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 Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 9:56 pm
“Oh but aren’t I always?” Teased Ross before all hell broke loose. He felt like the weight of a mountain was pushing on his shoulders. It was so hard to move and painful to breath. But then he found just enough energy to try to run, “Come on Reed!” Pushing his brother in front of him the young cattaur cursed as he stumbled himself right towards the dark shadow.
His opponent came back for the briefest of seconds as if taunting him. Hissing wildly the cattaur reached out and slammed the other creature into the ground. With force he set it on fire and watched as it melted away right before the eyes of two cattaur teens. Still he wasn’t in his right mind as he hissed at them and reaching out wrapped his hands around Ross’s throat. As the teen tried to form words the dark cattaur hesitated for the briefest of moments.
Didn’t he…recognize him?
His gaze shifted from gold back to crimson however as his grip tightened again. Then came the other fire. Eyes widening he dropped the cattaur as he heard names being called out in a familiar voice. And that figure which he stared at for a split moment as she came into view. “Ash-Ashierra?” Ross watched in surprise as the golden gaze came back to the stranger and as he shook his head violently before disappearing once more in the darkness. Then with the morning light, sudden sun started to break through the dark fog which remained.
Ross just sat on the ground rubbing his throat in disbelief. What had just happened?
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:16 pm
Reed tried pulling Ross along with him, gasping as his brother fell. No! He stopped to turn back, but ended up looking right at their attacker. His blood went cold a second time, and he froze in place. 'Ross! Ross! Move yourself, Reed!!' But.. he couldn't move. He was stuck in place by the sight in front of him...
Then, he jerked as a new flame entered the scene. Mom! He leapt forward as Ross fell to the ground, wrapping his arms around his brother. Yet, he froze again when he saw who it was standing before them. It had only been a glimpse, but... was that...?
Ashierra felt like she'd been punched in the gut. It had been faint, but she'd heard his voice. It had been brief, but she'd seen his face. It had been only a moment, but she'd seen the recognition that she, too, felt.
No.... No.. No, no, no, no. Her flames died down, and she walked over to her sons on unsteady legs. "Boys... What did I tell you about wandering off?!" she screamed, swatting both their heads before dropping and pulling them to herself. Thank gods they were safe! Safe from..... What? No. That wasn't him. It couldn't have been...
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:29 pm
Ross winced as his mother smacked him on the head, but he clung to her just as much. If he wasn’t so stubborn the teen would have even let the burning tears leave his eyes. That face that was right before him…his attacker…those features. They registered with him somehow. He just didn’t want to admit to it. So instead he managed a weak laugh, “Well you see…we thought it was a good idea to take a pleasant stroll so that we could see the dawn rise.” Still he couldn’t help but to close his eyes as he took in his mother’s comforting scent. For a second there he really had felt if he was going to die.
Steam erupted around the male cattaur as he threw himself into the waters. Wincing a wind approached him as it turned into a petite female. “Alek…” She was cautious though and kept her distance. This was the first time she had seen even recognition go across his face in days. It was getting worse as well. “I’m so sorry. I tried keeping them away…” But he was silent as always as he pushed himself under the waters which barely kept his own fire at bay.
Biting her lip Jade nodded. She was going to have to find them and tell Ashierra the truth.
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Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:48 pm
He had recognized her... He had recognized her... Ashierra had somehow managed to get her legs to stop shaking in order to get the boys out of the forest. She got them back to the inn, and up the stairs. Now, she sat in the room her sons had shared the night before, staring down at her hands. Specifically, the faint scars that had never fully gone away. He had recognized her... He had tried to kill Ross...
Reed sat quietly with Ross, helping to hold an ice pack to his brother's neck while watching the look of suffering on his mother's face. See the dawn rise... Right. Some dawn. A dark, fiery, dangerous dawn. One that shed more shadow than light on the day. Their mother's change only confirmed the suspicions in his mind. That lunatic in the woods... That dark magic... That flicker of golden eyes... Dad. "Think you can drink anything yet?" he asked, leaving the question open to either of his family members.
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Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:29 am
Ross glared at his brother. How was it that he wasn’t demanding answers from their mom yet? Then the young cattaur caught the look on his mother’s face and felt his heart fell. No, it wasn’t right for him to take his frustrations out on his mother…still he hated just sitting around like this! Whatever that thing had been it had been dangerous. They couldn’t just leave it out there! Right? His fists clenched against the feeling in his gut. He only cared about that thing because it had nearly killed him and his brother, there was no other reason for feeling a connection to it. None at all.
“I’ll be fine.” Ross replied to his brother stiffly, “But we need to do something.” Forcing a look of determination on his face the teen looked towards his mother, “Take care of mom, Reed.” Ross whispered softly before forcing his own legs to stand, “We need to find answers. I want to know what nearly killed me out there and how to stop it from hurting others.”
This was crazy. Nearly dying twice now in two days? The thought crossed his mind. Surely this won’t become an everyday thing now.
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Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 4:27 pm
His ears perking, Reed frowned as his brother stood. "And how exactly are you going to fight that? ..Him? ....." He ground his teeth as he stood. "Ross, that guy- thing... It's powerful. You think we can fight something that we could barely light up with our own fires?" He shook his head. "It's probably long gone after being scared off by mom anyway." His ears flipped back as he looked to their mother. "..Right, mom?"
It was too strong. Every peek at the boys now showed how influential their father had been in shaping their features. One with his nose and cheekbones... One with his brow and chin... She wanted to scream when she heard Ross speak up, but her throat was locked tight. That evil force in the woods... That wasn't the man she had loved.
Her brow knit as Reed tried to get her out of the shell she'd gone into, quite put-off by her own inability to jump into action like she would have before. Surely Ross had gotten the spark for action from her. That thought managed to give a little life to her body. "Since when do we just sit around, Reed?" she asked, pushing herself up. "You two won't go near that thing again though. We'll go warn whoever is in charge of the town, and we'll move on. Jade tried to warn us, and I didn't listen. Now, we'll do as she warned us to before anything else happens. I know it's not the action you want, but it's what's going to be."
To face off against him? That black fire? Her hand tingled from the old burns at the thought of her first encounter with the dark force. He had used it in her defense that time though... She had lost one love to that fire, it seemed. She wasn't going to lose her boys to it as well.
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Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:46 pm
Ross shook his head. It was such a strange feeling, but he didn’t want to stand down to this thing. His gaze hardened, “You don’t understand. Having to feel so powerless so unable to save you and then to nearly get killed myself…” He shook his head. He never wanted to feel that helpless again! He should have at least been able to save Reed then. His fists clenched in frustration. And with their mother like this…his gaze softened as he peered over at Ashierra. He couldn’t rely on her to take this on herself. No, he didn’t want her to look so broken ever again.
But he refused to run away either.
He was relieved to hear his mother’s reaction, but the answer was not what he was looking for. “Just warn the town? But mom…can’t we do anything else?” Ross looked away his mind twisting with thoughts. His tail twitched though at the thought of Jade, “Wait? She tried to warn us?” What did his mother mean? What did Jade know about this? He looked over at Reed. Exactly who was Jade to them?
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:21 pm
Reeds ears perked high. "What? Save me when? You should worry more about saving yourself! Back in the water, I couldn't find you! And then in the woods, when da-!" He grit his teeth, "When that thing had you... Don't tell me I don't understand."
Also looking over at their mother, his tail lashed about in the air. "I doubt the town will flee from some phantom darkness that they haven't seen," he said with a scowl, turning to lean against the wall and glare out the window. Their lives had been content. Why did this have to come around and ruin it all? Jade... The mystery woman. Who was she?
Ashierra's frown deepened. Boys... This shouldn't be a worry for them to bear... She shook her head. "We're not strong enough to fight.... that." She reached out and combed her fingers through Ross' hair. "At the beach. She told us to leave town. That it would soon be dangerous here. ...I have a feeling that the danger came sooner than she had expected."
She knew the question going through the heads of both boys. It took her another few breaths before she could speak again. "You should know that Jade is someone I met before you two were born. She.. helped me out of a scrape. ..And saved my life, like she did your's, Ross. ...No, I'm not happy she's around again, but she is someone you can trust, if it comes to it." She picked her pack up, and slung it over a shoulder. "If this trouble does find us again before we can go.. find her if you can."
She headed for the door. "I'd rather not wait for the need for her help again, though. Come, let's find the head of the town and be on our way."
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2013 11:43 pm
Ross looked over at Reed and sighed. He knew Reed was frustrated just like him. But still the brother couldn’t help it. Every situation, he never really cared about himself as long as his family got out safe. To not be able to stop something from getting that dangerously close to his brother was painful. “As long as you could have gotten out then I was alright with that!” He replied softly before shaking his head. Da…the slip from Reed made Ross think. Surely that couldn’t have been…but that fire.
No wonder it reflected in his own soul.
“I do agree. They probably won’t believe in it at all.” Ross raked a hand through his hair, his anger rising quietly. He nearly flinched away at his mother’s touch before sighing, “If we aren’t then who is?” But as his mother mentioned Jade his attention was gained. Looking up Ross blinked, “She warned you? What does she know about all of this?” He frowned. How was it their mother didn’t like meeting someone who had saved her before? He remembered Jade saving him as well with those soft lips…the cattaur shook his head. But she had saved him! And for that he trusted her.
“But what if she has the answer to this mom? Shouldn’t we try to find out?”
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 12:23 am
"She... I don't exactly know how she knows what she does. Ashierra sighed and shook her head again. "No. If she had the answer... it would no longer be a problem." Clenching her jaw, she patted Ross' shoulder and turned back to the door.
'You... Why? Don't bring your demons to those you left behind...' Ears twitching, she looked back at Reed. "Come on, Reed. We're going."
Reed continued glaring out the window. It wasn't fair. Wasn't fair. "You guys go ahead. I just.. need a minute. I'll be here when you're done." He couldn't think enough to focus on someone else's problems. He knew who that had been out there. Maybe not as a fact, but the male had known their mother's name. His own eyes had seen that face... He needed more time to process the mess in his head.
Jaw twitching, Ashierra stared hard at Reed, but his gaze didn't lift from the window. After a moment, she sighed. "Don't you budge an inch from this room," she warned, hands gripping into fists. She didn't want to leave Reed here, but, maybe it would be safer than going to the leader with him. "Ross... You may stay here as well, if you wish. If not, come along. Don't be wandering off on your own again." Then she headed out, padding down the stairs steadily, listening for steps possibly following along.
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 2:03 pm
Maybe she just didn’t like the answer she had. The thought jarred Ross as he crossed his arms. What an unsteady feeling he had. Raising an eyebrow Ross glanced over at Reed. He wasn’t going to follow their mom for once? What was this turn of events? The teen’s tail flicked against the floor thoughtfully. Damn, it was hard to get over his emotions though. Tch. Logical thoughts really weren’t his thing. He’d rather just be able to punch something and get it over with.
“I’ll stay with Reed.” Ross replied quietly as he watched their mother leave. He felt bad, but he couldn’t go with Ashierra. Not right now. Listening at the door for the fading sounds of her steps he waited until silence was all he heard. “Reed.” Looking back at his brother Ross came over and touched his shoulder, “You’ve got something going on in that head of yours dontcha?”
One thing was for certain. He was probably going to get a lashing from their mother later, but it felt like staying here in this room was not going to be an option for him.
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Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 3:10 pm
Ashierra sighed softly. She had a feeling that the room would be empty when she got back... As long as they didn't go into the woods again.
Outside, she had to wander a bit before finding someone to direct her toward the town's leader. It was one of the largest buildings there, and packed full of busy taur. This was going to take forever... She didn't have the time. Had to get back before the boys got themselves into more trouble. Soon enough, she had everyone turned to stare at the scene she was making...
Reed flipped his ears back when Ross said he would stay. Fine... That would be okay. Perhaps it was best for him to not be alone. Eyes flicking over at the sound of his name, Reed looked at the hand on his shoulder before looking out the window again, seeing the red form of their mother head down the road. "You know who that was in the woods... don't you?" He looked over at Ross. "I know I can't prove it yet, but I saw his face. He knew mother's name. Her reaction to seeing him..." He pressed his lips and pointed out the window. "He's out there, somewhere. Do you think it's really just coincidence that we ran into each other last night. We were supposed to find him. It's time for answers."
Stepping from the window, he walked over and grabbed his pack. "I know mother will skin me alive, but you don't have to come if you don't want to. I'm going back to see if there's something- anything- that got left behind. Some clue. Some... some proof." Hands clenching into fists, he looked over to his brother with unusual determination.
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Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 1:51 pm
“It was a monster.” Ross replied bitterly, his gaze flickering between hurt and doubt. “I know who you might have thought it was Reed, but the way he lashed out at us…those eyes. We need to stop that thing from hurting anyone else.” The young cattaur shook his head as his fingers trailed up to lightly touch his neck. It was still sore. He was thankful that flames hadn’t consumed him there…it was the first time he had actually felt any fear towards fire. For once he wished he had embraced more of the weird calling he had for water over the fire connection.
Still he paused thoughtfully before finally just sighing, “Do you really think we could get answers?”
Oh? Ross blinked with surprise at Reed’s determination, “Of course.” He laughed, “You should know by now I love pushing my limits with mom’s tolerance.” His hide should have been burned off long ago. Grabbing his own pack he threw some random supplies into it before cinching it closed again, “But we need to hurry before mom gets a chance to find our trail. That’s the last thing we need.” He hated worrying her, but at the same time Reed was right. He agreed completely with his brother, “But if something happens you better get out.” His gaze sharpened as he glared towards his brother, “I don’t care what goes down, you get out when trouble arises.” Shrugging his pack onto his back the cattaur slipped out of the room and headed quickly down the stairs towards the forest path from that morning.
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Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:57 pm
Reed's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Ross was right. That had been a monster. Nothing less. "I agree. It has to be taken care of. The thing was strong, but everything has a weakness. We just have to figure out what it is." As of right now... the only weakness he'd seen was mother. They were not going to use her in such a fashion though.
His grin held a hint of a wince. "I didn't doubt it for a moment." He knew he could count on his brother to be with him on this. He'd held the tiniest bit of concern since the encounter in the woods, but when Ross had chosen to stay with him, he knew.
Ears twitching, he walked at Ross' side and scowled. "We'll see. The same goes to you, though." In the woods, he hadn't been able to move... He'd frozen. He couldn't let that happen again.
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Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:13 pm
Ross had nearly the same thought as his brother, but the only sign of his thought was the clenching of his fist. He refused to rely on her to do such a thing. This was something that he wanted to be able to handle, preferably on his own. “You better not have.” He replied with a short laugh. Like he would let his brother go alone.
“Umm…yeah, sure.” Ross moved a branch out of his way and stepping around continued walking quickly, “Anyway, do you remember exactly where we ended up last?” He frowned as he looked around. It had been so dark that night…he really didn’t know the way in the daylight. Not to mention the lack of dark aura.
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