This was written back in 2009 with of a dear friend of mine who no longer writes or plays. It's a shame, cause she would have done damned well here.

This is started as an original piece we did to help establish her character into the Rhy'Din community over on IMVU and it took a life of its own. It's still a fave of mine."

"A Lost Chapter: The Raven & the Angel"


"I toldja, I can take care it of myself! I'm a big boy, and we need to get that calf back into the pen, or they will punish Mysti again."

The young man, no more than twelve or so, watched the calf as it seemed to stare intently, at both he and the girl who accompanied him..

It seemed, as if nothing else were in that open field, Just the pair, and the large massecow calf (A very large bovine type critter, about 150 or so lbs, and near 5ft at the shoulders, very large, indeed), that he had decided, was coming back home with the pair.

A breeze swept through the field, whipping their hair along with it.. Her tresses of fire, strewn somewhat about, as his hand lifted to contain the ebon locks of which he was seemingly known for within the village. A sharp contrast to the normal fair haired, citizens, were he and she, as one would definitely be able to tell, just from one glance, that these two, were not like other, young people. Looking back to the girl, the nodded again, as he shook his head, to set aside those damned bothersome locks, as he reached down, for the coil of rope at his feet, as the calf, in reaction, took a wary step back..

"Oh no ya don't, cow.. Just lemme get my stuff here.. Darn hair! Wish I had it cut off."

A step taken forward, as he carefully gauged the calf, the boy's eyes fixed directly on the beast as he readied to literally spring forward, expecting no other real chance at this, as there was nothing but open field, surrounding them. As he did so, however, he was stopped dead in his tracks, as he felt a gently tugging of his own hair, causing him to pause, and look back.. Well attempt to look back, as a light 'smack' upside the head caused him not to, with a somewhat annoyed tone, he asked...

"Hey, what are ya doin'to my hair, Isa!?"

"Hush, you need to tie it back anyways, and this is a lucky ribbon, it'll help you catch that calf, even though I still think, this is silly."

"I don't need luck, what I need it that calf, back in the pen, so Mysti doesn't get punished again."

"Hush, you.. It will only take a moment, longer and then you can chase that calf, all you want."

"But I-" *Thwap!*

"Ow, Isa! Okay, okay... But if I look like a girl, I'm gonna get you."

"Trust me, there will never be a prettier head of hair.. Save mine, maybe?"

A soft snicker escaped the lips of Isa, as she carefully pulled Brian's hair back into a very loose pony's tail, carefully tying it off, near the bottom with a lengthy red ribbon. After a moment, she smiled, and released her hold, as Brian took a moment to attempt to look at Isa's handiwork, as he took hold of the ribbon carefully.. A moment later, he let it go, as the ribbon flickered to life, the wind taking it, where it would, as he looked back to Isa, his eyes sparking with determination, as he grinned..

"Now this is something I can work with, Isa."

So there they were.. The two of them, standing in that empty field, and their foe, quite agitated, no less. Carefully Brian approached, the calf, his eyes solely on the beast, as he spoke softly.

"Alright, little buddy, you need to come with us.. You got a pen to get to, and we're gonna take ya there, so let's make this easy, okay?"

The rope carefully uncoiled to produce a lasso, that Brian held low to the ready, as he moved into a somewhat knelled crouch, while continuing to approach, the large beast.

Isa, however remained where she was, shaking her head somewhat, at the display before her, as she once more spoke.

"I still say this is dangerous, we need at least one more person. I mean, look at the side of that calf. It's not going to come along, that easily."

"It's okay, Isa, I got this."

"No Raven, it's not okay, I mean look at that thing! And what about the poach-"

That however was as far as Isa, had gotten, as she was rightly cut off by another voice..

"Exactly what about the poachers, moppet?"

Whirling around, Isa gasped aloud, and soundly back peddled towards Brian, who also turned about, with a rather surprised look on his face..

In an instant all else was forgotten, as the young man, suddenly appeared before Isa, a protective arm, outstretched before her, his eyes narrowed, as they regarded the trio, that somehow snuck on on the pair..

"So, we got us a live one, eh? I like your cut, kid.. Take, the girl, and get out of here. We just want that little guy over, there. He'll fetch us a nice cut, at the market, with that meat and skin of his. Heh, we'll even treat ya, for your.. Discretion , that's the word.. Now take this, and get outta here. We got work to do."

That being said, a small pouch was tossed towards the pair, as Brian soundly snatched it in mid air.. A rather perplexed look on his face, as he looked back a moment to Isa, who's eyes widened, as she regarded the three that stood before them..

While the trio was not much to look at collectively, the leader more than made up for it, as he was a fairly largely built man, clocking in at a near six feet in height, and two hundred twenty or so, in the weight, department.. No hair, on his head, what so ever.. Darkly tanned skin, that defintely a weathered effect.. Eyes, that more than simply gauged, when they looked at you.. His gait, was that of something, that was always hunting.. The impression of a large, predator, that carried the confidence of one, that was equally agile enough to do, whatever he required..

Clad in simple, yet functional clothing.. No boisterous colours, or patterns.. This man before them, was the genuine article. The other two, were rather plain, and a bit rough around the edges.. Weathered, and somewhat beaten in looks, yet they carried, a gait of their own.. Something akin to scavengers.. Brian knew the look all too well, as his Sword Master, had made sure to impact that, and so much more within the young man.. Those two, would not prove too difficult if handled, properly.. But the leader.. He would be an issue, and Brian did not know, how he would handle such a force.. Especially, given the fact Isa, was present, and to add to that, there was no way in hell, he was going to lose this calf, and let Mysti, take another beating..

Blue eyes carefully eyed the pouch, as Brian hefted it a bit.. The weight spoke volumes.. This was no small amount of change, that was offered to he and Isa.. This man, obviously, was used to getting what he wanted, and paying it for it, in turn.. A very rare combination, as that was a business practice, that was hardly encountered.. Normally, everyone wanted something for nothing. Brian glanced between the pouch, and the large man, a moment.. He then looked to the pair of underlings, in turn, and then to Isa.. A moment taken to look back to the calf, who was rather obvlious, to the 'negotiations' , if you will..

So looking to the man, once more.. Brian swallowed a tad, and asked..

"So this for the calf, eh?"

Isa, gasped aloud, as she responded with, "Brian! I can't believe you!"

"Be quiet, Isa!", hissed Brian..

The look on Isa's face, spoke far more than any other words, as she glared quite obviously at Brian.. Any more so, and a hole would have more likely, been bore through the young man, as she then turned her attention towards the trio in turn.. This caused one of the smaller ones, to somewhat shy away, from said gaze, and soon after the other found something else to occupy his time with, averting from her gaze, as well, quite slyly, no less. The large man, however, was not so affected, as he laughed outright, shaking his head, as he berated his lackeys, in the process.

"I swear! Moppet, here, has more fire, than the lot of you! Maybe, we should take her, and leave the calf, eh boys? More useful, than you, she might turn out. Bunch--"

The large man never finished what he had intended to say, as the pouch was quickly thrown back at him, with such a velocity, that when it was caught, his eyes widened, in quite a surprise..

"What the hell, was that for, kid!?" , said the man..

"Shut your damned mouth, you bastard! Don't you ever speak of her like that, again! No one will take Isa, anywhere, she doesn't wanna go, and if they do, I will gut them, like a fish, and leave them to bleed out, like the gutless cowards they are!"

The man stood there stunned.. His eyes still widened somewhat, as he took in the visage before him, as Brian now faced him, squarely.. The young man's eyes narrowed in utter disgust, as his body seemed to tighten all over, his fists clenched tightly around, the rope.. The man, could not believe this audacity, the young man reeked of, and more so.. In front of the hired help no less! The man's mouth opened, to reply, sharply, and just as quickly, he composed himself once more, and offered instead a somewhat chuckle, as he hefted the coin pouch, and nodded to the pair of Brian, and Isa..

"Look, no need to get upset, kid. I didn't mean anything by it. I can see, you are looking out for.. Isa, was it? Yeah, her. So let me offer ya this again, just take the money, and leave. Then we can do what we need to do, and we all go home happy, yeah?"

"It's that easy, huh?", asked Brian.

"Course it is, kid.", said the large man.

"No it isn't..", said Brian as he did something that no one, saw coming..

Reaching down, Brian opened the pouch, emptied the coins into his hand.. And rightly threw them into the air, as all eyes went to the heavens, watching the coins scatter, the lackeys responding, as they scrambled to catch any, they could. Looking dead at the large man once more, Brian continued.

"If you think you can buy us off like that and let Mysti take a beating for you, you're out of your mind, stranger. I don't care who you are!"

The big man, was hardly amused by any means, as he motioned to the other two, who had ceased what they were doing, and began to stalk towards Brian..

"You messed up, kid! The girl, we'll leave alone, but your hide belongs to us now!"

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

No other words were said, as the pair of lackeys broke into a run, rushing towards Brian, while the big man remained where he was.

Isa's eyes widened, as she attempted to cry out some kind of warning to the young man.. Brian however, had other ideas in mind as his right hand waving her back. He then quickly reached into his side pack, producing a small bottle roughly palm sized or so. Isa looked, to the bottle, a moment.. She attempted to speak again, but before she could do so Brian let fly with the bottle as hard as he could at the closest of his two aggressors.

What followed was a surprise to everyone and even more so to Brian, as the bottle literally smashed against, the forehead of his target, with such deadly accuracy, and velocity! The result of which was instant, as the man literally fell to the ground in a crumpled heap, covered in a mixture of glass, his own blood and the contents of the bottle..

Brian's eyes widened, as did the second lackey, as each froze, and simply stared for a brief moment.. The largely built leader of the crew stood there, his mouth, somewhat agape, as he took in what he had just seen.

The moment however, was not long winded, as the second lackey, cried out in anger and once more rushed Brian. However, as it stood, the man, was poorly disciplined, in regards to his fighting prowess and Brian had an apparent advantage, due to years of training, at the hands of what many would call the finest weapons master, the realm had seen in generations.

It was over before it had even begun..

With no regard whatsoever, the man screamed out again, and quickly drew a blade in the process, his eyes narrowed, as he cried out something to Brian.. The man's words, however , were not heard at all, by the young man, as he seemingly blocked everything from sight and mind for the moment, save the man that was charging him. The rope hefted in hand, a moment, as Brian pulled a length of it tight, between each of his hands. What followed, was something that might have been missed by all, had they not been keenly watching.

Sidestepping the man, Brian quickly coiled the rope about the man's wrist, while at the same time pivoting his foot, utilizing the man's own momentum against him, whipping that man about as he added a bit of a twist to the man, causing him to land flat on his back in a crumpled heap. Instantly he followed up with a solid kick to the man?s bound hands, which knocked the blade aside to the ground and before anyone else could even blink, Brian delivered a hard kick to the side of the man?s head, leaving him in a dazed heap..

It was then, that Brian turned to the last man standing, and offered a slow nod of sorts.

?Look, I?m sorry, about what I did with your money.. But I'm not gonna let Mysti take a beating for you, and no one talks about Isa, like you did. So get yer men, and just leave us alone. Please."

The man stood there, somewhat dumbstruck, as he simply stared at the spectacle before him.. There stood this young man, who seemingly did not look like much, yet in a near instant, turned into some kind of a whirling dervish, as he soundly had beaten his men, with very little effort, as it stood. And then he had the audacity, to tell him what to do!? What a turn of events, indeed..

"Look, kid. I know you don't want to do this with me, and I don't want to be here any longer than I need to. So I'm gonna get my men, and as much as I hate to hear about this beating 'Mysti' was it? Yeah, the beating she will take. But that calf is coming with us, one way or another."

"Sir, I think you're mistaken, two of your men are laid out, as we speak, and the calf is going with us.."

The man, simply watched Brian warily, as a slow smile.. A faint one, no less, began to form.. A nod.. A rather slow one given, as he began reply, and then paused, simply staring at the young man.. A brow raised, as Brian regarded the large man, a moment..

"You have skills, kid, but you still don't get it.. Skills aren't everything, unless ya realize there is always a bigger fish, and raw power doesn't mean jack without, the brains to back em up.. So now, let's rethink this, as I believe, the edge is now mine, boy!"

"What the hell do--"

Brian was cut short, as a scream pierced the air! Turning around sharply, he found Isa in the arms of the man, who had charged him with the knife.. Her eyes widened, as she yelled out once more, and quickly quieted.. The reason? A blade to her neck.. The same blade, Brian has not picked up.. A mistake indeed, and testament to the larger man's words.. Azure eyes narrowed, as Brian's fists clenched.. Still, he remained where he was, as the man, continued to hold Isa, tightly. Softly, Brian spoke, the trepidation quite evident in his voice, as he did so...

"I am going to kill you..", was all that came from the young man's mouth..

What followed, was something that would change more than one life, for years to come..

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

?You what, kid??

?I said, I am going to kill you??

?Who me?? said the large man, as he looked between Brian, and the one, holding Isa.

?No..? replied, Brian, as he pointed, straight at the man, holding the blade to Isa?s neck.

The large man, shook his head and replied, ?Listen kid, I?m sure if you do what we say, nothing will happen to the girl, all we want is the damned animal! So listen up, take the girl, and walk away, while ya both can. Okay? I?m a man of patience, but even that is wearing thin! So do it!?

?Rav?Brian?? said, Isa.. Her eyes so wide, as tears began to well.. Visibly she shook, as she attempted to please to Brian once more, yet no words came forth, save a muffled cry.. Her eyes, and body spoke volumes, in the stead of her absent voice..

The man, that held her remained where he was, his eyes locked with Brian, as the blade, moved even closer, bruising Isa?s neck ever so slightly, the feel of the blade causing her to shudder, yet she remained fixed to where she was. A bit of a chuckle from the blade wielder, as he leaned more so to Isa, holding her tightly from behind, as he spoke to her.

?What ah think we should do, is take moppet here too, Boss. She smells good, like a bit o? fruit and I mean to take a bite, I do. You smell goooood, moppet, I like it when they?re scared, I do. Are you scared??

Isa, could only reply with a muffled plea of sorts.. The man, offered a toothy grin, and looked to his partner, who was now finally coming to, slowly, but surely..

?Hey! Get up, and get that rope. We?re gonna teach these kids a lesson.? That being said, he grinned a rather toothy grin, and waved the knife about, which prompted an immediate reaction from Brian, as he moved towards the pair with such an intent, yet was quickly cut off, as the man?s blade, once more was brought to Isa?s neck, the man yelling out again.

?Watch it boy! I?m in charge here!?

Brian offered a low growl, as he froze in place once more.. His eyes narrowed, as he spoke slowly, yet again, with such a tone..

?I am going to kill you.. And your dazed friend there, too. Your boss is gonna watch, and you won?t be able to do a damned thing, because you're already dead..?

The man, laughed, and waved the blade around, yet again. As he then replied, to Brian.

?Oh yeah! Well, just how do you expect to do that! Cause I got the knife, and the girl, and you?re just a kid!?

To emphasize his point, the man, yanked Isa?s hair, back a bit, and licked her neck as he cackled a bit, and put the knife back to her neck.. The larger man watched on, as he actually then backed away, and tried to speak to his men.

?Boys, this is a bit much, yeah? We?re not supposed to be doin? it this way, let?s get outta here with the calf, before this is something we can?t walk away from.?

?Shut it, Boss! I wanna have some fun now, sides you could have beaten this kid, anytime you wanted to.. You just got a bit of that honor, well I don?t! So now I get to be the Boss, for a bit.?

?I am going to drive a knife through your eye, and I will slit your throat, Gods help me I will..? said the boy in a rather calculated tone.

?You won?t do a damn?Ungh!?

The man got no farther, as a dagger literally let fly, striking him, with such precision that his eye was literally run through. The hilt of the dagger was flush with the man?s face, as blood freely flowed, offering a crimson half mask that ran down the man?s face and chest with such a flow.. The blade he had to Isa?s neck, fell towards the ground, yet never made it as Brian seemingly moved without being seen, and was now next to Isa, his free hand grabbing her as he twirled around, snatching the blade literally from the air with Isa to his back. He quickly drove the blade directly into the man?s jugular, the force of which cause a literal explosion of blood from the point which the blade tip exited the back of his neck, courtesy of the amount of force, the young man used, coupled with the hilt of the dagger collapsing, and running completely flush to the point of entry..

The man, never had a change to act..

Isa screamed loudly, as the other man, now to his feet, blood still covering his face, began to charge Brian..

He never made it more than a few steps, as Brian was now before him..

A loud crack was heard all around, as the man screamed aloud.. Brian?s boot had been driven through the man?s knee, as bone, and cartilage gave way to the brute force, the young man had used..

As the man began to crumple, Brian then grabbed him by the hair and rammed his knee quite viciously against his nose, shattering it and in the blink of an eye, was now behind the man, taking hold of his head, his hand to each side as he yanked back and twisted with such a force, the man went limp, with the sound of his spine snapping..

The dead man, fell into a broken, and quite bloodied heap..

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

T?was then, that Brian, turned upon the larger man, with such a look in his eyes..

The man stood there, literally shaking somewhat.. As the young man, looked to the horrified Isa, and motioned her over with a blood stained hand.

"Isa, we're leaving. Now."

Isa, still somewhat in shock, at the scene before her, just nodded, and complied, albeit slowly.. Her eyes, still somewhat widened, as she wrapped her arms, about herself, in doing so. Brian looked to the larger man and spoke, briefly.

"He had no right to do that to her.. Now he can't do that to anyone, again. His friend, either. We're leaving, you should to."

"What the hell are you?", the man asked.. His nervousness more than apparent, as he remained deathly still, his weathered eyes watching the young man, warily.

"No one.", was the only answer that was given, as Brian turned..

Taking Isa, Brian turned and guided her away, their back to the man.. Neither he nor Isa had noticed the black feathers, that were strewn about the ground in their own wake, as the pair walked away. Looking to Isa, Brian kissed her head, gently and said something the man could not make out..

It was then, that the large man took noticed of the feathers..

His eyes widened, as he followed them bit by bit, the trail leading to the pair.. His hands shook, as he reached behind his back, drawing a small crossbow and taking aim at Brian. A moment later, a cry came forth from the man, as he let fly with the bolt to the unsuspecting Brian and Isa. Turning, to the cry, Brian shoved Isa, aside as hard as the bolt found found it's mark true, catching the lad in the chest, just above the heart..

The young man's eyes widened, as he looked between the embedded bolt and Isa, who was now crying out, and his assailant who was busy attempting to reload the crossbow. Isa, remained there somewhat frozen, as Brian staggered a moment and then soon fell to a knee..

Everything in his world began to slow.. His actions.. Hearing, sight, and more so. It was as if the world, began to slowly leave the young man behind.. Darkness began to creep into his line of sight, as he fell to his other knee now, soon after his hands, followed, as breathing, became so heavy.. Such a weight, that he felt all over, as his body would no longer, listen to any order what so ever.

"No.. Isa.. Run, now.."

That was all Brian could say, as Isa remained fixed where she was, her voice, horsed indeed from the screaming, as she slowly began to scramble towards the mortally wounded, Brian.

The man cried out once more, now.. Aiming the crossbow, as he yelled a stream of words, neither Isa, or Brian, could make out.. He began to rush the pair, readying his next shot. Isa in reaction, threw herself in front of Brian, in a desperate attempt to take the bolt meant for the young man.

However, that did not happen..

Before, anything else, the man fell to the ground.. In pieces.. Isa, blinked.. She had no idea, what had happened, yet there the man was, literally in pieces.. The hand that held the crossbow, fell to the ground, as did the man's other hand.. His head, followed suit, still bearing that angry expression, as it he were still alive.. His body, cut into three parts, and the part that made it more puzzling, was the fact there was no blood what so ever.. The reason for that, was standing right behind the dismembered poacher..

Laike, the Weapons Master.. Brian's mentor..

Sheathing his twin blades, the weapons master quickly stepped towards Isa and Brian, as he called out to what Isa thought was thin, air, as she had not seen anything else..

"You kin come out now, Oberon, let's see to these two, and be on our way. I've two others, coming here as well, to bury the dead, and clean this place up."

Oberon made himself known, quite evidently, as the mage appeared beside the weapons master, and shook his head, as he looked surveyed the area, taking in the horrific scene before him.. Looking them to the weapons master, he replied.

"So, it has happened earlier, than we anticipated, old friend. It seems, the boy is no longer ordinary.. The feathers, the residual magicks.. Oh yes, he has definitely, begun to show the signs.. So early, though.. And to think, we had doubts, being he was not one of us by birth."

Laike, looked to Oberon, and nodded.. "It seems, my work, is now cut out for me, old friend.. And what of the girl? She too bore the mark, when she was of age, did she not? She bears the gifts, will she not too, manifest before our anticipated time?"

"HELP HIM!", cried Isa, as she held Brian to her.. His eyes of blue widened, as her eyes welled, more so.. She cried out, yet again, for assistance, causing Oberon to approach her.

"My dear, child.. We cannot do anything, for the lad.. The boy will die."

"B'b'but, why!?", cried Isa.

"Because that is the way things are.. We cannot act, to save him.. But you, my dear.. Perhaps, you can.. Yes, you wish to save the lad, so do so.. Save your friend, use that which was given to you, Isa.. Use, what has been lying in wait, and show us, how much you wish to save that boy."

"I can't!", cried Isa, angrily.. Her eyes welling more so, as her body somewhat shook.. Her welled eyes, relinquished the tears they held back, and as they began to make their way down the girl's cheek, Oberon, nodded, and faintly smiled..

"You can, and more so, Isa.. You will..."

*****************************
"How can you be so cold?! How can you lay this at my feet?" she cried angrily at them. They stood still and just stared at her, their eyes dark with unfathomable depths.

At a loss, Isa's natural instinct kicked in. She tore open Brian's shirt and, grasping the bolt, she tugged. Brian cried out but it did not budge. She looked at Oberon and Laike who continued to stare at her with blank expressions on their faces. Exasperated, she turned to him, realizing she was alone in this.

She laid Brian down and putting her knee against his shoulder grabbed the bolt with her two hands and pulled as hard as she could. Brian cried out in pain and thankfully slipped into unconsciousness. The bolt slid out slowly with a gurgling, sucking sound and the blood poured freely from the wound.

Isa ripped the bottom hem from her dress and tried to staunch the flow of blood. He was losing so much and there was nothing she could do. She packed the wound as memories ran amok in her head. The many years and hours spent with Brian and all they had done together. She cradled his head in her arms and wept openly now. The tears flowing down her cheeks.

This was her best friend. He was her protector, her partner, her friend. She loved him dearly and he was dying in her arms and there was not a thing she could do to stop it. What would she do without him? She needed him. Regardless of Oberon's words, she knew she could not save him.

Her tears slid down her cheek to her jaw and softly fell on Brian's chest. They mingled with the blood in the gaping wound left behind from the bolt. The skin began to change color and move. Blood bubbled up in the hole and seeped out behind folding, closing flesh as it healed from the inside out.

Oberon's eyes widened and he looked at Laike who nodded knowingly. Isa looked down in confusion, still blinded by tears as his wound healed and he began to cough and sputter. His eyes opened and she was staring into their azure depths once again. He looked up at her and managed a weak smile.

"Brian! You're all right!" she kissed his cheek and the top of his head clinging to her friend tightly.

"All right, stop it before you get your girl germs all over me!" he whispered faintly.

She laughed at him and hugged him to her. He struggled to rise and with her help managed to get to his feet. His strength was coming back so quickly, Oberon was hard pressed to tell the boy had even been hurt.

Isa put her arm around his waist and looping his arm across her shoulders helped him towards home. She looked back angrily at Oberon who nodded at her.

"I will come to speak to you later this evening." He called to her. She gave him an angry look and silently led Brian away.

"Oh ho!" Laike said with a laugh. "I do believe I saw blue flames coming from those eyes," he chuckled. Then he looked down at the grass where she had been sitting and pointed to the ground.

"Look there. The boy isn't the only one manifesting."

Strewn about where several tiny downy white feathers. Oberon gave a heavy sigh.

"It has begun."