HYBRID

Chapter 20- Dawn

Golden rays gently pierced the darkness, coaxing it backwards as its host began to rise. The golden orb of light steadily began its ascent, creating a bright mixture of blue, pink and amber hues that used the sky as its canvas.

The first peaks of dawn and the warmth of the furious fire that blazed behind him had created a cocoon of warmth that had lulled Jake's tired body into the blissful realm of unconsciousness. His body fell away from the tree he had leaned on and slumped against the grassy forest floor. There was a loud BOOM! as the dome shaped structure exploded, leaving a cavernous stone bowl from which flames leapt into cool air.

A harsh buzz filled the air as green and red sparks danced in the sky above, while a spiraling column of flame engulfed the remnants of the building. There was a loud CRASH! as the remains caved in, toppling the massive stones in on each other. The pillars crashed into the stone pile shattering, before they were set on fire as well.

Within the surrounding woodlands, a hooded figure flew between the trees following the scent of smoke and the light emanated from the burning Sacriage. It sighed as it felt the familiar sensation of heat get stronger. Alan hissed as he pulled down the hood lowering himself to the grassy floor, watching the building burn.

Why didn't I bring marshmallows? he wondered. Could've made some great s'mores.

He sighed, levitating to sit on a branch. It looked like everything was done and there was no sign of another Lykros anywhere. They had their chance. He glared at the air.

This was going to be a messy day. Where was the child?

Alan closed his eyes and released his aura, letting it flow and permeate the area. A familiar red silhouette with white swirls within it made his senses tingle. The silhouette glowed and simmered before decreasing in intensity. Weakness. Found him.

His fangs lengthened as he hopped from the tree and moved towards the aura. There was no way he was conscious anymore. The energy was stagnant, no fluctuations that denoted consciousness were present.

Alan drew nearer to the smoldering remains. His eyes detected a curled up, dark haired figure on the forest floor. He chuckled before pouncing on it.

The tip of a spear suddenly appeared next to the child's soot covered, tortilla coloured head from a red rift in the grass and aimed straight for Alan's head. He flipped out the way, catching himself mid fall and levitating. He snarled at the spear embedded in the opposite tree. The rift opened further, producing a cinnamon skinned male in a blue west coat and matching dress pants. One hand held a wine glass filled with crimson liquid while the other scratched his covered hair.

He sipped from the wine glass before speaking. "Back off,"

"That was cheap. He still needs-"

"Our agreement was if I found him first. I did. I just didn't want to show myself," the shorter male cut him off.

The green streaks of lightning dissipated in the air, while the red ones grew more prominent as the wind grew stronger.

"Fine," Alan said begrudgingly. "You may handle your affairs. I won't touch him,"

"Not like you could anyways," his associate chuckled, taking another sip.

"Excuse me," Alan hissed. "What did you say, midget?"

The 'midget ' sighed and picked up a rock with his free hand before throwing it at the slumbering younger male. It bounced off air before a blue shield became visible and then disappeared again.

"That's not physical energy," Alan said, dropping next to his associate.

"No shit, Sherlock. Looks like Luca put out the last bit of energy they had as protection. Only the Clan Head can break that or Jake and he won't wake up anytime soon,"