Risen (Short of Breath)

~The Past~ 2

Deep into my book, I was startled when two hands cover my eyes. The warmth is soft against my skin and a calm sensation rushes through my body. "Stop Arrow." I whine but its playful and inviting. He smiles at me before plopping himself next to me on the couch.

"Whuch y'a reading?" He leans over trying to catch a glimpse at the cover. It's a new book and the pages are as fresh as they smell. The scent is comforting just as is letting my mind slip to somewhere else. Somewhere safe. Not here. But I brush that though off quickly before ruining the mood I was in.

"It's actually the book you bought me for my birthday a few days ago." His expression is grateful that I love his gift so much. We aren't from poor family's but gifts are something you don't have a tun to spend on.

"I can't believe your already eighteen." Staring off into the sunset he sights. Closing his eyes , hiding any tears that might start to form in is ocean blue eyes. We both knows what happens soon. I'll be forced to accept the first proposal of marriage I get of someone of the same or higher in riches. When the two of us were little money was rarely ever brought up. But this world has come to that. That's all they care about. The more money you have, the higher ranking you revive, which is ultimately a better life.

"You'll be eighteen soon too, which means you'll be able to live on your own. Away from your father." His father, a man who is as strict as curfew and as cruel as a Lord. That's saying something. That's saying a lot.

"Raven you know I couldn't just get up and leave you behind." A lump settles in the depth of my throat, begging to rise and bring ears with it. He's my best friend. He'd take a bullet for me. Or worse, live with his father for me. I throw my arms around him embracing him. I never want to let go. And I can't, that could be one of the last times I hug him. That's why I never go outside. I'm a cowered. Afraid of what the future might bring. I don't want anything to change. Not ever.

The creaks of the stairs break me away from my train of thought. A tall Crimson with messy blond hair comes in to view. His eyes are blood shot and his hands tremble by his sides. I curse to myself before asking anything. I already know. "Crimson," I start but holding back tears is impossible, and nothing is impossible. He'd been drinking, he never drinks. "what's the matter?" The quiet pause is short but enough time for my heart to speed up about a thousand times faster.

"The drafted me." His voice is quieter than a whisper but I'm able to hear every word. All because of a silly mistake he made when he was sixteen he was going to be sent off to war to potentially die. Him and his mates had signed up for the draft. They either took you or didn't and by age twenty your chances of ever getting pulled are slim. The next day he had regretted it, but it was too late. He was submitted. "I thought I was in the clear I really did. I'm twenty one Raven! They don't call for twenty one year old men!" He shouted crying. I was crying, and Arrow stood there jaw dropped. I could already imagine mom's sobs as she loses her only son. Losing any child. His eyes are red unlike mine and Arrow's, but right now their darker, angrier. They boil like the fire lands were he was born and are cloudy like the sky above. I've fallen into a haze.

My brother. My only brother.The one who protects me. Loves me. Gone. Being sent of to war. A stupid war. The one I seize to understand. Who knew the hatred between two brothers could bring our world to a never ending war. No, not till the other loses. And now I'm losing.

"Raven!" Arrow screams my name. I'm crying enough to fill a thousand buckets. But I ignore Arrow's warm hand and I rush over to Crimson coming back to reality. I don't have much time left. This might be the last time I see him. Draft keepers could come at any moment to sweep him up.

"Don't Ravey, don't cry. I'm going to come home. I promise. I'll come home." His words are tranquil even in this time of misery. Even through the growing heart throbs. He brings himself back for me. He won't show his fear. Because it will only cause me to worry.

"I love you." The words escape my mouth like a song who's lyrics I'd been singing for years. I love you. The words used to mend the heart and broken souls of the emotionally injured. They always cure me.

Later that night I find myself wandering through the village. I never go outside. But I have lost so much in so little time I can't help but notice myself looking for the beach. I can't remember which way it is between all the new buildings that cause me to get lost. But I make my way slowly with hope I'll swim. I used to love swimming. Born by the shored my eyes turned blue and I was forever tied to the ocean. I'd always found it strange how you get connected like that. Crimson can't get burned and Arrow and I can breath under water. It's like magic.

Suddenly I'm knocked to the ground by a tall black haired man. Black eyes as well. A cave born. I had always feared them. And I shivered in sight of him. They can see in the dark. They can trap you in the dark. It's a known fact that cave borns turn bad once they realize how easily the can torment others. But instead of scaring me away he offers me a hand. I take it and he shares a genuine smile. "Were aren't all bad." And then he walks away disappearing behind the corner.

Finally I find my way to the beach. I can smell the fresh salty water and stare, mesmerized by the waves. It's be a long time since I've put my feet in the soft sun dusted sand and enjoyed the cold refreshing sensation of the water. I start to run. To impatient, called by the ocean. But my toes haven't even touched the water and I stop. Sitting on a rock not to fare away is a boy. No. A man. A dirty brown hair man, not to much older than me. He notices me staring at him. He stares back. I can't see his eye color. Who is he? Un-afraid I walk over.

"Hello." A voice that mesmerizes me like the sea.

"What's your name?" I try to figure him out. His eyes are gold. I don't know where that comes from. And I don't what is means.

"Ferguson. But everyone calls me Ferg. How about you. What's your name?" I smile.

"Raven." He motions for me to sit on the rock with him. "Don't you want to go in?" I laugh playfully skipping my way to the water.

"No. I've never been a fan of the ocean." He laughs.

"The what are you doing at a beach?" I shrug and laughs flirtatiously. He's charming, handsome, different.

"I love the way it reflects the sun."