III: Ren

“Are we there yet?” groaned a tired Zack as he and his group continued their journey to South Caldor--Risano.

“Oh quit complaining! We’re getting close to Hayno! We’ll stop there for the night if we must!” Lana snapped. Kye and Silver Star decided to stay out of their argument, for that would’ve been most wise.

“Kye, are you sure about those two being lovers soon?” the small kitten with wings whispered in his ear.

“Honestly, I’m not sure anymore,” he whispered in reply, accompanied with a small shrug.

“Really Zack! It’s only been but a few hours! Aren’t you a MAN?” growled Lana.

“Geez, a few hours! More like ALL DAY!”

Kye and Silver Star sighed simultaneously, muttering, “Hopeless.” And with that, Silver Star spread her wings and took flight just a few feet above the group. She looked around for a moment, until something seemed to catch her eye.

“Hey! I see a village in the distance!” she shouted. Everyone’s faces lit up.

“Finally! I can stop listening to Zack’s complaining!” Lana said as she began running ahead of the group.

“What was that!?” Zack hissed as he ran after her.

Kye continued to walk at his own pace, sighing once again as Silver Star perched herself upon his shoulder once more. “I’m beginning to wonder why I ever thought they might have feelings for each other,” he said as he began running after them.

“Man, I’m starving! Where’s a place we can eat, Lana?” asked Zack as they entered the quiet village.

“All they have are shops,” she answered. Zack frowned, guessing he should’ve expected that of such a small village. The four then made their way to the town‘s central plaza, where they found a giant tree that seem to stand out from the rest of the scene.

“That’s one big tree!” commented Zack.

“I know. It’s sort of Hayno’s landmark, in a way. If only Caldor wasn’t so far up North, maybe if there was no snow, the tree would be full of life,” Lana said as she placed her hand upon the tree’s trunk.

“Never knew Lana was a tree-hugger…” Zack teased under his breath, fortunately not loud enough for Lana to hear.

“Hey, what’s this?” Kye ignored Zack as he kneeled down to recover an item from the snow below. “A book?”

“What kind of book?” asked Lana as everyone gathered around Kye. He opened to the first page…

“Wow! Is that a dragon?” Lana awed at the painted image of a beautiful blue dragon with wings of a rainbow. Kye turned the page…

“The Blue Star?” questioned Zack as they looked upon another painted image, this time of the Blue Star. Kye turned the page again…

“That’s a big tree! And so much green! Maybe it’s the Hayno Tree, but alive?” Silver Star stated as they looked at the painting of a tree, appearing much similar in size and shape to the Hayno Tree, but with branches full of lively green leaves.

“Whoever did these is one heck of an artist,” commented Kye as he turned the page once more. This time, the image wasn’t painted. It was but a rough pencil sketch of a man with long ebony hair and a cape flowing behind him. He held a swallow to his side, indicating he must have been a warrior of some sort. “I wonder who this could be…?”

“His name is Zephyr,” spoke an unknown voice from behind the four. They turned around to see a girl around Kye’s age, maybe older. Her hair was a dark violet and half-braided, hanging down to her waist. Her eyes matched her outfit; cerulean blue. From the look of her clothes, one could tell she wasn’t from Caldor.

“Is this your book?” asked Kye.

“It is,” she answered solemnly. “May I have it back?”

“Sure,” replied Kye as he handed it to the girl, who quickly took hold of it and pulled it close to her. “You’re a great artist, by the way,” he commented.

“…Thanks,” she replied, looking down at the book in her hands with little thought in her eyes. “The man in here…have you seen him?”

“Huh? No, I haven’t…” Kye tilted his head slightly as the others shook their heads or shrugged in response.

“I see…I suppose I must move on then,” she said as she began walking away from the confused group.

“Hey, wait!” Kye stopped her. She looked at him, a rather puzzled look on her face. “We just came from that way, and I can assure you we haven’t seen that ‘Zephyr’ guy from where we’re from.”

“There’s still a possibility that he could’ve passed this way,” her eyes showed she was serious as she made eye contact with Silver Star, who stared back intently.. “Arhes to the North and Valesc to the West are the only places I’ve yet to search.”

“Why are you searching for this man? What importance is he?” asked the curious Lana. The girl did not reply. “Well?”

“I must find him, that is all. I will search every corner on Lunar if I must,” she began to walk away once again.

“Hey! Can we at least have your name?” called out Zack.

“Yeah, in case we happen to run into him; we’ll tell him you’re looking for him!” added Kye.

The woman was silent once again, but before she walked out of their hearing range, she answered, “My name is Ren.”

“What a strange girl,” said Lana as she placed her hands on her hips. The boys couldn’t help but agree.

Kye looked over at Silver Star, who continued to sit quietly on his shoulder. “Something wrong?”

“That girl seems oddly familiar. I sense something strange about her…”

“Maybe you knew her at some point,” Zack suggested.

“Perhaps,” Silver Star uneasily answered…

After further exploring the village of Hayno, the three teens and winged cat decide to stay at the inn for the night, seeing they still had a whole day left to reach Risano. It was after dinner now, and the group was split up, doing their own business.

“Why did you come back?”
“You should know…”
“Know what…?”
“…I’d rather be with you…”

Kye groaned as he rolled onto his side, his eyes barely open. Must’ve dozed off, he thought to himself as he sat up and rubbed his forehead. He looked around the empty room him and his companions had rented for the night, but no one was there. Who were those voices I heard…?

Kye headed downstairs to the inn’s lobby, where he saw Lana standing in front of a fireplace. She turned to face him as he approached her.

“Oh, hey Kye,” she looked at him as he stood beside her. “You just crashed onto your bed with all your equipment still on you! Are you feeling alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I guess I was just a little tired. Where is everyone?”

“I’m not quite sure. Zack went out for a bit, so I can only assume Silver Star might’ve accompanied him for I haven’t seen her in the inn,” Lana shrugged as Kye watched the fire flicker before them.

“I wonder if Uncle remembers me?” He began to ponder.

“That came out of no where,” said Lana as she looked up at her older cousin. “Dad always asks your father why he doesn’t bring you along during our visits. And Uncle Isaac always replies that Aunt Anita just won’t allow it!”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Kye sighed.

“…Kye, why is Aunt Anita so protective of you? She seemed really hesitant to let you go on this journey.”

“I wish I could answer your question, Lana. But even I don’t know the answer,” said Kye as he closed his eyes and rubbed his chin, seeming to think more into the matter, but unable to think of any possible reason.

“I guess she’s just one of those moms that can’t let go,” suggested Lana as she turned to look out a nearby window. “Zack’s been out for some time now.”

“I’ll find him,” said Kye as he began walking towards the hotel’s entrance. “I’ll try not to stay out too long,” he said as he left. It wasn’t but a few minutes after Kye had left that Zack returned to the hotel.

“Zack!” Lana ran up to him, quite surprised to see him actually. “Kye just left not long ago to look for you! Did you not pass him? Where's Silver Star?”

Zack shook his head, “I haven't seen Silver Star for some time now. And I didn’t see Kye. Guess I came from a different direction than from where he went. ”

“Well, you should go get him then,” said Lana.

“It’s a small village, I’m sure he’ll be back shortly. Don’t worry, maybe he‘ll find Silver Star at least,” smiled Zack.

“I hope so,” Lana sighed as she went to sit down on the lobby sofa.

Zack took a seat next to her, “Something up?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“You’re pretty bad a lying. What’s on your mind?”

Lana knew she couldn’t fight with Zack, else it would lead to one of their usual fights. “I just have a weird feeling that something bad might happen.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I wish I knew. But ever since we found Silver Star, I’ve had a real ominous feeling in my stomach. Not only that, but meeting the girl earlier today seemed to add onto my bad feelings.”

“I can understand you not trusting that girl, cause she was pretty strange, but do you not trust Silver Star?”

“It’s not that,” Lana shook her head and sighed. “I’m not sure how to explain it. But just think back on it--why was Silver Star hurt like she was when we first found her? Who or what did that?” Zack began to wonder about those mysteries as well. “And just what is Silver Star exactly? Maybe I’m just worrying too much, like Kye’s mother…”

“I’m sure everything will turn out fine in the end,” replied Zack. “You do worry a lot. Just chill, Lana. I promise everything will be alright!”

Lana turned her head away from him, softly speaking, “I hope so…”

Lights from buildings and homes as well as various placed torches were what kept light to the tiny village as night crept in. Kye walked towards the plaza, hoping he might find Zack or Silver Star or maybe even both of them. When he got there though, something else had caught his attention.

The large Ice Wolf with piercing yellow eyes from his previous ‘adventure’ was there, snarling at a stranger that stood before it. Kye recognized the stranger to be the girl they had met earlier; Ren. Kye immediately drew his swords and ran to her side.

“You…” Ren looked over at Kye but was caught off guard as the wolf barked, leaping at the two. Kye held his swords in a defensive position, pushing the wolf back with all his might when it hit. His swords, however, still weren’t strong enough to damage the wolf’s frozen body. “Thanks,” Ren said as her attention returned to the wolf.

“Don’t mention it. I’ve actually fought this guy before,” said Kye as he stood straight.

“Doesn’t look like you won that battle,” stated Ren.

“Don’t remind me…” Kye shook his head as the wolf barked once again. “I wonder if it followed us from Arhes?” Kye asked himself.

“I have a feeling I know what it is after,” said Ren.

“Huh?” But before Kye could ask, the wolf leapt at him once again.

“Aqua Veil!” Ren shouted as she held her palm out towards Kye. A blue aura surrounded her as a barrier of water appeared before Kye. It was much stronger than what it led on for the wolf was easily repelled. Ren then charged at the beast with her rapier and began slashing multiple times, though with little effect. Kye decided to join in with his swords, hoping that both of their strength combined would create a different outcome. The ice on the wolf’s back suddenly cracked! The beast quickly reacted to this and snapped at Kye, getting his arm. Kye jumped back as he and the wolf seemed to take note of their wounds. Ren held her palm out to Kye once again as a blue aura rose from her being.

“Azure, lend me your power…” She closed her eyes and concentrated. “Healing Rain!” There was a small flash as it began to sprinkle slightly. The rain had no effect on the monster, however, it began to restore Kye’s lost energy. His wound disappeared in a matter of seconds.

“Thanks!” said Kye as he got into a fighting stance; he could tell the wolf was getting angry, and fast. Kye charged at it one final time and slashed with both swords. While he distracted the wolf, Ren quickly ran in, thrusting her rapier into the beast’s side violently. The wolf cried and yelped, which gave Kye the advantage to repeat Ren’s actions, except twice as much. The wolf staggered for a bit, then finally lost all energy to stand. It fell with a thud and lied there for a long moment, until finally it was no more. And like every monster, it disintegrated into nothing-ness. The two warriors withdrew their weapons and looked at one another.

“You fight boldly,” stated Ren. “With more practice, I’m sure you’ll be at an expert level in no time.”

Kye wasn’t sure how to reply to that. “You have some impressive magic! I’ve never seen anything like it! Then again, I don’t think there are many magic users on Caldor.”

“I wouldn’t think there are. Magic is only taught on the mainland, after all. I should be off now,” said Ren as she began walking off.

“Hey, wait! Don’t be in such a rush!” Kye shouted as he tried to stop her.

“But you don’t understand; I am in a hurry.”

“That’s what you said last time, but you’re still here!” There was an awkward silence between them. Ren sighed and turned to face him, crossing her arms in doing so. She didn’t say anything, but rather seemed to wait for him to say something. “Um…so, who is that guy you’re looking for again?”

“Zephyr…I have known him for many years, for we grew up together,” she looked towards the ground. “But all of a sudden, he disappeared. So now, I’m searching for him.”

Kye blinked, “Why would he just disappear?”

“If I knew, I’d have answered earlier,” she sighed. “I came to Caldor hoping I might get a step closer to finding him.” Ren looked up at the Hayno Tree, “This is his hometown. I thought I might stay a while longer to ask around. But I’ve failed to get any answers.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” replied Kye. “Oh, you mentioned the name ‘Azure’ during that battle. Might I ask who Azure is?” Kye thought maybe changing the subject would lift the depression that drifted in the air.

“Azure? You mean you don’t know?”

“Um…I’m a bit slow,” chuckled Kye.

“Azure is the Blue Dragon. I am his guardian. And because of that, I am able to use his powers.”

“Wow, a Dragon Guardian? That’s pretty cool! You should arrange a meeting between Azure and myself! I’d love to meet a dragon!”

“Eh…I’ll think about it,” Ren managed to smile from Kye's remark.

“That‘s certainly a different side of you I haven‘t seen before! I think it suits you better,” Kye grinned as Ren began blushing slightly.

“I-I really should be heading out now.”

“You should come with us!” suggested Kye. “We could always use an extra companion, and I’d love to hear stories about Dragon Guardians!”

“Heh, you act like an excited child,” Ren laughed. “But I’m sorry. I have priorities that I must fulfill.”

“You sure?” asked Kye.

“Yes. I must find him, for I fear something bad is amidst.” She turned around, looking back at him once more, “Thank you for aiding me in that battle and sharing your time with me, um…”

“It’s Kye. Kye Luro.”

“Right. Kye,” she turned away once again. “My name is Renae Denon. But you may call me Ren for short.” And with that, she was gone once again. Kye stood there, pondering what she had meant about something bad being amidst. Finally shrugging it off, he decided he would resume his search for Silver Star. She was no where to be found in the plaza. Kye took every turn there was in the tiny village, until finally he spotted her on a nearby bench.

“Oh, hey Si--” Kye stopped mid sentence as he stopped to see what she was doing. Or rather, who she was talking to.

“I thought you were killed...”

“What do you mean…” Silver Star spoke softly as Ren approached before her.

Does Ren know Silver Star? Kye kept his distance; surprisingly they didn’t seem to notice him, or perhaps they didn’t feel like acknowledging his obvious presence.

“You don’t remember me, Star Dragon?” asked Ren.

“N-no…” Silver Star felt uneasy again.

Wait a minute…dragon!? What!? Kye was just as confused as Silver Star was.

“…You seem to have no memory. How unfortunate,” sighed Ren.

“H-hey!” Kye interrupted the two as he ran onto the scene. “How do you know Silver Star?” He asked Ren.

She looked away, “If you’re heading for the mainland, then you should go to Taben’s Peak. I’m sure you’ll learn something there,” Ren stated as she began walking off.

“What?” Kye was even more puzzled. He looked down at Silver Star, who looked rather ill. “You alright?”

“I just feel so confused…like I should know something, but I just can’t remember…”

“It’ll take some time before your memory comes back,” reassured Kye. Silver Star sighed again, sounding depressed as ever. “Don’t worry. I’ll be here to help you out. I promise.” The small creature looked up at him with big, glossy eyes. “We’ll check out Taben’s Peak or whatever when we get to the Mainland. I’m almost certain something important will be there!”

“I suppose you are right,” Silver Star looked towards the ground. “You’re such a kind person, Kye…”

“Eh, you think so?” He blushed a little as Silver Star nodded, giggling slightly. Ren was watching from nearby, unbeknownst to the two.

“He is a kind person, indeed. I‘ve nearly forgotten what it‘s like to be kind and caring. To be a friend while having some in return,” she closed her eyes. “Perhaps we will meet again, Kye Luro…”

Time had past and everyone was getting ready for bed now. Just one more day, Kye kept thinking to himself. One more day…

Lana and Silver Star were already fast asleep in their beds. Zack lied in his bed and stared at the ceiling with his deep brown eyes. One could never tell what was on his mind. Kye lied down on his bed and went into a deep thought of his own, questioning if Silver Star really was a dragon or not, mostly. He pondered of his dreams, questioning their meaning as well. However, he couldn’t come up with any reasons or answers. He shifted around in his bed in order to find comfort so he may rest for the night. Finding a comfortable spot on his side, he snuggled himself within his blanket and closed his eyes. It wasn’t long until a sound caught his attention from outside.

It was a soft, humming sound of a melody Kye thought to be familiar. Kye climbed out of his bed and wandered to the window of their room. From there, he could see the Hayno Tree and what appeared to be a female with long, cerulean hair. “That girl…” Kye remembered his dream from when he was still in Arhes of the crying woman with long blue hair. The girl he saw below looked almost exactly like the one from his dream, except younger. Kye looked at his companions; they were all asleep and seemingly unaware. Not wanting to wake any of them, Kye hurried out of the hotel and made his way to the tree.

By the time he got there, the humming had stopped and the girl was no where in sight. “Don’t tell me I’m dreaming again…” Kye searched the area, but saw no sign of the girl, not even footprints. “Dammit,” he sighed hopelessly as he sat down on a nearby bench. He looked up at the endless stars in the sky, particularly at the Blue Star. There was always something the Blue Star that made him feel empty. Perhaps the lack of life there? There was another feeling as well, but he could never quite explain it other than it was a somewhat comfortable feeling.

“…Blue Star above me…Your mystic shimmer tells of love…I should know…”

Kye was caught off guard as he jumped slightly from the singing. He looked beside him and saw the girl from before, staring at him with giant, blue eyes. Her dress was simple with different shades of blue; Kye came to the conclusion that she was the definition of the color itself. Her skin was pale as the snow around him; if it weren’t for her cute, lively face, Kye would think her to be a ghost. “Where did you come from?”

The girl giggled slightly as she looked at him innocently. “Nice to meet you!”

Kye lifted an eyebrow in confusion; was that all she had to say? “Nice…to meet you too.” The girl looked away for a moment and stared up at the Blue Star, still smiling innocently. Kye decided to take a look at the Blue Star as well for whatever the reason. “So, um…what’s your name?” He asked as he looked back down, only to find that the girl had disappeared yet again. He sighed, “I think I’m starting to lose it…”

Morning came fast; it was time to move on with the journey to Risano. Kye had shrugged off what had occurred the previous night as another strange and meaningless dream. Or rather, he just couldn’t understand their meaning. Either way, he ignored it and put a smile on; it was another day of travel and seeing new things. That’s all he really wanted to do right now anyways.

“Are you ready, Kye?” asked Silver Star as she floated besides him, seeming to be able to read his mind and knowing what his answer was going to be.

“You bet!”

A/N: Well, that was a bit of a wait for this chapter...Sorry. Once school started for me, it felt like I had lost practically all the free time I once had. That and having a job as well. But during the long wait, I was able to sit and further plan out things for this story...So far, it looks like the story is going to roughly be around 45 chapters long, give or take. This was only chapter 3...still got a ways to go, huh? God knows when Chap. 4 will come...but it will. I only ask for both yours and my own patience. The idea of this story has been in my head far too long and it needs to get out, lol.

In the meantime, enjoy my crappy (and mind you, some of them are a few months old!) artwork! Copy and Paste the URLs, but take out the spaces surrounding 'deviantart' for them to actually work. It wouldn't let me post direct links.

Lana: http://ccg. deviantart .com/art/Lana-Knows-Best-65087219
Silver Star: http://ccg. deviantart .com/art/Silver-Star-60053333
Kye: http://ccg. deviantart .com/art/kye-design-54100917
Kye and Silver Star!: http://ccg. deviantart .com/art/kye-n-silver-star-58063589