Post by Neki on Jun 19, 2010 14:02:02 GMT -5
So I told you I was going to rewrite it and make it better. Here it is... finally.
[glow=maroon,2,300]Blood in the Sand[/glow]
In a World Without End
It was dark in the world, the suns first light touching the barren sand. A wind blew lightly, telling of how there would later be a sandstorm. Secrets would be buried, secrets would be uncovered. The tendrils of breeze brought a light grey smoke through the streets. The lingering tang of acrid smoke clung to the buildings from past fires. There were black marks on some building while others carried holes from flying bullets,
Few people were awake as the pre-dawn crept over the structures of Spargus City. It revealed the remnants of past battles that had happened not so long ago. Too new to have even been cleaned up properly there were bits of armor and dark makers strewn about. Embers glowed as the light wind blew over them, making them into pools of mottled red. Torches burned low or not at all, having been snuffed out by the wicked night. The houses were dark, colors not yet touched by the sun.
In one of these houses a woman woke, sitting bolt upright. Her body was covered in a cold sweat, flashes of a bloody dream imprinted on the inside of her eyelids. Red splattered her vision like spilled paint bringing with I t the metallic taste of blood in the back of her throat. Her body shuddered, memory unwanted. She let out a shaky breath and a string of curses, throwing the blankets aside as she swung her feet over the bed to touch the ground. It was a quick jolt as the arches of her feet touched the chilling stone floor. She preferred that to the warmth and comfort anyway, for it reminded her that this was reality. She thought about that cold felling, thinking of nights from long ago. She shook her head, ridding herself of the memory.
Her long red-black hair spilled across her back and shoulders, frizzed and slightly tangled from a night of restless sleep. Her white shirt clung to her skin like a layer of fresh rain, wet and cold. Capri length pants were made of light cotton and slightly creased from sleep. She sighed to herself, muttering something about something and stood, stretching her stiff muscles. The room around her was sparsely furnished, just enough to make it livable. There was a desk, papers stacked neatly on top. The wardrobe was at the other end of the room, wood dull but well kept.
The woman got up and walked over to her washstand, white marble bowl sitting below the mirror. She took a deep breath in, checking her appearance. The lack of deep sleep showed in her pale face and bloodshot eyes. Vivid purple shadows painted the area under her eyes, making her look older than her thirty years. She grimaced, the muscle movement causing some blood to once again move through her face. Deep green-grey eyes stared out of the mirror, thoughts swirling behind them. Dark troubled thoughts like angry summer storm clouds. Her long ears were relaxed, small metal hoops glinting in the dim light. She reached her long hands out to light a candle above the bowl, on a small shelf. The faint light flickered across the semi dark room casting a warm glow across it and creating friendlier shadows.
She took another moment to breath in draining her thoughts. Elegant hands plunged into the water, droplets spilling over the side like waves. It was a cold awakening, numbing her fingers momentarily. She rested her smooth hands on the surface of the bowl until feeling returned. Eyes closed she bent her head downward and splashed the icy water up to meet her face. It was a shock after the warmth of sleep, one bringing her to full alertness. The drops clung to her face, catching the candle light. They lined her eyelashes, flying away as she blinked. Cold shock had turned her eyes an electric green for a moment, but they regained their green-grey color as the cold receded. The towel hanging over the mirror was gently pulled off, used to absorb the lingering drops that had collected on the woman’s jaw. She toweled her face and hands off she glanced at the paper jammed between the glass and the molding that held the mirror in place.
It was a deep black rectangle about five inches log and two wide. The deep ebony made the image stand out, seeming to move in the flickering candle light. It was an intricately drawn red dragon, the edges and scales finely lined with gold. The creature’s razor talons were outstretched, reaching for some unknown prey, looking as if one slash could cleave a man in two.
It was one of a kind, the only surviving reminder of the reign of the red dragon. All other copies were rotting inside graves, marking those who were silenced by its claws. The woman frowned, and then her lips twitched into a smile.
There was a laugh, hollow, lacking the tones of a normal person. It sounded like someone who had long seen death, walked its fine lines and come home unscathed. The image made her laugh for she had stopped leaving those on the ones she killed long ago. The paper trail was like saying “here I am, come get me.” She smiled at the idea, one she had given up on long ago. Those years were long gone, only the pain and sadness lasting. She had done things that chilled her to the bone now, and haunted her. She had no heart then, the Kg stealing it away in the form of her only friend. She had searched for him, killing all in her way. When she had finally found him he was a different person, not the young boy she had admired and loved. He had become a sad person, and the drifted apart from the friendship they once had.
A headshake moved the air as she tried to push thoughts of long ago from her mind. The sweat soaked tank top was peeled off and replaced by a blue green shirt. It was light fabric, sturdy enough to withstand the beating it would take. It was comfortable in the Spargus heat, and durable. The soft Capri pants came off next, replaced by a pair of tan pants that tied below the knee. They were created from tough fabric made to withstand the pounding sand and constant use. She left the ends untied for the moment, seeing no point in tying them just to undo them to put her boots on. She picked up a brush and ran it through her hair until the worst of the frizz and knots were gone, leaving a smooth red black pool running down her back. She brushed some powder under her eyes and the purple shadows disappeared.
There was a sound in the doorway and all her instincts were suddenly on fire. Her muscles twitched as she ran across the open room, jumping over her half made bed to grab the daggers on her nightstand. There was a metallic flash of red as the daggers rasped from their sheathes. She took a defensive stance in a heartbeat, untied hair wild. It was a moment before the instincts ebbed away, letting her see who was standing in the doorway. The lean figure showed no fear of the armed woman, only amusement. His bright blue eyes danced with mirth, their cloudy depths swirling.
“Shinrah dear, how many times are we going to have to go through this?” His voice was smooth and rich, tinged with the amusement he was showing. He moved forward into the room, throwing the shutters open to let out the nights heat. The cool breeze blew over his bluish hair and into his face. Shinrah relaxed her defensive stance, the two daggers back on her bedside table.
“I don’t know Leo. I may never get over this.” She replied. Shinrah walked over to Leo, laying her arms over his strong shoulder until she could clasp her hands. She buried her face in his shoulder, the remnants of her dream leaving her. Shinrah was the shorter of the two, but not by much. The two stood there for a moment in silence, tension draining from the air.
“You know I’m here to talk. I can hear you talking in your sleep, especially lately.” When she tilted her head upwards Leo’s cloudy blue eyes locked onto her green grey ones. What have I been saying in my sleep that has him so worried? She looked away from him, letting go of her beloved. Shinrah moved to the other side of the room, finishing getting dresses. Leo sighed, a shadow crossing his scarred, weary face. Why won’t she talk to me? I’d love to help her but she’s always so closed about these things.
Shinrah looked back at him, something hidden in her stoic eyes. Her hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, body tense again.
“I…” She started, shaking her head. “I can’t. There are so many things that happened during that time. So many terrible things that I’d rather forget completely.” Leo walked up bedside her, pulling a stool with him from under the washstand.
“We both have memories, terrible memories from then Shinrah. Terrible painful memories that we would both rather forget, but we can’t. We must hold onto them, for they make us stronger.” Leo reached his hand out, gently cupping her face and making her look at him. Her eyes were haunted, betraying the secrets she kept. Light danced around the insides, making them look more green than grey. How does killing people your whole young life make you stronger? Can you tell me that? She sighed.
“It’s important. You know, I know, and we’ll find a way to overcome it. It will always be part of us, strengthening us.” He whispered to her softly. A single tear ran down her face and she wiped it away, swatting his hand in the process. She stood, hesitantly kissing his forehead. Boots and jacket in hand she left the room, tension leaving with her.
It was cooler downstairs where the widows had been open for a while. A thunk reverberated though the room as the boots and jacked hit the table. A barstool was pulled up to the high table, Shinrah sitting on it once she had it situated. Roughly she pulled clean socks over her thin feet. Te she pulled a boot off the counter, sliding the soft leather over her foot and mulling over what Leo had said. With the tongue straightened she worked the laces steadily upwards, criss-crossing them like they were meant to be. She knew that she should talk about it with him, but every face haunted her memory now-a-days. The pale wraiths formed her nightmares, sending her to the place where she saw the part of herself she hated. Just the idea brought a grimace to her face. She was a good person now, a normal person.
Her other boot was on and laced properly. She set her feet on the floor, familiar weight of the boots a comfort. She pulled her jacket over her shirt, thick brown belt going over that. She took a few minutes to braid her long dark hair. A few strands had a life of their won, being uncooperative. She sent a puff of air their way, unsuccessfully doing. Shinrah slipped a green bandana over her head to rest on her neck, completing her appearance. She quickly tied the ends of her pants over her boot tops to prevent the blistering sand from getting in her clothes.
She moved to the counter to get a glass of water, footsteps echoing down the stairs. Le walked into the kitchen, smiling as always. His thoughts were centered on how beautiful Shinrah was, and how lucky he was to be with her. And to think this all started with a complete stranger breaking into my house. I still don’t know what she did with that armor. He watched Shinrah as she stared out the window over the sink. Her body as slightly tense as if the thoughts rolling around in her head were painful.
“Luv, I doubt you’ll want to forget these.” He said handing her two dark black sheathes. The woman turned, string at the weapons as if they were hot coals. She nodded and reached out half expecting them to burn her and letting out a breath when they didn’t. The weapon gave a slight metallic rasp as she pulled one out. It was a deep littering red, patterns etched in black along the blade. The words “Red Dragon” were written in ancient precursor on the hilt.
“Leo…” she started to say, and then stopped. She knew now was as good a time as any to talk to him, tell him about her recent nightmares, about today. But she was unsure how to start, and it killed her.
“You know, Darren gifted me with these daggers after I escaped the Kg. But I lost Jaythen that day. I never thought it was a good tradeoff.” I never thought of it at all. I just stopped being human at that point. What was the use? She gave a weak smile, but it never reached her eyes. Then it faded completely and she turned back o the window over the sink.
“Leo, I’ve been called on once more. They asked the Red Dragon to come out of hiding” The words hung in the air like an ominous fog, clouding everything, covering things in a layer of doubt. The man nodded slowly, blue hair waving with the movement. The heavy silence hung in the air, oppressive and smothering. Then, Leo spoke.
“Do what you feel you must do. I trust your judgment.” It was a bold statement, and they both knew it. Shinrah nodded, thoughts running rampantly in her mind. She was wondering if her judgment was okay, or if it was wildly skewed sideways and upside down.
“Five years Leo. I have tried to not see that side of myself for five years, and I’ve been doing as well as anyone like me could do. I don’t know how this is going to affect that.” She was fighting a personal battle against herself, one that had been raging for a long while. It had started when she met Leo and had only quieted down in the past few years to a point where she could live a normal life. Leo looked at her and nodded. She turned around.
“ Go. I will be here when you return.” Another tear crept from her eyes, wiped away by a kind finger. The two embraced each other, each trying to comfort the other. She was crying, decision tearing her apart.
“Shinrah dear, you’re the moon of my heart, never forget that. I will always be here when you return to hold you when you cry yourself to sleep.” He smiled, and kissed her on the forehead.
She stepped away and smiled. Shinrah grabbed her knives and walked out, decision lining every inch of her body.
Color was just tingeing the sky an orangey red as she drove through the city. She knew where she needed to go, the place where she would get information. The buildings she passed were beige and sandy. Some where worn from so many sandstorms, while some where newly repaired. The awnings that stuck out to cover the steps pf each house were made of tough red cloth, some with holes from everyday life. A few people were moving around, early marketers active. Her dune buggy made a small whir as she drove.
The house she was looking for was old and rundown, peeling paint and eroded corners. The awning was ripped and faded. A man sat in the front in a rocking chair, watching her. She stopped, letting the engine idle for a moment. He brought a radio to his mouth and she sighed. Shinrah cut the power and stepped out. The old house led to a cave system that the spies used. It brought a bad taste to her mouth to go there.
She moved toward the man, who was sedately rocking back and forth. He smiled when she approached, blue eyes warm. His face was crinkled and leathery, showing he was somewhere around fifty. She could see the hilt of his boot knife. Old, but still dangerous.
“Hey Queenie. There’s someone inside waiting to take you through the tunnels.” She was startled that he knew her old nickname, but upon closer inspection she realized that is was Marx. He had been part of Darren’s gang when the man was alive, practically family to her.
“Hey Marx. I see you fixed up your street cant. A little less street I think?” She smiled and opened the door, blast of cool air moving the uncooperative strands of her tied hair.
There was a man there, youth showing in his unlined face. His black hair covered his face, and he nodded to her. I don’t like him. Shinrah thought to herself, following him. The halls were lit by torches in the beginning, but blended into electric lights as they went. Fire and Rain Snake, efficient as always. She thought as she wound her way through the twisting caves. The man stopped in front of a door, motioning for her to go in.
Shinrah did, leaving the quiet presence behind. The room she was in was large and rounded, computer screens blinking from every inch of the wall. Different precursor text was scrolling over them in bright blue lettering. She stood in the middle of the room, listening to the sound of computers and keyboards around her.
“Welcome Red Dragon.” A voice spoke from behind her. Shinrah turned to see a man emerge from the shadows. He was a tall thick man, muscle from head to toe. His ebony skin gleamed, deep black hair cropped. He stood with an assurance and arrogance Darren had never had. Snake was a good leader, but expected everything to go his way. He never planned for things to go wrong. Shinrah rested her weight on the tips of her toes before speaking. She had never trusted the man.
“Cut it Snake. I want info so that I can get this done and get on with life.” Ice in her voice took the temperature in the room down by a few degrees but the man only laughed. The young man who had led her in stood by the door, laughter in his eyes. There were a few other people in the room, working at the computers, but they ignored everything around them.
“You haven’t lost you edge Shinrah, I can see that. Even in Haven you were cold, if not more so than you are now.” He moved over to an empty screen, precursor randomly scrolling over it.
“The target is Tazira Hitaka, a sage of green eco. We thought she had been killed in Haven by a man named Kane Scorpio, but apparently not. She’s been causing a ruckus lately, healing enemies. It’s as if she is personally trying to stop all criminal activity.” His fingers flew over they keyboard, pulling up files on the woman.
There was a picture, showing the face of a smiling woman. Her eyes were icy blue, hair deep blood red. Her skin was pale, bare arms deeply scarred. She wore black and green clothing, making her look like a demented ghost.
“You would never know her from the shy, socially inept person she used to be. Scientists from Haven Prison dumped her in their city half dead. She ended up in Spargus after she was supposedly murdered.” Shinrah leaned in, reading the information. It scrolled quickly across the screen, and she drank it in to learn about her intended target.
“Where is she now?” Normal questions, getting her closer to her goal. Shinrah wanted to get this done by days end so that she could try to go back to her normal life.
“She’ll be outside the city later today. She’s been looking for some herb to cure a sickness that’s been going around. She’s going to be at an oasis, here.” He pulled up map, his dark finger pointing to an area marked only by a green dot. Shinrah took one last look at the picture of the smiling woman, her icy blue eyes happy. She had seen all she needed and nodded slightly.
Snake motioned for the young man to come over.
“ Nerayn will guide you back through the tunnels so that you don’t get… lost.” He smirked; laugh hidden behind that evil smile. So he doesn’t trust me to walk by myself. Kinda funny how being an infamous assasin makes people afraid of you. I thank my lucky stars all the time that I had Lark to teach me. Shinrah snorted and followed Nerayn, watching is very step.
When Shinrah emerged she noticed that Marx was gone. She had been wanting to have a chat with him, but thought differently now. It was light out and she had more work to do before her day was done.
She slipped into her buggy, relieved when it rumbled to life The woman didn’t want to linger, the memories of her life then bleeding into her mind. Shinrah drove closer to the area where Tazira lived, wanting to talk to the people who lived there about the sage. It would give her an idea of what she was up against and just who exactly she was supposed to be killing.
The market was busy now, people working in the cooler part of the day. The afternoon would be wickedly hot, and most everyone would rest until the cool evening came. Shinrah decided to walk rather than ride. People would be less suspicious of her. She checked her knives, stowed away in the sheathes on her wrist. She was going to do this slowly and nicely, making sure it was done right.
Shinrah moved to a stall laden with fruits, young man sitting on a tall stool behind. The whole thing was covered by an awning, keeping it cool.. She eyed the fruit, deciding which would work best for her diversion.
“ Hello Ma’am, may I help you?” The young man asked as she approached. Shinrah put on a nice and innocent smile.
“ Yes please. I’d like two of the red fruits and a yellow.” The man picked out what seemed to be the nicest fruits, placing them in a cardboard basket. She handed him the appropriate amount of money, taking the fruit. I Trap laid, time to find out what I can about out not so mystery, mystery woman.
“ Sir, do you know of any good healers around here? My niece broke her arm and I’d like to have it looked at by someone who knows what they’re doing.” As soon as she said healer the mans face brightened.
“ Yes I do! Miss Tazira lives around here. She’d be perfect for a child, as kind hearted and patient a woman as there ever was. She’s good with children and animals, and she lives so simply for one with such power.” He continued to blabber on about all the good things about this woman, but Shinrah simply nodded.
“ Thank you. I will surely have to find her.” She moved away, going to go talk with other venders. But the whole morning was pointless, for they all said the same thing. She was kind and always willing to help. No one had any complaints about her, and Shinrah again wondered why she was doing this. These people loved Tazira and she was to be the woman’s downfall
By the time it was noon Shinrah had heard enough. She knew Tazira had headed out to the oasis about an hour before, going to get whatever she was looking for, The oasis was the site of an old battle with a dark maker, plants growing around the strange creatures desiccated remains. Shinrah looked at her map, thinking of how long it would take her to get there.
She jumped into her buggy, puling her bandana over her mouth and nose. It would keep the stinging sand from scouring her skin. The machine rumbled to life as she powered it, almost as it were impatient to go. She rode fast, building quickly fading into rolling dunes of scorched sand.
The hours were marked only by the sun, drifting away to a place where they would never come back from. Shinrah’s mind was confused, trying to awaken the killer who had been lying dormant for so long. Why am I doing this? I’ve refused plenty of other missions to the point where no one asks me anymore. So why Snake? And why did he ask me now ? How did he know I would do just this one? Self doubt filled her mind like a roiling black storm. Why’s and if’s rolled around her brain as she passed through the desert.
A small grove of trees came into sight, a dune buggy parked in the shade on the outskirts. Shinrah pulled up next to the other dune buggy quickly cutting the engine. The soft sound of a light soprano voice filled the air, simple and calming. The assassin moved into the trees. Every movement was hard, knowing the end she was moving towards.
As she neared the center she could see a woman with a basket facing the only bit of open sky in the trees. Her hair was long and deep red, sunlight giving it a golden cast as if it were made of molten embers drawn into thin wires. She was wearing clothing similar to that of the picture, black and green. Shinrah walked up next to her in the silence. She could strike now and make it easier on herself, but she held back.
“ I’ve been expecting you.” Tazira said. She turned her head to face Shinrah, icy blue eyes softened by the warmth of her smile. A wave of confusion washed over the assassin making her once again question herself.
“ Have you really? Have you really been waiting here for me knowing what I’m supposed to do?” She replied in as calm a voice as she could manage. The anger and confusion were still threaded through it, making it harsher than she meant it to sound. There was something haunting about this moment, both knowing what was supposed to happen but not how it would come to be.
“ Yes, I know what you’re here to do and I wait here even so. People change. We both know this very well. Especially you.” Shinrah closed her eyes, looking away. She didn’t want to be here in this place when the decision was so hard.
“ Let me ask you something. Do you really wish to do this? Do you really want to send yourself sinking back into that heartless time?” The woman asked. Her eyes glittered as Shinrah looked back, skin golden from the suns light. It was a hard question with a very easy answer. But Shinrah didn’t want to admit she had ever had doubts about herself, about who she was. Then again, if she did would it make her stronger, just as Leo had told her?
“ No.”
Tazira nodded, understanding in her gaze. She could feel the confused feeling in the assassins mind, feel them radiating off her. She set down the basket she was holding, green herbs overflowing from the top.
“ Then why do you persist? If it will rend you heart in two then why continue?” Her gaze settle on the assassin. Thoughts slow and organized as she waited for an answer she already knew. Because that’s just how you do things isn’t it Shinrah. Once a mission is accepted it must be carried through. Only death shall cease your will, and even then that leaves a spot for someone else to take your mantle.
Shinrah looked calm, but nervousness and unease flitted through her. The woman no longer held the basket, making way for a weapon. She had a staff lying nearby and it would be dangerous. Shinrah was unsure what was happening, but she felt how the air was charged with an icy electricity. It was a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time and hoped to never feel again.
“ Tazira……” She started to say. But the green eco sage dove sideways. All of the assassins long dormant instincts snapped into place as if they had never gone unused. There was a click as she released her knives, rasping out of their sheathes in a flash of silvery red. The battle was over before it had even truly begun.
The knives were up to the hilt in flesh, Tazira’s eyes wide. Shinrah pulled them out quickly, blades slick and bloody. The sage collapsed, green eco sparking as it tried to repair the fatal wound. She tried to say something but it came out as a gurgle as blood filled her punctured lungs. Then, Tazira lay still. Light left her now eco green eyes, making them dull and cloudy with the fog of death.
Shinrah stood there for a moment, then turned away. She couldn’t stand the sight of the dead woman. She controlled herself, trying to calm her racing heart as she walked back to her dune buggy. She threw the bloody knives in, stabbing the uneaten fruit from the morning. The wind picked up as if it were morning the sages death. Sand whipped, and the assassin started the vehicle to escape the barrage.
The dark red blood in the sand was quickly covered along with the lithe body of the small woman who had died. It was a secret no one would know, darkness sucking away the remnants. Night descended silencing the brightness of the day and with it the memories of Tazira.
A few months later…
A woman sat upright, cold with sweat. She muttered something and got up, pulling on a jacket.
“ Shinrah?” A voice called from behind. Leo was looking at her, cloudy blue eyes worried.
“ It’s nothing Leo dear. Go back to sleep.” She told him/ Leo nodded and lay back down as she mad her way downstairs. She wanted to be outside where there was space to breath, to think. The cool night air settled her uneasy feelings making her think back. Shinrah looked into the sky, an image from her dreams haunting her as it had been for a while now.
A pair of bright green eyes.
[glow=maroon,2,300]Blood in the Sand[/glow]
In a World Without End
It was dark in the world, the suns first light touching the barren sand. A wind blew lightly, telling of how there would later be a sandstorm. Secrets would be buried, secrets would be uncovered. The tendrils of breeze brought a light grey smoke through the streets. The lingering tang of acrid smoke clung to the buildings from past fires. There were black marks on some building while others carried holes from flying bullets,
Few people were awake as the pre-dawn crept over the structures of Spargus City. It revealed the remnants of past battles that had happened not so long ago. Too new to have even been cleaned up properly there were bits of armor and dark makers strewn about. Embers glowed as the light wind blew over them, making them into pools of mottled red. Torches burned low or not at all, having been snuffed out by the wicked night. The houses were dark, colors not yet touched by the sun.
In one of these houses a woman woke, sitting bolt upright. Her body was covered in a cold sweat, flashes of a bloody dream imprinted on the inside of her eyelids. Red splattered her vision like spilled paint bringing with I t the metallic taste of blood in the back of her throat. Her body shuddered, memory unwanted. She let out a shaky breath and a string of curses, throwing the blankets aside as she swung her feet over the bed to touch the ground. It was a quick jolt as the arches of her feet touched the chilling stone floor. She preferred that to the warmth and comfort anyway, for it reminded her that this was reality. She thought about that cold felling, thinking of nights from long ago. She shook her head, ridding herself of the memory.
Her long red-black hair spilled across her back and shoulders, frizzed and slightly tangled from a night of restless sleep. Her white shirt clung to her skin like a layer of fresh rain, wet and cold. Capri length pants were made of light cotton and slightly creased from sleep. She sighed to herself, muttering something about something and stood, stretching her stiff muscles. The room around her was sparsely furnished, just enough to make it livable. There was a desk, papers stacked neatly on top. The wardrobe was at the other end of the room, wood dull but well kept.
The woman got up and walked over to her washstand, white marble bowl sitting below the mirror. She took a deep breath in, checking her appearance. The lack of deep sleep showed in her pale face and bloodshot eyes. Vivid purple shadows painted the area under her eyes, making her look older than her thirty years. She grimaced, the muscle movement causing some blood to once again move through her face. Deep green-grey eyes stared out of the mirror, thoughts swirling behind them. Dark troubled thoughts like angry summer storm clouds. Her long ears were relaxed, small metal hoops glinting in the dim light. She reached her long hands out to light a candle above the bowl, on a small shelf. The faint light flickered across the semi dark room casting a warm glow across it and creating friendlier shadows.
She took another moment to breath in draining her thoughts. Elegant hands plunged into the water, droplets spilling over the side like waves. It was a cold awakening, numbing her fingers momentarily. She rested her smooth hands on the surface of the bowl until feeling returned. Eyes closed she bent her head downward and splashed the icy water up to meet her face. It was a shock after the warmth of sleep, one bringing her to full alertness. The drops clung to her face, catching the candle light. They lined her eyelashes, flying away as she blinked. Cold shock had turned her eyes an electric green for a moment, but they regained their green-grey color as the cold receded. The towel hanging over the mirror was gently pulled off, used to absorb the lingering drops that had collected on the woman’s jaw. She toweled her face and hands off she glanced at the paper jammed between the glass and the molding that held the mirror in place.
It was a deep black rectangle about five inches log and two wide. The deep ebony made the image stand out, seeming to move in the flickering candle light. It was an intricately drawn red dragon, the edges and scales finely lined with gold. The creature’s razor talons were outstretched, reaching for some unknown prey, looking as if one slash could cleave a man in two.
It was one of a kind, the only surviving reminder of the reign of the red dragon. All other copies were rotting inside graves, marking those who were silenced by its claws. The woman frowned, and then her lips twitched into a smile.
There was a laugh, hollow, lacking the tones of a normal person. It sounded like someone who had long seen death, walked its fine lines and come home unscathed. The image made her laugh for she had stopped leaving those on the ones she killed long ago. The paper trail was like saying “here I am, come get me.” She smiled at the idea, one she had given up on long ago. Those years were long gone, only the pain and sadness lasting. She had done things that chilled her to the bone now, and haunted her. She had no heart then, the Kg stealing it away in the form of her only friend. She had searched for him, killing all in her way. When she had finally found him he was a different person, not the young boy she had admired and loved. He had become a sad person, and the drifted apart from the friendship they once had.
A headshake moved the air as she tried to push thoughts of long ago from her mind. The sweat soaked tank top was peeled off and replaced by a blue green shirt. It was light fabric, sturdy enough to withstand the beating it would take. It was comfortable in the Spargus heat, and durable. The soft Capri pants came off next, replaced by a pair of tan pants that tied below the knee. They were created from tough fabric made to withstand the pounding sand and constant use. She left the ends untied for the moment, seeing no point in tying them just to undo them to put her boots on. She picked up a brush and ran it through her hair until the worst of the frizz and knots were gone, leaving a smooth red black pool running down her back. She brushed some powder under her eyes and the purple shadows disappeared.
There was a sound in the doorway and all her instincts were suddenly on fire. Her muscles twitched as she ran across the open room, jumping over her half made bed to grab the daggers on her nightstand. There was a metallic flash of red as the daggers rasped from their sheathes. She took a defensive stance in a heartbeat, untied hair wild. It was a moment before the instincts ebbed away, letting her see who was standing in the doorway. The lean figure showed no fear of the armed woman, only amusement. His bright blue eyes danced with mirth, their cloudy depths swirling.
“Shinrah dear, how many times are we going to have to go through this?” His voice was smooth and rich, tinged with the amusement he was showing. He moved forward into the room, throwing the shutters open to let out the nights heat. The cool breeze blew over his bluish hair and into his face. Shinrah relaxed her defensive stance, the two daggers back on her bedside table.
“I don’t know Leo. I may never get over this.” She replied. Shinrah walked over to Leo, laying her arms over his strong shoulder until she could clasp her hands. She buried her face in his shoulder, the remnants of her dream leaving her. Shinrah was the shorter of the two, but not by much. The two stood there for a moment in silence, tension draining from the air.
“You know I’m here to talk. I can hear you talking in your sleep, especially lately.” When she tilted her head upwards Leo’s cloudy blue eyes locked onto her green grey ones. What have I been saying in my sleep that has him so worried? She looked away from him, letting go of her beloved. Shinrah moved to the other side of the room, finishing getting dresses. Leo sighed, a shadow crossing his scarred, weary face. Why won’t she talk to me? I’d love to help her but she’s always so closed about these things.
Shinrah looked back at him, something hidden in her stoic eyes. Her hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, body tense again.
“I…” She started, shaking her head. “I can’t. There are so many things that happened during that time. So many terrible things that I’d rather forget completely.” Leo walked up bedside her, pulling a stool with him from under the washstand.
“We both have memories, terrible memories from then Shinrah. Terrible painful memories that we would both rather forget, but we can’t. We must hold onto them, for they make us stronger.” Leo reached his hand out, gently cupping her face and making her look at him. Her eyes were haunted, betraying the secrets she kept. Light danced around the insides, making them look more green than grey. How does killing people your whole young life make you stronger? Can you tell me that? She sighed.
“It’s important. You know, I know, and we’ll find a way to overcome it. It will always be part of us, strengthening us.” He whispered to her softly. A single tear ran down her face and she wiped it away, swatting his hand in the process. She stood, hesitantly kissing his forehead. Boots and jacket in hand she left the room, tension leaving with her.
It was cooler downstairs where the widows had been open for a while. A thunk reverberated though the room as the boots and jacked hit the table. A barstool was pulled up to the high table, Shinrah sitting on it once she had it situated. Roughly she pulled clean socks over her thin feet. Te she pulled a boot off the counter, sliding the soft leather over her foot and mulling over what Leo had said. With the tongue straightened she worked the laces steadily upwards, criss-crossing them like they were meant to be. She knew that she should talk about it with him, but every face haunted her memory now-a-days. The pale wraiths formed her nightmares, sending her to the place where she saw the part of herself she hated. Just the idea brought a grimace to her face. She was a good person now, a normal person.
Her other boot was on and laced properly. She set her feet on the floor, familiar weight of the boots a comfort. She pulled her jacket over her shirt, thick brown belt going over that. She took a few minutes to braid her long dark hair. A few strands had a life of their won, being uncooperative. She sent a puff of air their way, unsuccessfully doing. Shinrah slipped a green bandana over her head to rest on her neck, completing her appearance. She quickly tied the ends of her pants over her boot tops to prevent the blistering sand from getting in her clothes.
She moved to the counter to get a glass of water, footsteps echoing down the stairs. Le walked into the kitchen, smiling as always. His thoughts were centered on how beautiful Shinrah was, and how lucky he was to be with her. And to think this all started with a complete stranger breaking into my house. I still don’t know what she did with that armor. He watched Shinrah as she stared out the window over the sink. Her body as slightly tense as if the thoughts rolling around in her head were painful.
“Luv, I doubt you’ll want to forget these.” He said handing her two dark black sheathes. The woman turned, string at the weapons as if they were hot coals. She nodded and reached out half expecting them to burn her and letting out a breath when they didn’t. The weapon gave a slight metallic rasp as she pulled one out. It was a deep littering red, patterns etched in black along the blade. The words “Red Dragon” were written in ancient precursor on the hilt.
“Leo…” she started to say, and then stopped. She knew now was as good a time as any to talk to him, tell him about her recent nightmares, about today. But she was unsure how to start, and it killed her.
“You know, Darren gifted me with these daggers after I escaped the Kg. But I lost Jaythen that day. I never thought it was a good tradeoff.” I never thought of it at all. I just stopped being human at that point. What was the use? She gave a weak smile, but it never reached her eyes. Then it faded completely and she turned back o the window over the sink.
“Leo, I’ve been called on once more. They asked the Red Dragon to come out of hiding” The words hung in the air like an ominous fog, clouding everything, covering things in a layer of doubt. The man nodded slowly, blue hair waving with the movement. The heavy silence hung in the air, oppressive and smothering. Then, Leo spoke.
“Do what you feel you must do. I trust your judgment.” It was a bold statement, and they both knew it. Shinrah nodded, thoughts running rampantly in her mind. She was wondering if her judgment was okay, or if it was wildly skewed sideways and upside down.
“Five years Leo. I have tried to not see that side of myself for five years, and I’ve been doing as well as anyone like me could do. I don’t know how this is going to affect that.” She was fighting a personal battle against herself, one that had been raging for a long while. It had started when she met Leo and had only quieted down in the past few years to a point where she could live a normal life. Leo looked at her and nodded. She turned around.
“ Go. I will be here when you return.” Another tear crept from her eyes, wiped away by a kind finger. The two embraced each other, each trying to comfort the other. She was crying, decision tearing her apart.
“Shinrah dear, you’re the moon of my heart, never forget that. I will always be here when you return to hold you when you cry yourself to sleep.” He smiled, and kissed her on the forehead.
She stepped away and smiled. Shinrah grabbed her knives and walked out, decision lining every inch of her body.
Color was just tingeing the sky an orangey red as she drove through the city. She knew where she needed to go, the place where she would get information. The buildings she passed were beige and sandy. Some where worn from so many sandstorms, while some where newly repaired. The awnings that stuck out to cover the steps pf each house were made of tough red cloth, some with holes from everyday life. A few people were moving around, early marketers active. Her dune buggy made a small whir as she drove.
The house she was looking for was old and rundown, peeling paint and eroded corners. The awning was ripped and faded. A man sat in the front in a rocking chair, watching her. She stopped, letting the engine idle for a moment. He brought a radio to his mouth and she sighed. Shinrah cut the power and stepped out. The old house led to a cave system that the spies used. It brought a bad taste to her mouth to go there.
She moved toward the man, who was sedately rocking back and forth. He smiled when she approached, blue eyes warm. His face was crinkled and leathery, showing he was somewhere around fifty. She could see the hilt of his boot knife. Old, but still dangerous.
“Hey Queenie. There’s someone inside waiting to take you through the tunnels.” She was startled that he knew her old nickname, but upon closer inspection she realized that is was Marx. He had been part of Darren’s gang when the man was alive, practically family to her.
“Hey Marx. I see you fixed up your street cant. A little less street I think?” She smiled and opened the door, blast of cool air moving the uncooperative strands of her tied hair.
There was a man there, youth showing in his unlined face. His black hair covered his face, and he nodded to her. I don’t like him. Shinrah thought to herself, following him. The halls were lit by torches in the beginning, but blended into electric lights as they went. Fire and Rain Snake, efficient as always. She thought as she wound her way through the twisting caves. The man stopped in front of a door, motioning for her to go in.
Shinrah did, leaving the quiet presence behind. The room she was in was large and rounded, computer screens blinking from every inch of the wall. Different precursor text was scrolling over them in bright blue lettering. She stood in the middle of the room, listening to the sound of computers and keyboards around her.
“Welcome Red Dragon.” A voice spoke from behind her. Shinrah turned to see a man emerge from the shadows. He was a tall thick man, muscle from head to toe. His ebony skin gleamed, deep black hair cropped. He stood with an assurance and arrogance Darren had never had. Snake was a good leader, but expected everything to go his way. He never planned for things to go wrong. Shinrah rested her weight on the tips of her toes before speaking. She had never trusted the man.
“Cut it Snake. I want info so that I can get this done and get on with life.” Ice in her voice took the temperature in the room down by a few degrees but the man only laughed. The young man who had led her in stood by the door, laughter in his eyes. There were a few other people in the room, working at the computers, but they ignored everything around them.
“You haven’t lost you edge Shinrah, I can see that. Even in Haven you were cold, if not more so than you are now.” He moved over to an empty screen, precursor randomly scrolling over it.
“The target is Tazira Hitaka, a sage of green eco. We thought she had been killed in Haven by a man named Kane Scorpio, but apparently not. She’s been causing a ruckus lately, healing enemies. It’s as if she is personally trying to stop all criminal activity.” His fingers flew over they keyboard, pulling up files on the woman.
There was a picture, showing the face of a smiling woman. Her eyes were icy blue, hair deep blood red. Her skin was pale, bare arms deeply scarred. She wore black and green clothing, making her look like a demented ghost.
“You would never know her from the shy, socially inept person she used to be. Scientists from Haven Prison dumped her in their city half dead. She ended up in Spargus after she was supposedly murdered.” Shinrah leaned in, reading the information. It scrolled quickly across the screen, and she drank it in to learn about her intended target.
“Where is she now?” Normal questions, getting her closer to her goal. Shinrah wanted to get this done by days end so that she could try to go back to her normal life.
“She’ll be outside the city later today. She’s been looking for some herb to cure a sickness that’s been going around. She’s going to be at an oasis, here.” He pulled up map, his dark finger pointing to an area marked only by a green dot. Shinrah took one last look at the picture of the smiling woman, her icy blue eyes happy. She had seen all she needed and nodded slightly.
Snake motioned for the young man to come over.
“ Nerayn will guide you back through the tunnels so that you don’t get… lost.” He smirked; laugh hidden behind that evil smile. So he doesn’t trust me to walk by myself. Kinda funny how being an infamous assasin makes people afraid of you. I thank my lucky stars all the time that I had Lark to teach me. Shinrah snorted and followed Nerayn, watching is very step.
When Shinrah emerged she noticed that Marx was gone. She had been wanting to have a chat with him, but thought differently now. It was light out and she had more work to do before her day was done.
She slipped into her buggy, relieved when it rumbled to life The woman didn’t want to linger, the memories of her life then bleeding into her mind. Shinrah drove closer to the area where Tazira lived, wanting to talk to the people who lived there about the sage. It would give her an idea of what she was up against and just who exactly she was supposed to be killing.
The market was busy now, people working in the cooler part of the day. The afternoon would be wickedly hot, and most everyone would rest until the cool evening came. Shinrah decided to walk rather than ride. People would be less suspicious of her. She checked her knives, stowed away in the sheathes on her wrist. She was going to do this slowly and nicely, making sure it was done right.
Shinrah moved to a stall laden with fruits, young man sitting on a tall stool behind. The whole thing was covered by an awning, keeping it cool.. She eyed the fruit, deciding which would work best for her diversion.
“ Hello Ma’am, may I help you?” The young man asked as she approached. Shinrah put on a nice and innocent smile.
“ Yes please. I’d like two of the red fruits and a yellow.” The man picked out what seemed to be the nicest fruits, placing them in a cardboard basket. She handed him the appropriate amount of money, taking the fruit. I Trap laid, time to find out what I can about out not so mystery, mystery woman.
“ Sir, do you know of any good healers around here? My niece broke her arm and I’d like to have it looked at by someone who knows what they’re doing.” As soon as she said healer the mans face brightened.
“ Yes I do! Miss Tazira lives around here. She’d be perfect for a child, as kind hearted and patient a woman as there ever was. She’s good with children and animals, and she lives so simply for one with such power.” He continued to blabber on about all the good things about this woman, but Shinrah simply nodded.
“ Thank you. I will surely have to find her.” She moved away, going to go talk with other venders. But the whole morning was pointless, for they all said the same thing. She was kind and always willing to help. No one had any complaints about her, and Shinrah again wondered why she was doing this. These people loved Tazira and she was to be the woman’s downfall
By the time it was noon Shinrah had heard enough. She knew Tazira had headed out to the oasis about an hour before, going to get whatever she was looking for, The oasis was the site of an old battle with a dark maker, plants growing around the strange creatures desiccated remains. Shinrah looked at her map, thinking of how long it would take her to get there.
She jumped into her buggy, puling her bandana over her mouth and nose. It would keep the stinging sand from scouring her skin. The machine rumbled to life as she powered it, almost as it were impatient to go. She rode fast, building quickly fading into rolling dunes of scorched sand.
The hours were marked only by the sun, drifting away to a place where they would never come back from. Shinrah’s mind was confused, trying to awaken the killer who had been lying dormant for so long. Why am I doing this? I’ve refused plenty of other missions to the point where no one asks me anymore. So why Snake? And why did he ask me now ? How did he know I would do just this one? Self doubt filled her mind like a roiling black storm. Why’s and if’s rolled around her brain as she passed through the desert.
A small grove of trees came into sight, a dune buggy parked in the shade on the outskirts. Shinrah pulled up next to the other dune buggy quickly cutting the engine. The soft sound of a light soprano voice filled the air, simple and calming. The assassin moved into the trees. Every movement was hard, knowing the end she was moving towards.
As she neared the center she could see a woman with a basket facing the only bit of open sky in the trees. Her hair was long and deep red, sunlight giving it a golden cast as if it were made of molten embers drawn into thin wires. She was wearing clothing similar to that of the picture, black and green. Shinrah walked up next to her in the silence. She could strike now and make it easier on herself, but she held back.
“ I’ve been expecting you.” Tazira said. She turned her head to face Shinrah, icy blue eyes softened by the warmth of her smile. A wave of confusion washed over the assassin making her once again question herself.
“ Have you really? Have you really been waiting here for me knowing what I’m supposed to do?” She replied in as calm a voice as she could manage. The anger and confusion were still threaded through it, making it harsher than she meant it to sound. There was something haunting about this moment, both knowing what was supposed to happen but not how it would come to be.
“ Yes, I know what you’re here to do and I wait here even so. People change. We both know this very well. Especially you.” Shinrah closed her eyes, looking away. She didn’t want to be here in this place when the decision was so hard.
“ Let me ask you something. Do you really wish to do this? Do you really want to send yourself sinking back into that heartless time?” The woman asked. Her eyes glittered as Shinrah looked back, skin golden from the suns light. It was a hard question with a very easy answer. But Shinrah didn’t want to admit she had ever had doubts about herself, about who she was. Then again, if she did would it make her stronger, just as Leo had told her?
“ No.”
Tazira nodded, understanding in her gaze. She could feel the confused feeling in the assassins mind, feel them radiating off her. She set down the basket she was holding, green herbs overflowing from the top.
“ Then why do you persist? If it will rend you heart in two then why continue?” Her gaze settle on the assassin. Thoughts slow and organized as she waited for an answer she already knew. Because that’s just how you do things isn’t it Shinrah. Once a mission is accepted it must be carried through. Only death shall cease your will, and even then that leaves a spot for someone else to take your mantle.
Shinrah looked calm, but nervousness and unease flitted through her. The woman no longer held the basket, making way for a weapon. She had a staff lying nearby and it would be dangerous. Shinrah was unsure what was happening, but she felt how the air was charged with an icy electricity. It was a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time and hoped to never feel again.
“ Tazira……” She started to say. But the green eco sage dove sideways. All of the assassins long dormant instincts snapped into place as if they had never gone unused. There was a click as she released her knives, rasping out of their sheathes in a flash of silvery red. The battle was over before it had even truly begun.
The knives were up to the hilt in flesh, Tazira’s eyes wide. Shinrah pulled them out quickly, blades slick and bloody. The sage collapsed, green eco sparking as it tried to repair the fatal wound. She tried to say something but it came out as a gurgle as blood filled her punctured lungs. Then, Tazira lay still. Light left her now eco green eyes, making them dull and cloudy with the fog of death.
Shinrah stood there for a moment, then turned away. She couldn’t stand the sight of the dead woman. She controlled herself, trying to calm her racing heart as she walked back to her dune buggy. She threw the bloody knives in, stabbing the uneaten fruit from the morning. The wind picked up as if it were morning the sages death. Sand whipped, and the assassin started the vehicle to escape the barrage.
The dark red blood in the sand was quickly covered along with the lithe body of the small woman who had died. It was a secret no one would know, darkness sucking away the remnants. Night descended silencing the brightness of the day and with it the memories of Tazira.
A few months later…
A woman sat upright, cold with sweat. She muttered something and got up, pulling on a jacket.
“ Shinrah?” A voice called from behind. Leo was looking at her, cloudy blue eyes worried.
“ It’s nothing Leo dear. Go back to sleep.” She told him/ Leo nodded and lay back down as she mad her way downstairs. She wanted to be outside where there was space to breath, to think. The cool night air settled her uneasy feelings making her think back. Shinrah looked into the sky, an image from her dreams haunting her as it had been for a while now.
A pair of bright green eyes.
