Passage to Azurieth | Page 1 | Fantasy/Plays/Scripts | Guild Forums

Auroze

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Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:37 pm

The point of this is to see how many--if any--people would actually consider reading this, and what changes they would recommend.
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This is important. There are a few things you should know about this story before you read:
① I started writing this when I was twelve and have been sporadically updating and editing it since, so the quality of writing/grammar will change from time to time. I hope to get your help in identifying the weaker areas so I can fix them.

② I know some of the names are a little quirky. If you need help pronouncing them, just ask. I'm not changing them.

③ There are some gaps in this story. Feel free to post suggestions as fillers.

④ This is the first time I've presented this work to strangers. I am considering publishing this when it's finished. Please be polite and honest in your critique, and ask questions as needed.

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scream (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS) scream

probably doesn't contain spoilers...
(sorry if it's difficult to read. I'm not a good artist, and my handwriting is bad)

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:39 pm

ℐ𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝒹𝓊𝒸𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝒿𝓊𝓃𝓀:
This is a work of fiction. Any relation to any person, place, or event outside of context is purely coincidental. This work does, in no way, reflect the thoughts, opinions, or psychological state of the writer. Under no circumstances is this story to be altered, copied, or published without the permission of the author. Let it be noted that while inspiration for this novel comes from many sources, none of these sources are in any way tied to, or reflect, the childhood or lives of the author. This work of fiction was conjured out of pure curiosity and boredom, and in no way references the time period in which it was written nor experiences, in context, to the author's life.

Auroze

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Auroze

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Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 3:54 pm

CHAPTER ONE:
......There is a feeling one gets every now and again. A particular, gut wrenching feeling that something is not quite right. Perhaps it is defined as paranoia, perhaps intuition, either way it is not an especially pleasant feeling. It was this feeling that a young man named James was trying very hard to fight off as he sat in his trigonometry class. He tried focusing his attention on the noises of the rowdy class and the unheard teacher, but it would not subside.
......James was a tall boy, nearly six feet. He had short hair, black as night, and dark brown, chocolate colored eyes. Unlike most boys his age, James dressed relatively simple. While a fad of sagging pants and graphic t-shirts spread around the school, his apparel generally consisted of jeans, a plain colored shirt, and his jacket that he had worn for the past few autumn weeks. Because of his height, James was placed in the back of the small classroom along with several of the more talkative students. In another effort to dull the concern that gnawed within him, James focused intently on their current conversation.
......“How are we supposed to know that? We aren’t geniuses you know,” one of the students shouted at the teacher.
......Mr. Maxwell was a tall, slender, balding man with a large bony nose, and small beady eyes. He was a strict teacher, and didn’t much appreciate such comments from his pupils. Glaring at the boy, he silently ordered him to be quiet. His eyes drifted a moment then rested on James.
......Mr. Maxwell smiled before addressing him, “Mr. Draper, do you agree with the statement of never having been taught this?”
......James glanced behind the teacher at the simple math equation. “No, sir, I don’t.”
......“But he’s a sodding nerd!”
......Again Mr. Maxwell glared at the obnoxious student, silencing him. He then directed his attention back to James.
......“Would you care to demonstrate?”
......James gave an exasperated sigh, but stood and made his way to the front of the class. He hesitated in front of the chalkboard for a few moments before scribbling down some multiplication methods and circling the answer. Mr. Maxwell glanced at the work shown on the board.
......“Interesting,” Mr. Maxwell mumbled to himself, “T’isn’t the way you’ve been taught.”
......“Did I get the right answer?”
......“Aye.”
......“Then what does it matter how I solved it?”
......“At times, a great deal.”
......The uncomfortable feeling had spread from his gut to his throat. James muttered, “I’d like to take my seat now.”
......Mr. Maxwell nodded dismissively, and James hurried back to his chair. Several insulting whispers hovered in the air around him, but James was far too busy clutching his turning stomach to pay much attention to them. Just when he was sure he was going to be sick from the feeling, the classroom door opened.
......In walked a short girl with shoulder length blonde hair that bobbed up and down as she moved. She wore a light pink sweater over a frilly black blouse. Gold colored loopy earrings that blended with her light hair, and an identical expensive looking necklace were her only jewelry. She had on a plaid skirt that went down to just above her knees, leggings, and sandals to cover her feet. James stared at her for a moment. His first impression was that she was pretty. His second was wondering how she could stand to wear that outfit in the middle of September.
......She made hesitant glances toward the staring class as she quickly handed Mr. Maxwell a small slip of paper. Mr. Maxwell accepted the paper, scanned it briefly then smiled.
......“Class, this is Amanda Morris,” he announced indicating to the girl who was making frequent glances from the students to her shoes and back, “Please give Ms. Morris a warm welcome. There are a couple of open desks near the back. Mr. Draper, raise your hand.”
......James hesitantly obeyed. Amanda hurried from the front of the classroom and slid into the empty seat in front of him. James’ eyes hovered on her for a few moments after she had taken her seat. The awful knot of worry that had grown within him seemed to change into butterflies. He wondered if he should greet her and attempt to be friendly. Just as he was about to lean forward and introduce himself, the boy who sat in front of her and who had made unnecessary comments about James’ intelligence, spun around wearing a large grin, and struck up a conversation. James leaned back in his chair and stared, uninterested, at the front of the room while Mr. Maxwell continued teaching.
......The class went on with its daily routine. That being Mr. Maxwell pacing in front of the class mumbling to himself and expecting the class to listen. Very few of the students did, of course, pay attention. It was the last class of the day, and nobody was interested in Mr. Maxwell’s lectures. The clock hanging on the wall near the door seemed to be running excessively slowly. If not for the occasional tick, tick between Mr. Maxwell’s drawn out sentences, James would have questioned whether or not it was working at all.
......James glanced at Amanda every once and again. She had long since lost interest in the boy’s conversation and sat up straight, trying to pay attention to Mr. Maxwell while he persisted in talking to, or at, her. James gazed at her. He couldn’t help but notice how her blonde hair shimmered when she moved to make the light hit her at different angles. He was interrupted by the dryness of his mouth, and realized that he had been staring with his mouth wide open. He immediately closed it, embarrassed, and focused back on Mr. Maxwell’s nearly monotone lecture about the quadratic formula and when you might use it in trigonometry when—
......“Oi! Give it back!”
......Everybody glanced towards Amanda confused. She had both hands clasped over her chest and was glaring at the boy in front of her. He smiled a wicked grin as he swung the necklace around his fingers tauntingly. Mr. Maxwell, who had only just realized that something was wrong, demanded to know what was going on.
......“If you want it, why don’t you come and get it?” he snickered, making as if to stick it in his pants.
......“C’mon, Marcus, just give it back to her,” James said exasperated.
......“What was that you just said bloke?” Marcus demanded.
......“I said just give it back. She can’t get it from you. You know that.”
......“Standing up for the new girl are we? How very noble. Well, James, if you’re so bold, why don’t you wager a shot at it?”
......James stood up. He was taller than most the kids at the school, and Marcus was no exception, but he was broader than James, and stronger. Mr. Maxwell, well aware that he wouldn’t be able to control the boys on his own, had stepped outside of the classroom to go get some authority figure.
......“Oh come on, James. You can get it, can't you? Or are you a wee ‘un, just like little Mandy here?”
......James moved forward but Marcus swung the necklace out of his reach.
......Marcus laughed, “Ha! You can't even reach it! You’re pathetic, you are! Just like that sister o yours!”
......James fumed, tears brimming his brown eyes. Clearly hurt by the insult, James turned around so that Marcus couldn’t see his pain. He could hear the bully still taunting him in the background, but James didn’t pay attention to him.
......Thoughts of Jessica raced through his mind. All the times she helped him, as well as the times they fought. Everything. His hands balled up into fists. Adrenaline pumped through his veins. Marcus grabbed him by the shoulder, and James whirled around and swung as hard as he could. As his left fist connected with Marcus' jaw, a bone cracking snap sounded through the stunned classroom. Marcus dropped to the floor.
......“I better not ever hear you talk about my sister like that,” James barked, “Never again. You understand?”
......Marcus just groaned in pain as his face started to swell up. Amanda’s necklace had slipped from his grasp when he fell, and she promptly snatched it back up while James was yelling. The classroom was silent. No one moved. Everyone stared in shock. James grabbed his bag and stormed out of the classroom, and out of the school. He needed to get home

~~§~~

......James woke up. He remembered that day clearly. That was the day that would change his life forever. He glanced toward the window. Dawn was barely breaking. He yawned, lay back down, and closed his eyes with hopes to get more peaceful sleep. Tomorrow was a big day after all. As he lay in bed, his mind wandered back to that day, and when he slipped into slumber, his next dreams weren’t any more pleasant.

~~§~~

......“J-James,” a hesitant voice called after him.
......James, unaware that he had been followed, spun around perplexed.
......Amanda stood before him breathing hard. Her face was red, and her short blonde hair out of place. James cringed inwardly. She was very last person he wanted to see at the moment.
...... “What?” he demanded shakily.
...... “I--I just wanted to thank you, and to apologize,” Amanda explained still winded, “I think it’s really nice what you did, defending me, and I’m sorry it got you suspended.”
......James didn’t reply, but gazed at her. He wanted to be mad at her, he wanted to be furious, but he wasn’t. His anger was toward his sister, but she wasn’t here. As usual. He nodded then turned to leave.
...... “James,” Amanda called again, and again James turned to face her, “For what it’s worth,” she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, “thanks.”
......James stared at her. He could feel his face turning red, and glanced away embarrassed. “If it’s not too much trouble,” Amanda said, touching his shoulder, “would you walk me home?”
......James nodded, his face still red. He held out his arm and Amanda took it.
......They walked away from the school, and down the streets. As they were passing Big Ben, a sudden thought popped into James’ head. He hesitated a few minutes, trying to work up the nerve to say what he wanted to, and then finally, “Do you have any plans later? Considering it’s Friday and all,” he asked.
...... “No,” she smiled, “Why?”
...... “Well, um, I was wondering if maybe you’d like to go on a date with me?” James stuttered embarrassed, “Maybe to Big Ben or something.”
......Amanda smiled, “Yes, James, I would like that very much.”
......James grinned, “So, are you free around seven?”
......Amanda nodded happily, and led him around a corner.
...... “I’ll pick you up then,” James said as they stopped at her house.
...... “Okay. I can’t wait,” Amanda giggled then opened the door, “See you then.”
......James closed the door after her and smiled as he walked down the street. Perhaps today wasn’t all bad. At that thought, the awful knot of worry that had been gnawing at James all day tightened.

......Seven o’clock came much faster than James would have thought possible. He hummed tunelessly under his breath as he walked towards Amanda’s house. He knocked on the door three times, but nobody answered.
...... “That’s odd,” James mumbled to himself, “Perhaps she’s already there.”
......He walked down the street towards Big Ben, his favorite place in London. No Amanda. She did tell him that she didn’t have any plans tonight. Had she forgotten? James’ heart sank at the thought. He paced by the clock waiting for Amanda to show up.
......He’d stood there for close to an hour. The sun began sinking behind the horizon, filling the landscape with darkness. He glanced around irritated as he waited, losing his patience. He gazed up at a nearby flag and busied himself by staring at the fabric as it flapped in the wind. He noticed an airplane soaring through the sky. It appeared so tiny compared to the flag towards which it was heading. Tiny as it was, James was able to make out a red streak on the bottom that matched the streaks of the banner.
......James was about to turn to go home when a shadow passed by under a street lamp, and caught his eye.
...... “Amanda?” he called out perplexed.
......Amanda walked towards him, tripping over her feet as she moved. Her usual gracefulness gone, replaced by clumsiness that was distinctive only to drunkenness. James stared at her speechless as she approached him.
...... “James, darling,” she hiccupped, "Why, you handsome fellow. It's good to see you."
...... “Where were you?” James wondered irritated, “I went to your house, but nobody was home. Have you been drinking?”
......Amanda grinned a crocked smile, her eyes glossed over as she stared at him.
...... “Yeah,” she said, “went to this awesome party. It’s still going on. You should come.”
......She placed her hands around James’ waist, pulling him close to her.
...... “Amanda,” James cried, pushing her away.
......Amanda stumbled back and stared at James.
...... “What is the matter with you?” he barked, “I’m not going to a party. We had a date tonight. Damn it, your blitzed. Go home and get sober.”
......Amanda flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around him, and sobbing into his chest.
...... “I’m sorry,” she sniffed, “We went to a party, I had so much fun. I forgot about our date.
......James could smell the alcohol on her breath, and pulled away.
...... “Amanda, stop it,” he gasped.
...... “Please don’t leave, babe. Chivalry is so hard to get these days,” she sighed.
......Chivalry? He’d lost his temper that’s all. Shaking his head, James started to protest his problems with drinking habits when suddenly her arms were around his neck, pulling him down and hurting his neck. She kissed him, pressing her lips hard against his. James stumbled back and tried to pry her off of him. He tripped over her feet, falling to the ground.
......James’ arms thrashed through the darkness, trying to find something to stop their fall. He swung his hand through the air, forming an arch in the darkness, and felt the air split at his touch. A sudden great rush of wind surround them, and then a brilliant white light appeared. Time seemed to slow, and James could see everything clearly for a split second before the light became too much and he was blinded. He felt like he was being yanked down into the ground--
......and suddenly they landed. Hitting the ground hard.

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 9:51 pm

CHAPTER TWO:
......James looked around baffled. The light had faded and time had begun to move again. Scanning the area James found that they were presently sitting in a forest. He blinked several times in an effort to change the scene, but was unsuccessful. His gaze finally fell upon Amanda who was staring at him with a puzzled and slightly frightened look. After a hesitant moment, Amanda slowly reached up and touched James’ arm as if to see whether or not he was real.
...... “Oh my…” she trailed off looking suddenly terrified, “What happened? What did you do?”
...... “Nothing. I-- I don’t know,” James stuttered as she stood and slowly backed away from him, “I don’t know.”
......James got to his feet as well and looked around. He wasn’t sure what had happened, but somehow he knew that he was responsible for it. Somehow he had transported them from Big Ben to wherever it was that they now stood.
......Amanda’s frightened and semi-drunken look vanished into absolute terror as she stared past James. James was surprised that he could possibly feel anymore confused at the moment. He turned and followed Amanda’s gaze to a large object plummeting towards them from the sky.
...... “James!” Amanda screamed grabbing his arm, “Come on, we have got to go!”
......James and Amanda ran into a dense area of trees, as an enormous red streak passed over them. There was a brief moment of relief before the ground was pulled out from beneath them. James and Amanda fell to the dirt as the earth settled once again.
......There was a loud snap, and something large and heavy landed on top of James’ back. He let out a cry of pain that mingled with Amanda’s fearful shriek. There was a short pause where everything was silent and still, then Amanda’s voice sounded, irritated, “Help me.”
......James struggled under the weight of the object, but could not move. He whipped his head around trying to find Amanda, but all he could see was leaves. After a moment, the pressure on his back lightened and James was able to sit up. He stared at the large branch that had fallen on him, and wondered how Amanda was able to lift it on her own.
......The answer struck him not long after as he spotted a boy near to the branch. Standing tall and proud, the boy didn’t seem much shorter than James. He was dressed in all black clothing; a tight long sleeved shirt, pants, boots, a belt that had something silver attached to it, and a cloak that draped over his shoulders and hid the rest of the silver object at his waist. He had blonde hair that was lighter than Amanda’s, and his dark blue eyes were gazing down at James as if he were a piece of garbage. James stood and stared from the boy to the tree from which the branch had fallen.
...... “Were you in the tree?” James wondered.
...... “Yes,” the boy answered simply.
...... “Why?”
...... “None of your business.”
...... “Were you spying on us?” Amanda asked, narrowing her glossy eyes.
...... “Of course not,” the boy laughed, “If you must know, I was hiding.”
...... “From what?” Amanda wondered dubiously, looking around, “There isn’t anything here but trees.”
......The boy laughed again, “If you say so.”
...... “What?” James started, but was cut off by an explosion several feet away.
......James, Amanda, and the blonde haired boy were thrown to the ground again as it wobbled beneath them. A few of the trees had caught fire and began to topple down around them.
......The already unsteady tree that the boy had been hiding in fell particularly close to James and Amanda. James, who had landed hard on his back, screamed and stretched his hands out in front of him as if to protect himself. He squeezed his eyes shut, and mentally prepared himself for death as his body tensed for the impact. James waited for what seemed like several minutes for the tree to smash his body, but no force came.
...... “Whoa… H-how are you…?” he heard the boy gasp.
......James hesitantly opened his eyes and saw the tree suspended in mid fall. James scrambled to his feet and stared awestruck for a couple seconds before it crashed into the dirt mere feet from where he had been laying. A large cloud of dust rose up and covered the scene for a moment allowing James to gather his thoughts.
...... “Did you see…?” James asked eagerly to no one in particular.
......Amanda, who had fallen on her stomach and shielded her head during the entire incidence, was now kneeling in the dirt trembling slightly. When James glanced at her for a response, she shook her head not knowing what he was talking about. The blonde haired boy on the other hand was nodding excitedly. He no longer looked at James as a piece of trash, but with a flicker of curiosity.
......Distant voices sounded, and flashes of gold appeared in the greenery. A small group of people were shouting orders and rushing towards the source of the explosion. The boy grinned wildly and ran forward. He called back once for them to follow before disappearing into the forest. James stared after the boy as he ran through the trees. Caught up in the excitement, James began to move forward before he remembered Amanda still kneeling in the dirt. He stepped over to her cautiously.
...... “Are you coming?”
...... “No,” Amanda sniffled.
...... “Are you sure?”
......She nodded as tears began to stream down her face.
...... “Alright, I’ll be back in a minute. Don’t move.”
......James dashed off after the boy.
......It wasn’t difficult to find the place. Several people had come to see, along with the small group of men dressed in gold robes. The explosion had come from an airplane with a broad red stripe on the bottom that was halfway concealed in the dirt. There was a large, unnatural scar-like clearing from where the plane had dived, nose first, into the ground. James found the blonde haired boy standing at the very edge of the crowd and stood next to him. The boy seemed genuinely fascinated by the collision, and stood on his toes, trying to get a better look. James wondered why he didn’t just move to the front of the crowd. He suggested as much to the boy, but was answered with a wishful laugh.
...... “That would be a bad idea,” he explained after glancing around.
......The boy had barely finished his sentence before many of the surrounding people broke away from the crowd and walked hastily away. The boy watched them go, smiling slyly. James noticed that they seemed to leave at the sound of his voice, not one of them looked at the boy as they passed. They moved into the empty space the departed crowd had left, closer to the airplane. Again the boy’s gaze became fixed on the nearly demolished aircraft.
...... “Wow, look at that. What do you suppose it is?”
......James looked at him bewildered.
...... “What do you mean? The aeroplane?”
...... “The what?”
...... “The aeroplane,” James repeated, “The enormous machine half buried in the ground right in front of you. The plane.”
......The boy chuckled as if James were telling a moderately interesting joke, but continued to gaze at the giant metal monster.
...... “C’mon, you don’t honestly expect me to believe that you’ve never seen a bloody aeroplane before.”
...... “Why do you keep calling it that?”
...... “Because that’s what it is,” James insisted.
......The boy finally tore his eyes from the crash, and stared intently at James. The smile had gone from his face as he studied James. The boy’s blue eyes darted between James’ brown ones.
...... “I saw the way you appeared in the forest. I saw you levitate a tree. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he admitted, “It goes against everything I know, but I can’t help wondering, because you don’t seem familiar with things, where are you from?”
...... “What?”
...... “You’re clearly very powerful,” the boy said, “but you aren’t from here are you?”
...... “I don’t exactly know where ‘here’ is.”
...... “But you-- you’re from Earth, aren’t you?”
...... “Of course.”
...... “How did you get back?” he demanded curiously, “And what’s with the accent?”
...... “What are you talking about? What’s with your accent?”
......The boy looked sternly at James, took a deep breath, and then asked slowly, “Have you ever heard of a place called Azurieth?”
...... “Aza-what? No. The bloody ’ell is that?”
......The boy swore and became suddenly angry. He looked around quickly and sighed. Reaching beneath his cloak, he gripped the silver object at his waist. The boy quickly drew the silver, narrow sword from his belt. James stared at it as he raised it to a more threatening position.
...... “Wait, wh-what are you doing?” James demanded panicked.
...... “Believe me, I don’t want to, but I don’t really have much of a choice,” the boy admitted glancing nervously into the trees.
......One of the men in gold who had been cautiously examining the plane took notice of the boys. He wavered a few seconds, caught in fear at the sight of the blonde boy. He wasn't supposed to be here, so close to the castle--to the King.
...... “Are you certain you’re not familiar with the place?”
...... “I’m certain. Why?” James wondered why it was such a big deal.
...... “Because I don’t want to kill you,” the boy admitted.
...... “Then don’t!”
...... The boy raised his sword.
......The man, now freed from his momentary state of panic, rushed over and shoved James out of the way of the blade. He glared furiously at the boy holding the sword.
...... “Get out of here,” he ordered as he drew a much thicker, heavier sword of his own, “You are trespassing on the King’s territory. If you draw blood you will be killed.”
......The boy broke into a grin. “I know,” he said gripping his weapon eagerly as he stared at the man challengingly.
...... “Don’t even think about it,” the man warned, “It isn’t my intention to hurt a child. Not even you, but I have every authority to.”
...... “Authority?” he asked smiling wider.
...... “Leave!” the man bellowed and struck with his sword.
......Quick as lightning, the boy had not only repelled the blow, but also left a deep cut in the man’s wrist. He paused for a moment to glance curiously at James before disappearing in a cloud of dark purple smoke.
......The man put his sword away and examined his wrist. James shakily got to his feet and stared at the place where the boy had disappeared.
...... “Cowardly Teleptí,” the man growled.
...... “Excuse me?” James wondered.
...... “Nothing. Are you alright?”
...... “I don’t know,” James sighed, “I’m so confused. Have I gone completely bonkers?”
......The man smiled sympathetically. “I seriously doubt it. What’s your name?”
...... “James Draper, and yours?”
...... “Thomas. You aren’t from here are you?”
...... “No, I’m not. I don’t even know where ‘here’ is!” James repeated, and then added, “Please don’t try and kill me.”
...... “I won’t,” Thomas chuckled, “We protect people like you.”
...... “P-people like me?”
...... “Yes, those from Earth. The King doesn’t mind your company, but others do. Zalderen for instance, and his companions.”
...... “Who?”
...... “The young man who was just here. His name is Zalderen. He is a Teleptí who has no regards for the law, or any authority for that matter. Although, he was more than likely here on his brother’s orders,” Thomas sighed, “Oh, I hate war.”
......James stared at Thomas puzzled. “Where am I exactly?” he wondered.
...... “Azurieth, or more specifically, the Emerald Forest in Azurieth. This is near the edge of the King’s territory, so--”
......James cut him off, “I’m sorry, but how do we get back home?”
...... “To get back to Earth you would have to go through another portal. Similar to the one you used to get here. A place where the time here is the same as the time on Earth. After a few weeks, though, your body will become so accustom to the time here that if you attempt to return, your body will ultimately decay and you’ll die.” Thomas explained.
......James stared at him confused and horrified. “After a few weeks?” Perhaps there was as yet hope to escape this strange place.
...... “Yes, usually.”
...... “We’ve only been here about an hour,” James explained hopefully, “Could we go back?”
...... “An hour?” Thomas asked concerned, “You weren’t on the plane where you?”
...... “No, it arrived shortly after we did.”
...... “That…isn’t possible,” Thomas admitted, “How exactly did you get here?”
...... “Honestly, I’m not sure. One minute we were in London, then there was a bright light, and we appeared in the forest,” James said then continued, hoping that something he said would give him some answers, “Then the impact from the plane threw that bloke-- Calderon, did you say?”
...... “Zalderen.”
...... “Right. He fell out of the tree, and that’s how we met. Then I think-- I think I stopped a tree from crushing us. I know it sounds mad, but that’s my understanding anyway.”
......Thomas studied James’ face for a moment. He bit his lip concerned.
...... “I know you want to go home James, but I would really appreciate it if you would come with me for a moment,” Thomas said, “In all honesty I don’t know what happened, but if I can take you to the King, then maybe he could come up with some sort of explanation. Would you be willing to accompany me?”
...... “Sure. I just want answers,” James admitted.
...... “Understandably,” Thomas nodded, “You made it sound as if you were with somebody earlier.”
...... “Aye. Amanda,” James said, “Do you mind if she comes too? I really should go get her. I told her I’d be right back.”
...... “Yes, she should come. Where is she?”
......James led Thomas into the woods a little way to where he’d left Amanda. The tree still lay in the dirt with the broken branch a few feet away, but Amanda was gone. James called for her, but there was no reply. Thomas paced around the fallen tree puzzled. He paused and stared down at a dark blotch in the dirt. Thomas hesitated a moment before calling James over.
...... “Blood,” he confessed.
......James felt nauseous. He called Amanda’s name more anxiously, his voice echoing through the trees. After several minutes, James dropped to the floor and fell silent. Thomas stepped nearer to him.
...... “Was it Zalderen?” James demanded.
...... “No, more than likely some sort of creature. Perhaps a griffin or vampire.”
...... “Zalderen said he was hiding from something,” James recalled.
......Thomas was silent for a moment before quickly grabbing James’ shoulder. “I am sorry for your loss,” Thomas said pulling James to his feet, “but we should go.”
......James followed Thomas back to the plane crash where the other men dressed in gold were waiting. Thomas said something to them, but James didn’t hear. He was so confused with everything that was happening that he had tuned everything out for nearly forty-five minutes to try and figure it out.
......When James finally became aware of his surroundings, they had crossed a large portion of the forest and the trees were beginning to thin. James glanced over his shoulder at the men following them. There were eleven of them not including he or Thomas.
......Having been whispering amongst themselves before James came to himself and looked around, the sudden silence was uncomfortable. Finally one of the men broke the silence, “Thomas, why are we taking this child?”
......James frowned, slightly insulted. He didn’t necessarily think of himself as a ‘child’. His eighteenth birthday was in only a few short months. Thomas turned to the man strictly.
...... “Because I don’t know what else to do with him,” Thomas answered sincerely, “You are all welcome to go home, but I’m taking James here to the King.”
......Thomas paused. Nobody moved.
...... “Right then, c’mon.”
......They didn’t have to walk much further before emerging from the trees. They faced a large golden gate that was always left ajar, inviting in any visitors who might approach it. Beyond the gate was an enormous grassy hill scattered with bushes and flowers. This by itself would have been a rather exceptional sight if not for the enormous building set on the top of the hill. The majestic, white polished ivory castle seemed to glow in the sun making the scene, not just exceptional, but absolutely dazzling. James slowed as he gazed. Thomas patted James on the shoulder and led him and the group of men to the front doors, which were made of fine red pine.
...... “Sir Sarr,” a deep voice greeted happily from behind.
......Thomas turned at his name and bowed honorably to the King of Azurieth who stood before him. The other men in gold quickly followed suit leaving James alone, still standing, and staring up at the magnificent building. Thomas cleared his throat and tugged at James’ shirt. James turned puzzled, and looked around.
......Upon seeing the men kneeling respectably on the ground, James’ eyes drifted to a tall, well-built man with dark brown eyes and light grey hair. Beside him stood a woman with faded honey colored hair tied back into a bun, and blue-grey eyes. The King smiled at James then turned his attention to Thomas.
...... “What’s the meaning of this, Sarr?” the King chuckled, “You didn’t tell me we were having a guest.”
......Thomas stood upright and smiled.
...... “Sire, this young man is James Draper from London Earth,” Thomas said introducing the young man to the King.
...... “Welcome, James, to Azurieth,” the King said smiling, and James couldn’t help but smile back.

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Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 4:38 pm

CHAPTER THREE:
......Thomas was right, the King did have an explanation, though it wasn’t anything any of them had expected. According to the King’s logic, and several large books, James was possibly one of the legendary Gifted.
...... “Gifted?” James wondered.
...... “Yes. Extraordinarily powerful guardians of Azurieth!” Thomas explained,
...... “That would explain how you got here. You see, James, no one can travel between Azurieth and Earth. It just isn’t done, but you-- you not only got yourself here, but also transported Amanda, and created a portal. Thus explaining the appearance of the airplane. This is incredible!”
...... “Are you certain, Azure?” the Queen asked her husband, “You’re sure he’s the one? Azurieth waits one hundred years, and you claim that Mr. Draper is the Gifted merely because he--”
...... “I’m certain.”
...... “But he’s just a boy!” exclaimed the Queen, “You can’t expect him to fight. He’s much too young. Perhaps he’s confused with someone else.”
...... “James,” the King said, “You are the one who levitated the tree? No one else?”
...... “Just me.”
...... “And you transported yourself and Ms. Morris here?”
......James nodded, “She didn’t seem to know what was going on, and I felt this sort of power-- ”
...... “It’s him!” Thomas exclaimed excitedly, “He’s the Gifted.”
...... “One of them,” the King added.
...... “Where’s the other?”
...... “I’m not entirely sure. Not far, but hard to get to no doubt. And probably older than James,” the King said and glanced at the Queen who seemed to relax a little.
...... “Thank you for the explanation, but what exactly do I have to do?” James wondered, “I haven’t been here all that long, could I go home?”
......Everyone in the room became somber and silent. The Queen glanced from the King to the sapphire stone around her neck. Thomas’ smile disappeared, and his eyes drifted to the floor. Only the King remained smiling.
...... “Yes, James,” the King answered simply, “You can go home.”
...... “But--” Thomas began horrified.
...... “He’s only been here a few hours, he is able to return to Earth without fear of death,” the King repeated.
...... “But he is the Gifted, and we are at war!” Thomas exclaimed, “You’re going to let him leave?”
...... “I won’t try to stop him, and advise you to do the same.” Thomas didn’t reply, but stared at his feet in disappointment. The King stretched out his hand, “Come, James, I’ll show you out.”
......James stepped forward and the King put his arm around James’ shoulders. He glanced back at Thomas who was gazing after him with a pleading look. They had just reached the entry hall when James pulled away from the King.
...... “Is everything alright?” the King wondered.
...... “Are you really at war?”
...... “Yes,” the King sighed, “With a man who calls himself King X. I believe you met his right hand man, Zalderen?”
...... “Aye,” James grumbled, none too pleased with that encounter. “Assuming I am the Gifted, what difference would that make?”
...... “A considerable one.”
......James groaned.
...... “Though, I’m sure we’ll manage on our own if you want to go back to Earth.”
...... “My sister-- ” James started, searching for an excuse.
...... “Misses you very much I’m sure.”
...... “I can’t fight. Not with a weapon I mean.”
...... “We do have people ready to train you if you decide to stay. Not to mention that you probably wouldn’t need a weapon once you’ve mastered your abilities.”
...... “What about Amanda?”
...... “I’ve sent out a party to search for her.”
...... “I-- I’m sorry. I just-- I can’t,” James moaned.
...... “I understand.”
......James looked up at the King. He still wore a sympathetic smile, but James could see the concern in and around his dark brown eyes. James sighed in frustration. He didn’t belong here, Zalderen had made that much clear, but he didn’t feel right just leaving. It couldn’t just be a coincidence that at the peak of a war the most powerful person on the planet shows up. James was certain that this meant something, and yet he was going to just throw it away and return to his life on Earth. James pushed his fingers through his black hair trying to figure out what to do. Finally he opened his mouth, and was distraught by his answer, “I suppose I’ll stay.”
......“You’re sure?” the King asked, though he didn’t seem surprised.
......James nodded, though he wasn’t sure why, sealing the deal.

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 8:59 pm

So I'm about to head off to bed and I haven't read it yet, however while skimming I noticed there was a lot of dialogue. If I missed the action and description then ignore me, but there should be some more description and action. I'll try to get it read tomorrow.

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Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 7:48 pm

Sorry!!!! I forgot to read this!!! Please forgive me!!!

I got caught up in a video game

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2013 11:59 pm

Snowblazer

So I'm about to head off to bed and I haven't read it yet, however while skimming I noticed there was a lot of dialogue. If I missed the action and description then ignore me, but there should be some more description and action. I'll try to get it read tomorrow.

Thanks for the input. smile
I know it's a lot of stuff, but I hope you can read it eventually. I look forward to your critique.

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Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 12:19 am

CHAPTER FOUR:
......The next few weeks started off slowly with Thomas teaching James how to handle swords and knives and the like. James lived in the castle with the King and Queen who, not only adopted him--changing his name to Azur, which was far more fitting to an Azuriethian prince than James--but taught him as well. He changed his apparel to one that was more fitting to his new home. New buckle-up boots that were far sturdier than his old worn out tennis shoes. One of the King’s leather belts with an extra loop for a weapon. And a well-tailored cloak that was as warm, if not warmer than his jacket and colored a deep blue to symbolize his loyalty.
......James would spend hours in the library leaning over books that seemed confusing at first, but slowly started to gain his interest. After a mere five months that seemed to go by in the blink of an eye, James had read a good portion of the enormous collection of books, mastered his ability to levitate objects, gained a small amount of control on his ability to generate black holes, and found a particular interest in combat with blades. Soon enough, Azurieth seemed less like a strange, dangerous land, and more of a familiar and welcoming realm.

~~§~~

...... “Azur,” the Queen’s voice woke him.
...... “Hmm?”
...... “Time to get up, dear,” she set a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently. “Come now, you don’t want to be late to your own birthday breakfast do you?”
......Smiling slightly, the young prince blinked away the memories that had flooded his sleep, and got out of bed.
...... “Your father and I will be in the dining room waiting for you,” she said, leaving him in his room to get dressed. They had offered him a manservant to help him dress for events like this, and while he’d refused--thinking that he was fully capable of dressing himself--he did find himself at the door to Thomas’ room after he’d dressed.
...... “’Morning,” Thomas greeted, bowing slightly, and snickered, “here,” he fixed the buttons on the front of Azur’s shirt. “Wouldn’t want to have another incident would we?”
...... “It’s my birthday, I can dress however I want,” Azur laughed embarrassed. When he was first getting used to Azuriethian clothing, he’d accidentally skewed the buttons, which wasn’t that big of a deal until he went in for training and got all tangled up in his own shirt. It had taken them forty minutes to get him out of that mess.
...... “Oh sure, go in your birthday suit if you want to,” Thomas offered.
......Azur rolled his eyes. “That does seem appropriate for the occasion,” he admitted, and they made their way down stairs to the dining room.

~~§~~

...... “Alex,” Xandric greeted as the vampire bowed before him, “I’d like to have a word with you.”
...... “Of course,” Alex grumbled tensely.
......Xandric hesitated perplexed, noting the irritation in Alex’s voice.
...... “Is something wrong?”
...... “Zalderen,” Alex growled, an intense anger flashing in his dark green eyes.
......Xandric sighed exasperated, “I should have known. What about him?”
...... “I don’t trust him.”
...... “You never have,” Xandric reminded him, “What’s wrong this time?” He looked bored.
...... “I think that his loyalties are fading, sire. He may need to be operated on again.”
...... That got the king’s attention. He perked up in his throne, dropping the hand that had lazily been supporting his head with a smack against the arm of the seat. “Nobody’s ever done it twice,” Xandric said concerned, “It’s too risky. Too many things can go wrong. I won’t put him through that. Especially not based merely on your suspicions. Unless you have a valid concern then I’d like you to drop the subject.”
...... “Sire,” Alex, seeing that he’d spiked the king’s anger, explained softer, “I’ve seen him. He’s not as thorough as he once was. He’s hesitant, reluctant even, to take a life.”
...... “When have you seen him like this?” Xandric demanded concerned.
...... “You’re aware of the plane crash in the Emerald Forest a few months ago, sir,” Alex explained, “I had followed Zalderen there, and he met a couple of kids from Earth.”
...... “I thought that I had told him not to get involved with happenings like that,” Xandric sighed disappointed, shaking his head, “I don’t understand why he continues to prowl around restricted areas like he does.”
...... “He’s curious, sire. Mischievous. It wasn’t the only of your orders that he’s defiled,” Alex continued, “He knew that they were from Earth, sir. The look of confusion on their faces was a clear signal of that, but he didn’t kill them. He didn’t even try. Instead he talked to them. The boy ran off into the forest with him. I managed to attack the girl. I turned her, and enlisted her into your army, but the boy escaped. I never did get a good look at him, but I’m sure that none of the bodies on the scene of the crash were his. Zalderen didn’t kill him. He let him go, your highness. He defiled your orders once again.”
......Xandric stared down at the vampire with very serious dark eyes, “I don’t want to operate on him again. You can understand that, can’t you, Alex?”
...... “Of course, sir, but I think that you should do something to him.”
...... “Yes, I suppose you are right,” Xandric sighed. After a moment he said, “I could test him. Would that be enough to satisfy your concerns?”
......Alex groaned disappointed. A test would do nothing to satisfy his concerns. Now if only the King would let him kill the boy then that would work great, but until then Alex would remain suspicious of his every move.
...... “What sort of test, sire?” Alex wondered completely uninterested.
......Xandric pondered that for a moment, then grinned, “I could send him after the Gifted.”
......Alex looked up in shock. “The Gifted, sir?” he gasped astonished, “Isn’t that a bit of a suicide mission?”
...... “It’ll be challenging, yes,” Xandric agreed, “However, Zalderen has always loved a challenge. I think that forcing him to kill somebody that powerful will undoubtedly tell me where his loyalties lay. If he won’t do it then I will consider your advice, Alex, but if he will then I want to hear no more of this. Understand?”
......Alex nodded, “You wanted me, sire?”
...... “Yes, Alex,” Xandric grinned, “I have an assignment for you.”
......Alex only waited puzzled. Staring up at his king, the vampire wondered what sort of mission Xandric had in mind that could possibly make him so happy.
...... “Azure,” Xandric spat the name with more hatred than Alex had ever heard, “will be celebrating James’ birthday this week. This means that his guard will be down. This is a small window of opportunity that we may never get again. You will have to be quick. Do you think that you can do that?”
......Alex nodded slowly, still perplexed. Being quick was Zalderen’s skill, not his, and he knew that he was being chosen as a second resort. He was disappointed, but didn’t show it as Xandric continued, “The weather conditions will be severe for travel, otherwise I’d send Zalderen, but I think that he will have enough to worry about with the Gifted, so I’m putting you in charge of this.”
...... “What exactly is it, sir?”
...... “I want you to kill him, Alex,” Xandric said, a large grin spreading across his face, “I want you to strike during the celebration. Kill the King of Azurieth. Then I will send Zalderen after the Gifted.”
......Alex stared up at Xandric awestruck. Kill the King? He’d always known that it would have to be done, but he’d never thought that he would be the one to do it. A smile broke across his lips, and he nodded, “Of course, sire.”
......Xandric dismissed him, the cold smile still on his face. Alex bowed then exited the chamber. He would get to kill the King! As he walked towards his room, Alex couldn’t help but wonder what such a powerful man’s blood would taste like.
......Alex walked into his room, and gasped. The entire place was drenched in oil.
...... “Zalderen,” he growled. It was always Zalderen.
...... “Yes?” a mischievous voice sounded from the doorway.
......Alex whirled around angrily. “What have you done--?” Alex broke off, his green eyes widening as he glared at Zalderen.
......The Teleptí stood in the doorway on the other side of the threshold. He was glaring in at the vampire, and smiling. In his hands he clutched a burning torch, the fire reflecting in his dark blue eyes, and casting shadows over his face. The corners of his mouth twitched up, pulling his lips into a wicked grin.
......Alex stared at him, and scowled. His eyes darted from the flame to Zalderen’s face, and back again.
...... “You nasty little devil.” Alex snarled, “You haven’t changed a bit.”
...... “Devil, am I?” Zalderen chuckled, “Well then,” his face darkened, “welcome to Hell.”
......He tossed the torch into the room, and pulled the door shut. He heard the fire ignite on the other side of the door, quickly followed by Alex’s frantic swearing. Something banged against the door, and the wood vibrated. Zalderen hesitated in the hallway, watching, waiting. One of them had to die soon, and Zalderen would do his best to ensure that it wasn’t him.
......The door broke down, sending heat and smoke into the corridor. Alex raced out of the burning room, and snatched Zalderen by the throat before he could draw his sword. He shoved him up against the wall, and swore furiously. Zalderen glared at him surprised. He hadn’t thought that Alex would actually be able to escape. Alex tightened his grip, cutting off any airflow Zalderen may have gotten. He gagged, pulling at the vampire’s arm.
...... “Look what you did,” Alex barked, jabbing a finger in the direction of his smoldering room, “I will make you pay for that. One of these days you will regret doing this to me.”
......Zalderen’s desperate fighting against Alex’s hold began to slow. His blue eyes dulled as he drifted in and out of consciousness. Alex threw Zalderen to the ground where he coughed and gasped in precious air. Alex took a step near his burning bedroom and sighed.
...... “Perhaps,” he turned and glared at Zalderen, “today will be that day.”
......He grabbed Zalderen by the front of his shirt, and yanked him to his feet. Zalderen stumbled over his feet as Alex pulled him towards the flaming room. Zalderen fumbled with his blade, but just then Alex shoved him into the fire. Zalderen disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke, and Alex growled obscenities under his breath.

......Little over five months had passed since Zalderen had met the strange boy. He hadn’t made much of a speech about it, but news of a powerful young man spread quickly through Azurieth. As Zalderen walked down the halls of his home, he couldn’t help but think that this meeting had something to with the boy as well. He reached a large pair of dark oak doors and paused. He realized that his heart was pounding, and he quickly composed himself before pushing through them and into a large chamber. Two long tables were positioned on either side of the room, and blood red curtains covered the four massive windows behind the vacant seats.
......Zalderen crossed the black and gold tile floor swiftly. He stopped near the center of the room and stared up at his brother, Xandric, who was presently sitting in a large stone throne swathed in animal pelts. Zalderen made a motion towards him that may as well have passed as bowing. ......Xandric’s troubled dark eyes seemed to see into Zalderen’s soul, making him shudder inwardly.
...... “There is a rumor going around,” Xandric said, “that the Gifted have appeared. What do you know about this?”
...... “Nothing,” Zalderen insisted.
...... “Zalderen,” Xandric scolded, easily seeing through the lie.
...... “I mean-- I too have heard the rumors, but what--?”
...... “Do you have any idea how powerful this is? Even if it isn’t true, just the rumor alone causes many to trust the enemy,” Xandric explained, “What do you know about the Gifted, Zalderen?”
...... “They’re powerful, they only appear in times of crisis, and apparently are a big help to Azure.”
...... “Do NOT speak that name!” Xandric bellowed furiously.
......Zalderen shrunk slightly and remained quiet, which was a very rare event for him that many wish would occur more often.
...... “You do not seem to appreciate the seriousness of the situation,” Xandric said, “The Gifted are an extremely rare and powerful people. Yes, more powerful than you or any Teleptí in all of Azurieth. They can possess multiple abilities, Zalderen, some never even heard of. They generally have a defensive ability, and can survive here and on Earth. They are practically invincible.” Again Zalderen thought of the boy from Earth who had appeared out of nowhere and levitated a tree. Xandric continued, “Did you know that their greatest strength is also their weakness?” Zalderen glanced at his brother perplexed. “Their spirits are connected. This makes them twice as powerful as they would be if there was just one of them. This also means that they must depend upon one another. In other words,” Xandric grinned, “if one dies, so does the other.”
...... “You think the rumor is true?” Zalderen wondered quietly.
...... “Yes. Do you remember that particular group of Earth scum that arrived here in a metal death trap a few months ago?” Zalderen nodded slowly. “Apparently there was only one survivor, his name is James. Shortly after his arrival, he began to show signs of being a Destroyer,” Zalderen smiled slightly at the challenge. Xandric continued, “I have had confirmation that the King has adopted him--Prince Azur he’s called--and is training him for combat against us as we speak. Are you aware of the threat that this poses on us?”
...... “Yeah, I think you just explained that. I don’t understand though, why are you telling me this?”
...... “If one dies, then so does the other,” Xandric repeated, “We just happen to have one of the Gifted within reach, and a very talented tracker.”
......Zalderen stared at his brother terrified. “You want me to kill them!” he stuttered, “B-but you said that they’re stronger than me.”
...... “Together yes, which is why I’m sending you so soon. If Azur finds the other Gifted then the odds of us winning this war become virtually impossible,” he explained, “Of course, if you think that this is too much of a challenge for you, then I can always get Alex to do it.”
...... “Alex,” Zalderen scoffed beneath his breath.
......Xandric heard, and smiled. He knew that Zalderen would do anything he asked just to prove himself more capable than the vampire. “How have you two been lately?” he wondered, though he already knew.
...... “Well, we’re both still here. That must amount to something,” Zalderen replied coldly, “Has it really already been two years since he was banished?”
Xandric nodded. “Actually thirty-six months, and let me guess it wasn’t--”
...... “Long enough? No. Not nearly long enough,” Zalderen said darkly, “Can’t you send him away for just another year?”
...... “He assures me that he’s got his thirst under control. There’s no reason for me to send him away again.”
...... “Is the fact that I hate him for trying to kill me not reason enough?” Zalderen snarled, “Did you know that he hurt me again?”
...... “I am aware of that, Zalderen. However, as he puts it, you tried to set him on fire first. Is that right?” Zalderen grinned at the recent memory, and Xandric sighed, “You and he are my chief commanders. You two are the best that I’ve got, and like it or not, you will work together.”
...... “In all honesty, Xandric, I think that the fact that neither of us is dead yet is pretty good cooperation, don’t you?”
......Xandric sighed exasperated, “You know I didn’t choose this, Zalderen. That’s just what you get for being the best. Now, will you take care of the Gifted, or must I turn to Alex?”
...... “No. I can manage,” Zalderen insisted, “Just curious though, why kill them? If they’re so powerful, why not convert them? Surely they would be an invaluable addition.”
...... “You’re right of course, but I’m afraid that won’t be possible. You see, Azur already lives with the enemy therefore he no doubt has taken on his beliefs. The King will send him against us, and if you don’t get rid of him then he will disrupt, if not destroy, the fragile kingdom we’ve worked so hard to build.”
......Zalderen lowered his eyes and was quiet, deep in thought. Xandric was right, the Gifted would destroy everything, but Zalderen had a hard time believing that the boy was so powerful. All of the evidence fit, but the boy, James, he couldn’t be much older than Zalderen himself. Surely nobody that young and with so little experience could be the Gifted, an actual guardian of Azurieth. An adopted prince, sure, but the Gifted?
......Zalderen glanced up at Xandric again. He had not wanted to kill the boy when he first discovered he was from Earth but now it seemed that he had no choice. Either Zalderen would kill James, or fail, and though he had always been reluctant about taking lives, Zalderen could not, would not, fail.
...... “Zalderen,” Xandric said, pulling him from his thoughts, “Are you willing to complete this mission? Will you protect this kingdom?”
......Zalderen closed his eyes frustrated, but didn’t hesitate, “yes.”

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:45 am

CHAPTER FIVE:
......It was near the end of winter, but probably the coldest day of the year. A thick blanket of snow covered the frozen ground and hibernating trees. Grey frost was caked to every window of every household in Azurieth. Nobody dared to go outside in the blizzard, which made Alex realize why he was assigned for the mission. As he stood, ankle deep in the snowy forest, the weather hardly fazed him. He would only sway slightly when the wind ruffled his dark curls. He gazed at the castle below. It was a few miles away, and barely visible through the storm. He took a deep breath of the chilly air, and ran. Moving soundlessly through the snow covered forest he arrived at the castle within seconds.

~~§~~

......The dinging room was huge! Three chandlers hung from the high ceiling, all in use and shining brightly. A large stained glass window was to the side of a long table made to seat nearly thirty. Four large fires were used to warm the room, and candles were placed between dishes along the table.
......Azur sat at the enormous table grinning eagerly around the room at all of the people surrounding him. At his right, sitting at the head of the table, was the King. Across from Azur, barely visible behind several dishes that were piled high with food, was the Queen. She looked peacefully from Azur to her husband then to the blue stone on her necklace. Her head jerked up suddenly, and Azur saw the abrupt terror in her face and glossy eyes.
......Azur had just opened his mouth to ask her what was wrong when the tall stained glass window behind her shattered. Alex entered the room, sending shards of broken glass everywhere. The large group of joyful people who had congregated that morning in celebration of Azur’s eighteenth birthday began to panic and move towards the exit. Only a few people pushed against the crowd in an effort to reach their King.
......Alex grinned to himself as cries of terror rang out around him. He stepped quickly through the glass-covered room, and leapt upon the table, positioning himself neatly between the dishes directly in front of the King. Alex crouched down and looked the King in the eyes. He grinned menacingly, revealing his pointed teeth. The King gasped in alarm at the sight of the fangs. Alex’s grin widened as he glanced at Azur. The young prince was staring horror struck at him. Azur glared at the vampire, too terrified to move.
......It wasn’t until Alex had spotted the small group of people headed towards him, that Azur gained control of himself. He stood as Alex yanked the King from the chair, and dashed out the broken window. Azur and the others ran to the window in horror.
......Without really knowing what he was doing, Azur leapt through the broken glass, and landed in the deep snow. He heard somebody land beside him, but didn’t stay to see who it was. Jumping to his feet, he ran out into the bitter cold.

~~§~~

......Alex used the back of his hand to wipe blood from his mouth. He glanced at the King’s corpse, pale and unmoving. Alex sneered. For being of royal lineage and a beloved leader, the King was merely an old Orator, and his blood was nothing sweeter than any other the vampire had drank. Alex was about to abandon the King’s lifeless body when he heard distant footsteps. Quickly scaling a nearby tree, Alex saw James trudging through the snow. He chuckled, the prince was shouting for Alex to show himself while a man with short light hair was ordering Azur back to the castle.
......Azur was slowing now, exhausted. He hiked near the tree where Alex was hiding. With help from the strong wind, Alex was able to get a good whiff of the young prince. He had a nearly overpowering urge to drop from the tree and kill him right then and there despite his knowledge of the punishment he would receive for disobeying King X’s orders. Alex dug his fingers into the bark, and with an enormous amount of effort, remained out of sight. He shivered as he watched the man catch up to Azur.

~~§~~

...... “Azur,” Thomas shouted, “Come on. It’s too late. There’s nothing you can do. You have to come inside.”
......Thomas wrapped his arms around Azur, trying to force him back. Immediately Azur fought against Thomas’ hold, but was unable to break loose.
...... “Azur!” Thomas growled, “There isn’t anything you can do!”
...... “No,” Azur cried.
......He continued to fight and thrash in Thomas’ arms, but Thomas still managed to restrain him. Azur could no longer feel his hands or feet. He could hear Thomas struggling to hold him back while Azur repeatedly begged him to be let go.
...... “If there’s any hope I’ll send out some troops, but, Azur, you cannot go after him yourself. Please, let us help.”
...... “There is hope,” Azur cried, “He isn’t dead. He can’t be dead.”
...... “Azur, please,” Thomas pleaded, “Come back to the castle. We can discuss this there. You just cannot stay out here in the open, and in the middle of a storm. It is too dangerous.”
......Azur had finally exhausted himself to the point where Thomas could drag him back to the castle. They were both breathing in short ragged gasps by the time they returned. The Queen was sitting in a chair near the shattered window with a blanket draped over her. She had just calmed down a little when Thomas and Azur walked back into the room without her husband. She began to sob again, and the small group of people who had tried to comfort her followed Thomas back to the table. Azur knelt next to the Queen and, gripping her hand, he too began to cry.
...... “We need a small search party to look for him,” Thomas began.
......Cries of agreement rang out among them.
...... “I’m coming too,” Azur insisted standing up.
...... “No, Azur,” Thomas said sternly, “Stay here with her majesty. We’ll be back soon.”
...... “But--”
...... “Someone must protect her,” Thomas continued, “and quite frankly you’re the best we’ve got. Now stay.”
...... “Fine,” Azur sighed and knelt next to the Queen again.

~~§~~

......Alex glared in the direction Azur and the other man had disappeared. He was both sorrowful and relieved that they had left when they did. Azur’s blood smelled so good, and Alex had just about lost control of himself.
......He jumped from the tree, and grabbed the King’s body. He tossed it carelessly into the open snow-covered area then turned and made his way back to King X’s castle.

~~§~~

......Thomas returned sooner than Azur had expected. Stepping through the broken window, which was now the easiest and quickest entrance to the dining room, Thomas kept his eyes lowered to the ground. Immediately Azur and the Queen leapt to their feet and rushed to meet him and the other members of the small search party.
...... “Well?” Azur demanded.
......Thomas reluctantly met Azur’s anxious gaze and shook his head sadly. The Queen began to cry again while Azur stared past Thomas at the body that the party had brought back. Hate and anger pulsed through him. Zalderen, King X, and whoever else was involved would pay for this, he would make certain of that.

~~§~~

......Alex walked proudly through the large wooden doors, and into King X’s chamber. Zalderen sat at the head of the large table to the right, and clenched his jaw tight as Alex moved to the middle of the room. He threw a smug glance in Zalderen’s direction before taking a long, low bow before his king, and stepped back respectfully.
...... “The former King of Azurieth is dead. Let the new ruler of this land reign forever in his stead,” Alex announced.
...... “About time,” Xandric said smiling, “And what of the prince?”
......Alex looked over to Zalderen who shrunk slightly at his glare.
...... “Alive and waiting. He’s too confused and heartbroken to even consider taking up the assumed place at the throne,” Alex reported, “He is extremely powerful though, so I suggest you move quickly.”
...... “We’ve already figured that out thanks,” Zalderen growled.
Alex shrugged, “It was merely a precautionary suggestion.”
...... “Yeah? Well then I don’t need to follow it then if it isn’t an order.” Zalderen stood angrily, and was glaring at the vampire. Alex smiled slightly, having expected this much. His green eyes drifted to Xandric for a response.
......Xandric grimaced, and gave Zalderen the answer that Alex had predicted, “You have the right to speak as always, Zalderen, but Alex makes some valid observations. You may as well consider his advice an order for now.”
......Zalderen glanced from his brother to Alex then sat. “Fine,” he growled.
...... “Alex,” Xandric addressed, “I want you to monitor their every move. Keep me updated on their plans, even their ideas. I want to know everything they do. With the King gone the rest should be easy.”
......Alex nodded, bowed, and then left the room.

~~§~~

......Thomas knocked softly on the door.
......The Queen’s gentle voice sounded from the other side, “Come in.”
......He slowly opened the door and peaked inside the small bedroom. The Queen was sitting on the bed drying her tears, and sniffling. Azur was sitting on the ground, his back against the wall, and his face hidden behind his hands. Thomas had escorted them here from the dining room about an hour ago. The Queen had calmed down considerably, though she couldn’t seem to stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks. Azur on the other hand hadn’t shed a tear, but seemed completely shut down.
...... “We’ve confirmed the cause of death,” Thomas explained, his voice shaky, “It was a vampire.”
......The Queen nodded slowly, dabbing at her eyes with a cloth. Thomas glanced at Azur. He hadn’t moved. He seemed to be frozen in place.
...... “I am truly sorry, your highness,” Thomas concluded his voice cracking, and tears filling his hazel eyes.
......Thomas turned away, and was about to close the door when he thought he heard someone speak. He glanced from the Queen to Azur. The prince was staring at him, his tear stained face had a look of betrayal on it. Azur wiped tears from his brown eyes, and stood.
...... “Azur?” Thomas asked softly.
...... “I said you should be sorry,” Azur growled, “We could have stopped it. We could have saved him, Thomas. He might still be here if you’d only let me go. You shouldn’t have wasted so much time on me. We could have done something to change this.”
......Thomas looked hurt. Azur’s lip quivered at the memory, and he looked away, wiping at the tears that had begun to form. The Queen sniffled, and stood. She moved towards Azur, setting a gentle hand on his shoulder.
...... “Azur,” she whispered, “Sir Sarr was only protecting you.”
...... “No,” Azur started angrily.
...... “Sarr has been nothing but loyal to Azure. He was only following orders.”
...... “Well then following orders took too long,” Azur barked, “We could have saved him.”
...... “Or you could have died,” the Queen pointed out, “and losing you would have been a much more devastating blow.”
...... “The King ordered me to protect you, Azur,” Thomas said, “I had to keep you safe. I wouldn’t disobey his orders. Not at the cost of my life, nor his. You’re far too important.”
...... “But--” Azur began frustrated.
...... “He did the right thing, Azur,” the Queen said, dabbing at her tears again, “Even Azure would agree.”
......Azur lowered his eyes, “I can’t believe he’s gone.”
......Thomas stepped towards him, patting Azur on the arm comfortingly.
...... “I know,” Thomas sighed, his voice still shaky, “I am so, so sorry, Azur.”
......Azur glanced up at him. This was the first time he had really noticed the pain in Thomas’ face. Azur cleared his throat, and squared his shoulders, trying to look strong despite the tears that still swelled in his eyes.
...... “Who did it? Who’s responsible?” Azur demanded.
...... “It was a deliberate strike that required a lot of planning. No doubt an order from King X,” Thomas said, “We can only assume that you’re the next target, Azur.”
...... “Why didn’t he just take me out?” Azur demanded.
...... “Azure wouldn’t let anybody near you, Azur,” the Queen said, “He loved you.”
...... “King X had to break down that wall of protection to get to you,” Thomas explained, “Now that he has, we’re expecting another attempted strike soon.”
...... “What do I do?” Azur wondered.
...... “You let us protect you,” Thomas said, “Let us form another barrier around you.”
...... “So that you can get killed too?” Azur cried appalled, “No, Thomas. We’re going to fight back. I’m going to make them pay for what they did.”
...... “Azur,” the Queen gasped, “You can’t fight.”
...... “I’ve gotten better,” Azur insisted.
...... “You’re too valuable to send off into battle,” Thomas said, “You are the Gifted, Azur. Now the last hope we have of winning this war.”
...... “What is the point of being so powerful if I can’t fight?” Azur demanded angrily.
...... “You aren’t strong enough alone.”
...... “Well I don’t see what choice I have, Thomas,” Azur growled, “Nobody knows where the other Gifted is, and I don’t even know where to start looking.”
......Thomas paused, his hazel eyes widening in realization. The Queen glanced at him perplexed.
...... “What is it, Sarr?” she wondered, “Do you have an alternate solution.”
...... “No, I’m sorry, your highness,” Thomas said, his eyes focusing on Azur, “But I do know where the other Gifted is.”
...... “You do?” Azur exclaimed baffled, “Where?”
...... “Azure told me this morning that he suspected the other Gifted to be on Earth.”
...... “Earth?” Azur asked surprised.
......Thomas nodded, “Yes, that’s what he said.”
...... “But how would he know that?”
...... “There have been a lot of portals recently. This started just after you arrived, perhaps even during your arrival. You see, the Gifted aren’t supposed to be apart. The King’s assumption was that you both must have been in the same place, or else the other Gifted would not be trying so hard to get back to you. But when you came to Azurieth, the other Gifted may have felt a decrease in strength and is trying, whether he knows it or not, to reconnect with you.”
...... “Why didn’t he tell me this before?”
...... “He claimed he just figured it out today, but didn’t want to tell you until after your birthday celebration.”
...... “He never would have got the chance,” Azur moaned, “Thank you, Thomas.”
...... “For what?”
...... “Letting me know where the other Gifted is. If I can find him, or even a portal to him, I can stop the people who did this from doing any more damage.”
...... “Azur,” the Queen exclaimed, “That’s absurd. You can’t just go off looking for the Gifted. Not now, when the kingdom has suffered so harsh a blow. Tell him, Sarr. He cannot go.”
...... “I have to,” Azur begged, “I won’t let any more people die if I can help it. If I can find the other Gifted, then together we can stop King X.”
...... “No,” the Queen began.
...... “With all due respect, your highness, I think that it would be in the kingdom’s best interest if the prince could, at the very least, locate a portal,” Thomas admitted, “I agree that we should do everything within our power to end the war early before too many more casualties occur.”
...... “Oh all right,” she finally agreed, “but he doesn’t go alone.”
...... “You have my word on it,” Thomas said eagerly, “Come, Azur, I’ll show you to the King’s-- um, to your army.”
......Azur had forgotten that, with the King gone, he could very possibly be considered the ruler of Azurieth. He shuddered at the title, but followed Thomas down a long hallway. He saw his surroundings, but didn’t fully comprehend them. He’d never been down this end of the castle before, it had never interested him, but it wasn’t the foreign setting that caused him to be unfocused. His mind was racing. Everything was happening so quickly. He was about to return to Earth, after several months, in search of the Gifted. He felt both fascinated, and terrified by this.
......As much as he despised the spotlight, Azur wanted to be a good king, like his foster father before him. He knew that this obviously did not involve abandoning the kingdom after its former ruler had been taken out, but he needed to stop the war. Or at least this is what he told himself and others, but really Azur couldn’t help feeling the slight delight in revenge being so closely available. This slight twinge of delight grew magnificently as Azur viewed the size of his army.
......Thomas stepped in line with the rest of the men facing Azur.
......He smiled, “Take your pick.”
...... “Anyone?” Azur wondered in awe.
...... “Of course, your highness, we’re all at your service.”
......Azur smiled. He gazed at the front row of troops. Eleven soldiers, not including Thomas, stood before him. Tall, proud, and valiant, they looked back at him, prepared for anything.
...... “Shouldn’t need too many I don’t think,” Azur said as if he were still trying to decide whom best to come with him, “Just the front row.”
......Twelve soldiers stepped forward.
...... “Not you, Thomas.”
......Thomas froze confused. “What?” Thomas asked shocked, “You don’t want me to accompany you? I’m an excellent fighter, surely you don’t doubt--”
...... “No, Thomas,” Azur said politely, cutting him off, “I don’t doubt your abilities. That’s why I need you here. You and the rest of your men, I want you here to protect my home and mother. They are of more concern to me than any obstacle I might face. Please, Thomas? You are the only one I really trust.”
......Thomas nodded, “You have my word.”
...... “Thank you, Thomas,” Azur breathed gratefully, “Thank you.”

~~§~~

......Alex watched as Azur led the small group of men out the doors. He grinned then raced back to Xandric’s kingdom. When he entered the chamber for the second time that day, it was nearly how he’d left it. Some of the seats at the two large tables were unoccupied, but Zalderen was still sitting at the head of the right table, and that was all that Alex was really concerned about. He moved across the room swiftly. Passing Zalderen as he went, he breathed, “You really should have taken my advice earlier.”
......Zalderen pulled himself to his feet again in frustration, and shouted, “What happened?”
His outburst would have seemed slightly out of place if Alex had not just finished bowing to King X. Alex glanced at Zalderen smugly before returning his attention to Xandric.
...... “Azur is planning to lead a small army into the Zormac Forest in hopes of finding a portal to Earth. The other Gifted is thought to be there, and Azur wants to find him to put an end to this kingdom,” Alex reported.
...... “Zalderen,” Xandric began.
...... “Yeah, yeah, I know,” Zalderen sighed, “I’ll take care of it.”
......He threw his chair back, and walked past Alex. He noticed the vampire tense as he passed him. Zalderen smiled to himself as he left the chamber, slamming the door behind him.

Auroze

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Auroze

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Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:12 pm

CHAPTER SIX:
......“They’ve located a relatively active portal within the Devil’s Volcano,” Alex reported, “A couple of hags tipped them off.”
......Xandric swore and wiped sweat from his brow. He was pacing nervously in front of his throne as Alex watched lethargically.
...... “Are the witches dead?”
...... “Yes, I’ve already killed them,” Alex said, then, puzzled that the king was still so worked up, added slowly, “Is that okay?”
...... “Yes that’s good,” Xandric sighed exasperated, “Why hasn’t Zalderen killed Azur yet? It’s been nearly five days.”
...... “I don’t know, sire. Perhaps he’s incapable of the task, or dead,” Alex smiled inwardly at the thought then continued, “I’m not sure. You sent me to report on Azur’s whereabouts, but if you want me to keep an eye on Zalderen as well--”
...... “No, keep close to Azur. Zalderen will be fine,” Xandric excused, “Ah, where is that warlock?”
...... “In the dungeon,” Alex answered slowly, “But you aren’t honestly going to send him are you? He can hardly think on his own, let alone go after the Gifted.”
...... “Just for backup. It won’t matter if we lose him to Earth.”
...... “Sire, I’m immortal. Wouldn’t it be best if I went?”
...... “I’m aware of your condition, Alex, but I don’t want you to interfere.”
...... “Interfere?” Alex exclaimed appalled, “I want to help, not--”
...... “Whatever your intentions, it will end badly,” Xandric explained, “You and my brother don’t seem to get along well for reasons I still don’t understand.”
...... “Sire, if I may, he isn’t your brother. You and I both know that.”
...... “Yes, but he doesn’t,” Xandric said pointedly, “Now, what is it exactly that you have against him?”
......Alex sighed, “You seem to trust him more than me.”
......Xandric smiled and nodded, “Yes, and for good reason,” Alex looked appalled again. “You simply lose control far too often.”
...... “But aren’t I just as powerful, just as useful as he?” Alex wondered desperately, “I respect you. I’m no Teleptí, but I wouldn’t ever go against your judgment as he has.”
...... “Good,” Xandric said smiling, “So prove it and go get Mandusa. Send him and some Shadows after Azur. We need him dead, or he will ruin everything.”
......Alex stared at Xandric in dismay for a moment as the anger rose within him. Taking in a breath, he pushed it back down. Finally he bowed, and left the chamber. Once in the hall, Alex raced to the dungeon muttering complaints to himself. He had to let out the pressure that the anger built up in short bursts otherwise he might almost kill someone again--someone the king didn’t want dead--and he didn’t want that, so he just rushed down a spiraling stone staircase trying not to think about the fact that King X trusted Zalderen of all people over him. Moving through the confusing aisles, he spotted a filthy man leaning against the wall and fingering a wooden staff. Alex approached the man, and growled, “You’re needed.”
...... “What for?” he whined sluggishly.
...... “You’re to go to Earth. Find and kill both the Gifted, and Zalderen,” Alex said then added quickly, “King X’s orders.”
...... “Really?” Mandusa wondered, “Somehow I have a difficult time believing that King X wants me to murder his beloved commander.”
......Alex remained quiet as the warlock cackled. They both hated Zalderen, surely the warlock would do this one thing despite the king. He dragged himself to his feet, and faced Alex, but didn’t raise his eyes. Mandusa grinned, showing his rotted teeth.
...... “When do I leave?” he demanded eagerly.
......Alex smiled a dark cruel smile.

~~§~~

......The sound of agonizing cries filled the air, and echoed in Azur’s ears. He clenched his fists angrily and turned to go back. The man next to him extended his arm, pushing Azur back against the tree. The man glanced behind them at the bloody mess, and grimaced.
...... “We have to help them,” Azur cried, “I won’t let them all die for me.”
...... “That isn’t your call to make,” the other man said sternly, “Thomas gave us strict orders to protect you. He said they came from the Queen herself, so whether you like it or not we will fight for you.”
...... “Well I don’t like it. Can’t I help?”
...... “No, if anyone survives, it must be you. Here,” he said and handed Azur his weapon.
......Azur accepted it and admired the handy work of the large knife. It was a sturdy weapon with a strong wooden handle that had the word ‘Azurieth’ engraved in it in neat gold letters. The blade was thick, but razor sharp, and nearly the length of Azur’s forearm.
...... “But then,” Azur began, “what are you going to--?”
...... “Run, Azur.”
...... “Huh?”
......The man jumped out from behind the tree to face the Shadows. He circled about them, waving his arms, and making loud noises to avert their attention from Azur’s hiding place.
...... “Run, Azur!” he repeated terrified as the Shadows drew nearer to him.
......Obediently, Azur darted from his position in the trees, and ran in the direction of the swamp. The man’s fearful scream was cut off abruptly as the Shadows finished him. Azur’s vision had begun to blur from the tears that were flowing freely now. This was turning out so much worse than he could ever have imagined. He tripped, unable to fully see where he was going, and the knife slipped from his grasp to slide across the dirt. Azur scrambled to his feet and clutched his only weapon. He stood there for a moment catching his breath and mopping his eyes.
......A dark being swept slowly through the forest and caught his attention. Immediately Azur dashed from the spot to a large tree with a wide trunk. He pressed his back flat against the bark, brushed his dark hair from his eyes, and panted heavily. He could feel the Shadows drawing nearer--a chilly breeze passed through the forest and pierced his heart. Darkness seemed to gather around him, and for a moment Azur was torn between running and fighting.
......He wanted so badly to fight. To destroy the monsters that killed his soldiers. There was only one small dilemma. Azur had absolutely no idea how to fight these creatures.
......Azur wished suddenly that he hadn’t hesitated. The chilly breeze had passed, but in its place was an ice-cold freeze that seemed to solidify the air and numb his entire body. A Shadow moved across the ground and appeared in front of him. He could no longer feel his legs. Azur collapsed to the floor as several Shadows gathered near him. They stood upright, their two dimensional bodies bending against the background, and drifted closer to him. Azur clutched his knife, but could not move his arms to use it. In a last desperate attempt to fight, Azur closed his eyes and created a black hole. When he opened his eyes, Azur caught a glimpse of the last few Shadows being sucked into the vortex before it vanished.
......Warmth and feeling were restored to his body, and Azur pulled himself up and staggered through the forest. He glanced up towards the sky trying to see past the leaves. He couldn’t quite make out the color of the sky, which prevented him from knowing exactly what time it was. He knew that the portal was usually activated near sunset, and closed around twilight, but he didn’t know what time it was now.
......He emerged from the trees into a marshy area. Finally he was able to see the sky. It was a pale blue color with the sun slinking slowly towards the horizon. Azur shifted his gaze from the sun to the volcano that was just visible within the dense forest. He groaned. The portal hadn’t opened yet, but it would soon, and Azur was sure that he wouldn’t be able to get there in time. Still, he certainly didn’t want to spend another night here. It was far too dangerous, especially now that he was alone.
......Azur plunged into the water, and began to swim. It wasn’t as deep as he’d thought, and in most places he could touch the muck at the bottom with his worn tennis shoes. Something slipped up his pant leg, wrapped around his ankle, and squeezed.
...... “Ouch,” Azur growled puzzled.
......He slid his knife through the water, and snipped whatever it was that had seized him. It let go, and Azur was able to continue wading through the dirty water. Nearing the opposite side of the swamp, Azur could better see what had grabbed him. At the bank of the pond, a large patch of green was visible through the murky water. Hundreds of Alga lined the shallows. Azur groaned in despair, having read about the awful plant-like creatures. They closely resembled seaweed, but had poisonous thorns lining the sides. They used the thorns to capture and drown prey, injecting the victim with mild venom to keep it from thrashing. Azur scanned the shore looking for a clearing in the greenery, unfortunately, there was none. He gritted his teeth in frustration, clenched his knife, and stepped as quickly as he could through them. They too wrapped around his legs, and again Azur had to slice them off.
......When Azur finally made it to dry land, his legs were sore and bleeding from where he’d been grabbed. He trudged over, sat on a moss-covered log near the trees, and wiped mud from his eyes. He glanced back up at the sky. It was still a pale blue, but the sun was no longer visible from where he sat surrounded by the tall trees.
......Suddenly the log moved. It began lifting into the air, and Azur fell to his hands and knees. He turned around, and froze. Staring at him were nine pairs of bright amber eyes. He marveled at the creature in fascination and fear, never having seen a hydra before. The hydra swung its massive tail, throwing Azur from the muddy ground, and back into the water. His knife was flung from his grasp, and went flying. Azur landed into the enormous patch of Alga, and immediately they tangled themselves around him, pulling him down far beneath the surface. He struggled to free himself by yanking and tearing at their thin, slimy bodies. He kicked his legs frantically, but it was no use.
......The Alga dug their thorns into his flesh, drawing blood and injecting poison. Azur cried out in pain, and regretted it instantly. He tried to regain the breath he’d just let out, but got a mouth full of blood and muddy water instead. Trying to fight against the Alga was useless as the venom constricted his muscles and prevented him from moving very quickly. He watched hopelessly as the bubbles that contained his last breath floated to the surface.
......Something flashed, and the Alga released their grip. Azur felt someone grab his wrist and pull him to the surface. He coughed and spit up water as he kneeled in the mud. He glanced around for his rescuer, and, when he was greeted by a puff of purple dust, choked on his breath. Azur spotted his knife lying in the grass several feet away from the dead hydra.
...... “Bloody hell…” Azur whimpered shakily.
......He snatched his knife from the grass, and sprinted into the trees.

~~§~~

......Zalderen grinned as he watched Azur dash through the forest. He was perched upon one of the highest branches of a thick pine, his black clothing blending in with the shadows. Finally, when Azur was directly below the tree, Zalderen teleported to meet him. He appeared a mere two feet in front of him, startling Azur. He stumbled to a stop and stared at Zalderen terrified.
......Zalderen smiled and stood tall. His long blonde hair covered his ears and hung in his face just above his blue eyes. He looked considerably younger than Azur, little over a year perhaps. He was smaller than Azur as well, but he was fast, good with a sword, and a powerful Teleptí.
...... “Hello,” Zalderen smirked, “long time no see.”
......He wasn’t sure why, but something about Zalderen’s posture made Azur feel small and igsignificant, and that angered him.
...... “Get out of my way.”
......Zalderen smiled wider, and didn’t move. Azur flung his knife at him. Zalderen drew his sword, and, in an instant, Azur’s knife had clanged against it and ricocheted back into the dirt at his feet.
...... “C’mon. Please don’t make it so easy,” Zalderen pleaded laughing.
......Azur locked eyes with Zalderen as he bent to grab his weapon.
......Zalderen continued, “You know, one would think that you might actually try to win a fight for you life.”
...... “What do you want?” Azur demanded puzzled.
......Zalderen’s smile faded fast as he remembered what he was sent to do. “Well, quite frankly, either your life or eternal subjection. Either will do.”
...... “What?”
...... “You’re one of the Gifted,” Zalderen explained, “Personally I’ve got nothing against you, but you’re fighting a losing battle. The Gifted are really the only thing standing in the way of my brother’s reign, so I’m giving you a choice. You can either come with me and join King X’s armies, or I could kill you, which is really what I have been assigned to do.”
...... “Assigned?”
...... “You wouldn’t understand,” Zalderen said waving the subject away.
...... “No,” Azur said boldly, “You don’t understand. I’d do near owt in protecting Azurieth, and if I join you then I’d be doing just the opposite.”
......Zalderen frowned, “Fine.”
......With a simple flick of his wrist, Zalderen sliced through Azur’s chest, and disappeared. It happened so fast that Azur barely had time to react before Zalderen appeared behind him and knocked his legs out from under him. Azur fell to the ground clutching the cut in his battle gear, unsure yet of whether or not the sword had pierced his skin, and staring astonished at Zalderen. Zalderen stepped towards him and frowned.
...... “You know,” Zalderen began disappointed, “what with you being so powerful and all, I was really hoping for a more interesting battle. Come to think of it I’ve dueled some of that scum from Earth, and even they put up more of a fight than you. Do you want to die? Because,” he raised his sword, “I could arrange that.”
......Azur squeezed his knife and swallowed his fear. He rolled over and jabbed his knife into Zalderen’s leg. With the weapon lodged just below his knee, Zalderen cried out and bent over in surprised pain. He took a deep breath then let out another cry of pain as he pulled the blade from his leg and tossed it to the ground. Azur lay in the dirt breathing hard and trying to decide what to do next.
......Zalderen limped over to Azur furiously and plunged his sword into what should have been Azur’s chest, but had become a black hole. He would have been taken aback if not for his weapon exiting the vortex just as quickly as he’d jabbed it in, and aimed straight for him. Zalderen disappeared in a cloud of smoke, the sword gliding right through it, and becoming lodged in a tree. Zalderen reappeared and pulled his sword from the trunk.
......Azur stood, grabbed his knife, and levitated three boulders. They flew through the air towards Zalderen. He dodged the first, teleported out of the path of the second, and appeared right in front of the third. The rock slammed against his stomach and smashed him against another gray pine. While still holding his concentration, Azur was able to keep the boulder in place as he walked up to Zalderen who was struggling in vain to breathe under the stone’s pressure.
......Just when Azur felt that he had the upper hand, Zalderen disappeared again. Azur glanced around anxiously. There was a strange snapping noise from overhead. Azur turned back and froze in fear as he watched what he thought was another Shadow by the nearby trees. He could see now that it certainly wasn’t a Shadow. The being had grey skin, greasy looking hair, and was carrying some sort of weapon that glinted red near the top. It was moving up the volcano slowly. It didn’t seem to be hiking, but gliding, almost like a snake would slide through grass. Something seemed oddly familiar about the being, and Azur couldn’t help but think that he’d read about it before.
......A large shadow appeared overhead and grew until it engulfed the entire sky. Azur looked away from the being and saw, in horror, the enormous tree tipping towards him. It came crashing down just as he leapt out of the way. Zalderen appeared near the fallen tree and walked around it until he spotted Azur lying facedown halfway under a branch in the dirt. Covered with twigs and leaves, Azur lay unmoving with his knife a few inches from his outstretched fingers. Zalderen nudged him with his foot, but Azur didn’t react. Zalderen glanced at the volcano curiously. He’d never seen a portal open before. Zalderen smiled mischievously, and teleported.
......He couldn’t have been more surprised when he appeared on the cracked black rock to find Azur clinging to his ankle with one hand, and clutching his knife with the other. Zalderen laughed, and swung his foot back. Azur released his frail grasp, and got a face full of Zalderen’s boot.
......Azur knelt on the black rock, and held his hand to his swelling forehead and bleeding nose. Zalderen bent down and smiled tauntingly at Azur at eyelevel. Azur lifted his knife to Zalderen, but was too slow. Zalderen stood upright, dodging the weapon, then seized Azur’s wrist and twisted it just further than it was meant to go.
...... “Gah!” Azur gasped in pain.
......Zalderen chuckled, and bent down again. “Well, James--it is James isn’t it?” Zalderen asked. Azur glared at him, and he smiled and continued, “It’s about time you actually started trying.”
......Azur scowled. He removed his hand from his face and punched Zalderen in the cheek. Zalderen jerked backwards, released his grip on Azur, and then kicked him in the chest.
......First, Azur felt the painful shock of Zalderen’s boot against his chest. He then felt the tight stretching of his knees as he bent backwards, almost flat on the ground, with his legs pinned beneath him at an unnatural angle. The tip of Zalderen’s sword appeared in the center of his chest, and gleamed in the fading light. The stretching pain in his knees, and the numbness in his legs became too much. Azur twisted slightly, trying to move to free his legs.
...... “Oh,” Zalderen chuckled and slid his blade across Azur’s armor, creating another cut in the tough material, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
......A sudden burst of color lit up the pale sky. The sun stretched its final rays across the horizon and painted the once plain clouds various shades of pink and yellow. Zalderen glanced in the direction of a flash of pale orange light that had appeared near the inside edge of the volcano.
......Azur, seeing that Zalderen’s attention was divided, seized his chance of escaping. He imagined Zalderen being slammed into the ground below, then concentrated on that thought. Zalderen looked frantically around as he began rising from the surface of the volcano. Azur smiled smugly as Zalderen was flung harshly through the air then dropped over the side of the cliff. He rolled over, allowing blood to rush back into his calves. After the sting of sudden blood flow, Azur pushed himself to his feet and raced to the inside rim of the volcano.
......He spotted the pale orange hue not too far from the top, and Azur found himself climbing slowly down the edge. He dropped onto a small ledge, shoved his weapon in his belt, and ducked into the swirling orange and grey mist.
......Zalderen appeared at the cave entrance and stared at the portal as it began to die away. Perplexed, he reached out to touch it, and was seemingly engulfed by the vapor just as the sun settled beneath the horizon.

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 9:06 pm

CHAPTER SEVEN:
......Katie lay in the middle of her bed. The large blanket was laid neatly over her, pulled up to her chest. She had her hands beneath her head, and had once been absently playing with her hair before she realized that it was relaxing and making her sleepy. She’d stopped, and now her hands were asleep, completely numb, between her head and her pillow.
......Her long dark hair spilled out over her pillows, and, like everything else, seemed ridiculously soft and comfortable. Her green eyes, once huge and wide open, were now drooping and unfocused as she stared blankly up at the dark ceiling. She’d been here for hours, and her heavy eyelids were finally beginning to fall. Her vision blurred slightly, but still she fought to stay awake.
......Finally Katie was forced to forfeit her struggle with her tired body when she thought that she saw a burst of white light--like lightning flashing in front of her eyes. Instead of waking her up, however, the brilliant light seemed to only make her more exhausted. Her eyes closed, drowning out the light, and she lay in darkness for a moment. Realizing what she had done, she panicked and her eyes flew open, but they saw nothing. Katie almost didn’t realize that she’d closed her eyes again. This time she gave in and slipped into a deep, much needed, sleep.
......The fear that she felt nearly every night subsided into wonder and amazement as Katie drifted deeper and deeper into sleep. Finally she found herself gazing out of a tall window at an incredible scene. The sky was a deep shade of maroon with flat pale clouds scattered throughout it. The clouds grew yellow as they tried to hold onto the last drops of sunlight, but were unsuccessful and slowly turned white again as the sun set in a broad orange band near the mountains.
......She spotted a dim, multicolored hue near the flower garden below. She giggled with excitement then raced from the room. She made her way quickly down familiar corridors and into the main hall, her bare feet slapping the cool tile floor. Standing on her toes, Katie grasped the large silver handle of the front door and pulled it open. She didn’t bother to close it as she walked outside and hopped along the stepping-stones that led up to her home.
......Finally she reached the silver gate that surrounded the yard. Dark green vines were woven through the bars, and large purple flowers sprung up among them. Katie got down on her hands and knees, and crawled through the small space beneath the gate, careful not to accidentally snag her gown. She stood, wiped dirt from her hands, and took one look back at the castle she called home, before running off to the garden. She placed herself in the rich soil against the gate, and watched as fairies zipped around collecting petals from her mother’s roses. A tall fairy with short orange hair, and scarlet wings flew up to Katie. It gazed critically into her green eyes, picked up a strand of her hair, then frowned and flew away. Katie giggled again then continued to watch.
......A strong breeze seemed to come out of nowhere. It blew back her long dark hair, and disrupted the calm air. Most of the fairies had scattered, and the few that remained hovered nervously in the air. Katie stood and scanned the yard perplexed. A man, barely visible in the dim light, walked swiftly out of the trees and towards her home. The breeze seemed to follow him as he moved nearer to the gate. Katie shivered slightly from the sudden cold and watched as the man stopped just in front of the gate. Suddenly the ground lurched, and shifted the gate, creating a gap in the metal. Katie lost her footing and fell to the ground with a cry. Everything became unnaturally still as the man searched for the source of the sound.
......Katie bolted from her spot and raced up the steps of her home. She slipped on the smooth tile, and cried out again. Immediately her mother darted into the room and scooped the child into her arms. She rocked her back and forth trying to calm her.
...... “Shh. It’s alright sweetheart. Katie, honey, what is it? What’s wrong?”
......Katie gazed at her mother. She was a tall woman with long black hair and soft grey eyes. Finally she had calmed enough to speak.
...... “There’s a man in the garden,” Katie whimpered.
......Her mother looked perplexed.
...... “Who?” Her father wondered walking into the room. He had short bronze hair and green eyes. He wore a blue cloak over his clothes, symbolizing his loyalty to the King, which he had almost never removed since the war started. He moved towards the door puzzled.
......Suddenly the ground began to rise and fall in rapid motions. It seemed as thought the earth beneath them was trying to tear the castle floor apart. The small family was forced to the ground as everything shook. Windows shattered, and wind and lightning filled the air. Her mother gripped Katie tight as pictures and furniture toppled to the floor.
...... “A Dawning,” her father yelled, “Stay away from the walls and furniture.”
......A huge twister appeared directly above their home, and tore at the roof. Lightning bounced around, catching nearly everything ablaze. The wind picked up glass and debris, and scattered it. A small table near Katie and her mother cracked, dropping the pictures that had rested upon it to the floor. They shattered, sending more glass into the windstorm. Katie screamed. More lightning struck and a brilliant flash of bright white light filled the room. Katie felt as if she had been yanked back into the pitch-black darkness that seemed to engulf everything. Then it was silent and still, and there was nothing but darkness.

~~§~~

......Katie awoke due to her own screaming. She panted and fought against the blankets that twisted around her. She fell to the floor, and lay there a moment catching her breath. Katie got up, leaving her blankets on the ground, and paced back and forth in her room. She replayed the dream in her head again, but still couldn’t make sense of it though she’d had it many times before. After a few minutes she gave up trying to figure out the significance of the bizarre nightmare, and walked to her window.
......The usual sounds of traffic and the ocean filled the air. Music and sirens rang out in the distance. Airplanes and helicopters hummed overhead, and city lights illuminated the evening. Katie closed her eyes exhausted. After such a strange dream, it was comforting to be surrounded in familiar sounds and sights. Most familiar however, was the sound of her sister’s voice.
...... “What are you doing?” Zoe grumbled from the doorway.
......Katie spun around and stared at her sleepily. Zoe was taller than Katie by only a few inches, and was wearing her white bathrobe as she stood near the door. She had taken to dying her once light hair several different colors, and it was a shockingly unnatural white-blonde with pink layers at the moment. Her light brown eyes were glaring at Katie in the darkness, irritated that her sister had waken her up once again.
......Katie moaned then glanced out the window over her shoulder. It was overcast, and the few streetlights that weren’t burnt out cast shadows that danced across the road. The light nearest her was flicking slightly and made the shadows look alive and menacing. Katie felt a stab of irrational fear go through her as she stared. She pulled the curtains closed perplexed then walked back to her bed exhausted, passing Zoe as she went.
......Zoe reached out and grabbed her arm--her fake nails digging into Katie’s skin. Katie pulled away in pain, but halted obediently, and turned towards her.
...... “I will make you sleep on the back porch if you keep this up, Katie,” Zoe threatened, “You know I have to get up early for work. I can’t afford to lose this much sleep because of your constant screaming. Why do you do this to me?”
...... “I had a bad dream,” Katie tried to explain.
...... “Again?” Zoe grumbled irritated, “Should I buy you a nightlight?”
...... “What would a nightlight do?” Katie wondered puzzled.
...... “Light up the dark. Duh.”
...... “Because it’s the dark I’m scared of?”
...... “What then? The Boogieman?”
...... “Real funny,” Katie sighed, “I’m not five.”
...... “Maybe you should see that doctor again,” Zoe suggested, “The um, psychiatrist or whatever.”
...... “Why? I’m not crazy,” Katie insisted for about the hundredth time.
...... “Katie, you scream bloody murder at,” she glanced at the clock, “four in the morning. There is something wrong with you.”
......Katie sighed. She knew that, but she wasn’t crazy. She simply had strange, reoccurring, dreams about--something. She didn’t know what it was. It wasn’t a vision or anything, but it wasn’t a normal dream either. That much was painfully obvious. A memory perhaps, but if that was the case, why didn’t she remember?
...... “I don’t want to see a doctor,” she said stubbornly.
...... “Then what do you want?”
......Katie hesitated. She wanted to understand. She wanted an explanation. She wanted answers. Katie stared discouraged at Zoe knowing that she could give her none. She turned away, brushing away the tears of frustration that had began to form again.
...... “To go back to sleep,” Katie muttered, giving up on the conversation, “I’m tired.”
...... “Fine,” Zoe yawned, “but no more screaming. I swear if this continues, you will end up sleeping outside.”
......Katie rolled her eyes, and Zoe left, shutting the door behind her. Katie fell back onto her bed, and pulled the blankets around her tightly. She stared up at the ceiling again, replaying the dream over and over until tears welled up in her eyes from frustration and confusion. Eventually she was able to cry herself back to sleep.

~~§~~

......A blinding white light engulfed the swamp and all of Azurieth. At the same time, a searing pain, which lasted no more than a few seconds, shot through Zalderen’s entire body. The agonizing pain vanished as quickly as it came, the light, however, seemed etched in his vision. Several moments passed before the light finally began to fade, and Zalderen found himself laying face down on a sandy foundation. Cold water beat against his legs, numbing them, and a harsh wind blew sand in his face. Zalderen moaned, and slowly flexed every muscle in his body. The sudden severe pain left him feeling tense and exhausted. He pushed himself up and knelt in the shallow water. It was much colder than he was used to, and this puzzled him.
......Suddenly a small powerful wave passed over him, and sucked him under. It tossed him around, forcing more sand into his face while stealing his breath. After it released him, Zalderen was left lying on his back parallel to the water. He lay there in the wet sand confused and weak. He didn’t understand. No body of water that he was familiar with was nearly this violent, or this cold. And why in the world was he so exhausted? Why did his entire body hurt? What happened? It wasn’t until another wave splashed over him that Zalderen finally got up and scampered away from the shoreline.
......He sat in the sand and gazed out over the ocean. The black water stretched on forever and blended with the night sky. Grey clouds formed a thick blanket overhead and blocked out any possible light from the heavens. Zalderen gripped a handful of sand and rubbed it between his fingers. It wasn’t as fine and clean as he was used to. It felt dirtier, grainier, and more clumped together. He stood and brushed his hands on his pants, wiping them clean of the dirt and grime. He turned in a slow circle, taking in all of his surroundings.
......Nearly a mile away, city lights gleamed in the darkness. Enormous well-lit towers stretched up into the sky. Below them the streets were alive with hundreds of people moving busily through the night. The light from the city illuminated the sky with an unnatural hue. A peculiar smell lingered in the air; it wasn’t pleasant or natural, but it wasn’t exactly putrid either.
......Still, none of this was anything Zalderen was used to and it made him feel small and powerless in the foreign world. Zalderen became abruptly aware of this feeling and hated it. He hated this new place and the insignificance that came with it. He moaned to himself in realization. He replayed his battle with James in the Zormac Forest several times in his head. Everything was suddenly beginning to make sense. He’d gone through the portal! He was on Earth! That was the only explanation.
......He marveled at the difference between the two worlds. Everything seemed so blurred together here. The colors clashed in unorganized ways, which mostly resulted in different shades of grey. Several noises mingled together in one loud, obnoxious buzz.
...... “Interesting,” he mumbled to himself.

~~§~~

...... Nearly half a mile away, Azur blinked sand out of his brown eyes. He lay on his back in the sand. His blue robe twisted about him, binding his arms to his sides. Azur lay there gazing up at the sky for a moment. Everything was familiar, but he’d had forgotten just how different Earth was from Azurieth. Finally he detangled himself and stood. Before him was laid an enormous city that was full of life in the early morning.
...... Azur stared at it determined. The other Gifted must be living in the city. Why else would he have been transported just off the main road? He had gotten this close just from passing through a portal. Certainly the rest couldn’t be too difficult. Not to mention that the other Gifted should be looking for him too.
...... The ocean roared behind him, urging him forward. He could do this. Azur would finally be able to avenge his father’s death and put an end to this war. Feeling rather confident, he shed his cloak and the protective armor that was battered from his encounter with Zalderen. He tried to smooth out his old T-shirt, but it remained wrinkled. Finally he gave up. He looked about as average as any other teenager here anyway, wrinkly shirt or not. Azur began walking towards the city.

Auroze

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Auroze

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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:39 pm

CHAPTER EIGHT:
......The sun rose behind the thick blanket of clouds. The sky remained grey, but a dim light illuminated from it and cast a soft beam through Katie’s window. She gazed at it wearily as the shaft of light moved slowly across her floor and onto her bed.
......Finally she crawled out of bed and stepped outside. The cool air hit her instantly, but she didn’t mind it. Scenes from her dream still flickered in the back of her mind, and, before she knew it, Katie was walking steadily down the street.
......She stopped in the middle of the road near the beach. People moved past her hastily. She gazed after them curiously as they mingled in with the growing crowd in the city. Her stomach leapt and her heart began to race with excitement. She felt drawn towards the city for some bizarre reason. As she contemplated joining the crowd, parts of her dream flashed in front of her eyes, quicker than before, demanding her attention.
......This frightened her, and Katie turned suddenly away. She stared blankly out at the ocean as the dream tugged at her mind. Despite the urge to wander into the city, Katie began walking in the exact opposite direction. She trudged through the sand towards the ocean. Her feet felt heavy, like lead. Her legs didn’t seem to want to work, and it took a lot more effort to finally reach the waters edge than it should have.
......She gazed out at the waves as they rolled up onto the shore. The foamy water touched her feet, soaking her shoes and the brim of her black sweats. She spent a few minutes trying to make sense of the strange attraction towards the city, but gave up rather quickly. There was too much she didn’t understand. Too much that was going on in her head that didn’t make any sense. She was confused and exhausted, and didn’t want to have to deal with it. Not right now.
......In an effort to clear her mind, Katie began walking along the waters edge. She passed a few people jogging in the firm sand, but didn’t pay much attention to them until a boy came into view and caught her eye. He was walking slowly towards her, his black cloak twirling around his knees in the light wind. His light blonde hair blew into his face, and he brushed it back irritated. He held himself proudly, disregarding everyone else as lower than himself. His apparel was odd, but seemed to somehow behoove him. Katie stared at him intrigued as they moved closer to one another.

~~§~~

......Zalderen had been walking for hours. The sun had finally risen, but the day wasn’t much brighter than the evening. He dragged his tired feet across the sand hopelessly. He knew that Azur was here somewhere, and that Zalderen needed to find and destroy him, but he had no idea where to even begin his search. Azur would know the planet much better than him, and this bothered him. He was so used to being on familiar terrain and having the upper hand that he wasn’t quite sure how to react to being so lost.
......He regretted accepting the mission. He hadn’t wanted to go through with it in the first place, but had agreed merely to prove himself a better soldier than Alex. Now, being here in this strange place alone and unable to use his ability or weapon without drawing too much attention, he wished that King X had sent the vampire rather than him. Zalderen almost chuckled at the thought of Alex having to find the Gifted in such a strange place, or be punished. Instead, that burden fell on his shoulders, and Zalderen felt frustrated because of it.
......An older man passed by him, staring, bewildered by his appearance. Zalderen scowled and refrained from making eye contact with the man. As far as Zalderen was concerned the old man was, like everyone else he’d seen, worthless. They were all scum compared to him. They couldn’t amount to half of the things that he was. They didn’t have abilities. Half of them couldn’t fight. They were all so incredibly ignorant. Very few of them were even aware that they weren’t the only human life in the universe. Zalderen didn’t understand a lot of his brother’s reasoning, but he did understand why King X hated having people from Earth who happened to accidentally stumble upon a tear in the space-time continuum inhabiting Azurieth. They were extremely pathetic. A waist of space and attention in a place they didn’t belong.
......As Zalderen glared ahead intently, he spotted a girl, still several feet away, staring back at him. Zalderen groaned. He couldn’t figure out why everybody was staring at him. He sighed, but continued his steady pace forward.
......As he neared the girl, a worrisome feeling arose within him. Despite his pride, Zalderen suffered a quick glance at her. She was considerably shorter than him, and had a distant look on her face. She was one of the few people he’d seen so far that wasn’t in a hurry. She seemed to be wandering along the shore, like him. She had on damp running shoes, black sweat pants, a dark tank top, and a worn red hoodie that was zipped up half way. She had her hands shoved in her pockets, and she too seemed exhausted. A sudden gust of wind blew towards them from the ocean, shifting Zalderen’s blonde hair into his face, and the girl’s long brown hair out of hers. The wind settled, and she shook her hair back into place, falling into her face and partially hiding one of her green eyes that were still fixed on him.
......They were a few feet apart when Zalderen finally realized what was so different about this girl. He could feel it--the significance that she seemed to posses. As they drew closer towards each other, the feeling grew stronger. She had a certain powerful air around her that set her apart from the rest of the scum on this planet. Zalderen smiled. He couldn’t help it. It was so good to feel significant, even if it was only a power emitted from a stranger. He stared at her as she lowered her eyes and seemed to prepare to pass by him. He cocked his head and stopped.
......“Hey,” he said.
......She glanced up, her face turning pink, and a small embarrassed smile on her lips. She stopped, drew in a breath and let it out in a quick response, “Hi.”
......He pulled his hands out of his pockets, brushing against his sword as he did so, and extended his hand, “I’m Zalderen.”
......A brief look of surprise slid over her face. What an unusual name. It passed quickly, and she pulled her hands from her pockets as well. She smiled and shook his hand, “Katie.”
......“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Zalderen said honestly. He needed this girl. She made him feel so much better in this strange place. She made him feel powerful, almost as if he were back in Azurieth. He didn’t know what it was, but at the moment he didn’t care.
......Katie stifled a giggle. Not only did he have an odd name, but he was a gentleman too? Not likely. He was probably just a foreigner. Still, there was something intriguing about the boy, gentleman or not. He let go of her hand and stared at her, his dark blue eyes alive with relief.
......“Katie,” he said experimentally. She smiled. “I wonder, could you help me with something?”
......Katie drew back slightly, suspicious.
......“What’s that?” she wondered.
......“I’m looking for somebody,” Zalderen explained, a pleading look of worry on his face, “and I’m not especially familiar with this city. Could you help me find him?”
......“Sure,” Katie agreed. He seemed genuine enough. “Who are you looking for?”
......“My friend,” he looked relieved and grateful, “Azur.”

~~§~~

......Azur wandered through the city. The confidence and determination he had once felt was deteriorating quickly. People swarmed about him, pushing past him in a rush. Azur stopped and looked around, taking in all of the people. He searched desperately for somebody, anybody, who might be the Gifted. Azur was certain that the other Gifted was looking for him too, but the city was so large. How were they supposed to find one another?
......Azur’s eyes drifted back towards the direction of the beach. As he gazed, he felt a yearning to go back. But he was just there! Azur brushed off his confusion and let into the odd pulling sensation. He turned and began walking against the mass of people.
......He had scarcely taken two steps when a cold breeze ripped through the crowd. People pulled their jackets and coats tightly around themselves, but continued walking. Azur shuddered and glanced around perplexed, this wasn’t normal weather, even on Earth. Azur spotted the Shadow on the wall of a nearby building. He turned quickly away and let the current of the crowd carry him away from the monster, and the beach.

~~§~~

......An unusual chill filled the air, and Katie zipped her hoodie all the way up. As Zalderen pulled his cloak closed, he glimpsed a dark shape moving down a building across the street. Katie followed his gaze, but the Shadow was gone. She glanced at Zalderen. He continued to stare across the street troubled.
......A small group of people shoved by them. Katie didn’t seem to notice, but Zalderen had moved his hand to his sword irritated. There were so many people here. So many more than he was used to. It made him dizzy to see them all moving about in such an unorganized manner. People crowded the sidewalks. They filled the buildings that crammed either side the street. They packed into taxies and other vehicles and swarmed up and down the streets. It was madness here!
......Hopelessness began to seep into Zalderen’s soul. How would he ever find the Gifted? How would he ever find James? Zalderen needed to kill Azur, he knew that, but he needed to find Azur first.
......Katie stared at Zalderen as they stood on the corner of the street. He had his back to her, but she could see by the tense slump of his shoulders that he was exhausted, but on edge. His blue eyes were constantly moving. Darting up and down the street, taking in every bit of movement. His right hand was shoved inside his cloak, gripping some object at his side that Katie couldn’t see. He moved his free hand over his face, and hunched his shoulders. Everything about him read despair.
......Katie reached up and touched a hesitant hand to his shoulder. Suddenly he spun around, gripping her wrist and staring at her, a fire in his eyes. Katie just stared at him, surprised, but not intimidated. He’d moved so fast. So quick. Like lightning.
......He sighed an apology and let her go.
......“How am I supposed to find him?” he wondered hopelessly.
......“We will,” she promised, “that’s why I’m here, remember?”
......He smiled grimly, but didn’t buy it. He wasn’t so sure that he could find James. Not here. It was so much different than Azurieth, and he was at such a disadvantage. In Azurieth, where there were much less people, where he could use his ability and his weapon, and where time wasn’t against him, then he’d be able to find James no problem. Here on Earth however, the more time passed, the weaker he would get. The more he used his ability, the weaker he would get. The more he used his weapon, the more attention he would draw to himself, and he couldn’t afford to be sidetracked like that. He had to reserve his energy. He had to be careful. As if she could read his mind, Katie stepped up beside him and offered to lead him back to her house to grab a bite to eat before they continued. Zalderen smiled and nodded in agreement.
......Yes, this girl was going to be a good partner to have with him. She made him feel more significant, more like himself. She gave him hope against defeat. She fought off the despair that surrounded him due to all of the dead ends he seemed to face. She would even take care of him, giving him food and water. He hadn’t planned on befriending locals, but now it was clear that this was a good choice.

~~§~~

......Azur glanced back over his shoulder. He couldn’t see the Shadow anymore, but he could still feel it. The freezing cold that seemed to suck all of the hope out of him and left him with nothing but fear surrounded him as he stood at the edge of the sidewalk. He glanced around desperately. There had to be something he could do. Somewhere he could go to hide from the Shadow, or at least fight it without revealing his abilities to the people around him.
......Then he spotted it. Inky black against the cement, the Shadow moved under the feet of the busy crowd. They all felt the chilly despair, and a few of them shivered against it, but they didn’t seem to notice the monster that was right under their shoes. Drifting easily along the ground, the Shadow approached Azur at an alarming speed. He took off running down the street, shoving people out of his way as he went. He didn’t know where he was. He didn’t know where he was going, or what he was going to do when he got there, but he did know that he couldn’t let the Shadow catch him.
......He rounded a corner and gasped in relief. Before him was a narrow alleyway. Placed between two tall, brick buildings, and lined with graffiti and trash, it was deserted. Exactly what he needed. Azur stopped running to catch his breath. He rested against the brick wall, his head throbbing and his heart pounding. He was sweating, but all he could feel was the piercing cold that drew nearer.
......The Shadow slipped up onto the building and followed the brick around the corner. Azur shuddered visibly as it moved further up the brick wall, high above his head, and then waited. Azur glanced around. The cold was a steady wave of despair, no longer growing, but not fading either. Poking his head out of the narrow alleyway, he glanced back around the side of the building at the crowds that continued to flow up and down the street. He scanned the ground under their feet. No Shadow. He searched the sides of the buildings. No Shadow. Had the Shadow stopped chasing him? If it had, why? If not, where was it? Azur was baffled.
......Something moving behind him caught his attention. A dark shape seemed to be falling from the building. He barely saw it out of the corner of his eye, but knew immediately by the frightening cold that rushed towards him that it was the Shadow. He spun around in time to see it move swiftly across the ground before sliding under his feet. Azur gasped as the Shadow pulled his feet out from under him. He fell to his hands and knees on the rough cement. The Shadow had a good grip on him now, it’s long, claw-like fingers wrapped around his ankles. It drew back towards the other side of the alley, further away from the street and anyone who might see. Like Azur, the Shadow wanted to dispose of its enemy without an audience.
......Azur clawed at the concrete as the Shadow pulled him further back. His palms and elbows scraped against the ground, drawing a bit of blood, but Azur didn’t seem to notice. His only concern was getting away from the Shadow so that he could find the Gifted. He needed the other Gifted! He couldn’t let this monster kill him! He had a war to stop! Azur fought desperately against it, but the Shadow was too strong. Feeling the immense amount of power emitting from the boy, the Shadow wasn’t about to let him slip away. The longer it held on, the more energy it sapped from him, and the stronger it became.
......Azur couldn’t feel his legs any more. They were completely numb from the Shadows icy grip. No, no, no! It could not end this way! Azur grew furious as the prospect of failure became more and more eminent. King X had already killed his father, the King of Azurieth. He’d already rid Azur of his soldiers, his only protection in the Zormac Forest. He would not let King X destroy the last hope Azurieth had at surviving this war!
......As the emotion grew within him, so did the power. Azur felt it surrounding him, and the Shadow rejoiced. This boy was a feast! Azur tried his best to concentrate the power into a single area. It took an incredible amount of focus, but he finally felt it growing denser and more compact. Then it burst, and a black hole appeared on the cement right next to the Shadow. It screeched, a high-pitched wail that sounded like nails against glass, as the vortex pulled at its two dimensional body. It released its grip on Azur, leaving long red scars over his ankles, and clawed at the concrete to try to keep from being sucked in.
......Azur didn’t waste one second. As soon as he felt the Shadow release its grasp, he jumped to his feet and sprinted down the alley. He could barely feel his legs, and the agonizing pain that he did feel he wished he didn’t. He was absolutely exhausted. Creating black holes was difficult, and he hadn’t quite mastered that ability. It took a lot of concentration and strength, which usually left him winded as it was. Now, after the attack, he felt like he could barely move! The Shadow had taken so much out of him that he had to focus all of his energy on merely staying upright and moving forward. He knew that the Shadow would come after him again. He hadn’t had the strength to keep the vortex open for very long. Certainly not long enough to have captured the monster. He needed whatever head start he could get. He had barely made it out of the ally, crossed the street, and was about to round a corner when he noticed a group of people near the ally way he had just escaped simultaneously pull their coats and jackets closed.

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 1:48 pm

CHAPTER NINE:
......Zalderen followed Katie through the neighborhood. She led him through the winding, dirty, and mostly deserted streets for nearly twenty minutes before slowing. He watched as she climbed up the four creaky steps to her front door and pulled the key from her pocket.
...... “This is where you live?” he wondered.
......Having grown up in a spectacular castle over looking an enormous dark kingdom for the most part of his life, the little one story house was much less than impressive. Katie nodded, fumbling with the key. Zalderen stepped onto the first whitewashed wooden stair, and gripped the splintering railing for support. The wood bent under his weight, letting out a low moan before he moved to the next step, frightened that the wood would snap. Katie twisted the knob then pushed against the door with her shoulder, allowing them access to her home.
...... “Katie?” Zoe called from the other room. She rounded the corner, walking towards them while digging through her purse, “I’ve got to go to work. I’ll be back this afternoon--” she paused, noticing Zalderen for the first time, “Who’s this?”
......Zalderen glared at Zoe. She didn’t have the same air of importance as Katie, and that frustrated him. She was just another worthless piece of trash on this pathetic planet, and he wanted nothing to do with her. Katie hesitated, noting the irritation in Zoe’s voice. She was tired, Katie knew, from waking up in the middle of the night due to her screaming.
...... “Zoe,” she said softly, “This is Zalderen. Zalderen, this is my sister Zoe.”
...... “Sister?” Zalderen was surprised. There was absolutely no family resemblance whatsoever. Zoe looked annoyed.
...... “Adoptive sister,” Zoe corrected then sighed exasperated, “What is it you want?”
...... “We just came by to grab some breakfast,” Katie explained, “Then we’ll leave.”
...... “No, Katie,” Zoe growled, “You’re staying here. It’s fine if you get him something to eat before he leaves, but I don’t want you to go anywhere while I’m not home.”
......Katie looked disappointed, but didn’t argue. Zoe glanced at Zalderen. He was still glaring at her irritably. She scowled.
...... “Also,” she grumbled, “I want him gone by the time I get back. Understand?”
...... “Yeah,” Katie sighed.
...... “Good,” she opened the door, threw a warning glare over her shoulder at Katie and Zalderen, and then walked out into the cool morning air. Katie waited until she heard Zoe’s car pull away before locking the door, and turning back to Zalderen.
...... “She doesn’t like me much, does she?” Zalderen chuckled.
...... “No, she doesn’t seem to,” Katie sighed embarrassed, “I’m sorry about that. She’s a little sleep deprived. It’s my fault really.”
...... “It’s alright. I couldn’t care much for her either,” he shrugged, “I don’t suppose we’ll be looking for Azur together any time soon though.”
......Katie shook her head disappointed then led him into the kitchen and got him some water. He took a sip, and scowled into the cup. It tasted funny. Almost stale. Still, he was thirsty, and this was all he had. He gulped it down, and asked for more.
...... “Where are you from, Zalderen?” Katie wondered handing him another glass full of water from the tap.
......Zalderen took the cup, and hesitated, sipping down the water as he thought. He set the empty glass on the table, and sighed, “I’ve been a lot of places.”
...... “You like to travel?”
...... “You could say that,” Zalderen nodded.
...... “Is that why you’re here?”
......He nodded again.
...... “How long are you staying?”
...... “It depends. I need to find Azur, but until then, I’m hoping I won’t have to stay here for more than a couple weeks.”
...... “Oh,” Katie seemed disappointed, “Then where will you go?”
...... “Back to Azurieth,” Zalderen admitted.
...... “Azurieth? Where’s that?”
...... “Far away.”
...... “Across the ocean?”
...... “I suppose,” Zalderen fingered his glass hesitantly then said, “Thanks for the water, Katie, but I really should go find Azur.”
...... “Right,” Katie sighed, “Good luck with that.”
......Zalderen turned towards her surprised. Nobody had ever wished him good luck before. Nobody had ever even remotely cared for him before. He smiled.
...... “Thanks,” he said, walking out the door.
......Katie closed the door behind him, and glanced around the empty house. An awful loneliness swept over her, and Katie dropped to the floor feeling suddenly exhausted. She yawned, and leaned back against the door. As she sat on the tile, her eyelids heavy from lack of sleep, she couldn’t help but think about Zalderen. Why was he here? Who was Azur, and why was it so important that he be found?
......Her thoughts shifted abruptly, and she saw a boy. He wasn’t much older than Zalderen, with black hair, and battered clothes. He looked exhausted. His face was red, and sweat ran down his face and neck as he ran. He was being followed. Something dark moved along the ground behind him as he ran. He turned suddenly onto a familiar street, and whatever was following him turned as well. It shifted as it moved along the ground, changing shape. Sometimes bigger, sometimes small, but always like some sort of frightening monster. It stretched out across the road, making it seem enormously wide.
......The boy had almost reached the other side of the street, but it was gaining. He ran up the steps of a house. Her house! He stumbled, tripping over the last stair, and hitting his head against the door. The monster was only a foot away. The boy spun around, scampering back against the door, and pulling his knees up to his chest as the monster moved up the steps, shifting so that it moved like the waves in the ocean as it climbed towards the boy. He could only watch, terrified, as it rose up to meet him, bending against the background of the street, and making it appear as tall as a building. The boy stared, his brown eyes wide, then he screamed.
......Katie jumped, and looked around. She sat alone in her house. The boy she’d seen was gone. For a moment she was surprised, it had all seemed so real. As she sat there on the tile completely bewildered, she realized that the whole thing really wasn’t all that strange. It was probably a dream. After all, she hadn’t gotten much sleep last night, and she didn’t think it unlikely that she had dosed off for a moment or two. Even so, it was a bizarre dream. She stood, locked the door, and glanced out the window. Katie froze. There was a boy running towards her house.

~~§~~

......Azur shoved past the group of people, and turned the corner. He heard them yelling after him, but he didn’t have the time to care. The Shadow had found him again, not that James was surprised. He was drained from the battle, and exhausted from running. The Shadow was gaining on him, only a few yards away, and despite how much Azur begged his body to keep going, he was slowing down. His legs burned, and he was breathing in short gasps.
......The Shadow was four feet away. Azur could feel the chill of despair evoked from the monster, and something in him reasoned that he ought to just stop. Just give up. He was so tired, so exhausted. There was no way he could fight the Shadow now, and he was done running. Azur slowed to a quick jog. The Shadow was little over two feet away. Azur could almost feel its claw like fingers reaching for his ankles. He felt a numbness overtake him, and he was ready to collapse.
......He was about to stop, to just quit and let the Shadow finish him off when some irrational sense of hope broke through the numbness and exhaustion. Glancing around, Azur’s eyes locked onto a small, worn out one story house. If he could only make it there, Azur thought, then he’d be okay. Something seemed to pull him towards the house, his legs burning in protest, but he didn’t stop. The coldness left him, and Azur glanced over his shoulder to see the Shadow further away. He was gaining speed!
......He could feel sweat pouring down his neck and back as he sprinted across the street. He was still breathing hard, but no longer gasping. He was almost there. Just a few more feet. His legs were on fire, and his knees would buckle every once and while, slowing him down. The Shadow was three feet away. Azur reached the house, stumbled up the stairs, and-- fell. His legs gave out, and he tripped.
......He hit the porch, banging his head against the door. A chill swept over him, and he spun around to see the Shadow moving up the steps after him. Azur scampered backwards, pressing his back flat against the door behind him. He pushed against the door, but it wouldn’t move. There was nowhere left to go. Azur pulled his feet away from the Shadow, his ankles still red and sore from its grip. The Shadow slowed, rising on the step in front of him, and stretching across the street. Suddenly it seemed to tower over him, and Azur watched in fear as it grew higher and higher. It stopped, and Azur thought he saw it smile cruelly. Azur screamed, and fell backwards.
......Katie swung open the door, and the boy tumbled backwards into her house. She shoved him aside, and slammed the door shut. Azur stared up at her bemused. Her hands trembled as she locked the door then turned towards him. She looked just as confused as Azur, and was about to open her mouth to speak, when the Shadow slid under the door, and into the house.
......Katie screamed, and Azur scrambled to his feet. For a moment the Shadow was still, almost as if it were confused then it lunged towards Katie. Azur pushed her out of the Shadow’s path, and she fell to the floor, tears forming in her eyes. Azur positioned himself between the Shadow and the girl. The Shadow paused again, irritated.
......Katie got to her feet, looked from the boy to the monster, and then ran. Azur watched astonished as Katie raced out of the room, and disappeared in the kitchen. The Shadow moved after her, no longer interested in Azur. Azur ran after it and heard the girl shriek as the Shadow rounded the corner.
......He turned the corner in time to see the girl climb onto the counter as if it were a safe place. The Shadow moved across the kitchen floor, up the side of the counter, and grabbed her arm. She screamed again, and the Shadow pulled her to the floor. Katie hit the tile with a sickening thud, and was still.
......Azur looked around frantically. There had to be something he could use to help her. One of the cupboards was open, and inside, partially hidden by a cup, was a lighter. Fire, Azur thought, that might work. He bolted across the kitchen, running right past the girl and the Shadow. The Shadow was so busy sucking the energy from the girl that it didn’t notice Azur grab the lighter and ignite the flame.
......Katie could barely breathe. She was surrounded by darkness, and it seemed to steal her breath and her energy. Her head was throbbing, but it was nothing compared to the pain on her arms where the Shadow was holding her. Its claw like hands circled around her arms, pinning her to the ground, and burned against her skin. Katie closed her eyes, dizzy from the pain.
......There was a high-pitched, unearthly wail as Azur touched the flame to the Shadow. It disintegrated, leaving the girl lying alone and shaken on the floor. Azur knelt next to her worriedly.
...... “Oi,” Azur touched her shoulder, and noticed the red marks on her arms from where the Shadow had grabbed her, “You alright, love?”
......Katie opened her eyes, and stared at the boy terrified. He was kneeling over her. The pain was diminishing, and the monster was gone, but the boy was still here. Why was he still here? It took her a moment to realize that he was saying something. He wanted to know if she was hurt. She lifted her arms and saw the red scars from the monster. They burned, and were sore, but other than that she was fine. Katie sat up, and looked around. The boy was still kneeling by her, a lighter in one hand, and the other on her shoulder.
...... “What was that?” she demanded shakily.
......He shook his head, almost disappointed, “A Shadow,” he said, “from Azurieth, but I don’t suppose you know where that is.”
...... “I do, actually.”
......Azur looked at her surprised, “You know about Azurieth?”
......Katie nodded, remembering where Zalderen had said he was going. Azur’s face lit up instantly.
...... “Are you--?” Azur began, but was cut off by the sound of an approaching car.
......Katie stood, swaying slightly from the lack of energy, and looked nervous. She turned to Azur.
...... “That’s my sister,” Katie explained, “You can’t be here.”
......Azur looked confused, but stood as well. Katie grabbed his arm and led him towards the back door. She could hear Zoe’s keys clanging in the lock in the other room, and Katie desperately swung open the door.
...... “Wait,” Azur protested, but was shoved outside.
...... “I’m sorry,” Katie said, “Thanks for saving me, but you have got to go.”
...... “But--” Azur started.
......The front door opened, and Katie heard Zoe kick off her shoes. Katie slammed the door in Azur’s face, locking him outside, then turned towards Zoe.
...... “Apparently,” Zoe growled, “Today’s a holiday, so instead of going to work and making money, I have to spend the day with you and your--” she stopped, noticing the mess in the kitchen, Katie’s labored breathing, and the red scars on her arms, “What happened?”
......Katie only stared at Zoe for a moment then burst into tears, “You’re right. I am going crazy!”
......Zoe looked taken aback by Katie’s tears, “What are you talking about? What happened to you?”
...... “There was a boy--” Katie began.
...... “Your friend?”
...... “No, not him,” Katie said, “After he’d gone. There was another boy. I saw him coming before he was here, and something was chasing him, and it--it followed him into the house, and grabbed me, and then I couldn’t breathe, and--”
...... “Katie,” Zoe cut her off, “It was another dream.”
...... “No,” Katie cried, “It wasn’t a dream. It was--well, I don’t know what it was, but it happened. I think.”
...... “All right, well, if it happened, where’s the boy?”
...... “I kicked him out,” Katie admitted, “You said--”
......Zoe opened the back door. There was nobody there.

~~§~~

......Azur stood outside the door listening to the girls argue.
......The girl he’d just met, Katie, was trying her best to explain what had happened to her sister, but Azur knew how crazy she must sound, so wasn’t surprised when the sister didn’t believe her. The doorknob jiggled, and Azur bolted across the yard, turning around the corner, and pressing his back against the side of the house. He heard Katie moan in confused despair. Even she wasn’t sure if it was real, and Azur pitied her. He remembered how he’d felt when he had arrived in Azurieth, and he understood what Katie was feeling, but he didn’t dare show himself and try to explain. It was much easier to let her think that she was insane for the moment than to reveal himself and attempt to explain his position to not only her, but her sister as well. Besides, this girl didn’t need to know about Azurieth. He needed to find the other Gifted and explain his situation to him, not a simple girl.
...... “But I don’t want to go to the doctors,” he heard Katie whine.
...... “I don’t care,” the sister said, “It’s one thing for you to dream about castles and fairies and--what was it? a Dawning. But it’s something entirely different when you start seeing things--Shadows? during the day, and then hurt yourself.”
...... “I didn’t--” Katie started.
...... “Go pack some clothes. I’m driving you to the airport tomorrow morning.”
...... “But--”
...... “Now,” the sister barked, and Azur could hear Katie slam a door.
......Azur stood, his back still pressed against the side of the house, for a long moment in thought. The sister had mentioned Katie dreaming about castles and fairies. That much he wouldn’t have given a second thought about, but a Dawning. That was a type of people in Azurieth. How could Katie have possibly known that? Why would she have dreams about Azurieth? How did she know about the place? Was it possible that she was the Gifted?
......Azur didn’t know, but decided that, for the sake of Azurieth, he had better find out.
......He heard footsteps coming toward him, and peaked around the front of the house. Azur froze in terror. Zalderen was walking down the street, a look of irritation on his face as he walked towards Azur. Azur didn’t hesitate, he bolted from his spot near Katie’s house, and raced down the street, trying to get as far away from the Teleptí as possible.

Auroze

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Auroze

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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 9:11 pm

CHAPTER TEN:
......Katie stared at the world that rushed by through her window. She sat in the passenger seat of the tiny car with her travel backpack on her lap. Finally she turned to Zoe. “I don’t want to go,” she whined.
...... “Too bad,” Zoe growled and honked at the truck in front of them.
......Katie sighed. She had made the mistake of telling her sister about the boy who’d knocked down their door, and now Zoe was driving her to the airport to go to their aunt’s house for a week.
......They finally reached the airport and Zoe unlocked the doors and waited. Katie stared at her. “I’m not crazy,” she said, “Please let me stay.”
...... “No, I already bought your ticket. Now get out,” she ordered and shoved Katie into the still closed door.
......Katie reluctantly opened the door. She grabbed her backpack and suitcase from the trunk, and watched as Zoe sped away. This wasn’t the first time Katie had been dropped off at the airport alone, so she knew her way around pretty well. Within no time she was on the plane staring out the window at the descending ground to avoid eye contact with anyone around her.
...... “Excuse me.”
......Katie spun around at the voice. Her jaw dropped as she stared at Azur. “Wh-- what are you doing here?” she demanded frightened and annoyed. She started to her feet. Azur grabbed her backpack from the seat by her, put a hand on her shoulder and sat, pulling her down with him. Katie winced but sat. She scooted all the way over and snatched her backpack from him. She looked at him irritated and helpless. “What do you want?” she growled.
......Azur sighed, his facial expressions softening. He stared at her still completely baffled. “I don’t want to hurt you. I-- I don’t even know your name,” he said pleadingly.
......She shook her head and rubbed her shoulder. Azur noticed.
...... “Sorry,” he said, “Please, I’m just as confused as you are. Honest. But I really do think that I know you, please just tell me your name.”
......“Katie,” she said still glaring at him.
......Azur sighed and set his head back against the seat. “Great,” he mumbled to himself not recognizing the name, “Katie huh? I’m James. And I’m really sorry to bother you, but have you ever heard of a place called Azurieth?”
She shook her head.
...... “No, now will you please leave me alone--” she started.
...... “What’s that?” James asked pointing out the window.
......She turned, puzzled, and saw what he was talking about. Some dark mass, about the size of a quarter, was visible in the sky. She stared hard at it and shrugged.
...... “I don’t know,” she answered.
......James bit his lip but was silent. They sat there for a long time, about an hour, not talking to each other and only side glancing occasionally. Katie had gotten out her iPod and listened to that while staring out the window. The dark figure in the sky was still there, it seemed to be getting bigger. Confused, Katie turned to James for help only to find him asleep. He snored against his shoulder. Katie rolled her eyes and sighed. She turned to the man behind them.
...... “What do you suppose that is?” she asked kindly while pointing out his window.
......He glanced out it then shrugged. “I don’t see what you mean,” he said.
......Katie looked back out her window. The mass was huge, unmistakable against the otherwise clear sky. How could anyone miss that? She wondered.
...... “There. Don’t you see it?” she said pointing again.
Again the man shook his head.
...... “No,” he said irritated.
......Katie sighed but stopped bugging the man. She glanced at James; he was still asleep. Katie shook her head figuring that she didn’t need him to explain anything, he probably didn’t know anyway. Just because he could see it too didn’t mean anything, right?
......Something slapped against her window. Katie screamed. It was black, inky and flat. It’s hollow face twisted into a grin as it released its grasp on the plane and flew back. She pushed away from the window and accidentally nudged James. He jerked awake and looked around confused. Katie was almost lying on his lap she was so far away from the window. She breathed hard, her iPod slipped out of her hand, falling to the floor and pulling her earphones out so she could hear James.
...... “Katie. Katie, what are you doing? What’s going on?” he demanded confused.
...... “The-- there-- was-- outside,” she stuttered and pointed, “That dark cloud, it’s huge and-- and--”
......He pushed her off of him and peered out the window. He gasped in horror as he beheld an enormous mass of Shadows. “That is not a cloud,” he said.
......Katie turned to him. “James. There’s something out there,” she said.
......He looked at her bluntly, having already figured that out for himself.
...... “But they can’t see it,” Katie tried to explain, “Why can’t they see it?”
......James glared at Katie angry and disappointed. “Because what’s out there are Shadows and are invisible to everyone who’s never been to Azurieth,” he said proving what he feared right.
......Katie could see them. She was from Azurieth. She was the Gifted. She was who he was looking for. James swore furiously. Katie was taken aback by his sudden anger.
...... “What do you mean?” she asked.
...... “I’m looking for someone who’s from Azurieth. I think that you are that person,” he said.
...... “Huh?”
...... “C’mon we have to get off this plane,” he growled and pushed Katie out of her seat.
......She grabbed her backpack and James dragged her by the arm down the isle.
...... “What-- what are you doing? Where are we going?” she demanded.
...... “I have to get you to Azurieth. You kind of have to live,” he explained briefly.

~~§~~

......Zalderen knocked on the door again and sat on the steps. He sighed. He wanted to apologize to Katie for running off yesterday. He’d actually started searching again but couldn’t find James anywhere. He’d ended up passing out on a bench at the park from exhaustion and stayed the night there.
......Zoe’s small car pulled into the driveway. Zalderen jumped to his feet and waited while Abby got out. Upon seeing Zalderen she scowled. “What do you want?” she asked.
......Zalderen looked behind her at the car confused. “Where’s Katie?” he asked.
......Zoe sneered, “She left to our aunts house for a week.”
...... “Is she mad?” Zalderen wondered.
...... “Oh, she’s crazy all right,” Zoe laughed and walked onto the porch. “But I’m not.”
......Zalderen grinned.
...... “I wouldn’t be so sure,” he laughed and disappeared.
......Zoe stared at where he used to be, then ran inside, completely bewildered.

~~§~~

......Katie screamed. “This is not going to help me live,” she said.
...... “Relax. It’s not that bad,” James assured, “Ready?”
...... “No.”
...... “Good. Neither am I,” James said and leapt from the edge.
......Katie screamed again as they fell through empty air. The black mass of Shadows and the plane grew smaller and smaller above them as they fell. The Shadows, which were tearing and scratching at the plane, tore some wires that were never meant to be torn, and the plane exploded in a flash of bright light and fire consuming all of the Shadows.
......Katie screamed again as tears streaked down her face. James gripped her tight as they neared the water. On his back was the only parachute he could find and in his arms was a hysterical fifteen-year-old girl who didn’t trust him and whom he was supposed to bring to Azurieth to stop a war.
...... “Fantastic,” he mumbled to himself.
...... “Shouldn’t we pull the chute?” Katie wondered, as the water got ever closer.
James was silent as he observed the blue ocean below. The green crescent shaped lump of land almost directly beneath them was getting bigger too.
...... “Is that a no?” Katie asked.
...... “I um-- ” he hesitated. “Do you know how to work a parachute?”
...... “What?” Katie screamed, “Don’t you?”
...... “No. Besides, even if I did, I’d have to let go of you to do so. Good luck, and please don’t kill us,” James said.
......Katie didn’t know if she wanted more to slap or strangle him. Reaching behind her she patted blindly at James and the parachute.
...... “Katie-- ” James said, alarmed by the approaching water.
...... “I…can’t…reach…” Katie said stretching her arm back. She let her arm drop forward exhausted and sighed. “James,” she cried, “I can’t do it.”
...... “You have to.”
...... “I can’t!”
......They drew closer towards the ocean below. James could clearly see each individual tree on the island below. They couldn’t die. Not here. Not like this. He had to get to Azurieth. He had to stop the war.
...... “Katie,” he said, his voice a strained calm, “Please, try again.”
......Katie stared at the approaching water horrified, but did as she was told. She reached behind her and pulled at the pack on James’ back. There was nothing to pull. No button to push. No switch or lever of any kind that could possibly open the parachute. They were going to die. Katie screamed. She dropped her hand forward again when she felt it. Some handle sticking out of the pack. She didn’t know what it was, but didn’t care. She grabbed it and yanked.
......The parachute, huge and white, burst from the pack. James was jerked up, and nearly dropped Katie. He gripped her tight, locking his hands around her stomach. He stared petrified as they drifted towards the ocean.
...... “You did it,” he murmured, “You did it. It worked.”
......He started to laugh relieved. Katie just cried, clinging to James’ arms as they brushed against the water’s surface.

......James crawled through the shallow water and up unto the sandy beach. Miles behind him were the remains of the plane. Flames were still visible as the metallic skeleton bobbed on the surface of the water. Billows of smoke rose up from the scene and reached high into the sky. Swimming for over half an hour, he was exhausted. His arms were nothing more than dead weights at his sides with his hands, prunny from the water, dangling at the ends. With his mouth dry and tasting of salt, he was desperately thirsty. Swayed slightly, James staggering over his feet as he dragged himself onto shore. He could still feel the ocean waves around him, pushing him around in the violent waters near the crash. Even as he collapsed into the white sand he felt as though he were still fighting to stay above the water. James turned his head, the sand warm against his cheek, and saw Katie’s silhouette a few feet away. He could see the rise and fall of her chest as she lay, unconscious, in the sand. The sun hovered near the horizon, casting its final rays over the beach. He breathed deeply, taking in the scent of the ocean and the sand, and trying to catch his breath. A small smile passed over his face. They’d made it. They were safe. The sun sunk below the horizon, and James closed his eyes against the darkness.

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