Hope Of Morning

Chapter 2

HOPE OF MORNING: CHAPTER 2

As Kaliyah and Edmond reached the town they had discussed, they found nothing but terror and death. The streets were stained with dried blood and the homes burnt to the ground. Kaliyah's blue eyes widened as she recalled the terrors of her past. "K---ah?" A voice called distantly before hands grabbed her shoulders forcing her to look away from the sight. "Hey.. You okay?" Edmond asked softly as Kaliyah glared and shrugged his hands off. "Let's keep moving." She ordered as she began to walk, attempting to ignore the mental images crossing her mind. "Kaliyah, wait up..!" The man called, chasing after her retreating figure. "If this is about your home then-" Just then, she snapped, drawing her blade and pointing it at his throat in a matter of moments as she glared. "Dont speak as if you were there! How do you even know?! My mother DIED at the hands of the Tyrant!" She hissed, hearing the Griffin growl lowly. "Kaliyah, settle yourself." Rajah purred, walking between the two, separating them with his large body. Kaliyah sighed out of her nose, and sheathed the blade once again. "Know your boundaries. I will kill you in seconds without a second thought." She warned lowly, heading off ahead for a moment to herself. Out of the blue she was tackled by a large creature, pinning her to the ground with sharp claws. It growled lowly at her, just inches from her face. "Kaliyah!" Aquila cried, about to rush to her aid, when she was stopped by the creature digging its claws into Kaliyah's skin, making her hiss in pain. "That's enough, Lynn." A gentle masculine voice cooed to the Grizzly Bear that stood above her, as it backed down. It crawled off of the girl, sitting down gently. Rajah and Aquila watched carefully, circling Kaliyah, ready to protect her. "Sorry about that.. Lynn likes to get rough with people who seem deadly." The boy said revealing himself. He was only about 15 years old, making Kaliyah stare at him in wonder. His gentle grey eyes watched Kaliyah before going to help her up, when Edmond walked over. The Grizzly quickly stood, growling ferociously. "YOU!!" The boy hollered, "Now, calm down, Kid. I'm no threat." Edmond hushed, Pyroeis letting out small growls behind him.

"No threat!? You lead the charge against my home! You killed my family!" The boy cried out, tears staining his cheeks. "I was strictly following orders. Some sacrifices are required for action." Edmond spoke coldly. "Edmond, you..?" Kaliyah muttered, standing as Rajah growled at Pyroeis. The two creatures quickly got in each other's faces, roaring loudly, as if trying to dominate one another. Rajah eventually won the roaring contest as Pyroeis backed down, avoiding eye contact. "I dont trust you, Edmond." Kaliyah spoke lowly, pulling the boy to her side. "Kali, listen-" Kaliyah glared coldly, "You will not call me that! You.. what other 'Sacrifices' will you make to complete your goal?! Maybe me, or even this kid, is next! You are not going to be near me. OR Him." She spoke, trying to protect the teen. "I never intended to harm you, Kailyah! I simply-!" Kaliyah pushed the boy in the opposite direction, before running herself, with her souls following. Edmond chased after them, attempting to catch up to the group, as Pyroeis flew overhead. Kaliyah noticed this, before beckoning the boy into the trees, using them for cover. They all found a place to hide, crouching down, watching as Edmond passed by. Eventually, he did, and Kaliyah sighed, leaning against a tree. "Who are you, miss?" The boy asked, crossing his legs. "I am Kaliyah. This is Rajah and Aquila, my souls." The boy nodded, before directing his attention to the bear. "Lynn says she is sorry for harming you. She was worried for my safety." He responded. "Don't worry about it, but Lynn.. Next time you pin someone, avoid just pinning the shoulders. I could easily have grabbed my blade and injured you." Kaliyah spoke softly, listening for any sounds. "Lynn says she appreciates the advice. Oh! My name is Kovu, by the way!" He smiled softly. Kaliyah nodded before yawning, "I think I need... rest." She muttered before falling fast asleep.

As she slept, Kovu carefully dressed her wounds. He ran around the small area, finding berries and small creatures like Hare and squirrel. He killed a few and brought them back for when Kaliyah awoke. He wanted to impress his protector. He felt as though she gave him hope... Hope that he will last until the next morning.