Summary: It has been several years since Sora's tasted the pleasure of death and killing. But now, traveling to atone, Sora can't help but remember some past events that led to a horrid event. It seems this traveler can't escape the claws that try to encase the ill-fated. Everything, it seems, leads back to a certain sadistic man, and a certain boy who changed this ex-warrior's life...

Sky's Eyes

Book One: Through Black Mist
Part One: Searching the Skies for You
Chapter One
"Blank Pages"

Three years have passed and I still find it hard to fully forget the ways of my 'past life'. I have used many methods to make me forget the wrong that I'd done, and have traveled far just to accomplish that. But still, I remember things faintly every now and then; things that I'd rather keep locked away. I wish, of course to simply rid myself of the darkness that hands over me like a cloud. When I remember certain incidents of things I try to forget, I keep in mind how all that I'd done, all that had happened around me was entirely my fault. Those innocent who have fallen because of me, I apologize, but I know that it is not nearly enough. So, I began to travel, hoping to make amends and find a way to truly fix my grave mistake.
I traveled upon a dirt road, the dirt under my shoes soft from the previous day's raining; the flowers bloomed, scattered among the sea of grass. It was not lung until I came to my destination, a town that happened to be holding a bazaar that day. It was a perfect day for travelers who were in need of supplies, myself included; but also, it was a perfect day for thieves and bandits to snatch goods and money from unsuspected victims.

Upon entering the town skirts, I made my way to where the market was held, observing the merchandise displayed for costumers to admire, or otherwise buy. I did not find anything that struck my fancy until I came across a booth that sold simple jewelry, all seemingly hand-made. But what caught my attention was one of the items displayed: it was a bracelet. I approached the booth and lifted the fragile-looking thing delicately and studied its features. It had a regular small chain, holding several beads and gems; there were three gems, almost clear and around, glittering in the light, and a single small bead between each gem, as well as on the ends. Somehow, it looked oddly familiar, but I could not remember how or why.
I received my chance of finding out when the owner of the booth cleared her throat and called my attention. I looked up to see a young woman, smiling lightly at me. "Do you find that bracelet interesting, sir?"
I nodded, smiling back at her. "Yes. And pardon me, but did you make this bracelet?"
The woman shook her head. "In fact, I did not, sir. If you are asking of who did, I am sorry to say that I do not know."
Again, I nodded. "Thank you. But if you are still selling this, I would like to purchase it, if it is all right with you."
The woman couldn't have been more delighted at making a sale without having to put much effort into it. "Of course!" she said, happy at her accomplishment. She pulled out a small bag and packaged the bracelet as I handed it over to her. "That would be five Silcs, please. And I hope that if enjoy your purchase."
I smiled at her once more as I exchanged five silver coins with her, the woman gladly taking the flower-stamped currency without much of a glance. After pocketing the item, I left the woman with a nod of my head, continuing on as I had before. I had not planned on buying a bracelet from this place, rather on much more necessary items, but I admit that I was glad to have bought it. For some reason, it brought me comfort and slight happiness.
After a while, I pulled the bracelet out of its package and slipped it onto my wrist. I stopped to slip into a narrow alley to get away from the crowd and to examine the bracelet more. As I stared at the gems upon the bracelet, an unusual idea came to me. Pulling off the bracelet, I lifted it high enough to catch the rays of the sun, making the gems glitter. Looking to the ground, I say my shadow holding the bracelet, but one feature that was different was three near-translucent images in three circles. The pictures displayed two birds facing a heart, the rays identical to the sun coming from behind it. It was surprising as to how I got this idea, but it proved interesting nonetheless. For some reason, something told me to do this - as if I knew what would happen.
Smiling, I slipped the bracelet back on, making the pictures disappear. I turned to enter the busy street again, but came short when someone emerged from the shadows, blocking the way. "Excuse me, but I need to go through," I said, frowning. The person who blocked my path simply shook their head, chuckling. My frown deepened some. "Excuse me, but would you please move?"
The figure leaned their shoulder against the wall of the alley, still chuckling. Though they had moved, it was not nearly enough to admit me through. "You know," the figure said, confirming that they were male, probably in their late teens, and a 'street kid', "you can be as kind as you want, but kindness won't always get you places."
I eyed him skeptically. "Am I to thank you for your advice or be on my guard for future events?"
The male shrugged. "Both."
I was barely given enough time to blink when someone approached me from behind, his arms held out in a grapple. Quickly, I turned and moved out of the way, doing so again when another tried the same thing. I edged back and crouched in a defensive stance; everything in my body by then was set like a trap, a spring ready to let go. It had been a while since I had been put in offensive or defensive mode, my traveling mostly being peaceful and spared of any trouble, and it is like an old habit coming back again. Wary, I looked for a way to go around them without inflicting damage upon any of them, as well as anyone's property nearby.
I was 'saved' from having to deal with them, though, when another person emerged from the shadows. I turned cautiously toward them, not wanting to make a grave mistake. When they did not move, I was put more on edge. It was when this person bowed to me that I was more cautious than ever.
"Yes?"
"Tell me, is there a problem here?"
I shook my head. "No, there is not. But if you happen to know these boys, please call them back for I do not wish to fight for my life and safety of my possessions."
This last person approached, displaying themselves as male, also in his later teens. "You know, I don't think I can do that."
"And why not?"
"Well, we haven't gotten what we've come for, of course."
"And that is.?" I asked.
The male chuckled. "Well, that should be obvious... Boys?" With the snap of his fingers, the others launched themselves at me, backing me up toward the male.
When I bumped into him be accident, he grabbed me by the shoulders, holding me in place. I was surprised at how strong this male was and struggled to free myself. It took me a while, but I was able to free myself before the other males could really get their hands on me. Swiftly, I spun around, kicking the male in the side of the face before turning to his companions. I pushed the biggest of the three, knocking them back and running past them, back into the crowd. I swam through the sea with them at my heels, weaving past people in hopes of gaining feet between us. Several times I looked behind me and eventually, I believe I finally lost them; slowing down to a normal pace, I turned a corner, stopping to catch my breath.
"That was one way to welcome a traveler into town." I muttered to myself. Shaking my head, I moved on, away from the market and toward another street.
I was too preoccupied in how I was treated just a moment ago to see someone at the other end of the alley, unknowing of their presence until they grabbed me by the arm and spun me around. Surprised, yet irritated, I scowled at what before me was yet another street boy, this one not of the first four I encountered before on the other street.
"Yes?"
The boy ran his eyes over me, examining and creating his own opinion of me, clicking his tongue. "You know, I don't think they really were after goods."
I frowned. "Excuse me? What are you talking about? And what do you want?"
The street boy looked up to meet my gaze and smirked. He clicked his tongue some more and studied my face, taking in my irritated expression at last when looking into my eyes. "Never knew they were distracted by such a thing though."
As his voice trailed I became more irritated, vexed at how he refused to answer me, let alone really pay attention to me. When he didn't say more, though, I decided that staying any longer was stupid and turned around, starting to walk off. But before I could get more than a few steps, I was grabbed again, this time in a tackle. Pushed to the ground, I turned my head to see that this person was one of the previous males. Vexed beyond anything, I threw him off me, getting off the ground to stare at the other males surrounding me. They started to close in on me, but one thing I noticed was that one of them, the one that pulled me by the arm before I was tackled, did not move, merely studying me as he had before. I frowned as I backed against a wall, a door to my right. Quickly checking, I found it unlocked. I eyed the four who closed in around me, studying them. They stopped some feet away from me, close enough to block my exit, yet far enough to give me breathing space. A long silent moment passed between us and I gripped the door handle, anxious for an assault.
When it came, I flew open the door on one of the boys' faces, facing the other two. I dodged greedy hands, ducked around bodies, and wormed my way through them, rolling in the dirt street to gain distance between us. When I turned back to them, they were trying to surround me again. I glanced toward the one who had yet to move and bit the bottom of my lip, wishing not to continue this game of dangerous tag any longer.
"What do you four want with me?"
As I stood up, they glanced at each other, a silent decision coming between them. I became cautious and backed up again, ready to run. When the time came though, and they closed in quicker than last time, I felt hands wrap around me. Something inside me snapped and I struggled wildly, refusing to stay in this position any longer. I kicked out when another came in front of me, trying to retrain my legs. I thrashed for a long time, the minutes unknown to any of us, and I had yet to keep still. I only froze when something was whispered into my ear, memories brought back to me. Inside, I shook in fright, a past incident playing in my mind; from this memory, I wished dearly to escape my situation.
And my wish was granted. When they saw that I had finally stopped moving, they relaxed, the one who held me loosening his grip a bit (but not enough to let me break away from him). They started to surround me again, one of them holding rope in his hands, coming around me to tie my hands. I still did not move, for I had no ability to, nor the will. Something inside me just shut off, blanking out my mind. I did not pay attention to anything about me, not even how they started to bind me. The one thing that did take notice of was that as they began to restrain me, someone of the shadows emerged and ripped me free from their clutches. Without a word, they kept the others away from me. I didn't need an order to know that I could leave, so I quickly turned around and ran like my life depended about it.
I didn't stop running until I came to the center of town, a large fountain in the center of it all. Slowing to a stop, I came to sit on the edge, panting. Whence my breath returned to normal, I got up to return to the market, planning on finishing my shopping before retiring for the day at the inn, leaving first thing the next day. I was not comfortable in this town... I really wasn't...
"My god... I do not feel well at all..." I muttered. "I swear: these memories of mine will be my death." I shook my head and started walking again, only to be stopped once more. I turned around. "What?"
A boy in his late teens, probably slightly older than me (by the looks of it), in simple pants, shirt and shoes, held a small strip of cloth in his hand. Holding out the cloth, he glanced down at my arm. "You may want to clear up that gash you have. It was easy to find you by following the blood. And I'm sure you wouldn't want those guys to come back again."
I looked down at my arm and found it bleeding, to my surprise. I don't even know how I got the cut, but it was rather big. I blinked, staring at it, mind blank until the boy reached out and wrapped my arm for me. Gradually, my mind clicked in again, my absentmindedness gone and put in its place the usual sharp traveler. I jerked my arm back after he knotted the cloth.
"I appreciate your help, but what is your reason for aiding me?"
The other shrugged and casually laced his fingers behind his head. "Well, for one, I'm doing you a favor in keeping you from bleeding all over the place and creating a trail for others to follow, and also, I'm warning you. Not everyone here is all that nice - I'm sure you know that already - and since you ran into one of the gangs, I'm sure you're aware that they won't stop until they have their prize. And before you say anything, I add this: I too am part of a gang and those you just ran from and my gang happens to have a long grudge against each other. Since you have received aid from me, they will probably try and come after you with even more purpose. So be careful."
I lifted a brow. "I hear a hint in your voice. Are you suggesting something?"
The boy shrugged yet again. "Not really, I'm only saying that you be careful for the remainder of your time here."
I shook my head, sighing. "Thank you for your advice, but I believe I can take care of myself. And I warn to day that if you try what the other four have, I will certainly not be more courteous just because you saved me once. .I'll go then if our discussion is finished."
Quickly, I walked away, back toward the market where I was lost in the sea again. I noticed in how I was followed, but pushed the matter to the side of my mind, focusing more on my shopping. I was quick to buy everything I needed for the upcoming journey, sure enough not to waste any time, especially with my money in view for thieves to see and take. When I came to my last stop, my stalker finally came up to me, revealing to be the one who have previously saved my life. Just as I exchanged my coins for the packaged item, I turned to him, lifting a brow. But without saying a word, I left him, not at all surprised when he followed in my wake. As I paused by an inn, he put a hand on my shoulder, stopping my hand form reaching into my pocket to retrieve my wallet.
"What?"
With a slight shake of his head, he let go of my arm. "Well, I'm offering to show you to a better, free place to stay the night."
"And how do I know that this place is safe, per say?"
After a pause, he answered, "You don't."
Well, that didn't make me feel confident about taking up his offer, so I reached again for my wallet only to be stopped again. I turned back to him. "What?"
"Are you sure you don't want to stay somewhere where you won't have to use your money just for a night's rest?"
"Am I sure I don't want to be in a place that I have no idea of the location and could possibly be surrounded by crooks and thieves and possibly be mugged in my sleep?" I said in a mocking tone.
He smirked. "Touché." I cocked an eyebrow, expectant of him. In return, he chuckled. With a wave of his hand, he started to move again, this time with a slight amused smile on his face. "Trust me, nothing horrid or remotely bad will happen to you, if unless you have a phobia for dust."
He didn't wait for me to answer, simply lightly taking me by the arm and pulling me through the crowd in who knew what direction. I had too much trouble trying not to run into anyone to realize where he was taking me: the slums. When he stopped in front of a rundown house, though, giving me my chance to look about me, I couldn't help but groan inwardly.
"Why are we here, now?" I asked when he looked back at me from the front door, grinning. "Where are we, by the way?"
"One would call it the 'bad side of town', but to us, it's the only thing we can call home."
I sighed, knowing that I had no choice but to follow him, seeing as I didn't know how I got there in the first place. "Well, that's nice for you. But you said that no bad would come to me. Seeing as this place is indeed the 'bad side of town', how am I to be assured that safety?"
He shrugged, unlocking and opening the door without even looking at it. "Does it help that I say that I can promise you that safety, that I'll make sure that neither my gang nor anyone else's will touch you or your belongings?"
I sighed, shaking my head. "Not really."
Even so, I followed him into the house where he led through to the largest room; it resembled, I believe, a living room. Against two walls were large sofas, upon them around three to five people each, sleeping. In the center of the room was a worn out table, woodened and damaged from use to age. Around the table were small scruffy pillows and sacs, some missing part of the padding and filling they held, those parts seen scattered on the relatively dirty floor. Even on those said pillows and sacs were more sleeping people. One chair was located in the corner, facing toward the door, and in that chair was one member that did not sleep, awake and staring right at us in alarm and wonder.
The boy beside me nodded to the one in the chair. "Is everyone asleep?"
The one in the chair got up and approached us. "Not really, Zan and Clara are in the back. I think Phyl is still around." He paused to shift his gaze toward me. "Who's she, Blake?"
Blake, the one who saved me, looked back at me and grinned, gesturing me forward. "He is some traveler I saved from Jolan's gang. He's only staying a while and needs a place to stay, so I'm lending him a room. Are any available?"
The other shook his head and still watched me as I stepped up next to Blake, looking around a bit to avoid eye contact. "Not really. Yours is big enough to hold another person, but otherwise, all the others are filled. Not everyone can stay in this room tonight."
Blake exhaled, puffing a bang out of his eyes. "Right." Then turning to me, he said, "Well, you can use my room tonight. And since no one ever goes in there without permission, it is assured that you won't be disturbed."
I lifted a brow out of habit. "Oh, I feel to safe, now," I stated with sarcasm. "But... thank you anyway." I frowned at myself even as I thanked him, eventually looking away.
He smiled and led me to the back where the rooms were, taking me to what must had once been the master's bedroom. It suited, figuring that Blake was most likely the leader of this gang. He opened the door and let me inside, showing me his surroundings. Much to my surprise, it was rather plain, only a few belongings here and there, weapons here and there, and momentums here and there around the bed that lay centered against one of the walls, the foot of it facing sideways from the door, though not directly in front of it. To its left was a grand window, shades drawn closed for obvious purposes. I looked around, searching for anything that may prove as a threat to me later on, finding my eyes landing on the knives that lay neatly on the top dresser near the bed.
Blake followed my gaze and smiled. "Don't worry, I can get rid of those if you feel edgy around them. Or would you rather have it there?"
I waved my hand dismissingly. "No, I'm okay. Leave them there; this way, I know that you do not hold weapons in your hands."
The other nodded. "Of course. And I'm sure you want to know well of what's about in this room, so I'll take my leave of you. You are welcome to use all necessary - just don't break anything, okay? And get me if you need anything."
When I nodded, he scanned the room before closing the door behind him, leaving me to get acquainted with the closed area. I sighed and approached the bed, dumping my things across his bed to sort out and put away properly. After so, I checked the bed before lying across it, finding it unusually soft and comfortable. I sank into the softness, closing my eyes for a moment. When I opened them again, I saw Blake leaning over me, a strange look in his eyes. Quickly, I sat up, edging away from him.
"What? I thought I would be left alone."
Blake leaved back and grinned. "You will be, but you didn't answer to my knock so I figured I'd come in to make sure everything was okay. To see you already dozing in my bed is a surprise, though. So, now that I finally have your attention: to add to you being allowed in my room, no one will come in from my gang. But that does not mean that you are entirely safe from those outside this house. If I know anything, the others in the slums already know about me bringing in a guest. If it isn't already out that you are staying in my room, then it probably soon will be for word here spreads fast. So I warn you with this: there is a great chance that someone from another gang may try to see who you are or otherwise nab you. In order to prevent that, I will station someone outside your door every hour until you leave, okay?"
I nodded. "Yes, but if I need to get out and buy something? What about that?"
"I will personally escort you if you want. But as for what I just warned you about, did you understand?"
"Yes. Now if you please, leave if you have nothing else to say or warn to me about."
Catching my irritated tone, he mocked a bow and left me in solitude in his room. I sighed out of relief and fell back onto the bed again. After a while, I turned over and opened one of my packages, revealing a small blank-paged book. Connected to it was a writing utensil, perfect for my purpose. I put it aside as I placed everything else in my bag, turning to a comfortable position to write my thoughts and experiences down. Many memories went into that book, and will continue to go into that book as I continue to travel and correct my wrong. For some time I wrote, my hand gradually growing tired through constant motion. By that time, I stopped, placing it on the nightstand by the bed, laying my head down and closing my eyes for a well-needed rest. And while resting, a dream took its role, playing in my head a sweet memory.

"Tweet tweet!"
I smiled faintly, enjoying the company of the songbirds that fed from my hand and from seeds I scattered on the grass before me. The smell of newly blossomed flowers in the clean, clear air was like light perfume. Lightly, the wind blew, rustling the leaves on trees and playing with the plants lower on the ground. To my pleasure, the garden of Crimson Cherub was voluminous, grand enough to enjoy the space, yet small enough to still know where you were. Today was rather peaceful, the hour not unusual for serenity. Watching the birds was a routine for me, and gave me a sense of joy.
But evidently, my peace would be shattered. Soon, the birds flew away when another approached. Looking after them, I sighed; then turning to the one who had disturbed my peace, I held a blank expression, looking expectantly at them.
Before me was a young lad probably around my age, dressed in his training attire, a scroll in hand. His simple light brown hair glowed almost like a bronze sun, a halo around his head, while his eyes were the most unusual and gentle golden eyes I had ever seen. Astonished, I couldn't help but get lost in them, an awkward pause passing between us. He was the first to look away, clearing his throat and bowing low to me.
"Sora of the Doves?"
I nodded to him as he straightened up. "Yes?"
He handed me the scroll he held in his hand. "This was given to me for you. I believe it is of great importance."
I frowned inwardly. As far as I knew, I was promised never to be disturbed. But this must have been something to have to call my attention to it. Taking the scroll, I untied the ribbon around it and opened it, reading the scribbled words on the parchment. I read the note over two times, sure I didn't miss any detail. I scoffed, rolling the scroll back up. Turning to the young man who had yet to leave, I nodded to him, pocketing the scroll. "Thank you. Am I to give you any message of my receiving this?"
The other shook his head. "No. But if I may ask, what was that about?"
I laughed lightly. "It seems that this so called 'important' note was nothing at all." I walked past him, gesturing for him to follow. "Come, follow me, I'll tell you." I continued as he trailed in my wake. "It seems that I am to take care of a problem in a town only a few day's travel away. Their urgency is that I finally get out of this place and do something instead of lying around as I please without one to bother me, as they all seem to do."
"But you do not sound pleased with their decision on your behalf, Dove."
I glanced over my shoulder. "No, I am not. But you seem rather interested in the whole situation."
He bowed. "I am only a Falcon, Dove. To be in the presence of such a high person, one of the reasons I came here, it is an honor and blessing."
The corner of my mouth twitched upwards. "Well, I hope your time here has been worthy and meets your cause. I had not known for a while that I was a tool to get others here, but I suppose that my being used is also a benefit on my part. I was able to meet the most honest and innocent Falcon yet." At the compliment, he blushed. It wasn't much of a compliment, I'll say, but it felt good to see a smiling and honest face in a harsh organization such as Crimson Cherub. "Tell me, what's your name?"
When the blush died down, he answered, "Kallai."
"Well, Kallai, would you like to join me on this petty 'mission'? I'm sure you'd love to spend more time with the one you gained inspiration from."
Kallai stopped, gaping at me. "A-Are you serious?"
I nodded. "I have no reason not to be."
Smiling like anything, he nodded, happily walking back up to me, a spring in his step. "Thank you, Dove! I will cherish this moment well!"
I laughed inwardly, moving on to report to my superior, the bouncy Falcon at my side.

With both eyes slowly opening to a leisured wake, vision of reality came back to me. There was a tug on my lips as I remembered that boy. He was one of the very few people who were able to get close to me and know who I was before killing and gruesome battles took over my life. He became a close friend, a companion I will not forget. Even in the time that I wished to erase my faults and push it all behind, he will remain as that one happy thing that I will remember.
Sighing sharply, I sat up, combing back my hair with my fingers. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Nothing seemed to have moved out of its place since I last saw it, and all my belongings were still in mint condition. The one thing I found out of place was the shadowed person by the door. Turning my attention toward them, I frowned, knowing whom it was.
"Have you no sense of privacy?"
Emerging from the shadows came Blake. "Why should I need permission to come into my own room?"
I looked at him skeptically. "You have a guest in your room. Don't you think that you count among your gang members to stay out of this room?"
"No, not really. I think that I don't need permission to be here."
I ran my hand through my hair again. "You need social skills, man."
Shrugging, he approached the bed. In turn, I flipped off the covers and pushed out of bed, turning to the night stand beside the bed, quickly putting my book back in my bag. As he reached me, I straightened up, sitting back down upon his bed.
"Hmm?"
"I assume you'll be leaving?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Well, before you leave, I'd like to give you something."
Curious, though wary, I stood up and followed him as he led out of his room. "And this would be...?"
Pausing just inside the living room where the rest or the gang I saw from before sat, he handed me a large stick. "This."
I took the stick in wonder. Looking questioningly at him, I asked, "Why do you give me a staff?"
"That should be obvious. I'll lead you out of the city so no trouble should come to you along the way, but as you continue, you will most likely run into more trouble. Call it caring, call it just thoughtfulness, I don't care. Just take it. You may need it later on."
I smirked at him. "Well, I could tease, but I'd rather not. Either way, thank you for this... 'present'. I think I will indeed be useful to me."
Blake waved a hand in a dismissing manner. "Whatever. Though I don't know why you didn't think of getting one while you continued your shopping after you got ambushed."
"Well, thank you anyway. Now, please lead me out so that I may get on my way. I'm sure you don't want me here any longer."
Nodding, he showed the way out of the slums, and then out of the city, throwing in shortcuts to quicken the time of my leave. I was grateful, but don't think I could've cared any as long as I just got out of there. So, when the quick walk was over, I smiled at the open space, the skirts of town behind me.
I turned to Blake then. "Thank you for lending me a room and place to stay, as well as having saved me. Though I wonder what could've happened during the time I slept, I will push it aside for later. I hope you did not steal from me or look through my things."
He held out is hand, shaking mine. "No, I didn't touch a thing of yours. Have 'fun' on your trip."
I nodded and left, bag slung over my shoulder with staff in hand, acting like a walking stick for the time being. With a sigh, I started up my journey again, the day anew.

~*~*~*~*~
AN: Okay, so this is a tad different from the original SE, but really this is how it should be. Of course I'm still in fixing mode, but this is the gist. I finally (after 12 chapters) have a full plot. .Okay, so that sentence makes me sound stupid, but hey, it took me a while with a few "just go with it"s to get the whole thing planned out - both book one and two. So, since I finally have it planned out, I think I'll start typing this correctly, but I won't get rid of the other story. I dunno, I just think it'll be fun to keep it there; besides, I lost my disk to it. _ So, I hope many appreciate the new version (Version 4.0) to Sky's Eyes! Please be sure to check out the sequel of TBM in the future, okay? ^ ^ I think that you'll like it more than you'll like it. Besides, information from there is important and you'll get all the secrets to Sora's life, so I suggest not passing it up.
But for now, please enjoy what is available. And please, don't forget to review for me, okay? Reviews, if some have forgotten, are very vital to me and what happens with this and related stories.