The Desert World

Rating: Nothing bad.

A/N: Man I thought I’d never make it in time. I was looking over the story and found something funny… Mark’s first name was Leon but I changed it to Mark. Now it’s still Mark but… well you’ll see. Enjoy!
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“Now tell me where is the host?” The woman looked up at the red eyed man.

“D-dead.”

“What?”

“He went missing a week after Raanan went to sleep.” She flinched when he raised his hand. “It’s the truth his mother was the one who took him away. She was found dead, and his clothes were found shredded with blood on them. The blood demons got her and so the guards claimed him dead with the state of the clothes.”

“Is there a new host?”

“No. One comes only once every generation.”

“I see. Raanan you are a clever one.” He looked at the woman and he walked away. She sighed and he stopped, “Oh and if I find out your lying to me I’ll come back and kill you.”

The woman whimpered and passed out.

Rollin stood when Kairu walked out of the temple. “So?”

“He’s not here. They claim him dead, but Raanan wouldn’t let his host die so easily.”

“So where is he?”

“Hiding. If I know my brother it would be somewhere where the host can be safe and have a normal life.”

“That could be anywhere.”

“Yes but Raanan hates the desert so he has to be in the forest. How do you think this last strip of woods has lasted so long?”

“Okay so this dragon is only jumping from host to host so that he can keep this place alive?”

“Yes.” They walked out of the city and made their way out of the cave. “Raanan has to have the host so that he doesn’t kill himself trying to keep this place alive. When the host dies he can’t keep himself safe so he comes back here to get a new one.”

“But why humans?”

“Why not? With a human you don’t have to worry about race issues. The worse they can do is swing a sword or try to start a war.”

“You’re weird.”

“This is why I hate young people they can’t grasp the picture.”

“Whatever. So what are we going to do?”

“We’ll wait and while we wait we can go check on my new body.”

Rollin frowned and made a face. “Sick. Can’t believe you want to take that kids body. Why not someone stronger?”

“Why not, his father sealed me so I’ll take his son.” The younger male rolled his eyes and followed after him. They walked off the path and head toward the large tree.
^^^^

A door slammed open and the snow rushed in. “Close the damn door its cold out there.”

“I knew I’d find you. Something like that couldn’t kill you.” Zachariah stood and quickly dusted the snow off. He closed the door behind him as he pulled a broken blade out. “Kairu is out. It looks like he broke out by his self.” The blade slid across the ground to the man’s feet. His foot slammed down on it. “I don’t know how much of your memory you lost but your wife is dead.”

“I know that.”

“What about your son?”

There was a hiss of pain and the person leaned forward. “I have a… son?”

“Yeah, he is safe, for the moment.” Walking over to the fire he pulled the dark cloak off and hung it on a peg to dry. “Kairu is out for revenge. I don’t think he knew he was your son till recent. His mother’s genes are stronger then yours.”

“I see, so he has the same problem to go through.”

“Yes.”

A hand curled around the blade’s handle and picked it up. “What is Kairu doing?”

“Looking for Raanan.”

“Let’s hope he doesn’t find him. But he is not stupid, at one point in time all four dragons will be together in one point. The first move has been made; can your brother kill his father, can he win where I failed?”

“You’re talking about Dryden and Troy here.”

“I guess you’re right.” He sat down and looked at the man. “Zachariah, what is your purpose in coming here.”

“Do you mind if I smoke?” When he made no move to stop him he lit a cigarette and then pointed at the blade. “Fix it. It’s the only thing that can kill Kairu.”

“Who will use it?”

“If we all pitch in and show him he should get the basics down quick.”

“It will take some time.”

“The sooner you start the faster I can get it to him.”

The man stood and he looked at him the shadows weren’t hiding his face anymore. Without his hair tied back it would be at his shoulders, and it was a pale blond. “What is his name?” Red eyes looked at Zachariah, his skin was a pale color and he stood taller than Zachariah.

“Mark Leon Draca.”

“Then I’ll get started.”

He watched as he walked through a door way and he quickly got started on writing the message to Dryden. He had to tell him everything that’s happened so far. It could be the only way to save Mark. He didn’t want the boy to end up like his father. The clang of metal on could be heard coming from the room. A weapon made by a full blooded dragon, is supposedly able to be held only be his kin. Mark doesn’t need to know about his father being Kairu’s son, and he really doesn’t need to know about the man just yet.

It would ruin everything if the boy tried to find him now. Worse yet if he found out the man doesn’t remember him. He finished up the letter and folded it up. ‘Tomorrow I’ll send it off’

There was a loud clatter and he stood up. “I’m fine!”

“You sure?” He walked over to the door way and looked in. The man was standing as he picked the broken sword up. “Hey are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. The blade is being stubborn. It won’t let me fix it.” He tossed it over his shoulder and Zachariah caught it, almost dropping it. “I’ll make a new one.”

“There isn’t-”

“Don’t worry it won’t take long. He’s just a kid I’ll make a sword to last till that one can be fixed.” He turned to the male, a creepy look on his face. The white haired male paled and chuckled nervously, “Now leave!”

“Okay.” He ran out of the room and his heart felt like it was halfway up his throat. ‘He’s scary! Where’s Dryden or Troy when you need them?’
^^^^

Mark whimpered when he looked at the large teacher. It had been a week since the letter from Zachariah, in that letter he just said for him to start fighting lessons soon. The guy in front of him was really built and he felt very small.

Dryden sighed when the both Mark hid behind him. “Okay Mark he’s not going to hurt you.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes I am. Besides he used to be Luka’s instructor.” He turned his head and looked at Luka. “Why the hell are you hiding behind me?”

“Cause when I was little I knocked him out with a wooden sword.”

The young man sighed and muttered something under his breath. “Okay! You two stop hiding behind me!”

They both quickly moved away from Dryden. It had been a week since the camping trip and Dryden has been stressing out over anything and everything. “Dryden, relax.” He looked over to see Ari. “I’ll be train the boy, “this guy is more about advanced learning, Mark needs to master the basics first.”

Mark sighed and let his body relax. ‘Oh man, I’m safe.’

She smiled at Dryden and then walked off, Mark quickly followed her. Luka pointed after the two as he looked past Dryden. “Do you think we should of told him that she won’t go easy on him.”

Dryden smirked and walked off, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He blinked and let his finger drop. “Sneaky little bugger.”
~~~~

Mark ducked and covered his head. She was crazy, Ari had given him a wooden sword and after grabbing one for herself she started to explain everything. After that she started to show him the moves on the dummy, him being the dummy.

Ari sighed and shook her head. “Okay, you’re supposed to block.”

“How the in heck am I supposed to do that when you’re swinging at me!”

“Rule one, no one waits for you to defend.”

“I know that!”

“Then defend.” The blond was knocked back by the sword and he slid across the ground a few feet. He pushed himself up and shook his head. His eyes found his beanie on the ground next to him. Grabbing it he pulled it on and stood up. The lioness didn’t wait as she dashed forward and attacked him.

Ducking to the side he scrambled behind the tree and the yelped at the wooden sword hit the tree above him. She was everywhere and he didn’t know one thing about a sword. He lifted the wooden sword up and felt it get knocked out of his hands. They watched as it skittered across the ground and stopped at Troy’s feet. “Well damn. The kid blocks only to lose the weapon.”

“What do you want Troy?”

He held up a bag, “Peace offering, Dryden sent me. It’s lunch time!” Picking up the wooden toy he walked over and handed it to Mark. “How about we work on his reflexes first?”

Mark had snagged the bag a food from the white haired male. He pulled out a solid container with his name on it and licked his lips. Man was he hungry! Before he could get it opened it was gone. “Huh?”

“Okay, time for Troy’s fighting class.” He stood with the container in his hand. “Land a hit and its all yours.”

“I would rather starve.”

“Fine by me. Dryden will be doing the same thing when you get home.”

‘This has got to be karma.’ He turned his back on Troy and hung his head. There was no way he could land a hit on Troy. The blond had seen what he could do. His hands rested on his knees as he closed his eyes. What could he do?”

~Kyne can help.~

‘No!’

~Why not? Kyne can get him.~

‘If he sees me like that then I’m as good as dead.’ His eyes glanced off to the side. ‘Besides, I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to become that again.’

~Why not? Mark can fight anyone in that form, Kyne knows Mark can do it!~

‘I’m not going to do it!’ Mark had gripped his head and was growling by now.

“Mark, are you okay?”

He stiffened and looked over his shoulder, a nervous smile on his face. Troy was looking at him with an eyebrow raised and Ari was standing behind him. He sweated and waved his hand, “I’m fine. Just thinking of something.”

“Okay, you looked like you were going to lose it.”

His face paled and Troy became guarded when he noticed that the boy was shaking. Then he smiled, “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Well you are doing something you’re not used to. I guess you should have something in your stomach for when we get back to practicing.” She was eyeing Troy and he sighed.

“Fine!” He tossed the container to her and she handed it to Mark.

“You need to be ready for anything.”

He nodded and took the container from her. Opening the lid he gapped as he found only four measly pieces inside, ‘Karma is trying to kill me…… I know it is.’ He sighed and hung his head. Picking a piece up, he ate it and glared at the other pieces. ‘I bet Dryden is planning something for when I get home.’

Once lunch was over Mark, still hungry, followed the others back into the fenced off area where he and Ari were at earlier. His stomach felt empty still.

The two looked at Mark and then Ari sighed. Mark wasn’t paying any attention. She ran at him and he finally snapped to long enough to block only to be knocked onto his back. He stared up at the sky. ‘Why me?’
^^^^

It had been almost two weeks and he found himself laying in his bed glaring at the ceiling. Hungry and aching, he rolled out of the bed. On all fours, he silently moved over to his room door. It was cracked open wide enough for him to slip through. Looking around he made his way to the bathroom. Water, he needed some water, which almost usually helped with the ache in his stomach. Pushing the door opened he walked over to the sink and turned the faucet on. Nothing came out. He glared at the thing and dropped to his knees, his head thudded against the sink cabinets.

This learning experience was going to kill him. Standing he turned the knob on the faucet off and walked out. The door to their room was closed; he made his way down the hall to the living room. Stopping he saw Dryden asleep on the couch a book was loosely gripped in his hand as he slept. Mark crouched and staying as far from Dryden’s sleeping body he made his way to the kitchen. The sink in there worked, it had to. Once in the kitchen he climbed up on the counter and opened one of the cabinets.

He pulled a cup out and leaning over filled it up with water. Jumping down, he grinned and went to take a drink. “I was wondering why the water was running.” The blond jumped and the glass fell to the floor. They both turned when they heard the book in Dryden’s hand fall to the floor as he rolled over only to fall back to sleep. “Sorry about that.”

Luka pulled another cup out and filled it up as Mark picked the other one up. He sat the cup down and Luka handed him the other one. “T-thanks.”

“I told him not to do it, but he is just being stubborn.” The boy took a drink from the glass and rubbed at his eye. He was getting sleepy. His stomach gave a loud grumble and he hung his head. “Ah, yes food.” Walking over to the fridge, Luka pulled out something and handed it to Mark. “Everyone needs allies.” He sat down next to Mark, a bowl of cookie dough in his hand. “Come on sit down.”

Mark sat down next to him and Luka handed him a spoon. The bowl was placed between them, “I haven’t done this since mom…”

“Me and my mom did this all the time. When I stay up late this is a good snack.”

He took a spoon of cookie dough and ate it. A smile was on his lips, “For an Idiot your really good with kids.”

“Ha Ha, I’ll take that back now!”

He grabbed the bowl and Mark quickly snagged a spoonful. “Yummy…” He put the whole spoon in his mouth and stopped as thought crossed his mind. “Will it happen again?”

“Hmmm?” Luka had the spoon hanging from his mouth. “Whaft?”

“Is this training Karma for what I did?”

“Karma is a load of shit.” He took a spoonful and waved it at Mark. “Tell me if Karma was meant to get back at you for something then what did I do to end up losing my mother, or for Dryden to end up going through the shit he went through. There’s no bad luck or good luck. Just mistakes that others or you make to get where you’re at.”

“But I made one… two mistakes, I killed two people!”

“You did it to save Zane. Look at Dryden, how many do you think he was forced to kill and he still ended up here. Every choice you make has many consequences; you killed those two and saved the others.”

“But…!”

“No buts, you saved Zane. In my eyes that’s a good thing. Did you know Troy thinks that Dryden did all that mess. You should of heard the fight they had after words.”

Mark looked down at his hand and he shook his head, “Why am I going through this?”

“Zachariah found a way to get rid of Kairu… I think that’s his name… but he won’t say, just to have you ready to really go through training when he gets here.”

“For an idiot you can be smart.”

“Don’t push your luck kid.” He sat the bowl back down and Mark took some more of the cookie dough. “Let's just sit here and enjoy this cookie dough.” The blond nodded and put the spoon back in his mouth.

Dryden rolled over and opened his eyes. He could hear the two in the kitchen talking. Luka was right, but he still was happy that he ended up here and not dead out in the middle of the desert. His fingers brushed over his neck and he sighed, the scared burn was still there. He’ll leave the two alone for tonight.
^^^^

Mark gave a low growl as he laid on the ground panting. His eyes rolled over to look at Nate. He was laughing as he sat on the bench. Nate was finally out of the wheelchair and hobbling around on crutches. “Dang Mark you got your butt kicked.” He glared at the injured kid. Then he pushed himself up off the ground for the…, “That will make it two hundred and ten times.”

‘What the hell is he counting for?’

~Mark move.~ He rolled to the side and blinked as Ari’s wooden sword hit the ground next to him. ~Above~

The blond shifted his weight to his feet and leaned back as Troy’s fist hit the ground in front of him. Ever since Kyne started helping him keep track of movement, his reflexes have gotten better. ‘Thanks Kyne.’

~Kyne is only helping Mark out. Kyne likes helping Mark!~

A swift movement caught his eye and he blocked with his wooden sword. Looking around it he saw Dryden and Luka sitting off to the side. Luka was clapping and he had a grin on his face. “He’s getting better.”

Dryden nodded and flipped a page in the book he was reading. Snapping it shut he stood up. They all looked at him as walked over to Mark. Leaning closer he said something only Mark could hear, “Now do it without the help.”

“How…?”

He pat him on the head and stood up, “Troy, don’t go easy on him. Ari you should go take a break don’t need you ending up in the same place.”

“I’m fine.”

“Please Ari.”

She smiled and nodded as she walked over to Luka. Troy looked at him, “You’re sure you want me to go all out?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” He stepped back a few paces and pulled on his gloves, turning he faced Mark. One fist was raised and the other was pulled back at his side. His feet were positioned at shoulder length and he was staring at Mark.

“If you can land one hit on him without help then you don’t have to do this anymore. I’d pay close attention to him; he’s quick on his feet.” They both disappeared and he had only a split second to stumble out of the way. Looking down he saw Troy, dark green eyes looked up at him and a grin spread across his face.

~Mark!~

‘No help!’

~But…~

‘No.’

~Fine~

He couldn’t get any good footing with how fast Troy moved. The blond either had to move faster or learn his movements.


Dryden sat down and Luka glanced at him, “Will this work?”

“Troy is a little fast then me. If he can knock Troy down then he can hit me.”

“What about me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you can teach him something that we can’t teach him.”

“Like?”

He tapped his head and Luka raised his eyebrow in questioning way. “Your mental is stronger than Zane’s.”

“But I can’t do… wait how did you figure out…?”

“Your dad told me.”

“So… you want me to show him something… What can I show him?”

Ari looked at the two, “What about the thing you do when your weapon is out of reach?”

“I could show him that… but…”

There was a loud explosion and everyone stopped moving. They looked over and watched as smoke rose to the sky. “Randy’s house is that way.”

“Mark, where the hell are you going!?”

“Dryden!” They turned to see Spike he was holding onto Leora. “The other leaders.”

Dryden was about to say something when Luka grabbed his arm, “I’ll go to Zane, you go with him.”

“But…” Luka smiled and placed his forehead against Dryden’s forehead.

“Look you need to go reassure these people that it’s still safe, I’ll take care of this.”

“Be careful please.”

“I will the same go for you too.” He gave him a quick kiss and took off after Mark.

“Troy, I’m going to need your help!” His twin looked at him as Ari stood.

“I’ll help out.”

“Thanks Ari.”
~~~~

Luka was almost caught up to Mark when he heard someone scream. “No give him back!”

“Let go bitch!”

“You can’t take him, that’s my son!”

“We have the right. Didn’t you hear the new law?”

Mark’s foot collided with the man’s face and the small child fell to the ground. He scrambled over to his mother, the dog ears and tail gave him away and Luka already knew what was going on. They had found out how to get here. Luka knelt down, “Go on hurry out of here.” She nodded and clutched the small child close as she ran off.

“Mark go find Kael and the others.” The blond looked at him and nodded as he took off running.

“Get back ‘ere ya little shit!” A sharp blade was placed against the neck. He stiffened and started to sweat.

“Now I think you should start talking.”

He put pressure on the dagger and the man gulped. “What do you want to know?”

“Why the hell are you here? Your laws have no meaning here.”

“Hey they just told me to round up all half-breeds and to take them to Oase.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’m only following my orders.”

“And here your laws have no meaning.” He kicked the man’s feet out from under him and he brought his hand down on the back of his neck. He fell over unconscious. Luka looked around and grabbed some rope as he tied the man up. Some guards came running up and he looked over at them. “He’s all yours.”

“What is he doing here?” Leo had walked forward. He looked almost like Ari, his hair was shorter and he stood a little taller.

“Slaver. Not a word to anyone but other guards. Tell everyone to get home and make sure all family is accounted for.”

“Got it.” he stopped from following the other. “What about Kael?”

“I’m heading over there.” Waving to him he took off running toward Randy’s home.

“Luka, help!” He sped up and soon found himself in the clearing of Randy’s home, it took only a second for him to realize that Randy was laying on the ground half alive in his bear form.

“Randy!” He ran over and helped the man on to his back. His form shifted back to his human one and he looked at Luka. “What happened?”

“I’m… sorry… I…” he weakly pointed in a direction and he saw the hoof prints. “Mark… and the kids… I’m sorry…” His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he cursed.

“I’ll be right back Randy don’t you die!” Climbing to his feet, he quickly followed the hoof prints. Giving a high pitched whistle as he ran past the stables, he could hear a loud crash and a shout as Braith came running out. Once she was close he grabbed a hold of her neck and swung up onto her back. He gripped the horse’s hair as she went into a full on gallop.

He gave a low growl, the black marks forming on his skin. They went too far this time.
~~~~

Mark placed himself between the younger two children and the man that had grabbed them both, Kael was in a make shift sling on his back. He had managed to grab a knife and hid it on his body. Now the man was trying to get them into the back of the caged cart. “Like hell!”

“I said get in, brat!” He growled as the man tried to grab him and he knocked his hand away. The man pulled out a crossbow and aimed it at his head. “Get it there or I’ll kill you!”

“Mark, listen to him.” He glanced at Zane. “Trust me.” Zane and Fayt moved and he followed never taking his eyes off of the man.

“Good.” The door clanged shut and he crouched next to the two. “No funny stuff got it!”

Kael whimpered and Mark shifted the boy till he was sitting in his lap. The other two sat next to him, Fayt was clutching at Mark’s shirt and Zane was sitting on the other side of him. “Mark, where are we going?”

He looked at the shy cat and smiled, “Don’t worry Fayt. I’ll stay right here till we get back home.”

“Okay.”

Zane sat there watching as other kids were herded into the cage. “Their all half-breeds.” Mark nodded and he held Kael close. His other hand went to were the knife was hidden. “Mark, do you think daddy noticed what’s going on?”

He smiled at the white haired boy and nodded his head. The wagon lurched forward and it was soon moving. He looked around; he knew some of the kids around him. All of them looked scared and others stuck together not moving. If it came down to it he’ll fight his way out, even if he had to do it again. Kael whimpered and then screamed, “Papa!”
~~~~

The room was dark as the sounds from outside drifted in and mixed in with the ones in the room. His fingers twitched as a buzzing sound rang loud in his ears. Fingers wrapped around the mask on his face and he opened unfocused blue eyes.
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Yay! I’ve been practicing with my new tablet and almost got the hang of it. But I drew two new pictures both are on my DeviantART and both are character from book 2. It’s also got a sneak peek at the first chapter go take a look if you want, http://kiogo89.deviantart.com/. Reviews are welcomed!
Shade:)