The Legend of Aranyani

Chapter 14

Yay an update!!! It's been way too long :(

If you're still here... reading my story... thank you... so... so... much. I know it's hard reading a story when it's being currently written.

You being here, still reading, continues to inspire me!!

And have no fear, next week's update has already been started so no excuses for me!!

I hope you enjoy this chapter, if so let me know by leaving a vote or a comment.

Thanks a million!

~Ro <3

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      The cry echoed through the air causing goosebumps to gather along the length of Nate's spine, the hairs on the back of his neck rising in protest. He sharply inhaled the warm air, a sudden motion of fear tingled deep in his gut as the distress cry disturbed the quiet sky again. The sound clearly stating agony.

Nate rushed to keep up with the boy as they dashed through the dense vegetation and after the fleeing Aina. The surrounding atmosphere felt grim. The air was thick with dust, trees were squished against the ground, gray and dirt replaced the normal beautiful colors of the jungle. A small blurr raced past Nate's peripheral vision, once he had turned to look, it vanished. 

Nerves sweated off his skin as he tried to wrap his mind around what was displayed before him.

Amongst the rubble from the mountain partially falling apart lay Aina with a Koto on her lap.

"Lanna." The curse slipped past Nate's lips.

The creature parted it's jaw, crying out in pain, it's sharp white teeth stained with the thick red of blood. Along the length of its body, the delicate green fur was painted crimson. A long gash spread from the animals paw to its shoulder blade, oozing with fresh blood. A large rock was tossed to the side, splattered red.

"Nate." Aina demanded. Nate shot his eyes from the injured Koto to her, nerves coursing through his body.

Right in front of him was a Koto. A Koto tried to kill him. A Koto killed Seketo'a's mother. The thought hit hard, Nate jolted his head around fast enough to cause pain to seep down his back.

The boy stood eerily still. His gaze never leaving the injured animal as it cried out. Seketo'a's usual bright blue eyes were heavy and damp, his forehead creased. His chest rose and fell quickly, harshly, forcefully.

Nate tried to imagine what was running through his head. The creature before him, killed his mother, caused him all his pain, and now it too was in pain. He could be feeling content, glad, justified.

"Nate." The word was curt. He drew his focus away from the boy and back to the woman.

Aina bore into Nate. Her voice had been strong and commanding. Her normal soft curious hazel eyes were alert and focused, Nate thought he saw a hint of sadness but he immediately shoved that to the back. What was important right now was dealing with the Koto, not hidden emotions.

The animal moaned, letting out a few wheezy breaths. Aina leaned forward stroking its soft dirty fur, whispering inaudibly. Her hazel gaze met Nate's, an unknown feeling washed over his body from the look she gave him. She didn't have to breath a word for him to understand that she needed his help.

But could he really help her save the animal that hurt him? The animal that hurt Seketo'a? The animal that caused so much pain in so many different ways. Nate looked down at the creature's large head piling over in Aina's lap as she continued to gingerly stroke it. The Koto's eyes were as green as its fur, glazed with agony, its dark pupil darted to meet his own.