Aim To Miss

It was a bitterly cold night, the barren wasteland that the Nocti inhabited held its reputation for being one of the most hospitable places within the land. The night was arid, yet it wasn’t a normal night. Hakkan looked at the sky and scanned it until his eyes landed on a dark red glow that peaked over the horizon. It would seem the pathetic creatures of this land were having another disagreement. Their villages burn and their people dead. Hakkan rolled his eyes to himself, he had been around for quite a long time, and he’s seen this all before.

Time and time again these creatures repeat the same process. Hakkan was glad that they thought the dragons had died out, who knows how they would try to abuse his power. His attention turned from the glowing red and burning smell to the whole reason he was out here. Though this desert was hostile and hard to survive in, it produced wonderful precious gems that were perfect for creating strong magical objects. Hakkan sighed to himself but dropped his gear and began his search for the gem he was looking for. He narrowed it down to this area where unique rock formations grow. The Nocti typically use this place for their sacred rituals, luckily, they weren’t here now.

However, Hakkan nearly jumped out of his skin when an explosion went off not too far from him! He quickly went on guard pulling his sword out and holding it defensively. He slowly crept into the direction of the explosion, as he neared though he could hear what sounded like muttering and sniffling. Keeping his low profile, he hid behind another rock formation but peeked out to investigate. Before him he watched what appeared to be a little girl crying. Confused he looked around for the person who cause the explosion. Hakkan looked back just in time to witness the little girl’s sobbing turn into a cry of anger as she clenched her fist and slammed them to the ground, fire suddenly exploded out from both of her fist. Hakkan couldn’t help but be somewhat impressed. This little girl could have been more than two or three, yet she was already harnessing that type of magic.

Hakkan shook his head, he should leave, if the child is here her parents are sure to be nearby. Hakkan went to leave but when he went to stand up his hand accidently pushed some rocks onto the floor. Looking up, him and the little girl made eye contact! Before he could do anything, she gasped and suddenly disappeared. He looked around the rock formations for any sign of attack. That is until he happened to see the little girl peeking at him from another formation of rocks not too far in front of himself. She stared back at him quietly but made a small hand gesture. Hakkan tilted his head at her, but she only looked confused and made the hand gesture again.

Sheathing his sword, he crouched down; he sighed looking around briefly… Hakkan could tell that there was no one else here. He said quietly “I don’t understand.” The girl stopped making gestures and stared at him. If his memory served him correctly, Nocti ‘spoke’ through a series of hand gestures. Speaking verbally was seen as a waste of water in their culture. Hakkan didn’t know any of their language. Hakkan asked “Are you okay?” the child nodded at him. Great, she understood other languages. Hakkan stated to her “You can come out; I’m not going to hurt you.” She hides more behind the rock away from him.

Thinking for a moment, he suddenly looked towards her as her stomach let out a growl. He hummed but reached into the pouch on his hip and pulled out a piece of dried meat “Hungry?” She suddenly perked up “You can have it; all you must do is come get it- “before he could finish, she appeared in front of him and grabbed the meat from him like a starving animal. She began eating it without remorse. Hakkan asked her “Where is your mother? Why are you out here?” She paused but looked around, she pointed to the horizon where the dim red glow came from “Mama.” She whispered staring at it. Nocti had amazing senses in terms of smell, eyesight, and hearing. Because of their environment, the Nocti had to evolve and adapt to survive these harsh lands. Hakkan knew she could smell everything from the fire to other unpleasant things. He asked, “When is mama coming back?” the little girl stared at him and tilted her head. He sighed looking around the landscape. Her mother was most likely dead if she was still in that burning village. She would either starve to death out here to get eaten by one of the other creatures that roam this landscape at night… Looking back at her, he watched her continue to eat. She had magnificent abilities at her figure tips, though she couldn’t control them yet. She didn’t even need to use a grimoire to channel the energy. Her temper and emotions reminded Hakkan of himself when he was younger. Especially during the days that he would go out and terrorize villages and such.

In Hakkans older age, he realized that if he wanted to survive, he would have to get a handle on his emotions and abilities. The least he could do is go see if any of her people would want her back. He stood up “Stay here little one. I’ll be right back.” She nodded and sat down near another rock while still munching on the slab of meat he had given her. Hakkan took a deep breath as his bipedal form shifted slightly so that his wings could come out. Shooting into the air, he flew over to the village to investigate. Landing not too far, he made his way into the village seeing most, if not, all the houses and buildings on fire. Hearing footsteps he quickly got out of sight as he witnesses soldiers gathering and dragging a woman through town. They threw her at the feet of another woman. This woman had fair skin and white hair, she also had a pair of wings. Hakkan had forgotten that the clan leaders of each clan had wings, it was in their bloodline. The one standing held out her arms announcing “Rejoice my sisters! We now have nothing to fear! We have successfully annihilated the death worshipers!” Her army cheered as the woman on the floor muttered something. The leader silenced her troops and kicked the woman in the fact “Speak up, Death worshiper!” the woman spit out blood but managed to get out “We were Nocti…” she struggled to speak...

Hakkan almost felt bad for the misery and pain she was surely in. The leader laughed looming over her “You were nothing.” And with that the leader brought her axe down on her neck causing the troops to erupt in cheering. Hakkan decided that now was the time to leave. He swiftly left and headed back to the place of ritual to find the little girl. As he approached, his mind raced with thoughts. What would he do with her? What could he do? Her people were slaughtered by what appeared to be those of other clans. Walking up he spotted her leaning on the rock just staring at the stars…

As it would seem, Hakkan in his mature age, had morals. The little girl had too much potential of her abilities to die, or worse, never use them. Hakkan decided he would be the one to take responsibility of her. Walking up to her, he cleared his throat “Little one?” she looked towards him, he paused as he forgot to think of a reason to persuade her to come with him… Her emotions are too high risk right now, he would have to lie to her “I spoke with your mother. It’s not safe for you at home anymore. She has instead asked me to take you under my wing.” She looked at him puzzled yet again. He offered his hand “I will teach you all that I know and make you into a fine young witch.” She looked back towards her village nervously but slowly took his hand. He chuckled stretching his wings “Ready to go home?”

Once to his home that was hidden away in the cold mountains that were inhabited by the Aprici. The little girl made herself at home quickly, he did manage to get her name though. Kem, it was an odd name but that’s all she said. Hakkan found that she was a quick learner. She took to almost everything like a fish to water. Days turned into weeks; weeks turned into years. The two had somewhat bonded over the years. Kem saw Hakkan as a parent figure sure, but she knew her mother was out there somewhere waiting for her return. Whenever that would be, Kem, as she grew older always questioned Hakkan why she couldn’t go home and visit her mother. She asked hakkan when it would be safe, and he would always pass her off. Eventually she just stopped asking. Hakkan reframed from telling her truth, at first because of her lack of control. The reasoning had changed slightly though, while she still needed work in controlling her abilities, Hakkan had come to care for her as if she were his child, and he didn’t wish to hurt her like that. He knew she would hate him for it.

On this day, their home was filled with arguing “Why? Why can I not go see her? You’re hiding something from me! I’m not stupid Hakkan!” The dragon pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. No wonder his father beat him silly when he was a child, if this girl was the spitting image of Hakkan’s younger self, he would have to apologize to his own father in the afterlife. Hakkan huffed at the teenager “We will take about this later. I need to leave to town before the snowstorm prevents me from flying.” Kem crossed her arms in anger as her feet smoked a little bit. Hakkan ruffled her hair with a sigh as the moody teen looked off “Fine. We will discuss your future once I’m back. Okay?” Kem looked at the only father figure she had even known “You’re not lying this time, right?” he complained at her “When have I ever lied to you?” she huffed at him “Like when you said I could come out to town with you, but you left without me.” Hakkan stared at the teen for a moment…

Damn her sharp memory. He shrugged at her innocently “You were sleeping, and I didn’t wish to wake you.” She huffed at him waving her arm “Have a safe trip, get back in one piece, okay?” Hakkan chuckled “I will, remember to- “Kem sighed sitting in a nearby chair with a book “I know, don’t leave the house for any reason.” Hakkan stared at her for a moment but nodded “Yes, stay safe little one.” With that he left. Kem sighed reading her book, Hakkan was always hard to understand but cared for her in his own way. She recognized that, but she still hated it, however she couldn’t say that she didn’t care for him at all as annoying and mushy as he was. A small smile made its way onto her lip as she thought about the old dragon. He liked to act all tough, but he was a big softie.

Kem sighed leaning towards the window staring outside… She wished to stretch her own wings like she did when she was a child, to exercise her freedom as she saw fit. She didn’t understand why she couldn't be seen or why she had to hide away. If no one came for her before, why would they come for her now? With a look of determination, she was going to go outside tomorrow. Kem was going to show Hakkan that she was more than capable of at least going out into the woods and bring back a good kill for dinner tomorrow. With the idea in mind, she prepared for the next day. She had to bundle up as the cold didn’t agree well with her, she was made for desert climates not winter. When the next day finally came, she put on all that she would need to stay warm and braided her long dark curly hair back and then put on a warm fleece hat that hakkan had gotten for her on his last trip out.

Taking one final breath, she exited the house and went to explore. She practically got lost all day long studying the surrounds, once it began getting closer to evening, Kem began hunting. She settled on a deer, she pulled out her bow and arrows and drew back one arrow, ready to kill the deer. Just as she was about to release the arrow she was suddenly tackled! Kem, in a panic, shoved the other person off and stood up with flames engulfing her! Her eyes landed on another girl! Kem’s fire quickly died out as she looked bewildered. The other girl had fair skin, and white hair that matched the snow… She was an Aprici. The girl stood up giggling “Wow! You know magic?” Kem stayed silent for a moment but answered “Yes, you don’t?” she shook her head “No my mother doesn’t allow me to.” Kem stayed quiet and the girl questioned “What’s your name?” Kem stayed quiet again… Her name would be a dead giveaway. She said unsure “I don’t have one.” The girl looked at her oddly but shrugged “That’s okay!” She begged “Could you teach me some magic? I promise I won’t tell anyone.” Kem contemplated it. If she didn’t the girl may tell others of her. She nodded slowly “I’ll teach you a small healing spell.” The Aprici girl clapped her hands together “Yes!” she prepared herself slightly “Okay I’m ready!” Kem nodded quietly as she showed the girl how to preform the spell. With a few tries the girl was able to do it successfully. Kem smiled, proud of her teaching skills until the aprici girl suddenly tackled her!

Both laughed with each other until the Aprici girl gasped, Kem looked at her oddly until she realized that when the Aprici girl tackled her, it made her clothing shift just enough to see her neck markings that gave away she was from the Nocti. The Aprici girl got up quickly backing away as Kem shot up with her hat in her hands “Wait! Wait! Please I can explain- “The Aprici yelped “Stay away from me Death Worshiper!” Kem sulked back instantly, that term was only used by the other six clans as a derogatory term. They used that term because they didn’t understand the Nocti rituals…

Kem kept her head turned as the Aprici girl ran away. Kem had this sinking feeling in her stomach… She messed up bad this time. Kem turned and took off running as fast as she could. Once home she slammed the door open and shut, she turned and froze seeing Hakkan standing there, already looking worried. He asked her “Kem? Where have you been?” He grabbed her shoulders “By the Gods, don’t tell me you were seen!” She couldn’t speak as tears built up in her eyes, Hakkan stared at her wishing it wasn’t true. He had to think quickly, rushing to the bed, he moved it and pulled up a panel that lead to a secret underground room. He grabbed her “Quickly! Get into the room!” Kem did as told and went into the room fearfully “What’s going on Hakkan?” Hakkan didn’t answer as he placed the panel back demanding “Stay as quiet as possible.” He moved the bed back and things were still for a moment… Until a loud knock sounded at the door causing Kem to jump slightly. She listened quietly as multiple men entered the house “Gentlemen, what can I do for you?” One of them huffed “We were tipped off that there was a Nocti girl staying here.” Hakkan huffed “No, there is nothing of the sort here. The Nocti were all killed when your army went to attack their village.” My eyes widen as I stared up at the wood paneling. The guard scoffed “Right, take him.” A fight started and Kem went to join until Hakkan was suddenly slammed to the floor “Stop!” She froze looking up and saw Hakkans eye through the crack of one of the panels. Hakkans huffed “She’s long gone, she’s left this area completely as I instructed her to.” The other man growled “Take him to the mines where he’ll rot. You, search the house.” Kem closed her eye tightly and covered her ears as they ripped apart their home. She began to cry, even after they had left with Hakkan in hand. She was alone in all the world, Kem beat herself up for ruining everything, all because she couldn’t follow simple rules. Her clan was extinct and the only one who’s ever cared about her is gone now.

She was truly lost, Kem felt exactly how she felt when her mother dropped her off near the sacred ritual area and left to go back and help everyone else. Kem eventually climbed out and was able to climb out of the hole. She looked around at the now broken home. Tears began swell in Kem’s eyes again as she took small steps looking at all Hakkans things that were ruined and broken now. Suddenly there was a loud clang causing her to jump, she looked down at her feet and saw Hakkan’s sword. She slowly leaned down and picked it up, staring at the blade she saw her reflection. Staring quietly for a moment, she felt eerily calm. She knew what she needed to do, she couldn’t save her mother or her people, but she was able to save Hakkan. She silently removed all the warm clothing she wore, Holding the sword she stepped out into the now nighttime air, she looked up at the stars glaring slightly as her wing came out “I’m coming Hakkan. Just hold on.”