Understanding Dawns - 6

The dark was stifling. I felt trapped in my own body, unable to move or breathe. My chest felt like it was on fire every time I tried to take a breath.
I slowly became aware of a steady warmth moving through my body. It was comforting. I felt my muscles relax as it moved toward my heart. The warmth pushed away the fire in my chest, replacing it with a pleasant calm. I felt my heartbeat return to its normal, steady rhythm.
When I opened my eyes Caden was sitting next to me. He desperately clutched my hand, holding it next to him. His other hand rested on my chest. His eyes were closed tightly shut, and his lips moved almost in an almost imperceptible whisper. "Please Kyra. Not like this. Not like this." He repeated over and over.
"Caden?"
His eyes popped open. "Kyra! Thank heaven! I thought I was too late."
"Where is Lahuir?" I tried to sit up, knowing I should be fighting, but Caden stopped me. He kept his hand pressed against my chest.
"Don't move yet. You're not completely healed."
I lay back. The same warmth I had been feeling again surged through me. It stemmed from Caden's hand.
"Lahuir?" I asked again.
Caden shrugged, "He's gone." He grinned mischievously at me, "He took a bit of a fall... out the window."
"What?!" I lurched to my feet and rushed to the window. "How?"
He moved to stand next to me, "You really should let me finish." He sighed. He glanced out the window. "He didn't see me coming, and I wasn't thinking. I just had to get him off of you."
I stared glumly out the window. "What are we supposed to do now? How do we save our world?" I felt tears sting in my eyes. We had lost. Because Lahuir had turned, we had lost.
Caden slipped his hand into mine, "No. Not all is lost. We can still win."
"How? My union with Lahuir was supposed to unite those still in hiding."
"Your union? With Lahuir?" Caden's eyes flashed with anger. "When was that decided?"
"I don't know. Ya'shiie was guiding me. He said it would save our worlds."
"Ya'shiie was a liar." He hissed. "The union was supposed to be between two lovers, not two complete strangers. You were supposed to be the key to finding the lovers."
"Oh!" I breathed. Suddenly I felt hope again, followed by a deep longing. I understood now. I wasn't the key to finding the lovers. I was going to be one of the lovers. Caden stared at me, as if seeing me for the first time. "Oh." He finally whispered. "It's us."
I nodded.
Caden grinned and grasped me against him. His lips found my mouth almost before I had a chance to react.
His eyes sparkled happily when he pulled away. "I didn't dare think it. I knew I was falling for you the first time you yelled at me... for almost killing you." He chuckled, "But I couldn't allow that. I'm a nomad, a loner. I've never wanted or needed anybody. But then I met you." He whispered. He took my face tenderly in his hands and pressed his lips softly against mine. "I know now why I had those feelings. You and I Kyra. We're going to save the world."

The Light Shatters - 5

Ya'shiie took my hand and let me to a small room. The room had a window that looked over the entire city. "Wait here Kyra. Lahuir will be here shortly."
I stopped him before he could leave the room. "What am I here for Ya'shiie? How can I save these great realms if I remain in this room?"
Ya'shiie gently patted my hand, "These two realms must unite and become one. To do that you, the only human left still fighting for your realm, must unite yourself with the greatest fighter of our realm. Together, the two of you will be unstoppable. It will create renewed hope and vigor in those still able to fight. You will become a great light, one that will push away the Kaifuri and their dark world."
"And who must I unite with?" I whispered, knowing that I needed the information, but also knowing that I wouldn't like the answer.
The old sage smiled softly, "Lahuir. He has done more to keep this war at bay than any man in our realm. He has risen through the ranks and become our greatest military commander. He is the man you will unite with."
I nodded and turned away. Ya'shiie quietly left the room. I felt like I was in a nightmare. How had this happened? Why was I the only one that could save our worlds? I stared out the window, seeing nothing but darkness through the fog in my mind. One face flashed repeatedly in my thoughts: Caden. I couldn't help but see his smile and hear the memory of his heart beating as he held me next to him.
I suddenly wanted to cry. I never cried. I never wanted to cry. This was new to me. But the sage was right. I was in love. Caden had managed, quite by accident I was sure, to break through all my carefully built walls and find the path to my heart.
But I had to bind myself to Lahuir. He was to be my mate.
The thought sickened me.
I heard footsteps outside the room and quickly pushed away my new emotions. If joining with Lahuir saved my world than that's what I would do. I had been fighting for it since before I could stand. I couldn't give up on it now.
Lahuir entered the room, followed closely by Ya'shiie. I remained where I was, by the window. I wanted to see life outside the prison walls I was about to drop on myself.
Lahuir crossed the room and slipped his hand into mine. "Kyra. We belong together. You know that." He said soothingly. He glanced slyly at Ya'shiie.
I couldn't look at his face. I fought the urge to tear my hand from his and flee from the temple. My hand jerked, but he grasped it tighter and pulled my body next to his.
A stab of fire shot through my stomach. Lahuir held me so tightly against him I couldn't move. But I could feel pain coursing through my stomach. I looked into his face. His eyes were changed. They glowered at me. His mouth was twisted in a malicious grin. "Everything will be just fine Kyra." He whispered. He shoved me away. I stumbled against the window, clutching my stomach. Blood oozed between my fingers and dripped to the floor. Lahuir held a bloodied dagger firmly in his hand.
"Kyra!" I heard someone cry my name, but I didn't know where they were calling from. I couldn't focus on them.
"Lahuir, what have you done!" Ya'shiie cried.
Lahuir turned to him, laughing, "I've destroyed the world. She was the only piece I was waiting for. It's finished now!" He grabbed the tip of the knife and flung it across the room. It buried itself deep in Ya'shiie's chest. He groaned and crumpled to the ground.
I clutched the windowsill, determined to fight Lahuir. I would not lose this way. I'd fought too long to die like this. I stood upright, bracing myself against the wall. I slipped my knife from its sheath and held it as tight as I was able.
Lahuir glanced at me. A wicked grimace filled his features. "You were supposed to die." He muttered.
"I won't die so easily." I gasped. "You can't take the world from me."
He laughed, "I can. I already have. Why do you think the Kaifuri are coming? I led them here."
I gripped the knife more tightly. "Traitor."
His eyes flashed fire. "Traitor?!" He screamed, "You think I'm the traitor? Look at you! You fight for something you cannot achieve. Everyone you have ever known has died because of your fight. You are responsible for the death of thousands of people. You are the traitor here. All I have done is chosen the winning side."
He yanked the dagger from Ya'shiie's chest and slowly sauntered toward me. "And now, I'm just speeding up the victory. Once you are dead there will be no hope for the rest of them."
I felt a moment of fear. I was going to die. I could see my fate as clearly as I could see him. This was not how I had planned on dying. I was always going to die in battle, taking down hundreds of the enemy before they took me. This was wrong.
And then I realized I could kill him. He would die with me.
My fear vanished.
Lahuir advanced, clearly choosing a point of attack. Suddenly, he shot toward me. I could barely follow the movement. I responded swiftly, blindly, throwing the knife in front of me where I knew he was coming. I heard it cut into his flesh moments before I felt his dagger plunge into my chest.
He crashed against me, knocking me to the ground. I saw the hilt of my knife. The blade was buried in his stomach.
He yanked it from his body and threw it out the window. "You think I'm that easy to kill?" He cried. "This is nothing." He pointed to his stomach. "But you. You were easier than I expected. I had planned on fighting an equal." He laughed, "You were no more than a child."
I couldn't focus on him any longer. My chest felt like fire was ripping through it. His voice sounded as loud as thunder one moment and as quiet as a whisper of wind the next. I was fading in and out of consciousness, trying to keep my grasp on reality.
"Kyra no!" Caden's voice blasted in my ears. His face flashed in my vision, and then disappeared. I heard the sounds of a scuffle, but the noise was far off, miles away. Blessed blackness finally took over and enveloped me in its calm grasp.

The Darkness Comes - 4

Here is the fourth section of this story. Bear with me, there is more. If you haven't read the rest of the story, I suggest you read that first. "The Dark of Night", "The Night is Darkest just before Dawn", and "The Battle ensues"

Caden led me through the darkest parts of the city. The blue streaks were not falling here. He moved slowly, cautiously, making sure every move he made was safe.
We came to a corner of the city that had been abandoned. There were no people around, only crumbling buildings and rubble.
Caden reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal. He threw it into the air. It hovered above us. Light radiated from the crystal, creating a bright orb with the crystal as the center.
Caden scooped me into his arms and jumped into the orb, grabbing the crystal as it rushed by him. We were falling, plummeting to the earth. The bright light of the crystal was replaced by an eerie, green glow.
Caden hit the ground running, still carrying me. The earth beneath his feet was deep green, and flat as a still lake. There were no trees, no mountains. Nothing but grass. He seemed to fly across the land. I never felt the thud of his feet touching the ground.
In the distance a city rose up like a spire from the land. The city was clearly our destination.
I heard a horrid sucking noise behind me and felt the air rush by my face. When I looked back I saw a black hole open in the sky above us. Dark objects dropped from the opening, landing upright. The stood tall, shrouded with black cloaks. They were the Kaifuri.
"Caden. They're here!" I cried.
Caden glanced back and saw the creatures. "Oh no!" He groaned. He picked up his speed. The landscape flew by in a blur.
Within minutes the sky was filled with gaping holes, all dropping the malevolent creatures. They fanned out behind us, following us. Their eyes gazed out from their cloaks, dark and loathsome.
The Kaifuri did not have the speed of Caden so they slowly fell behind. The city loomed in front of us like a glittering sanctuary. By the time we reached the gates the Kaifuri were no longer in my sights.
Caden did not slow his speed when he entered the city. He raced through the streets, until he came to a tall building. The doors opened as soon as he neared them and he rushed through. A dark-haired man stood waiting inside the entrance.
"Caden," He said enthusiastically, "I've been expecting you!"
Caden stopped in front of him. He released his hold on me, setting me gently on my feet. "Lahuir," He nodded, "I come not for pleasure. The Kaifuri have taken Ja'riel. They have breached the gate between our realms. They are coming for our city."
Lahuir stiffened, "Already?"
"It is so."
"I didn't expect this so soon. What brought them here?"
Caden dropped his eyes, "I fear it was me. I had to save Kyra. It was the only way. I believe they followed me into our realm."
Lahuir's eyes widened, "Kyra?" He turned to me and took my hand, "The key." He whispered, awed.
I stared at him, unable to pull my eyes from his. Caden tightly gripped my free hand.
"Lahuir?" He said, breaking the silence, "What must we do?"
Lahuir's eyes snapped back to Caden's face. "We warn the city. Tell them to prepare. How long do we have?"
"Ten minutes, at most."
He nodded, "They will be ready." He dropped my hand, "Take Kyra to the temple. Prepare her for what must be done." The way he said the words sent chills up my spine. He turned and hurried from the room.
Caden led me into the building, up winding flights of stairs, "Caden?" I whispered, "What do I have to do?"
Caden glanced at me, "I don't know. Only Lahuir knows. All I know is that you must go to the temple. There will be further instructions for us there."

The temple was located at the top of the building. It was bright and open. Huge openings let in streams of sunlight. A man stood in the center of the temple. He wore a gold robe which hung to his feet. His hair was gray, and his skin was leathered with age. He was a sage.
"Welcome Kyra." He said, "I am Ya'shiie. Follow me." He took me to a small room and handed me a simple white gown. "Put this on." He commanded.
I obeyed, slipping off my faded tunic and sliding the gown over my body. My knife remained sheathed at my side, easily accessible.
I followed Ya'shiie back to the main room of the temple. Caden paced the room, impatiently waiting for me. He froze when I walked in, "Kyra." He gasped. His face showed open admiration.
I felt my cheeks flame red.
Caden recovered quickly and looked away, "Have they told you what must be done yet?"
"No."
He nodded and crossed the room to my side, "I must go Kyra." He bent and kissed my cheek, "You look beautiful."
The flame returned to my face. He chuckled and walked out.
Ya'shiie watched us. His eyes showed concern. "You must not look at him with those eyes Kyra."
I turned to him, "What eyes?"
"With eyes of love. You and Caden can never be. The lot has fallen on you to save our realms and because of that task you must forget your love for him."
I didn't reply. My love for him? The sage was delusional. I loved no one. I never had. My love was focused on my world and keeping it alive.


I'm sorry. I know this is a terrible place to cut off the story, but I didn't want it to get too long. I promise I'll post the rest soon.

The Battle Ensues - 3

Hello everybody. This is the third section of this story. The first is "The Dark of Night", the second is "The Night is Darkest Just Before Dawn." I recommend reading those first, before reading this.

"What happened to her?"
"She wouldn't come."
"You did this?"
Silence.
"You were instructed not to force her."
The words slowly seeped into my awareness. I recognized one voice, the voice of the phantom. But the other was unfamiliar. I tried to open my eyes, but my eyelids felt like lead weights. My body remained frozen. I could only listen in silence.
"This was supposed to be her choice." He continued.
"And it would have been, but they wanted her. They had agents leaving the city. They would have found her."
"How can that be? They never leave the city. You must be wrong."
"I'm never wrong."
They were both silent.
"What does she have that could possibly make them leave their stronghold?" The unfamiliar voice murmured, breaking the silence. He sounded subdued, awed. "I must go. The cabal will need this information." I heard a soft whisper of wind and realized he was gone.
I felt something hot touch my chest. Heat radiated from that spot, filling my body. Life returned to my veins. When I opened my eyes, the phantom was standing next to me. His hand rested on my chest, above my heart.
"Better?" He asked.
I glared at him, "What is the matter with you? First you try to kill me, and then you completely incapacitate me. Why don't you make up your mind? Either kill me or don't."
"I'm not going to kill you." He said calmly. He moved his hand away and I sat up. Strength pulsed through my veins.
I was in a small room. It was lit by a single orb glowing above my head. The world was dark outside the window.
"I'm sorry you think killing you is my motive. It's not. Not once have I tried to kill you."
"Oh really? Then why did you make every cell in my body feel like it was going to implode?"
"I had to get you out of the city. That was the only way."
"By nearly killing me?"
He sighed, "You weren't in any danger. My kind can teleport. Anything we are touching teleports with us. But our bodies are made to shift with the elements. Your body was not. Teleporting is extremely painful for you, simply because your molecules must remain connected. It breaks the laws of physics to teleport your kind. So, even though you felt like you were dying, you weren't."
"Who are you?" I demanded.
He chuckled, "My name is Caden."
I stood and walked to the window. "Where am I and why am I here?"
He followed, "You're in Ja'riel. It's a secret city. The only city left that hasn't been infiltrated by the Kaifuri."
"What's the Kaifuri?"
"They are the creatures that control your world. You would call them ex-humans."
"Oh." I said glumly. So they had a name.
"You are here because you are one of the few humans left fighting for your world, and you are the only human that the Kaifuri are desperate to capture."
"You keep saying 'my world.' Aren't you part of my world?"
He laughed, "I am between worlds right now. Technically we're part of the same world, we live on the same planet, but there are two realms on this planet. My kind can move between the realms. Your kind can only move if you are with one of us."
"And I'm in the other realm now?"
He shook his head, "No. It's too dangerous to cross realms with a human right now. We don't believe the Kaifuri know about the second realm, and we must keep it that way."
I nodded, "I see. Will you show me the city I am in?"
"Certainly." He took my hand and led me from the building.
The world outside the door was dim. Fog shrouded everything. It was constantly moving, swirling around the buildings. They seemed to shift and change shape with the fog.
The sky was dark, except for streaks of blue light that whistled through the air. They fell onto the city, cracking when they landed. Dark blue vapor rushed from the cracks. Everything it touched turned to ice.
"Kyra. Get back inside!" Caden screamed. He shoved me roughly behind his body.
"What is it? What are those things?"
"We're being attacked. Go. Now!"
I turned, racing for the building. A flash of blue light filled my vision, and I heard an ear-splitting shriek. The building I was running for stood frozen in front of me. The icy vapor seeped from the building. Caden rushed toward me. "The Kaifuri have found us. We cannot stay here!"
The flashes of blue light were coming more quickly now. They crashed all around us. The buildings of the city stood like frozen sentinals. People raced around us, searching for cover. The vapor reached out, freezing them in their flight.
"Is there nothing we can do?" I cried.
He shook his head, "The cabal will fight. My orders are to keep you safe. We will run."
"No!" I jerked to a stop. "I can fight. I will fight."
"You'll come with me."
I turned, heading to the center of the city, where the blue streaks fell the thickest. "We can win this battle. I won't run."
Caden grabbed my arm and yanked me to a stop. "You can't fight Kyra. They are here for you. If they capture you this war will be over. They will win, and both our worlds will die."
I blinked, uncomprehending, "Why? Why does my capture matter?"
"Because you have knowledge and hope. You are the only one of your kind left with that. Once your hope is gone, the Kaifuri will win, and the rest of your people, who hide in caves and the dark places of the earth, will become as the Kaifuri. Without you all light will leave both worlds. The Kaifuri will live in darkness, but they will exist. No creature of light and intelligence will be able to live in their world."
I stared at him, suddenly racked with indecision. I hated to leave a fight. It was my nature to rush in and take down as many of the Kaifuri as possible. I couldn't let others fight the battle for me, especially when I was what the enemy wanted.
Caden grabbed my arm, "You're not going back there. If I have to incapactitate you again, I will. Now come on." he yanked my arm, forcing me to follow him.
"Where are we going?"
"To the other realm. The Kaifuri don't know about it. It's the only place you'll be safe."
"Are you sure about that? You said they didn't know about this place."
He was quiet for a moment, then finally answered, "I don't know. It's a risk we're going to have to take."