to wish it off! It probably won't hurt you when you take it off because you're not immortal or anything. Remember, that's how they stayed alive... Naya must have wished hers off tonight... Ainad frowned and held her arm up in front of her for further examination, "Well, if I'm not immortal, what use is it to me? Try something." Drev suggested, "Just your regular magic. Drev," Ainad said sternly, "You know I don't like to use my magic... Just try it. Ainad rolled her eyes before closing them and snapping her fingers, immediately all of the blue lights in the meadow sparked to life, lighting the entire place as though it were mid-afternoon. Wow!" Aire said as she looked around. Ainad's jaw dropped, "I... I can usually only make a little spark... I use that when it's really dark out... Try something else!" Drev said. Er..." Ainad hesitated before holding both hands out in front of her and creating a large blue dome that covered the entire meadow. Oooohhhh..." Aire commented as though she were watching a fireworks show. "What about that thing that you do when Drev attacks you or when you're really scared? Um..." Ainad said, still in shock at how intense her powers were at the moment, "I can't really do that on command... How do you feel?" Drev asked as he looked around the meadow, surveying the blue dome and blue lights. "Is it taking any of your energy to keep this up? Not... really..." Ainad said, trying to remember what it felt like using magic before. "I would have collapsed by now for sure. So maybe it just intensifies your magic!" Aire said, "That could really come in handy! Not really," Ainad said as she waved her left hand over the clasp and the brace fell off of her arm. The meadow went completely dark once more, only a few dancing blue lights offering light to see by, "I have no use for such power... You will." Drev said, "Don't dismiss it so easily - it could come in use. Like how? Healing power." Drev said, "What if someone in your family was near death and you were able to intensify your magic enough to save them? Ainad's bottom lip trembled; that reason alone was worth hanging on to this item... maybe it would come in handy. "But I don't want to wear it all of the time... So only use it when you need it." Aire said. "Just keep it nearby just in case. O...okay." Ainad said as she picked it up and watched it shrink back to its normal, small size. "But what about...? She looked cautiously over to where Drev stood by her side. "What about you, Drev? I'll be fine." he said gruffly as he turned away and spread his wings. "Just keep it safe. It was too late to stop him before he took off, Ainad only hoped that something would change in him too... if it hadn't already. "Lets go, Aire." she said sadly as she slipped the brace into the pocket of her cloak and turned to go inside, "I think that's enough excitement for one night. |
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Drev sighed heavily as he hacked through some of the heavy foliage on his island. He had been feeling really down lately, ever since Naya had passed. Seeing Ainad acquire such power made him feel terrible. Why her and not him? If any of them could handle massive amounts of magic and put it to use, why Ainad? If anything she might bring it to use once a year when she was in mortal danger - and even then, she was never in danger from anyone except him. Not to mention that since that event, it seemed as though his own magic powers had been stripped from him. Granted his transformation powers seemed to be weakening with age, but he never expected that they'd disappear completely. He felt so powerless now; his own sister was stronger than him. How could Naya do this to him!? After all he had done for her, even in her death, she chooses to pay him back by stripping him of the magic that he was rightfully born with!? She always favored Ainad. he thought bitterly. Everyone does. He swung his sword hard, barely grazing the side of his petpet, Kuive. Kuive yelped and jumped backwards but hadn't been hurt, thankfully, as he was a ghost. Why couldn't she leave me with anything!?" Drev demanded. "She didn't trust me? Is it just because I'm a guy? Well now I'm no different from anyone else - what good am I anymore? I can't sneak around, I can't change, I can't even protect myself with anything other than my own strength. What's so special about that!? Kuive laid his ears back and inched away from Drev, knowing it was best to avoid him in times like these. Now what am I supposed to do?" Drev wondered as he slammed one of his blades into the ground and sat roughly on a nearby tree stump. "Even if I still want to try killing Ainad, she's too sensitive now. She'll feel me coming from a mile away! And I have no way of disguising that. ... maybe that was her plan all along. Make me all vulnerable and then take away my magic so that I can't hurt her precious Ainad. Well, what's to stop Ainad from hurting me now!? She's got the obvious advantage! But he knew Ainad would never do anything to him - and that only added to his anger and confusion on the whole issue. His entire life seemed to be one disappointment after another. What had he ever done to deserve this!? And, as if all of this wasn't enough, he was really beginning to question the company he kept. Jax and Radon were probably his best friends - not for the way they treated him, but for the fact that they were simply the only people who really bothered to talk to him any more. Granted, every time they opened their mouth it was either an insult or some kind of terrible accusation. Why did it seem so hard for him to make friends? Just anyone would do... someone to sit and listen to him, someone who might even care about how he felt... He sighed and shook his head. What was he thinking? As if someone like him could ever come across such good fortune... He was cursed to be forever damned - in every possible place of his life. C'mon, Kuive." he grumbled through a partial choke as he stood and withdrew his blade from the ground. "Let's go home. He had barely even spoke when he noticed his Ganuthor's ears perk and then lay back threateningly. Drev recognized this behavior from Kuive being scared or excited before - he usually acted like this when there was an intruder on the island. Drev quickly dropped behind a large plant and eyed Kuive carefully. "What is it, boy?" he hissed. His question was soon answered as a small Draik rounded the bend. She was humming and walking with a cheerful bounce in her step. She had a small backpack draped over her shoulders and stout blue Flowper at her side. What the...? Drev thought incredulously as he patted Kuive to calm him. What is she doing here!? Pretty creepy island, huh Quilly?" the girl said as she paused to survey her surroundings. "It's like it's frozen in time or something - we haven't even seen any animals or anything. Her Flowper nodded and examined a nearby twig before trying to eat it. It's kind of boring here..." she continued, "I think I like the jungles and forests on the mainland better. Are you ready? Hop on, let's go home. Before he even knew what he was doing, Drev had stood up and stepped out from behind his hiding place. His face was twisted in hatred and disgust as he flung his sword out and grazed it just below the girl's chin. What are you doing here?" he demanded through clenched teeth, ignoring the fact that she wasn't armed. I... I was just exploring!" she whimpered, eying his blade with misty eyes. "Please don't kill me, Drev, I wouldn't have come here if I thought... Now you're going to tell Ainad, aren't you?" he snarled. "So she can come out and keep trying to 'cure' me? I can't let you tell her where I am. This is my home. My sanctuary. I... I understand!" she said, "I won't tell her a thing! Drev narrowed his eyes and watched the Flowper cling to Aire's leg for protection from the growling Ganuthor. He didn't really feel like killing her right now... but he didn't want to let her go. If Ainad found his island, then he really would have lost everything... No." he said, reaching out his other arm and gripping her tiny wrist. He had barely closed his fingers around her arm when a flash of bright blue light hit him and knocked him backwards out of breath. He landed hard on his back and quickly sat up, re-gaining breath in short gasps. Aire looked just as terrified as he did as she stood frozen in her spot, a single tear streaming down her left cheek. How... how did you...?" he asked between breaths. I don't know!" she sobbed. "What just happened!? You've obviously developed some of your mother's magic." he coughed, still not ready to fully stand up yet. "You've never done that before? No!" she said, "Did I hurt you? Drev ignored the question, hoping to avoid the fact that a young girl had just knocked him off of his feet. "Well... I guess I was about your age when.... You have magic too?" she asked. "My mom never mentioned... I guess I always thought you were normal... Mine was different." he explained, ignoring the thought about being considered 'normal'. "And she probably didn't want to scare you. Aire calmed down a bit when she realized Drev wasn't attacking her anymore. "You were my age, though? Yeah," he said as he leaned back on his arms and allowed his torso to stretch and alleviate the pain. "I was pretty young... one of my mentors taught me how to channel my magic and use it. Otherwise I never would have known how to do anything with the powers I had... He trailed off when he realized what he was doing. Here he was, sitting and chatting with his niece... the one he swore to kill, no less. Why was she being so civil to him anyways?? What was she planning!? Do you think my parents will teach me how to use it?" Aire asked, "You know, if I have it too... Why should I care?" Drev snapped, suddenly angry at himself for being so polite for so long. "No go on and get out of here before I decide to kill you again. Aire's excited expression quickly changed to an angry glare, "Well you don't have to be so ignorant about it!" she grumbled. "For a minute there, you seemed pretty normal - not at all like what my mom says about you. Come on, Quilly, let's go. Quilly? She looked around to find her Flowper crouching terrified behind a rock as Kuive just stood there staring at him. Quilly was moaning and squirming as though he were really uncomfortable - Aire had never seen him like this before, usually Quilly got along with everyone. Quilly, what's wrong?" she asked, rushing towards him and looking concerned. "Shoo, you stupid Ganuthor! Drev had finally stood up approached them to get Kuive. "I thought I told you to get out of here, Aire. Well I can't leave without my petpet!" she retorted as she continued trying to coax Quilly out. Drev growled and stepped back to watch, "You know you'll never learn anything about magic from your parents, right? They'll teach you the sissy ways to use it, you'll be lucky if you can even ever get your spark to happen again. Your mom was terrible with her magic... she couldn't even do a spark by the time I was fully in control of my powers. Aire grabbed one of Quilly's legs and pulled him out, kicking and screaming before turning back to glare at Drev, "Well who's more powerful of you two now, huh? Maybe magic's not something one should rush into. Why you little... Drev thought, resisting the urge to strangle her right there. "We'll see. We'll see how powerful you are the next time you happen across me. God willing, I hope you can at least sense me sooner. I will be." she retaliated. "And I'll even be stronger than you. Not if you're learning from Ainad." he sneered. But she had heard enough and leapt up into the air before he could say any more, dragging Quilly along with her. Drev seemed pleased with himself for getting in the last word, but he was also struck with a slight bit of paranoia. What if she did tell Ainad where he was... and, even worse, what if she eventually became stronger than he was? She was already halfway there... Aire refrained from offering Drev a rude gesture as she flew away. Who was he to question her parents like that anyways? Here he was, living alone and stalking small girls like herself - didn't he have anything better to do? Of all people, who was he to insult her family? Maybe Ainad had been right about him all along... |
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Having learned better from her last visit, Aire decided to leave Quilly at home this time. She had decided to take a trip back to Drev's island... partly because she had a lack of anything better to do and partly because she was curious. What did he do all day, cooped up on that island alone with his creepy Ganuthor? Ever since she discovered she might be developing some magic skills, she'd felt invincible. She had seen what kind of power her mom had, it only made sense that she would gain similar powers! Drev couldn't hurt her if he found her - she could just use her magic to protect herself. At least... that would be ideal - but she had only used her magic once... and that was on accident. She still had no idea if she could call on it again - or if she could even use it on command. But, no matter - she'd go completely undetected. It was just a simple spy mission; he wouldn't even know she was there. She adjusted her backpack on her shoulders as she neared the island. Now she just had to find him... it was a pretty big island... After browsing the island and doing her best to stay hidden while doing so, she eventually found him. What is he doing? she wondered as she noticed him being led through the dense forest by his Ganuthor. She swooped down silently and perched herself on a branch where she could watch. She noticed Drev pause and leaned in for a better look. That big oaf. she smirked to herself. Who would want to spend all day, every day alone!? What's he even looking for? She watched closely as Drev signaled for Kuive to fall back and he ducked behind a tree. Aire craned her neck past a large branch in order to get a better look at what he was hunting. When she finally spotted it, she nearly fell out of the tree in surprise! She clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming and watched Drev, terrified for him. What was he going to do? Before Drev and Kuive, in the middle of the field, stood a large deer-like creature. Or, at least it only resembled a deer more than any other creature she could put her thumb on... It stood about nine feet from the bottom of its three-toed hooves to the tip of its ears. Its horns, rather than branch towards the sky, bent backwards lying nearly parallel to the creature's back. They also seemed to be connected in the center - as though the antlers were bent to form some misshapen halo. Its face was more similar to a bear than a deer, she thought, and its tail was slightly longer as well. The worst part about the creature, though, and probably the reason it had initially scared her was the fact that it appeared to be glowing... The creature's eyes were a deep blood red and looked as though they lacked pupils. She even thought that she could see right through it. Was it a ghost? And why wasn't Drev running away!? That thing could trample him! She watched carefully; partially because she was curious to further understand what exactly the strange creature was and partially because she wanted to see how Drev would handle the situation. She was surprised to see him taking it rather well. In fact... this was the calmest she'd ever seen him. Usually, when he was around her family, he was loud, obnoxious, and constantly enraged. Now watching him was like watching a strange dream sequence. She watched as the creature reared up on its hind legs to reach and lick off some moss higher up on the tree's trunk. Slowly, Drev moved out from behind his tree. He was staying crouched low to the ground and moving slowly and fluidly towards his prey. She couldn't believe it... he was actually hunting that monster! Kuive followed slowly behind Drev, barely ever parting more than inches from Drev's ankle. He, too, was focused on the beast, following loyally behind his Draik master. She watched as Drev and Kuive drew closer to the creature and Drev drew back his right hand. She couldn't tell what he was holding in it with the fog all throughout the clearing, but he wouldn't have it for long. She had barely even noticed it was there when Drev flung it towards the creature, hitting it square in the neck. Without warning, the creature reared back and let out a terrifying bellow that pierced the silence. Aire yelped and clung to her branch quickly to keep from falling off. The creature whipped around and lowered its large head before charging straight at Drev and Kuive. Drev and Kuive, however, seemed hardly phased by its reaction and both of them managed to dodge out of the way before it reached them. The creature took a sharp turn and charged them again. It overshot its attack as Drev and Kuive managed to avoid it once again. What are they doing!? Aire nearly panicked. Are they trying to get themselves killed!? She was so caught up worrying about their fate and wondering what they were doing, that she didn't even notice them moving steadily closer to where she was hiding. The creature continued to charge and overshoot Drev and Kuive, growing continuously more exhausted. Aire had just noticed that she could hear the creature's wheezing when it took a final charge at its two hunters, directly in the path of her tree. She didn't catch it soon enough, and when the beast's massive head connected with the base of her tree it completely shook her loose. She shrieked and tried her best to catch herself, but ran out of time and landed squarely on her side, knocking the wind out of her lungs. She gasped for air and forced herself to sit up just as the creature turned towards her. YOU!? she heard Drev shout. "What the hell are you doing on my island!? I told you to... get... get... GET OUT OF THE WAY! Aire wheezed helplessly and clawed at the ground, trying to pull herself out of the way as the creature lowered its head and stamped its large feet. Heavy tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision as she continued her staggered crawl. She was going to die like this, she knew it. Right here in front of the creepy ghost creature and Drev. What a sucky way to die. She blinked again, causing a few tears to spill over and roll down her cheeks as the beast left its spot and began charging towards her. She knew she couldn't run away - she could barely even breathe! And her side and arm ached... could she even stand up? Help me..." she gasped, though she knew Drev wouldn't be able to hear her. She glanced up towards the charging creature and ducked her head down just as Drev flung himself out in front of her and took a blade to the creature's neck, causing it to disappear in a cloud of smoke. DAMMIT!" he said, turning towards her and flaring his nostrils, "I've been hunting him for the last month! Go figure I finally get to him and you show up and ruin it... I'm sorry." Aire whispered, clutching her right wrist to her chest, "Please don't kill me, Drev... I was scared. Kill you!?" Drev snorted, "Oh, I could do far worse... especially after you scared away the Eldebeast Kro. I thought I told you never to come back here. I..." Aire started, before she realized she didn't really have a decent excuse, "I accidentally left my backpack. Drev stared at her incredulously, wondering if she really expected him to believe that. Why had she really come back? He couldn't allow for some little girl to be hanging around a place like this. But... how was he supposed to get her to stay away without killing her...? Then again, why was he so afraid to just kill her and be done with it? After all, she had knowingly come back to the island - it was her fault for walking into this trap. Ainad would be completely devastated if he killed her only daughter. But then there was the fact that Ainad was more powerful than he was... if she came to seek revenge, he wouldn't stand a chance. Not that he'd be able to live with himself after ever losing to Ainad anyways... He sneered at Aire in complete disgust. She was sniffling pitifully and wringing her wrist next to her chest. Didn't she have any friends to occupy her time? What could he do to punish her? He shook his head slightly once his mind started concocting ideas of punishment. His ideas of punishment were definitely not the same as most parents... and the thought of doing anything like that to a child was just... inhuman. He knew that first-hand - and he swore he would never take part in such villainous acts. So what did parents usually do to punish their children? Make them sit in a corner? Spank them? Take their allowance? He wondered if this was why children were so undisciplined these days... He watched as she struggled to her feet, gangly knees knocking together and wobbling to keep her balance. She flailed one arm out to the side and started to fall backwards when Drev reached out and grabbed her pack. It stopped her fall and he tugged on it to turn her around to face him. It... it really hurts." she sobbed, motioning to her wrist. "I landed on it funny and I can't feel my fingers. And... and my wing doesn't feel right either. Drev winced; he wanted to get her off the island as soon as possible... but how was he supposed to do that with her in this condition? My mom can fix it." she said. "I know she can. Then you'd better get going." Drev snorted as he slung his sword over his shoulder and turned towards the path to his cave. But... how?" Aire asked, wide-eyed at the thought that he was really just going to leave her there. I don't know!" he snapped. "Walk, swim, something... just get out of my sight before I change my mind about killing you. Aire frowned and teared up again. "But... I... I can't just stay here and..." How was she supposed to explain to Drev that she was scared or hurting? He couldn't understand that... and he'd probably quickly grow annoyed with her whining, too. She bit her bottom lip to keep it from quivering and looked cautiously up to where the large green Draik stood over her. She couldn't help it, it was the only idea she had - she still doesn't know what possessed her to ask it, but before she could stop herself, she opened her mouth and blurted, "Will you take me home? The question caught Drev off his guard and he opened his mouth slowly, hoping that some kind of smart comeback would jump right off his tongue. But he seemed to be at a loss for words - how was he supposed to answer that!? He didn't want to make her worse when she was already hurt... and he didn't want her to hang around his island. Without a word, he reached down and lifted her effortlessly by her backpack. Aire quickly covered her eyes as Drev leapt roughly into the air. The slow, steady beats of his wings were hypnotic as she hung below him by the straps of her backpack. They were both praying that no one would see. After all, each one of them couldn't bear the humiliation of being seen with the other - especially with Aire dangling from her backpack like that. What would Ainad say? Aire's fear slowly melted away as they drew closer to her forest and she squirmed slightly once she spotted the welcoming stream of smoke drifting out of Ainad's chimney. Drev quickly lowered them into a dark corner of the woods next to the house. He dropped Aire while she was still a good six feet in the air, but she caught herself and landed on her feet. "Don't tell your mom where you were." he said shortly. "And don't ever come back to my island. Aire, however, wasn't listening. She was so shocked that it had actually worked... she had gone to Drev's island, been discovered, fallen out of a tree and talked him into flying her home - how on earth was she still alive!? The way Ainad talked about him, she should have been dead the minute she fell out of the tree and into his sight. Why did he spare her? Maybe Ainad was really wrong about Drev... Thank you." she said quietly, adjusting one of the straps to her backpack as it was sliding down her shoulder. "Thank you for bringing me home... I owe you one. Drev simply snorted and turned to leave as quickly as he had arrived. Aire watched him leave and wondered if he was heading back to resume his hunting. She felt bad about chasing off the creature he had mentioned, but she still didn't understand what it was - or even why Drev was hunting it. Stop, Aire. she commanded herself. Stop wondering about this or you'll end up going back there again... next time you won't be as lucky. With a slight spring in her step from the excitement of being home, she stepped forward into the meadow. The sun was just starting to set and the fireflies were coming out and dancing all over between where she stood and where the house was. She noticed her mother's silhouette in the kitchen window and couldn't help but grin. Never before had it felt so good to come home. |
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Aire shot a nasty glance at Hugs as she passed through the main room in her cozy woodland cottage. Her mother had gone off to Neopia to visit her family there and Aire had been left under the watchful eyes of Ainad's dreadful pet Cirrus. Hugs sizzled a little to let her know he was watching and she rolled her eyes. Leave it to a cloud to think he's got seniority over a Draik. Why her mom kept him around, she would never know. She had been plotting for the last few days on the best way to get Hugs back for the way he'd treated her, but she had had no such luck on coming up with a worthy punishment. Broooo wooo!" Quilly sang as he grinned back and forth between the two. He was probably the only reason Aire and Hugs hadn't started openly fighting - both of them were pretty fond of the little Flowper, and it was out of respect for him that they kept their differences below the surface. Hmph." Aire snorted as she stormed past Hugs and out the front door. She knew he wouldn't stop her - he was only left behind to make her life miserable, not to baby-sit. She placed her hands on her hips and stared out into the forest, still feeling angry with the Cirrus inside. It was bad enough being bossed around by her mother - she didn't need her stupid petpet doing it too. She was so lost in her thoughts of Cirrus-torture, that she paid no attention to her surroundings. Her mother had warned her before she left that she shouldn't step out of the house without first checking the forest. Ainad had been teaching Aire how to sense other magic - or, at least, other magic descended from their ancestors. Aire was getting to be pretty good at it, too - but she would still prefer to learn things like fight-back magic rather than avoid-and-run magic. Nearby, behind a large tree just on the border of the woods, stood the most unwelcome of all visitors to the Lirakalya Meadow: Ainad's brother. He hadn't seen Ainad coming or going for the last few days, but it looked like Aire was still there. And... damn she looked a lot like Ainad... standing there like that. He shuddered slightly, the resemblance sent a chill down his spine - maybe it was because she was the age Ainad was the last time they saw each other... that fateful day that changed both of their lives forever. In fact, Aire seemed almost exactly like Ainad was: very powerful, but too cowardly to act. It made him sick. Why was all of the good magic wasted on fools who wouldn't use it? She's living her life playing and exploring, just like Ainad did when she was that age - useless things! He hated that fact... He could be using magic for important things like hunting and spying. Aire was just stretching her arms high above her head thinking that it looked like a good night for moth-trapping when it happened. A sense somewhere deep inside her pricked and she froze. He's here. He was there, somewhere in the forest. Come on, she urged herself, Channel it, find him, find him! Her eyes swept the forest looking for any possible sign that Drev was nearby. Where was her mom when she needed her!? So she had learned how to sense... what good would that be if he chose to attack? Come on, concentrate! He had to be... somewhere towards the path... to the left of the lamppost... beyond the well... At the perfect time, a firefly flared up in the distance and Aire felt the sharp prick inside her again - there he was. She had caught the quickest glance of a shadowy figure crouched behind a tree. Probably trying to decide if mom's here, she thought, ...coward. Drev knew he had been spotted. He had been watching her reaction closely - had she learned to sense? What was he supposed to do now? If Ainad was really gone, and it was just Aire - then he could take her... but he didn't like the idea of charging forward. Something about her didn't feel right... What's the matter, Drev?" he heard her call. "Scared of the fireflies? He twitched slightly in a mix of rage and hesitation. He couldn't let his guard down... it could be a trap. Aire, however, was loving it. She knew she had no power over Drev, but she liked to provoke him. It was obvious that he was jealous of her magical skills - even if she didn't have the right handle on them yet. "It's okay..." she taunted, "they won't hurt you, I promise. Drev decided he had enough and stepped out from behind the tree, straightening himself up to his full, towering height. "You'd think..." he hissed so low that she could barely understand him. "That one child wouldn't act so careless without their bodyguard to take care of them. Are you trying to prove yourself? Trying to make like you're something special? That must be it - in a life where you've accomplished nothing other than hiding behind your mother, I'm sure you're glad she's away. You finally have your selfish opportunity to get yourself killed without her here to step in for you. Well let me tell you something, you ungrateful little brat - blatant stupidity should never be mistaken for martyrdom. Aire blinked, Ouch.... I've never seen such a disgrace at this age - not since your mother was younger. At this, Aire finally snapped, losing all common sense and storming across the meadow to where Drev was standing. "You heartless son of a Chia." she spat. "What could she have ever done to you to make you hate her so much? Aside from the fact that you're jealous of her, what other problem do you have? You claim you're going to kill her - you've been saying it since I was a baby... yet you still haven't because why? Are you afraid? Afraid you'll lose the only person who ever had the heart to care for you? SHUT UP!" Drev roared, charging towards Aire until they were toe-to-toe. They each started at each other with more hatred than either of them have ever felt towards another. You could never understand. Suddenly, as if their anger had erupted between them, they were each thrown backwards. The immense light that had suddenly flooded the dark forest had temporarily blinded them both, but when Aire's eyesight finally came to, she quickly spotted the source. Hugs the Cirrus had burst from the house once he realized Drev was in the yard and had thrown the two apart. It looked as though he was closing in on Drev, who was still rubbing his eyes painfully and trying to open them to get an idea of what had just happened. Hugs stop!" Aire commanded. Nothing would make her look more cowardly than sending her mom's Cirrus to protect her. She wanted to be the one to hurt Drev - to finally put him out of their lives. Why did Hugs always have to get in the way!? Hugs zeroed in on Drev, sparking and spitting like Aire had never seen him do before. Drev had covered his face with his hands and was writhing and dodging as many lightning bursts as he could, but he wouldn't last much longer... HUGS!" Aire shouted as she stormed up behind him, "I said STOP! As if an invisible fist had closed around the small Cirrus, Hugs completely froze. He was frozen with a shocked look on his face, and his electricity had completely cleared off. He was now only glowing an eerie blue glow, lighting Aire next to him and Drev at her mercy in front of them. Drev flopped over and inhaled sharply, his body still smoking and his eyes rolled back slightly behind his eyelids. Aire winced when she saw him and bit her bottom lip. Now what? A minute ago, she was ready to tear him from limb to limb in any way she could. Now, with Hugs as her witness and Drev at the disadvantage, what would she do? Drev's hand twitched slightly and she heard him moan; he was coming to. Slowly, he opened his eyes and turned them towards Aire. He was still lying flat on his back and he wasn't moving - she could tell he wouldn't have to sit up even if he could... he was just waiting for her to finish it. I... I can't... she frowned, It was an unfair fight... Hugs shouldn't have intervened. If I'm going to finish him, I want to do it on my own. She narrowed her eyes at him and remembered the last time they had met, almost two months ago. Drev had shown her sympathy when he could have easily killed her. Now the tides have turned and it was up to her to decide on the next step. Come on, Hugs." she mumbled as she plucked the still-frozen Cirrus from the sky and held him at her side before turning to Drev, "We're even now." she said, "I'm not going to do or say any more - I haven't forgotten how you helped me before. I will give you this warning: if you ever come back here, don't think that I'll stop Hugs from killing you. And I don't want to ever hear you talking about my mom like that again. Or else I just may have to kill you myself... With one last cold stare, she turned and headed up the path towards the cottage holding Hugs at her side. Ainad would be home the next night and, as far as Aire was concerned, she wouldn't ever have to know what had just happened. |
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Hugs remained frozen until Ainad came home the next day. She was shocked and wondered how he had managed to get like that, but neither he nor Aire said anything. In fact, neither of them mentioned the entire incident at all. Aire kept it secret because she didn't want to get in trouble and well, she figured Hugs would be pretty embarrassed by the whole ordeal. It was nice to have Ainad back, though. Things always felt safer with her around, and Hugs was a lot easier to stand. A few days later, Aire decided to take Quilly out for a walk. They had both stayed cooped up in the house since her fight with Drev and they both thought some fresh air sounded like a good idea. She decided they'd stay close, not that she was worried or anything, but just in case. Then Ainad would be nearby - it was always a good idea to have a backup plan. Quilly loved getting out and immediately took off in all directions. Aire simply followed him and grinned, she would never stop being amused by her little petpet. Soon, all thoughts of danger had completely cleared her head. The only thing on her mind was searching that nearby log for a good bug specimen... She had no sooner taken a step towards the log when a large hand stretched from the trees behind her and clapped over her mouth. The other one soon followed, grasping both of her wrists tightly behind her back. Aire attempted a scream, but it was useless. She squirmed and stamped her feet before Drev finally leaned in and spoke over her shoulder. "I wanted to talk to you." he said as he started to effortlessly drag her off. Aire shot him a spiteful glance and murmured in protest. It wasn't long until they had nearly reached the shoreline - Aire was sure Ainad wouldn't be able to sense them all the way out there. Drev removed the hand from Aire's mouth and began tying her hands behind her back. "Are you kidding me!?" she shouted at him. "You think this old trick's actually going to work!? Untie me! Well, I figure, if I tie your hands just right, you can't use your wings and fly away. He's right... Aire thought reluctantly. She couldn't even move her wings with her arms in the way like that... Darnit... Well... what do you want then!? I wanted to talk to you." Drev said, looking slightly sheepish. Aire looked incredulous; what on earth would he have to say to her!? I wanted you to know," he said carefully, "That Ainad's not the only one who's ever cared for me. Aire stared. Right before Naya left, she came and talked to me. She said she really cared for me, too. And some of the soldiers who raised me... they cared about me too. And the couple I stayed with before coming here. Why...? I just thought you should know," he said finally, "that I'm not totally unloved. Why are you telling this to me!?" Aire looked horrified. "I don't care! BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT!" Drev roared, tugging hard on her rope, causing her to crash to her knees. "It's important to me! Okay, okay!" Aire cried, wincing in pain. "Okay, so other people like you too, that's great. I did a lot of thinking about what you said," Drev started again, ignoring her, "And I just thought you ought to know that. You don't even know me but you think you do. You make all of these assumptions based on what Ainad's told you. But she's probably never even really told you what happened between us, has she? That's because I never asked!" Aire said, "That's between you and her, it doesn't concern me! Drev seemed satisfied with this answer. "I just... don't want you to judge me by what you've heard from your mom. Really, you haven't done anything wrong to me... I mean, if I overlook the whole Eldebeast incident and your constant insistence of invading my private island... Aire winced but Drev continued, "I... I don't think it's fair for me to hate you just because who you're related to. I'm willing to give you another chance if you'll give me one in return. Aire was speechless, "You mean...? Not like... love each other or anything!" Drev said quickly looking disgusted. "Just... not hate each other. Think you can live with that? I can live with that. Well, then I kind of had a favor to ask..." Drev added hesitantly. "Ainad's teaching you magic and... well, I never really learned how to control mine - Ainad and I didn't really know when we were that age, but now that she's figured it out and she's telling you, I thought that maybe you could show me... I mean, if you think you understand and I have a chance for... you know, I always wished I had understood better... could have saved me years ago and it's got a lot of use and... Hold it." Aire said looking astounded, "I can barely understand where you're getting at... you want me to teach magic to you!? Well, it's not like Ainad would teach me!" Drev snapped, "And Naya's not really around for that anymore, is she!? And I'm not going to teach you a thing if you keep talking to me like that!" Aire snapped back. "I don't care if you're older than me, if you want something, you can at least act respectful! Fine." Drev sneered.Please teach me. Well, you know... I'm not even that good yet." Aire said, looking embarrassed. "You should know that by now. Yeah, well it's more than I've got." Drev said, a hint of bitterness in his tone. And, if I'm going to teach you anything..." Aire interrupted, "You've got to promise me that you... you won't use it against my family. Not me, not my mom, not dad or Koj. You can't even use it against our petpets... 'cept Hugs, I guess - I don't care what you do to him. Okay." Drev agreed quickly, "I won't use it against you. And...." Aire added thoughtfully, "I want you to teach me how to hunt. Hunt?" Drev asked, looking surprised. Well, we might as well make it a trade." Aire said, "And who better to learn hunting from than you? Drev looked very pleased with himself, "Yeah well... a lot of practice, you know. Which means," Aire added, "I want to know how to fight and kill the creatures on your island. And I want to know what makes them different from the creatures in my forest. Ah, that stuff's easy." Drev said. "Shouldn't take long to teach you that. Then I can teach you what I know." Aire said, "But no promises, I'm not sure how similar our magic would be and stuff. Yeah well, knowing something would be better than knowing nothing." Drev said. "You want to start tomorrow or something? Okay..." Aire said cautiously. Then meet me on the beach of my island tomorrow afternoon. Don't go any farther into the woods or down the beach, do you understand? Yeah, I understand." Aire snapped, "Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I'm stupid, you know. Yeah, whatever." Drev said, ignoring her as he untied her wrists, "Oh, and don't say anything about it to your mom." he added. "She'd probably come out and kill me or something. Yeah, after killing me first." Aire said, little visions of Ainad nagging her for being careless floated around in her head. Well... tomorrow, then." Drev said as he turned and left just as quickly as he had shown up. Aire watched him go and felt nervous. Should she have agreed? What if it was some kind of trap? He sounded sincere but... you never really knew with him. Was it really a good idea to keep something like this from Ainad? What if she went over there tomorrow and never came back? Maybe she should tell someone... She shook her head and started walking back towards the forest. No doubt Quilly was already home by now, wondering where she had gone. She'd think of something before she left tomorrow. She did really want to learn how to hunt... and Drev wasn't that dangerous if she could defend herself with magic... right? |
| Shhhhhh..." Drev hissed as he and Aire crouched behind a silver bush. Aire carefully moved to where she could see. She and Drev had been meeting in secret to tutor each other for the past several months whenever they could get a chance. They had to be sure Ainad wouldn't find out, as she probably wouldn't agree with them meeting each other. While they had grown more tolerable of each other, they still left much to be desired in the family "love" department. They had an unsung agreement that they would never act like a normal niece and uncle would but, for now, maybe they could act as partners working together to reach a common goal... Aire had been sharing some of her mother's magic tips with Drev. He had confided in her about his disappointment in losing his magical abilities and they both had been working to try and figure out what went wrong and how they could bring his powers back. So far, the only thing they had managed to do was create a green force of magic that was similar to the blue magic Aire and Ainad could conjure. Unfortunately, Drev couldn't hold it for longer than a few seconds before it would disappear again. When they both got too frustrated with the magic teaching, she moved on to trying to teach him how to read. He was slow to admit that he had never learned at first - after all, he had been raised in the Darigan Citadel. The soldiers there were more concerned with whether or not he could fight rather than whether he could read. And, once he had admitted that particular weakness to her, they turned their focus to that. This was even slower learning than the magic. Drev had long since made up his own language which, Aire noticed, he had written all over the insides of his caves. She often wondered what the encryptions meant, but was always too afraid to ask. They had at least gotten through the basics of the English language, though, and she had him sounding out simple words and letters. Drev had taught her how to hunt on his island. It wasn't quite as easy as it would be anywhere else; his island was inhabited by strange spirits. These spirits couldn't be harvested for meat or fur like regular animals, but Drev had found a way to return them to a more life-like form. Strangely enough, his procedures only worked on the creatures on this particular island. And, even stranger the creatures seemed to be tied to the island, Drev mentioned that none of them seemed able to leave the island at all - and strange things happened when they did. Aire was very intrigued by all of this when he told her and she was especially happy to find that he was actually doing something productive with all his alone time rather than just being a hermit. Drev had gone on to explain that he had freed all sorts of the smaller creatures, one of them being the Ganuthor that was constantly at his heels, but the one that he had most wanted to free was the largest, most majestic creature on the island: the Eldebeast Kro. Aire had already seen this monster - it was not only her first encounter with the island spirits, but it was also one of her worst encounters with Drev; one she wouldn't soon forget. Today, for the first time since she had seen the Eldebeast in many months; she, Drev, and Kuive were hunting it together. Kuive stood faithfully by Drev's side, fading in and out and standing perfectly still while Drev reached into his pocket, pulled something out, and handed it to Aire. Aire knew exactly what it was without removing her eyes from their prey. She nodded slightly to let him know that she understood and they both watched as the Eldebeast turned its back on them and began grazing on the moss covering a nearby boulder. As quietly as possible, Aire stood behind the bush leaving only it between her and the monster. Part of her was terrified, but she didn't feel as worried this time, knowing that Drev was on her side. She clutched the dart in her right hand and threw it as hard as she could. All of her practice in throwing had paid off and the dart hit the Eldebeast square in the shoulder. Well it's not the neck..." Drev said as he stood up, "but it'll do. The Eldebeast whipped its head around and narrowed its eyes at them before letting out a terrible roar and charging towards them. Drev and Kuive both gracefully jumped into the air and allowed the Eldebeast to run right under them as Aire dove right out of its path. You idiot!" Drev said as she was barely missed. "Use your wings!! Your wings!! Aire grumbled and leapt into the air just before the Eldebeast passed through a second time. This time it stopped directly under them and pawed at the ground, snorting in fury. Give him something to chase, Kuive." Drev ordered as his Ganuthor dove back towards the ground and bolted off into the forest. "Let's follow him." he said to Aire, "It shouldn't take much longer. Sure enough, by the time they reached Kuive, he was circling the Eldebeast and barking happily. "Good boy!" Drev said as he reached down and picked up his Ganuthor to rub its belly. Aire kneeled down and withdrew the dart from the Eldebeast's shoulder. The poison had taken longer to work on this larger creature... but it looked as though it had done its job. I've finally got him..." Drev said as Kuive jumped out of his arms and they both bent in for a closer look. Now what?" Aire asked. Well... now we just have to take the spirit to its body. But it's right here, isn't it?" she asked. No, this is just his spirit... the two have been separated. How did you figure all of this out?" she asked, looking incredulous. I accidentally killed Kuive." he said. "But I found a way to bring his spirit back into his body. It didn't cure him completely, but it at least prevented him from just staying a ghost. See, he's more solid now... and it doesn't feel weird to touch him. Well where's the Eldebeast's body? Oh, I found it months ago, I've been keeping it in a cave. Aire was a little grossed out to think of what its body might look like if it had been sitting around for that long, but she tried not to think about it. "Err... I don't know... You don't know what?" Drev asked. I don't know if I can watch that..." she said, her face had lost a little color, "It sounds really gross... maybe I should wait until you're working on a smaller animal. Drev just smirked, "Yeah, I didn't think you'd be able to handle it. Aire frowned, "I can handle it. Just... not right now. Yeah, yeah..." Drev said. He knew he shouldn't expect the daughter of Ainad to be into this sort of thing. "Well I think that's enough for today. Kuive and I will take care of the Eldebeast, you should go home. Yeah..." Aire said. "Thanks for taking me hunting today... Drev focused on the Eldebeast so that he wouldn't have to look at her. "Good aim on your shot... keep practicing and I'll teach you how to hunt for real. Aire knew he didn't feel like saying anything more, so she turned to leave. The last thing Drev would ever do would be to admit that he liked her in any way... so she knew to take compliments like that for more than were said. Without a further look back, she jogged out onto the beach and took flight, heading for home. |
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Where is she...? Drev wondered as he cautiously approached Ainad's woodland cottage. He usually tried to avoid this part of the Clan, but he had brought something for Aire and he was so eager to give it to her that he was willing to risk coming here... Besides, she usually found him and he was gone before Ainad even knew he was there. Inside the house, Ainad was cleaning dishes in the kitchen, humming to herself while she waited from Aire to get back from visiting a friend. She was so caught up in cleaning, that she didn't even sense someone in the perimeter... at least at first. It hit her like a wave of cold water, someone was there. And she knew exactly who it was. But why was he here when he had avoided her for so long? What was he up to!? And, even worse, what if he was still out there when Aire got home? Her fingers trembled as she reached for the golden brace she had inherited. She hated using it and she hated using magic... but she wouldn't allow for her daughter to be in danger. Drev knew he wasn't allowed in her forest... She winced as it snapped on over her left forearm. She hadn't worn it for months... in fact, it had almost been a year since she last put it on. But the strange artifact helped to intensify her magic powers - and she'd need them if she wanted to chase Drev off. Without magic, she'd never stand a chance against him but with it, he'd never stand a chance against her. Feeling empowered, she stormed from the house and pointed her left hand in Drev's direction. Drev had barely even realized that she had noticed him before he was hit with a powerful force and was sent hurtling in Ainad's direction as though he were being sucked towards a magnet. He cursed and tried to break the pull but he was powerless against it and, before he knew it, he was left standing in front of Ainad. The magic seemed to have bound him and he froze, unable to do anything but move from the neck up. I told you never to come back here." Ainad said. Drev had never seen her like this before and was actually kind of shocked. He knew he was no match for her when her powers were like this... I know." he said quietly in hopes to calm her down, "Listen, I just want to see Aire for a minute, then I'll leave, I promise. I KNEW IT!" she said as she clenched her fist at her side and Drev choked, it felt as though her fist were clenched around his neck. "Tired of trying to get at me so you're going for my daughter, is that it? I don't care who you are, Drev, if you touch my children, I swear I'll... Mom!?" Aire said as she landed in the meadow and looked back and forth between Drev and Ainad, "What are you doing to him!? Oh Aire..." Ainad said as she released her grip and ran over to hug Aire. "I'm so glad I caught him in time... I was afraid he was here for you. Aire frowned and pushed Ainad away, "Well let him go! What!? He probably was here to see me, mom! Don't jump to conclusions like that! Just because you hate Drev doesn't mean I have to. Aire, he's dangerous! No more dangerous than you are..." Aire retorted. Ainad looked shocked, Aire had never spoken like this to her before. What was wrong with her? She frowned and waved a hand, causing Drev to collapse and gasp for breath. "What's going on, Aire, what's wrong? Mom, I'm tired of all the fighting in between you two! What happened to your promise to Naya? I thought you loved Drev! I do love Drev." Ainad said with an exasperated sigh, "But I don't love him when he threatens my family or puts you in danger. He never has." Aire said. "Drev's never done a single thing to me! So why are you so worried!? Don't forget, Drev's part of my family too. I didn't know you felt that way..." Ainad said sadly, "Why didn't you tell me? I just want to make sure you're safe... I can look out for myself." Aire said stubbornly before she stopped and her expression changed completely. "Um... there's someone there... Both Ainad and Drev turned to see where she was looking and were shocked to see a dark, shadowy form just on the edge of the forest. "Oh my!" Ainad said quietly, "I... I didn't even sense anyone coming... did you? No..." Drev said and she saw his hand move towards the hilt of the sword at his side. Um..." she called out, "Can I help you? After all this time..." a chilling voice said just loudly enough just for them to hear. "I've finally found you... you were here all along... Aire and Drev both looked incredulously at Ainad who shrugged. The figure took a step forward and his face was caught by the sun in the meadow. His skin was black, though it appeared to be transparent, and they could see his skeleton clearly beneath the surface of his skin. Ainad screamed and fell to the ground holding her head. Aire was shocked by his appearance but didn't think it was so bad to merit such a reaction from her mother. "Geez, mom... have some manners for a visitor..." she whispered before she realized that Drev had fallen to the ground too, both of them looked terrified. What's going on!?" she asked. Frightened tears started to leak out of the corner of Ainad's eyes and she began to tremble, "I... I thought you were all dead! She said you were all dead! With your help, most of them are dead." the creature said sourly as it took a step closer and nodded towards the brace on her wrist. "I've only seen one of those once before... but my mother told me never to speak of it again. Aire looked shocked, "Your mother!? I've been searching a long time to find you..." the creature said, "It is time for you to pay for killing my mother. Killing your..." Aire said, "My mom's never killed anyone!! What a disgrace," the Draik spat as he stepped even closer. "for my mother to be killed by your sort. You don't even understand... how could you do that to her!? She never deserved your death wish. Now hold on..." Drev said, speaking as though he were in incredible pain. "Ainad's made a lot of dumb decisions before, but I'll be damned if she ever killed anyone. Ainad sobbed and looked terrified as she glanced back and forth between Drev and the stranger. I'd even go so far to say you are the cause of every misfortune I have experienced..." the creature snarled as he began walking closer to where he was almost towering over Ainad. "I've spent many long years searching for you in hopes that I could finally set things right. With a flash of green light, Drev had drawn his sword and was holding it directly under the Draik's neck, "I think that's close enough. Ainad sniffled and covered her eyes as the brace on her arm slipped off and landed in the grass beside her. You dare threaten me?" the Draik asked Drev, "Do you seriously think you can scare me? That's no way to talk to a man with a sword..." Drev warned. The stranger smiled a haunting smile before reaching out and grabbing Drev's hand on the sword's handle. Before Drev realized what was happening, the other Draik had used Drev's sword to slit his own throat. AUGH!" Drev cried as he dropped the sword and stumbled backwards. Aire screamed and Ainad sobbed while they all watched the wound on his neck heal and disappear as quickly as it had come. What...?" Drev choked, looking sick, "What are you!? She knows." the stranger said as he pointed a claw towards Ainad. "My name is Almorion, former prince of the Scythanian race. Wait..." Drev said as he realized something, "Former prince? But then you must be... or could you be... but I didn't know she... She must have." Ainad said, frightened tears streaming down her cheeks, "We never knew Daya had a son... Would that have stopped you from killing her?" the Almorion sneered. "Knowing her son would have to grow up without a mother? I didn't kill her." Ainad said, "Your father did! I saw him... with her body! He killed her and then took over her race - once he had broken their spirits it was easy for him. I don't believe you." he said. "You killed her because you were jealous, jealous of her happy life with my father, jealous of her new culture. I never knew your mother!" Ainad shrieked, "I knew her sister, I've seen her through her sister's memories! Her oldest sister, correct? She was the one who escaped... my father told me. If you are not her, then you must be able to tell me where she is... She's gone." Drev said sternly. "Unfortunately, so are the rest of them. So you'd be best off just leaving this... Then what is that?" Almorion interrupted as he pointed to the wrist brace by Ainad's side. "It has some tie to my mother's race and to her sisters... what does it do? That's none of your business." Drev said, growing more and more irritated. "Look, whatever you want, you can't get it through us. So you'd be best off just... Then what is your tie?" Almorion interrupted. "How did you know her sister... and why does she have that? I SAID THAT'S ENOUGH!" Drev roared and everyone was quiet for several minutes before Almorion spoke again. I can see that you won't be answering me while he is here." he said to Ainad as he nodded his head in Drev's direction and turned to leave. "Perhaps I should pay you a visit some other time when it is more convenient. Ainad looked horrified as the skeleton Draik bade his farewell and disappeared into the forest as quickly as he had come. "He's bad news..." she squeaked, "I just know it! Drev looked very thoughtful for a minute before he turned around to leave, "Wait!" Ainad called after him, "Thanks for standing up for me, Drev... I just don't know what came over me... Forget it." he said before spreading his wings and flying off, not even pausing to look behind him. Ainad and Aire were both left speechless in the meadow while Drev landed in the forest to gather his thoughts. He wasn't quite sure what exactly had happened back there, but whatever happened to Ainad seemed to happen to him, too. All he could remember were horrible visions flashing through his mind - and it felt like his head would split open. He couldn't remember what any of the images were, but he wondered if Ainad had seen them more clearly. And maybe that's why she had been so defenseless against the stranger. Like I care... he snarled to himself as he sat on a nearby boulder. Ainad can look out for herself. I don't care what happens to her. |
| What is it, Quilly?" Aire asked her Flowper as they trudged along in the snow. Quilly had stopped a little ways ahead of her and was staring at something in a small drift. Without warning, the little Flowper burst into tears and ran back towards Aire so that she could pick him up and comfort him. What on earth?" Aire wondered out loud as she scooped Quilly up in her arms and stepped forward to have a look. "It's a... petpetpet! Sure enough, there was a little Cooty nestled in the snow and it looked as though it had been frozen to death. "What's the matter, Quilly? We eat these little bugs all the time! If he didn't die here, he probably would have died when we ate him in the spring. This only succeeded in making Quilly cry harder. Well what do you want me to do about it?" Aire argued with him over his shrill Flowper wails. "Bring it back to life? Put it on a stick and make you a nice little frozen lollypop, what do you want? Quilly squirmed out of Aire's arms and walked over to the frozen Cooty. He tenderly scooped it up in his paws and whimpered. It's dead, Quilly." Aire said, "There's nothing we can do... and no, we aren't going to ask mom to fix it. Quilly frowned, Aire had read his mind. If you really want, maybe we can take it home and thaw it out... you know, just so it's not in a block of ice anymore." Quilly looked hopefully at Aire as she continued, "Then when the ground thaws out in the spring we'll bury it, okay? Quilly seemed satisfied by this answer because he blew a kiss at Aire and then skipped on back down the path headed towards their home. Aire just shook her head and wondered, for the thousandth time, why she hadn't just got herself a nice Ona instead. Later that night, Aire was explaining what had happened to her mom while Quilly sat next to the fire, cradling the Cooty which he had lovingly wrapped in a washcloth. You should just get him a Cooty of his own." Ainad suggested, "The way he's taking care of that dead one really creeps me out. Are you sure we have to keep it for the rest of the winter? I'll let you explain to him why you threw it out. He fell to pieces, mom! I've never seen him do that before! Hugs simply sneered at the Flowper and puffed out his chest to let Ainad know that at least one of the household petpets was worthy of their pride. Aire just roll |