The Desert World

Rating: kids could read this chapter.

A/N: Yes! Chapter 12! I never got this far before. Now I’m going to make me a bowl of ice cream.
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The wind blew through the trees kicking up the rain as it fell from the sky washing everything; it was heavy as it fell. He leaned against a tree as the rain pelted him. A man walked up and held a box out to him. “Is this it?”

“Yes everything is happening according to plan.” The hood covered his face as he spoke. When he looked up, yellow eyes glinted with a hidden evil. “All you need to do is say those and it’ll all be finished.”

“Tell me Rollin I would like to know how you survived.”

“Maybe you’ll find out one of these days Daray.” Lighten flashed and lit up the area. Rollin looked up at the sky, “Hope you enjoy this rainy season.” He turned and left. Daray sat there with a box in his hands.

“Soon everything will be in the open.” He gave an evil smile.
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**
It was dark; every now and then a light would flicker on and off. A child walked down the hall, his hand trialed along the wall. This small child was singing as he walked.

“Four dragons in the air.
Blue, red, green, and black
One disappears,
Three are left in the air.
Fly little dragons it’s up to you.”

“Three are left:
One is lost,
One has forgotten,
One is locked away.”

The child stopped, turned and looked back. A small whisper. Black came rushing up the hall, the child didn’t run and then he was swallowed up. He turned and ran. Tripping he hit the ground and glancing over his shoulder he saw the black cloud and then a hand reached out and grabbed his leg.

“Help us.” He felt himself being pulled along the ground; he looked up and saw a blue dragon. It reared back and roared. He reached out just as the darkness clouded his vision…

**

Luka sat up gasping for air, taking a look around he found himself in his room. He could hear an annoying sound. Standing up he walked out of his room to find Zane and Mark staring out the window.

“What are you two looking at?”

They looked over at him, “This loud sound keeps going off.”

He was at the window now, that’s when he saw the crowd of people. “Stay here!” He grabbed a coat and pulled it on as he ran out the door.

Zane looked at Mark, “Do ya think daddy is ok?” Mark smiled and nodded.


Luka ran down the stairs, “Ack.” Okay now he was on his back.

Aiden was looking down at him, “Leo said he saw a person sneak in early this morning.” Luka was on his feet, “He couldn’t see their face but they were busted up. The alarm went up just now; someone must have seen the person.”

“We need to find them first.”

“That’s why I came to get you. Ari is stalling them.”

“Let’s go.” The two took off running down a street. Ten minutes into the search and halfway down their fifth street, was when Aiden’s feet flew out from under him. Luka skidded to a halt and looked back, “Come on!”

Aiden slowly sat up and blinked. He picked his hand up and paled, “Luka…”

“What is it?”

He showed him his hand and they both looked down at the ground. Aiden jumped up, he was sitting in a small puddle of blood. They both look at the trail and saw it lead down a side street. Quickly following it they stopped outside an ally. Aiden push against the wall and Luka was up against the other one across from him. “Anyone in here?” it was quite, “We just want to know if your all right, I can see a lot of blood on the ground.” Luka waved at him and Aiden glanced over long enough for him to see Luka pointing upwards.

The red head jumped up onto a crate and pulled himself on to the roof. He slowly and quietly moved over till he was at the other end of the ally. Dropping to the ground without a sound, he looked around. There was a person on the ground they were moving and facing him. He walked over to them and knelt down; they had a cloak on so he couldn’t see their face. “Hey.”

The person’s fist shot out and Luka caught it. Another hand wrapped around his wrist, swung him around and slammed him against the wall. Luka knocked it away and reached forward, grabbing the hood of the cloak. The person jerked back and the hood somehow fell down, Luka froze.
^^^^^^^

He wobbled as he walked; someone was helping him walk along. There was a shout and an alarm went off. He was floating now, his eyes opened it was almost black. The last thing he saw was a boy leaning over him. The boy had ice blue cat like eyes, his hair was long and tied back, white with black bangs. Underneath the ice blue eyes were black marks, he smiled and looked around. Two ears twitched on the side of his head. Then it went back.

~Dryden, I’m going to get Zachariah.~ That’s right the boy was Demi.

“Anyone in here?”

~I’m going now, get better.~

“We just want to know if you’re all right, I can see a lot of blood on the ground.”

‘Don’t go, I can’t see! He held his hand out to find Demi, but all he met was air. He let his hand drop to the ground and Dryden wrapped his hands around himself. It was going colder, and he heard breathing it was close.

“Hey.” Dryden swung out when he heard the voice it was to close. They caught his fist and with his other hand grabbed that arm and swung them around. He slammed them against the wall his body was resting against. His arms were knocked away as something grabbed his hood. He jerked away causing his hood to fall down.

It grew quiet, ‘Why don’t they attack?’

“Dryden?”

His head turned toward the sound and he sniffed the air. A smile spread across his face and he felt his body fall. Luka caught him, “Warm.” He closed his eyes.

“Dryden, stay awake. Aiden!”

“Who is it?” Luka came rushing out.

“It’s Dryden.” Aiden watched as Luka ran down the street, he rubbed his eyes. Did he just see Dryden in Luka’s arm? He ran after him. They stopped outside the hospital and he turned to Aiden, “Go tell everyone.”

He nodded, “Right. Are you going to be alright this is the second time in one week.”

“I’ll be fine. Go.” Aiden took off running down the street; the rain had started falling faster as Luka ran inside the building.

Luka found himself outside a door. He kicked it open, “Eva, I need you right now!”

“Luka what is going… Holy shit!!” She opened a door and pushed him into a room, “Put him on the bed.” Luka placed him on the bed and was about to move away when Dryden grabbed his hand. He could hear Eva rummaging through her stuff trying to find things.

“Dryden?”

“Zane…”

“He’s alright.”

“I can’t see.”

“What?”

“I can’t see.” Luka felt how cold his hands were and moved his hand to his forehead. He wasn’t burning up, “I can’t feel my limbs.”

“Eva his body is getting cold.”

She looked up, “I hear you. I’m getting the antidote and something to help him sleep.” She walked over to them, “You’re going to be asleep for a while.”

“I could… use some sleep.”

“That’s good to know.” She placed her hand on his arm, “I’m going to put an IV in. Have you had one before?”

“I’ve lost count.” She nodded and looked at Luka.

“I’m going to have to cut your sleeve off.” She cut around his arm and gently pulled it off. Eva then worked on getting his arm cleaned up. A few seconds later Dryden had an IV in his arm and he was growing sleepy.

“Luka… cold.” he was running his hand through Dryden’s hair, it was longer now. He smiled when Dryden closed his eyes and finally fell to sleep. He looked at his face it still looked the same except for there was one more mark across his nose.

“I’ll be right back.” Eva held up a needle and turned to Dryden. She blinked when she found Luka by the door. “I got to go and check on Zane and Mark.”

“I’ll call when he starts to wake.” The door clicked shut.

Eva gave Dryden the antidote. “To have that kind of poison in you makes me wonder what else will happen.” Picking up the scissors she worked on removing his blood crusted shirts.

^^^^^^

Dryden could feel himself laying on something soft. It was dark, he tried to move his arms and all he got was pain. Something was holding him down, it was warm but he was still shivering. A door was opened and he tilted his head, “Who’s there?”

“Oh you’re up. You were out for a week.” He heard laughter, “I’m surprised Luka is still here.”

Dryden grunted and moved his hand, “Why do ya say that?”

“Luka’s afraid of hospitals.” There was the sound of movement and he felt a hand on his. Then it was moved till he felt an arm, “There, so you know where he’s at.”

“Are ya a friend of Luka’s?”

There was a giggle, “Sorry I’m Eva. I’ve know Luka since he was a little kid.” There was the sound of movement again, the sound of rushing water, and someone was walking over to him, “I’m going to give you some water. Luka is the type of person who would face his fears to be with those he loves.”

Dryden felt something placed by his hand; he wrapped his hand around it. Cold. He picked it up and with some help from Eva he was able to drink the water. A hand wrapped around his other hand, “Luka?”

“I was hoping I’d wake before you did.” Luka squeezed his hand, “I’m going to go and get Zane.”

Dryden smiled and Luka ran his free hand though Dryden’s hair, “Has he asked about me?”

“Every day.” Pulling his hand away from Dryden he turned to Eva, “I’ll be right back.” He glanced at Dryden; his whole upper torso was bandaged, along with the upper right arm and lower left arm and the palm of his hand. Luka watched as Dryden’s eyes stared unfocused in front of him. Then he walked out of the room. Once outside, he took a breath and stared at the ground. He could hear people talking and laughing as they walked past the building, enjoying the one day in the whole rainy season that was sunny. The rain will be back tomorrow.
^^^^^

Dryden winced when Eva shined a penlight in his eyes, “Well your eyes are starting to heal, but if that light made you wince, I’m going to say the sun might make it worse.” Eva grabbed his hand and placed a cloth in it, “Wear this when you go outside. I’d give you glasses but I don’t seem to have any on me.”

“What kind of poison was it?”

“I don’t know what it’s called but it was supposed to slowly shut everything down. The first thing to go is different for everyone. For you, your eyes went first, then your healing ability, followed by your ability to stay warm, and when Luka found you; your limbs were starting to go numb.” Dryden blinked, “You want to know how I figured that out?”

“Please fill me in.”

She walked over with a pillow and helped him sit up. Eva placed the pillow behind him and patted his shoulder. “I can read a person’s body.” She walked over to the door, “I’m going to get you some food.” Dryden heard the door open and then close.

He put his head in his hands and winced when his whole body protested. All of the pain should be gone, he should be able to see, and… the door opened and he heard someone running up to the bed. “Daddy!” Dryden lifted his head and smiled when he heard Zane.

“Hey Zane.”

He knew Luka was in the room when the door closed, “Guess what dad showed me?”

Dryden sat there thinking about it, “Hmmm, I don’t know tell me.

“There is this big pool of water and he took us to it. Mark wouldn’t go in till I pushed him in.” Luka sat down in a chair and closed his eyes. He listened to Zane and Dryden as his body slowly relaxed. Which was odd for him, he was never able to relax in a hospital before. “Dad fell asleep.” Dryden tipped his head and sure enough he could hear Luka’s breath even out. “I think dad has been having bad dream.” Dryden reached out to where he could feel Luka. His hand touched his head and he moved him till he was laying with his head on the bed.

“Then he’ll need the sleep.” Luka shifted a little, Dryden laughed when Luka wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him closer. He winced, “Luka…” he ran a hand through his soft hair.

Luka turned one sleep glazed eye on Dryden, “Cute.” He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Dryden blushed, “What have I told ya about calling me cute.” Luka didn’t respond. Eva pushed the door opened and stopped.

“Now that is a picture moment.” She walked over and saw Zane, “Hey little guy, how’s your friend?”

“He’s okay.” Eva was heading over to a small table when answered. She was carrying two trays and she placed them down.

Dryden sniffed the air and his stomach growled, “That smells good.”

“I hope it does, my brother cooked it himself.” Just then the door opened, “Thanks Aiden.”

“No problem.” He stopped and saw Luka and Dryden, “Now that is a first.” Aiden was carrying two trays. “Where do you want me to put these?”

“Give one to Dryden.”

He walked over to the same table and looked at all of them, “Which one?”

“The soup.” Dryden soon had a tray on his lap and Aiden told him where everything was at.

“Ya two are brother and sister?”

“The man who took Aiden in is my dad.”

“I was adopted.” Dryden nodded as he took a bite.

“Daddy can I try some?” He moved his hand away and smiled. Zane picked the spoon up and tasted it. “Yummy.” Zane looked at Luka, “What about dad?”

Aiden held a finger up. Eva rolled her eyes and walked over to a tray and pulled it towards her. Aiden put the finger in his mouth and walked over to Luka, “Watch.”

Luka jerked away and landed on the floor, “What the hell!!” Aiden and Zane were both laughing. He got half way up and tackled Aiden to the ground.

“Ah! Help Eva!” Luka was sitting on his back as he pulled Aiden’s hat off. “Get off, hey give that back!” Luka looked at it and tossed it to Zane. The boy caught it and looked at it; he placed it on his head and jumped down off the bed. “Get off!” Aiden’s hair was messy and sticking up.

Looking at the ceiling, he rolled his shoulders and answered, “Nope.” Just then the door opened and Zane stopped.

A man was standing there, “Eva, we found a child.” Everyone stopped and looked at him.

Eva stood up and walked to the door, “How old is the child?”

“I’m going to guess he’s only one or two years old. We couldn’t find the parents, he’s a shifter.” Dryden turned his head.

“What kind?” The man looked at Dryden.

“We don’t know yet.” Dryden moved the tray and swung his legs over the edge.

Luka was standing up, “Dryden you just woke up.” Dryden felt hands on him and he grabbed them.

“Eva, can ya bring the child in here?”

Eva smiled, “I’ll do my best.” She walked out of the room; Zane glanced over at Dryden and Luka. He followed her; Aiden sighed and watched as Zane ran out of the room. Luka had his foot in between his shoulder blades. So he couldn’t follow after to get his hat.

“Luka, Zane just followed Eva.”

“What?” He let go of Dryden and ran out of the room.

Dryden sighed and shook his head, “Zane is okay. He won’t run into trouble.”

“It not running into trouble that has him worried, it’s trouble finding Zane.” Aiden pushed himself up and brushed his pants off. “Once a week someone breaks into his home and either steals something or trashes the place.” He looked over at Dryden, “You didn’t hear that from me. I got to get my hat back.”

“Still wearing a hat?”

“Still walking barefooted?”

“I like walking barefooted.”

“And I like wearing a hat.”

Dryden held his feet up, “But forest is different than sand.” His feet and ankle were wrapped so it supported his ankle. “Don’t know how many times I’ve been stabbed by a twig.” Aiden caught sight of silver around Dryden’s ankle.

“You were stabbed by a twig?”

“Yep, wanna see?”

“Not really. I’m going to go and get my hat back now.” Aiden walked up to the door and stopped, “It’s good to have you back.”

“Tell Ari I said hey.” The door opened and before it closed, “I also wanna see Kael.” Aiden stopped and looked back in, “Zane told me.”

“That would explain it.”

Dryden heard a click and the door was closed, he gave a soft laugh. He held his hand in front of his face, “Why my sight?”

Zane looked around the corner as the door closed. Once it opened again he ran in and hid behind a cabinet. He looked around a corner and saw another door open, inside was a small child crying. He was almost to the door when he was lifted up of the ground. “No!”

Tipping his head back he saw Luka, “Got you.”

“No, put me down!” The child struggled to get out of his arms. “Put me down!”

“What is it with you and Dryden and not liking to be picked up unless you want to be?” He turned around and tried to walk away only to have Zane bite down on his hand. He lifted the boy up and glared at him, “You are not biting me.” Zane let go and dropped, Luka grabbed the back of his shirt and set him down. “There you’re on the ground.” The door open and Eva walked out with a small child in her arms.

Luka had a hold of Zane by the back of his shirt, “Luka, what are you two doing here?”

“He took off when we weren’t looking.” Zane lowered his head. Eva glanced at Luka’s hand and sighed.

“Luka your hand.”

He lifted his hand up and frowned, “Can you take him with you?”

“Sure.” He let go of Zane and turned away, he looked back at his hand as he walked down the hall. He gave a sigh, “I can’t believe he broke the skin.”

Zane looked up at Eva when she gave a soft laugh, “What’s so funny?”

“Luka doesn’t know what to do.” Eva reached down and took his hand, “He won’t make a child cry.” The small child looked down at Zane; he tugged on her shirt, “Oh that’s right. Zane this is Fayt Nox.” She saw Aiden looking around and then he saw her, he brightened.

“Eva, have you seen…” He saw Zane, “Can I have my hat back?” he asked as he walked up to them.

Zane hid behind Eva, “No,” and stuck his tongue out.

“Eva!”

“It’s just a hat.” She said to him, “Let it go.”

“But…”

She walked passed him with Zane holding onto the hat, “Let it go, Aiden.” He pouted and she glanced back at him, “That’s not going to work.”

“Damn.”

“It was cute when you were five.”

He watched as she walked through a door and he sighed. Aiden glanced up at the clock and gave another sigh; he had to go back to work. “Double damn.” He walked outside the door and was wet as soon as he stepped out. Someone sneezed and he turned toward the sound. Luka was on a crate with his hand hanging down inside a rain barrel that was flowing over with water. Aiden walked over and rapped on Luka’s head with his knuckles. “Oi, wake up!”

Luka opened his eyes and looked at him with tired eyes. “Hey Aiden.” He yawned and rubbed at his eyes, “Where’s your hat?”

“He didn’t want to give it back.”

Luka nodded and pulled his hand out, the bite mark was gone. But he did see that his skin was silvery cobalt color. “When will the rain stop?”

“You know that the rain lasts for most of the summer.” Aiden leaned against the wall and he glanced at Luka, “Are you okay?”

“Just tired.”

“I mean about Dryden.”

“Oh that…” he brushed his bangs out of his eyes and rubbed the back of his head, “Eva said he’ll heal.”

“Hmmm,” The stares didn’t go unnoticed by Aiden. “You should go inside where it’s dry and I need to get back to work.”

“You think you could make that soup Dryden likes.”

“Sure I’ll make some and bring it by.” Aiden grinned and ruffled his hair. When Luka didn’t smack his hand away Aiden stopped, “Luka are you sure you’re alright?”

“I have to walk past that room to get to Dryden’s.”

“Well you have been spending all this time in the hospital.” Aiden pushed away from the wall, “That room is empty, nothing is there.”

Luka shook his head, “I can still hear and see the noise from that day.”

“Well you can sit out here and catch a cold or you can go inside and be with Dryden.” The brunette sighed when Luka turned his head. “But I’m going back to work.” He walked off and left Luka sitting there in the rain.

Luka raised his head up and stared, he saw people glance over at him. Standing up he turned and walked into the building. He stopped right before a door. It was empty inside, but he could see it as if it was a movie. Whenever he walked by this room he would see the same thing. A hand going limp, the sound from the machine flatlining, people yelling and running around, he rushed past the room and down the hall. Luka stopped outside a door; he reached out and turned the knob. He could hear two kids laughing. He let go and was about to turn when the door opened. Eva was standing there.

“Looks like you were right, it was Luka.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. “Come on, we’ve been waiting for you.”

Dryden coughed and Zane walked up head down, “I’m sorry for biting you.” He noticed Zane wasn’t wearing the hat and saw Aiden’s hat on another child. He had eyes that were a dark purple but still seemed to be bright and short wavy purple hair. He was smaller than Zane. The small child had two ears that stuck out at the side of his head, they were folded back, a tail was curled around his waist and he was petting it. Zane turned to see what he was looking at, “That’s Fayt.” Fayt was wearing a shirt that was too big for him and hung off of one shoulder and a pair of shorts. His feet were dirty and smudged.

“Fayt was telling us what has been happening in Woodline.” Dryden said. He was swinging his foot and every now and then the light would reflect off of the silver anklet. Luka frowned when he saw that Dryden gave a slight shiver, he knew he wouldn’t even ask for a shirt.

‘And I’m the idiot.’

He pulled the jacket he was wearing off and walked over. Dryden jumped a little when the jacket brushed his skin. “What are ya doing?”

“Don’t act like I haven’t noticed.” Dryden sighed and pulled it on. The jacket was big on him, it had a soft faux fur lining and the outside was a tan suede. Dryden could tell it was big on him, he could feel that the sleeves covered most of his hands. “Please tell me next time.”

He watched as Dryden lowered his head, “Fine.” Eva gave a small smile when she saw the two.

There was a knock on the door and she answered it, “Where’s Luka?”

She turned and looked behind her to find Luka sitting down now. He was holding Dryden’s hand and talking to the small child, Fayt. Eva stepped out and closed the door, “What is it Jaden?” He shook his head. “Jaden?”

He placed something in her hand, “Just know Luka will be pissed.”

She looked down to find something in her hand, “Where did you get this? Better yet who does it belong to?”

“I walked in on it.” He looked in the window of the door, “There was a boy there. He was out numbered and almost killed, he was holding on to that and I think his buddy in there will know the attackers.”

“Where’s the boy?”

“Next room,” she handed the item to him and walked past him, “one of your helpers is patching ‘em up!” He opened the door and walked in. “Luka, can I talk to you two.” Luka looked at him and he looked at Dryden. “Not something that should be said around kids.” Zane and Fayt were sitting at the table putting a puzzle together.

“Fine.” He helped Dryden up and grabbing a chair, “Hey we’ll be outside the door.” When the two children nodded they walked outside into the hall. Closing the door he sat the chair down and told Dryden where it was at. He opened his hand and a cross fell and dangled from his hand. “Where did you get that cross?”

“Cross, is Mark ok?” Dryden held his hand out, “Let me see it.” Jaden glanced at Luka and the red head smirked at that.

“Just give it to him.”

Jaden set it in his hand and he closed his eyes and let his fingers run over it. “Who did it?”

“What?”

Luka placed his hand on his shoulder, “Dryden.”

“Whoever you are tell me why ya have Mark’s blood on ya?”

“I walked in on it. I don’t know who it was, both of them jumped out the window. But I carried him here.”

Dryden growled, “Tell me everything ya saw!” Jaden stepped back when Dryden shouted.

“They all had their heads covered but there were marks.”

Dryden stood up, “Where!?”

“I was more worried about the kid.”

Luka grabbed Dryden’s elbow when he swayed, “Take it easy. Remember you just woke up.”

“Is he alright?”

“Yeah he kept tapping my shoulder.” Jaden pointed to his back, “Had him on my back.”

“Why would he tap…”

“He’s mute Luka. Well somewhat.” Dryden was now leaning fully on Luka, “This isn’t the first time he was attacked.” He held his hand out the cross laid on his palm.

“Yeah he’s all right; I walked in at the beginning.” Jaden looked at the cross, “What do you mean not the first time?”

“He lost his voice the first time. Can ya give this to him? It was his aunt’s, she gave it to him.” Jaden took the cross and looked at it. It was a just a simple silver cross on a brown leather cord. “It means a lot to him.”

“I’ll get it to him.” Jaden turned and walked into the room next to them.

Dryden flopped back into his seat and winced when his back hit the chair. He felt a hand slip in his and he turned his head towards Luka, “Sorry I’m so late getting home.”

“Don’t worry about it. The good thing is you’re home and alive.” Dryden had turned his head when he heard a sound. “The door leading outside just opened.”

“It’s weird I could hear a lot of things before but now…” Luka was crouching and looking at him, “Yer staring aren’t ya?”

He coughed, “H-how did…”

“Wow so I was right.” Dryden turned and even though his eyes weren’t focused he could tell.

“Dryden?”

The small male lowered and shook his head.

“Dryden, are you…”

Then he pulled Luka’s arm closer to him and hugged it, “I want to see yer face but I can’t.” Luka placed his hand over Dryden’s.

“There’s more than one way to see.” He placed Dryden’s hand on his cheek, “Try to see this way.” Dryden ran his ran up to his hair and smiled, “What is it?” He pulled his hand away letting his finger tips brush over his face and then down his neck.

“Is there anyone coming?”

Luka leaned closer, “Do you hear anyone coming?”

“No.” He felt Luka’s forehead bump against his. “Luka.”

“Dad.” He let his head drop to Dryden’s shoulder and sighed. “Daaad!”

“Damn it.”

Dryden laughed and wrapped his arms around him, “Daaaaaaad!” Luka glanced back and saw Zane moving from foot to foot. “I gotta go!”

Luka stood up and picked the boy up, “Hold it!” He rushed down the hall and pushed a door opened. They were in a bathroom; he sat him down and pointed to the toilet. “You do know how to use that?”

“Yes.” He looked up at Luka.

“I’ll be outside.” He closed the door and stood there. ‘What’s going to happen now?’

Just then Ari walked up, “Luka.” He looked over at her, “We might have a problem.” She held up a paper with a symbol on it.

“Fuck.”
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I finished two chapters for Pure Life. I’m posting then right after this one. Then I’ll get the other two and that’s when I learn how to juggle the stories.
Shade