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Moonlight Rendezvous; A wee little exerpt from a story of mine
Topic Started: Friday, 8. July 2011, 11:58 (298 Views)
Taygirl
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So crazy little me has been writing stories since birth. This one in particular is a story I hope to turn into an actual book. Here's an exerpt from it, my favorite part in fact ^_^ Tell me what you think?

Oh! And the story line is based on a daughter of Aphrodite(Ianthe) and two demi-gods, Leander(also known as Andy, son of Zeus) and Kaiden(son of Hades). Leander is betrothed to Ianthe, though she doesn't know it yet, but Kaiden has decided that fate has dealt Ianthe a future much different than her mother had decided upon...

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“Kayden, what are you doing?” a giggle escaped my lips as I watched the crazy ribbon boy twirl the white ribbon around our joined hands. He made an amused face at me before dropping his head and focusing on his 'bonding ritual'. I obviously wasn't taking it very seriously. I couldn't help it. I'd just met him, after all, and most people didn't have 'lets be biffles forevurz!' attitudes upon a first meeting.

“I told you already, it's an old Greek ceremony to bless new beginnings.” He finished with his wrapping and looked up at me expectantly.

“Now I'm going to start the words. It's crucial that you do not interrupt me when I do. Do you understand?” I nodded vigorously, smile still spread across my face. Even if he was a little wonky in the head he was very cute, and I kind of liked that serious face he was giving me, as if my promise actually meant something to him.

“You got it, bub. You ask and I shall obey.” I would've saluted him but my left hand was trapped in his coarse fingers. I was sure he got my meaning, even if he didn't acknowledge my quip. He gave me a long-suffering look before closing his eyes and dropping his head once more.

“I pledge to thee, before Zeus my creator and the Goddess Aphrodite as my witness. I give myself to this woman, Ianthe Theresa Cardonnee, until the day I join Hades in my untimely demise.” His voice had deepened for the 'ceremony' and my eyes were transfixed by his glittering silver eyes. “I ask your blessing, God of Gods, in this union. I appeal to you, Goddess, to witness and attest to this hand-fasting. Do you accede to this, Ianthe?” I dazedly nodded my head, surprised at how hypnotized I'd become. “You must speak, Aya.” his voice was wrapped in a soft warmth that made me smile. I wasn't altogether sure what was going on, but I couldn't help but say yes to his sweet face.

“I do.” A smile broke out against his lips before he continued to speak. My eyes were focused on the way his lips wrapped around each word that left his mouth.

“With a sacrifice I seal this mar--”

A shout from behind me overpowered Kayden's last word. I blinked repeatedly, trying to clear my head. He'd been so captivating that I'd lost myself in the cadence of his voice and the softness of his fingers against mine. My head whipped around, trying to place the familiar voice.

Andy was running toward us at full speed, his golden hair glimmering palely in the moon's light. I was too distracted by Andy's sudden appearance to notice what Kayden was doing. If I had, believe me, I would have spoken up in defiance.

Something glinted in my peripheral vision and a quick flash of pain made me gasp in surprise. I looked back down at our joined hands - where the pain was coming from - to see a wet knife pull away from my palm and slash into Kayden's own upward-facing hand.

“What the--” My words faded as he pressed our palms gently together with the ribbon in between. He looked into my eyes with his large gray irises and leaned in, kissing me lightly on the lips. I was stunned, too stunned to spot Andy until he decked Kayden square in the jaw.

Kayden flew back, releasing my fingers as he did so, and landed hard on his side. I could hear the air escape his mouth.

“What the hell was that for Andy?” I questioned as he grabbed me by the shoulders. He then began to shake me roughly.

“Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?” Andros's breath was hot on my face and I tried to pull away.

“Get off me dammit!” He might have released me if I didn't use my bloodied hand to push on his abdomen. He gripped my left hand and stared at it, dumbfounded. “Ugh, relax. It's just a bit of blood.” I don't know why I was writing off Kayden's knifing me so nonchalantly, but something in my gut told me not to let Leander get too angry. Apparently that wasn't working. His lips formed a hard line and his eyes narrowed.

“Tell me you didn't, Aya.”

“Didn't what? Hang out with a new friend? Take a walk in the park?” I was starting to get angry. He might be my best friend, but I did not like the way he was treating me, like I was skulking around in the sewers and he could smell it on me. This time when I pulled away he released me.

“You know what!” His voice was loud and painful in my ears.

“Obviously I don't!” I shouted this at him, shaking my non-bloodied fist in his general direction. “Look what you did to poor Kayden. How dare you attack him and act like my damn keeper! I am not your property and I don't like being treated this way!” I huffed angrily, glaring at him before attempting to approach Kayden.

I say attempt because Andy grabbed my right wrist and pulled me close to him. His grip was tight.

“Let me go dammit!” I shouted.

“Zeus, Aphrodite, give me this chance to change her mind.” Andy pulled out a white ribbon exactly like the one I was clutching in my hand (sans the blood) and tied our hands together. I kept trying to rip my hand away from him but it wasn't working.

“What is this? Stupid ribbon and men going bonkers day?” I ground out through my clenched teeth, tugging with all my might.

“Zeus, bless my devotion and Aphrodite honor my commitment and love. Approve, Olympus!” Now Leander was shouting nonsensical babble at me! What the hell was going on?

Andy's golden eyes found mine and locked in. “Ianthe Theresa Cardonnee, do you care about me?” He was standing so close that his eyes blurred together into a single iris.

“What a stupid question. Of course I do! But what does that have to do--” I was interrupted by Andy's lips pressing against mine. My eyes flew wide as I tried to push him off of me. He pulled back, but our hands were still clasped.

“With this sacrifice I sanction this hand-fasting.” He turned my hand palm up and slashed a line into my palm with his nail, which hurt considerably more than the sharp knife had.

“Ow, damn you! That hand's attached to me you know!” He did the same with his own right hand and pressed them together in the same fashion Kayden had. He held it there for a moment before releasing my fingers.

“I—I'm sorry, Aya.” Andy's head fell and he turned away from me. “I didn't know what else to do. That damn reaper boy stole you before I could tell you...” he didn't finish that statement, but I was too distracted by my clenched fists. They mimicked each other perfectly, each hanging over the side of my hands as the blood washed away any traces of white silk.

Both white ribbons were no longer the color of the moon. They gleamed a vibrant red, blood dripping slowly down each frayed end. I stared at them in shock. Beneath each I felt a gut-wrenching sting, but it wasn't the cut; it was beneath the skin, traveling up my arms and filling me with a sickening prickling sensation. It felt so wrong...and yet...my heart swelled in my chest. Their voices faded out as the crashing thrum of my heart filled my ears, blotting out all sound.

What was happening to me? I gasped, crumbling to the ground as my legs liquified and collapsed beneath me. I had a light-headed feeling growing in my skull. I raised my bloodied hands up to my face and clasped them to my temples. I felt the sticky sensation of blood running down my cheeks but I did nothing to stop it.

Hand-fasting, wasn't that what both Andy and Kaiden had called it? The word's meaning flickered at the edges of my consciousness but I couldn't pull it forth through my foggy thoughts. Mom had spoken of it once, late at night to Daddy. But... I don't remember what they'd said, just that the words were funny sounding. I wanted to ask Mommy what it meant, but she seemed so upset...

The initial head rush was softening, but my hands continued to tingle. When I pulled them from my face I felt something against my closed eyelids, a warmth that didn't come from the drying blood staining my pale face. I opened them slowly to see a faint glow emanating from my clenched fists. It was a pale rose color, intermingled with gold and silver. As I watched the glowing strengthen, colors saturating to an almost blinding gold and silver, with the pink darkening to blood red. I instantly squeezed my eyelids tight and turned away. However, as soon as my eyes closed, the light shining against my eyelids dissipated. Carefully, I popped open my eyes a fraction to peek out toward the frightening scene before me. I needn't have worried.

My fingers were no longer nuclear. The tingling had stopped as well. Yet, as I stared, I realized something was wrong.

My hands were no longer drenched in blood. I felt my face. Nothing. Clean and dry, as if I'd never smeared blood across my face. Still clutched in each fist was a blood-red ribbon.

The right ribbon held a single gold strand, and the left held a silver one. I brought them both close to my face to study them. The two unique strands glinted in the full moon's light, though in the pale gray ambiance the silver thread glowed much more vibrantly.

Simultaneously both strands of ribbon flickered wildly as if the wind was pulling them about--but there was no wind to speak of, no cloud in the sky or any sort of weather at all. The ribbons fluttered madly and try as I might I couldn't let them go.

They began to loop around my wrist, once, twice, a total of four times before they tightened until the claustrophobia was virtually unbearable.

Frightened, I tried to rip them off. They wouldn't budge. I slipped my pinky finger - the only one that would fit - beneath the one on my right wrist in hopes of finding the seam where they connected, but there was none. It was as if it had sealed itself together.

I checked the second one, scratching up my arm as I tried to tear it off. My heart beat faster than before and my breath came in quick, short gasps. Then, right in front of God and everyone, I fainted.

Nerves of steel my ass.
Edited by Taygirl, Friday, 8. July 2011, 12:01.
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Phovos
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That. Was. Amazing.

I would really like to see more of this story. It's just so well written!
I have a whole website. It's kinda lame though.
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Thanks! ^_^ I've been working on this part in particular. Hopefully it's as good as the last!

* * *
The cloying scent of roses and honey drifted into my nostrils. I wriggled my nose at the floral barrage on my senses and ducked my head even deeper beneath the covers. The sigh that escaped my lips was cut off by a gasp of surprise and a vicious pounding at my temples. How the Hell did I get back in my bed?

Memories of my last few moments of consciousness came back in bits and pieces, scattered into odd little clumps of dialect and images. Was it all a dream?

The idea that the horrible hand-slicing thing was just a figment of my imagination calmed me significantly. I mean, who would...want... um, what the Hell is that on my arm? I was scratching my arm to calm an itch when I realized my fingers were touching something silky smooth and decidedly not flesh. Instantly I sat up and pulled my wrists up to my face. There they were, in all their blood-colored glory. Two identical ribbons wrapped tightly around my wrists. The looped ribbons sat on top of one another, and I still couldn't find the damn seam to rip them off. As I tugged at them I heard something off-putting. A sensuous chuckle, feminine and definitely one of the prettiest sounds I'd ever heard in my life. My head shot up so fast I heard my neck crack. Thankfully, the adrenaline was already pumping through my veins and I didn't feel the sure-to-be-sore knot forming at the nape of my neck. Besides, my mind was already way too occupied with the shining pink glow at the foot of my bed.

Perched delicately upon the foot of my bed was the single most beautiful woman I'd ever seen in my entire life, and that included Angelina Jolie(who I'd bumped into when visiting Hollywood last summer). She was watching me with an odd expression on her face. Her eyes were half slitted like she was sleepy and her lips were tugging up in the corners into a smile. My mouth gaped open unattractively as I stared. Who the Hell was that and why was she sitting on my bed? And why wasn't I saying this to her?!

“What the--”

“Cursing is very unladylike, Ianthe.” Her lips gave up their serious charade as she smiled brightly at me, which sort of pissed me off. Mostly, though, I was wondering how the Hell she knew my name. Wasn't Andy supposed to be passed out downstairs? Damn boy. Needs to learn how to be the man of the house, starting with not letting people into my room just because they're gorgeous!

“Look, lady, I don't know who you are and I really don't give a--” Her hand rose quickly and she stood gracefully in one fluid movement.

“Oh, dear me. How could I forget the introductions? I know you, but surely you have not heard of me.” She oh-so-very-subtly interrupted me again, and I tried to contain my irritation as she approached. I sat up straighter in my bed, glad to still be properly dressed. I like to sleep in the nude... Shhh, don't tell anyone!

The woman stopped next to my nightstand, less than a hair's breadth away from me. I didn't like her closeness, nor the fact that she randomly invited herself into my home – much less my room! - to start spouting nonsense. Hadn't I already been through enough of that already?

However, I couldn't help but notice how much more beautiful she was the closer she got. Her hair looked as if it were spun from gold, with a tinge of pink that delicately accented her naturally rouged cheeks and red lips. Her face was pale and soft-looking, with a sort of glow to it that emanated from beneath her skin(or at least, that's what it looked like). Her eyes were the color of lilacs. Said eyes found their way to my wrists, still clutched at my chest. Her smile turned wry.

“Those boys, always trying to outdo each other.” She sighed dramatically and descended upon my bed. I scooted over, more to get away from her than to be polite. Crazy bitch! “Zeus and Hades will never let me hear the end of this...” She took another dramatic deep breath and put on what I assumed to be her “serious” face.

“What has been done to you was quite terrifying, I'm sure.” She reached over and grabbed my right wrist, the one with the gold strand, and examined it. “Leander, you sweet and naďve boy.” I was shocked to hear his name leave her mouth. How did she know? But the woman was already transferring her attention to the silver-strand ribbon. A less-than-pleased look crossed her face. “Kaiden. He never learns, does he?” She continued to stare at my left wrist. She looked as if she was searching for something, but I couldn't begin to guess what it was.

“Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Who the Hell are you and why are you here?” The words left my mouth in a rushed huff. The anger building in my chest was starting to stifle me, but my eyes never left her face. She looked up into my eyes, a pained expression clear on her face.

“My dear Ianthe, I'm simply here to give you a message, and a gift.” My eyebrow rose. I knew she saw the irritated expression on my face when she purposely left out her name. I raised both my wrists and they gleamed in the glitzy pink hue pulsing off of her.

“The last few gifts I've received were... less-than-desirable.” I muttered. She laughed again. It was a sound I imagined sparkly unicorns would make when rainbows shot out their asses. It was way too peppy.

“This gift is much more desirable than your previous gifts.” Her eyes gleamed brightly as she reached for her neck. Resting at the hollow of her neck was a golden necklace. It had a heart hanging from the thin chain, with intricate designs wrought into its cold flesh. She pulled it up and over her head, which took more finagling than I think I could have produced—her hair was so long it piled on the bed behind her and hung partially off the edge. She carefully twisted the curled hair into a crown-like ring and rested it upon her lap once she'd finished retrieving the golden bauble from her throat.

“This was a gift to me many years ago, when I'd fallen for—ahem—a few more men than I ought, and I couldn't gleam their intentions from sheer superficial encounters.” she held it out to me, but I was nervous, and very confused. Her face transformed into an empathetic smile and without waiting she slipped the precious – and probably expensive – necklace over my head. Its surprisingly warm weight rested on the soft curvature of my chest, and I couldn't help but grab it as soon as the woman had released it. I studied its golden face, noting the intricate landscape etched into the metal.

Inlaid in the gold was a vast valley surrounded by hills and meadows, and at the center of it all stood an enormous mountain stretching high into the clouds. Atop that mountain rested a magnificent castle. Even though the image was small I could depict spiraled towers and elegant archways. At the bottom of the heart, small and squeezed into the tapered point , sat a mansion bordering a river. This was carved below the valley, underground. A mighty gate stood before the castle, and my attention was drawn to a slight figure half the size of the gate. That looked almost like... a... no, it couldn't be...

As my eyes took in its sheer beauty, my fingers brushed lightly against its curved edges. The craftsmanship was irreplaceable.

I rubbed my forefinger against the warm surface. It was beautiful. And most likely priceless, given the perfect detail and rare metal. But why would this stranger be giving me such an extravagant gift? What did she gain in all of this? I was about to speak up when she whispered, “Turn it over.”

I considered not doing as she'd asked, but I'd gone this far. I decided to see the odd encounter the rest of the way through. With slightly shaking fingers I flipped the golden heart to its backside. On it was the most intriguing of images.

It was me. My long, waving hair and my straight nose. If I hadn't been holding the heart in my hand I would've never believed the necklace was real. My profile was encased by two borders. One was a latticework of lightning bolts, and the other was made from what looked to be wispy clouds, curves and strokes of abstract shapes making up individual bits of cumulus, broken up by moons spaced evenly apart; each depicted a stage of the waxing and waning cycle of the moon. At the top, where the two mounds of the heart met, sat the full moon. At the bottom there was simply an empty space, symbolizing the new moon.

“How the...” this time she didn't interrupt me. I couldn't finish the thought. I couldn't think or say anything, in fact. I was struck speechless. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd been speechless, yet there I was standing like an idiot and gawking at some piece of jewelry. When did I become such a girl?

“It was meant for you.” The woman's voice broke my trance. “I could feel that it was time to pass it on, and when I turned it over, there you were smiling up at me.” I finally broke away from the necklace and my eyes searched for hers. “This necklace has great power. Focus your thoughts upon it and it will show you the truth.” I didn't know what she was talking about. I guess she could see it in my face because she reached over and clasped my fingers around the heart. “Close your eyes and imagine me in your mind's eye. Ask it anything you want to know, and it will show you what you need to see.”

I gave her a dubious look before dropping my gaze to the seemingly normal bauble. It didn't look overly special, if you discounted the decorations. Ah, what the Hell. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to imagine her. It wasn't that hard. Her image was burned into my memory. Her cupid's bow lips and wide, innocent eyes. Her gold and pink hair framing her lovely face. Instantly she zoomed into focus. I didn't know what to ask. She said it showed the truth... well, maybe it can tell me why you're here. My eyes were squeezed so tight my forehead and cheeks ached with the effort of keeping them closed. Why are you here? With the woman in mind, I focused all my energy and thoughts into that single question.

“Open your eyes.” the woman whispered to me. Slowly, my eyelids lifted. She was still sitting on my bed, but the pink glow was gone. Instead, a shimmering pink thread bound the two of us together. It was thick and electrifying, pulsing to a funny rhythm. I reached out to touch it with my free hand, but my fingers passed right through. I looked back up at the woman. A name brushed against my lips, but it confused me. Does this thing really work, or am I imagining this? I stared harder at her, willing the necklace to try again. The word kept flitting through my mind.

I dropped the necklace in disgust.

“I don't know what you gave me while I was passed out, but you are out of your mind.” I brushed the edges of my blankets and glowered at her. “Now, I think its time for you to leave.” The woman's face fell, and her saddened face was no less lovely. It begged me to reconsider, but I fought her charming, innocent face. “And take your--”

“Wait! I will leave,” She took a slight, ragged breath. Her eyes were crazed and she was half standing as she reached out to me. “I will leave... if you keep the necklace.” She stared at me, begging me with those big lavender eyes. I had to admit, crazy acid trip aside, I really didn't want to part with it. My fingers found the chain and I twirled it about my forefinger as I stared at her.

“Okay.” I agreed. She stood up and began to walk toward the door, but stopped as she reached it.

“Whenever you're in doubt, give the necklace a good squeeze.” Her fingers brushed the door lightly. “And whatever you do...don't take it off.” I nodded my head lazily, sleep starting to push at my senses. I thought she'd leave through the door, but instead she just stood there. My lips were too tired to move and my head was starting to weigh a ton. As I watched, gaze starting to go fuzzy with fatigue, the pink aura about her intensified and with blinding efficiency, the light assaulted my eyes and I had to snap them shut in pain. When I opened them the woman was gone.

“Good riddance...” I mumbled as I rolled over in bed, my fingers still clasped around the necklace. Instantly, I was out.
Edited by Taygirl, Sunday, 10. July 2011, 19:15.
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Phovos
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Still absolutely amazing. Your description is so wonderful.

And yes, I know who the woman is. I'm not too bad when it comes to Greek mythology.
I have a whole website. It's kinda lame though.
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Taygirl
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So I know this next post is extremely long, but I've been typing for... three hours? And I just couldn't stop until I finished the chapter. So yes, this is the completion of chapter three. I hope it's good! Feel free to add any critiques or suggestions. Any parts don't make sense? Tell me 'bout it and I'll try to clear it up! This is my life's work, so I'm beggin' for the feedback! =D

* * *

“Aya! Get your butt up before I eat your tasty breakfast!” My mother's loud, overly cheery voice boomed into my subconscious, tearing me out of a very foggy dream filled with roses, red ribbons, and silver eyes. I groaned and rubbed at my groggy, crusted eyelids.

I seemed to be passing out much more often than usual. Definitely not a habit I wanted to start up. I wrenched myself out of bed, ignoring my mother's jibes about lazy daughters and wasted pancakes. No doubt they were topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I sighed dreamily and walked over to my vanity mirror. It showed me a very rumpled teen with shadows under her eyes and frizzy hair. Sexy.

It also reflected two red ribbons that looked eerily like cuts gouged deep into my flesh. I shivered. They were pretty if you didn't know how they came to be so red. A soft, masculine voice echoed up the stairs and caused me to turn sharply toward my closed bedroom door.

There was one part of the mystery I had not tapped into. Leander. That boy needed some damn talking to. First he slices me up like a Christmas ham, then he lets a crazy lady into my house to badger me in bed! I was so irritated I didn't realize I was still dressed in last night's mussed clothes until I was turning the handle. I swore and dug through my closet for the first clean thing my fingers could grasp.

In no more than thirty seconds I was dressed and stomping downstairs.

Leander was standing at the stove, back to me, with his hot pink apron on. He's acting so... Normal. I stalked toward him and saw his back tense in response. He didn't turn away from the stove, but he called out a soft hello. I wasn't placated by the delectable plate on the counter beside him(though I couldn't help salivating a little bit; the boy knew how to make every meal fit for the gods).

“Leander.” I used his full name very rarely, and only when extremely irritated. Leander knew that; he still wouldn't look at me.

“I hope you had a good night's rest.” he muttered nonchalantly, tossing a pancake in the air and catching it perfectly in the iron cast pan.

“Oh, yeah. Delightful. Random woman pops into my room and gives me a damn necklace, raving about fighting and truth and other shit. Oh, and the slice-and-dice before that? Mm-hmm. Last night was just peachy.” With each word I spoke my anger level rose until I was huffing in annoyance and shoving the plate out of my way. Instinctively my hand reached for my neck, where the jewelry was resting. As soon as my skin touched it I felt soothed. The anger didn't drain away, per se, but I felt a sort of calming effect bloom, overshadowing the raw emotions roiling beneath my skin.

At my words Leander stiffened. His spatula didn't haul out the finished pancake, his arms didn't flex as he poured more batter into the pan. He stood frozen before me. Seconds rolled by without any sort of movement. I was starting to worry that he'd had a brain aneurism when he slowly turned to face me. As he turned our eyes met. His large brown eyes were wide with surprise—and a hint of guilt.

“What do you mean, necklace?” He asked carefully. His eyes were the only thing betraying his true feelings. My pissy mood jacked up a notch.

“Did the woman hurt me? Oh, no. I defended myself valiantly. How did she get in? Well, I have no clue Andy. In fact, I was hoping to shed some light on that by asking you.” I pointedly ignored the question. My anger spiked when he didn't even flinch at the idea of someone walking into our house while he was asleep and attacking m. “Boy, you better start explaining fast, because I'm so god-damned pissed off at you that--”

“Ianthe! That is no way to speak to our guest. And a guest cooking your breakfast at that. I'm surprised he hasn't spit in your morning meal yet.” Mother, once again, interrupted us. Except this time she didn't realize that I was being serious. Most mornings I was bitching at him for waking me up and other such nonsense. I'm not a morning person.

Though mom brushed it off as no big deal, Andy's eyes shifted down to the floor and he turned away. So much for a straight answer.

“Well, so glad my most trusted friend is here living with us, mom. It feels great to have someone who's always there for me.” Mom didn't hear the vehemence in my voice but Andy did. Instead of waiting for him to respond I picked up the plate of pancakes he'd made especially for me and walked to the dining room. I sat at the seat farthest away from him.

Eating his tasty breakfast wasn't making me feel any better. Even the fresh strawberries – my favorite fruit – didn't help. He should have talked to me instead of attacking me with some psychotic ribbons. In fact, he should have told me a lot of things. I never realized how little he ever talked about himself. Like how he knew about where she was last night with Kaiden.

“Those are lovely bracelets, Aya. Where did you get them?” My mom had walked up beside
me and bent down toward my wrists as I zoned out. She'd grabbed the wrist with the golden strand before I had a chance to pull away. “They're really pretty. But... aren't they a little tight?” she asked me, tugging on them lightly. I wrenched my wrist from her grasp and pushed back my chair.

“Well... um... this is how the kids wear bracelets these days, mom.” I avoided mom's real question as I picked up my half-eaten plate and rushed to the kitchen to get away.

“I never did understand fashion,” mom said lightly as she followed me into the kitchen. She was never good at picking up on social cues. I really didn't want to deal with telling mom how I got the stupid ribbons. She probably wouldn't even believe me. I dumped my plate in the sink and dashed off, trying to find my backpack and make it out of the house before either Andy or mom could follow me out.

My fingers were just brushing back old coats in the closet when the doorbell rang. “I got it!” I called to mom and Andy. I took a second to dig in the closet to grab my bag before turning and wrenching the door open.

Kaiden was standing on my porch. My eyes couldn't help taking in his delicious frame. His black hair cascaded around his face in a ruffled fashion. He looked like he just rolled out of bed and he was still sexy as hell. He was wearing dark jeans and a band t-shirt that even my rocked out taste didn't recognize. His silver eyes were regarding me with a funny look. I didn't know what he was thinking but I was going to find out.

“Kaiden. What are you doing here?” I crossed my arms across my chest and narrowed my eyes. Just because he was sexy didn't mean he got a free pass. He had some 'splaining to do too.

“I was—well, I was hoping I could explain what happened last night. I would understand if you don't want to talk to me but..” I raised an eyebrow as he ran out of things to say.

“School starts in fifteen minutes.” I reminded him. His fingers found their way to the back of his head and he rumpled his hair uncomfortably.

“I can give you a ride... if you need it, I mean. We could talk on the way.” He was looking at the ground. Was he really that shy, or did he feel guilty? I was more curious about him than I was mad. He didn't exactly lie to me last night, though he didn't tell me about the knifing thing. I looked back toward the kitchen. Leander usually gave me a ride but I didn't really want to deal with him and his question dodging. At least Kaiden would give me straight answers, even if I wasn't sure they were true. My fingers rubbed the necklace at my throat. I turned back to Kaiden, hitching my bag higher on my shoulder.

“Let's go then.” Apparently he was surprised by my response because it took him a second to move. I walked out the door and instantly came to a halt. A 2011 metallic blue Camaro sat in front of my house. My heart actually skipped a beat at the sight. “Is that your car?” I squeaked in surprise.

“You don't like it?” he asked. His voice was rough and quiet. I barely heard him. I turned around, jaw dropped in surprise.

“Don't like it? Are you kidding? That is the sexiest damn car I've ever seen in my life.” Without waiting for Kaiden I ran to the passenger-side of the car and caressed its navy blue door. It was smooth and warm to the touch. Kaiden appeared beside me, soft smile playing on his lips.

“I'm glad you like it.” he pulled out his keys and unlocked my door. Before I could grab it, Kaiden was pulling open the door and ushering me in. How gentlemanly. I thought appreciatively. I brushed the side of the car once more before getting in. As Kaiden went around to the driver's side I saw Andy pull open the door. He was still wearing his apron. I couldn't see his face, but I doubt he was too happy. I turned away from him and looked over at Kaiden, who was now sitting down on the soft butter-like black leather of the seat. His grip on the wheel was so tight his knuckles were white from the effort.

“So? What the hell happened last night?” I asked. I wasn't going to beat around the bush. He stared straight ahead, hesitating. I prompted him with a dramatic sigh.

“It was stupid.” he muttered. I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“What do you mean? The whole night, or the slicing me up part?” I asked. He looked over at me, pained expression clear on his face.

“That's not what I meant.” he turned back to the road, but I could tell he wasn't very comfortable with the conversation. I didn't really give a damn, seeing as he invited me on that little trip last night. “It's Leander. He and I have always been rivals.”

“What do you mean? I've known Leander all my life, but I've never seen you before.” Was this guy screwing with me or just avoiding the subject?

“We grew up together too. Babies, shoved into the same playpen even though we cried about it. Our parents never got along too well. They hated each other, really. Their hatred kind of evolved into Leander's and my hatred for each other.”

“But I've never seen you before,” I repeated again, confused and a little worried. If he was crazy and I just got into a car with him I was screwed. “And he hasn't talked about you.” Kaiden looked over at me, eyes sympathetic.

“He hasn't exactly told you everything, Aya.” I wanted to disagree, to tell Kaiden to f*** off and stop talking nonsense, but I knew he was right. I didn't really know all that much about Andy. It never really bothered me before. I understood why he didn't talk about his family—I just knew his father was abusive and liked to hit him.

“But... you didn't go to our school until this year. How could you...?” I trailed off, trying to find some way to prove that Kaiden was lying.

“I was home-schooled. My mom... well, she didn't think I should grow up around other kids. I was... dangerous, she said.” He didn't look at me. I couldn't figure out his angle in this whole thing, but there was no reason for him to lie.

“What do you mean dangerous?” I asked carefully, trying to keep my voice calm. Maybe Andy was right to chase him away. The car suddenly jerked and we were pulling into the school parking lot.

“I inherited a lot of things from my father that I'm not proud of.” He was staring at me intently, eyes hard yet surprisingly vulnerable. His intense gaze was powerful; unbidden, my body leaned toward him. As he spoke my eyes became fixed to his.

“Nothing I am is something to be proud of...” his eyes left mine and he unbuckled and popped open his door. I shook off the enthrallment, which had ceased as soon as he turned away.

“You didn't explain what happened last night, Kaiden!” I called after him. He slammed the door at my face. Then, before I could blink, he was at my door, pulling it open and holding out his hand to help me out. I took his hand and let him haul me up.

“I'm trying.” he sighed. “It's—it's not easy explaining something like this.” He hadn't let go of my hand. In fact, he reached for the other one and pulled me toward him. “When I told you last night that the ceremony to bind two people together, I wasn't lying.”

A word drifted to my lips, and I licked them to cover up my hesitation. “Hand-fasting. Isn't that what you called it?” He nodded lightly.

“I should have explained a bit more. Hand-fasting is...” he trailed off, fingers drifting to the ribbon on my left hand, the one with his silver strand. “It's more than some silly blessing ceremony. It's a ritual. A marriage ritual.” His eyes never left mine. They were pleading, begging me to listen to him. My mouth dropped. Marriage?! I didn't plan on being married for a good, long time, and I especially didn't plan to marry some guy I'd barely met!

“What do you mean, marriage?” I asked, voice reaching a higher octave than I thought possible. I tried to wrench my hands from his grasp, but I wasn't really putting any force into it. I was too shocked.

“I'm sorry, I should have told you.” Kaiden's words spilled out in a rush as he tried to get through was must've been a very rehearsed speech. “Hand-fasting is a year-long ritual performed to allow two people to get to know each other. It was used often in ancient times between betrothed men and women to see if the marriage would last or they needed to find another coupling.” His hands weren't holding me any tighter but they still felt like shackles.

“So that whole ribbon-cut-me-up-and-mash-our-hands-together thing was just part of the ceremony?” I whispered. The idea frightened me more than I'd believed was possible.

“Yes.” This admonishment must have been difficult for him to speak aloud because he dropped my wrists and looked away. I should have run away from him at that moment.

“Why?” I asked. “Why would you do this to me?” My voice rose with every syllable that left my mouth. By the end I was shouting at him. Kaiden still wouldn't look at me. He dropped to his knees and pressed his forehead against the Camaro.

“I'm sorry, Aya. I didn't mean to—I should've--”

“Yes, you should have! You should've told me what it really meant. I mean, Gods, who the hell are you? You come out of nowhere and slice me up and manipulate me into a marriage!” My voice was echoing around the empty parking lot. “Did you know that these damn ribbons won't come off? What's up with that? And why did you even perform this stupid hand-fasting thing? Why me?” I shouted. Kaiden was still pressed against his car, and his shoulders were shaking. I didn't know if he was laughing or crying but for some reason I didn't care. I just wanted answers. “Tell me! Tell me the truth, why you've done all of this! Tell me Kaiden!” My throat felt raspy and sore, but I couldn't stop. I was scared. My whole body was shaking with fear and fury and exhaustion. I dropped to the ground beside him. My hands caught me on the asphalt before I fell flat on my face. “Just tell me why.” I whispered.

“Because they never would have let me near you.” The statement surprised me. I looked up, but Kaiden wouldn't look at me. He was leaning away from me, shoulder pressed into the steel of the car.

“What do you mean? Who wouldn't?” My voice was hoarse. I didn't realize I'd been shouting so loud.

“The council. She hasn't gotten over it. It wasn't my fault, though, Ianthe. Don't you see?” He turned around. His eyes were red, and pink lines ran down his face in puckered trails of tears. “My father, he made the mistake. He tricked her, and I wasn't even born yet! If I'd asked them to let me meet you, court you, they would have denied me. They are blaming me for things I haven't done, Aya. If I hadn't—If I hadn't hand-fasted with you I'd never have been able to see you again. They'd already forbidden me from talking to you.” Kaiden rolled over until his back was pressed against the car. He looked beaten.

“The hand-fasting ritual is a bond that can't be broken even by the Gods. For a year they can't stop me from seeing you, or talking to you.” His eye sought mine. There was so much pain in them I felt tears welling up in my eyes just looking at him. “I didn't know Leander would find out. If I'd have known he'd attack me and force you into a hand-fasting I would never have done it. I swear, I would never have hurt you on purpose.” His eyes begged me to believe him, but I didn't know what to say. Who was this council? Was Kaiden actually crazy or was he telling the truth? So many questions were swirling in my head that I had to grab my temples in an attempt to force them from my skull. I took a deep, ragged breath before speaking.

“Kaiden, who are you?” He looked at me for a full minute. I didn't break the silence, I just stared at him, begging him to tell me the truth. Finally, he sighed and dropped his eyes.

“My full name is Kaiden Corydon Sylus. I am the son of Hades. My mother, Karen Sylus, raised me. She told me everything about my father, and I used to meet with him to... to learn about the Underworld.” He raked his hand through his long black hair and smacked his head against the Camaro. “God, I must sound like a sociopath.” His eyes closed and he raised his head to the sky, like he was praying.

Part of me believed he was a sociopath. Part of me wanted to run screaming from the sociopath. But there was a small part of me that wanted to believe he was telling the truth. The magical ribbons on my wrists felt like some sort of proof that what he was saying was true, and I desperately wanted to believe in him. But... how could I possibly know if he was telling the truth?

“Kaiden...” He tensed at the sound of his name, probably preparing for more yelling. “Why me?” I asked. He stilled, but I pushed on. “Why did you choose me to hand-fast with? Why didn't you bind yourself to someone else?” The question had been nagging at me. If he was the son of Hades, why would he want to be with some lowly girl like me?

Kaiden didn't move, didn't stop praying to the heavens with his eyes tightly sealed. His lips were the only things that moved. “Ianthe, I have loved you since the very first moment I saw you.” Very slowly, Kaiden dropped his head. His eyes found me beside him. “Don't you remember?” He asked. I shook my head slightly. “We met thirteen years ago. You were such a tiny thing back then. Big eyes and a grin that stretched from ear to ear... Even though it was a funeral.” His gaze sought an imagined place, eyes graying with haze. “My mother, Zeus bless her, was the most magical woman I'd ever known, human as she was. I never really got to know her. I can remember her laughing and singing me to sleep every night. But... then the sickness came. She got weak, and could barely hold me without crying out in pain. She died before I turned six.”

The vulnerable expression on Kaiden's face told me that he hadn't intended to tell me about his mother. In spite of all the craziness that had gone down in the past twenty-four hours, I reached over and hugged him tight. He didn't react at first. Then, slowly, his arms encircled me and he pulled me close. “My father took me in after that,” he whispered. His breath pressed warmly against my ear as he spoke. “The last time I saw my mother was at her funeral. The day I met you.”

I remembered. It was a bit fuzzy. I'd complained about the black frilly dress I had to put on, and the ugly pointy shoes. At the graveyard I was grabbing flowers from everybody, dancing and twirling around. Petals were left in my wake. When I finally careened to a halt, I was standing in front of a sad little boy with black tufts of hair. His face was streaked with dirt and tears, and I smiled at him brightly, trying to make him smile. With no true thought of what I was doing I pulled all my flowers together, mostly lilies and orchid and roses, all white, and put them in his hand. “Smile,” I told him. “Today is a happy day!” I ran off. I didn't give the crying boy a second thought. How could I? I was a child, too young to understand what was going on.

But he remembered. Kaiden remembered me from that single moment of kindness. Is that why he chose me? Simply because I made him smile on the saddest day of his life?

“When I saw you, I was reminded of my mother, of how happy and bright she'd been. She would have scolded me for crying at her funeral. She would've told me to brighten up and remember her in happiness, not sadness.” He still hadn't released me. I should have pulled away but I didn't. Rather, I tightened my hold on him and pressed my cheek into the hollow between his neck and shoulder.

I didn't know what to say to him. How can I possibly relieve him from the pain of losing his mother? How could anyone?

Like any good socially inept teenager, I changed the subject.

“If it helps, I don't think you're crazy.” His laugh was shaky and rough with emotion, but it was a start. He squeezed me tight before releasing me and shifting his attention to the school.

“You're late.” he muttered, hastily brushing at his cheeks. I shrugged.

“Wouldn't be the first time. Leander is an atrocious driver, if you can believe it.” I looked over at him. “Well, I'm sure you can.” The laugh leaving Kaiden's lips sounded relieved. He stood in one graceful motion and held out his hand to pull me up. I took it gingerly and let him pull me to my feet.

“I guess I should let you get to class.” He didn't let my hand go. Instead he smiled mischieviously at me and said, “Unless you need an escort.” I returned the grin, pulling out a fake dramatic tone of voice.

“Well, it's just so far, and I don't want to get lost... if only a burly young man could escort me to class and keep me safe!” I pulled my right hand up and draped it in a grand gesture of distress.

“Oh, goodness, Miss!” Kaiden exclaimed, grasping me gently around the shoulders. “I could never let a woman as beautiful as you fend for herself in that cold wasteland called high school! Please, allow me to accompany you to your destination.” He bowed and held out his arm. I grasped it graciously, giggling like a crazed lunatic.

“My, how wonderful it is to have a handsome young man as my companion.” With a southern accent I whistled a merry tune and sung loudly to a silly rhyme while we skipped off toward the building. I would have collapsed in giggles if Kaiden hadn't been holding on to me. When we entered the school we quieted, but it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. It felt reassuring to have him at my side.

“Don't you have classes to go to?” I asked him conversationally. He shook his head.

“I'm only a part-time student. I don't have any classes until Wednesday.” He smiled at me. Surprisingly we hadn't been mowed down by the hall-monitors. A few teachers passed us, but they never said a word. They just kept going, minding their own business. Strange attitudes for uptight high school teachers.

When we approached my classroom Kaiden slowed. “Um, I know you've probably already got a ride with Leander after school, but if you want I can pick you up.” He didn't look at me when he said it, and I swear his cheek reddened under my gaze. “I mean, I know he has football practice and you have to wait afterschool for him to finish, but if that's what you'd rather do then that's cool too.” I smiled at his sweet, shy expression.

“No, I definitely don't want a ride home.” I paused, looking over at his dejected frame. “But, I would like to go for coffee after school.” I scrunched up my face. “I hate being stuck at home all alone. It's really quite boring.” The red blush on his cheeks and neck hadn't changed but he was smiling at the ground.

“Sounds good. I'll pick you up in the same place, okay?” he asked. I nodded. Kaiden turned to leave but I stopped him by grabbing his shoulder and pulling him toward me.

“Thanks for the ride, Kaiden.” I gave him a quick hug before letting him go. “See you later!” Without waiting to see his reaction I wrenched open the door to Algebra II and walked into the middle of a lecture. Being berated by Mr. Finnegan wasn't exactly enjoyable, but I didn't really hear him. My mind was still imagining Kaiden's face. The smile on my own face echoed his happy smile, and I couldn't help but feel excited to see him that afternoon.

If only I could make school go by faster. It was going to be a long day.

END CHAPTER
Edited by Taygirl, Wednesday, 20. July 2011, 09:27.
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Very nice! Don't have much to say, really. Keep it up!
I have a whole website. It's kinda lame though.
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This is a little filler piece that I wrote up in an attempt to brainstorm new cool plot twists to my story. It won't exactly be a part of the book, since it's in Kaiden's point of view, but I thought I'd put it up since it turned out so well.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


I shouldn't have followed her. I should have turned away and never looked back. But she was so beautiful... and she'd never be mine. Didn't I at least deserve to see her once before I resigned myself to exile?

That was my first mistake. One I'll never regret, no matter what happens in the end.

She was leaving her biology class. I was heading to Chemistry. Even though I was restricted to a zero-contact policy, that didn't mean I couldn't see her... it just meant she couldn't see me. That I could handle. The bracelet with the onyx skull in its center barely had to press against my skin to be activated. There was a slight tingling sensation and instantly my physical being vanished from sight.

She was laughing, walking with that damned Leander. F*** him, being able to talk to her like it's no big deal. Her smile brightened at his jokes and I felt even more jealous of him than before. They were heading toward me, completely oblivious to my presence. Then Aya did something that started the avalanche of actions that caused Mr. Almighty Britches to take action.

I'd been clutching the bracelet so hard I didn't realize I'd dropped my bag. It hit the ground with a loud thump, and Ianthe's eyes trailed toward a place a few inches from my feet.

“Andy, look, someone dropped their bag.” My heart drummed in my throat and I broke out into a sweat.

“Leave it, Aya. You don't know who dropped it.” He was glancing at his surroundings, searching.

Searching for me.

“But Andy, if someone lost it, they probably want it back.” Unbidden by Leander's warnings, Ianthe dropped to her knees before me and lifted up my backpack, slinging it over her shoulder.

Well now I had to talk to her... if only to get my bag. At least, that's what I told myself. And, sadly, my phone was in that bag. What ever could I do?

Call myself of course! But not yet. If Leander was with her when I called I'd be screwed. So I proceeded to follow them until Aya broke away from Leander's grasp, obviously irritated by his attempt to “handle” the backpack situation. Well, that and she was heading into a building, presumably for class. I had no clue what that class was but I stopped just outside the door nonetheless and waited until Leander stalked off to his own class.

I was missing Chem but I didn't care. As soon as Leander was out of range I slipped over to the payphone across from the building and dialed up my own number.

Six long rings were interrupted by the tentative voice of Ianthe.

“H-hello?”

“Hey, um, who is this?” I played the part of confused teen.

“Aya.” She seemed slightly fearful. I worried that my calling too soon would be suspicious, but she sounded mostly wary, not angry.

“Hello, Aya, I'm Kaiden... and I think you have my bag.” I heard a relieved laugh exit her mouth.

“Oh, I”m sorry, I found it in the courtyard. I was going to return it.” I smirked.

“I don't doubt that at all. Um, I have class soon, so can I meet you after?” I could physically hear her nod, rubbing briskly against the phone. My smile widened. “I, uh, I can't exactly see if that's a yes or no...” I intoned.

“Oh! Sorry, yes, that's fine.” She babbled. “I'm in class as well. I'll meet you after?”

“Sure. Where are you?” There was a pause. “You can meet me at my class if you're too--”

“No, no, that's not it.” She interrupted. “I'm in... um... ancient Greek literature?” Her statement sounded more like a question, and I could feel her held breath as if it were my own. “Look, my mom made me take it. It's in the C building.” I was tempted to nod uncontrollably at the coincidence.

“Sounds intriguing. I'll see you in an hour.” Click.

Now... to wait.
Edited by Taygirl, Friday, 26. August 2011, 08:47.
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Hey, this is long. Maybe I'll read it this weekend if you don't post too much more :P
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