[Childhood]
Anzarah's parents are unique; born the eldest male and second child to a pair of elementals under strenuous conditions, it is a miracle, perhaps, that he was not badly damaged in the womb. Inheriting partial vampirism from his mother, elemental power over electricity, and the shield's duties from his father, Anzarah was, even from childhood, both unique and responsible. It was not certain in his youth whether he would be a shield or not, as these things are discovered at the beginning of adolesence--but he was forever protective, forever mature.
He did, however, make the near-fatal mistake of hunting with his elder sister, Evynmae. As their lips touched the blood, a violent change of nature overtook them--culminating in a pair of vampiric pups unleashing their mother's demon. Anzarah was drawn away by his father's Master, Xeke, and fell unconscious for sometime. Upon awakening, he discovered himself lost, injured, and rejuvinated with fully-realized powers over electricity.
A lupe, Vi, discovered him; Vi's younger sister, a pup the same age as Anz and named Sohiijah, soon also arrived, and the beginnings of a lifelong friendship were seeded. Also met during this time was Skylegacy, another lupe of elemental power. Anzarah also met his cousin, Raedark--and it was at this meeting that he serendipitously discovered his mooncharm, and his future. [Adolesence]
His metamorphosis toward gaining powers also gained him intuitive knowledge--and he realized in his preteens that his charge was Raedark. This was highly unfortunate, as Anackire's master--a full fire elemental--had chartered Kire to kill the garnet-flamed pup. It was a quandry: to kill Rae would kill Anz...but to stop Anackire would be to kill her.
A solution, gained at the last moment and with impressive--if overwhelming--circumstances was implemented by Anzarah and Ulryk...beginning what would be a long and arduous life as a Shield.
Raedark, a realm-walker, faced death every day of their adolesence and beyond; Anzarah protected him as best he could, toggling his responsibilities with family time and rich friendships. As he grew into his mid teens, he lost Sohiijah--something which caused him numbness and drew him to a stinging realization. When she returned, quieter but still sincere, his joy was expressed in ways he had not dared before--and they became mates.
Two younger siblins were born, his sister Serendipity taking to him immediately, worshipping him; he brought her with him on as many exploits as was safe, and their bond was inseperable. Life was stress and danger, with the threat of death at all times...but he had family, friendship, and love. He could ask for no more. [Adulthood]
But this hectically pleasant existance was shattered. Serendipity, edging her teen years herself, rebelled--an action which indirectly nearly killed herself and her brother Jay, indirectly destroyed a portion of family territory. Seren went missing and was assumed dead. Anzarah was crushed, and he turned to the one source of support he had--only to find them gone. Skylegacy, his trusted childhood friend, had disappeared. And Sohiijah had left the world--for good, now. Anzarah lay sobbing beside his mate's corpse for hours, finally burying her in the den he had chosen for their future. Hours faded into days, and he lay uncomprehending, broken-spirited and unsettled. All he had lived for was gone...except for one thing.
Raedark came to him, and with a mixture of friendship, Shield duties, family connection, and the promise of Seren's life, Anzarah was lured on an infinitely dangerous rescue. Seren was returned to him--less gratefully and more jaded than he would have hoped--and Anzarah returned home to his family.
He is functioning, now, keeping a bold and optimistic view to those who watch...but he is not so well-adjusted as one could hope.Indeed, it is merely an intricate facade, a mask covering the emptiness of crushed soul within. A cry of primal anguish reached the heavens, and the luminaries have been informed--and now, due to law older than the earth the lupine treads upon, the very balance of existance is in danger. There is only one solution, suggested by the family's long-standing enemy Ide: Anzarah must lose everything, have his memory and identity temporarily removed from him, until he discovers a new life and rediscovers his identity.
But Ulryk would not stand for this. Ulryk would not suffer to see his oldest son's mind toyed with by the inexpert hands of a luminary. He knew what had to be done, and knew that he had the faculties to do it--and knew also that his necessity overpowered his reluctance.
Ulryk, a creature of unimaginable power and a tie to the earth, had an underdeveloped connection with the dead ever since his childhood. He went, without warning to his family, to Sohiijah's tomb, and called her back to life.
Anzarah, stumbling and grieving, allowing his open ache to bleed over upon the world, came to her tomb to mourn in solitude...and discovered her, alive once more.  |
