Heaven's Crossing (Working Title)

Prologue The world of Tenrai is comprised of five empires: The Dragon empire: a large, prosperous, multi-racial empire sandwiched between three other empires; The Western Empire: a land of deserts, and oasis' to its west side. The Lobo Empire: full of caves and valleys on its South-west side. And the Yukis’ Empire on the East side. The final Empire just North of the Yuki Empire is the Nomad Empire populated by a large number of nomadic tribes of humans, and Ursuidae among other races. It is a place where gods may walk with and interact with mortals, and great beasts terrorize the land. Our story focuses not on the world as a whole but on a single boy, Salie. Salie is a nineteen-year old male Yuki living in the Dragon Empire village of Heaven's Crossing, with a mysterious past even he does not know. This book contains terms which may be unfamiliar to most people. Here is what they mean. Yuki A race with dog-like attributes, good sense of smell and hearing as well as super human strength, they have markings on their face called soul markings.

one on the forehead is called the jewel shard or ‘Hõseki shãdo” which consists of an upside down triangle marking, while a oblong diamond marking on the cheeks called soul diamonds or “Tamashï no daiyamondo” these markings are unique to the race. Neko- a race with cat-like attributes, a good sense of balance, a prehensile cat-like tail, some cat-like habits, a strong sense of pride and racial identity, they have a prejudice against the Yuki race. As a Neko ages from child to teen to adult it gains markings on it forehead called “Norowa reta” or cat markings. One marking for a child starting at three years of age, two marking for teenage starting at thirteen years of age, and three markings for an adult starting at twenty-one years of age. On rare occasions a fourth marking appears either by celestial means or by longevity which restores the Neko’s youth and makes them half-immortal granting them nine lives. Siu- not really a race but a term for the result between the union of a Kitsune and a Lobo. They have a crescent moon shaped marking on their forehead from birth as well as the fox-like tail. They inherit the Kitsune side’s intelligence and the Lobo side’s loyalty. Lobo- a race with wolf-like attributes, strong-willed and prideful with Telescopic, Chemo, Night and Thermographic vision. Lobos take mates for life and take choosing a partner very seriously. Kitsune- a race with fox-like attributes, very intelligent, a long bushy tail, pointy fox ears, and whisker like markings on their cheeks. Lacos- a race of snake people they have thin slit pupils, there are two varieties poisonous and non-poisonous which can be told apart by having or lacking the forehead marking. Poisonous Lacos have forehead markings while non-poisonous do not, they all have retractable fangs and long tongues which can fork.

Lemuroi A race of monkey people, usually having a lot of hair, and a prehensile tail. They are ambidextrous, and have great skill with climbing and balance. Mustela A race of weasel people, that are energetic with a long fluffy tail. Ursuidae A race of bear people with strength that rivals that of the Yukis’. They tend to be large with the ability to generate claws and have strengthen biting ability. Drakos A race of dragon people, that differ depending on where they are from and their sub-species. The royal family of the Dragon Empire are Drakos, distinguishable by their golden scales. Drakos have the ability to fold their wings into their backs in the form of pouches, giving the appearance the wings burst magically from their back. Angel Entities created by the God of Order to help maintain order in the world, lives on the Peak of Angels Demon Entities created by the God of Chaos to wreak havoc, lives on the Peak of Demons. Vampire A sub-species of the Demon race. They have many abilities and feed on blood for power. A vampire can use another person’s natural abilities if they have drunk their blood. The effect is temporary unless the vampire drinks a certain amount of blood or uses another special method. Equin A race of horse people, that are gentle natured with great running and jumping abilities. They are native to the Dragon and Lobo Empires. Bakka A race of bat people, that are a mutation of the vampire sub-species which isolated bat-like features of the vampire race. Like Drakos they have wing pouches, but are primarily nocturnal. They have the ability of echolocation, sonic screams, enhanced hearing, and night vision. Archaic A race of bird people, that are a mutation of the Angel race. Emphasized by their bird-like traits, they have foldable wings like the Drakos and Bakka.

Chapter 1: An average day Salie had gotten up early this morning, he had been told last night that Maru had a delivery he wanted the 19 year old to make for him. Salie's jade green eyes were gazing at the ground as he walked out of his house towards Maru's mansion. His spiky auburn hair floated lightly in the warm summer breeze, it caressed his face along his dark blue Hõseki shãdo and black Tamashï no daiyamondo. Salie heard a twig snap making the dog-ears on the top of his head swivel toward the sound; he glanced over to the source and smiled briefly. "Xishi? If you wanted to walk with me, you just had to ask. You are up kind of early." he said to the 17-year Yuki girl behind him. She had tan skin, lemon yellow eyes and pale rose hair which was tied in a rat tail that hung down her back. Her Hõseki shãdo was purple and her Tamashï no Daiyamondo were blue. She wore a body-hugging one-piece purple dress and her hands were cover in white wrapping from the elbow to her knuckles and were folded in front of her showing her nervousness. She blushed at his notice and she told him, "Y-you're right. May I walk with you big brother?" "Of course, I always enjoy your company. I'm heading to Lord Maru's mansion we will have to part ways there but maybe we'll meet up for training later at your house? " Salie suggested. Xishi nodded as she walked beside him, "So how is your mom and dad doing?" Salie asked as they reached the village square. "Mom is as busy as ever. She said she wants to start my 'real' training soon and she misses you coming around." Xishi said, "Daddy seems to be doing good as well, training the new village guard recruits." Salie nodded his head approvingly, "That's great." he said. "Liorca tells me Alexander is on the war path again, you should be careful Salie, he hates all the Yuki but he especially dislikes you." Xishi said looking at Salie with concern.

"Alex isn't that bad, he just has a misunderstanding about us and me. I'm sure it will pass eventually cause he is not a bad person really." Salie said reassuring her, when something caught his attention from the corner of his eye… A staff was flying at his head full speed, he narrowly dodged it, "Honestly Alex, you could at least say hello." Salie chided the older Neko boy, who had a look of anger and disgust on his face. "Its Alexander and I refuse to say hello to a Yuki like you are my equal or something. Besides I am here to bring judgment down on you peasant." Alexander said haughtily. Alexander’s tail and dark brown spiky hair was puffed out showing his already obvious anger. His bright blue eyes locked on Salie, appraising him, using his through martial arts training. Luckily Salie was also trained in martial arts so Alexander didn't have an advantage. "What did I 'do' this time?" Salie asked for what felt like the millionth time in his life. "I heard you and Trinla went out on a picnic outside the village." Alexander accused. "Just the two of you!" "It wasn't just the two of us. Hina, Lina and Siam were with us as well." Salie calmly explained. "Hina and Siam I can understand as they are servants, but you who are just a peasant and have no connection with the Kellas household, why do you get to go?!" Alexander again accused. "They are my friends. Look if it bothers you so much, next time we go, I'll ask to invite you." Salie suggested. "No. There won't be a next time cause I am going to kill you right here and now!" Alexander said brandishing his staff again. "You don't have to do this you two, besides Salie, don't you have a job to do for the lord?" Xishi tried to remind him.

Its ok Xishi, I can spare a minute for my friend here since he wants to spar so badly." Salie said with a smirk taking a martial stance. "WE ARE NOT FRIENDS!!!" Alexander roared as he rushed Salie, aiming a thrust at his head, Salie caught it between his fingertips and using Alexander's own momentum against him, brought his elbow to Alex's face. "He really should learn not to charge straightforward." Salie said as Alexander lay unconscious on the ground. "How long do you think he'll stay down this time?" Xishi asked. "Oh, knowing him, I give it ten minutes tops." Salie joked, then he and Xishi continued their journey toward Maru's mansion. Salie and Xishi made it to the mansion without any further incident, "I'll see you later?" Xishi asked hopefully. "Yeah, tonight maybe?" Salie replied with a smile that made Xishi swoon a little then he entered the gate to the Kellas property. "Lovely day is it?" a voice said startling Salie, he turned to the source. "Vanna! You startled me!" Salie chastised the green haired, yellow eyed woman. She was wearing a foreign black and purple gown, rich with lace, she wore long black gloves that covers most of her arm but left her fingers exposed. "Getting startled? Sounds like you are trying to hide something… Suspicious." Vanna teased placing a finger to her lips.

"Is Lord Maru around?" Salie asked his friend the vampire. "I might tell you where he is… for a kiss." Vanna said teasing him once again, Salie sighed and pulled his shirt off a little exposing his neck. "Just a little ok?" Salie said, Vanna danced across the ground with supernatural grace and placed her hands on him, holding him in her arms. "I'll be gentle." she said before she stuck her fangs into his neck and took a sip or two, she released him and the holes healed over instantly. "Aaaahhh." she moaned, her eyes glowing blood red momentarily. "Your blood is as delicious and refreshing as usual!" "Maru's current location?" Salie asked undeterred by what just happened. "Right." Vanna said then she closed her eyes for a moment and held up her hands focusing her Vampiric magicks, "He is in the garden with Trinla and Shinobi right now." "Thanks, Vanna." Salie said. "You're welcome handsome." Vanna said as she vanished into the shadow of a tree. As Salie nears the garden he catches a glimpse of Maru with his daughter, Trinla, and Shinobi his bodyguard. Maru’s hair was sable with the tips just barely starting to turn silver-grey and he had amber yellow eyes. "Aah. Salie how did you know I was out here?" Maru asked when he spotted the young Yuki. "Your assistant told me." Salie said. "You really shouldn't indulge her you know." Maru scolded him. "It doesn't hurt that much, and it makes her happy so I don't mind." Salie said, "You needed me, my lord?" "Yes. There are rumors about two people living near the mountains. I did not have conformation of this until one of them requested a delivery. They insisted it is of the utmost importance and would I put my best man on it." Maru said. "That would be you, Salie." "I'm honored, my lord." Salie said bowing his head. Maru placed his hand on Salie's shoulder and lifted his head so he could look into the Neko man's amber eyes which shined vividly through his glasses.

"You are like a son to me. You don't have to bow your head to me. Shinobi has the package. Remember to say hello to Trinla before you leave." Maru told him. "Yes sir I will." Salie assured him, spotting Trinla tending to some flowers, she noticed him and stopped what she was doing. "Salie its good to see you. Daddy has been keeping you so busy these days I rarely get to see you. I hope you haven't been getting in any fights." Trinla said to Salie, who averted his eyes. "You have, haven't you?" "Sorry, yeah with Alexander. He got mad cause of our picnic yesterday." Salie explained. "Its none of his business what I do whether its with you or just in general." Trinla retorted. "Well he's made it obvious how he feels about you and how he feels about me." Salie pointed out. "I don't like him like that. I have someone I already like!" Trinla said then gasped, "I mean…" "You do who is he? Do I know him?" Salie asked wondering who the mystery guy could be. Maru overheard and covered his face with his palm sighing, "Daddy cut it out!" Trinla screamed very much embarrassed. "Did I miss something?" Salie asked. "No… Nothing, didn't daddy give you a job to do?" Trinla said trying to change the subject. "You're right, but don't think this is gets you off the hook, we'll talk about this later." Salie said with a supportive smile, Maru face palmed again. "Daddy!" Trinla snapped, she shooed Salie over to Shinobi, "I'd rather not talk about it. You should come visit more often and stop getting in fights ok?" "Alright Trin." Salie said, as he walked up to Shinobi, who stood at a full foot higher then Salie. The dark green haired lobo looked down at him with a face that showed no emotion. "Here." he stated simply, putting a scroll into Salie's hand. Salie eyed the giant cleaver sword at Shinobi's side nervously. "Problem?" asked Shinobi. "No, Shin." Salie said. "Then go kid." Shinobi said. Another typical conversation with Shinobi.

Salie exited the mansion property and starting walking back through the village, he turned the street where he left Alexander to see someone trying to help him, “Oh Liorca how are you today?” Salie asked. “Salie? Hi how are you today? Did you do this to Alex?” Liorca asked her gaze shifted from the unconscious Neko boy to Salie, her orange eyes had took some getting used to but now that Salie had gotten use to the village she was just a normal person, a person Salie considered a good friend despite her complicated relationship with Alexander. “Yeah sorry he was angry about the picnic yesterday and wouldn’t stop without a fight. He should be dizzy for a while” Salie told her. “I know. It’s like this every time you think he’d learn.” Liorca mused tending to the now waking Alexander. “L-Liorca what are you doing?” Alexander asked his eyes not yet open but recognizing the all to familiar touch. “Making sure you are alright! One of these days you are seriously going to get hurt.” Liorca said with genuine concern in her voice, her cool grey hair drifted in the breeze obscuring one of her eyes, she brushed the hair away from her eyes with her fingertips. “I’m sorry for worrying you Liorca.” Alexander said sheepishly to the Siu girl. Just then Siam and Hina rounded the corner, Salie pressed his finger to his lips and ushered them out of Alex’s sight, once he was sure it was safe he gave the all clear. “Hello Salie. Another fight with Alexander?” Hina asked, she looked almost exactly like her sister, that Salie had to take a few seconds sometimes to recognize who was talking to him.