Creatures of Snow

by Dr. Doctor Doctur

  This is a Fury.

  The air around him got heavier and more menacing as the darkness crept back in. “Maybe I should ask you,” It said, this time moving towards him, “what exactly you think you are?” Its face began morphing slowly; the finer details were fading, making it look less human. “Who are you?” It hissed, circling him, its cold hand trailing across his cheek.

  “Skyden Regan.” Sky stepped back, but this time, lost his balance. He was thankful for the hard ground his butt hit, even as his wrist turned awkwardly beneath him.

  Its eyes had gone completely black, the color of Its skin began to fade and with each careful step the form lost shape. “Regan? Don’t make me laugh.” It said in a deep, guttural bellow. “You have so much to learn, young master.” The sound of the Creature’s cackling echoed through the space.

  It lunged at him, but simply vanished when it should have hit him. He sat there a moment - puzzled in the silence of the Snow.

  What had started as a slight tingling in the back of his head, quickly spread throughout his body like fire in his veins. Sky collapsed with a scream, the weight of the air was suddenly suffocating him and the darkness that swirled around him seemed too bright. It was a pain he had never felt before and could best be compared to being torn apart from the inside. The screams that escaped his lungs echoed in his mind like shards of glass. He clawed at his own skin, needing to cut it open and let the fire out.

  “Sky!” A voice shouted. Could it be his dad? No, Iko’s couldn’t cross into the Snow. He fought to focus his eyes, but could feel the first wave of blissful unconsciousness start to wash over him. “Don’t fight it Sky, accept him, if you fight him you could destroy him.”

  His jaw was locked, otherwise he would still be screaming. He wanted to destroy it. He wanted the pain to end.

  Soul held him tightly across the chest, whispering words of annoying encouragement. “Hang in there. It’s almost over. Just relax.”

  And then, it was over like it had never begun. If there had been anything in Sky’s stomach, it would have been given up.

  His eyes fell out of focus and the detached lure of unconsciousness was beckoning him once again. A large yell from Soul snapped him back into the moment. Sky wasn’t sure if time was still moving, or if time had perhaps stopped all together. But finally, after an eternity of stillness, Soul looked down at him, “It’s over.” He said calmly and helped Sky to an upright position.

  Sky shoved him back, he wanted to punch him. He wanted to tear him apart, make him feel the pain that still lingered in every cell of his body. But, he let out an angry whimper and fell back to the ground instead.

  “The pain will leave you shortly, but you will never forget it.” Soul stood over him, offering a hand. Even if Sky had the energy to take it, he wouldn’t of.

  Soul crouched down beside him in order to meet his blazing glare, “It’s to protect you Skyden. No one can know your true self is waking. That Fury marked you; he will keep your powers subdued, and can mask what does leak through as his own.”

  Sky closed his eyes. “I don’t understand.”

  Soul lifted him to his unsteady feet. “He calls himself Zar, you can not trust him, but you must rely on him. He is loyal to our true father and should obey you…somewhat.” Soul stepped back and faced him, “I have to go now or they will wonder where I’ve gone. I’ll try to contact you again soon. When you get back, tell Zeph what I did, he’ll know what to do.”

  Sky only caught bits and parts of Soul’s words, “Zar.”

  Soul took him by the shoulders, almost half a head taller than him now, so far from the scared little kid Sky remembered, “Convince dad to take everyone to Rinten’s fortress on Haigon, nowhere will be safer than that. Tell no one where you are going. Don’t trust anyone outside our family. Zeph can protect you, but even he must succumb to the Choirmaster if it comes down to it.”

  “How long?” Sky grabbed onto Soul’s arms, just to stop his own from shaking. “How long do we hide?”

  “Until it’s over.” Soul nodded, mostly to himself. His grip on Sky’s arms tightened, “Promise me you will stay there. You will stay on Haigon, you will keep quiet, you will stay safe.”

  “Sure.”

  Soul seemed satisfied, “Good. You will stay there until we tell you otherwise.” he released him and stepped back, “And Sky, if you see Con or Ellie and I’m not there…” Soul held a hand out and placed it on Sky’s chest, “run.”

  And with that he shoved Sky back with a gentle force that took his breath away. He hit the floor and realized he was back in his room. “Seriously.” He breathed, wanting to resist the urge to understand what had just happened.

  He sat motionless and listened to the drumming of his heart inside his head, trying to get his bearings. Pushing himself off the floor, he stood on wobbling legs. It was a small miracle that his stumbling steps actually brought him to his bed. Nausea twisted up and out of his stomach, but he forced it back down and let his head drop between his knees.

  His dad burst through his door, “Sky!” he said in a panic, “You yelled.” He scanned the empty room, relief replacing his alarm.

  “Probably just saw a big bug.” Zeph laughed just behind his dad with Roland peeking in over his shoulder.

  The three walked into his room, their footsteps loud and heavy on the wooden floor. He cringed at the sound, and shrank away from the light that came pouring in from the hallway.

  “There are traces of energy spikes.” Roland said in a crisp and proper voice as he scanned the room. “Soul was definitely here.”

  His dad turned angrily to Zeph. “Can anything stop him?”

  Zeph shrugged with half a smile, “A buffet possibly.” Zeph stepped back in case his dad decided to go against his non-violent ways, “Besides, Skyden’s fine.” He turned to Sky, “Right, boy-o? You’re okay, right? A little pasty, but quite frankly you just need to get out more.”

  Sky looked directly to Zeph, but he had no voice. His mind couldn’t focus and there was a subtle burning creeping its way back into the core of his being. He could feel panic building in his mind; he couldn’t go through that pain again.

  “What did he say to you? Trying to defend himself no doubt. Well, whatever mission those hooligans think they are on, I can assure you, it was never sanctioned by the Academy. We don’t support kidnappers.” Roland was saying. “I knew those Powers were up to no good.” he continued in his condescending tone, gently pushing his incredibly small spectacles up his nose.

  Sky felt like lunging at Roland and ripping at his throat. Everything about the boy pissed him off. His glasses were too small, his hair was too short, his voice was too high and his face was too arrogant. The frenzy in his guts soothed the burning in his blood and Sky felt himself tensing, ready to attack.

  “Easy there boy-o.” Zeph crouched down in front of him, “You seem a bit on edge.”

  The very sight of Zeph’s face sent a frenzied rush of adrenalin to every cell in Sky’s body. He didn’t need to think, he just needed to act. His body flung forward off the bed and his hands clamped around Zeph’s throat. “It’s your fault!” He was shouting, his own voice strange to his ears, “It’s your fault I ended up like this, you coward! You were supposed to protect us!” He was no longer in control, not of his body, not of his voice. “He’ll kill you, all of you. The Master will find all those who betrayed us.”

  Sky forced himself to let go of Zeph and threw himself to the opposite side of the room. No one had yet to react. The moment was frozen in shocked and horrified faces. His body shook, his heart raced and he couldn’t seem to catch his breath.

  “Zeph,” it was his voice, his words this time, “help me. Soul took me into the Snow. There was a Fury there.”

  Zeph, an Iko of Healing by trade, was at his side before he could finish, placing his arms around him. Sky felt it instantly, the pull of Zeph’s energy.

  “A Fury?” Roland didn’t even try to mask his excitement.

 
His dad was beside them, but kept his distance at the same time, “What happened? What’s wrong with him?”

  “He was raised by you, for one thing,” Zeph quipped, still able to avoid any seriousness the events should have caused. “But, in all reality,” Zeph let his hands hover over Sky’s chest and head, his face turning down, “A Fury has marked him.”

  “What does that mean?” His dad’s face twisted in worry.

  Zero had slipped in at some point and stood before Sky, “It means Sky was possessed. He might have pushed it out, but they always leave something behind – a link back to the body.” He sneered with a twist of his lips.

  His dad looked down at Zero, noticing him for the first time, and then back to Zeph, “You can fix that, right?”

  Zeph turned Sky towards him and looked him in the eye. “Did the Fury have a name?”

  Sky blinked, trying to remember. “Zar.”

  Zeph’s face went blank and he nodded to himself, “Zar.” He smiled in a far off manor. “Yes, he would hate me, wouldn’t he.”

  “Al and Sara, they’re not safe. Soul, he’s -” Sky bit his tongue. Those weren’t his words. Stop it.

  The mood in the room plunged into a solemn state of alarm.

  Zeph forced a smile and a weak laugh, taking his hands back and stepping away, “We won’t let that happen.” He turned to face Sky’s dad and Zero, “His will is strong, he should be fine. I can give him a few pointers on how to control it. Furies are weak creatures unless you give them power. Feelings like fear and anger feed them, so let’s just try to avoid them.”

  “Control it? You can’t just take it out?” His dad stepped back and looked between Zero and Zeph.

  “Oh, Victor, unless you look kindly upon me trying to rip out part of his soul, no, I don’t think I want to go messing around with ‘taking it out’.”

  His dad’s face twisted into a mixture of anger and confusion, “This is permanent?”

  Zeph looked hard at him. “It is.”

  “We can’t stay here any longer.” His dad turned to Zero. “Ready the ship.”

  “Aye, Aye.” Zero nodded and was gone.

  “Where do we go?” Haigon was the most obvious answer, but Sky had to make sure they thought so too.

  “I would think Rinten has the safest refuge.” Zeph smiled. “Problem solved.”

  “Master Zeph,” Roland began his protest.

  “Everyone in that room tonight might be a target, including you, young apprentice.” Zeph smiled absently, but the cold beneath his stare brought Roland’s shoulders down.

  “Sky.” His dad put a heavy hand on his shoulder, “It’s going to be okay. We’ll get you to Rinten, he’ll know what to do.”

  “I’m so sorry.” He chocked on a sob, but forced himself to straighten and pull it together. He couldn’t show weakness if the Fury was supposed to feed on it.

  “It’s not your fault. I should have been here. I should have…” His dad’s jaw clenched and he stared at the floor, his grip tightening around his shoulder.

  “It’s time to stop playing human, Captain.” Zeph whispered back to them, “You are an Iko of Protection. It’s time to show your boy here who you used to be.”

  His dad nodded a look of solemn resolve. “Right.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Sky had sat on that hill alone a million times, but for the first time, it felt lonely. The sun wasn’t quite up, but was certainly on its way if the yellow and orange tint to the sky had any say in it. He hadn’t slept at all. Every time he closed his eyes he saw that wide smile and those cold blue eyes staring out of the darkness.

  The ship was being loaded behind him; Zeph had insisted that he lie down and rest while they handled it.

  Are you there? He asked inside his own head. But, there was no answer. Soul’s such a jerk. Giving me a Fury that doesn’t even listen.

  I serve your father, not you, Zar finally answered. But, I will keep you safe.

  It was a bit jarring how clear the voice sounded – like it wasn’t in his head at all, but spoken into the open air. Why did you say that to them? About Soul? He thought to Zar. Now they’ll never trust him.

  A deep, shaking laughter rang out through his head, As if they would ever trust him anyway. There is no place in the living hearts for creatures such as us.

  Creatures such as you. We’re not like you. Sky shifted uncomfortably on the dry grass.

  Just because you have a body that can survive out here, doesn’t make you any less one of us. You’ll see that soon enough.

  “Are ya dead? Skyden, snap to it.” Al’s voice called out to him.

  Sky blinked hard and sat up, a rush of dizziness threatened at the base of his skull, but never followed through.

  “Come on.” Al reached a hand out and pulled him to his feet. “You feeling okay?”

  “I’m never going stop hearing that question, am I?” He laughed, having only been asked it every five minutes since coming back from the Snow. “I’m fine.” He smiled and stood up to his usual slouching height.

  “This thing is gigantic.” Sara backed away from the ship to take it all in. “Sky never mentioned his dad owned a ship. I might have liked him sooner if I would have known.”

  “Did you hear that – she said she liked me.” Sky chided, nudging Al in the side.

  “I did not!” Sara spun around immediately, a look of horror stretched across her face.

  “Can’t take it back, we both heard it.” Al laughed beside him.

  Sara snarled, but he could see the glint of humor behind her bitter features.

  Ahhh, the banter of clueless youth, enjoy it while you can. Zar cackled into his mind. Just remember, if the Councilmen are looking for them, they will find them. Those that aren’t useful will be slaughtered, those that are, well, their fate is even worse.

  “All aboard!” His dad shouted from on top of the ramp.

  “They won’t find us.” Sky muttered under his breath, trailing behind Al.

  “They’ll be sorry if they do.” Al cut in. “Cuz then they’ll have to deal with this.” Al flexed his scrawny arms.

  Sky had to laugh – he couldn’t help it.

  “Holy moldy, was that a smile?” Zeph popped out of nowhere when they reached the top of the ramp. “Haven’t seen that in a while.” he pulled them both inside and slapped the button to close the main hatch. His dad and Zero had already disappeared, on their way to the bridge.

  “Everybody’s in, Master Zeph.” Roland reported, as if keeping track of four kids was a big deal.

  “Wonderful.” Zeph clapped his hands together, “Allen, be so kind as to escort this lot to the commons, Sky, if I may have a word with you.”

  Sky’s stomach twisted. “Sure.”

  Once the others were out of ear shot Zeph’s generally calm face turned cold, “Behave yourself you worthless little fiend. If you dare hurt any of these children-”

  “Zeph, it’s just me.” Sky hoped his lecture was aimed at Zar.

  “Oh, but he can hear me,” A cruel smile spread over his face, “He’s always listening. I don’t know what lies you fed Soul, but whatever you are planning won’t work. These boys aren’t your playthings.” Zeph stepped closer and grabbed his face roughly, “These boys will destroy you and your precious master, or I will.”

  “Try.” Sky didn’t mean to say it.

  Zeph’s hard face melted into one of false kindness, “Apologies young Skyden. I told you I would help you control him, and then I call him out.”

  “I won’t trust him Master Zeph, don’t worry about that. Even Soul said I shouldn’t. The fiend himself told me he won’t obey me.”

  “Master Zeph? No need for you to call me that.” There was a touch of what could have been actual sincerity in his voice, “We’re family.”

  It was the first time Zeph had ever said anything like that to him. “Sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say to that. “So, what happens now? How are we going to keep them safe?”

&nb
sp; “You let us old guys worry about that.” Zeph put his arm around his shoulders and gestured for him to walk. “And you, just worry about the best way to relax. Enjoy your time off.”

  They walked down the narrow corridor in silence, their footsteps resounding for eternity.

  “How much do you know?” Zeph spoke in a near whisper.

  “As much as I can handle right now.” He certainly had a lot of questions, but he was certain, he couldn’t take any more information, at least, not today.

  “That’s a good answer.” He patted him on the head gently as they came to the Common’s door. “And when you’re ready, I’ll be right here. Well, not literally right here. I’ll be somewhere though.” He gave one last reassuring nod and strode off down the hallway, “I’m going to go check on the Captain, you better go settle in, it’s going to be quite a ride.”

  With a chuckle he watched Zeph march down the hallway till he rounded the corner, out of site. He breathed deep, trying to calm his frayed nerves, readying himself, to put on a show of normality for his friends.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  It had been ages since Al had been on the Regan Fortuna. It was a magnificent ship. Old, but well built, with large rooms and plenty of comfort.

  Everyone quickly made themselves at home – settling in around the round tables. Sara, Lee and him chose the one nearest the window while Roland found a comfortable spot, on the opposite side of the room.

  The curved and padded seats were a comforting welcome to tense bodies. They all acted normal on the outside, but he knew they had to be just as conflicted as he was. Change is always hard, and this was a major, unexpected flip flop, that affected their entire future.

  “It is a large ship. Do they fly for more then just a hobby?” Lee broke the silence that had been slowly growing.

  Al nodded and gestured around the room. “Even the Haven races’ have to make a living. The Captain and Zero run a pretty successful business…I’m surprised you haven’t heard of Fortuna Freight.”