Shadowsworn

Chapter Eight - Destined

She ran. Her very heart and soul splitting, tears pouring in rivulets, her very airwaves closing shut. Her mind in shock. Whilst she drifted in a daze, her body kept pushing, deep through the trees, over roots, across small streams.

Until she was jolted back to reality, hitting into a hard but warm surface, feeling arms wrap around her as they fell to the earth.

Strong arms encircled her, as she laid upon the figure. They grasped onto her, suffocating, smothering, haunting her mind.

"Get off of me you bastards," Aria screeched, the agony winding around her body. Dead, murdered, tortured, because of me. The words were shrieking at her. She couldn't breathe.

"Whoa, whoa, I didn't do anything. You're the one that ran into me," a masculine voice spoke, sending a warmth through her.

Aria clambered backwards, alert, staring with dead emotion at the person in front of her. She felt her tense body relax slightly. He was young, tanned, but his face held wariness, and a wealth of worry. When he opened his eyes, a small bolt of terror ran through her. Eyes red as garnet. As she peered into them, a serenity overcame her. The deep red seemed slightly off to her view, not the blood red that radiated fear. There was a slight tinge to them, flecks of gold. Swirling amongst the redness, almost like honey, such as the warmth to his voice.

"What's your name, child of Wexlar?"

His eyes darkened, "I may have been born in that hellhole, but I'm not one of them," he spat fiercely.

She pondered whether to pick at his words, then shrugged, "That's a mighty long name you have."

The charming beaming smile that looked upon Aria, strangely filled her with joy. She felt a blush run across her cheeks, blaspheming such a reaction to this attractive and youthful face.

"Maxi Kan. Well I suppose just Maxi now, seeing as I left it all behind."

Left it all behind. The words reopened the wound. She had left them all behind, to die. Aria's face felt damp as she reached her shaking hands up. The tears were pouring.

~

Maxi watched the pretty young girl, with utter confusion. One minute she is running like a bat out of hell, then edifying him with her smart mouth. Illuminating the dark forest with such a beautiful smile, then crashing down with such hurt.

He frowned. Slowly crawling forward till he sat in front of the dazzling girl.

"Sorry, for upsetting you."

She snorted, "Did you slaughter my family like cattle then?"

A heaviness fell in his chest, hearing the words she spoke. He was lost. What could he do or say to lighten such horror.

Maxi leant forward carefully, wrapping his arms around her. She fell into his chest, sobbing, till the darkness retreated, and only the two of them were left.

~

Aria awoke with a start. The sight of Maxi, sitting upon a fallen log, sent the rising fear receding back into her. He noticed her conscious state, and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Morning, mystery girl."

"Hey," she squeaked out, covering her mouth, mortified at this unusual bout of shyness.

"You willing to grace me with a name yet?"

"I suppose I could call you Max," she smirked, feeling her bravery returning.

He let out a small chortle, "Call me whatever you wish doll, but I did mean yours."

She enjoyed his lightness, and his undeniable charm, "I guess so. If you really must know, it's Aria."

"Pretty name for a pretty face," Maxi shook his head, cringing at his own words, "Can't believe that just came out of my mouth."

And whilst a thrill at hearing him call her that, she couldn't help but through her head back and laugh.

"Thanks Aria, that really helps the ego."

"Like you need a boost, I mean, just look at you," slipped from her mouth before she could stop herself. She felt her face burning as it reddened.

Maxi grinned with unadulterated smugness, "Think I want to keep you around for a bit. You are an extremely flattering person. The blushing helps me to no end."

He halted the water canteen she flung at him mid-air, leaving her stunned as it dropped harmlessly into his outstretched palm.

"What in the world..."

Maxi jumped up and strolled over to her makeshift bed, handing the flask back to her. He gently placed his fingers on her chin, closing her slackened mouth.

"Don't want to catch any flies there," he ran his thumb gently along her jaw, before snapping out of his trance.

"I suppose I would be classed as highborn, if I hadn't been disgusted by the whole system," he grimaces, unsure at his own complete honesty, "I am an anomaly. For some unusual reason, I can call four elements. Fire of course, air you just saw. But also metal and shadows. Which is why I'm on the run, searching for some god forsaken Myrtle tree."

Maxi's speech bore into her. How is this possible? He walks a similar path. Heading to the same place.

"Maxi, why a Myrtle tree?"

"Looking for the only place someone like me can hide."

"With the Umbra society?" she questioned.

He watched her closely, narrowing his eyes, "And what would you know of the Umbra?"

She shrugged nonchalantly, "Oh nothing much. A guy named Michel is the leader. But it's the same place I'm heading. Or sent, would be more accurate."

"Who sent you?"

She hated the overwhelming pain that threatened to suffocate her, and mumbled out, "Someone who died for me."

Maxi sat down next to her, completely quiet, taking her trembling hand in his own.

Despite Nona's words to tell no one but Michel, the instantaneous and comforting bond she felt with this young man, she was sure she could trust him.

"My grandmother Nona, she sent me in the night. To hide with the Umbra's. She was scared Master Tal would be coming for me, after his visit. She said we have a bloodline to the true royals, and I hold great power, " she released a deep breathe.

"I was being hunted when I ran into you. They killed my family, guards, and an apprentice named Davos. I saw it in my mind. Then felt the power. I know I killed some, if not all. I didn't know what Nona meant by power, but I can feel them now. Elementals, lots of them burrowed in my chest."

"Well, makes my story seem dull," he noted her wince, "Sorry, didn't mean it like that. Least I get to keep you, hey."

"What do you mean?"

"We are both heading the same way, we can go together," he grinned, "And make sure those Umbras take care of you."

After they had packed up, they began the trek together, before something twigged in Aria's mind.

"Hey, Max?"

"Yes doll."

"Exactly what sort of society is the Umbras?"

He paused, spinning to glance at her with an unreadable look, "Your grandmother never told you?"

"No, she didn't," she frowned, "Just said 'you will see' basically."

Maxi gave a hearty laugh, "A woman a wish I could have met. You would definitely see. But seeing as I'm fond of you doll, I will give you a hint."

He spun to face her, "Well, more than a hint. Assassins my lovely Aria. A society of assassins." 

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