A/N: For all of you who read the fic “Earthen Angel” by me before, this is the remake. I didn’t like the old version, so I’m completely rewriting it. The characters are different (some what), the plot is different, and the setting is different. So then again, it’s a whole new story, and if you haven’t read the original version, then you’re all set.

Actually, I was on a pretty long hiatus for a while, but then was inspired to write again by my good friend Lilias. (Go check out her fic Spontaneity. I command you to!) So a special thanks goes out to her. Luv ya Lilias! And I’ll get some fanart for ya done soon! Promise!

Well, the new “Earthen Angel” has a list of stuff I have to cover. It’s in first person for the most part, which is really new to me, so I’m sorry if my writing will seem shaky at times. Sometimes it won’t be in first person, though, so I’m warning you now. Also, the story does not take place on Earth (like the original version had). It takes place in the fantasy world Anarden, which is basically like any ordinary fantasy world with kingdoms, knights, lords, and magic. Lastly, “Earthen Angel” will eventually contain shounen ai, or male/male love. If you have anything against this, do not read any further.

That’s about all I have to cover at the moment, other then the fact that the story is going to be pretty long. The original was only 10 chapters, but this version’s going to triple that at least. Well, you probably want to read now, so I’ll stop chewing your ear off. Hope you enjoy!

~Ryuu

I never knew, neither did I ever know why I didn’t know. My mind had always been a blank sheet, and the days would go by forgotten, as useless to my memory, as my own existence, as my own heartbeat. It didn’t matter, and my thoughts had long lost the questions it normally carried. Where was I? Who was I? What is my name? What happened? Why am I alone? All forgotten. All gone. Like the sun in the late dusk. Like the love of those who have been lost.

Love. What is love? Is it more then just a word? Being constantly passed around, does it hold even an ounce of meaning anymore? I often thought of this in my darkest dreams, when the shadows of sleep had all but ripped away the last threads that held my life together. Is this even a life to ponder upon? I am drowned in the constant winter of the world, chained by all evil doings of man and beast alike. Where was my freedom? Where was my hope? Where was my light?

Forgotten. That word stands and holds me in its clutches, though I do seem to be turning from that fact. There may just be another way to approach all of this, another way to come to all the mystery and madness. Yes, that’s it. Forgotten. No. Not found. Yes. Not found, not found yet. Days was it? Weeks? Or for millennia, perhaps, was I entrapped in my unknowing? Asleep in the dreams of the faceless demons who plagued me? Oh, but I shall never forget that first sight which I beheld. My very first memory which holds strong to this day. Yes, I know it all, and everything that spiraled downward from there.

Something had stirred, running across my skin, making strands of my hair play across my face. Backtracking, it came again, that breeze which heralded my waking with its chill, yet with its smoothness. It only left me again, though, like all things had, but my ability to perceive remained, and I dared to open my eyes just a bit to meet the sight of the petals as they lazily drifted around me. The branches of the tree rustled overhead.

Slow, yes, but steadily my eyes focused for what seemed to be the first time. It was hard to fight off sleep when one was trapped in it for so long, but this, this was new. New and frightening enough to send shivers down my spine. Or perhaps that was from the wind, but no matter. I was comfortable enough just contently lying there. Little did I know I wasn’t alone this time.

“Oh! Hello!” I stiffened instantly. When the cheery face filled my vision, I didn’t know, but the kid’s smile was almost as bright as his golden eyes, which, in turn, were nearly out of sight because of the mop of blond hair which hung before them. Those golden orbs then twinkled again as his smile widened.

“I’ve never seen you before. Need a hand?” He extended the limp, offering it for a few moments before I struggled into a sitting position and took it. I felt confused the first few moments on my feet. The questions were returning and I had to lean against the trunk of the tree for a few moments to ward away a lightheaded feeling. The kid only smiled at me again, then laughed as a breeze picked up once more, carrying the cherry blossoms around him.

Skipping a few feet away, the blond twirled around, playing in the wind, his white cloak and scarves fluttering around him. I myself remained motionless, a silent observer. The kid could’ve only been about ten, I myself standing two whole heads taller then him. His hand had barely grasped mine when he’d helped me up.

The collar of my own cloak, ebony in color, brushed against my cheek as the breeze passed again, leaving only the rustling of the sakura trees as their petals floated back to the ground. My eyes slowly cast downward, following the path of one of these pink petals as it drifted to my feet. I had an impulse to catch it before it landed, but my hands remained motionless.

“You look lost.” The blond was before me again, gently shaking out a few sakura petals that were caught in his hair. With them successfully removed, his hands lowered and he hooked them behind his back. “Do you have anywhere you need to be? I heard it’s not safe so sleep under the trees as their petals fall anymore. The masters say that old power is at work again.”

I blinked at the youth, but he only smiled back. His words made something stir deep within me, and the feeling traveled through my body, making me shiver. Old memories, if any I carried, should remain asleep, and yet my eyes were locked with the golden ones and I was entrapped again. Trapped with anything I held exposed for the other to read, and I would never have been released from that feeling if the kid hadn’t moved.

“Here…” His hands reached up and his fingers fumbled as he worked to unclasp something from around his neck. Once the chain was undone, he stepped up, standing on the tips of his toes to reach me. With more ease, he redid the clasp before falling back, keeping that few feet of space between us. The pendant fell against my chest from where it hung, now from my own neck. “It will protect you. I was told that too, and it’s worked so far.” He grinned. “I hope it helps you in the same way.”

As if on cue, a gust of wind blew through the grove. The blond instinctively held up an arm against it, slowly lowering it to reveal his innocent smile. With his cloak flowing behind him, he began to scamper off, through the sakura petals.

“Wait! I didn‘t get your name!”

That exclamation… Weak it was through the wind, but it had rung from my lungs and made the boy stop. Slowly he turned, his eyes wide, but the expression dissolved to his normal one, to the beaming smile and soft, twinkling eyes. “Keiji. I’m Keiji.” He then was gone, having dissolved into the late noon, and I was left alone with the once more settling petals. Keiji. I’d remember that name, for it was the first one I was commended to remember. Keiji. And I would never forget it, nor the owner’s face.

I couldn’t forget anymore. That is all in the past now, as is the grove of sakura trees. I hadn’t moved far from it though. Perhaps it was a vain attempt to find the boy, but perhaps not. All I know is Keiji was the first thing I could remember, but the second vision which took me was that of myself. What was I? That question had never come up before, but only when looking into the glassy water of a pond did I know.

Young, no, nor did I hold the light and fair complexion as Keiji had. I am taller and older, yes. Garbed in black as well. That was all known, though my true age in numbers remains hidden. Ageless, one might say. To another, timeless may be the right description, but I know my eyes seemed much more keener then Keiji’s had. Like falcon eyes: all seeing, sharp. Their depths barely visible from the straight, chocolate hair that slipped over them, and yet those deep depths, if ventured that far, barely glowed with light in contrast to their dark violet hue. Now… Who was I?

My memory held no more. It extended neither from Keiji or me, nor from the cherry blossoms. That was all and the gaps would be unfilled, or perhaps there were no gaps. Had existence been long played out for me or had it only begun? My hand slowly grasped the pendant from where it faithfully hung around my neck. If only my thoughtful mind hadn’t made me wish for its aid, the aid which Keiji promised.

Violet eyes lowering, I opened the palm of my hand, taking in the sight of the pendant for the first time. Simple it was: a tear shaped, white crystal, but its facetted sides gleamed and flashed even in the smallest light. Where its tip met the thin, silver chain, it was sided with two, blood red beads. Beautiful. A wonderful scene the whole assortment was, and perhaps some foresight of its true identity kept it from being casting it into the waters before me. What had compelled the boy to give me such a thing as this? An heirloom it seemed at that moment. Just a simple heirloom.

I was out of my dreams and wandering now, but it all continued to remind me of sleep. Everything passed by in slow motion. From the courtyard, to the outer lands, and beyond my feet would carry me. I should remain lost, I should remain alone, while so aimlessly I went, aimlessly I breathed. Who thought such things would ever have an end? But end may not be the correct word for the matter. Perhaps words are not even certain enough to express anything. Perhaps life and time itself are only things for one to toy with.

Time. One other thing I won’t forget is how quickly it passes when not watched. Of course it passed, though, for no power, not even mine, could ever stop it, or would. So unstable it is. Seconds to minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days, yet that was only the small time frame. Years I speak of. Years of travel and unspoken tales and sights and sounds. Ah, to perceive. Such a beauty. Rivaling that of which I continue to wear about my neck, hidden under my layers of cloth.

Senses, yes. Oh eyes, so keen and violet, point of ears, fanged mouth, and reflexes swift. Not seen by thy eye of course. Not yet! Stealthy, silently into the night. Aye, the years have gone by, and the memory of Keiji has all but vanished with them, but my own name remains unspoken, not even by the softest whispers.

Past memories since my awaking? None. None at all. Only those that my decade of life hold. Life I called it? Possibly. I’m living, and I’m breathing. My mind is my own. Control is not held over me anymore. Here and now is only a perfect place, a place where I can fully unravel my future for you, a place where I can start my story…

________________________________________________________________________

The tracking spell… Yes, that is how it started. That is why I’m here, perched on the roof of the Shonin Clan’s fortress. In the smack-dab middle of the Shirin Kingdom, none the less. Why? Well, the truth of that particular fact goes back a bit, but everyone enjoys a good history lesson now and then, right?

One thousand years ago, the land of Anarden went through its so-called “Armageddon”. In short, there was a large demon uprising that spread to every realm, city, and kingdom. Many, many, many lives were lost as whole armies were completely wiped out in battle. Basically, the land almost fell to the demon powers, but here’s the catch. A few years before the demons began to attack, a new clan appeared. They were immortal, much like the elves and demons, but the group kept in secrecy, and avoided detection by the shadowed powers. After the uprising, though, their leaders went to the alliances of the other kindred, promising them with their aid. Now you’re gonna be quizzed on this, so pay attention!

The clan’s leader at the time, which was a guy named Susumi, was then given the command of another army, where the kindred had combined their numbers. Under Susumi’s leadership, and the power of the clan, the demons were scattered, their remaining numbers locked away in the dark realm. The world was still in ruins, though, so the clan combined their powers and cleansed it. This was often portrayed as the rebirth of the world and marked a new age. The Kingdom of Shirin was then established under the rule of Susumi, who of course, became its first Lord, and the first Shonin Lord. All the other clan members became subjects in his castle, and some of the best knights have come from their bloodline. Not only that, but they have their natural power too and are a highly respected kindred. The clan is called the Shonin Clan nowadays, though sometimes they’re referred to as the Phoenix Clan, or just the phoenixes, since it was their ancestors who helped rebirth Anarden after the demon uprising.

Ah, such a lovely story! Makes me want to cry… almost. Heh. That tale is an old one, mostly told through song now, but is rather insightful. What’s left of the demon kindred may be locked away in the Dark Realm, but that doesn’t mean their threats are still active, or that there aren’t escaped rogues wandering about freely. Welcome to Anarden. Any questions? Oh, of course, why am I here in Shirin again? To assassinate the current Lord of the Shonin Clan, or course! Mwahha! … … Just don’t ask why.

So here I am, perched atop their castle without a care in the world awaiting THE DAMN TRACKER I SENT OUT OVER TWO HOURS AGO! Seriously. By this rate, it’s going to be dawn by the time it gets back. Either that, or I’m gonna be an old man, and I shiver at that thought. Ehhe… hehehehehehe. Hehe… Wrinkley…

Another few moments pass and there’s a sharp screech overhead. It’s about freakin’ time. I could barely see it, hovering in the night sky with its ebony wings. Even with the moon and starlight eerily shadowed, I could still make out its raven-like form, but ravens don’t have webbed wings or three eyes. With ease, my hand shoots out, catching the creature by its feet so I can drag it down to eyelevel.

“I’m impatient, idiot!” I hiss as it feebly flaps its wings, trapped in my clutches. I’m in complete control of it, though it settles, crackling softly with its broken caws that fall dead in the air. All three of its eyes are trained on me, its master. “So…?” And I’m still impatient, but the telepathy opens and visions soon flash into my mind. My little tracker and spy has done its deed. Too bad it’s not actually living.

With a flick of my wrists, I dispel the creature and it fades back into magic. With the castle layout still clear in my mind, I bounded to the edge of the roof, and leapt. Hehe, did I scare ya there? Too bad it’s not that far down. Only two stories or whatnot. I wasn’t even on the battlements, only halfway up, so of course I landed neatly on my feet. I whipped out my katana from its hilt on my back as I dropped down into a crouching position. All in one fluid motion. Go me.

Smirking, I watch the blade gleams in the dark. Such a beautiful thing, yet so deadly. Too old to marvel over now. Ten years of wear is a long time for a simple weapon as this. Now if I had a blade made out of magic, perhaps things would be different, but with those years meant I could handle it well, and that expertise meant more then an amateur with a magic sword any day. Truthfully, this wasn’t even my sword. I just happened to steal it off a prince in some western kingdom.

Past the katana’s sharp edge walked two Shonin soldiers. They were posted on sentry duty, perched so tall with their shoulders back as they paced short, smart steps before the main entrance. No other security was visible from there, just the two armor-clad men with their double-pointed spears standing a foot above them. How is it that sentries always get picked off first, though? Odd, very odd. Almost makes me want to pity them, but there’s no time to wonder. I have a mission to do, so I might as well start the damn thing, but I wait, unmoving and undetected, until the two clan soldiers are only breathes away.

Then pounce.

The poor men aren’t given time to take up arms before my sword slashes. Landing behind them, I rebalance my blade, but I don’t need look back. Hearing their bodies fall heavily to the ground was enough. Lucky for them I’m only here to kill one individual. Sure they may have bumps on their heads when they return to consciousness, but that’s better then a sword through your heart. Think about it.

Entering the castle was a bit too easy from there. With the great iron doors soundlessly swinging closed behind me, I’m met with the site of a highly furnished and decorated entrance hall. When you think of castles, you usually visualize great towers with towering battlements and a portcullis and a moat. You know, medieval castle with big stone walls and dim lighting? Well, this place looked more like a mansion. It was huge! Polished, marble floors, but most of the time carpets, wide windows with expensive draperies, tapestries, portraits, chandeliers, highly decorative doors and furniture… The list goes on. These guys got it big. I could only image what the kitchens looked like, or the bedrooms. Very comfy!

… Oops… I’m gawking.

Shaking my head, I glance around once more to make sure no one else was there. Thankfully for me, I was alone and all was quiet, except for the ticking of the great, oak, grandfather clock to my right. Steadying my katana in one hand, I breeze down the halls, calling upon the visions my spy picked up. I knew if I wasn’t careful that I could easily take a wrong turn get lost. This place was like a maze, a very expensive maze. The Shonin really need more guards in this place, or else they’ll get robbed. Theives have probably tried already though, and they probably got lost and starved to death, not knowing how to get out. Wha! I don’t wanna starve to death! But there’s too many damn hallways and too many damn corri--!

“Oof!”

I ran straight into something and it took me a few moments to realize the sound had not come from me. So scratch that, I’d run straight into someone! Holy shit! I was frozen though, paralyzed and wide-eyed, watching as the being rubbed his head from his spot on the floor. Dark green eyes then met mine and we remained like that for a moment. Those eyes then shifted to the katana in my hand… and the blood on it. The dark green orbs certainly got wide after that. Shit.

The other was on his feet in a flash, standing a whole head and a half taller then me. How rude! Dark brown hair framed the sides of his face neatly while the rest of it was pulled back and tied at the base of his neck. He was also well built and rather stately, since he probably held a high rank, and wore a simple green jerkin and cream colored shirt, held at the wrists with decorative, leather gauntlets and at his waist by a matching belt. Loose, brown pants, which were tucked neatly into shin-high, leather boots, completed the assemble. I stared for a few more moments, but was then jolted back to reality when the Shonin flexed his hand, making a light swirl in his palm as he summoned his sword without word.

Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!!!!!

“KASEN!!!”

I didn’t know who the guy was calling for, but personally, I didn’t want to know. I was running out of there faster then you could say ‘holy shit’… Or least I think I was trying to leave. Long story short, when you’re running through a maze-turned-castle with a big Shonin Clan member chasing after you, the only thing you can concentrate on is outrunning him… Which results in me getting lost. Oh boy…

…

Wait, I think this is the eight time I’ve passed through this courtyard… Okay…VEER LEFT! Hehe. Taking a sharp turn down the hallway, I loose my pursuer a bit and am able to loose sight of him completely by weaving down a few more corridors I hadn‘t seen before. Turning left again, I stop short. Dead end… or at least it would be if it wasn’t for the big, double doors with the Shonin Clan’s seal carved into them at the end of it. It must be an exit! Hurrah! Saved again!

It doesn’t take me a second to get to the door after hearing the quickly approaching voices, which were definitely more in number. Scary-dark-green-eyed-man got his friends to join him. Eep! Swinging the doors wide, I slam then shut behind me, panting heavily as I lean on the brass handles. Ah, the fresh air!

…

…

I blinked. I don’t think the night it supposed to be this bright… Slowly righting myself, I turned to face what was actually before me. Damn. I don’t know whether to be ecstatic or even more panicked and quickly hide my katana behind my back, though it’s not like that would’ve helped much. He had already seen it.

“He” was the guy on the other side of the room, a forgotten document in hand. A freaking large room at that. His chestnut eyes were now on me, shadowed by neatly cut, silver-blue hair. He then raised an eyebrow at me before smiling gently. “May I help you?”

“Yeah, how do I get out of here?” I ask matter-of-factly, but the guy chuckles. I personally don’t find any humor in this right now.

“My men can show you out.”

It then dawns on me… Neh, impossible. Or maybe… Eh… It couldn’t happen, but you never know… Aw, what the heck? I grip the katana a little harder with my hand, and point an accusing finger at him with my free one. “Are you…? Are you the Shonin Lord?”

He smiled again, leaning back in his chair. “Why yes. How come you ask?” There is no way I’ll be able to wipe off the smirk plastered on my lips at the moment. I guess it wasn’t so bad now. At least my mission will be complete. I could also use that huge window behind him to escape. So point for me!

Flashing my teeth, I whip out my katana from behind my back and charge. “Then prepare to die!!!”

I don’t travel two feet before a sharp pain slashes deeply into my arm and I’m forced to the ground. What the-?! My katana’s knocked out of my hand as well, and I watch it, without expression, as it spins on the floor, far out of my reach. The Lord’s standing now, and I make to move but stop as the touch of a blade presses against my skin. Dammit! Why can’t things go my way today?!

“Don’t move,” a dead calm voice says behind me. Okay, ya got me, and officially freaked me out while you were at it. Who is this guy? You’ve made my arm bleed, if ya haven’t noticed, and I’m not at all happy about it. The doors then open behind me and I can pick out the voice of the guy I ran into before.

“Your highness, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Dokai.”

“That’s why I told you to increase security even more!” A new voice.

“Oh, hush Kasen.” Oh, so that’s Kasen. Heh. Another thought then dawns on me. When’s dinner?

I wince as more pressure’s applied to the blade. “Turn around. Slowly.” Whelp, no choice. Having a sword at your neck equals bad. I would really like to keep my head in tact so I roll over… … and freeze.

Golden eyes glare holes into my head, but I’m beyond that fact. I can still remember the face. Even after ten years, the memory jumps back into mind like it happened yesterday. Yes, he’s older, but it’s the same blond haired, golden eyed kid. But now I knew something else about him. He’s a member of the Shonin Clan.

“What should we do with the assassin, my Lord?” Dokai.

“He should be executed right away!” Kasen.

“Hush!”

With the debate over my live and death buzzing about me, I let myself focus on the youth. Hehe, he looks different then I imagined. I also never thought I’d find him here of all places. Well, look how the tides do turn. Putting my hands behind my head I smile faintly at him and he looks a bit startled, the sword leaving my neck for a moment. I then lick my lips and speak, smirking all the while.

“It’s good to see you again too, Keiji.”

All noise abruptly fell into silence around us.

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Companion Image: (drawn by me of course!) http:// www. angelfire .com/ anime5/ earthenangel/ images/ ea_chapter001 .jpg

A/N: Just for kicks, if you read the original, Keiji was based of the character Eiji and the narrator is going to be based off the original Ichiro… kind of. But I want to stress, this is a different story all together. If you want to read the original, I’ll post it soon on the site I’m creating for Earthen Angel. And there will be a companion pic for each chapter.

“Earthen Angel” site link: http:// www. angelfire .com /anime5 /earthenangel

(Site’s not really up yet. I will be working on it!)

Finally, to clear things up with Anarden, there are 4 main kindred: humans, demons, faeries, and the Shonin. Humans are mortal of course and are the main population. Demons are the dark species, evil and immortal. Faeries include the actual faeries and elves, which are immortal and govern over nature. And the Shonin are like humans, but are immortal and have magic like demons and faeries. More secrets of the Shonin will be revealed later.

That about wraps things up, but please review! I really love input and want to know what my readers are thinking! I may even use an idea or two. ^_~ And please feel free to e-mail me if you wish! ‘Til the next chapter!

~Ryuu