Rain (The Quest Trilogy-Book Two)

Iram Dana

RAIN

(The Quest Trilogy – Book Two)

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2013 by Iram Dana

Book Design by Keja Blank, Kejablank.net

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

First Edition

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Once again, thank you Keja, for taking the time to read the book and understand the characters before putting in so much effort to get the cover just right. You know I appreciate it.

CHAPTER 1

Rain blew a mouthful of warm air onto the glass of the mirror. In the mist that formed, he spelled out his new name R.A.I.N.

He had wondered at the beginning why people so readily accepted their Core Names and discarded their old names. He knew now it was because of the instant connect to the word. It was not just empty of meaning, or something fancy someone had thought would suit it. ‘Rain’ was his true essence, his entire being. Adopting that as his name had come as naturally as accepting his face the way it was.

He glanced at his watch. Almost time. The days passed by so quickly. Before he knew it, three weeks were almost over and the time had come for him to leave. He had taken a shower in the common bathroom and he stood now in front of the mirror in their room, clad only in his towel, watching his reflection. He had grown his hair long and it now reached his mid-back.

“Washboard abs and buns of steel, baby!” he applauded himself.

He pulled his damp hair back into a sleek pony-tail and put on his favorite blue shirt- the one that belonged to Stal. It was very tight on his arms and upper body because after three years of intense training he had put on several kilos of solid muscle mass.

Rain rolled the sleeves up to his forearms and buttoned them so they would remain there. Then, he put on the pair of jeans lying on his bunk. Once he was finished dressing, he took a moment to look around the empty room. Moto (now Brain) and Ashitaka (now Heal) had left several days ago, together. Today it was Rain’s turn and he was going to be leaving alone. He had searched for Star in order to say goodbye, but so far he had been unsuccessful at finding him. Somehow, he just couldn’t muster up the energy and enthusiasm that he had displayed during his entire stay at Mt. Chimpu, and he knew the reason why; since they had been babies, he and Star had done almost everything together. And despite all their fighting and bickering, they were close. And now here he was, heading out all alone towards an unknown destination, with no guarantee that he would ever see his brother again.

They hadn’t spoken much over the past few days. It was surprising how less people had to say to each other when they knew that every word counted. Maybe that was why people spoke so less when they were parting- because those words would be the ones you would hold on to, what you would remember, until you could meet again.

Rain picked up his backpack and headed out the door, knowing that he could wait for Star no longer and hating the fact that Star chose to go missing at a time like this. Though, if he was honest with himself, he had pretty much expected Star to pull a stunt like this. This was pretty much how Star wanted partings to be, no emotional goodbyes or tears and stuff. Well, whatever, thought Rain with an irritated huff. It wasn’t like he cared … much. He hauled his packed and ready back-pack, putting it on and then reached for his bow and quiver of arrows, the bow Star had carved such intricate designs into. His twenty-first birthday gift from Star. He would be damned if he left it behind. Rain cast one last glance around to room to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything. And he was ready to go.

When he reached the Well of Origins, he took a few seconds to register the presence of the tall man standing next to Master Shengdu. He gaped stupidly for a few seconds before recognition dawned. The tall man was none other than Star and the reason Rain had not been able to recognize him at first glance was because he was wearing a shirt. It was the same shirt that Rain had tried to get him to wear on the night of the Naming Ceremony and partially succeeded at it. It was badly wrinkled and much worse for the wear, but Rain only counted the sentiment behind the gesture which, coming from someone as inexpressive as Star, was monumental, because everyone who knew Star knew that he absolutely hated wearing shirts, t-shirts or any other garments meant for the upper body. Star borrowing
his
clothes … well, this was new, thought Rain with a wry grin.

Rain cheered up visibly at the sight of his brother.

“Thought you weren’t going to be here,” he said, greeting Star with their customary punch, “but as usual, my luck seems to have run out!” he ribbed playfully.

“Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about your endless store of lame jokes.” remarked Star, eyeing him warily.

Master Shengdu nodded towards his attendants for the heavy cover of the well to be removed and then turned to speak to Rain while they heaved it off slowly.

“Well, my son, I wish you all the best for your journey.  Are you wearing what I gifted you?” he asked, looking at Rain’s neck.

“Yes, I am, Master.” Rain said, pulling out the chain so it was visible above the collar of his shirt.

“Good, good. Keep it safe. You have my blessings, you should leave now. It is time to make your grand entry into Quniverse.” he said, and then gave a soft chuckle. “Quniverse won’t know what hit it when you arrive! You have been one of my most… flamboyant disciples ever. A little bit difficult at times, but pure of the heart, nonetheless. But enough praises, or you’ll start to float upwards instead of going down the well.”

Rain flashed Master Shengdu a winsome grin. Star had come to say goodbye, nothing could go wrong now.

“Thank-you, Master. I will need all the blessings I can get.”

He turned to Star, wondering if it would be okay to give him a very quick hug, but decided against it on seeing the dark look on his brother’s face. Rain extended his hand for a handshake instead.

Star looked at his feet uneasily for a few seconds, hesitated, then took Rain’s outstretched hand into his own and jerked him forward, pulling him into an awkward embrace.

“Good-luck, brother. Take care of yourself, okay?” he said in a gruff voice, “And try to stay out of trouble.”

Star patted Rain’s back, who seemed to be taken with a sudden bout of coughs.

“I’m going to have to stay out of Quniverse if I am to follow that last bit of advice.” said Rain, who seemed to be having difficulty dragging enough air into his lungs in order to form a sentence.

Delight was etched all over Rain’s face as he put one leg over the mouth of the well and turned to look at Star.

“Goodbye, D … oops! I mean, Star. Wish you lots of luck in advance for your Quest, too. And hey, I hope you don’t mind, but …” he winked at Star who stared at him, puzzled. “I borrowed your jeans again one last time … for luck!” said Rain.

Star lunged towards Rain but he was prepared for the attack. With a laugh, Rain quickly swung his other leg over the rim of the well and jumped inside, the image of Star’s face twisted in a comical mask of surprise, laughter and exasperation imprinted on his mind.

*****

Rain looked up. He had touched solid ground and landed neatly on both his feet, much to his pride. He straightened up, slapping non-existent dust off his jeans. It was pitch black in here and he could see nothing except the bright moon shaped mouth of the well, where he could make out the face of Star peering into the darkness. He was sure Star could not see him even though he could see Star’s face, which was quite far away, clearly.

Just then a disembodied voice floated through the darkness, soft and authoritative.

“Who seeks their Quest?” said the voice, wafting around him like a breeze, and Rain turned his head left and right, squinting into the darkness in search of the source. He could not quite place the voice as a man’s or a woman’s.

“It is I, Rain.” he spoke into the darkness. “I seek my Quest.”

Rain felt a light tug inside his chest, which grew into an enormous pull within seconds. He felt as though he was being sucked into something.  He scrunched his eyes shut as the breath left his chest and a moment later, he landed somewhere with a soft thud.

Jumping to his feet, he looked around, this time brushing real dirt off his hands and knees. There was no sign of the well or any tunnel anymore. Just trees, leaves and grass everywhere he looked.

“So much for landing gracefully.” he grumbled to himself.

He noticed then that he was alone. Very alone.

“Time for some company, baby.” he said, rubbing his Geeya mark vigorously, as though it were some sort of a magic lamp and he was summoning his genie.

His Geeya appeared swiftly in whirls of scarlet colored smoke, looking as beautiful and peaceful as he remembered. They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, Rain unsure as to how to greet, or talk to, a Geeya.

Greetings? Welcome to my Quest? Yo, wassup?

Which one would be appropriate? Definitely not the last.

Rain scratched his head, wondering why it was so difficult to speak to beautiful girls … or was it just him? Plus, she was still quietly staring at him.

“Erm … hello.” he said, uncertainly.

She smiled, but didn’t say anything. Rain scratched the back of his head in confusion.

“Um … I’m Rain. Nice to meet you.” he tried again, extending a hand.

Still no response, just the tiniest hint of a playful smile.

Why didn’t she say anything? He thought with frustration. Did a Geeya even talk? What was a Geeya supposed to do anyway besides look so damn beautiful? Rain shifted from foot to foot, beginning to feel awkward and foolish in the prolonged silence.

Was a Geeya literally meant to be a companion only, just coming along for the ride? No, not possible. If he remembered correctly, Master Shengdu had said they were friends, companions and advisors. If she was going to advise him, she had to talk. Besides, wasn’t she was going to be the one to inform him of his Quest? You couldn’t really be an advisor if you were, mute and the possibility that his Geeya was going to enlighten him about his Quest using sign language seemed seriously loony, even to him. He decided to try one more time.

“So … what’s your name?” he asked.

“A Geeya has no name.” she said, opening her mouth at last to speak in a silvery, soft voice that was like a balm to Rain’s ears. “A name is needed in order to identify one among many of a similar kind, as in humans. Since I am the only Geeya you will ever see, or know, there is no need for the boundaries of a name.”

“Okay, then … Geeya. Can I call you Geeya?” asked Rain, the relief in his voice apparent at having finally gotten a response.

She nodded.

“So … what does a Geeya do exactly?” asked Rain.

He started to walk forwards slowly, not sure where he was headed but not wanting to remain stationary and feeling like an interrogation officer, either.

“We provide company, solve doubts and sometimes, we even protect the sequestor we are bound to. To put it in a nutshell, you have questions? I have answers.”