Edan & Hima: The Awakening

Chapter Two

His feet pounded against the dirt floor as he pushed himself to run. Each breath fell from his lips as heavy as the last and the beads of sweat rolled down his face faster than before. He felt as if he had been running for hours without end, yet he still didn't know where exactly he was going. His feet were just leading him into the direction in which he felt he needed to go. His vision began to blur for a moment and so he blinked to clear his view; doing so his eyes widened and he skidded to a stop.

He stared at the large thicket wall before him while still breathing heavily. He bent down and gazed at the wall as he made an attempt to catch his breath.

What is this wall doing here? asked the voice in the young man's head.

He shook his head. "I don't know."

His heart continued to beat erratically; he felt his body shake. He pressed his hand harder against his side and grunted with pain. But he then brought himself to reach out his arm towards the wall. But his hand stopped; he became cautious of completing the action.

Did he really want to touch the wall while having no knowledge of what it was?

Perhaps, if he was truly the type to take such risks. Especially if he were trying to escape the one thing that was coming after him.

Suddenly he could hear growling stalking closer to him. The young man swiftly turned to look at what may be coming for him in a panic. He then turned back to the wall and threw his hand on the green wall. He was surprised to discover that it was a solid wall instead of a bush. Then the wall began to glow at his touch. A gasp fell out from his mouth just as the wall began to open like it was a door.

The growling behind him got louder and, out of panic, the young man darted into the open 'door.' He came to a stop and looked over his shoulder to see his pursuers coming closer; however, he then watched the two sides of the wall close immediately.

A heavy breath of relief fell from his mouth and he turned back to face what he had thought was only more forest. But his breath hitched in his throat when he saw what laid beyond that tall wall.

Colorful banners were hung up on every pole that lined the wide pavement which the man stood upon; each banner was painted with either a snowflake or a flame. Further ahead, the young man could make out small buildings which were decorated with similar items consisting of snowflakes and flames.

"What is all this, Rylan?" the young man asked.

I haven't got a clue, huffed Rylan. I don't recall ever seeing anything like this. Well, I've seen decorations before, but I don't think I really know what these decorations are for.

The young man huffed and slowly walked down the pavement while gazing at each decoration that he passed. When coming up to the building, he noticed fliers that had been put up.

"Powder War! Sign up below!" one had read.

"What's Powder War?" the man scoffed and turned his head. He continued to walk and gaze at the buildings and decorations.

He came to a stop again and grunted in pain. The man bent over and stood straight while removing his hand from his side to see the red liquid that was still escaping his body.

"Shit," he hissed. His head lifted and he looked for a close and secluded place to hide. But wherever he looked, there was always a way for someone to see him. However, the young man finally noticed an unusual aspect of the area he had entered.

There was no one around.

Were the residents hiding from him?

He shook his head and grunted again as his way of preventing himself from showing any lack of strength. But his legs began to shake violently as they were losing the ability to keep him standing. Finally, his legs gave out and the young man dropped to the floor. A cry had also fallen from his lips and he gritted his teeth while holding his hand tightly against his wound once more.