Welcome to Gaia! ::

Chapter 1

The first thing she saw was a light. It was unfamiliar to her…it gave off an eerie color…yellow? Not…not colorful enough…shades of orange and red and white blended in the crackling flames. Suddenly, an odd sensation filled her body. Slowly her skin melted in the warmth. She felt herself relax, her curiosity satisfied for the moment. However, the moment was short lived. As the light became brighter, her eyes peered tensely into the unknown, and she reached forth slowly, in hopes of catching whatever it was that teased her so.
“No, milady. T’would burn your fair skin”.
Fingers curled around her pale wrist, putting an end to her adventure. She looked up in surprise, and found the face of an old man hovering over her. Kind eyes watched her movements as she shifted into a sitting position. The world suddenly opened up around her, and she looked in awe upon the surrounding area. Sandy dunes rose from the ground for miles, and tall canyon walls seemed ever present in the distance.
“Where…am I?” she asked in wonder, her soft voice breaking the silence of the night.
The old man relaxed, and let go of her wrist. Turning, he poked at the fire with a stick, shifting the logs around. After a moment of contemplation, he laughed. “Why, can’t you see? We’re in the desert!” he replied comically, giving a rather obvious answer.
The girl decided not to press the matter. Instead, she dropped her gaze, and gasped. She was clothed in a silvery white gown that seemed to glimmer in the darkness. Her fingers ran over the dress, feeling the soft material. Her gaze traveled up her body to the pale hair that cascaded down her shoulder. She fingered a lock for a moment in puzzlement, before turning to the old man again.
“…Who…who am I…?” she asked, confused.
The old man stopped. He met her gaze, his eyes large with surprise. He paused a moment before standing. “Rai!”
A young man appeared through the underbrush, grunting in frustration as he tried to brush leaves and twigs out of his golden hair. His fiery gold eyes met her pale blue ones…and smoldered with hatred.
“Rai”, the old man repeated, striding over to the blonde with more power than she thought he had. He lowered his voice, speaking in hushed tones, and the pale girl had to lean forward to hear what he was saying.
“She doesn’t remember anything…not even who she is…” he whispered softly. The blonde looked taken aback, and said something too quiet for her to hear. The conversation continued, and the two drifted further away from her, until she gave up all hope of hearing them at all.
The pale girl sighed, and stared into the fire. Who am I? Who are these people with me? And why can’t I remember? The sound of foot steps broke her train of thought, and she looked up to see the old man approaching again.
“I’m sorry about that…I just wanted to keep track of Rai. He’s so independent…always wandering off on his own. He just can’t sit still!” The old man’s laugh was more of a bark; quick, rough, and startling. The girl was unsettled for a moment, and then cleared her throat. “Please…can you tell me who I am?” she asked again, watched the old man stiffen.
“Your name is Sal”, a voice behind her spoke. She turned as the blonde passed her, carrying fire wood towards the fire.
“Sal”, she repeated, testing the word on her tongue.
“Yes, Sal. You were traveling with us when you tripped and ht your head on a rock. That’s why you can’t remember anything”, he said flatly, an edge to his tone that made Sal uncomfortable.
“Where to?”
“What?”
“You said we are traveling. Where to?”
Rai and the old man exchanged glances. “West”, the old man replied, after a moment’s pause. “We are traveling west, to our home”.
“Oh…” Sal fell silent. Her pale fingers traveled over the shifting sands, scattering it in the breeze. The wind caught her hair and fluttered it in front of her face. She tucked it back behind her ear, only to have it fall back in place with the next gust of wind.
“You should get some rest”, the old man said warmly. “We’ll be traveling at the break of dawn, and you’ll need all of your strength for the day ahead.
Sal looked up in protest. “But, shouldn’t we be traveling at night, when the desert is coole-”
“We travel by day”, Rai cut in, his fiery eyes glaring at her. Sal noticed he had his hand on the hilt of his sword, and she cringed away from him. The old man must have noticed the blonde’s gesture as well, because within a moment he had his hand on Rai’s wrist.
“Leave the girl, she knows no better”, he said in a hushed, but firm tone.
Rai’s glare turned on the old man, and Sal saw his resolve weaken slightly.
“Please”, he said softly, not letting go of the blonde’s wrist.
Rai stared at him for a moment longer, before letting go of the hilt. His blade sank back into the sheath, and a look of relief passed over the old man’s face.
“The morning”, he repeated, gathering up a bundle of blankets and preparing for bed. “We’ll set out in the morning”.
Rai stood still, watching the old man silently, before finally returning to his mat, on the other side of the fire. He did not lie down, though. Instead, he stared into the fire, deep in thought. The glare that Sal had begun to believe was a permanent part of his face began to fade, until his expression was blank, and he almost looked relaxed. Almost.
Sal was beginning to feel too warm by the fire, and scooted her mat away, farther into the night. As she lay down, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Rai was glaring at her again. She shivered, and turned around quickly, but only found him staring into the fire, the same blank look on his face.
Settling down, Sal stared up into the night sky. Stars twinkled in the vast darkness, and she smiled, for the first time that she could remember, at their beauty. Closing her eyes, she drifted off into a deep, but comforting sleep.

The night was strangely silent, and a feeling of unease passed through the inhabitants of the desert. A lone figure stood on the edge of a cliff, his face turned skyward. The gentle breeze that stirred his hair was stale, and the figure knew it. His lips parted in surprise, and whispered words of questioning to the wind. “Has it begun?”
A coyote howled nearby, and the figure glanced to the side. A few moments later the beast appeared next to him, its teeth barred. The growl that radiated from its throat could have been easily mistaken as a sign of aggression, but he knew otherwise. The coyote was scared.
“Don’t worry”.
The animal’s head lifted, surprised as it heard the man speak.
He smiled handsomely, his eyes still fixed on the sky. He didn’t have to look to know that animal was listening, and so he continued. “Whether come hell or high water, we’ll push forward. We always have”.
The coyote’s gaze searched his face, before returning to the dark voice above them. The animal was confused, and frightened, but it knew it would be alright. If he said it was alright, it would be alright.
Turning its snout skyward, it cried out. As it listened to the return howls of its brothers and sisters, the beast looked eagerly back, to show the man that they supported him.
But he was gone.

Chapter 3

The old man rushed over to Rai as his horse skid to a stop. “What’s that you say?” he asked, searching the blonde’s face with a look of shock.
“Scorpions”, Rai repeated, dismounting his horse and looking at Calvin with a sense of urgency.
The old man looked stunned.
“Scorpions? Well, they can’t be that bad…” Sal said, as she joined the others.
Rai turned his head towards her; his eyes smoldering angrily. “And what do you know of scorpions?”
“I…I know that we could squish them with our feet, if we needed…” Sal stammered, taken aback by the ferocity of his stare.
Rai laughed bitterly. “Not these ones”.
“What do you-?”
Her question was cut short by a loud screech.
“They know we’re here”, Calvin said, looking around frantically as the ground began to shake. “Run!!”
Sal gasped as she was suddenly pulled by the arm and thrown up onto her horse. Calvin quickly mounted in front of her, and took the reigns.
“Hold onto my waist, tightly!”
Sal wrapped her arms around his middle and leaned as close to his body as she could. As the horse took off, she tried her hardest not to fall, and it took every ounce of her strength just to hang on.
“We will not be able to outrun them!” Calvin called to Rai, as his horse caught up with theirs.
“Well, we’re sure as hell going to try!”
Calvin swore under his breath, and Sal felt her blood run cold. Rai’s stubbornness could be the death of them.
Speeding though the sand, the horses kicked up dust as they were urged on by frantic riders. The screeching of the scorpions had grown louder, and now echoed through the dune.
Sal looked back and felt her breath stop in her throat. Large black creatures spilled over the top of the hill and rushed towards them at an alarming rate. The scorpions were not as small as the young girl had originally guessed. The creatures were as big as bears and their stingers stretched towards the sky, poised and ready to attack.
“Rai, this is madness! We will not be able to keep at this for long!!” Calvin yelled furiously. “They’re gaining!!”
The blonde scowled, but, despite Calvin’s warning, pushed his horse harder and pulled ahead of the others.
“What the hell is he thinking?!” Calvin murmured. Then, suddenly spotting a line of canyon walls in the distance, his eyes widened. “…Brilliant…” he breathed, edging his horse on to catch up with Rai’s. As they drew closer, he relaxed, and even let out a laugh, startling Sal. “It’s brilliant! This is absolutely brilliant! When we get to the cliffs, there are sure to be caves and crevices to escape through, and, with the size of the scorpions, they’ll never be able to follow us! Ha!”
Sal didn’t know whether the old man had lost his mind or not, but she prayed for the latter. If things worked out exactly as Calvin said they would, it was, as he worded it, brilliant. However, if it didn’t, it would be suicide. If they met the wall and found no way in or up it, they would have backed themselves into a corner, and given their predators easy targets. Sal swallowed, and prayed that Rai knew what he was doing.

Rai had no clue what he was doing. He never did. Impulsive and reckless by nature, Rai had a habit of acting on his own, and doing the first things that popped into his head. And, more often than not, his ideas were bad ones. Not that he would ever admit it. The blonde haired teen was as stubborn as he was reckless, and it was his pride that convinced him he was right. Of course he was right! Wasn’t he?
Rai began to question his plan as he drew close to the walls of the cliff. There were no caves in sight. He grimaced. …Maybe when I get closer, I’ll be able to find a crevice to crawl in… But, as his horse reached the wall, any hope of escape was crushed. The red rock was practically vertical, with little cracks or scratches on the surface, and left no chance of climbing it. Rai chewed his lip anxiously, and turned, hearing the others come up behind him.
“What now, young master Rai?” Calvin asked, as his horse trotted up to Rai’s before coming to a stop. The old man’s smile faded as he surveyed the wall, and was quickly replaced with a look of despair.
Calvin’s words stabbed Rai in the stomach, and he felt guilt rise up in the back of his throat.
You failed Rai…
Shut up…
You always fail…
Shut up!!
You were destined to fail…ever since the day you were born…
Rai felt angry tears sting his eyes, and he turned so the others couldn’t see. Climbing down off his horse, he drew his sword. “We’ll fight them”, he said, his voice cold as stone.
Calvin’s eyes widened. “Fight the- Rai, are you mad?! You know I’m pretty much useless when it comes to fighting, and the girl will be of no help either! Do you expect to take them on alone?!”
Rai watched as the scorpions sped towards them, their pincers clicking dangerously. His mouth hardened. “I do”. Turning, he looked Calvin in the eyes. “Take Sal and run for it…as fast as you can. I’ll hold off the scorpions long enough for you two to make an escape”.
Calvin opened his mouth to protest, but, seeing the look in the young man’s eyes, closed it quickly and did as he was told. He rushed back to the horse, and prayed they hadn’t wasted too much time, but it was too late. The scorpions were here.

Not that far away from where they were, a young man watched them panic and struggle with the scorpions with an amused look on his face. Next to him, a young coyote pup whined frantically.
“You want me to save them?” the man asked, smiling at the pup. “What for?”
The pup whined, and pawed at the man’s leg urgently.
Maehira laughed, shifting his weight so the small coyote fell away from his leg. “I was only joking”, he said, standing. The dry desert wind swirled through his hair and ruffled his clothes. He inhaled the sweet smell of battle; the lucid scent of the scorpion poison mixed with the saltiness of sweat.
“After all”, he said, a smile spreading across his lips as a blood-thirsty look flashed in his eyes. “I can never resist the call to fight”.

Chapter 5

“A desert guardian?” Sal repeated, looking surprised.
Maehira nodded, tucking his daggers in his belt before turning his attention back to her. His eyes were a reddish brown, and seemed to be aware of everything going on around them. His red and white locks hung messily down his head, and faint black lines curved up from his jaw to his cheeks, sort of resembling the whiskers of an animal. His pants were the colors of the desert; tannish, and torn from use. The red tunic he wore was faded, and tied around the waist with a brown sash.
Sal studied him curiously, not entirely sure what to make of the newcomer. He looks to be just a little older than Rai…
“Oh my gosh, Rai!!” She ran back over to his body and fell to her knees in the sand, cradling his head. “No…please no…” she whispered softly.
“Master Rai!” Calvin exclaimed, for the first time realizing that one of the group’s members had fallen.
Maehira kneeled down beside Sal, lightly placing a hand on Rai’s chest. After a minute of so of silence, he glanced at Sal. “He’s not dead”, he said, almost nonchalantly.
“What?!” the other two replied in unison.
Maehira shook his head. “However, he will be if he’s left like this for much longer”. He fingered a few strands of the blonde’s hair which were matted together with blood. “His wound will need to be treated”. Placing his arms under Rai, he scooped him up and began to carry him.
Sal watched in amazement, trailing behind the Guardian. He carried Rai as if he weighed nothing, even though the two guys were about the same size.
“Where do you plan to make camp?” Maehira called back to them, looking around.
Sal and Calvin exchanged bewildered looks. “We weren’t expecting to live long enough…” Calvin began, sweat-dropping slightly.
Maehira sighed. “Ah, well, I suppose we’ll have to camp here for the night. The canyon wall will provide good protection from the elements, but if any real foes appear, we’re as good as screwed”.
Calvin rolled out Rai’s mat, and Maehira lay the blonde on it gently. Immediately he began instructing the other two what to do.
Rummaging through the supplies, Sal found various herbs and boiled them over the fire Calvin started. Soaking the bandages in the odd smelling mixture, Sal watched as Maehira bandaged Rai. Eventually she began to help him, and then took over what he was doing, caring for the blonde who she knew little to nothing about.
“Just look at them” Calvin mused, smiling slightly as he glanced over at the two.
“She seems to care a lot about him”, Maehira added, sitting down on a rock next to Calvin, by the fire.
“We all do”. The old man nodded slowly, considering what Maehira had said. Prodding the fire with a stick, he stared into the burning embers before speaking again. “I have to admit, I’m surprised. Ever since she woke up, he’s done nothing but belittle and ridicule her. But she’s never once spoken against him…never once complained. And here she is, by his side through it all”. He closed his eyes, and smiled sadly. “She truly has a heard of gold”.
Maehira stared across the fire, over the flames, regarding the two. His hands were folded across his mouth, and his eyes narrowed slightly, in a look of deep concentration. “Beautiful”, he spoke softly, his voice barely about a whisper. “Absolutely beautiful”.
“She is, isn’t she”, Calvin agreed, his gaze returning to Sal. “Her skin is so pale…it almost glows in the dark. And her eyes…the most radiant blue I’ve ever seen. She is a rare gem among many”.
Maehira let out a soft laugh.
“You don’t agree?” Calvin replied, surprised.
The red head smiled, and shook his head. “No, you’re right. She is pretty. But she wasn’t the one I was talking about”.
Calvin looked confused, and followed Maehira’s gaze to Rai’s still form. Eyes widening, his face turned red. Clearing his throat, he subtly shifted away from the stranger.
“Pretty face for a guy”, Maehira continued, not noticing Calvin’s discomfort on the subject. “But such a body…man, what I wouldn’t give to have a chance to get my hand on-”
“Ahem!” Calvin cleared his throat loudly, cutting Maehira off.
The Guardian laughed. “I’m only joking”, he smiled, slapping the old man good naturedly on the back.
Calvin laughed hesitantly along with him. “Oh…right…I knew that…”
“Besides”, he added, a mischievous smile coming to his face as he turned to look at him. “I only have a thing for older men”.
A startled squeak escaped from Calvin’s lips, and Maehira burst out laughing again. “You’re a good sport”, he said, wiping a tear from his eye. “I’m sorry if I’m over doing it…I don’t get a chance to socialize very often. People rarely travel through this end of the Realm”. He fell silent, a slightly amused look on his face as he stared up at the night sky. “What do you make of that?” he asked after awhile.
“Of what?” Calvin asked, glad of the subject change.
“That”, Maehira gestured up at the dark blanket above them. “There’s no moon”.
Calvin fell silent, and dropped his gaze, staring back into the fire. “What of it?” he asked, his tone clipped.
Maehira’s ever present smile widened. “You know”, he said slowly, “this is the third night in a row without the moon. The coyotes are getting restless, as are many others. Some believe it may be the Prophecy come to pass”. As he spoke the last words, he turned his gaze on the old man; his maroon eyes watching him.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to see”, Calvin replied, getting up. “Moon or no moon, I’m going to bed”.
Maehira laughed softly, and returned his gaze to the fire. “Sleep well, old man”.

Sal had been bent over Rai for hours, but she refused to leave his side. She couldn’t help but feel a wonder as she watched his sleeping form. A look of peace had washed over his still face. She brushed a strand of golden hair out of his eyes. …You’ve always treated me harshly, and yet…you and Calvin are the only links to my past…you’re all I have, and I’m staying by your side…
The fire light progressively dimmed, and Sal felt her eyelids begin to droop. Getting up, she headed over to the fire to add more kindling, but when she saw that Calvin and Maehira were asleep, she left it alone. They would sleep better without the light. Returning to Rai’s side, she spread out her mat next to him and watched him for a while longer, before drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 7

Maehira ducked to the side and spun out of the way. His heart was hammering, and he looked up, a smile breaking across his face. “Klesha!” he cried out, panting slightly. “I was just thinking about you!”
A pair of venom yellow eyes stared coldly at the red head. “I told you not to follow me”.
Maehira dodged just as another knife flew his way. “I’m not following you! I just so happen to be going this way”.
The hooded figure raised her arm, preparing to throw. Flicking her wrist, another knife appeared in her hand. “You know the rules: you’re sworn to the canyons, and I to the dunes. Don’t cross over into my territory!” The knife shot out of her grasp, and landed in the sand where Maehira had been standing seconds ago.
“It’s a free desert; I can go wherever I want!” A cocky grin appeared on his face, and he began to walk towards her.
Klesha watched uneasily as the red head approached her; blade raised and ready. Suddenly, he darted to the side, and Klesha barely had time to react before he appeared behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist.
“I missed you”, he whispered in her ear.
Klesha hissed angrily, and spun around.
Maehira tried to duck as her blade shot out, but he wasn’t quick enough, and it nicked the side of his neck. He bit his lip, and groaned a curse, his hand coming up to his neck. The cut was small, but it stung like it was on fire. “I see you still tip your knives with poison”, he said, smiling weakly. His veins burst into flames as the venom began to circulate.
“And I see you’ve gotten slower”. Removing her hood, Klesha looked at him steadily as she approached him. Black hair hung down in her face, and her right eye was completely covered by a sheet of bangs. Her skin was oddly pale, as if it rarely saw the sun, but it was her eyes that were the most distinct. A sickly yellow color, they swam with venom. Her pupils barely bigger than slits, and resembled the eyes of a serpent. Her eyes always fascinated Maehira, and, even now, as she watched him, the guardian couldn’t help but feel a shiver run through him.
Klesha sighed. “You’re hopeless. Suddenly, she placed her hands on his shoulders, and, leaning up, closed her lips over the skin on his neck.
Maehira gasped in surprise; a slight blush coloring his cheeks.
Pulling away, she spat the poisoned blood onto the sand. “There, you’re no longer in danger”. She stepped back from him, and, retracing her steps, retrieved her knives from where they lay.
The red headed guardian stood, stunned, and watched her walk away, drawn towards her fluid movement. For a second there, I thought she was… A hand came up to his neck, and he laughed weakly, embarrassed. “So…what have you been up to lately?” he asked, trying to appear unaffected and in control of the situation.
Klesha bent down to pick up a knife, and gave him a look.
Maehira cleared his throat. “I mean…what’s the status in the dunes?” he asked, a little more professionally.
The black haired woman sighed. “I keep catching your little friends wandering through here’, she replied, glaring at him.
Maehira grinned, embarrassed.
“Beyond that”, she continued. “The rodents, and all that hunt them, have been migrating early this year. The desert is drier than usual, and what sparse plant life we have is not far from disappearing all together. A general unrest is in the air, and the animals are beginning to attack each other in the confusion”. She looked at him with her yellow, flat stare. “The Prophecy is coming to pass”.
Maehira smiled secretly, his usual calm demeanor finally returning to him. “You know…talk like that can be considered treason…” he said slowly.
Klesha’s face turned red, and, marching up to him, she grabbed his shirt collar. “You know I’m loyal to the Spirits”, she hissed. “My existence is to serve them and them alone. I would never go against them!”
A taunting smile played on Maehira’s lips. “Whatever you say, Hebi-chan”, he replied, winking at her.
Realizing his threats were empty, she let go of him and turned away in disgust.
Maehira pouted. “How come you never call me Kitsune-kun?” he asked, acting like a little kid. “I made up that nickname especially for you!!”
Klesha continued to gather her knives in silence, and, after a few minutes, Maehira wasn’t sure she was even going to acknowledge his existence anymore. He opened his mouth to say something else, but she spoke first.
“How has your territory been?” she asked, not bothering to turn and look at him.
He smiled. “Oh, it’s all good. We’re pretty well fed. Besides that, I can’t think of anything that you haven’t mentioned already…Oh! I picked up a few travelers not that long ago, and-”
“You WHAT?!” Klesha hissed, whipping around; her venom eyes flashing. “You know you aren’t supposed to associate with humans!”
The mysterious smile of his appeared on Maehira’s face again, and he started to walk away from her.
“Wait, what aren’t you telling me?” she asked suddenly, reaching forward; trying to grab his arm. However, he was quicker than her, and his sleeve slipped through her grasp. “Maehira!” She took off, following him as he disappeared over a dune.

The red head dashed down, through the sand and, cresting another hill, laughed. He didn’t have to look back to know Klesha was following him; he just knew. However, as he reached the peak of the next dune, his smile faded. Damn, can’t I go two seconds without them running into trouble? He slid down the slope and grabbed for his dagger. However, by the time he reached the group, the scorpion before them was collapsing in a bloody heap.
“Fat load of help you are”, a sarcastic comment came from behind him.
Turning around, he found himself in front of Rai, who was sweating and covered in scorpion blood and dirt. Sheathing his sword, he glared coldly at the guardian. “You were supposed to warn us when an enemy was in sight”.
“I was…busy…” Maehira replied slowly.
“With what?” Rai asked, his voice flat.
The guardians eyes began to wander back to the dunes, and he was surprised to see Klesha making her way towards him.
“Who’s she?”
Klesha immediately stopped and looked at Rai, shocked. She turned her startled gaze on Maehira, who shook his head slightly before turning back to Rai. “She’s another guardian, like me”, he replied quickly.
Rai’s golden eyes met her yellowish ones and studied her face.
Maehira watched the two for a moment, until movement caught his eye. He looked over to see Calvin and Sal leading the horses towards the group. “I see you two finally caught up”, he called to them, grinning.
Calvin laughed as well, setting his gear down. “Well, some of us aren’t as young as we used to be”, he replied, smiling weakly. Noticing Klesha, he looked pleasantly surprised. “Hello, my dear”, he greeted her warmly.
The black haired guardian looked at him uncertainly. “Hello aged one. I am Klesha, guardian of the desert and protector of the dunes”.
“Oh good, another guardian!” Calvin cried happily. “It’s an honor to meet you! These two companions of mine are Rai and Sal”.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both”, she replied, distracted. Klesha shot Maehira a glare. He just smiled back.
Rai mounted his horse and circled the group. “We need to keep moving”, he said, determined. “The smell of the dead scorpion will carry easily on the wind, and only bring us more trouble”.
Calvin sighed. “Rai’s right. I’m sorry, milady, but we need to go now”. He bowed to Klesha before helping Sal up onto her horse.
“Goodbye”, the blonde girl said softly, waving shyly at the guardian.
Klesha waited until the group had departed before rounding on Maehira. She was shocked and furious. “No human can see the spirits of the Realm!! I don’t understand, why can they see-?!”
Maehira put a finger to her lips. “That”, he said softly, his warm brown eyes meeting her venomous ones, “is because they aren’t ordinary humans…” A mysterious smile graced Maehira’s lips, and his eyes wandered over the sand to where the party was trecking.
Klesha searched his face, frowning slightly as she tried to read his thoughts.
“Let’s just say…” he continued, his smile beginning to fade. “…you aren’t the only one that believes the Prophecy is at hand…”

Chapter 9

The next few days were tense amongst the travelers. Constantly Sal could feel Klesha’s calculating gaze on her, and did everything she could to avoid the guardian at all costs. Maehira seemed to spend most of his time with Klesha (that is, when he wasn’t pestering Rai), so Sal found herself generally meditating towards Calvin.
“How long until we get to Carinthia?” she asked the elder man curiously. “We’ve been traveling for days…”
Cal smiled wearily. “We are a long way from our destination…” he slowly. He took off his hat and fanned his face. Beads of sweat creased the wrinkles and grooves of his skin.
It was then that Sal began to notice the depth of her elder’s exhaustion. The hours of walking in hard, heated conditions were taking their toll, and Cal’s frail body was beginning to deteriorate.
“Are you alright?” the young woman asked softly, putting a hand gently on his arm.
Calvin laughed, his rough voice ringing out as healthily as it always had. “Never been better”, he said with a crooked smiled. “This heat’s just beginning to get to me…that’s all…”
Feeling only a little reassured, Sal looked up at the sku. The vast blue expanse above them was completely devoid of clouds. However, the familiar yellow orb that was supposed to be glaring down on them was missing. Ever since Sal had awoken in the desert, she hadn’t seen a sign of the sun anywhere. However, everyday continued to be just as hot as the last, if not hotter.
How is that possible? Sal bit her lip, a look of puzzlement on her face. “Cal”, she said softly, turning to look at the old man. “Where is the sun?”
Calvin did not respond for awhile, and the young woman was beginning to wonder if he had even heard her when he finally spoke. “…I do not know…” he said slowly, his voice weary. “…This world has been falling apart as of late. You may have noticed that the moon is gone as well. These are hard times, Sal…”
“Some seem to believe it’s the prophecy come to pass”, Maehira said, with a mysterious smile, appearing next to them.
“Prophecy?” Sal repeated, surprised. “What prophecy?”
Cal opened his mouth to speak, but Maehira cut him off. “The prophecy was laid down when the World was first created”, the Guardian explained to an intrigued Sal. “It is said that the Sun, jealous of the Moon’s popularity, waged war, and the sky became a great battle ground. The creatures of the Desert, with no Sun or Moon to guide their days and nights, fell into a confused state and began to attack each other. Many people died”.
As Maehira finished speaking, Sal stare at him, waiting for him to say more. When he didn’t, she was confused. “So what happened?!”
The Guardian grinned, shrugging. “I dunno. Beyond that the story varies depending upon who is telling it. In some versions the Sun wins, in others it’s the Moon, and some crazy people tell a version where both die and the World falls into a state of ruin”. He laughed at the horrified look on the girl’s face. “Don’t worry, I highly doubt that’s going to happen…”
“This is all the Moon’s fault…”
Sal jumped, startled, and turned to look at Rai. She hadn’t even noticed the blonde traveler drop back to listen in on the story.
“What makes you say that?” she asked curiously.
He turned his fiery glare on her. “If the Moon hadn’t been parading around, acting better than everyone else, the Sun wouldn’t have been forced to put it back in it’s place!”
Cal made a motion to Rai that Sal didn’t quite catch, but Rai brushed it off. He wasn’t finished. “It’s not fair! The Sun works all day long, striving to uphold justice and order in the Realm; protecting the creatures of the Desert, and what thanks does it get?! None!! No one gives a s**t about the Sun!!”
“Rai, this has gone far enough. Just let it be…”
“NO!” Rai shouted, pulling his arm out of the old man’s grip. “You don’t tell me what to do!”
“He’s acting like a baby”, Maehira snickered in Sal’s ear. Rai heard, and whipped out his sword, swinging it back in order to strike. “SHUT UP, PATHETIC CUR! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK AT ME IN SUCH A-”
“YOUR MAJESTY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”
Rai rounded on Cal, but steel met steel as the old man parried the attack. The crash of blades seemed to shake Rai from his frenzy, and immediately the fire in his eyes died. He stared at shock into Calvin’s strong eyes, and then dropped his gaze, ashamed at his outburst.
Sal, however, wasn’t nearly as taken aback by the attack as she was by Cal’s words. She turned to Maehira, but he didn’t seem all that phased. As always, he had a look of slight amusement on his face.
“Maehira, why did Cal just call Rai ‘Your Majesty’?”
The Guardian looked at Sal, the same smile still on his face. “What?”
Sal sighed, and was about to repeat the question when a sudden shout rose out over the dune.
“Finally!” Maehira said, sounding relieved. “She found the oasis!”
The Guardian dashed up the hill, with Sal trailing after. She couldn’t help but steal a glance at Rai and Calvin. Neither were looking at the other as they stood there, each attempting to busy themselves with the horses. However, her eyes met Rai’s for a moment, and she swore she saw a look of sadness before the usual angry fire was rekindled in his gaze. Looking away, she sped up, catching up with Maehira. They trudged up the steep, sandy slope to where Klesha waited for them. As they crested the hill, Sal’s breath escaped her in a small gasp. The valley below them was rich with plant life. The sand that seemed to stretch on forever had suddenly vanished into rich soils and lush foliage. A waterfall seemed to spring up from an unknown source, and gathered into scattered pools. This was definetly a little island of paradise in a sea of Hell.

“This is perfect!” Sal sighed with ecstacy, sinking back into the cool water. “I’ve never felt so good in my entire life!”
A small smile slipped on to Klesha’s face. “Nor have I”, she confessed.
“After two week of wandering across nothing but sand, it’s so good to be able to get off of my feet”. Sal sank back in the pool, enjoying the feel of the water running smoothly across her weary skin. This was the first bath she had had since she had awoken, and it wasn’t until she had stepped in the water that it occurred to her how filthy she had become. Layers of caked on dust and sand disintegrated in the water, and her body was finally able to breath again. Sal finally felt human again.
She closed her eyes as she lay back, giving Klesha privacy as the woman cleaned herself. Sal was still a little embarrassed to be sharing a bath with another person, but they were both girls, and Klesha was a kind enough person, even if she was incredibly quiet.
A sharp splash caught Sal’s attention, and immediately her eyes flew open. A branch had fallen off of the palm tree above them and nearly landed on the unsuspecting girls. Sal gave a cry off dismay, her heart beating rapidly. I nearly died!!
“Is everything alright?”
Sal looked over and immediately blushed, looking away. “It-It was nothing…”
Klesha watched the girl for a few moments before spotting the branch. Tossing it out of the water, she went back to scrubbing her hair. “If I’m making you uncomfortable I can come back later…”
“No no, it’s fine!” Sal stammered, not wanting to make things difficult. “Besides, if you weren’t here, there’d be no one to keep Maehira from sneaking up on me!” She laughed softly, staring down at her pruning hands.
A rye smile crossed Klesha’s lips as she ran her fingers through her dark hair. “…This is true…”
“Who’s to say that I’m stopped so easily?”
Sal squealed, and ducked under the water, trying to cover herself. The male Guardian had snuck up behind Klesha and wrapped his arms around the unsuspecting woman. Klesha fought to wriggle out of his grip, but her strength alone was no match for his. Maehira grinned. “Aww, is Hebi-chan to embarrassed to give Kitsune-kun a hug?” he teased.
Klesha’s cheeks were red as a her eyes shone with frustration and mortification. “You filthy b*****d”, she swore. “Don’t you have enough decency to not watch women while they bathe?!”
“And miss the opportunity of seeing you without that dusty old rag of yours on?”
Klesha attempted to punch Maehira, but he caught her arm, and spun her around so the two were now face to face. Klesha’s blush deepened as she realized Maehira was naked as well. “You sicken me…” she hissed darkly.
Maehira laughed, and Sal couldn’t help but noticed how handsome he was without his shirt on. The frail girl had resurfaced for air, and was now huddled among the reeds, praying the Guardian didn’t notice.
Of course, he did. “Aww, isn’t our little Sal so adorable?” he called out, letting go of Klesha. “And she’s so modest too!!”
Klesha stood between him and the girl, her arms outstretched so he couldn’t get past her. “Maehira, leave her alone. She’s not used to such lude behavior”.
Maehira pouted. “You make me sound like a bad person!”
“You ARE a bad person! A nasty, sleezy, son of a…” Klesha gasped as Maehira suddenly pulled her into his grasp and kissed her.
Klesha’s eyes widened, and she blushed madly.
After a few moments, Maehira broke off the kiss slowly. “You really are a beautiful woman”, he said in a low voice, smiling lovingly as he brushed some hair out of her face.
Klesha stood, shocked for a few moments. However, her right hand reached over the side of the pool, and suddenly she chucked sand in his face. “YOU b*****d!!!”
Maehira laughed as he tried to run from her. Now she was throwing rocks, which were getting increasingly big in size. “…That wasn’t very nice…” he coughed, smiling weakly as he dodged a miniature boulder as it flew past his head.
It was then that Sal noticed the strange markings on the two Guardian’s backs. Swirls of black ink traced patterns on their skin, creating designs that were far too complex for Sal to interpret.
Once Klesha had managed to chase the other Guardian away, she huffed angrily and sank back into the water. She was too worked up to enjoy herself now.
“Klesha”, Sal asked softly, swimming out from the reeds. “What is tattooed on your back”.
The Guardian looked at her with her calm, pale eyes before turning away. “That’s none of your concern…” she said softly as she climbed out of the water.

Chapter 11

Under the shifting sands, in a limestone vault, a meeting was taking place. Three figures were loosely congregated around a table, although only one was actually sitting at it. The room was poorly lit, and all eyes shimmered menacingly in the low light. The man leaning against the archway spoke first.
“And what if we refuse?” he murmured slowly, his milky white eyes gazing blindly over at the other two. “After all, you have no proof…”
The dark haired man sneered. “I have more proof than God himself would be able to bestow”, he spoke, carefully fingering the tip of his blade.
“You have nothing beyond the Prophecy, and a little mirage”. The third speaker was a woman who spoke with a thick accent. Her words sounded heavy, as though they dripped off her tongue slowly. “Just because you have seen strangers in these parts does not mean that this is what we are looking for. After all, much chaos is to come…I’m not surprised by these happenings…”
“The celestial palaces have both officially announced the disappearances of their rulers”, the man replied. “They vanished the same night, and there is no doubt that they have probably found one another. If the two were locked in battle, the creatures of the Desert would be in a frenzy and the sky would be blood red. This means they must be coexisting for the time being…”
“The Sun and the Moon coexisting? Now that’s something you don’t hear everyday…” The blind man smirked.
“Hush, Jabani…I want to hear what he has to say…” She nodded at the man to continue.
He shook his head. “It is no matter whether they are coexisting well or not. If they are together, it is not long before the Prophecy is completed, and you know as well as I that that cannot happen. When the Sun and the Moon come together, this world, the Spirit Realm, even the Heavens will be destroyed…”
The power behind the man’s voice silenced the other two, causing waves of uncertainty and fear to wash over them. It was a long while until finally one of them spoke.
“So, in order to stop this, you are purposing we kill them?” Jabani replied softly. “If they die, what will happen to the Realm? Won’t that bring about destruction as well?”
The dark haired man sheathed his blade. “I do not know”.
The woman suddenly seemed angry. “Then why should we take a risk on something that you yourself don’t even fully believe in?!”
“…Because it may be our only chance at survival…”

Sal stumbled through the darkness, biting her lip as bitter tears welled up in her eyes. Without the moon in the sky she had no light to guide her, and the territory was unfamiliar. Unseen foliage tickled and tripped her, and soon her arms and legs were marked with scratches. Weariness slowed her down, but Sal forced herself to press onwards. She refused to stop, because stopping would mean thinking, and thinking would only bring her sorrow.
Brushing a branch out of her way, the young woman’s foot caught in something, and she stumbled forward onto something soft.
“It’s okay…I’ve got you…”
Sal gasped as the world around her burst into her view with the help of a lantern. “R-Rai…what are you doing out here?” she stammered, surprised and slightly embarrassed to have suddenly found herself in the blonde’s arms.
Rai’s golden eyes fell on her face for a few moments before they kindled with rage, and he glared away. “Someone had to come out here to make sure you didn’t get yourself killed…” he muttered darkly as he let go of her. Taking her hand, he began to lead her back towards the camp. He was surprised, however, when she pulled her hand from his grasp.
“No”.
The young man stood stunned, as though trying to comprehend her answer. “What do you mean, no?” he replied, looking at her like she was crazy.
Sal folded her arms, glaring at him uncertaintly, as though she couldn’t decide whether she was mad or not. “I-I’m not going back with you…”
Rai rolled his eyes. “Look, I know you may not think you need your beauty sleep, but some of us do, and your crashing around out here is keeping us up”. He beckoned for her to take his gloved hand.
Sal blushed, angered by his verbal abuse. “What is your problem?!”
“What do you mean?” Rai asked, frowning.
“You’re always glaring at me, and swearing at me, and treating me like dirt. You hate me!”
Rai opened his mouth to respond, but, blushing, he dropped his gaze and glared at the ground. What she said was true…but did he really hate her? Oh, he definitely HAD hated her…but could he still truly say he wanted her dead? “…Yes…” he murmured softly, looking back up at her with an emotionless gaze. “I do”.
Sal was surprised by his honesty, and her eyes swirled with tears. “But why? What have I ever done to you?!”
Rai folded his arms. “Look, this is just a waste of time…” he began, trying to dodge the question.
“It isn’t!! Rai, this is my life we’re talking about!!”
The blonde looked startled as tears trickled down Sal’s cheeks.
“…I don’t know anything about myself!! I can’t remember my family, I can’t remember my friends…I only know what you guys have been telling me, and I’m starting to get the feeling that there’s something more going on here than you’re letting on!!” Sal sniffed, and tried to wipe away her tears with her sleeve.
Suddenly, the woman before Rai resembled himself.
You’ll never be good enough…
I’ll never be enough for you…
You were destined to fail…
I hate myself!!
Sal gasped as she suddenly found herself in his arms. Rai was holding her gently.
“Please don’t cry”, he said softly. For the first time, his eyes didn’t seem to glimmer with anger…only sadness. After a few moments he let go of her.
Sal bit her lip, but she couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“What?!” Rai asked sharply, looking shocked and annoyed by her sudden change of mood. “What’s so funny?!”
“N-nothing…” Sal stammered, smiling. “…It’s just…up until now I’ve been wondering if you even had a heart…”
Rai looked surprised by the comment, his face turning red. “Why you little…!!”
Sal smiled warmly. “…Don’t worry…” she said softly. “…I won’t tell the others…”
Rai was still blushing as he ran a hand through his hair. “…Thanks…” he murmured.
The girl’s smile widened. Maybe there’s more to this guy than meets the eye… As she stared at Rai, she couldn’t help but feel, for the first time in awhile, a little at peace with the world around her.

Chapter 13

The next few days Klesha did not act like her usual self. She spent most of her time alone, purposely avoiding the others, and when she was with them she stayed silent, not looking at them. The others didn’t seem to notice too much of a change in her personality, since those were things she generally did, but Maehira picked up on it, and it bothered him. No matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to bring a sarcastic smile to her face. The Guardian was puzzled, but would not directly confront her on the matter until he had a hunch on what it might be about. He didn’t like to appear ignorant.
However, he was more than a little surprised when she took him aside to talk to him. Patiently he watched her pace back and forth anxiously. “What’s on your mind?”
The Guardian sighed in irritation. She didn’t seem ready to talk about it yet.
“…You were the one that brought me here, remember that…” A smirk crossed Maehira’s lips as Klesha shot him a look before returning to her pacing. Sighing, he folded his arms. He had time. He had all the time in the world. He would wait.
“…Scorpion…” Klesha said softly.
Maehira looked surprised. “Here?!”
Klesha shook her head. “No, not a big one…but a small one…” Her teeth had been gnawing on her lip awhile now, and finally the fragile skin gave way, and a small line of blood trickled down her chin. She turned to look at the male Guardian, her venomous eyes swirling. “…Tsehsigo believes that the Prince and the Princess should be killed to save the Realm from destruction…”
Maehira’s mouth felt as dry as the desert air around them. He licked his lips nervously. “…He’s got to be mad…” he murmured softly.
“…Maybe…” Klesha’s gaze fell to the side. She was silent for awhile before finally speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. “…How can we know we are doing the right thing?” she asked quietly.
The fox Guardian was surprised by his companion’s response. “Of course we are!!” he replied quickly, his tongue concealing anger that was swelling up inside of him. “What would killing them do?! How can you justify the death of two innocent people?!”
Klesha stared furiously at him. “When it could save thousands and millions of other lives!!” she hissed angrily. “Mae, the Prophecy is at hand! If something isn’t done, then we’re all going to die!!”
Maehira’s gaze softened at the sound of his own nickname. “…You forgot the ‘kun’…” he said softly.
“What?!”
“…You just called me Mae. You forgot to say Mae-kun…”
Klesha stared at him, dumbfounded. A great, big grin broke out over Maehira’s face. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that shocked before…”
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING JOKING AT A TIME LIKE THIS?!?!”
Maehira ducked behind a tree, narrowly avoiding the three poison-tipped knives that embedded themselves in its bark. “Aww, come on…” he whined, pouting. “…You were starting to look sad, and I just wanted to try and cheer you up…”
Klesha glared at him, a fourth knife poised in her hand, ready to hit him should he venture out of his hiding spot. Slowly, though, she dropped her arm. Maehira watched in amazement as she tucked the knife away. “…Yeah…” she said softly. With her head turned slightly, and her hood up, he was unable to see the small smile on her lips.
Maehira’s smile disappeared as his face took on an unusually serious look. “We will probably all die regardless of what happens”, he said, folding his arms. Klesha turned around and looked at him, stunned by his words. “…What matters is how we go out: doing things the right way, or doing them the wrong way. I’m not pretending to be some sort of all-knowing being; I don’t know what we should be doing right now. But I do know that as long as the Prince and the Princess are here on the ground, I will give all I can give to protect them, as well as the Realm they represent”.
Klesha stared at him in slight awe, and found herself seeing the Guardian in a new light. She almost felt respect build up inside of her…almost. Maehira had pulled enough pranks on her and done enough stupid things that she doubted she would ever regard him as anything more than an idiot. Still…
A small smile came to her lips as her yellow eyes met his maroon ones. “I lay down my service as well”, she said softly, her words floating on the wind. “To protect this place that I love”.
Maehira smiled.

Sal was taking an afternoon nap when she was gently shaken awake. She gazed up at the dark-haired woman in confusion. “What is it?” she murmured sleepily.
“We are leaving for the canyons”, Klesha responded, smiling as she watched Sal trying to wake up.
“But it’s the middle of the day…can’t we wait until the morning?” Sal yawned as she tried to tie her hair up.
“From now on we travel in the dark”.
The young girl pouted slightly, having been looking forward to napping all day. However, Klesha’s words piqued her curiosity, and she followed the Guardian as she packed. “Why the sudden rush?” she asked in confusion.
Klesha filled the packs with bedding and the various other things that had been lying around the campsite. “We cannot stay here forever”, she replied emotionlessly. “Otherwise you will never complete your journey”.
“She speaks truthfully”. Cal smiled as he lazily drank a mug of coffee, watching the Guardian working as well.
“Thank you, aged one”.
Cal laughed, blushing slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh, come on now…I’m not that old”.
Klesha ignored the comment as she continued. “Maehira has spotted hordes of scorpions in the distance. While it is not clear that they are heading this way, it would be safer if we entered the canyons before nightfall. They cannot move as freely in confined spaces”.
“Scorpions?” Sal repeated, shuddering. Her memories from their last encounter were not pleasant.
The female Guardian raised an eyebrow. “Yes, scorpions. They travel incredibly quickly for such big creatures, and, if they are heading this way, they should be here before the sun sets”.
“Well, you’ve convinced me!” Sal’s pace quickened as she scurried around the camp, helping Klesha pack. “Calvin, have you seen Rai?”
The old man nodded slowly, gesturing with his mug over to the right. “He’s out past in the pools, practicing his swordsmanship…”
Sal set her bag down. “Maybe someone should-”
Klesha stopped her. “Maehira’s already on it”.
At that moment the group heard a loud THUNK and then a yelp. Seconds later Rai stormed into the camp, muttering darkly to himself.
Sal let out a laugh. “Yup, Maehira’s on it alright!” Rai shot her a dirty look, and she just grinned back at him.
The group was packed up and on their way within the hour.