Chapter 1: The Beginning
Just earlier that day, Aria was being adopted from an orphanage. She was very lucky, being the age fifteen. Most people wouldn't want to adopt a teenager. Her new family, Steve and Annie Sails, wanted to give her the best first day she could hope for. Steve told her he would arrange a nice room for her, and worry about all her stuff. And so Ms. Sails was to bring her to the local shelter to pick any dog of her choice as a companion.
Aria was overwhelmed with joy, she had always wanted a dog and was ecstatic to adopt one from a shelter. Ms. Sails drove her there, Aria got the front seat. She saw parts of town she'd never seen before. It was as if she entered a whole new world. Her heart was so light she couldn't stop smiling. Her life had finally turned around, and it was a miracle.
The shelter was a boldly painted little building with many kennels and play yards behind it. Most of the adoptable animals in town were here, there was no pet store. So many homeless strays showed up monthly there was no need for one. The shelter had many signs on the walls in joyful printed frames. Bright letters would say "Furry Friends This Way" or "Silly Paws Over Here." The front door was white and wooden with a circular stained glass window at the top.
Ms. Sails opened it politely for Aria, who stepped in with curiosity. The lady at the counter was an ironic contrast of the whole setting. She was an overweight lady with a wrinkled face and a messy bun. She had sour looking eyes and a monotone voice when she forced a smile saying,
"Welcome to Berry Tree Shelter."
Aria hoped her surprise didn't show in her eyes as the lady's bored, bitter face shadowed the room. The inside was painted just as cheerful as outside, but the window blinds were closed and the lady at the desk made everything darker.
"We have come to adopt a dog." Said Ms. Sails, looking inquisitively at the scribbled name tag. It read "Harriet."
"Oh yes, right this way." Harriet sounded like she had a bad cold and was low on sleep. When she stepped off her chair to the floor, the tiles squeaked. She was a good two feet shorter than the chair made her look. As Aria followed Harriet, she glanced back to satisfy her guess. A step stool was placed for easier access of the chair.
Aria followed Harriet through the back door and into a hall of kennels that read "dogs." A chorus of barks rang from behind the bars, paws appeared between the gaps of every cage. Noses and hopeful eyes searched the visitors. Aria knew how they felt. She stopped and knelt to pet the muzzles of a few.
"These are the ones that have stayed the longest. The farther down you go the newer the dogs get." The lady said. Her tone just got more annoyed with every sentence it seemed.
"Okay, thank you." Aria said. She wanted to ask questions, but Harriet sounded like she was following an overplayed script, and Aria was scared to change it.
As she peaked into each kennel, Aria felt a connection somewhere. She kept moving forward, the dog that was waiting for her was farther. She had no idea what the connection was, though. It was like butterflies in the stomach. A feeling, like a sixth sense, that pulls you forward. And as she reached the end of the hall, she saw another hallway with no sign. "What's through here?" She asked, the cages were darker and quieter.
"Those are the dogs that have stayed here over three years. They are waiting to be put down." Said Harriet, her voice without a hint of mercy. Aria's heart jumped. That's horrible, she thought. The poor things. Living their whole life behind bars, dying behind bars. No one to love them- ever.
"Are they all too old to adopt?" She asked, entering the hall.
"No, some are just three years old." Harriet replied.
Aria suddenly stopped, she pressed her face to the bars of a cage that had a large figure slumped in the back corner. "Hello, come here boy." Aria said softly, whistling. The dog did not budge. Aria fumbled with the latch on the cage. "I'd like to meet this one." She said.
Harriet unlocked the kennel hesitantly and the flinched away. "Just warning ya, this one has attitude." Aria didn't care, she brushed past Harriet and crawled into the back of the cage. Although the ceiling was well above her head, she felt she could best tame the depressed shlump this way.
"Hey Mr. Grumpy, how are you?" She stroked the fur on his back. Ignoring his growls, she slowly placed a whole, spread hand on the top of his head. "What is your name buddy?" She scratched him behind the ears. "You look like a.. Lightning to me." Said Aria. The dog lifted his head to look at her.
He had a long, muscular body. His build was strong, his head easily twice the size of hers. His coat was pure golden, long, and silky. His ears were pointed and held high, his eyes were brown and intelligent. They were like gold-flaked chestnut pools reflecting a starry night. His nose was big and black, his paws large with black claws. He had an intimidating appearance, but his eyes locked with Aria's and neither was gonna break that gaze.
"Your coming with me big guy." She said, scratching him around his neck. His skin was loose and thick. Aria could bury her hand in his coat easily. She smiled, and stood up. To her surprise, Lightning stood up as well. He was easily three feet on all fours, his back looked strong enough to ride. "Well that's a pretty accurate nickname huh? Just look at how big you are!" Aria talked to Lightning because it amused her the way his ears twitched at the sound of her voice, her voice, not baby talk.
Aria led him to the kennel entrance to see Harriet wide-eyes and jaw-dropped. Aria tilted her head to the side, the opened up the door for Lightning to step out, who had tilted his head to the side as well. He waited for her. Aria smiled at him, "He's so well behaved!" She said.
Harriet uttered something inaudible. Aria brushed it off, Lightning was an intelligent breed. Harriet said he was a golden retriever/german shepherd mutt, but there were traces of other things too. He came from a very crossbred heritage that was very undefined. That made him special from Aria's point of view. Mysterious, secretive, just like her. Not so much her personality, but her past. And one's past builds them up as a whole in her opinion, so therefore, secrets are part of who she is.
At the front desk, Harriet handed Aria a thick, brown leather collar with a name tag that read "Lightning." It appeared Harriet was scared to touch Him, scared to sell him, and scared of Aria.
In her defense, Lightning snarled at the sight of her hand. Coming toward him. "Are you sure you want this dog?" She would say. "He's a horrible pet..." Aria brushed it all aside. He was smart, Aria could almost hear him speak. After all, his eyes had their own language. So did his body. The way he looked at Harriet made Aria feel something was wrong. But through it all, she could tell Lightning was gonna be a life changing companion.
Aria put on the collar, attached the leash to it as well. She patted his head and spoke to him gently. "From now on, you will be well cared for. Played with, walked, and brought along on adventures." That last word, "adventures," lifted Lightning's head. And Aria smiled. It's almost as if he understood her. "Your gonna be my companion from here on out big guy."

Ms. Sails insisted Aria ride in the car, but she denied. She requested the address, and said she'd be there in time for dinner. She thanked her for adopting her, and for the dog. She wanted to explore the world she's peered at through her cold walls for so long, get a breath of fresh air and reality. See what she's been missing. Taste the adventure, ready to dive into whatever the future holds.
And so they walked, her and Lightning. He padded calmly, his ears up. He didn't make a sound but for the jingle of his tag. It seemed to bother him. Aria suddenly stopped,
"Here Bud," she said, gently removing the name tag and tucking it in her pocket. The dog's brown eyes met hers. His ears twitched. Aria tilted her head to the side. He did the same. That's when she heard it, the heavy breathing across the street. Aria's head whipped around.
It was to dark to see anything, directly across the street there was a split in the buildings opening to a dark alleyway. Aria felt her adrenaline rising. Lightning tugged at her sleeve hard, he was strong. Aria fell onto his back, then slid on the rest of the way intentionally,
Hugging tightly around his neck Aria grabbed handfuls of fur. Lightning ran very fast for his size. Heavy footsteps echoed from behind and Aria knew she couldn't look back. She was shaking to the bone, and wished she had known how dangerous this part of town was. What troubled her most was why the stalker was chasing her in the first place.
Fire engines' sirens shrieked in the distance, but nothing came her way. Lightning wasn't even panting, he bolted on strong and swiftly. His ears held up but leaning back, his nose in the air. The thud-thud-thud of heavy boots shaking the ground behind grew on and on.
Aria leaned as Lightning breezed around a corner sharply. She slipped, nearly falling off. His back was slippery, so to speak. His shoulder blades swayed from side to side as his strong legs moved. But for how big he was, the rides bumps were greatly reduced. Lightning's back looked strong enough to beat wings.
Finally, light fills the next corner. Aria grips even tighter for the home stretch, a neighborhood lit by the setting sun threw the pursuer off. Aria quickly looked back, only managing to see the silhouette of a tall, muscular man on the border of the shadows. Her thoughts ran like a wild train. It was like looking at something from a fairytale.

"So what is that shady road around the corner called?" Asked Aria. She was in the process of devouring the tastiest lasagna you was positive ever existed.
"13th, why do you ask?" Replied Mr. Sails. Aria fidgeted with her fork.
"I've never been in this part of town before and took that way to get here as a shortcut. I was chased by a tall man I never got a clear view of."
"Really? Did he have a gun?" Asked Xavier, a young boy sitting at the end of the table. He had messy brown hair and vivid green eyes. His nose was freckles and turned up. His ears were slightly pointed at the tips. He had small flight goggles propped on his head.
"Now Xavier! This isn't a joke, Aria was attacked by a grown man. She could have been killed." Ms. Sails firmly stated. Aria shook her head.
"I only know he was wearing heavy boots and was tall, probably had a lot more muscle that a silhouette could show. But it was scary, have you heard of him?"
"I've heard people talking about him at school, they say he catches kids and ties them up to trees on the bank of Crystal Lake in the forest and leaves them there till the tide comes in." Said Xandra. Her and Xavier were twelve year old twins. She looked just like her brother but her right eye was brown, and her hair was a bit longer.
"You shouldn't believe stories you hear at school. Definitely not from that blonde kid with all the rumors, I've already told you Crystal Lake doesn't exist." Said Mr. Sails.
"Adults just don't know it because it's hidden deep in the woods. Only kids have ventured far enough to see it! That's what Bran said." Stubborn Xandra replied. Her parents let out long sighs, she was convinced.
After cleaning her plate, Aria said, "So there's woods? Where are they?" She addressed her question to Xander, who's eyes lit up at the words.
"Just past 13th! There's a cut through to them, but you have to go back before dark because they are thick and you can't see once the sun goes down." Xavier said.
"Thanks Xavier." Replied Aria. But then Mr. Sails broke in.
"Hold it right there. I don't want any of you going near 13th anytime soon. It's far to dangerous! You are to stay on the right hand side of Shallow Creek or you'll never hear the end of it." Muffled "okay's" silenced the table.

The next morning, Aria went down for breakfast. The twins were getting ready for school. The site was quite the silly one.
"Xavier you cannot wear those goggles to school!"
"But mom they are good luck!"
"It's unacceptable, you must wear something nice."
"If I don't wear them, what do I do if I find a dragon? I won't be able to fly it!"
"How many times do I have to tell you dragons aren't real??"
Xavier sighs and takes off the goggles. As soon as his mom turns around he slips them into his backpack with a shy smirk. Aria restrains a giggle, fearing she'll give him away.
"As for you Aria," Says Ms. Sails, "We're gonna have to get you enrolled in a school soon. It'll be nice to have you to look after the twins, the teachers say they are always getting into trouble."
"I'm glad to help Ms. Sails." Aria says with a smile. Ms. Sails shakes her head.
"Please call my Mom, or at least Annie. Ms. Sails is far to proper for this house!" Ms. Sails laughs. "Same goes for Steve, he'd prefer Dad but just Steve is fine, too."
"Okay.... Mom." Aria says shyly. They are new words for her vocabulary, mom and dad. Brother and Sister. "I'm going to take Lightning on a walk, I'll be back for lunch!" Aria grins.
"Alright, but remember to stay away from 13th." She reminds Aria. Aria nods and goes out back. The family had already got a dog house prepared, so that's where Lightning was chained. Aria personally thought he could break that chain if he wanted to.
"Hey buddy..." Aria unclips the chain from his collar. She hears the car drive off to school, and knows Mr. Sails is at work, so she talks to Lightning. "I know they said not to go near 13th, but I can't help it. I have to know who was chasing us. What do you say?"
Lightning stands and shakes, joining Aria's side as they walk through the back gate. "I'll take that as a "yes?" I'm glad we agree." Aria had basically got the vibe that Lightning spoke a silent English. And that he understood her every word.
They passed onto 13th through the cut through. On this side, there always seemed to be a looming shadow. But this morning the air was clear. Aria looked down both sides of the road, there was no one in sight. Strait ahead of her was a well lit forest.
Those trees were tall and welcoming. Aria and Lightning exchanged glances. They both wanted to go in there. Cold chills rushed down Aria's spine. She would feel very guilty to disobey this kind family's rules. They had just taken her in, bought her her dream dog, and given her a great welcome.
Lightning nipped at her shirt, nudging and tugging her toward the woods. She reached down and put a hand on his head. "Now hold on, we didn't come prepared for exploring the woods. I'll make you a deal. You let me make you a harness with handles and a saddle, then we will go."
Aria had become interested in the fact that Lightning could be ridden. Lightning looked up at her for a second, then dropped his ears and let out a short burst of air. The two turned and passed back over onto Shallow Creek.
Ms. Sails had given Aria $30 to spend on whatever she wanted. Gear for Lightning sounded like a fun investment. Aria put Lightning's leash on and took him into town. This way around the block, streets were bustling with cars and pedestrians.
There were shops lined up, parks here and there, and squares of all sorts. Aria entered a shop called "Pet Supplies." A bell rang when her and Lightning entered.
"Welco-ah!" Said the cashier. "I'm sorry it's just your dog... He's so big!" She exclaimed. Aria laughs,
"Thank you?" She grins at the lady, scratching Lightning behind the ear. "I'm looking for harnesses." Says Aria.
"For that size of a dog, you'll want a large harness of thick leather. Right this way." The lady gestures her down rows of shelves where they finally come to harnesses.
"Im looking for something... Sturdy." Aria informed the woman. She held up multiple harnesses for her to pick. They all looked strong, so Aria tried one on Lightning.
It was thick and brown to match his color, the lady showed Aria how to clip the large metal clasps onto his collar. It looped under Lightning's chest, behind his forelegs, and twice over his back with a connecting strand.
"This is perfect, thank you! How much is it?"
"$15.80." The lady said. Aria smiled, and after buying the harness, she put it on Lightning. Outside the shop, they both examined it further.
"It's definitely strong, how is it for walking? Stretchy?" Aria walked Lightning a little ways. He grunted in response. It would work! "I don't think I'm gonna have enough money to get us really nice gear, but we will at least be able to get us starting supplies."
The next stop was the fabric store, Aria tied Lightning up outside. "Stay here, I'll be right back okay?" She stroked his neck and entered the store. "Hello! I'm looking for a foot-by-foot piece of leather."

The leather had taken another $8 out of Aria's $30 budget. She figured she'd have to find a cheap seat. And then there's putting it all together! Aria had no idea how to do that, she figured she'd use rope and tie it up herself.
Aria managed to get the bicycle seat for $5, leaving her with twenty cents. She returned home with her merchandise and sat in the backyard with Lightning.
Removing the harness and collar, Aria used scissors to cut two holes in either side of her leather square. This turned out to be a mistake, she dulled the scissors badly. But it worked, after a long while.. She did it on either side of the top and bottom, and middle. With the top and bottom she fed the harness rings through them, two circle cut outs for each ring. And for the seat, she used some rope.
The Sails let her use some, thinking her idea was neat. And she picked out a bicycle seat with bars on the bottom for this purpose.
On either side of the seat she had a bit of rope. She fed it over one bar and through the cut out, under the leather and tying it like a ring. It worked on both sides. Feeling accomplished, Aria used her extra bits of rope to tie around the color as something to hold on to.

By the time she finished, the harness looked more like a saddle. Aria was proud! Excitement filled a toothy grin as she looked up at Lightning. "Now to see if this fits." She said, holding it up. Lightning stood up for her to put it on him. He had been dozing in the sun while she worked.
Aria first put the harness on, witch fastened on the bottom. Then she put the collar on, attaching that to the harness with the metal clasps. The leather served as a cushion between Lightning's back and the seat.
"You look great!" Said Aria. He really did, a golden wolf-like figure bulked with muscle covered in a glossy coat. His intelligent brown eyes searching your every move. He almost didn't seem real. This creature, this beast, standing under the setting sun. Looked like a fairytale come true.

Chapter 2: Bran
The twins were out the door as soon as Aria had adjusted the harness to the most fitting for Lightning. They admired him greatly.
"Wow he's so intimidating," said Xavier. "Can I ride him?" Aria flinched,
"I don't think that's a good idea... How about not." She replied. Xavier frowned.
"I should be the one with this dog!! I have the goggles, I've trained for riding my whole life!"
"But I haven't tested it yet.. It might fall apart.." Aria took a step to place herself between Lightning and Xavier.
"There's nothing I can't ride! Mooooove!" Xavier pushed past Aria and scrambled roughly onto the seat. He started tugging at the collar rings, "Run! Come on!" He exclaimed, jerking the collar handles far to hard.
"Xavier stop!" Cried Xandra, pulling at her brother's sleeve. But it was to late, the leather tore and fell from the seat and the harness.
"It's...ruined..." Said Aria, kneeling by the pieces and sighing.
"I'm sorry..." Xavier was shaken off of Lightning's back roughly. He pawed at the ground and howled. The twins huddled together, shaking. Aria hugged Lightning tight.
"Don't worry, we will fix this..."

Later that day, after dinner, Aria gathered up the riding equipment into a large bag. She slung it over her shoulder as she walked through the neighborhood on Shallow Creek. From the distance she heard a soft humming sound.
"Hm?" Aria mumbled to herself, lifting an ear. As she followed the noise, humming turned to singing. It was a young man's voice. He was playing a gentle acoustic guitar.
Aria finally stopped in front of a worn down house. It's roofing was falling apart. The fence blocking the road from the backyard was on the edge of the sidewalk. The boards were falling off the base of the fence.
Aria cautiously stepped forward, and kneeled down. Peaking through the loose boards, she saw a boy. He was around sixteen years old, from the looks of it. He had scruffy blond hair, a long nose, large ears, and gray eyes.
His hands were rough, and rather large. His forehead creased from concentration. He wore a burnt orange baseball cap that was fraying on the edges. It had a hole or two in the fabric of the bill.
Aria's eyes narrowed as she squinted, trying to hear what he was singing. It was a beautiful song, and to be honest, the boy had a pretty nice voice. It was soothing. As Aria's shoulder relaxed, more wait rested onto the boards.
An ear-splitting cry rose from the fence. It sounded a lot louder from Aria's perspective out of fear, than it really was. She tumbled away from the fence, Lightning nudged his muzzle under her to help her up, but it was to late.
The guitar playing and singing stopped short, with a squeak. Aria froze, Lightning pawing at her in frustration.
"Hey you!" Came from a face wearing a scowl. Standing before her was the boy, very unhappy. "Who do you think you are, spying on me? You'd better not tell anyone about what you saw!"
Aria shivered, "Who are you?"
"Doesn't matter, I'm beyond you, kid!" The harsh voice replied.
"I said WHO are YOU?" Said Aria more sternly, standing up and glaring at the boy. Her head tilted slightly to the right. Lightning, who's presence was just now noticed, let out a low rumble.
"I'm...Bran.." He answered, cowering down at the sight of Lightning.
"YOU? Your the one spreading rumors about the woods?" Said Aria in realization. "You shouldn't tell such lies! Your getting people into trouble, you know." Aria frowned.
"And you should think twice before accusing people of lying, little girl-" Growls from Lightning. "...what I've been saying is true!"
"Then why hasn't anyone found Crystal Lake?" Aria crossed her arms, getting a better look at Bran. He wore an old black band T-shirt with cut-off shorts. He was barefoot. Not the type of appearance you'd expect from the neighborhood jerk.
"Because...ugh...you'll turn your back and laugh like all the others. Just never breath a word of this to ANYONE or you will get it!" Bran orders.
"Oh? I get the feeling YOUR the one who'd get it Mr. Bran. How about I offer you a deal." Aria drops her bag at his feet. "You fix this and I keep your secret."
Bran hesitates, kicking it lightly with his toe. "What is it?" He asks, lifting it and wincing at the weight.
"Gear for Lightning." Aria scratches her dog behind the ear. He lets out a "huff" of approval.
"Fine. It'll be done by Saturday. But no more of this or I'll have you known as a stalker, you hear me?" Bran glares.
"And I'll have you eaten by Lightning. You hear me?" Replied Aria. She pivots on her heel, retrieving a homeward direction.

The next morning, Aria looks in the mirror. It was the first time she'd cared about her appearance since adoption day at the orphanage. Her frizzy auburn hair curled into her eyes. She combed it back but it never seized to crop get face with bouncy spirals.
Her icy eyes stood out against her creamy peach-toned skin. Her cherry blossom pink lips were small compared to her irises. Her eyelashes were short, but dark. Her cheeks rosy, and ears small and round.
Aria tied her hair back with a bow of thin blue ribbon. She wore a casual baby blue dress adorned with a white lily print. It had a white bow that tied around the waste in the back. Her shoes were little white flats. These were things that came with her at the orphanage.
Miss Bailey, the girls' caretaker, said when dropped off as a baby Aria had a box of belongings. These were returned to her when she was adopted. She hadn't had the chance to go through them yet, but planned to soon.
Ms. Sails chose this outfit for her to wear today. So she did, and twirling in front of a full length mirror, Aria thought it looked lovely. She was a slender girl, five feet tall with rather small everything. Feet, hands, nose, chin, every feature but her icy eyes. Her face, in contrast to her thin figure, was rounded. Surrounded by the stubborn red spirals that wouldn't go back into her ponytail.
Her bones and appearance being small and thin are a bit deceiving in reality, however. Aria's build is kind of stocky. Her shoulder are broad and her skin is rough and dry. Not brittle, but definitely not smooth and shiny.

Today Ms. Sails was taking Aria to the town school to get enrolled. Aria headed downstairs to find a similar argument between the twins and their mother the day before. Xavier Esther his goggles, his mother disagreed.
The amusing sight soon ended, however. And the tired mother sighed, giving up. Aria laughed,
"You just love those goggles don't you Xavier?" Xavier looked up, but didn't respond. Aria couldn't tell if he felt bad for breaking the harness, or if he was upset he didn't get his way.
At the school, Aria leather her new teacher would be Mrs. Miles. Well, one of them at least. Mrs. Miles gave them the tour of the school, gave them the information they needed to know, and enrolled Aria as her student.
She was the science teacher, who immediately took a liking to Aria. The whole experience was so new to Aria, Science was a subject she'd never been introduced to.
As this was the end of summer, Aria had till the beginning of the coming semester before she would start her schooling. That gave her plenty of time to get to know her new classmates out of school.

At home, she sat on her bed. Lightning laid beside her with his head in her lap. They were leading through last year's yearbook. Aria wanted to get familiar with the teacher's and students so her first day at a public school wouldn't be so scary.
Weather or not she ever had a first day was the world's surprise for her. Aria found herself in the 10th grade section. That's where she should be, but she didn't know how this all worked. She'd never been to a school before.
The orphanage had its own education schedule, it taught the basics of Math, Language, and History. Aria had no idea how advanced the public schooling would be. She just hoped it all went well, and she made a few friends.
Gently turning the next page, Aria found Bran. "There, Lightning." She put her fingertip below his picture for him to see. "He sounded so soothing and gentle while he was playing, how could he be such a jerk?"
Lightning huffed with curiosity. "Maybe it has something to do with his home? Perhaps his family doesn't treat him well?" Aria laid the book on the bed, and plopped down on her back. "Whatever it is, he seems like he could be a nice guy."
Lightning suddenly lifted his head to look out the window. Aria's room was on the top floor, facing the cut-through to 13th. On the border of Shallow Creek stood a tall, muscular man.
He wore heavy leather boots, a brown hooded cloak, tunic, and pants. The hood was up, shadowing his face. His hair was long and matted, the color hidden by the shadow of his movements. His hands- rough. So mythical he looked, Aria froze.
The man was staring strait up into her window. His eyes weren't visible, but his frowning line of a mouth was. His chin was bristled with a patchy beard. He looked like he wasn't all in there, sort of out of it.
Aria took this as the man who pursued her the first day she was adopted. Was it already Friday? Aria had cold sweat on her forehead. The man turned around, and limped back onto 13th. She had questions. Who was he, where did he come from, what did he want.
Lightning tipped his head and gave a screaming howl, the man mounted a black-tinted red horse and took cover in the woods. Aria just about passed out. What on earth was going on?

The next morning, Saturday, Aria and Lightning walked to Bran's house. She took extra precaution, not wanting to run into the hooded horseman. Lightning seemed to have the same sense she did. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up like grizzled toothpicks. His ears were erect, and his eyes were everywhere.
With every step he took Aria thought he might bolt for the woods. She didn't have a leash on him, but she trusted him to stay with her. She knew he understood her and thought like a person, and had no need to fear him leaving.
At Bran's house, Aria tapped on the old fence.
"Bran? I'm here for Lightning's gear..." Said Aria. She peaked through a hole, seeing him approach the fence. Once on the other side,
"Sheesh, what is with you spying through people's fences? I saw you do the same to the Sails' house the other day. What are you playing at?" Bran snapped.
"You saw him too? The cloaked man? He chased me down 13th last Tuesday!" Aria exclaimed. Bran shook his head.
"Oh him.. He causes hallucinations. That's why he looked like you. I wonder what is up this time..." Said Bran.
"Hallucinations? What do you... Mean?" Aria pushed, this wasn't right. "There was a LAST time??"
"Okay, listen. It's dangerous. The only reason I know is because I've been in there." Bran points to the woods. "And I was only let back because I promised not to.."
"Not to what, Bran?" Aria questioned.
"I'm sick of you and your stupid dog, it's none of your business for crying out loud! Just stay AWAY from those woods, you hear me? They won't have mercy a second time. Take it from me! Here's your stuff, now stay away from me!" Bran said, nervously stepping back. Aria wondered what could be wrong, why did people keep looking at her this way? As if they were scared?
"Thanks..." Said Aria. She picked up her bag, and took the harness out. The leather tears had bee sewn together. The rings where the harness and saddle are attached were hemmed and lined with rings of metal. The saddle was chained on tightly, it was reinforced and better than before.
"I have a knack with trinkets and really get into my projects. Now get out of here!" Bran shouted. Lightning barked low, Aria couldn't tell if it was a "shut up" or "thank you."

Aria saddled Lightning up, who had grown considerably after appropriate feeding. He was on all fours. About a foot below her shoulder on all fours. Aria jumped on Lightning's back, grabbed the collar handles, and Lightning bolted.
He ran strait for the woods, "Lightning! What are you doing? We can't go in there right now, we need food and water! I need more coverage, look at those blackberry bushes..." Aria yelped, lightning jumped them.


And they were in the woods.

I will only add posts as I finish chapters, thanks for reading! :)

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Note to Self: Esylana

Chapter 3: Clover
Birds screamed their arrival in the glowing canopy above. It was high noon, the sun's light was bombing from strait above. Casting shadows on the ground, shadows that imitated black figures crawling on the ground, scattering whenever the wind blew.
Aria heard and felt her heartbeat in her temples. She heard the rush of blood and adrenaline as Lightning ran deeper and deeper into the woods. The local trails seized, and the trees grew thicker.
As the trees for thicker the woods got darker. And quieter. Lightning's heavily muscled paws broke through and ground cover in their path as his run slowed to a stop. Aria realized she was doubled over, hugging around his neck.
They stood like a breathing, blinking statue in a wood that was so silent, it could be a tapestry. Everything was hushed. Everything was still. Aria felt things watching her. Was it just her imagination, or were they really being spied by eyes in the trees.

"Lightning! What have we done?" Aria whispered in exclamation. Lightning rumbled, planting himself on the ground. Aria tumbled off backward. Her capris didn't do her justice, as her lower legs were cut and sprinkled with burs.
Lightning rumbled again, ignoring her. Aria couldn't tell if he was happy with his decision, or upset. Or even annoyed with her. "We wouldn't be here if you'd of listened to me, how do you expect to get out? I told Mr. And Ms. Sails we wouldn't go near 13th or the woods!"
Lightning snarled.
"You told him you would go into the woods when you got riding equipment, did you not?" Came a female voice from afar. Aria and Lightning froze back to back.
"Who's there?" Said Aria, remembering all that Bran said. Who we're "they." And was this one of "them?"
"I...did..." Said Aria, slouching. The voice cleared its throat.
"And now you punish him for believing you." The voice continued.
"That's not true!"
"Listen to yourself."

A long silence proceeded. Aria glanced over her shoulder. The hairs on the back of Lightning's neck were up. No matter what the topic, this was sketchy.
Deep in the silent woods, an echoey voice, and no one in sight. And what's more, it knows their names and what they've been doing. Aria wanted out.
"You want to leave, but you don't know how, do you?" The voice questioned. Aria shivered, it was right. They didn't know the way out. Aria's head whipped around as she scanned their surroundings. Thick woods on all sides.
"Don't think about running, you'll be caught." The echoes stop as a girl walks into view. She was just a bit taller than Aria, with long pointed ears.
Her skin was white, ivory white. Her hair was dark brown with a forest green tint. The sides were pulled back in braids strung with feathers and flowers. Her face had painted tribal markings of brown clay. Her outfit was a top made of deerskin and a skirt of feathers over leather. She wore a lot of jewelry, precious stones and plants of sorts. Animal claws, teeth, bones, whatever you can imagine. And she was barefoot.
"Who..... Are you?" Aria asked, standing up and blinking at what she saw. Lightning joined her side. As frightening as the moment was, the girl had an eerie peace about her. At the question, the girl flinched.
"My name is Clover. I'm the forest boundary guardian of Earth." She said. Aria tilted her head to the side. "I am only granting you mercy because I believe you can save my forest, and more."

"I don't understand...." Aria shivered, her head was freezing up and her legs were getting shaky. She fell to the ground, dizzy. What was going on?
"There's a prophesy that says the daughter of Light and the son of Dark will restore peace to the Tri-Worlds. Light being the royal family of Crystal magic. Dark being the Tribal gang of Murk magic. They have been fighting for years, ever since the newborns disappeared." Clover explained.
"Tell me more.." Aria pleaded. This was all so confusing, and she was determined to understand. Clover sat to face her.
"In 1998, Earth years, Dark and Light were brought new life. Each by the highest ruler. They were cherished children and were thrown a party." Clover began. "The children were to be gifted by the Queen. She was the one who linked all the world's together with portals, and made the prophesies." Clover went on.
"The son of Murk was given the gift of strength. The daughter of Light was given the gift of forgiveness." Said Clover, gesturing with her hands. "But during the party the children were kidnapped, and a shadow draped over the party. Each family believed the other stole their child, ruling their kingdoms in hatred of each other." The story, unfinished, continued.
"The Queen declared a prophesy that the children would return to the land bringing the Crystal Heart. The Crystal Heart would lift the shadow and reunite the families forever as a team." Clover finished.
"What about the Tri-Worlds? What happened to them?" Asked Aria, shaking. Lightning was laying on his belly, ears up.
"Terrible things have happened in the Tri-Worlds. On Terrain there was a horrendous war lost to the enemy. On Brink there was a war that wiped out most of the population. But they eased the fighting and started over from scratch. Now flourishing." Clover said. "Earth is yet to have its time"
"I.... I don't believe it. Are you crazy?" Aria asked, eyes wide.
"Have you never been exposed to magic?" Asked Clover, lifting the palm of her hand. From the creases rose small petals that filled out quickly, and before her eyes, a glittering daffodil bloomed.
It's long green stem swooped upward, poking out leaves and twisting around itself as it went. More blossoms branched off the original stem majestically.
Clover lowered her hand to the ground. It slid from her palm and was now blanketed by the ground. It was a miracle.
"How...." Aria stroked a petal, it was real, a stardust-like dust fell from it. Revealing vivid color.
"You have magic too, but it has yet to be revealed. I MUST know what it is, show me!" Clover was frantic, looking at Aria desperately.
"I don't have magic! What are you talking about??" Aria yelped, scrambling to her feet.
"Yes you do, you've just never tried. You have Crystal magic!" Said clover brightly. "Come on now, give it a try!" Aria felt the only way to get away was to prove she was normal.
She thrust a hand forward, aiming at the daffodil. From roots to stem it transformed into Crystal. A Crystal daffodil among trees.
"What..?" Aria looked at her hands in confusion. Clover chuckled.
"That's not all you can do, Princess. Believe the stars live in your soul." Clover whispered gently.
So Aria closed her eyes.

And held out her hands, palms up. She tightly closed her eyelids, and the tiniest spark hovered above her hands. As Aria continued, that spark grew and grew.
Feeling the warmth, Aria opened her eyes. She was holding a glowing ball of light. It twinkled like a million stars.
"Wow..." She breathed under her breath. It was soft, it smelled like rain. Clover was sitting on her knees staring into the light. "What.. What do I do with it?" Asked Aria.
"Well I don't know... Experiment." Clover suggested. So Aria closed her fist. The light extinguished with a flicker.
"That's amazing.... Does that mean..." Aria stopped short, in awe.
"Your the daughter of light, from the story." Clover finished.
"Then who is the son of Dark?" Aria blinked. Clover gestured to Lightning. "Him? But he can't talk... Dogs?" Lightning looked up disapprovingly at Aria.
"He was born with a few... Faults. His original breed has wings, can talk, and are the golden wolves of Coria." Clover said. Lightning huffed, jealous. "Lightning was going to be given wings and a voice, but was taken before the chance was there."
"But what is Coria?" Asked Aria.
"Coria is Earth's counter realm. Technically it is Earth, but a magic seal created something rather odd. The two places share the same space, but are there own thing. You have to pass through portals to be in one or another. And that's how the portals can work. They are just doorways, really." Clover said.
Aria stared at Clover in amazement.
"Take me there."