Shadow Field Chapter One- Place in the Forest (Part One)

~Part One- Amaru the Dragon~

The boy, Terin, gave a little smirk at the look on his parents' faces. They were looking at him in complete and utter shock, mouths gaping open. They stuttered a few times, but never got out a complete sentence. It was strange,r eally. His parents had never been at a loss for words, but they certainly were now. And it was because of him. He didn't understand what was so wrong about everything he'd told them; how he wanted to go off on a journey to the Crystal of Light's resting place and see if there was anything he could do to help. It was what he wanted. He wanted to help mankind as much as he could, and this was the best way to do it. He knew it was dangerous, but he was willing to take the risk. People, innocent people like mothers and fathers and children, were dying every day because of his strange planet, Amia, and it was time to do something about it. It was time to fight back, or at least try. He wanted to help. Even if he died, he'd be able to say that he'd tried, which was more than most could say. Saurian, his Crusian, had been quick to agree with him, knowing that his mind had already been made up. It was true, too. there was no dissuading him once he'd figured out what he wanted, what he was going to do. He was a stubborn boy; always had been.

"...Terin," his mother started, smooth voice frightened and shocked. She'd always been so strong, so brave and full of love, but now her voice was shaking with dread. "Think about what you're saying, son." she sounded like she was on the verge of yelling at him and forcing him to stay, and crying and begging him to stay.

"Yes," his father agreed, stern voice shocked and surprised. He'd never shown too much emotion about things that surprised him, but he sure was now. His voice was much the same as his wife's. Terin wasn't sure why they were so worried, but he wished to ease their fears for him. "Think about this-"

"I have," he broke in, his voice soft and quiet. "I've given it a lot of thought, and so has Saurian. This is what I want. I'm fifteen--I can legally do what I want."

His mother started to argue, but then she shut her mouth, as she knew her son was right. At the age of fifteen, he was legally an adult, and could do what he wanted and go where he pleased. She didn't like the idea of him leaving home though; he was her baby, her little boy. Her only chiled. She blinked back tears that suddenly treatened to fall, and felt the grip of her husband's hand on her should, trying to give her some sort of comfort. But she couldn't be comforted. Her little boy, her brave, brave little boy. No, he was a man now, he was growing up. Quite nicely too, though she didn't want to listen to what he was saying. Even though he was fifteen, he was still her boy, her child. She remembered the innocent look on his face when he'd been six, the way he'd looked at the world in wonder. That boy was still here, standing in front of her, but she didn't want to listen to what he had to say. It hurt too much.

His father didn't like the idea either, but it was anecessity to Terin. He knew he couldn't argue with his son once he'd made up his mind; as they said, he was his father's son. They were both stubborn and determined, but he'd hoped that maybe Terin would want to stay on their small farm and live out his life with them. He'd wanted that more than anything,t o have his son around and show him the ropes of life, knowing he was safe every second of ever day. He'd wanted to be with him constantly, and he'd thought that Terin would like that. Terin would, too, and he knew it. But his son didn't want that right now; he wanted to do this, and he knew he had to let him.

"Okay son," he whispered finally, relenting. His wife shot him a look, green eyes glossy and filled with shimmering tears that threatened to fall. She gripped his arm fearfully and gave it a tight squeeze. He gave a small wince as her fingernails dug into his arm. "If this is what you want, then I'm okay with it."

Terin smiled. "Thanks, Dad."

"Olani, what are you saying?" his wife hissed into his ear, her voice like poison, her fingernails like little knives as they dug into his arm a little further. But he didn't wince, didn't pull away, knowing that she needed him right now.

"Mariam," he said quietly, light brown eyes gazing into her glistening green ones, "you know we have to let him do this. He's right; he's fifteen. He can do what he wants. He's either going to do it witho ut blessing, or without it, and I say let him have it. HIs mind is made up."

A choked back sob escaped Mariam's lips. "No," she whisepred, clutching at him. "He can't--you can't let him do this. You're his father, say no!"

"Mom," Terin whispered, taking a step forward. Her green eyes shot to him. "I have to do this. Please, it's what I want." his brown eyes pleaded with her, and she gave a heavy sigh. He smiled. He knew he'd won. He stepped forward again and pulled her into a tight hug. She clutched at him desperately, but she knew she couldn't change his mind. "Thank you, Mom."

His father came up to him when he was done hugging his mother and lay a strong hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Olani's own eyes were glistening with unshed tears, but he was a man; he wouldn't cry. "you can go," he whispered. "But be careful, my son. Saurian," he calle dout.

A ghostly form appeared next to Terin. It was in the shape of a tall male, about five-foot-eight, with short brown hair, thought faint it was. He looked really tall for someone of his fifteen years. He smiled at the father and said quietly, his voice smooth, "Yes sir?"

"Take care of my boy."

Saurian nodded. "I will, sir. With my life, if I must."

Olani nodded. "See taht you do," he said quietly. He sighed and looked back to his son. "Take care of yourself out there, okay? Keep warm. Stay sharp. return home if you can, and as soon as possible. At least send word."

Terin nodded. "I will, Dad. I promise."

"O...Okay. Well...I guess you can go, then. I'm afraid this is all I have," he said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a few gold coins. "Take it. You'll need it more than I."

Terin blinked at it, and then reached out and grabbed the coins. "I...I dont' know what to say..."

"...Just say that you'll come home safely," his father said quietly.

"I..." Terin swallowed thickly, slightly embarrassed at the sudden tightening of his throat. "I will, Dad. I promise."

His father gave a nod. "Okay...then you can go."

"Thanks Dad."

"You're welcome, my son."

Mariam gave a strangled sob, her hand raising to cover her mouth. "Be careful, please. Come home safely. Come home."

He offered a loving smile in her direction. "Okay Mom. I promise you." he took her hands. "I love you. I'll be back soon as I can, I promise."

She only nodded, her body trembling with choked back sobs.

"...Maybe you should take someone with you," suggested his father. "it'd put our minds at ease." he could hear the worry in his father's voice, and it made him feel slightly guilty, knowing that he was the cause for it.

Terin frowned. "Who?"

"...What about that Anderson kid? He's pretty talented, actually. He's got a special gift; he can control fire without the use of his guardian."

"...Who? I haven't ever heard of him." If this Anderson kid was so special, how come he'd never heard of him before? It didn't add up. He didn't know the guy, yet his father wanted him to travel with him. it didn't make any sense to him, but he trusted his father's judgement.

"Of course you haven't. He's kind of a troublemaker around here. he steals food and weapons. Some say it's for a good reason, but others don't think so. I think he's a good kid. He should go with you."

"...Will he?" questioned Terin. Sure, the guy was apparently a thief, but he suddenly liked the idea of traveling with someone. He didn't really want to go alone. Even if this guy was a thief, surely he'd be good company if his father was suggesting him.

"...I think so, yeah. I'm friends with his father. He'll make him go."

"Make him?" Terin asked softly, confused as to what his father meant.

"...Him and his son don't get along very well. They're always githing. I think it has something to do with his mother's death, but I'm not sure. Maybe you'll be able to find out."

"maybe," he agreed with a nod.

"Come on, then. I'll go down there with you," Olani said, and began making his way out of the door.

Terin hugged his mother one last time, and felt her body shaking with suppressed sobs. "It's okay, Mom. I'll be okay. I promise you."

She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "...Okay, my son. I believe you. Be true to your word, please."

"I will. I'll try and write to you as soon as I can," he said, pulling away. He smiled lovingly at her, and then turned and walked out of the door after his father. He heard his mother sink to her knees as the sobs overwhelmed her, and gave a small sigh. Together, he and his father walked throught he small village they lived in. Apparently, the Anderson's lived on the other side of the village, and they had to walk all the way to their small farm.

"Be careful what you say around his son," his father warned him as they continued onward. "he's a little sensitvie at times, but doesn't act like it. He's kind of a neglected child, to say the least. His father doesn't much care for him, so he's kind of alone."

Terin frowned. "That's sad..."

"yes it is. I've tried to talk to Marke, his father, about it but he won't listen. I'm not sure what it is they fight about, but it happens frequently. He's tried to run away about eight times this year, and it's only Yazna."

Terin's frown deepened. "That isn't good."

"No, it's not. Anyway, maybe he'll warm up to you and stop hating life so much. That's my hope, anyway. But he'll protect you best he can. I promise you that."

Terin nodded. "Okay, I trust you," he mumbled as he walked, watching the dirt road as their feet shook the loose dirt up into the air. "What's his name, anyway?"

"Luke," his father answered.

He nodded agian.

A house came into view, as did a small farm. Terin gave a sigh as they drew nearer and nearer. Did he want Luke to go with him? He wasn't too sure. But he wanted to help the boy now, after all that he'd heard about him.

"He's seventeen, by the way," his father announced as they made it to the frotn door. He raised his fist and knocked a few times. Hurried footsteps could be heard, and then the door suddenly opened, revealing a rather tall, bulk figure with short brown hair and light brown eyes. He blinked a few times at his visitors.

"Olani?" he whispered.

His father nodded. "hey Marke. Um...can I speak with you for a few minutes?"

"Huh? Sure. And this must be Terin," he said, smiling down at the young boy. "how are you today?"

Terin shifted his feet. "Good, I guess."

Marke nodded. "That's good. Luke's around here somewhere...I think..."

"You think?" his father asked, raising a dark brow.

"Yeah, well...we got into a fight early this morning. I haven't seen him since. He got caught stealing again last night, and I only heard abut it this morning."

The door suddenly opened again, and Terin glanced at it. They'd just walked into the house and it had closed. A boy entered and slammed the door shut behind him, auburn eyes narrowed into little slits, his chestnut colored hair swaying down around his chin, tanbled from the wind. He sighed an combed a few fingers through it as he walked, and then stopped as he noticed Marke and the other two. He frowned.

"Luke," Marke said, nodding at him.

Luke didn't move.

"About time you came home."

the boy shrugged a shoulder. If Terin didn't know any better, he'd say that the other male looked to be quite bored.

"Say hello to our guests, Olani and his son Terin."

Luke's gaze moved toward them. He looked at them long and hard for amoment, auburn eyes calculating, and then he nodded to them. "Hello," he whispered , his voice rought as if he hadn't used it in a while. He gave a small cough, clearing his throat.

"Terin, why don't the two of you go outside or somewhere so we can talk," suggested Olani, looking at his son. terin nodded and glanced at the elder boy.

"Luke-" Marke started.

"I heard," Luke cut in curtly. He glanced at the younger boy and murmured, "Come on then. Let's leave the adults to talk." he turned and exited the house. Terin frowned after him, and then followed, closing the door behind him.

"So," he said, running to catch up to the elder boy. He shivered a little as the iwnd picked up, and said softly, "The wind is fierce today." he was trying to get at least some conversation going, even if it was just something as simple as discussing the wind.

Luke glanced at him and nodded. "I guess," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

'He doesn't trust you,' Saurian's voice echoed in his head so suddenly that he almost stopped walking. He shook his head.

'I know,' he told Saurian. 'But he will.'

'What makes you so sure?' asked his guardian. 'He may not even come. And...can he be trusted? A thief?'

'Saurian,' he scolded. 'That's not very nice. He may have reasons for doing that. Be nice.'

He heard his guardian sigh. 'Fine, fine, fine,' he relented, and a picture of Saurian floated into his mind. The guardian was smirking. 'You win. I'll be nice. For now, anyway.'

Terin couldn't help but smile. 'For now then,' he lightly agreed. He glanced over at the elder boy. "So...what do you do around here?"

Luke glanced at him and then looked back ahead. "Many things," he answered vaguely.

"...Oh. Um...do you want to know what they're talking about?" he asked, trying to get a conversation going. Maybe this guy was curious, who knew?

"No," he answered without hesitation. "I don't kow, and I don't care to know. But I don't really think it makes a difference, as Marke will most likely tell me anyway. So go on."

Terin blinked. He'd called his father Marke, he noticed with a sigh. He and his father obviously weren't very close, like Terin and his father were. "Okay, um...well...you know the crystals, right?"

Luke nodded. "Everyone knows of them. Three were stolen, all except for the Crystal of Light. And now the land has turned against us, causing many to die, and thousands to suffer." his eyes narrowed but he didn't continue talking.

Terin nodded slowly. "Er, yeah. Um...well, I was...going to go on a journey to go look for the Crystal of Light. I want to help guard it, to protect it, and maybe help find the others. I want to try, anyway."

Luke glanced at him and looked at him long and hard, aubrun eyes narrowed slightly, his expression pensive. Finally he nodded, and said softly, "Yeah, I can see that you want to help. That's good, I guess."

"...Do you want to help?" he asked quietly, looking away. What if Luke didn't want to help? What if he didn't care at all about the crystals? With a sigh, he awaited the other male's answer.

Luke frowned and thought for amoment. "I guess so," he said at last. "I meant, I'd get away from Marke and I'd be helping, so yeah. But then again, I can't."

Terin frowned. "What do you mean?"

"...I just have things I have to do around here, that's all."

"What things?"

Luke didn't answer, but he tensed slightly.

'Easy,' said Saurian. 'He doesn't trust you. You can't expect him to just tell you everything. He has hsi reasons, like you said. But you're father was right, by the way.'

'What do you mean?'

'He's rather strong. His guardian is strong; I can feel it,' Saurian replied.

Terin sighed. "You don't have to tell me..."

Luke looked athim. "I know," he said.

Terin frowned but said nothing.

"Luke! Terin! YOu can come back now!" Marke's voice rang out through the farm. Luke gave a heavy sigh and turned on his heel, walking back in the direction they'd come from. Terin followed him, lost in his thoughts.

'What can I do to get him to trust me?' he asked his guardian.

In his mind, Saurian shrugged, shaking his head. 'I have no idea, terin. But you're going to have to earn it, I can tell you taht. He doesn't trust people for a reason, you know. Like maybe because of his father...?'

Terin nodded. 'Maybe your'e right. I'll earn it, though. I have to.'

Saurian nodded. 'Yes you do.'

They slowly entered the house, and Luke stood next to the door after he'd closed it, while Terin made his way over next to his father, who looked down at him and nodded, confiming that Luke would indeed be going with him. "If he wants to," his father whispered, and Terin frowned. Would Luke go with him? He knew he dindt' want to go alone, even though that had been his original idea. He liked the idea of having some company, and Luke was an interesting character that he hadn't quite figured out yet.

"Luke, do you wish to go with Terin?" Marke asked his son, glancing at him.

Luke's expression never changed, but Terin thought he saw a flash of something in his eyes, but the mometn he blinked, it was gone. "Go where?"

"...To the Crystal of Light," Marke answered.

Luke's lips pursed as he glanced at Terin. Terin frowned and suconsciously moved a little closer to his father, feeling uneasy under Luke's intense gaze. "You know my answer," he whispered, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall, bringing his foot up against it, his chestnut gangs slightly falling in his face. He didnt' even seem to notice.

And Terin's hopes were crushed. "...Yeah..." he whispered, glaring at the ground.

Olani looked at his son. "Huh?" he asked. "What's going on?"

"...He wants to, but he can't," said Terin, his gaze still on the ground, staring and glaring down at it as if it were the most interesting thing on Amia.

Olani frowned. "Can't?"

Terin shrugged under his father's questioning gaze.

"Why can't you, boy?" Marke asked, his voice becoming somewhat hostile. Terin blinked at him. He'd been so kind moments before, but now...what was going on?

Luke glared at his father. "I have my reasons," he growled.

"And they are...?" his father seemed to be demanding that he answer, instead of making it a choice.

"Why would I tell you? Not like you care or anything," he said hotly, his auburn eyes ablaze.

"Boy, I am your father. You will tell me your reasons this instant," said Marke, struggling to keep his cool. Terin knew it was hard for him and Luke. He felt the tension in the room start to build.

"I dont' have to, and you know why? Because you're not my dad. I have no father." that being said, he turned on his heel and stomared out of the house, slamming the door closed behind him.

Terin stared after him, frowning. There was definietly something up with Luke and Marke, but he wasn't so sure he wanted to find out what it was. He fought off the urge to race out after the elder boy, and couldn't quite understand why he cared so much about how the other boy was feeling.

'Think I should go after him and try to comfort him?' he asked Saurian. Saurian appeared in his mind again, frowning.

'I dont' know. It could be a way to earn his trust, but then again...he likes his privacy,' answered the guardian.

Terin sighed. 'You're right,' he said to the guardian. 'As usual.' With a frown still on his face, he looked to his father. His father was frowning at Marke, shaking his head. Marke was glaring at the door, but his face seemed to befighting over a pained expression and an angry one.

"That's no way to talk to him," said Olani. "You're never going to get through to him that way."

"I know," Marke said witha sigh, turning his gaze to the ground. "But what can I do? He won't listen. He doesn't even talk to me unless we're yelling. He's drifting further and further away, andhe's old enough now that he can leave when he wants to do so. I've just kept him here all of this time, though I don't know why. He's troublesome."

Olani shook his head. "He's still your sone."

Marke shook his head and scoffed. "Not according to him."

"That's just because you're coming on too strong. Give him some space, some time to think. Be a little nicer, maybe. Try not to yell. Take an interest in him. He maybe be rebelling because of what happened to Maria."

Marke's gaze shot toward him, glaring. "Don't ever speak of her again," he growled, then paused. "But you're right, of course."

Olani nodded. "Maybe you should talk to him."

Marke shook his head again. "No. He won't listen, as I said. Maybe..." he looked at Terin. "Maybe you could talk to him. Comfort him."

Terin blinked. "Me?" he asked quietly.

Marke nodded. "yes, you. Can you do that? He's really not all that bad...at least, I don't think so. I don't really know."

Terin sighed. "Okay..." he whispered, and then turned to walk out of the door. He exited the house quietly, and softly shut the door behind him, walking away from the house, looking around in all directions. He dind't see Luke anywhere, and he frowned. He didn't know this place...how was he supposed to find the elde male if he didnt' even know where to look? "Um...hello?" he called, hoping to get an answer. "Anyone there? Luke?"

There wasn't an answer.

"Luke? Hello? Are you there?" he called, a little louder this time. Still, his only answer was the howling of the wind as it circled around him. With a sigh, he continued forward. 'Where is he?' he asked Saurian. The guardian popped into his mind again, frowning greatly. He shook his head.

'I don't know, Terin. Um...maybe you should try calling out louder. I mean, he's bound to answer sometime or another, right?' asked the guardian, though his voice didn't sound all that confident.

"Right..." muttered Terin, frowning again. He glanced around, but still didn't see Luke anywhere. "Luke?" he shouted. "Are you there? Hello?"

"Over here," replied a voice. He recognized it as Luke's and hurried toward it. Luke was at the edge of the forest, standing next to one of the trees. Terin paused next to him, trying to catch his breath from the long run.

"There you are," he said quietly. "...Are you okay?"

Luke frowned ath im and shook his head. "Why do you care?" he questioned, his voice suspicious.

"Um...because...uh..."

"Look, I'd like to go with you, sure, but I can't. I have my reasons. I have responsibilities."

Terin noded. "Of course you do."

Luke nodded. "So, if you could excuse me, I need to be somewhere," he said, and then started walking into the forest. Before he could think of what he was doing, Terin grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. Luke looked at him oddly. "What?"

"...That's the forest," he said. Why would Luke be going in there? It was full of dangerous creatures...

"...Yeah, and?"

"you're going into it?"

"yeah. The forest isn't really a bad place, no matter what other people think. It's actually quite nice. It's quiet and peaceful. Just...you have to be on your guard at all times at night. There are still dangerous creatures out there, you know."

Terin nodded. "Yeah, I know."

Luke sighed heavily. "You can...you can come, if you want. I won't be long. I just have to do something."

Terin nodded rapidly. "Of course," he said. Did this mean Luke trusted him? Well, it meant he trusted him enought ot ake him with him. Terin was happy with that, and followed quickly as Luke entered the trees. He noticed how swiftly Luke moved, how easily. He looked to be at ease for the first time since he'd met him, as if he were in his own world.