The Raven

Chapter 2

The red, hot sand burned beneath my feet. Not a bad burn, but a warm, soothing feeling. I looked up at the dark, indigo sky and reached my hand towards the stars, pretending I was catching them. I smiled. One day, I was going to go up there and look for other people.

"Raven." A deep, rich voice spoke behind me.

I turned around and looked up at the man looming over me. I hated being short. Everyone called me "kid" or "boy". Well, one day I'd be the strongest one on the planet.

"Yes father?" I replied.

"You need to get back to camp.....they....could come....at any...moment." He said breathing hard.

I only heard bits and pieces of what my father said. The rest was lost in the wind as I ran back home, the sand burning, but this time, a hot, violent burn. My black hair fell in front of my eyes and I tripped, cutting myself on the sharp rocks. Quickly, I got back up and kept running at full speed.

When I got to camp, there were burning buildings and huts everywhere. I ran looking for my mom and my little sister. Debris was everywhere and I hit my head on low-hanging piece of wood as I was running. Blood trickled down my forehead into my eyes, but I blinked, clearing my vision.

"Dove! Jay! Where are you?"

I kept running. Now, my whole body was cut up and burned as I climbed over debris and through the flames. I saw a small hand reaching out under a pile of bricks and rushed towards it. This had to be one of them.

When I reached the hand, I started throwing bricks off the pile, cutting my hands. Sharp glass cut my arm and I shut my eyes, trying to block out the pain. Quickly, I returned to throwing the bricks off the pile until a small girl came into view.

The girl had long, snow white hair and pale, smooth skin. Her eyes were shut and she was breathing softly. Blood trickled down her forehead.

"Dove! Dove, please be alright!" I cried desperately.

She slowly opened her eyes. They were emerald green, but the color was very dull and she groaned in pain.

"Dove! Are you alright?" I called in a small voice.

"M....m...mom.." she whispered pointing to another pile a few feet away.

I slowly lifted her up, wincing from the pain. I stumbled over to the other pile and gently set Dove down.

Quickly, I dug through the pile of bricks until I reached my mother.

"Mom... please be alright..." I squeaked.

She opened her pale blue eyes and smiled up at me.

"Raven... take care of your sister for me..."

Her eyes closed and she laid peacefully, the loving smile still on her face. Tears came to my eyes, but I quickly picked up my sister and ran. We had to get out of here.... Somewhere.... I had to take care of my sister.

I ran through the flames, wincing and crying.

"Don't worry Dove. We're almost there." I said trying to comfort my little sister.

I ran and ran for hours trying to find my way through the streets that no longer welcomed me. I stumbled and fell, Dove falling with me. I rolled and then quickly got up and went to my little sister's side. A sharp rock jutted through her arm and she looked up at me in pain.

"Raven.... I know I haven't been alive very long... but please.... I learned one important thing... never trust anyone... and always protect yourself... no one... else." she said quietly. Then, her eyes glassed over as the life faded away from them.

I looked up at the sky and screamed long and loud. I had failed. I had failed everybody. Alone, I got up and ran through the streets. I looked down and saw a mark fade onto my skin... It was a jet black raven flying into the distance. I looked up and knew my ancestors were watching over me.

I smiled sadly and slumped down, closing my eyes. This wasn't the end. I would make sure of it. I would make sure they paid. They messed with the wrong person. My sad smile slowly turned into a grin, sharp fangs gleaming. My hair covered my eyes as I sat in the dark corner of the streets, alone.