Heat that Kills }{ Open for anyone

[laraine]

She turned towards him, her face a look of confusion. "I don't know what you mean. I have told you everything I know, honestly. What else could I be hiding?" She studied him for a second. "What is it you think I am hiding? Ask me anything. I wont mind explaining anything to you. If it's what I did back there during the sand storm. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to grasp your hand I guess I was just a little afraid."

She smiled once more, wondering inside what he would ask about.

Does he really believe that I have more to hide? Being a half breed demon and witch wanted for death by her family isn't enough? Still...I wonder what he thinks I am hiding...

Raine continued to wrack her brain for whatever else she had kept hidden from him.

I didn't tell him about Danny, but I don't know if he'd really want to sit down and listen to my sad love story...

[perfectmistake]

If I knew what it was that you weren't telling me, then why would I ask? It seems pointless to ask a question when you already know that answer. Now think, anything, whether you deem it extremely important or barely important. It could cost us both our lives!

She knows, she is just...scared. Joke with her, make her feel welcome.

Joke with her? Are you serious?

If she doesn't have anything to fear than why would she keep anything from you. Take away her fear.

Amrod looked over at Raine. He slowly came to a halt.

Raine, the left side of his mouth curling up into a semi-smile, you have warm hands. They were quite welcome in the midst of the storm, considering that mine were quite the opposite.

[laraine]

Raine blushed instantly, averting her eyes to the ground as he said this. Then she blinked as he said his last line.

"I'm sorry I acted strange. I was scared, then I was worried that I was being a burden to you, which is why I pulled away. Being a burden to someone is the last thing I want. I have hidden something from you. But its...rather personal and I'm not sure you want to hear about this. A few months ago before I met you, I was traveling with someone else. His name was Danny, and he was my..." She closed her eyes, stopping in her tracks, sighing. "He was my love all right?" she blushed more. "I don't think I'm hiding anything else from you. But its up to you whether you want to hear about my love life."


"I just, don't see its importance."

[perfectmistake]

How could this be of any concern of mine? What does her love life have to do with any importance?

Maybe it is something in the story? Not the story in itself.

Amrod looked to Raine and back to the surrounding desert.

It seems as though we have nothing better to do. So why not tell me. For all I know, what I need to know is buried somewhere inside of that story.

Amrod looked at Raine and slightly smiled, in order to make her feel better and more welcome.

You care?

No, I just want this story, and I want it over and done with. Whatever "important" business you said that there was, I highly doubt is in a "love" story.

[laraine]

Raine lowered her head, hair covering her expression.

She thought for a second, the silence was loud.

"I met Danny after my father died." She started, each word was hard to push out, the memories painful.

"At the time I had become more demon than human. Thoughts of love, friendship, happiness were nothing more than a fantasy and I became the demon that everyone said I was. I killed anything and anyone in my path. Until that day I was fighting a demon that my family had sent to kill me. The demon wounded me badly and I was left for dead. I should have died there, but then I saw the most beautiful blue eyes before passing out."

Raine awoke suddenly, staring at a young boy with a bright smile.

"Oh good, you're finally awake. I'm glad." The boy stated. He brushed a hand through his long black hair, sighing.

Raine glared at the boy, pulling herself into a crouching position. She was ready to flee or attack if necessary.

The boy seemed to realize her fear and anger and quickly stood up, backing away.

"Don't worry. I wont hurt you.." He replied kindly. "But you must have been through a lot. You have so many scars on your body."

Raine blinked, caught off guard by his kindness. But she reverted back to the demonic nature. His kindness was only a illusion. She heard something outside suddenly, turning and looking outside the window.

Two kids were playing with a strange looking ball. The town itself seemed to be bustling with busy and happy people. She gazed at it with longing eyes. Her guard dropped a fraction.

"Isn't it wonderful?"

Suddenly he was beside her, she bristled and jumped back onto the bed, pressing herself against the wall. She glared harshly at him.

His blue eyes were alarmed, then he smiled, trying to hold back a laugh it seemed.

This ticked off Raine even more.

"It was like that for a while. He would take care of me, and feed me. I would often try to escape or attack him. Even if I hurt him he would smile and tell me it was no problem." Raine kicked some sand.

"Eventually I began to open up again, realizing this boy was breaking down these walls I put around to protect myself. He was so kind. Then one day I told him I loved him and he seemed shocked. But he told me he felt the same. I was so happy."

Her shoulders tensed, as if she was ready to flee from the past. She hated it.

"But, soon after my family found me. And burned the village to the ground."

"Danny! Danny!" Raine screamed, rushing through the debris and fire. "Danny!" Oh please be safe, Danny. She thought as she ran. Finally she saw him, on top of a nearby hill gazing down at her.

"Raine." he whispered, then ran down and hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad you are all right." He was smiling.

"Danny, why?" She couldn't understand why he was smiling.

"Because you're alive." he whispered.

"Danny.." Raine felt wetness on her shoulder, and realized that Danny was crying.

"We ran and never looked back. Our plan was to run until my family could no longer find us. It wasn't much of a plan. But when you are young, in love you do foolish things. But, even though we tried so hard. They found us again, and this time it was massive. They send one of the best to kill me. His name is Rusty."

"Lookie what we have here." Rusty smirked. Raine stood firm before Danny, her sword held out ready to defend Danny.

"But..it was no use. I was too weak. He threw me around like a toy."

Raine cried out as she hit the tree hard. A large gash on her side bled down her body. Her face was bruised and her lip was split.

Rusty readied a blast of demonic energy, his body glowing red. Raine's eyes widened and she tried to move but couldn't. Then a shadow fell over her.

"Danny?" She whispered.

"I may be nothing but a weak human with no power. But I can do this. I can protect my girlfriend from you demons!"

"Danny what are you doing?! Move!" Raine screamed. Move body!! Please!!!

"I won't!" He yelled back. "I'm going to protect you Raine! No matter what! No one has the right to steal happiness from anyone. Half demon or not. I don't care! I love you and I will protect you till my dying breath!"

"Then die." Rusty grinned, red energy tearing through Danny's body.

Raine's eyes widened, finally finding some strength to run to him. "Danny!" the scream echoed through the forest.

A hole torn through his body, Danny coughed up blood and gasped for breath. He fell into Raine's arms, his life spilling from his body. Raine herself was also losing so much blood.

"Danny! No don't die! Don't leave me alone! Why did you do that?"

He smiled wanly. "He would have killed you, I had to protect you...somehow. Even if I am nothing more than a weak human." He coughed up more blood. "Raine, listen to me."

"No don't talk, we have to heal you, Danny you'll be fine. I won't let you die." Raine whispered.

"Raine, I love you forever my princess. Promise me you'll live. Promise me you will never let anyone steal your soul. No matter how hard they try. Don't let those demons win by controlling you....body....and....soul.."

"Danny!"

"Promise me!" he breathing was shallow.

"I promise, now stop speaking." She wrapped cloth around his body.

"Good..." And with that, Danny was gone.

Raine sat there for a long time, tears falling onto his body. Her heart was torn into pieces and the emptiness within her was consuming.

"Very touching, but you'll be joining your boy soon." Rusty prepared another attack.

Upon hearing his voice, Raine's emotions snapped.

She looked up at Rusty, and he backed off, surprised at her expression.

Her purple eyes were glowing bright red. Her body began to erupt in light. Swirls of pink and red energy spiraled together around her.

"Die you bastard." Raine whispered and the world around them exploded.

"When I regained consciousness I was still alive. and the forest itself was destroyed. Combining my energies like that I didn't mean to do, but I guess when I got so mad, it happened on its own. It destroyed the forest and Danny's body along with it."

She didn't say anything else, instead she looked up into the sky. "Did you learn what you needed to know?"

[perfectmistake]

Amrod sat and clenched his hand whenever something bad happened within her story.

Why is this story invoking any emotions within me? And even more confusing, why do I feel as if I were there and as if I know exactly where and when all of this happened?

You are not always the most observant are you? Think of the name, and think of the sudden disappearance. Maybe it was made to look as an "accident." You just got the true story of what happened. You should feel as if this were a memory.

Danny...Danny...Danny...Rusty...Danny...Rusty...DANNY! He isn't...I wasn't...it isn't...it couldn't be. I refuse to believe it.

You think that your scars are merely birthmarks? You were of royal blood in an elvish line, scars would have been made from war. However, yours, you were "born" with. Is that not what you were told? You think it was mere coincidence that you became my host carrier? What about that you met up with Laraine? Or how about the fact, you love her and yet do not know what love is.

How is that possible?

Amrod...you are not everything that you think you are. You are what you have become. Because you are a human brain within an elvish personality and body. Amrod...you were Danny. You died. And I saved you, you had a purpose. You were brought back as an elf, and placed into your city, into your heritage. That was supposed to be enough, however you could not take that, you needed more. You needed "better." You needed freedom, so I led you to me.

You knew this all along and yet you couldn't tell me? I do not need her, I don't need anyone!

Amrod turned and looked at Raine.

I am sorry, your story was a lot to rem...take in. Forgive my lack of a response. I don not know if that is what I needed to know or not. I will figure it out eventually, however, right now, we need to get moving. The way this, "adventure" has been going, we are most likely about to be bombarded by demons. And I don't know about you, but fighting them is becoming quite tiresome.

With that said, he turned away and started to walk at an increased pace towards their next destination.

[laraine]

Raine nodded and followed him silently, for once. The emotions from recalling that story was hard for her to control.

Its hard to remember that day, it replays over and over...Danny.. I hope whereever you are you are at peace. You are my first love.

She continued to follow slightly behind Amrod as she walked, trying to shake off the emotions and memories.

Even after all this time its hard to try to forget. The pain is still intense...

Laraine....

Raine's head snapped up, and she looked around her, only to see no one.

Did that come from inside me?

Yes Laraine...

Raine stopped, clutching her head from the pain.

Who are you?

Its beginning Laraine, your birthday is a mere few weeks away.

Answer me!!! Who are you? What are you doing in my head?!

All in time Laraine,...

With that, the voice vanished and Raine's head no longer ached.

What did that voice mean?

[perfectmistake]

How am I to explain this to her? What would I say, even if I were to say something? How can this be? It isn't possible.

Amrod glanced quickly at Raine, who was matching his pace easily. He looked away as quickly as he had looked at her. Hoping she had not seen.

Maybe you don't tell her, maybe you do. Time will decide and tell you the right course of action. However, if you change now, she will notice something amiss. So get a hold of yourself and quit freaking out. You are starting to annoy me.

Amrod glanced to her again, this time her head sprang up. He stopped dead in his tracks and watched as she grabbed her head in pain. He took a step towards her, but thought better of it. Instead of going to her, he stood and watched. Instantly she looked up as if the pain were no longer existent.

Amrod looked at her cautiously. Do you need to stop?

[laraine]

Raine blinked, looking up at Amrod, then shook her head.

"No, I'm fine. Just a small headache is all."

How can I tell him I'm hearing voices? I'm sure that'd go over well. It was probably nothing, a trick of my mind or something...maybe I'm just paranoid.

"C'mon lets go." She smiled once more at him. "The next town awaits!" She started to walk.

I wish I could see Danny once more...but that is a selfish wish...

[perfectmistake]

I wish that I could tell her I was Danny...I wish I believed that I was Danny.

Raine... Amrod stopped walking, I can't do this, but she stopped already. I know this is going to sound awkward and you are not going to believe me. But Danny and I.....we were close.....he is sorry that he had to leave you. He also misses you.

With that said, we need to move. Quickly. If anything is amiss in the next town we cannot stop. We must move until we pass your family's reach.

Not looking at her, Amrod continued to walk. Slightly speeding up his pace until he knew Raine would have to move quicker than normal in order to keep up. Hoping that it would keep her quiet. Everytime she talked it hurt to listen, knowing that he would never have her as he had before.

[laraine]

As Raine stopped, she heard him speak and as he ran off, she felt strange inside.

What? What did he mean? He knew Danny? But how? How would he know anything about him? Is he....lying? No...he can't be, i dont know Amrod that well, but I know he wouldn't lie to me. Especially about something that important to me. Then how? How does he know Danny? I have to ask.

She ran after him, trying to catch up to him, but he only ran faster, as if escaping from her.

Why? Why won't he let me...

"Amrod!" Raine called, running as fast as she could to catch up with him. "Amrod please tell me!"

"Please! I need to know!" Raine then gracefully tripped on a rock, falling face first into the sand. She lifted her head, spitting out sand comically.

"Great another brilliant move by Raine." She muttered to herself.

[perfectmistake]

Amrod stopped and looked back at Raine, face first in the sand.

Great another brilliant move by Raine.

Amrod starts to laugh softly, as he slowly walks towards her. While continuing to laugh he reaches a hand out to her, in order to help her up. He stared deeply into her eyes, started smirking, and yet never stopped laughing.

As soon as Raine took his hand and he helped her up, the became quiet, his expression somber. And he turned and started to walk again.

Raine, do not ask me of Danny right now. You brought up something that made me think. If the next town is safe I will explain it all to you, if not then as soon as we have time.

He slowed his gait, and looked at Raine, I promise.

As he said it his right eye slightly closed with the right side of his mouth lifting into a smile.

If she cannot tell that I am Danny from my old telltale smile, maybe she wasn't as in love with me as I thought that she was.

[laraine]

Raine looked at Amrod as he helped her to her feet.

He seems, so different from the Amrod I knew before I told him this story. He's softer, kinder. Why did he change? because he knows Danny? I don't understand.

Yet, Raine nodded and smiled gently at Amrod, following beside him. "All right I promise. Though I was never known for my patience." She made a face, filled with impatience. She smiled slightly again though. "But I'll wait."

This feels, so familiar.,,

They continued like that until Raine needed time to rest again. She sat down on the sound, panting a little. "Its hot today." She whined, pulling off her cloak to reveal a black tank top, her arms covered in scars as well as one hidden halfway by her shirt, but a ugly gash appeared right under her collar bone.

"I hope we get to the town soon. The heat in this place will kill even me.. and Im half demon."

[perfectmistake]

Amrod took off his cloak and wrapped it around Raine's shoulders, Himeir.

There, you should be fine until we reach our destination, the cloak will keep your cool and your body temperature low.

After saying that Amrod turned and started walking again to the nearest town, which was still almost a 6 day walk, even for him.

I cannot stay with her, if they find out what I am. They would sooner use her to kill me and get you. I cannot put her in that danger. We have to leave as soon as she falls asleep in town.

For some reason, I do not think that will work. But you are ignorant and you will try anyway, and fail, as is normal.

Amrod looked back at Raine, slightly smiled to himself, turned back around and kept walking. Without saying a single word.

[laraine]

Raine blinked, smiling up at him and following him. She met his pace easily. But still, thousands of thoughts caressed her mind.

Why is he doing this for me? He's so kind, that smile...he hardly smiled, but that smile looks so familiar...I wish I knew these answers...

They continued their brisk walk until night hit and Raine's stomach protested going a day without food. She blinked and looked down at it, blushing. "Oh geez. stupid stomach.."

She proceeded to pull out some food she kept hidden. She ate only a little.

"Amrod.." Raine said suddenly. " I want to ask you something, don't worry its not about Danny, its...I guess there's one other thing you should know about me..." She looked distant, worried what she would say would push him farther away.