This is why I should never write. . .
Jan. 14th, 2005 12:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lucoAs the title says....
I was cleaning out old files from the computers (yes I have about 4 or 5 here ^^;;;) and came across the story below..or rather the first two chapters typed. . .
So, now I can show you why plot bunnies (not the big ones but the little dudes) run away from me.
No italics or anything since I'm too lazy. . .and it was typed up five years ago Oo...
Can you see me? No you cannot. You cannot see one who has already died. But I can. For I am the one who died. I was once a Prince, a Guardian. But it was taken from me. Stolen. Because I knew too much and not enough. My name was Cross, now even that has been taken from me. Lost in History. For History does not know my tale. No. Only one knew it and now they’re gone as well.
But I-
I am back and I will fulfill my duty as Keeper of the Fate Card.
Kit woke slowly. It was still dark around him and he could hear the heavy breathing of ‘Bane and Phantom, even if he couldn’t see them. He got out of bed and moved to the window. The streetlights bathed the dark morning in an artificial gloom and he sighed.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m the only person on the planet.” He grimaced thinking about the day to come. “Sometimes I wish I was.”
Today marked the end of his holidays and the beginning of school. High school. He was now 13 and entering Grade Nine. That though alone was enough to fill his stomach with dread.
A tug at his shirt brought him out of his thoughts and he turned from the window to face two pairs of eyes, one gold and one green. He stuck out his hands and scratched two great furred heads, smiling at the sighs of pleasure that came from the two wolves. They were his only true friends and he thanked God everyday that he had them.
People always asked his father why he let a child raise two wolf cub. His father had always replied. ‘Because they won’t go anywhere else’. And it was true. Kit had found ‘Bane and Phantom when they were just cubs, on a camping trip with the school. The class had been there for only one night, but it was in that one night that he had come back to his teacher, his arms holding two bundles of black and white fur.
The park Ranger had, of course, come to investigate and they had found the cub’s mother dead, shot by an illegal hunter. It was a horrid fate but the ranger said it happened all the time and the only thing they could do, would be to send the cubs to the zoo. But Kit had refused and so had the cubs. It had been the beginning of their friendship.
He looked down at the two wolves and smiled. “And now I’m stuck with both of you.”
Phantom gave a bark in confirmation, but was quieted by a nip from ‘Bane. Kit laughed quietly. Shadowbane understood the need to be quiet in the morning, even if Phantom did not. He moved around them and turned on his lamp. The room was soon filled with a pale yellow glow, which revealed his sorry state of life.
It wasn’t as bad as it might have been, but he had seen both of his older brother’s rooms and knew that he had gotten the short end of the deal. At one side of the room there was a small bed with a pillow some old worn sheets and a thick blanket of faded gray. Beside that was a wooden stool that was mostly held together with Duct tape and could only hold the weight of his lamp. Next to his lamp was his window with thin white curtains and on the other wall there was a wooden chest that held his small amount of clothing. The only other furniture in the room was a desk, but there was no chair, so whenever he wanted to write or draw he had to sit on top of the desk.
There was no carpet, no toys or even any posters. The only decorations were the drawings that he himself had done directly on the walls.
He looked back out the window and saw the sun lighting up the street. Time to get dressed. Quickly, he made his bed, which both wolves promptly took possession of, and went over to the chest. Opening it up he took out his favourite faded black shirt and a pair of jeans. Both were too big for him but at least the jeans stayed up at the waist and didn’t drag too much. He pulled all this on and then put on a pair of socks he found under the desk.
They were covered in fur and Kit shot a meaningful look at Phantom. The wolf just shook his head and started grooming himself.
Sighing, he brushed as much of the fur off as he could and left his room, both wolves trailing silently behind him. He passed the rooms belonging to his brothers and entered the bathroom, pausing to look at himself in the mirror. The face that looked back was resigned.
He was thin, with large gray eyes and lightly tanned skin. His hair was fiery red, with slightly spiky bangs and held back in a tale at the nape of his neck. He sighed again and looked away. It wasn’t that he didn’t like how he looked; it was just that no one thought he would ever be able to do anything. They said he was too small, too young, and too-
Delicate.
And he believed them. All he had to do was look in the mirror to see that they were right. Making his way down the stairs he started some toast for himself while getting out some meat for his two friends. They devoured their breakfast and he his.
By the time he was done his father was coming down the stairs. Lloyd McFaye was a tall man with jet-black hair and deep blue eyes. He was stern, but not cruel and seemed to be cold only around Kit.
Kit was his youngest child and was the only one of the three to have taken after their mother in looks and build. He was also the child whom his mother had died giving birth too. Kit’s real name was Karl Dante McFaye, but everyone referred to him as Kit, a baby fox.
Lloyd blamed Saddie’s death on Kit and didn’t want to have anything to do with him. No one really knew why Lloyd took Kit out of the hospital with him that day, but none were going to question what seemed like an act of mercy from the grieving father.
As the two stared at each other in the kitchen, all this went through their heads and, as usual, Kit looked away first. He focused his gaze on the wolves and found their ears laid back and their eyes narrowed. He didn’t want another problem this morning so he signaled for both of them to follow him. He headed to the hall and from there to the front door. He heard his brothers getting ready in their rooms as he slipped on his shoes and grabbed his bag.
They had already given him the lecture about leaving them alone at school and all, so he didn’t wait for them. He just left. It was a half hour walk to the school, Taloen High and half of that walk was passing a field. His school bag over his shoulder, he had walked almost to the end of the street when he noticed that ‘Bane and Phantom were following him instead of just hanging out around the house.
“No.” He told them in a firm voice. They stopped but made no move to go back home. He walked further down the street and they continued to follow him. It was the first time they had ever disobeyed him.
“You guys can’t come to school with me. They won’t allow animals on the property and I wouldn’t be able to spend anytime with you.”
The wolves still did not go home. Kit threw up his hands in frustration and continued on to school, hoping he could work something out there. He waved his hand for them to come and join him and they both came happily to his side, Phantom nipping him affectionately. He smiled at them.
“At least with you two here, I don’t have to worry about getting mugged. They walked in silence and were halfway across the field when it happened.
It seemed harmless enough. There had been a discarded mirror thrown just a bit off the path. It caught the light and shone, drawing his attention.
Ass curious as his nickname implied, he moved over to it and looked into his reflection. Only it wasn’t his reflection. The face and hair were the same, but in the place of his tired gray eyes, there burned two brilliant green ones. These eyes held power and knowledge and a burden so great and terrible that it hurt Kit to look at them. But he couldn’t look away. He was caught and his hand reached out to the mirror, fingers touching the cold, smooth surface.
For a moment nothing happened, then there was a quick sensation of falling and a part of his mind was wondering why ‘Bane and Phantom were so silent. The feeling of falling ended and he landed on his knees, stunned and feeling slightly sick.
“Well that worked better than I expected.” Kit lifted his head at the voice and gasped. Before him was the reflection he had seen in the mirror, only different, more powerful. He looked a few years older than Kit and was taller, if still really thin. Red hair flowed down to his waist and he was clothed all in white and red. The look of the clothing was slightly medieval, but not quite.
But it was his eyes that again caught Kit’s attention. Powerful green eyes that commanded and captivated.
“Who are you?” He finally managed to speak.
“I am what you see, but to go into detail at the moment would take too much time. It is suffice to say that I am the Guardian.” This confused Kit even further and the other seemed to pick up on it. His eyes softened and he held out a hand to help Kit back to his feet.
“My name is Cross and I’m a Prince from long ago.”
“So you are from the Middle Ages!”
“Nope. Farther back, farther than your scientists could ever hope to understand.” His eyes grew sad. “Once this world had been a whole and when I say world, I mean what you people consider the universe. It was ruled by powers, not gods, but to get into that would take forever and would only confuse you.”
“Too late.” Kit muttered. Cross heard and laughed.
“You must be wondering why I brought you here.” It was a fact not a question. “Remember how I told you that I’m the Guardian and that the world was ruled by powers?” At Kit’s nod he continued. “Three of the most important Powers were: Luck Chance and Fate. I controlled the Power of Fate, my brother’s held the others.” His eyes closed and he looked pained. Kit respected his quiet and didn’t ask questions. “All you really need to know right now is that I died before I had a chance to fulfill my duty and without a Guardian the world split; into planets, planes and dimensions. I have watched in silence from one of the Dominant Planes, Sinisga, or as you would refer to it, the Underworld.” Kit gulped and moved away.
“You’re a demon?!”
“No. It was just easiest to stay there and wait.”
“Wait for what?”
“For you.” Kit was frightened and would have run except there was no place to run too. Cross came towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I need your help. Only once in every world can I be reborn. I missed that chance this time, because I was stopped. The result of that were a death, and a birth.” The words hit him hard.
“You were supposed to be born in me.” Cross nodded.
“Your mother had been prepared as had I, but I didn’t expect Darren to interfere, but he did. He distracted me long enough that I couldn’t merge with your body and so your soul was formed to take my place. All I could do was place a bit of myself in you.” They both stood there in silence and Kit studied the face before him. Slowly, he felt something inside him relax, and accept.
“You want my body back.” Cross looked at him carefully.
“No. I don’t want to take you from this world. But at the same time I need a body. This is what I want to do. I’ll give you my memories and part of my powers. It will be up to you on how to use them and whether to accept the missions laid before you.” Kit listened closely and was shocked at the level of trust that was being placed with him. He would be given ‘gifts’ he could have never dreamed of and wouldn’t ‘have’ to do anything for them.
But he knew he would. Just like he had accepted ‘Bane and Phantom, he would do what was right. He looked up at Cross.
“I’ll do it, but I’m scared.” Cross looked relieved. He dropped to his knees and hugged a very startled Kit.
“I know you’re scared, but don’t think I’ve left you alone. You have two allies right now and you will gain more. There are many that follow the Powers and the belief of the Guardian.”
“Allies? You mean ‘Bane and Phantom!” Cross smiled.
“They were meant to be with you and were loyal friends of mine. Do not consider them animals, for in them rests the souls of my two most trusted Captains. They will always protect and advise you.” He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, part of the burden Kit had seen in the mirror was gone. “So you accept.” He held out his right hand and in it appeared a card. Kit couldn’t see anything on it, but could feel its power. He took the card when it was handed to him and felt a presence within it. One that seemed to accept him and whisper, ‘You’re not alone.’
Kit had just enough time to feel wonder at this before he found himself back facing the mirror and staring at his now green eyes. He turned to look at the two wolves and saw with some surprise, the faintest outline of two human forms within them. They smiled and ‘Bane bowed.
‘It’s good to see you again, my Lord.’
‘Yeah! About times you decided to come back!’ “Bane bit Phantom and the outlines disappeared, although he could still feel them. He laughed; maybe life wasn’t so bad after all.
Now to get through the first day of school.
After talking to the two former Captains, Kit finally decided it was best if they stayed in the field and forest around the school until he was done.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” He didn’t want them to be bored or upset but Phantom shook his head.
‘Naw, we don’t mind. Now that you’re, umm, ‘awake’, we want to see what kinda abilities we have now.’
‘This way we can be close by and still have space to roam, now and then. Now, you had better get to school, and trust your instincts. They know these ‘powers’ better than you do right now.’
With that ‘Bane leapt away, his white fur shining among the grass, with Phantom, a dark shadow, following.
Kit turned to the school feeling more light-hearted and carefree than he had started the day out as. His mood dimmed a bit when he soon saw the size of the school. It only had two stories but it looked like it could hold the entire population of the city and that was saying something. Walking to the front doors he read the signs on neon yellow paper.
‘STUDENT’S HOMEROOMS WILL BE LISTED IN THE CAFETERIA AND OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY’
With this knowledge he entered the school and made his way down the main hall. He passed the three gyms, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, and a trophy case. Then there was the Main office and a second office that read ‘Guidance’ over it. Beside that office there were pictures of past graduates and a blackboard for honor roll students. A bit after that he came to a side hallway and a set of doors in front of him. Looking down the hallway he saw lockers and doors leading to what he guessed to be classrooms and at the end he saw the doors that led into the Cafeteria. He also saw some other students.
There were three of them, two girls and one guy, and they looked to be about his age. It seemed that they were waiting for someone and hadn’t noticed him yet. One girl was tall and thin and had long brown hair in a braid and had pale skin. She wore jeans and a long robe-like shirt of dark blue. The other girl was blond and tanned and was almost as short as Kit was. She was dressed in loose pink pants and a white shirt with a smiley face on it. Even from where Kit was he could still make out the horns and tail attached to the smiley face. Her hair was short and fanned out slightly at the sides. The boy had auburn hair and pale skin, and he was also slim and tall. His hair was an unruly mess that somehow managed to look stylish as well. He wore black pants and a deep red shirt that was nice and loose.
They looked friendly enough, but Kit wasn’t sure how to approach them so he turned to the doors, feeling shy and uncertain. Unfortunately the doors squeaked loudly in the hallway, causing the trio to look his way. He blushed as red as his hair and started to go through the doors as the little blond headed his way. It was the appearance of another boy that stopped him. This one was obviously older and had silvery blond hair that hung to his shoulders. He was dressed in black jeans and shirt and had a white trench coat over top of it. He turned towards the blond as the three greeted him and that was when he spotted Kit. The older boy approached Kit with the others following. Kit himself felt nervous and lowered his eyes, stepping back from them and also away from the doors. They stopped at arms length from him, but Kit didn’t look up.
“What’s wrong? We’re not going to hurt you.” Kit looked up at the tall blond and met a pair of ice-blue eyes that looked kind and yet slightly arrogant. Kit looked away.
“I didn’t mean to bug you, and you must have something to do so-“
“You’re thinking of escaping!” The auburn boy spoke, grinning.
“Danny!” The blond glared at him and then smiled at Kit. “Ignore him, he’s just got a big mouth. Name’s Lyss.” She stuck out her hand and when Kit hesitantly took it she shook it happily and then the other boy stepped up to him. “My name is Virgil and since you look new here, how about we help you find your home room. Have you been to the lists yet?” Kit shook his head no. “Then follow us.” He grabbed Kit’s arm and steered him back down the hallway. Danny and Lyss followed, while exchanging insults back and forth. The other girl would intervene only when it looked like they would come to blows.
They went through the doors and into the Cafeteria. It was a huge room, with a stage at one end and windows over-looking the field at the other. Benches and tables covered the rest of the space.
There was also a badly done painting on one large wall, referring to the room as the ‘Den’, with a wolf and a cave behind it. Kit frowned at it, knowing he could do better. Virgil saw his frown and smiled, somewhat ruefully.
“We don’t have many artists at the school and none are willing to spend their time painting that high up.”
Kit looked again at the offending painting and noticed that, yes; it was high up. But something within him didn’t care about the height and he had a feeling that it had to do with Cross’s gift to him. But even without that he knew he would really want to fix that painting.
“Do you think they would let me paint it?” he turned to Virgil and the older boy looked surprised.
“Could you and are you really willing to spend that much time on a ladder?” Kit nodded. “Then we could see if it could be arranged. It would be nice to have a good painting up there.” He guided Kit over to the area under the painting and the younger boy could see lists of names, organized under different letters.
“They’re listed by last names, so what’s yours?”
“McFaye. Karl McFaye.” Virgil nodded and they found the ‘M’ sheet. The other three had headed straight for the pop machines when they entered the room, and were over in the corner by the windows.
They quickly located his homeroom, ‘408’ and then sat down on the edge of the stage watching the other three fight over a bottle of pop. Danny was trying to keep the bottle away from Lyss and the Braided girl was holding Lyss back. Virgil was smiling at them, laughing softly.
“Virgil?” the blond looked at him. “Who’s the other girl?”
“Oh, that’s right, you weren’t introduced to her. Call her Lex. Her real name is Lexia, but she hates it and since we’re on the topic of names, is there a nickname you go by? Karl just doesn’t suit you.”
“Nobody ever calls me Karl anyways, I’m always called Kit.” The blond grinned at that.
“Now that suits you. I like it.” A thought suddenly struck Kit.
“Why are there no other students around?”
“We’re early. There’s still another hour to go before school starts. The buses should be arriving soon though.” Kit silently cursed his older brothers for lying about the time for school as Virgil continued. “But we like to get her early and hang out. It’s nice being in the school when it’s empty and the custodian doesn’t mind. His name is Jerry and he’s a great guy.”
The conversation was stopped when they heard Lyss shout and they both turned their heads. Everyone looked out the windows and Kit groaned. He followed Virgil who ran over to the others.
“Look at them Virgil. They’re beautiful! But what are they doing here?” Danny was staring out the window, his face reflecting his awe.
Kit stepped towards the window. ‘Bane and Phantom looked back at him.
‘Are you gonna introduce us, or leave us out here, alone, for the wolves?’ ‘Bane looked at Phantom.
‘We are the wolves or did you forget?’
‘Opps.’ Kit fought the smile that tugged at his lips, not wanting to try and explain what was so funny to the others as he turned to them.
“Are there doors that lead outside near here?” Lyss nodded and pointed down to the other end of the windows. Kit nodded and turned to go, but Virgil stopped him, grabbing his arm and turning him.
“You can’t go out there alone! We don’t know if they’ll attack you.”
“They won’t.” He said simply and he walked outside. The other’s followed him, but stayed near the doors and walked as Kit walked over to the wolves.
“Alright you two, get over here!” Two furred masses of muscle hurled themselves at him and Phantom leapt up on him, licking his face and nipping his hair. Bane nudged his side and he gave both a good scratch behind the ears.
“They’re yours?” Virgil asked in disbelief.
“Yup. The white one is Shadowbane or just ‘Bane and the black on is Phantom. I’ve had both since they were cubs.”
‘And longer!’ Phantom piped up in his mind and he just gave a small grin.
“What are they doing here?” Asked Lex. He shrugged.
“They’re just checking up on me.” By this time Virgil had cautiously approached Bane and had offered the white wolf his hand. Bane nuzzled the outstretched limb, amused at the caution.
“They’re beautiful,” He said quietly, his voice full of awe. “Now I know why you really want to paint over the picture in the Caf.” Kit nodded and then watched as Phantom’s ears perked up and he looked away for a minute.
‘Buses coming, gotta go. Bye!’ He took off and Bane followed closely behind. The others looked at him and he shrugged.
“They heard the buses coming.” Virgil smiled.
“For someone so shy, you sure are full of surprises.” He just shrugged and looked down. He heard Danny sigh.
“We’re going to have to work on that!” He looked over at the boy.
“Work on what?”
“Your confidence, or rather lack of. A nice looking kid like yourself shouldn’t be so shy.” The rest of the group nodded their agreement.
“I’m just not use to having any friends.” He whispered and started when he felt Virgil place an arm around his shoulders.
“Well, you’re stuck with us now.” He smiled as they headed inside as the rest of the students piled off the buses. It was weird having friends, but he wasn’t going to complain.
His first class turned out to be History and it was in this class that he started to understand what had happened between him and Cross.
Usually History bored him, but today even the basics caused him to sit up and think about it. At first he didn’t understand, this was stuff he already knew from previous years, but he soon realized it was Cross who was interested. Cross wanted to understand how people explained their past and it seemed the concepts of Ancient Egypt fascinated him.
But what Kit found fascinating was how his mind was now filling in the gaps the teacher left or got wrong and he could also feel Cross’s irritation at the idea of ‘gods’.
Now he was beginning to see what Cross meant by letting him use his memories, but, not wanting to frighten the teacher, he stayed quiet and only gave text book answers, while deep inside he was examining these new memories. A lot was blocked from him, but what he did learn during that class kept him busy.
He wanted to understand the place Cross had know, the world of Milusia and Cross’s own realm, Tekagian. But now was not the time. He would discuss it with Bane and Phantom tonight, but for now, a forgotten world existed in his mind.
Period two was religion and he nearly laughed out loud as his mind was filled with indignation that the people thought that one god had created everything and watched over them. He tried explaining to cross that this was only one belief, but the other wouldn’t listen.
He ended up blocking the new part of his mind, letting it observe and not interfere or else he would be spending the rest of his days in a little white coat that let him hug himself. As the teacher continued to explain the outline for the rest of the year he realized that this class would cover many different religions and that caught his interest as well as Cross’s.
“And I like my students to be prepared for what is coming up in the future, therefore I always explain your ISU, Independent Study Unit, at the beginning of the semester.” Kit listened as the teacher spoke, liking this idea. “You’re ISU requires you to do research on a religion or belief system that is not in our outline and to give a presentation on it. The more you can explain and the depth in which you research will determine your marking. I would like to remind you that an ISU is worth 30% of your final mark.” As she continued to talk and explain the different assignments listed in their outlines, Cross told Kit exactly what his assignment would be about.
But that wasn’t the only thing interesting in this class.
Over in the far corner, a gold-blond haired young man watched him closely. He was dressed all in black and had a pair of blue eyes that seemed almost violet.
He also seemed very popular, judging by the way most of the class fought for his attention. But he seemed to be concentrating on Kit. It wasn’t malicious interest, just intense, but it still made Kit uneasy, but when he tried to talk to Cross about it, he found that the Guardian’s presence had faded slightly and seemed to be resting.
When the bell rang for lunch he tried to quickly leave the room, but the boy caught him gently by the arm and held him, even as other students surrounded them. The boy pulled him closer and whispered in his ear.
“Do you know who you are and what you can do?” Kit immediately understood the question and felt something inside his stir and come to life. Doing as Bane had told him, he trusted his instincts.
Power flared up within him and arched down his captive arm. It shocked the boy into letting him go and with strength and agility he didn’t know he possessed, he pushed the boy away and quickly maneuvered his way through the crowd.
Once in the safety of the crowded hallway he turned back to the class he had just left. The boy had rushed out and was now looking frantically for him. When he finally spotted Kit standing a little ways away, he approached him slowly.
His hands were up in a sign of peace.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you. My family follows the way of Fate and I wasn’t sure you knew who or what you were yet.” He touched his shocked arm and grinned ruefully. “I guess this means yes.”
“I only learned this morning.” His body was still in guard mode, something within testing the boy.
“My name is Kirin and if we could talk later, I would be honored.” He moved forward some more and handed Kit a piece of paper. “This is my address, when you are ready, you will be welcomed.” With that Kirin left and Kit felt the energy leave him. He turned towards the Caf and spotted Virgil. It looked like he had been watching the whole exchange.
But he didn’t say anything as he steered Kit over to the table with the other three and left to get some food. Even though Virgil had been smiling, Kit had the feeling that he was upset over something, something important. He sighed and looked at his schedule. Next class was gym and he could only hope that his body had improved with his mind.
Lunch ended all too soon and yet, not soon enough. Virgil had been staring at him with eyes that were calculating and slightly cold, and Kit wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was the other saw in him.
He had left as soon as was polite, but by the looks on the faces of the rest of the group, he knew that they realized he was uneasy around them. He had also seen the slightest bit of hurt and knew he had lost his chance for a close friendship with them.
It was with all this on his mind that he entered Gym A. looking around, he blinked and stared. It was huge! He saw bleachers set up on either side of the doors leading in, and the doors to the change rooms were right across from him. He felt intimidated and numbly walked over to the teacher who was handing out uniforms. They were the simple loose black shorts and white t-shirts with the school logo printed on them. Taking a set he walked into the change room. The rest of the class was already getting changed and insults and conversation rang throughout the small area.
Kit grabbed a locker in the corner by a small window and threw his bag inside. He reached down to pull his old shirt off and went to put the new one on, when something else caught his eye. He turned and looked in one of the mirrors and gasped.
There, in the middle of his chest was a newly healed scar cut vertically and about the length of his hand. It looked painful and yet, he didn’t feel anything. He also didn’t know how he had gotten it.
-Gadreel-
He blinked and looked around. No one had spoken but he was sure that…
-Never mind-
A heavy hand came down on his shoulder causing him to jump and turn, back pressed against the smooth surface of the mirror.
He was looking up at another student, with brown hair and eyes that’s concentration seemed to be fixed on Kit’s chest. Suddenly remembering the scar he went to cover it up but the boy stopped him. He went to his knees so that he was level with the scar and touched it.
“Who did this to ya kid?” he whispered. Kit couldn’t answer, because he didn’t know. The boy looked up and must have seen that he was confused and frightened because he stood and backed off a bit to give him room. “You’re too young to be bearing scars like that.” Was all he said to Kit’s silence. “The name’s Rob and you are?”
“Karl, but everyone calls me Kit.” Rob smiled at that.
“Then Kit it is. You had better get dressed and out into the gym.” Ha paused and the smile left his face. “And if that scar starts to hurt, tell the teacher, he’ll let you have a break.” Rob walked out and he realized that he was now alone. Quickly changing, with one last look at the scar, he left the change room as well.
His plan had been to stay at the fringes of the group, but as soon as Rob saw him, he pulled Kit beside him as the class listened closely to the teacher.
“It’s a tradition at Taloen High that every year the new students start gym with what is known as the ‘Beep Test’. A tape will be played that tells you when to start. You’ll run to one end of the gym, touch the wall and then run back, before you hear the beep. When the beep sounds you run the next lap.” He paused as the students looked up the length of the gym. A few students looked like they were going to be sick, Kit included.
“All this does is give us a level with which to start your workouts at. This class isn’t just about sports, it’s also about staying healthy, fit and reaching goals you create for yourself. A lot of students can only reach the second or third level so don’t be disappointed in yourself with your results.”
The teacher moved off to one side as the students lined up at one end and it was then that Kit nodded that a few older kids were in the bleachers. It made his already twisted stomach try to come up with new knots to form. Rob followed his gaze and smiled reassuringly.
“Ignore them, they’re just bored and as the teacher said, it’s a tradition at the school. Just do you’re best.” That relaxed him a bit, but not much. He really didn’t want any more of an audience to see him embarrass himself. He took his place beside Rob, but when he looked down the length of the gym from the starting position he felt the panic threaten him again. He had never run or participated in many physical activities, everyone had always told him he wouldn’t be able to handle it. What if they were right?
‘What if they are wrong?’ Kit felt his body relax and dimly listened to a voice echo in his head, a voice he had never heard in his life.
‘Cross, you can do this, just pace yourself. Remember what you saw with the Melix’s as you watched them race the fields?’
‘But they’re animals, I’m not.’
‘No your not, but you can learn from them. Relax your mind and let your legs take over. Don’t think about it, just do it, you can be tired afterwards.’
It had been his weapon master’s voice, no, it had been ‘Cross’s’ weapon master, but he still understood the advice. He knelt down into position and relaxed, clearing his mind and closing his eyes. In his mind he saw the Melix, a cat-like creature covered in shining dark scales with a long whip-like tail. He remembered the awe that had been felt as they soared across the field, bodies moving fluidly against the wind, paws barely touching the ground, as they seemed to fly.
Unconsciously, his own body relaxed into the proper position, bracing himself for the run ahead of him.
-Beep-
He took off, pacing himself and staying with the crowd. Only moving away to touch the wall briefly and then returning to the other end for a brief stop. Dimly, he realized that people all around him were out of breath, while he was simply poised ready to go.
-Beep-
Again he was running, a touch faster, caressing the wall before the others and returning. His body was ready for more.
-Beep-
Faster still he ran, his step light and quick, to the wall and back.
-Beep-
Once more and he was aware that there were only two people left with him. One was Rob and the other was a slim black-haired kid. He ignored them and made it back before the beep.
-Beep-
Gain, but this time Rob was his only company. A picture of the Melix flashed across his mind and his body moved faster than before.
-Beep-
He was alone, running across the gym, but it didn’t matter.
-Beep-
Faster! Faster! It was almost free, almost…and then he was there…
-Beep-
Again he took off and he realized this would be his last time today. Once finished he stayed where he was and collapsed to his knees, his body and mind finally telling each other what had happened. He was weary, but grinning.
For a while it had felt like he was flying!
Someone handed him a glass of water and he drank it down thankfully while the teacher tried to pull him to unsteady feet.
“Well Karl, you set a new record for this school. Seven beeps! You sure do know how to run, but I think you pushed yourself to far today.” He held Kit when he would have collapsed and laid him down on one of the benches. “Rest for the remainder of the class, you earned it.” Kit watched him walk back to the other students and paired them off to work on some exercises for the remainder of the period.
He watched them for a bit, Rob catching his eye once and giving him the thumbs up. He smiled back and lay back to rest again. Next period was art and what a wonderful way it was to end the day.
By the time fourth period had rolled around Kit was feeling better, not completely steady but better. Rob had walked him to class, talking the whole time about how amazing his run had been.
“It must because you’re so light. That’s an advantage to anyone running, well that and long legs, which you also have.” He felt his face flush in embarrassment from the compliment, and Rob noticed. “What’s wrong, still tired?” he sounded concerned, so Kit shook his head.
“No, it’s just that no one has ever complimented me. I’ve always been told that I couldn’t do anything.” He spoke in a whisper, cringing at how pitiful he sounded to himself. Rob just put a friendly arm around his shoulder.
“Whoever said that didn’t know what they were talking about. You have a lot of potential, you just need to learn how to develop it.” They stopped and Rob motioned to the door in front of them. “Well, here’s your class, see you later Kit.” He turned and headed back down the hall, but turned back, and looked at Kit with a frown. “I hope I never see another scar like the one on your chest. Nobody deserves that.” Rob left without waiting for a reply and he was left staring after the other kid.
::He’s right, you know.::
He jumped, trying to figure out where the voice had come from, it hadn’t sounded like Cross. He couldn’t see anyone else around and decided that at the moment he didn’t really want to know. Walking in to class, he took one look around and his eyes lit up.
Instead of desks the brightly lit room had easels set up in a sort of semi-circle facing the teacher’s desk. A couch was at one end of the room with two matching chairs right by the large windows. Paper, canvas, pencils, paints, markers, pastels and everything else he could have ever wanted were scattered all around the room.
He was in heaven, plain and simple.
As preoccupied as he was, he didn’t realize the teacher had been sitting close by, watching the look on his face. She was thrilled to see a student who seemed to take so much joy from just seeing a room where he could be free. She knew that he was a student who would be able to create the joy he felt and bring it to life for others.
Other students entered fairly quickly and everyone chose an easel, Kit selecting one by the window where he could see out into the field, where ‘Bane and Phantom were running free. Running a hand across the smooth white paper in front of him he grinned and let himself let out all the tension he felt in life.
This was his domain, where he had control and it wasn’t something he would give up easily.
Once everyone was seated the teacher stood up from the couch and walked into the center of the circle and Kit felt an immediate liking for her. She was average looking in everything from her height, to her brown hair and eyes, but she projected a quiet, calm power that put the young man at ease and as she smiled at the students, he found himself smiling back.
“Since this is the first day for everyone, I don’t assign homework or projects.” Her smile grew at the poorly concealed sighs of relief. “All I want you to do today is a drawing, in your own style, your own way and of anything you wish. You may take your time, it doesn’t have to be finished today, but if you do finish it you may start another one. I hope to learn about each of your different styles and what interests you.” She gestured to all the supplies in the room. “You may use whatever you wish from the classroom.” Moving to her desk and sitting down she let the students begin.
Kit couldn’t believe it, he was allowed to do anything he wanted! But, where to start? He wanted to do something that reflected today, and his first thought was that of Cross. Yet, one look at the paper and the memory of the power he had seen in the Guardian’s eyes, told him he wasn’t quite up to the challenge of bring him to life just yet.
Next he considered ‘Bane and Phantom, but discarded that idea fairly quickly. He would want them both around so he could get every detail right. He also wanted to learn about more about their personalities before he tried.
The image that appeared in his head next made him smile, the Melix. It seemed that the creature would, again, inspire him. Calming his mind, he reached for the memories that he knew were there, just below the surface of his own.
‘The beautiful creature didn’t just run, it flew across his sight. The ground with all it’s bumps and falls meant nothing to it, except as a background to their own beauty. The long, thin tail moved back and forth, creating balance as the lean body moved forward in powerful, fluid motions, graceful and deadly. The sun shone on its unusual hide covered in hard scales that reflected colour across every surface around it.
A thing of beauty and power, one made to be admired by those less fortunate to be stuck with two legs.’
He smiled as the Melix slowly came to life on the paper, guided by his hand and mind. Pouring his wonder and awe into the creation of a creature no longer gracing his world, he caught it in the middle of it’s run, front legs out, ready to touch the ground and back tucked close to it’s body having left the ground already. Its tail was caught in mid-flick and its eyes were looking ahead, seeing something that the little red head could only begin to imagine.
Looking at the basic outline he had created, Kit decided to do the picture in black and white, except for the eye, which he would do in the bright gold his mind supplied. That decided he began the process of bringing the Melix to life on the paper.
Lost in such a wonderful task it was no wonder he lost track of time and was surprised and slightly disappointed when the teacher stopped everyone.
“I forgot to introduce myself and for that I am sorry. My name is Ms. Vicine, but that is, as I have found out, really annoying to say all the time, so you may if you wish use a short form instead.” She paused and looked around the classroom before making her way to the center of the circle again. “I thought introductions could be made as each of us share our artwork with each other. Are there any objections to this?”
The students shook their heads no, although most of them looked nervous. Ms. Vicine smiled, pleased with them.
“Good, why don’t we start at this end.” She pointed at the girl opposite Kit, which made him last. He was both relieved and nervous about that.
The girl, Sarah, was quite shy, but her picture was beautiful. It was a dazzling group of butterflies done in watercolors that held every colour imaginable and left you with the feeling of immense happiness just by looking at it.
Tanya, the next student, was more confident in herself and it showed in her drawing. It was an animated girl holding her hand up in the victory sign, dressed all in pink with her tongue sticking out. The energy in it was amazing.
Alex was next and he held a very interesting painting. Done in pale watercolors, it held a solemn attitude and revealed the scene of a young man perched on a monument in the middle of a graveyard. It wasn’t depressing though, just sad. The boy looked over at Kit and smiled, as if asking for approval and all Kit could do was blink and nod, feeling as if something important had been done.
-This is familiar.-
Kit blinked again in confusion.
-These attitudes, the layout.-
Meaghan was next. Her picture was depressing and yet her whole look and attitude suggested the very same thing. A young girl sat huddled in upon herself, glaring out at any who looked upon her. He had to look away from it rather quickly as did many others, which seemed to please Meaghan.
-It’s all adding up.-
He wanted to ask Cross, what was all adding up, but didn’t know how. All he knew was that something important was happening from within and from without.
Chris sat right beside Kit and was the last of the other students in the very small class. It was something he hadn’t noticed before, but he wasn’t going to complain about it. Chris had done a landscape, a field slowly turning into a deep forest of shadows. It wasn’t finished though and he felt like he was looking at a story that hadn’t been written yet.
-The Council! This is the council!-
The council? What was that? But he didn’t have time to figure it out for it was now his turn and he was extremely nervous with all the attention on him and having to show his work. But first he had to give his name.
Looking up, he refused to meet anyone’s eyes.
“My name’s Karl, but most people call me Kit.” There were a few grins and Alex actually laughed.
“Can’t imagine why.” He stated and they all laughed, well all except Meaghan who just looked bored. Taking a deep breath, Kit held up his picture for inspection. It wasn’t finished but at least most of the body and the eye were done.
He held his breath, wondering what their reactions would be. Tanya spoke up first.
“That’s really cool, and I like the style and all, but, what is it?”
“Something out of my head.” It wasn’t really a lie, and they all seemed satisfied with the answer so he didn’t worry about feeling bad. The bell rang then, at long last, signaling the end of the day. They all turned to packing up and getting ready to go home.
Ms. Vicine went around to all her students, collecting their pictures and asking permission to hang them up. Kit had already left before she had gotten to him, but he had left the picture for him anyways.
Trying to make his way down the hall, his progress was stopped by a hand attaching itself to his shoulder. Turning he saw Danny and, remembering how he had acted at lunch, quickly looked down.
“Is it true, what the kids from your Gym class are saying?” For a minute Kit was worried he was talking about the scar, but Danny’s next words caused those fears to vanish. “About you breaking the record?” He blushed and nodded, while Danny grinned. “Cool! A niner had beaten us all, but actually that wasn’t the only thing I wanted to talk to you about. It’s about lunch.” Kit looked away.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly.
“You were overwhelmed and I realize we can get carried away when together. I admit we were all a bit offended at first, but we got over it. He smiled at Kit. “I’ll see you tomorrow and you can feel free to join us for lunch again if you wish.” Surprised, he could only manage to nod before Danny was off down the halls, waving as he left. He sighed.
“I need to sleep, maybe than everything will make sense.” He muttered to himself as he pushed his way through the now crowded hallway. Reaching the doors to fresh air something caused a nasty shudder to run down his spine. There, in a corner, a group of older teens were harassing anyone who walked near them.
They looked like a gang, and their leader, or who Kit thought was their leader by the way they treated him, was staring right at Kit. As soon as the older boy knew he held Kit’s eye he blew him a kiss and grinned maliciously as Kit ran out of the school.
Even after he reached the field, he knew that guy still posed a threat to him, but besides from the obvious, he wasn’t sure why. But he knew he was dangerous. Very dangerous. So when Bane and Phantom appeared out of nowhere, it was an extremely relived and exhausted little red head that clung onto their necks for dear life. They stayed where they were, respecting his need for silence and comfort.
Phantom looked over at Bane though.
‘He’s too young for this.’
Bane looked over at his fellow wolf/captain and then down at Kit.
‘So was Cross.’
Kit finally made it home, planning to rest for the rest of the evening, but those plans were shattered the minute his father caught a look at his face. They stared at each other for a minute, while Kit tried frantically to figure out what had caused the rage now forming on his father’s face.
“What did you do to your eyes?” It was stated calmly enough, but he could feel the storm brewing beneath the question. His eyes? What did he- oh.
He had forgotten! His eyes were now green like Cross’s, reflecting the Guardian’s presence within him. His father moved quickly, gripping his son’s chin hard, bruising the jaw and proceeded to twist the small face this way and that, the whole time looking at those foreign eyes.
“They’re not contacts.” He said at last. “I don’t know what you had done, but this is the last straw!” He threw Kit against the wall, causing the boy to cry out in pain. “First you cause Saddie’s death and then you take away the one thing I have to remember her by, your eyes!”
Kit tried to speak but his father back handed him, cutting the side of his face on the sapphire his mother had had placed in both of their wedding rings.
As a trickle of blood ran down his face, he felt himself going numb, knowing that after this moment he would never again see his father.
He was right.
Lloyd threw his youngest son out the door and forever locked him out of the house. ‘Bane and Phantom, who had been left outside, rushed over to him.
‘What happened?’ they asked but didn’t need a response as they smelled the blood and clearly saw the bruises on Kit’s face. Phantom growled and headed for the door, but Kit threw his arms around the enraged wolf’s neck.
“It’s not worth it, I just want to get away from here.” His two friends nodded and helped him to his feet. Bane took his backpack in his teeth and together the three of them walked down the street.
Kit didn’t know where they were going, but he knew they needed to figure it out soon.
Anyways..I'm done embarrasing myself now ^^;;;;;;
I was cleaning out old files from the computers (yes I have about 4 or 5 here ^^;;;) and came across the story below..or rather the first two chapters typed. . .
So, now I can show you why plot bunnies (not the big ones but the little dudes) run away from me.
No italics or anything since I'm too lazy. . .and it was typed up five years ago Oo...
Can you see me? No you cannot. You cannot see one who has already died. But I can. For I am the one who died. I was once a Prince, a Guardian. But it was taken from me. Stolen. Because I knew too much and not enough. My name was Cross, now even that has been taken from me. Lost in History. For History does not know my tale. No. Only one knew it and now they’re gone as well.
But I-
I am back and I will fulfill my duty as Keeper of the Fate Card.
Kit woke slowly. It was still dark around him and he could hear the heavy breathing of ‘Bane and Phantom, even if he couldn’t see them. He got out of bed and moved to the window. The streetlights bathed the dark morning in an artificial gloom and he sighed.
“Sometimes it feels like I’m the only person on the planet.” He grimaced thinking about the day to come. “Sometimes I wish I was.”
Today marked the end of his holidays and the beginning of school. High school. He was now 13 and entering Grade Nine. That though alone was enough to fill his stomach with dread.
A tug at his shirt brought him out of his thoughts and he turned from the window to face two pairs of eyes, one gold and one green. He stuck out his hands and scratched two great furred heads, smiling at the sighs of pleasure that came from the two wolves. They were his only true friends and he thanked God everyday that he had them.
People always asked his father why he let a child raise two wolf cub. His father had always replied. ‘Because they won’t go anywhere else’. And it was true. Kit had found ‘Bane and Phantom when they were just cubs, on a camping trip with the school. The class had been there for only one night, but it was in that one night that he had come back to his teacher, his arms holding two bundles of black and white fur.
The park Ranger had, of course, come to investigate and they had found the cub’s mother dead, shot by an illegal hunter. It was a horrid fate but the ranger said it happened all the time and the only thing they could do, would be to send the cubs to the zoo. But Kit had refused and so had the cubs. It had been the beginning of their friendship.
He looked down at the two wolves and smiled. “And now I’m stuck with both of you.”
Phantom gave a bark in confirmation, but was quieted by a nip from ‘Bane. Kit laughed quietly. Shadowbane understood the need to be quiet in the morning, even if Phantom did not. He moved around them and turned on his lamp. The room was soon filled with a pale yellow glow, which revealed his sorry state of life.
It wasn’t as bad as it might have been, but he had seen both of his older brother’s rooms and knew that he had gotten the short end of the deal. At one side of the room there was a small bed with a pillow some old worn sheets and a thick blanket of faded gray. Beside that was a wooden stool that was mostly held together with Duct tape and could only hold the weight of his lamp. Next to his lamp was his window with thin white curtains and on the other wall there was a wooden chest that held his small amount of clothing. The only other furniture in the room was a desk, but there was no chair, so whenever he wanted to write or draw he had to sit on top of the desk.
There was no carpet, no toys or even any posters. The only decorations were the drawings that he himself had done directly on the walls.
He looked back out the window and saw the sun lighting up the street. Time to get dressed. Quickly, he made his bed, which both wolves promptly took possession of, and went over to the chest. Opening it up he took out his favourite faded black shirt and a pair of jeans. Both were too big for him but at least the jeans stayed up at the waist and didn’t drag too much. He pulled all this on and then put on a pair of socks he found under the desk.
They were covered in fur and Kit shot a meaningful look at Phantom. The wolf just shook his head and started grooming himself.
Sighing, he brushed as much of the fur off as he could and left his room, both wolves trailing silently behind him. He passed the rooms belonging to his brothers and entered the bathroom, pausing to look at himself in the mirror. The face that looked back was resigned.
He was thin, with large gray eyes and lightly tanned skin. His hair was fiery red, with slightly spiky bangs and held back in a tale at the nape of his neck. He sighed again and looked away. It wasn’t that he didn’t like how he looked; it was just that no one thought he would ever be able to do anything. They said he was too small, too young, and too-
Delicate.
And he believed them. All he had to do was look in the mirror to see that they were right. Making his way down the stairs he started some toast for himself while getting out some meat for his two friends. They devoured their breakfast and he his.
By the time he was done his father was coming down the stairs. Lloyd McFaye was a tall man with jet-black hair and deep blue eyes. He was stern, but not cruel and seemed to be cold only around Kit.
Kit was his youngest child and was the only one of the three to have taken after their mother in looks and build. He was also the child whom his mother had died giving birth too. Kit’s real name was Karl Dante McFaye, but everyone referred to him as Kit, a baby fox.
Lloyd blamed Saddie’s death on Kit and didn’t want to have anything to do with him. No one really knew why Lloyd took Kit out of the hospital with him that day, but none were going to question what seemed like an act of mercy from the grieving father.
As the two stared at each other in the kitchen, all this went through their heads and, as usual, Kit looked away first. He focused his gaze on the wolves and found their ears laid back and their eyes narrowed. He didn’t want another problem this morning so he signaled for both of them to follow him. He headed to the hall and from there to the front door. He heard his brothers getting ready in their rooms as he slipped on his shoes and grabbed his bag.
They had already given him the lecture about leaving them alone at school and all, so he didn’t wait for them. He just left. It was a half hour walk to the school, Taloen High and half of that walk was passing a field. His school bag over his shoulder, he had walked almost to the end of the street when he noticed that ‘Bane and Phantom were following him instead of just hanging out around the house.
“No.” He told them in a firm voice. They stopped but made no move to go back home. He walked further down the street and they continued to follow him. It was the first time they had ever disobeyed him.
“You guys can’t come to school with me. They won’t allow animals on the property and I wouldn’t be able to spend anytime with you.”
The wolves still did not go home. Kit threw up his hands in frustration and continued on to school, hoping he could work something out there. He waved his hand for them to come and join him and they both came happily to his side, Phantom nipping him affectionately. He smiled at them.
“At least with you two here, I don’t have to worry about getting mugged. They walked in silence and were halfway across the field when it happened.
It seemed harmless enough. There had been a discarded mirror thrown just a bit off the path. It caught the light and shone, drawing his attention.
Ass curious as his nickname implied, he moved over to it and looked into his reflection. Only it wasn’t his reflection. The face and hair were the same, but in the place of his tired gray eyes, there burned two brilliant green ones. These eyes held power and knowledge and a burden so great and terrible that it hurt Kit to look at them. But he couldn’t look away. He was caught and his hand reached out to the mirror, fingers touching the cold, smooth surface.
For a moment nothing happened, then there was a quick sensation of falling and a part of his mind was wondering why ‘Bane and Phantom were so silent. The feeling of falling ended and he landed on his knees, stunned and feeling slightly sick.
“Well that worked better than I expected.” Kit lifted his head at the voice and gasped. Before him was the reflection he had seen in the mirror, only different, more powerful. He looked a few years older than Kit and was taller, if still really thin. Red hair flowed down to his waist and he was clothed all in white and red. The look of the clothing was slightly medieval, but not quite.
But it was his eyes that again caught Kit’s attention. Powerful green eyes that commanded and captivated.
“Who are you?” He finally managed to speak.
“I am what you see, but to go into detail at the moment would take too much time. It is suffice to say that I am the Guardian.” This confused Kit even further and the other seemed to pick up on it. His eyes softened and he held out a hand to help Kit back to his feet.
“My name is Cross and I’m a Prince from long ago.”
“So you are from the Middle Ages!”
“Nope. Farther back, farther than your scientists could ever hope to understand.” His eyes grew sad. “Once this world had been a whole and when I say world, I mean what you people consider the universe. It was ruled by powers, not gods, but to get into that would take forever and would only confuse you.”
“Too late.” Kit muttered. Cross heard and laughed.
“You must be wondering why I brought you here.” It was a fact not a question. “Remember how I told you that I’m the Guardian and that the world was ruled by powers?” At Kit’s nod he continued. “Three of the most important Powers were: Luck Chance and Fate. I controlled the Power of Fate, my brother’s held the others.” His eyes closed and he looked pained. Kit respected his quiet and didn’t ask questions. “All you really need to know right now is that I died before I had a chance to fulfill my duty and without a Guardian the world split; into planets, planes and dimensions. I have watched in silence from one of the Dominant Planes, Sinisga, or as you would refer to it, the Underworld.” Kit gulped and moved away.
“You’re a demon?!”
“No. It was just easiest to stay there and wait.”
“Wait for what?”
“For you.” Kit was frightened and would have run except there was no place to run too. Cross came towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I need your help. Only once in every world can I be reborn. I missed that chance this time, because I was stopped. The result of that were a death, and a birth.” The words hit him hard.
“You were supposed to be born in me.” Cross nodded.
“Your mother had been prepared as had I, but I didn’t expect Darren to interfere, but he did. He distracted me long enough that I couldn’t merge with your body and so your soul was formed to take my place. All I could do was place a bit of myself in you.” They both stood there in silence and Kit studied the face before him. Slowly, he felt something inside him relax, and accept.
“You want my body back.” Cross looked at him carefully.
“No. I don’t want to take you from this world. But at the same time I need a body. This is what I want to do. I’ll give you my memories and part of my powers. It will be up to you on how to use them and whether to accept the missions laid before you.” Kit listened closely and was shocked at the level of trust that was being placed with him. He would be given ‘gifts’ he could have never dreamed of and wouldn’t ‘have’ to do anything for them.
But he knew he would. Just like he had accepted ‘Bane and Phantom, he would do what was right. He looked up at Cross.
“I’ll do it, but I’m scared.” Cross looked relieved. He dropped to his knees and hugged a very startled Kit.
“I know you’re scared, but don’t think I’ve left you alone. You have two allies right now and you will gain more. There are many that follow the Powers and the belief of the Guardian.”
“Allies? You mean ‘Bane and Phantom!” Cross smiled.
“They were meant to be with you and were loyal friends of mine. Do not consider them animals, for in them rests the souls of my two most trusted Captains. They will always protect and advise you.” He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, part of the burden Kit had seen in the mirror was gone. “So you accept.” He held out his right hand and in it appeared a card. Kit couldn’t see anything on it, but could feel its power. He took the card when it was handed to him and felt a presence within it. One that seemed to accept him and whisper, ‘You’re not alone.’
Kit had just enough time to feel wonder at this before he found himself back facing the mirror and staring at his now green eyes. He turned to look at the two wolves and saw with some surprise, the faintest outline of two human forms within them. They smiled and ‘Bane bowed.
‘It’s good to see you again, my Lord.’
‘Yeah! About times you decided to come back!’ “Bane bit Phantom and the outlines disappeared, although he could still feel them. He laughed; maybe life wasn’t so bad after all.
Now to get through the first day of school.
After talking to the two former Captains, Kit finally decided it was best if they stayed in the field and forest around the school until he was done.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” He didn’t want them to be bored or upset but Phantom shook his head.
‘Naw, we don’t mind. Now that you’re, umm, ‘awake’, we want to see what kinda abilities we have now.’
‘This way we can be close by and still have space to roam, now and then. Now, you had better get to school, and trust your instincts. They know these ‘powers’ better than you do right now.’
With that ‘Bane leapt away, his white fur shining among the grass, with Phantom, a dark shadow, following.
Kit turned to the school feeling more light-hearted and carefree than he had started the day out as. His mood dimmed a bit when he soon saw the size of the school. It only had two stories but it looked like it could hold the entire population of the city and that was saying something. Walking to the front doors he read the signs on neon yellow paper.
‘STUDENT’S HOMEROOMS WILL BE LISTED IN THE CAFETERIA AND OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY’
With this knowledge he entered the school and made his way down the main hall. He passed the three gyms, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, and a trophy case. Then there was the Main office and a second office that read ‘Guidance’ over it. Beside that office there were pictures of past graduates and a blackboard for honor roll students. A bit after that he came to a side hallway and a set of doors in front of him. Looking down the hallway he saw lockers and doors leading to what he guessed to be classrooms and at the end he saw the doors that led into the Cafeteria. He also saw some other students.
There were three of them, two girls and one guy, and they looked to be about his age. It seemed that they were waiting for someone and hadn’t noticed him yet. One girl was tall and thin and had long brown hair in a braid and had pale skin. She wore jeans and a long robe-like shirt of dark blue. The other girl was blond and tanned and was almost as short as Kit was. She was dressed in loose pink pants and a white shirt with a smiley face on it. Even from where Kit was he could still make out the horns and tail attached to the smiley face. Her hair was short and fanned out slightly at the sides. The boy had auburn hair and pale skin, and he was also slim and tall. His hair was an unruly mess that somehow managed to look stylish as well. He wore black pants and a deep red shirt that was nice and loose.
They looked friendly enough, but Kit wasn’t sure how to approach them so he turned to the doors, feeling shy and uncertain. Unfortunately the doors squeaked loudly in the hallway, causing the trio to look his way. He blushed as red as his hair and started to go through the doors as the little blond headed his way. It was the appearance of another boy that stopped him. This one was obviously older and had silvery blond hair that hung to his shoulders. He was dressed in black jeans and shirt and had a white trench coat over top of it. He turned towards the blond as the three greeted him and that was when he spotted Kit. The older boy approached Kit with the others following. Kit himself felt nervous and lowered his eyes, stepping back from them and also away from the doors. They stopped at arms length from him, but Kit didn’t look up.
“What’s wrong? We’re not going to hurt you.” Kit looked up at the tall blond and met a pair of ice-blue eyes that looked kind and yet slightly arrogant. Kit looked away.
“I didn’t mean to bug you, and you must have something to do so-“
“You’re thinking of escaping!” The auburn boy spoke, grinning.
“Danny!” The blond glared at him and then smiled at Kit. “Ignore him, he’s just got a big mouth. Name’s Lyss.” She stuck out her hand and when Kit hesitantly took it she shook it happily and then the other boy stepped up to him. “My name is Virgil and since you look new here, how about we help you find your home room. Have you been to the lists yet?” Kit shook his head no. “Then follow us.” He grabbed Kit’s arm and steered him back down the hallway. Danny and Lyss followed, while exchanging insults back and forth. The other girl would intervene only when it looked like they would come to blows.
They went through the doors and into the Cafeteria. It was a huge room, with a stage at one end and windows over-looking the field at the other. Benches and tables covered the rest of the space.
There was also a badly done painting on one large wall, referring to the room as the ‘Den’, with a wolf and a cave behind it. Kit frowned at it, knowing he could do better. Virgil saw his frown and smiled, somewhat ruefully.
“We don’t have many artists at the school and none are willing to spend their time painting that high up.”
Kit looked again at the offending painting and noticed that, yes; it was high up. But something within him didn’t care about the height and he had a feeling that it had to do with Cross’s gift to him. But even without that he knew he would really want to fix that painting.
“Do you think they would let me paint it?” he turned to Virgil and the older boy looked surprised.
“Could you and are you really willing to spend that much time on a ladder?” Kit nodded. “Then we could see if it could be arranged. It would be nice to have a good painting up there.” He guided Kit over to the area under the painting and the younger boy could see lists of names, organized under different letters.
“They’re listed by last names, so what’s yours?”
“McFaye. Karl McFaye.” Virgil nodded and they found the ‘M’ sheet. The other three had headed straight for the pop machines when they entered the room, and were over in the corner by the windows.
They quickly located his homeroom, ‘408’ and then sat down on the edge of the stage watching the other three fight over a bottle of pop. Danny was trying to keep the bottle away from Lyss and the Braided girl was holding Lyss back. Virgil was smiling at them, laughing softly.
“Virgil?” the blond looked at him. “Who’s the other girl?”
“Oh, that’s right, you weren’t introduced to her. Call her Lex. Her real name is Lexia, but she hates it and since we’re on the topic of names, is there a nickname you go by? Karl just doesn’t suit you.”
“Nobody ever calls me Karl anyways, I’m always called Kit.” The blond grinned at that.
“Now that suits you. I like it.” A thought suddenly struck Kit.
“Why are there no other students around?”
“We’re early. There’s still another hour to go before school starts. The buses should be arriving soon though.” Kit silently cursed his older brothers for lying about the time for school as Virgil continued. “But we like to get her early and hang out. It’s nice being in the school when it’s empty and the custodian doesn’t mind. His name is Jerry and he’s a great guy.”
The conversation was stopped when they heard Lyss shout and they both turned their heads. Everyone looked out the windows and Kit groaned. He followed Virgil who ran over to the others.
“Look at them Virgil. They’re beautiful! But what are they doing here?” Danny was staring out the window, his face reflecting his awe.
Kit stepped towards the window. ‘Bane and Phantom looked back at him.
‘Are you gonna introduce us, or leave us out here, alone, for the wolves?’ ‘Bane looked at Phantom.
‘We are the wolves or did you forget?’
‘Opps.’ Kit fought the smile that tugged at his lips, not wanting to try and explain what was so funny to the others as he turned to them.
“Are there doors that lead outside near here?” Lyss nodded and pointed down to the other end of the windows. Kit nodded and turned to go, but Virgil stopped him, grabbing his arm and turning him.
“You can’t go out there alone! We don’t know if they’ll attack you.”
“They won’t.” He said simply and he walked outside. The other’s followed him, but stayed near the doors and walked as Kit walked over to the wolves.
“Alright you two, get over here!” Two furred masses of muscle hurled themselves at him and Phantom leapt up on him, licking his face and nipping his hair. Bane nudged his side and he gave both a good scratch behind the ears.
“They’re yours?” Virgil asked in disbelief.
“Yup. The white one is Shadowbane or just ‘Bane and the black on is Phantom. I’ve had both since they were cubs.”
‘And longer!’ Phantom piped up in his mind and he just gave a small grin.
“What are they doing here?” Asked Lex. He shrugged.
“They’re just checking up on me.” By this time Virgil had cautiously approached Bane and had offered the white wolf his hand. Bane nuzzled the outstretched limb, amused at the caution.
“They’re beautiful,” He said quietly, his voice full of awe. “Now I know why you really want to paint over the picture in the Caf.” Kit nodded and then watched as Phantom’s ears perked up and he looked away for a minute.
‘Buses coming, gotta go. Bye!’ He took off and Bane followed closely behind. The others looked at him and he shrugged.
“They heard the buses coming.” Virgil smiled.
“For someone so shy, you sure are full of surprises.” He just shrugged and looked down. He heard Danny sigh.
“We’re going to have to work on that!” He looked over at the boy.
“Work on what?”
“Your confidence, or rather lack of. A nice looking kid like yourself shouldn’t be so shy.” The rest of the group nodded their agreement.
“I’m just not use to having any friends.” He whispered and started when he felt Virgil place an arm around his shoulders.
“Well, you’re stuck with us now.” He smiled as they headed inside as the rest of the students piled off the buses. It was weird having friends, but he wasn’t going to complain.
His first class turned out to be History and it was in this class that he started to understand what had happened between him and Cross.
Usually History bored him, but today even the basics caused him to sit up and think about it. At first he didn’t understand, this was stuff he already knew from previous years, but he soon realized it was Cross who was interested. Cross wanted to understand how people explained their past and it seemed the concepts of Ancient Egypt fascinated him.
But what Kit found fascinating was how his mind was now filling in the gaps the teacher left or got wrong and he could also feel Cross’s irritation at the idea of ‘gods’.
Now he was beginning to see what Cross meant by letting him use his memories, but, not wanting to frighten the teacher, he stayed quiet and only gave text book answers, while deep inside he was examining these new memories. A lot was blocked from him, but what he did learn during that class kept him busy.
He wanted to understand the place Cross had know, the world of Milusia and Cross’s own realm, Tekagian. But now was not the time. He would discuss it with Bane and Phantom tonight, but for now, a forgotten world existed in his mind.
Period two was religion and he nearly laughed out loud as his mind was filled with indignation that the people thought that one god had created everything and watched over them. He tried explaining to cross that this was only one belief, but the other wouldn’t listen.
He ended up blocking the new part of his mind, letting it observe and not interfere or else he would be spending the rest of his days in a little white coat that let him hug himself. As the teacher continued to explain the outline for the rest of the year he realized that this class would cover many different religions and that caught his interest as well as Cross’s.
“And I like my students to be prepared for what is coming up in the future, therefore I always explain your ISU, Independent Study Unit, at the beginning of the semester.” Kit listened as the teacher spoke, liking this idea. “You’re ISU requires you to do research on a religion or belief system that is not in our outline and to give a presentation on it. The more you can explain and the depth in which you research will determine your marking. I would like to remind you that an ISU is worth 30% of your final mark.” As she continued to talk and explain the different assignments listed in their outlines, Cross told Kit exactly what his assignment would be about.
But that wasn’t the only thing interesting in this class.
Over in the far corner, a gold-blond haired young man watched him closely. He was dressed all in black and had a pair of blue eyes that seemed almost violet.
He also seemed very popular, judging by the way most of the class fought for his attention. But he seemed to be concentrating on Kit. It wasn’t malicious interest, just intense, but it still made Kit uneasy, but when he tried to talk to Cross about it, he found that the Guardian’s presence had faded slightly and seemed to be resting.
When the bell rang for lunch he tried to quickly leave the room, but the boy caught him gently by the arm and held him, even as other students surrounded them. The boy pulled him closer and whispered in his ear.
“Do you know who you are and what you can do?” Kit immediately understood the question and felt something inside his stir and come to life. Doing as Bane had told him, he trusted his instincts.
Power flared up within him and arched down his captive arm. It shocked the boy into letting him go and with strength and agility he didn’t know he possessed, he pushed the boy away and quickly maneuvered his way through the crowd.
Once in the safety of the crowded hallway he turned back to the class he had just left. The boy had rushed out and was now looking frantically for him. When he finally spotted Kit standing a little ways away, he approached him slowly.
His hands were up in a sign of peace.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you. My family follows the way of Fate and I wasn’t sure you knew who or what you were yet.” He touched his shocked arm and grinned ruefully. “I guess this means yes.”
“I only learned this morning.” His body was still in guard mode, something within testing the boy.
“My name is Kirin and if we could talk later, I would be honored.” He moved forward some more and handed Kit a piece of paper. “This is my address, when you are ready, you will be welcomed.” With that Kirin left and Kit felt the energy leave him. He turned towards the Caf and spotted Virgil. It looked like he had been watching the whole exchange.
But he didn’t say anything as he steered Kit over to the table with the other three and left to get some food. Even though Virgil had been smiling, Kit had the feeling that he was upset over something, something important. He sighed and looked at his schedule. Next class was gym and he could only hope that his body had improved with his mind.
Lunch ended all too soon and yet, not soon enough. Virgil had been staring at him with eyes that were calculating and slightly cold, and Kit wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was the other saw in him.
He had left as soon as was polite, but by the looks on the faces of the rest of the group, he knew that they realized he was uneasy around them. He had also seen the slightest bit of hurt and knew he had lost his chance for a close friendship with them.
It was with all this on his mind that he entered Gym A. looking around, he blinked and stared. It was huge! He saw bleachers set up on either side of the doors leading in, and the doors to the change rooms were right across from him. He felt intimidated and numbly walked over to the teacher who was handing out uniforms. They were the simple loose black shorts and white t-shirts with the school logo printed on them. Taking a set he walked into the change room. The rest of the class was already getting changed and insults and conversation rang throughout the small area.
Kit grabbed a locker in the corner by a small window and threw his bag inside. He reached down to pull his old shirt off and went to put the new one on, when something else caught his eye. He turned and looked in one of the mirrors and gasped.
There, in the middle of his chest was a newly healed scar cut vertically and about the length of his hand. It looked painful and yet, he didn’t feel anything. He also didn’t know how he had gotten it.
-Gadreel-
He blinked and looked around. No one had spoken but he was sure that…
-Never mind-
A heavy hand came down on his shoulder causing him to jump and turn, back pressed against the smooth surface of the mirror.
He was looking up at another student, with brown hair and eyes that’s concentration seemed to be fixed on Kit’s chest. Suddenly remembering the scar he went to cover it up but the boy stopped him. He went to his knees so that he was level with the scar and touched it.
“Who did this to ya kid?” he whispered. Kit couldn’t answer, because he didn’t know. The boy looked up and must have seen that he was confused and frightened because he stood and backed off a bit to give him room. “You’re too young to be bearing scars like that.” Was all he said to Kit’s silence. “The name’s Rob and you are?”
“Karl, but everyone calls me Kit.” Rob smiled at that.
“Then Kit it is. You had better get dressed and out into the gym.” Ha paused and the smile left his face. “And if that scar starts to hurt, tell the teacher, he’ll let you have a break.” Rob walked out and he realized that he was now alone. Quickly changing, with one last look at the scar, he left the change room as well.
His plan had been to stay at the fringes of the group, but as soon as Rob saw him, he pulled Kit beside him as the class listened closely to the teacher.
“It’s a tradition at Taloen High that every year the new students start gym with what is known as the ‘Beep Test’. A tape will be played that tells you when to start. You’ll run to one end of the gym, touch the wall and then run back, before you hear the beep. When the beep sounds you run the next lap.” He paused as the students looked up the length of the gym. A few students looked like they were going to be sick, Kit included.
“All this does is give us a level with which to start your workouts at. This class isn’t just about sports, it’s also about staying healthy, fit and reaching goals you create for yourself. A lot of students can only reach the second or third level so don’t be disappointed in yourself with your results.”
The teacher moved off to one side as the students lined up at one end and it was then that Kit nodded that a few older kids were in the bleachers. It made his already twisted stomach try to come up with new knots to form. Rob followed his gaze and smiled reassuringly.
“Ignore them, they’re just bored and as the teacher said, it’s a tradition at the school. Just do you’re best.” That relaxed him a bit, but not much. He really didn’t want any more of an audience to see him embarrass himself. He took his place beside Rob, but when he looked down the length of the gym from the starting position he felt the panic threaten him again. He had never run or participated in many physical activities, everyone had always told him he wouldn’t be able to handle it. What if they were right?
‘What if they are wrong?’ Kit felt his body relax and dimly listened to a voice echo in his head, a voice he had never heard in his life.
‘Cross, you can do this, just pace yourself. Remember what you saw with the Melix’s as you watched them race the fields?’
‘But they’re animals, I’m not.’
‘No your not, but you can learn from them. Relax your mind and let your legs take over. Don’t think about it, just do it, you can be tired afterwards.’
It had been his weapon master’s voice, no, it had been ‘Cross’s’ weapon master, but he still understood the advice. He knelt down into position and relaxed, clearing his mind and closing his eyes. In his mind he saw the Melix, a cat-like creature covered in shining dark scales with a long whip-like tail. He remembered the awe that had been felt as they soared across the field, bodies moving fluidly against the wind, paws barely touching the ground, as they seemed to fly.
Unconsciously, his own body relaxed into the proper position, bracing himself for the run ahead of him.
-Beep-
He took off, pacing himself and staying with the crowd. Only moving away to touch the wall briefly and then returning to the other end for a brief stop. Dimly, he realized that people all around him were out of breath, while he was simply poised ready to go.
-Beep-
Again he was running, a touch faster, caressing the wall before the others and returning. His body was ready for more.
-Beep-
Faster still he ran, his step light and quick, to the wall and back.
-Beep-
Once more and he was aware that there were only two people left with him. One was Rob and the other was a slim black-haired kid. He ignored them and made it back before the beep.
-Beep-
Gain, but this time Rob was his only company. A picture of the Melix flashed across his mind and his body moved faster than before.
-Beep-
He was alone, running across the gym, but it didn’t matter.
-Beep-
Faster! Faster! It was almost free, almost…and then he was there…
-Beep-
Again he took off and he realized this would be his last time today. Once finished he stayed where he was and collapsed to his knees, his body and mind finally telling each other what had happened. He was weary, but grinning.
For a while it had felt like he was flying!
Someone handed him a glass of water and he drank it down thankfully while the teacher tried to pull him to unsteady feet.
“Well Karl, you set a new record for this school. Seven beeps! You sure do know how to run, but I think you pushed yourself to far today.” He held Kit when he would have collapsed and laid him down on one of the benches. “Rest for the remainder of the class, you earned it.” Kit watched him walk back to the other students and paired them off to work on some exercises for the remainder of the period.
He watched them for a bit, Rob catching his eye once and giving him the thumbs up. He smiled back and lay back to rest again. Next period was art and what a wonderful way it was to end the day.
By the time fourth period had rolled around Kit was feeling better, not completely steady but better. Rob had walked him to class, talking the whole time about how amazing his run had been.
“It must because you’re so light. That’s an advantage to anyone running, well that and long legs, which you also have.” He felt his face flush in embarrassment from the compliment, and Rob noticed. “What’s wrong, still tired?” he sounded concerned, so Kit shook his head.
“No, it’s just that no one has ever complimented me. I’ve always been told that I couldn’t do anything.” He spoke in a whisper, cringing at how pitiful he sounded to himself. Rob just put a friendly arm around his shoulder.
“Whoever said that didn’t know what they were talking about. You have a lot of potential, you just need to learn how to develop it.” They stopped and Rob motioned to the door in front of them. “Well, here’s your class, see you later Kit.” He turned and headed back down the hall, but turned back, and looked at Kit with a frown. “I hope I never see another scar like the one on your chest. Nobody deserves that.” Rob left without waiting for a reply and he was left staring after the other kid.
::He’s right, you know.::
He jumped, trying to figure out where the voice had come from, it hadn’t sounded like Cross. He couldn’t see anyone else around and decided that at the moment he didn’t really want to know. Walking in to class, he took one look around and his eyes lit up.
Instead of desks the brightly lit room had easels set up in a sort of semi-circle facing the teacher’s desk. A couch was at one end of the room with two matching chairs right by the large windows. Paper, canvas, pencils, paints, markers, pastels and everything else he could have ever wanted were scattered all around the room.
He was in heaven, plain and simple.
As preoccupied as he was, he didn’t realize the teacher had been sitting close by, watching the look on his face. She was thrilled to see a student who seemed to take so much joy from just seeing a room where he could be free. She knew that he was a student who would be able to create the joy he felt and bring it to life for others.
Other students entered fairly quickly and everyone chose an easel, Kit selecting one by the window where he could see out into the field, where ‘Bane and Phantom were running free. Running a hand across the smooth white paper in front of him he grinned and let himself let out all the tension he felt in life.
This was his domain, where he had control and it wasn’t something he would give up easily.
Once everyone was seated the teacher stood up from the couch and walked into the center of the circle and Kit felt an immediate liking for her. She was average looking in everything from her height, to her brown hair and eyes, but she projected a quiet, calm power that put the young man at ease and as she smiled at the students, he found himself smiling back.
“Since this is the first day for everyone, I don’t assign homework or projects.” Her smile grew at the poorly concealed sighs of relief. “All I want you to do today is a drawing, in your own style, your own way and of anything you wish. You may take your time, it doesn’t have to be finished today, but if you do finish it you may start another one. I hope to learn about each of your different styles and what interests you.” She gestured to all the supplies in the room. “You may use whatever you wish from the classroom.” Moving to her desk and sitting down she let the students begin.
Kit couldn’t believe it, he was allowed to do anything he wanted! But, where to start? He wanted to do something that reflected today, and his first thought was that of Cross. Yet, one look at the paper and the memory of the power he had seen in the Guardian’s eyes, told him he wasn’t quite up to the challenge of bring him to life just yet.
Next he considered ‘Bane and Phantom, but discarded that idea fairly quickly. He would want them both around so he could get every detail right. He also wanted to learn about more about their personalities before he tried.
The image that appeared in his head next made him smile, the Melix. It seemed that the creature would, again, inspire him. Calming his mind, he reached for the memories that he knew were there, just below the surface of his own.
‘The beautiful creature didn’t just run, it flew across his sight. The ground with all it’s bumps and falls meant nothing to it, except as a background to their own beauty. The long, thin tail moved back and forth, creating balance as the lean body moved forward in powerful, fluid motions, graceful and deadly. The sun shone on its unusual hide covered in hard scales that reflected colour across every surface around it.
A thing of beauty and power, one made to be admired by those less fortunate to be stuck with two legs.’
He smiled as the Melix slowly came to life on the paper, guided by his hand and mind. Pouring his wonder and awe into the creation of a creature no longer gracing his world, he caught it in the middle of it’s run, front legs out, ready to touch the ground and back tucked close to it’s body having left the ground already. Its tail was caught in mid-flick and its eyes were looking ahead, seeing something that the little red head could only begin to imagine.
Looking at the basic outline he had created, Kit decided to do the picture in black and white, except for the eye, which he would do in the bright gold his mind supplied. That decided he began the process of bringing the Melix to life on the paper.
Lost in such a wonderful task it was no wonder he lost track of time and was surprised and slightly disappointed when the teacher stopped everyone.
“I forgot to introduce myself and for that I am sorry. My name is Ms. Vicine, but that is, as I have found out, really annoying to say all the time, so you may if you wish use a short form instead.” She paused and looked around the classroom before making her way to the center of the circle again. “I thought introductions could be made as each of us share our artwork with each other. Are there any objections to this?”
The students shook their heads no, although most of them looked nervous. Ms. Vicine smiled, pleased with them.
“Good, why don’t we start at this end.” She pointed at the girl opposite Kit, which made him last. He was both relieved and nervous about that.
The girl, Sarah, was quite shy, but her picture was beautiful. It was a dazzling group of butterflies done in watercolors that held every colour imaginable and left you with the feeling of immense happiness just by looking at it.
Tanya, the next student, was more confident in herself and it showed in her drawing. It was an animated girl holding her hand up in the victory sign, dressed all in pink with her tongue sticking out. The energy in it was amazing.
Alex was next and he held a very interesting painting. Done in pale watercolors, it held a solemn attitude and revealed the scene of a young man perched on a monument in the middle of a graveyard. It wasn’t depressing though, just sad. The boy looked over at Kit and smiled, as if asking for approval and all Kit could do was blink and nod, feeling as if something important had been done.
-This is familiar.-
Kit blinked again in confusion.
-These attitudes, the layout.-
Meaghan was next. Her picture was depressing and yet her whole look and attitude suggested the very same thing. A young girl sat huddled in upon herself, glaring out at any who looked upon her. He had to look away from it rather quickly as did many others, which seemed to please Meaghan.
-It’s all adding up.-
He wanted to ask Cross, what was all adding up, but didn’t know how. All he knew was that something important was happening from within and from without.
Chris sat right beside Kit and was the last of the other students in the very small class. It was something he hadn’t noticed before, but he wasn’t going to complain about it. Chris had done a landscape, a field slowly turning into a deep forest of shadows. It wasn’t finished though and he felt like he was looking at a story that hadn’t been written yet.
-The Council! This is the council!-
The council? What was that? But he didn’t have time to figure it out for it was now his turn and he was extremely nervous with all the attention on him and having to show his work. But first he had to give his name.
Looking up, he refused to meet anyone’s eyes.
“My name’s Karl, but most people call me Kit.” There were a few grins and Alex actually laughed.
“Can’t imagine why.” He stated and they all laughed, well all except Meaghan who just looked bored. Taking a deep breath, Kit held up his picture for inspection. It wasn’t finished but at least most of the body and the eye were done.
He held his breath, wondering what their reactions would be. Tanya spoke up first.
“That’s really cool, and I like the style and all, but, what is it?”
“Something out of my head.” It wasn’t really a lie, and they all seemed satisfied with the answer so he didn’t worry about feeling bad. The bell rang then, at long last, signaling the end of the day. They all turned to packing up and getting ready to go home.
Ms. Vicine went around to all her students, collecting their pictures and asking permission to hang them up. Kit had already left before she had gotten to him, but he had left the picture for him anyways.
Trying to make his way down the hall, his progress was stopped by a hand attaching itself to his shoulder. Turning he saw Danny and, remembering how he had acted at lunch, quickly looked down.
“Is it true, what the kids from your Gym class are saying?” For a minute Kit was worried he was talking about the scar, but Danny’s next words caused those fears to vanish. “About you breaking the record?” He blushed and nodded, while Danny grinned. “Cool! A niner had beaten us all, but actually that wasn’t the only thing I wanted to talk to you about. It’s about lunch.” Kit looked away.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly.
“You were overwhelmed and I realize we can get carried away when together. I admit we were all a bit offended at first, but we got over it. He smiled at Kit. “I’ll see you tomorrow and you can feel free to join us for lunch again if you wish.” Surprised, he could only manage to nod before Danny was off down the halls, waving as he left. He sighed.
“I need to sleep, maybe than everything will make sense.” He muttered to himself as he pushed his way through the now crowded hallway. Reaching the doors to fresh air something caused a nasty shudder to run down his spine. There, in a corner, a group of older teens were harassing anyone who walked near them.
They looked like a gang, and their leader, or who Kit thought was their leader by the way they treated him, was staring right at Kit. As soon as the older boy knew he held Kit’s eye he blew him a kiss and grinned maliciously as Kit ran out of the school.
Even after he reached the field, he knew that guy still posed a threat to him, but besides from the obvious, he wasn’t sure why. But he knew he was dangerous. Very dangerous. So when Bane and Phantom appeared out of nowhere, it was an extremely relived and exhausted little red head that clung onto their necks for dear life. They stayed where they were, respecting his need for silence and comfort.
Phantom looked over at Bane though.
‘He’s too young for this.’
Bane looked over at his fellow wolf/captain and then down at Kit.
‘So was Cross.’
Kit finally made it home, planning to rest for the rest of the evening, but those plans were shattered the minute his father caught a look at his face. They stared at each other for a minute, while Kit tried frantically to figure out what had caused the rage now forming on his father’s face.
“What did you do to your eyes?” It was stated calmly enough, but he could feel the storm brewing beneath the question. His eyes? What did he- oh.
He had forgotten! His eyes were now green like Cross’s, reflecting the Guardian’s presence within him. His father moved quickly, gripping his son’s chin hard, bruising the jaw and proceeded to twist the small face this way and that, the whole time looking at those foreign eyes.
“They’re not contacts.” He said at last. “I don’t know what you had done, but this is the last straw!” He threw Kit against the wall, causing the boy to cry out in pain. “First you cause Saddie’s death and then you take away the one thing I have to remember her by, your eyes!”
Kit tried to speak but his father back handed him, cutting the side of his face on the sapphire his mother had had placed in both of their wedding rings.
As a trickle of blood ran down his face, he felt himself going numb, knowing that after this moment he would never again see his father.
He was right.
Lloyd threw his youngest son out the door and forever locked him out of the house. ‘Bane and Phantom, who had been left outside, rushed over to him.
‘What happened?’ they asked but didn’t need a response as they smelled the blood and clearly saw the bruises on Kit’s face. Phantom growled and headed for the door, but Kit threw his arms around the enraged wolf’s neck.
“It’s not worth it, I just want to get away from here.” His two friends nodded and helped him to his feet. Bane took his backpack in his teeth and together the three of them walked down the street.
Kit didn’t know where they were going, but he knew they needed to figure it out soon.
Anyways..I'm done embarrasing myself now ^^;;;;;;
