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"Dragon Riders"Written By: Kai Hylain Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ/GT. Though, I do own other characters unless stated otherwise! Warnings: light lemon, language, death, Gothic
settings Pairing: Kairi and Trunks Rating: PG Summary: A young elf girl works at a ranch with
her brother, Riku, and her sister Aranel. War rages on against the
Evil lord Seeires. Burings, hangings and killings are made almost
daily. Nothing seems to be alright for her until a mysterious lavender
haired knight starts giving her attention... "Dragon Riders" Chapter 1 Five am in the morning: the sky was gray and the air was wet and cold. Drops of water fell from the roof from the previous rain they had had in the night. Kairi lay in her bed and wrapped her blankets tighter around her. She snuggled into her warm bed and looked out the window. “Gray,” she whispered, “It’s been this way for years.” She enjoyed the last few minutes in her bed and hopped out into the bitter cold in her room. She hugged herself and blew into her hands and walked over to her wardrobe. She opened the light oak doors and took out her clothes. She put on an off white long sleeve shirt and on her arm warmers that had a silver ring at her wrist and her upper arm and then she put on her black leather gloves. She picked out baggy black jeans with a cargo pocket on each side of her lower leg and tossed them on. She fished around in one of her drawers for a belt and took out her black leather one with the silver belt buckle. She then walked over to the foot of her bed and put on her long black boots and fastened them tightly. It was going to be another long day at the ranch. But she didn’t mind much. Her favorite horse Duin just had a colt no more than a month ago and it was her job to train and take care of it. The colt is as royal as the king of Dur-Sigil and he was just like a little fire so Kairi decided to name him Arlhach. He looked like his mother, a black coat and a white spot on his lower back and a diamond shaped spot in between his eyes. She headed out of her room and quietly went down the stairs to the living room. She didn’t want to wake her sister Aranel or her brother Riku. Aranel was the oldest out of them all. She was twenty four and she was full of wisdom and intelligence. She had straight short dark silver hair that just carefully went past her shoulders. She had dark green eyes and a pale face that looked younger than she really was. She was tall and thin and always dressed casual. She wore a simple blue skirt that almost reached her ankles, a brown apron for when she worked in the barn, a white t shirt with a dark blue line going around the hem of her sleeves and the bottom of her skirt and she had a yellow bandana around her neck. She wore white knee high socks and brown boots. Even though she dressed so simple, she was still very beautiful and all the soldiers that came to the ranch always flirted with her and gave her flowers and other stuff that Kairi would never receive. Riku was a few years younger than Aranel. He just turned twenty and took great pride in finally becoming a man. He was a headstrong, powerful, and able man who protected his sisters from the dangers of the world. He had short black and silver hair that he always kept spiked and neat. He was well built in smarts and appearance. He had strong arms and legs and rock hard chest and abs. He dressed in black and gray and always carried his sword with him. He looked evil with his dark look and red eyes but he was the purest and most comical person in all of Dur-Sigil. When Aranel’s friends came over, Riku and Kairi would chart out a plan to trick them with. Their favorite one was when they made the lady from a near by village believe that a piece of horse waist was a slice of pie and made her eat it. She went vomiting out of the house and never came back. Aranel scolded them for hours on how they never should have done that. They didn’t really listen, they just stared at her mouth and watched it move. Kairi went into the kitchen and went over to the cabinets. She took out a small glass and filled it with water from the pitcher on the counter. She took a long drink and stared out into the cold morning. Her feelings matched sky: sad, depressed, and deprived. She didn’t know why she felt that way, she just did…and she always has. No matter how many times she smiled, they were always meaningless and hollow. Her only joy was when she was with Duin and Arlhach. “Morning sweetie,” Aranel said cheerfully as she poured herself a glass of water, “Morning,” she answered quietly. “Did I wake you?” “No,” Aranel yawned, “Riku did. Even though he’s across the hall, I can still hear him snoring.” Aranel laughed and Kairi softly chuckled. “How long have you been up?” “About an hour,” Kairi said softly. “I’ve been getting up at five to get my chores done early.” “Oh yes speaking of which,” Aranel remembered, “Mrs. Dundle wants to see you. She said she has something for.” Kairi smiled and went out the kitchen door to the barn. “Breakfast will be ready in a while!” Aranel called after her. Kairi stepped into the numbing cold and made her way to the barn. She went across the ranch and looked around. She gazed over into the distance, about a mile of so to the north and saw douse flames and rising smoke. She frowned at her unfortunate neighbors and continued to the barn. “There has been many burning lately,” she thought, “Those soldiers are getting more severe.” Since before Kairi was born, monsters, demons, and other creatures only hell could release tormented and killed many innocent humans and elves. They have been awakened by the evil lord Seeries to take over the world and enslave all who linger within it. That is how her father died. He died before she was born in a battle against Seeries himself. Her father was the most powerful and skilled warrior the world has ever scene. He had sapphire eyes and messy blonde hair from what Riku and Aranel said. He was a goof and a serious person all at the same time. He enjoyed being at home with them and just taking the horses for rides with the family. Aranel was sorry that Kairi never met him but she said it was for the best. She didn’t have any memories on either of their parents to grieve on. She prayed for the soldiers in the war and went into the barn. She was greeted by the cow bellowing good morning and half a dozen horses neighing at her. “Good morning you guys,” she greeted softly. She went to the back and grabbed the pitchfork and started heaving hay into their stalls and filled their feeders with fresh oats. She hitched up the cow Fëawen and took her outside to graze. She drove the hitch into the ground so she wouldn’t stray off and smiled up at her-a hollow smile. She left and patted Fëawen’s head on the way. She went back into the barn and went to the where Duin and Arlhach stayed. “Hey guys,” she whispered cheerfully. “How is your morning going?” Arlhach poked his head up and recklessly pranced over to her. He fell down before he reached her and went cross-eyed looking at the grass in between his eyes. She laughed softly and helped him back up. Duin proudly trotted over to Kairi and nuzzled her chin. “Hello Duin. Did you sleep well?” Duin tossed her head back and neighed loudly. She pats her nose and opened up her stall. Arlhach stumbled out and quickly mounted back to his feet. “Come here Arlhach,” she laughed. He pricked his ears and pranced over to her. She grabbed Duin’s saddle and threw it over Duin’s back. She took Arlhach’s harness and placed gently around his snout. He tossed his head and stomped his feet and waited impatiently as Kairi got Duin ready. She fastened the saddles and grabbed her and Arlhach and headed out to the coral. She shut the gate behind her and released Arlhach so he could run about. Kairi and Duin watched him and he chased a butterfly around and pranced about. Kairi shook her head and swung up on Duin. “Okay ready girl?” She asked. Duin rose to her back legs and neighed loudly. She tossed her head and sped around the coral with incredible speed. She jumped over the gates and obstacles like a pro. Arlhach watched his mother in awe at her skill and majesty. After going around the coral five times, Kairi got off of her and led her and Arlhach to the water trough. She groomed them as they drank the cool refreshing water. They swished their tails and clopped their feet as Kairi stroked them with the brush. She began to hum a little tune as she worked. It was a heavenly sad song. She didn’t know how she learned it, but she loved it and sang it often. * “Uich gwennen na 'wanath ah na dhín. “Kai, breakfast is ready!” Aranel called from the kitchen window. Kairi sighed and led her companions back to the coral and let them roam around. “See you guys soon.” She said as she went back to the house. “Something smells good.” Riku exclaimed as he walked into the kitchen. She snuck up behind Aranel in attempt to sneak a taste but Aranel smacked his hand with a wooden spoon. “Back off Riku,” she scolded, “Go wash up first.” “Geeze Aranel,” He said sucking his fingers, “You didn’t have to hit me.” “Go!” Riku rolled his eyes and left the kitchen. “Hey kiddo.” He said as Kairi passed. He placed his hand on his head and messed up her short light baby blue hair and went on to the bathroom. She gave him an icy glare and smoothed her hair out. Kairi went into the kitchen and helped Aranel set the table. “Thanks sis.” Aranel said. Kairi said nothing and finished putting the dishes on the table. Aranel froze in the middle of the kitchen and took a long breath. “This has been going on too long.’ She sighed. “This war has to end sometime.” “How long has been going on Aranel?” Kairi asked softly. Aranel smiled at her younger sister and then frowned. “Since before you were born.” She sighed. “Actually, it began about a year or so before Riku was born. And I’m tired of it.” She sighed again. “I wish you could’ve seen how wonderful this world really is. Without all of the fights, killings, burnings, and what not.” “It won’t last much longer,” Kairi assured her. “I have a feeling it will stop soon.” Aranel chuckled. “You’re defiantly like father.” She laughed. “He always had a strong sense of when things were going to end.” “You and Riku always say that.” She sighed with boredom. “Well it’s true.” Aranel insisted. “And if you ask me, he was looking forward to your birth more than Riku’s.” “Riku’s what?” Riku asked as he stepped into the kitchen. “Nothing,” Aranel sighed. “I was just telling Kairi about Dad.” “Ah yes, father.” Riku said dramatically. “Yes he was a valiant soldier, a powerful warrior, and a good father!” “He sure was.” Aranel agreed. Riku lowered to Kairi’s height and whispered to her. “Not to mention he came up with the greatest jokes.” Kairi snickered without meaning and sat down at the table. Riku sat next to her and tapped his fork on the table. “Riku if you don’t stop I’ll shove that fork through your ears!” Aranel threatened. “C’mon Aranel! I’m starving!” Riku whined. “Does snoring take a lot out of you?” Aranel asked sarcastically. “Yes, yes it does.” “Riku, just shut up.” Aranel commanded irritated. “When you get up at five every morning and do chores out in the yard every morning like Kairi does, then we’ll talk about taking a lot out of you.” Aranel set breakfast in front of them and sat down and gracefully placed her napkin on her lap. Riku licked his lips and started shoveling food in his mouth. Aranel rolled her eyes at her piggish brother and began to eat. Kairi placed her cheek in her hand and pushed her food around on her plate. She sighed heavily and looked out the window and back to her plate. Riku and Aranel looked at each other with concern about Kairi. “What’s wrong Kai?” Riku asked. Kairi said nothing. “Kairi sweetie, is everything alright?” Aranel asked putting her hand on her shoulder. Kairi flinched and gave her sister an empty smile. “Everything’s fine Aranel.” She stood up from the table. “May I be excused?” Aranel nodded at her. Kairi bowed and took her plate to the counter and went back outside to Arlhach and Duin. “What are we going to do with her Riku?” Aranel asked worriedly. “It’s like she’s getting worse.” “I know,” Riku agreed. “I don’t know what’s wrong though. I wish I knew.” Kairi sauntered to where Arlhach and Duin were grazing and lie down in the grass. She gazed up at the clouds and watched them pass by. The sky was gray and the clouds were dark with sadness and gloom. Arlhach poked his head up from the long grass and saw Kairi lying next to them. He swallowed the grass and stumbled over to her. Duin pricked her ears and continued to eat the fresh grass. Arlhach put his nose in her face and pranced around her. He realized she didn’t want to play so he went back to his mother and ate more grass. Kairi stumbled into deep thoughts of depression. She doesn’t know why she’s depressed, she just feels that way. “I’ve been in this life for seventeen years and I feel like I want to die.” She lay down in the grass and gazed up at the relentless sky above. “I feel…I feel so empty. Is this how life is supposed to be like?” She sighed deeply. “Aranel and Riku told me life is a beautiful thing, it doesn’t seem that way though. With the war, and the burnings, and Wild Men. Danger lurks everywhere and I can’t go anywhere away from this place unless Riku is with me. Some ‘beautiful’ life.” She shut her eyes and watched colors and shapes twist around. They danced gracefully but in a disturbing way. The shapes slowly turned into dancers around an urn. They were wearing a one piece suit made out of what looked like nylon. They waved their hands in the air, twisted and turned, as the urn released blood red smoke. The leader of the dancers wore a strange head piece of feathers and skulls. On their hands, they had long finger extensions of what appeared to be dragon bones dripping with blood. They all danced simultaneously: twisting and turning. The leader stopped dancing and made their way to the urn. They looked up at the tall urn and threw their hands out to the side. Fires lit spontaneously and illuminated a run down temple. The urn released more blood red smoke that changed into purple, to dark yellow and then back to red. Suddenly, the smoke stopped and all the dancers fell to the ground and stared up at the urn. It began to shake and spin around. The dancers sit on the ground frozen and gazed at the urn in awe. A loud, high pitched buzzing rang out in Kairi’s sensitive elven ears. She jolted up and covered her ears, praying the pain would stop but it wouldn’t. It grew louder and higher until she could barely stand it. The urn in her vision began to bounce around and shook violently. The dancers were dancing their disturbing dance again. Kairi tried to open her eyes but she couldn’t. She began to become very frightened. The buzzing became louder and louder and the dancers danced faster and faster. Kairi opened her mouth to scream for help but nothing came out. She managed to open her eyes but the dancers still danced in her head. “Get out of my head!” She screamed, trying to hear her self over the loud deafening buzzing. Blood began to trickle from her eyes. She jumped up swatting her hands in front of her hoping she would find Duin for support. Her knees gave way beneath her and she fell to her knees. The dancers danced and danced. The faster they danced the louder the buzzing grew. Blood ran from her eyes and landed on the grass in front of her. Her lungs stopped and she began to suffocate. The buzzing grew louder, the dancers danced faster, and Kairi fell to insanity quicker. “Help!” she screamed in her head. A sudden bright light swallowed the dancers and everything in her vision. The buzzing grew faint and died down. The light grew more and more until it was over taken by darkness of black velvet: Kairi blacked out. *~*~*~*~* Kairi woke up in her room a few hours later. The sky was beautiful shades of pink, orange, and blue. Fluffy white clouds sailed across the sky with traces of indigo on their edges. She grunted and propped herself up on her elbows. She looked down underneath her bed side table at the waster paper basket. Her stomach knotted at the sight of all the blood soaked rags in it. “I hope that didn’t come from my eyes,” she thought to herself. Her door opened slowly and her brother stepped in. “Hey Kai,” he said cheerfully, sounding relieved, “You’re awake.” She nodded her head and fell back. “You had us very worried, Kairi,” he sighed sitting in a chair at the foot of her bed. “We thought we were going to loose you.” Kairi snorted. “I’m not that lucky.” “Kairi Hylian,” Riku said sternly and some what angry, “You never say that again, do you hear me? Life is the most precious thing you can receive. Don’t you ever belittle life ever again! You have so much to be grateful for!” Kairi turned her head, a little ashamed and a little not caring of what he had to say. “I know,” she whispered, “It doesn’t seem like it though.” Riku’s face lightened. “Kairi, my dear sister, I wish you didn’t have to grow up like this, I understand. I too was raised up in this war so I know.” He paused. “But it was a lot easier with Mother and Father.” Tears came to Kairi’s eyes. She was wishing she knew them now. She wondered what it felt like to be comforted in a mother’s embrace, or what it was like to pal around with a father. Her heart burned and grew heavy. “Is she up yet?” Aranel asked stepping inside. Riku nodded at her and looked back to Kairi. Aranel sat on the edge of Kairi’s bed and placed her hand on Kairi’s side. “Are you alright dear?” Kairi jerked away at Aranel’s touch and did not answer. Aranel pulled her hand away and stood up. “I see you wish to be left alone.” She turned to Riku and nodded her head towards the door. “We will leave you alone now. I will bring you up some soup later. Feel better sister.” With that she turned to the door and left. Riku looked at Kairi sympathetically and then left, gently shutting the door behind him. ~ * ~ * Lyrics from ‘Breath of Life’ on the Lord
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