Crossed Paths

Chapter 1

I did this with a Wattpader named DeitoninVespera. A lot of credit goes to he/she(the books written by him/her are amazing, too!). Also, I'm going to both add and remove some tiny bits or large pieces of it. So bear with me, okay?

I awoke with sweat running down my face and a hot, dry breeze blowing in my face. Sitting up, I wiped the perspiration off my brow.

"Ugh...Where am I?" I think aloud as I get to my feet.

Red-orange desert surrounded me and a sweltering heat beat upon my face, drawing sweat. I wipe it away as I see a small village in the distance. The buildings were dome-shaped, with little spires on the tops. Squinting, I saw people walking around the outskirts of the town, going in and out as they went. I sighed and began walking to the small town, hoping to find out where I was.

•/+{∆}+\•

Reaching the town, my mind immediately went on alert. There were people of all sizes and race, though most towered over me, making me feel smaller than I already was. I walked up to any person I thought could help me.

"Excuse m-"

"I don't have time for the likes of you," one tall, scruffy man said in a gruff voice, shoving me aside.

I fell, and stood back up, rubbing my back.

Rude much? I thought. I went up to several other people, but got similar results, minus the shoving. I soon gave up and left the crowded area. I looked around, then behind me. My breath hitched; a cloaked and hooded figure was moving towards me. My first thought was to run. So I did just that.

I sprinted into a crowded section of the village, using my size to my advantage. I was able to slip through the crowd and head into an alleyway. I heard tapping above me, and I cursed under my breath. I turned, and I ended up where I started.

Really?! I thought. I sighed and merged with the crowd once more. After some time I broke away and went to a small wall, sitting on it. I was panting lightly as I wiped my brow. I sat up straight, sensing that someone was behind me.

"Mae Hagai?" A crisp, clear voice asked, a female's voice.

I turned to see the cloaked figure. I jumped from the wall, but before I could run, the person spoke.

"Don't be alarmed," the person said, reaching up to its hood.

The person removed the hood to reveal a young woman's face. Her skin was pale, paler than mine, with eyes the color of darkened, rich honey. Her hair bore the same color, except it being a bit lighter. The amber-blonde hair was tied back into what I assumed was a braid. Her features were soft; her eyes were almond-shaped, her nose curving smoothly, and her lips seemingly soft to the touch. Under her eyes were white, swirling patterns, stretching down to her arms.

She was much taller than me, at least a foot taller. Her dusty maroon cloak flowed in the small breeze. The young woman gave me a reassuring smile.

"I'm Rhi. I've come to ask you a few questions, if it is all right?"

Sensing no danger, I relax my shoulders. "Sure, I'm free."

The woman took a deep breath, which seemed kind of unneeded. She looked nervous. Ironically.

"Um...You're Precurian, right?" Rhi asked, and her voice cracked.

She cursed under her breath. I couldn't help but laugh. She sighed, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, I am. Why?" I ask.

"I was sent to find out more about your people," was her response.

My smile instantly faded, and I looked away. It was not something I like to talk about.

"You don't have to answer my questions if you don't want to." said Rhi.

I sighed. "No, it's fine. I'll answer them."

Her smile returned to her face. Admittedly, her smile was gorgeous, making me feel both jealous and happy.

"Okay," she begins, "first of all, I have no idea where I am. Do you?"

I sigh. "No, I don't."

Rhi sighs as well. "Oh, so you're lost too.."

We were both dejected. Rhi leaned against a wall, thinking.

"Maybe we could ask someone," I suggested. "I'm sure there'll be someone who will show some kind of kindness to us."

Rhi shrugs. "Worth a shot. Lead the way."

I head into what I assumed was the bazaar. I went up to a person, who, like the first man, shoved me back. But this time it was harder. I skidded backwards and was almost trampled by an uncaring group of people. Rhi helped me up and dusted me off. After a few more trys and being shoved to the ground, I had given up. Rhi lightly put a hand on my shoulder, patting it gently.

"Don't give up, Mae," she says, and was about to say something else when she stopped.

I look up, and she had her eyes squinted in focus.

"What kind of animal is that?" she asked me, pointing. "Wait...that man over there, is he your race? Do you know him?"

I follow the direction of her finger, and see a welcoming sight. A man stood out in the crowd, which had begun to disperse. His vibrant yellow-green hair stood out among the reds, browns, and blacks. A small animal was perched on his left shoulder.

I couldn't believe it..

"Oh my God, it's Jak!"

Hey, so here's the first chapter. I can't determine how long this book will be. Maybe it'll have no end. I don't know. Anyways, I'm out, peeps and cronies!

-Mae