Gaia Skies; A Change for Zandor(Mature content,Not complete)

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A lonely smile arched her lips while she remembered the past. She smelled a slight scent of the trees and heard their giggling. They passed the trees as fast as their little feet carried them. Their hair swayed in the breeze as they followed each other single file laughing.

“Run, Merena! I’m going to get you!” exclaimed Arath. They both ran and giggled.

Immediately, she squealed. Soon they both ran inside the house, circling the table and their mother.

“Take that outside, you two,” laughed Sharina.

Without hesitation, they ran from the house then Arath tackled Merena. His fingers found every sensitive spot on her torso while she giggled.

“I’m sorry! Stop!” squealed Merena.

“You will stop dumping buckets of water on me?” asked Arath.

“Yes. I promise. I won’t dump pails of water on you,” answered Merena as she giggled.

“Alright. We should practice shift changing,” commanded Arath.

“I don’t want to be a cow. I know my horse form,” whimpered Merena.

“We have new meat. It’s from a katorian,” informed Arath.

“Are we both going to do it?” questioned Merena.

“Yes. Dad got enough for both of us. Mom made them into jerky,” responded Arath as he handed her a slice of jerky.

Soon a roar came from above their heads, and eyes darted skyward.

“It’s Razor!” shouted Merena while her hand moved through the air.

Soon his paws touched the ground, and he morphed into a young boy. Soon her arms wrapped around his neck, and he swung around, lifting her feet off the grass.

When he stopped, he asked, “Did you like the gift?”

“What gift?” questioned Merena.

“The katorian meat,” responded Razor.

“Oh. That was you. Thank you,” answered Merena.

“I was going to tell you, but he beat me,” related Arath.

“I’m sorry. I stepped on your moment,” remarked Razor.

“It had to be said. Why not the person who did the action,” commented Arath.

“Will you go see mother?” asked Merena.

“Of course, I will go see mother,” answered Razor.

“Follow me,” said Merena gleefully as she gripped his hand.

“Lead the way,” conveyed Razor.

“My lord, welcome. Here are some of your clothes. White Scar. Good to see you,” said Sharina.

“I am glad to be here with my prince,” replied White Scar.

“Will you stay long enough for dinner?” asked Sharina.

“We cannot. I have business to tend to with my father,” answered Razor.

“What brought you here?” questioned Sharina.

“Since the arrangements for our engagement have come to an end, I have a gift for Merena,” responded Razor.

“We’re getting married?” probed Merena.

“Yes. When you turn 15 years old, we will be husband and wife,” replied Razor.

“Alright,” giggled Merena as a red complexion rose over her face.

“Don’t worry about that part of the marriage until the day of our wedding,” whispered Razor, and she nodded her head decisively.

“What is the gift?” asked Merena.

He held a fabric bag in an outstretched hand, “It’s in there.”

“What a lovely necklace,” whispered Merena. Immediately, her lips curved.

“Turn around. Let me put it on you,” commanded Razor.

“Alright,” commented Merena.

When the gold chain hung around her neck, her fingers slid over the pale blue gem surrounded by green gems.

“The gems represent us,” expressed Razor.

“They’re colored like our eyes,” whispered Merena.

“Yes,” responded Razor.

Soon after, he turned, facing Sharina, and said, “Thank you for having us today. I will see you in a few days with an additional dowry.”

“We will be looking forward to the day. I hope you will celebrate the future union of you and Merena,” expressed Sharina.

“I will. Would you like me to bring anything?” asked Razor.

“Just your father,” answered Sharina.

“As you wish. Goodbye Merena. I will see you later,” said Razor.

She slammed their bodies together as her arms flew around him.

“Goodbye,” whispered Merena.

“See you later, Razor,” commented Arath.

The pair walked outside and transformed, then took flight. Arath and Merena walked inside with the clothes that were left behind.

“You two go take a bath before dinner,” ordered Sharina.

“Yes. Mom,” replied the pair.

Merena skipped behind him as they went into the bathroom. Soon they sat in the tub then he washed her hair. They came back in their pajamas. The door opened while they sat around the table.

“Welcome home, father,” said the pair.

“Welcome home, honey,” remarked Sharina.

“Hello. I see I’m just in time,” replied Barithon.

“Yes, you are,” responded Sharina. Their lips touched, and the children giggled.

Afterward, he walked around the table, his lips touching the children’s cheeks.

“The prince came today,” reported Sharina.

“What was on his mind?” asked Barithon.

“The future wedding. He’ll be back in a few days with an additional dowry,” answered Sharina.

“Good. We’ll see him later,” remarked Barithon.

“How was your day?” questioned Sharina.

“We will get some supplies tomorrow. I helped move a boulder,” informed Barithon.

“I’m glad. We were getting low on supplies,” said Sharina.

A bag fell onto the floor as he took his seat. While the bag rested on the floor, his fingers grabbed the material.

“This is for you, Merena,” related Barithon as he handed her the bag.

A squeal escaped her as a black yarn-haired doll came out of the fabric.

“Look, Arath. A doll,” said Merena excitedly.

“She favors you,” remarked Arath.

“She does. She even has blue buttons for eyes,” related Merena.

“Is it a birthday gift?” asked Arath.

“It is,”  answered Barithon.

“I can’t believe Merena is already 10 years old,” commented Sharina.

“I’m a big girl now,” stated Merena.

“Yes, Merena. You are a big girl,” replied Sharina.

“Thank you, mommy,” said Merena.

“That means you’ll have to big girl things without complaining,” expressed Arath.

“I’ll try, big brother. I love you,” said Merena; then, she hugged him and her lips pressed against the flesh of his cheek.

“You are so sweet, little sis,” remarked Arath.

Soon she ran around the table, lips touched together with the other three. They all laughed as she ran around the table. After a couple of bangs on the door, the family grew quiet.

“Who is it?” asked Barithon.

“Hunters. We are here for an inspection,” answered the hunter.

“That’s the first time for this,” whispered Barithon.

“What are they up to?” questioned Sharina.

“Nothing good. Take the children into the bedroom. Be ready to flee,” commanded Barithon.

“It will be as you say,” replied Sharina.

“Please, be safe,” pleaded Barithon.

“You also,” requested Sharina with a parting kiss.

As soon as they were in the bedroom, Sharina ordered, “Help me move the chair.”

“Yes, mommy,” responded Merena and Arath.

When they finished, a hidden wooden door appeared. Sharina raised the door, and the children jumped onto the dirt.

“Stay here. If anything happens, run,” ordered Sharina.

Soon they heard the rustling of their mother moving the furniture back in place. They crawled close enough to hear the conversation between their father and the hunters.

“Welcome,” said Barithon after he opened the door.

After the hunters entered the cabin, one questioned, “Your children are gone?”

“They went to the dragon fort,” responded Barithon, then hid a wink at his wife.

“May we have your name?” asked Sharina.

“My name is Geoff,” answered the hunter.

“I am Terrence,” stated Terrence.

“Welcome, Hunter Geoff and Hunter Terrence,” said Barithon.

The children listened while the exchange of words between the adults happened. Arath held a lone finger against his lips, and Merena nodded her head.

“We are supposed to see your children, also. We’ll have to report this,” related Geoff.

“We are sorry. This is the first time we have had an inspection,” replied Barithon.

“We should have sent word,” conveyed Geoff.

“Will the children be back tonight?” asked Terrence.

“No. They will be there for a few days,” answered Barithon.

“We will get on with this,” commented Geoff.

“Have a seat,” directed Barithon.

“Thank you. We won’t be long. We’ll stand,” replied Geoff.

“What is the inspection?” asked Barithon.

“We will see how useful you and your family can be for the hunters. If you are helpful to us, you will be part of the hunters,” answered Geoff.

“If we refuse?” probed Barithon.

“There will be no refusal,” responded Geoff.

“I see,” muttered Barithon.

“You work for us or prison,” stated Geoff.

“Our freedom will be lost no matter which one we chose,” remarked Barithon.

“That isn’t good for us,” whispered Sharina.

The palm of his hand soothed over the back of her hand, and his lips arched.

“Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, milk, or a juice?” asked Barithon.

“Milk tea with honey,” answered Geoff.

“It will take time for the gel crystals,” related Sharina.

“Thank you,” conveyed Geoff.

“What is your plan for us?” questioned Barithon.

“You will be compensated well for working for us,” responded Geoff.

“We will still lose our freedom,” declared Barithon.

“Don’t think of it as lost freedom but as a safe place to live,” conveyed Geoff.

“No matter what you call it, it still is a gilded cage,” replied Barithon.

“You have your choice. You will have to live with that choice, though,” remarked Geoff.

After Geoff finished his words, a loud wooden thud exploded in the room. Barithon jumped in time as the side of the table landed on the floor.

“I knew you would do this,” commented Barithon.

“I figured you would fight, but I had to try to get you without pain or death,” related Geoff.

When Sharina ran inside the room, hot water hit the hunters, and she waved a long knife toward the men.

“Well, I see it will be a fight,” declared Geoff with one corner of his mouth arched.

“Was there ever a doubt in your mind?” asked Barithon.

“No,” answered Geoff.

With a wave of his arms and hands, Geoff ordered, “Men. Get them.”

Barithon glanced at Sharina, pointing a finger toward a door, and said, “Give me room and… run!”

“Yes. Be safe,” responded Sharina, then she ran for the bedroom door.

“Terrence. Get her,” ordered Geoff.

“Not so fast,” demanded Barithon as he transformed into a bearforian.

While men and furniture tossed around the room, Terrence said, “Damn. I knew he would fight but a giant bear.”

“Try not killing him. He will definitely be an asset to us,” commanded Geoff.

“What if he kills our men?” questioned Terrence.

“Try not to kill him or his family. We will be in trouble if they are killed,” responded Geoff.

“We will try our hardest,” stated Terrence.

When Sharina entered the bedroom, she morphed into a calfin. Immediately, she lowered her head and shoved the bed against the door then the dresser. After she transformed back human, the lid rose, and her head popped into the crawlspace.

“Psst…,” whispered Sharina.

“Yes, momma. We’re coming,” whispered Arath.

When both faces appeared before her eyes, she continued, “When I get the guard's attention run out from under the house. Get to Drako Keep. They’ll keep you safe.”

“Alright, mom. I’ll watch out for Merena,” whispered Arath.

“Wait by the door. Be careful,” ordered Sharina.

“Mom, I love you,” muttered Merena.

“I love you, too. Arath, I love you,” said Sharina.

“I know, love you,” replied Arath.

“Go to the hidden exit,” commanded Sharina.

“Alright, mom,” responded Arath.

“Live,” ordered Sharina.

“You, too. It sounds like the conflict is coming to a head,” related Arath while in the other room, the sounds slowly died down.

The lid lowered until they no longer seen Sharina’s smiling face. After her movement dissipated, the only sound was their breathing. Soon a dripping filled their tiny ears, and his eyes scanned toward the sound. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he noticed the red sheen of the liquid while it dropped and pooled.

Immediately, his lips touched Merena’s eye, and he whispered, “Hold on to your doll and stay looking at the escape door.”

“Alright,” whispered Merena while her eyes took in the side of his face.

They sat quietly while the sound of breaking glass filled the air then the yells followed.

“Get her! We lost Barithon!” exclaimed Geoff.

Arath peaked out of the hidden space when the ruckus died down.

“Come on, Merena. They are gone,” commanded Arath with a hand held out toward her.

“I’m coming,” responded Merena.

“Stay quiet. Hold tight on your doll. Mom and dad gave us a way out. We need to get away,” whispered Arath.

Immediately after his words, her hand held the doll tighter.

“Yes, Arath. I will do as you say. Just don’t leave me,” mumbled Merena as her eyes widen.

His fingers wrapped around her tiny hand while he spoke, “I promise I’ll stay with you.”

While she stared at him, her shoulder touched his arm, and her lips jutted out, “Thank you. I am afraid, Arath.”

“Don’t be; I’m here with you,” reassured Arath.

His free hand touched her cheek, and his lips touched the corner of her mouth; he continued, “I’ll get my precious little sister to Drako Keep.”

“Thank you, big brother,” said Merena.

Staying in the shadow of the house, he led her toward their path with hands secured together. Slowly, while she held onto the doll, she intertwined her arms with his. His head swept left to right while their feet touched the ground with care. He listened for any noise from their surroundings.

“Stay close,” ordered Arath in a lowered voice.

“Alright,” whispered Merena.

“Listen for the hunters,” commanded Arath he felt as her head nodded one sturdy time.

Suddenly, he stopped all their progress then made them move deeper into the house’s shadow.

“What was that?” asked Merena quietly.

“I don’t know. Shhh,” answered Arath.

He felt as her body shook, and he patted her arm with his free hand.

Immediately, hands grabbed both of them, then came, “I got you!”

A high-pitched squeal came from her, and Arath lashed out with dog nails on the hunter’s hand. Without hesitation, the man hollered out in pain and released them.

“We need to flee!” commanded Arath.

When she moved to run, the hunter gained his wits and grabbed her arm. She hit his hand with her fist.

“Let me go,” ordered Merena.

She lost her grip on the doll, and she gasped then tried reaching for it.

“No. You will be our prisoner,” declared the hunter.

Arath sank his teeth into the flesh of the man’s hand, and he released Merena.

“Merena, run!” yelled Arath.

“I have them over here!” shouted the hunter.

“Grab it and run,” ordered Arath.

            “What about you?” questioned Merena.

“I’ll be right behind you,” responded Arath.

“My doll,” remarked Merena.

“Grab it and run,” conveyed Arath.

While they started to flee, the pair heard movement in the woods drawing closer toward them.

“Hurry! They’re going to get away!” screamed the hunter.

Immediately, the hunter grabbed hold of Merena’s shoulder. Her feet lifted from the ground then her buttocks hit hard on the grass.

“Ouch,” muttered Merena while she rubbed a buttock.

“Merena!” shouted Arath.

Rapidly, he tore his clothes from his body and a light shined while he turned into a Zandorian dire wolf pup.

“Arath! Merena! Fight!” demanded Sharina.

“Get away from my sister,” growled Arath.

The hunter paused while his eyes narrowed at Arath; he seethed, “Save your breath and time. I will start with her and finish with you.”

“No, you won’t. Merena. Morph into a dire wolf,” commanded Arath.

“Alright,” responded Merena.

While he held her, she slipped out of her dress and turned into a Zandorian dire wolf pup.

When they began running away, the hunter started after them and demanded, “Get back here.”

Sharina ran up and pounced on top of the hunter knocking him face-first into the dirt.

“Ah, my little Merena,” said Geoff as he ran up to the group.

After additional men ran up, Geoff ordered, “Shot Sharina and Arath. Don’t kill them like you did Barithon. I’ll get Merena. Terrence, help me.”

Without delay, Geoff and Terrence surrounded Merena, halting her progress away from the hunters. Sharina transformed human as an arrow headed for Arath. Blood sprayed over Arath, Merena, Geoff, Terrence, and the hunter while Sharina stumbled forward.

“Mother!” screamed Arath.

“Mom,” gasped Merena.

“She won’t be able to transform. Don’t kill her. Get Arath,” commanded Geoff.

“Merena. You get Geoff. I will get Terrence,” ordered Arath.

Within moments, Merena pivoted toward Geoff. When he reached for her, she latched her teeth and claws on that arm. Arath locked his jowls on Terrence’s calf, he shook his head. Both men screamed out in agony.

“Run! Merena! Run!” yelled Arath.

“Both of you get away. Live for our way of life,” demanded Sharina.

“Yes, mother. Run Merena,” said Arath.

“Alright,” replied Merena, then she turned away.

Instantly, after the pair started leaving their house behind, they heard the sound of wet thuds. Arath turned in time and seen arrows protruding from Sharina’s back. An arrow penetrated his shoulder, knocking him on the ground. Merena abruptly stopped her paws and turned.

“No! Run!” exclaimed Arath.

“You said you would stay with me,” stated Merena.

“I will follow behind you. Just run and be safe,” demanded Arath.

While she ran, her eyesight blurred, and she whispered to herself, “They know I will go to Drako Keep. Lead them that way toward the river. Cross the river then run by the water. I will transform into a fish and swim the opposite way. I will check on the house. That’s the plan.”

While she departed from the river, her body glowed and turned into a wolf pup. Soon the sky took on a red hue as she neared the house. She crawled on her stomach when she drew within earshot.

“That minx got you good,” stated Terrence.

“She did. Arath got you,” remarked Geoff.

“This will leave her only one place she can hide. Drako Keep,” commented Terrence.

“Put the bodies in the wagon. The doctor can use them for research,” ordered Geoff.

Tears welled in her eyes while she watched them throw the bodies into the back of the wagon. She crept away with her heart plummeting into the pits of desolation.