Nalani: The Legendary Ezekiel

By Claudia Genoveva Medrano

War, greed and fear; that is what the world of Ezekiel knows all too well. Well throughout the years war has ravaged the seven nations like a disease. But where there is violence peace does eventually follow, but peace never lasts long. Three centuries after the great battle in Gamaliel, peace begins to shrivel away as a new power hungry group called Maura seizes control over the nations. It seems that no one is able to stop them, not even the governments. Corruption is one of the tools that Maura takes advantage of. But hope is not completely erased; there is one who still has a strong will to fight off this new threat. Even as she struggles to understand herself and remember her past, she falls into this cold world and finds that her past is somehow tied with Mauras.
Now as she confronts the enemy and their victims she finds herself torn between her past and the present. Will she be able to confront her past that will help shape not only her destiny but the worlds? Will she find this Legendary Ezekielor find herself part of the old legend?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453575420

Claudia Genoveva Medrano

Claudia Medrano was born and raised in northern Virginia. She lives with her parents and helps them out with her younger siblings. She’s trying to finish her studies at the Art Institute of Washington-Northern Virginia majoring in Multimedia Arts and Animation. Writing is only second on her list of hobbies. Her first talent is drawing cartoons and sometimes making stories to go along with them. And so far, she has written five stories and one still in the mind process. But out of the five only two are completed. She has a long way to go and wishes to become an animator and make her stories come to life on the big screen one day. She’s hoping this story will help her get some extra cash so she doesn’t have to depend only on her low wage retail job. (Tough times!) She’s praying that she does well and hopes that all will work out, especially in this chaotic time.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Claudia Genoveva Medrano.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2010913551

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4535-7541-3

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4535-7540-6

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4535-7542-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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 any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

87053

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

MAP.jpg

PROLOGUE

This is the story of a war torn world of Ezekiel. Battle after battle the world grew out of greed and fear. There was never peace in Ezekiel. There were seven different nations: Water, Fire, Thunder, Wind, Tierra, Light and Shadow. Those that fought the most were the Light and Shadow clans. The leaders of the Shadow clan were selfish and ruthless. They wanted more land and power and fought anyone who got in their way.

The Light clan and their allies defeated the Shadow clan in a fierce battle in Gamaliel. Lucius, the leader of the Light clan, personally handled Marius, the most feared Shadow ruler of all time. Afterwards there were fewer battles, but peace was never fully restored.

Three centuries later after the victory in Gamaliel, there is still mutiny. A group who call themselves Maura has secretly made plans for an uprising and tries to restore the power that the Shadow clan abandoned.

Now a wise leader in the Shadow clan has restored some order to his nation and has kept his people away from the world and its problems. He hates the past and wants to amend and build a better future; his name: Ambrose Xavier. He has achieved some peace with the other nations and promised to help keep the peace. But Maura has other plans, and soon chaos will consume Ezekiel again, but there is one that will stop Maura and help restore peace.

A prophecy that was made in the reign of Marius said,

When the first signs of spring have come to appear, a child will be born of both light and dark. Whoever takes hold of this child can use it and tip the scale for victory or defeat . . .

And ends there. No one found out the rest. Rumors say Marius hid the other half of the tablet to not decrease his soldier’s morale. Others say the one who foretold this took the other half to save it as a test for the one who would be to find out for them self.

I never really knew about it until I met the person who supposedly was the so-called, weapon. She is my best friend. She had been through a lot when she herself realized that she could make a difference and stop Maura from completing their plots. She grew strong and wise when the time came to end the chaos, but she wasn’t always like that.

CHAPTER 1

Nalani! She looks at the man who is trying to save her life. His right eye is swollen and bleeding, his face is pale but you could still sense a strong will with in him. NO! He yells and grabs her before she gets burnt to a crisp by an oncoming fireball.

Where are you two going now?! You have no place to go but at the bottom of the river! A tall man taunts them with his furious red-orange eyes as he comes after them.

Nalani grabs her abdomen and whispers in agony, That’s our escape plan . . . the cliff . . . she is weak from the injuries she sustained from the hands of the maniac. The young man too sustained a very serious wound to his chest that is laboring his breathing.

Wait! That’s nonsense! You’re going to get yourself killed! I won’t let you! He begs her.

But it’s our only way . . . she said weakly and collapses, but the man catches her and they both quietly stare at each other.

Just then the maniac catches up to them, Isn’t this a sight, I get to kill the both of you with one shot! And he shoots a fireball at them.

*     *     *

Ahh . . . Nalani wakes up with sweat and pain. She rubs her head and brushes her long pale blue hair from her face. She sighs and walks to the bathroom to wash up. She gazes into the mirror with her tired silvery eyes and thinks to herself, "Why can’t I remember the rest? What must I do to remember my past? A young woman then knocks at the door. Come in!"

A fair tanned young woman enters the room, Are you alright? I heard you yell! she asks.

Nalani sighs and rubs her nose, I’m fine, Eva.

Eva looks at her with concern, You’re not sick are you?

Nalani walks back to her bed, No, I just had a bad dream, that’s all.

Eva walks up to her, Is it the same one again?

Nalani nods, Yes . . . I can’t stop thinking about it. I try to think of something else, but that scene always comes to my mind.

Eva urges her, Well, maybe you should start taking that ‘vacation’.

Nalani looks at her, Traveling town to town trying to put the puzzle together AND trying to avoid the maniac or his buddies? Oh, yeah . . . like I want that!

Eva tries to assure her, That’s why there are disguises.

Nalani sits down on her bed and deeply sighs, Still . . . I don’t think I’m ready yet. She bends over and rubs her head again.

Eva, You’re scared, aren’t you?

Nalani glances at her, I’m not . . . scared, she quickly looks away, it’s just . . .

Eva, Then why don’t you go then? It’s better than staying here and getting sick over it!

Nalani sadly looks at her, What about you guys?

Eva assures her, We’ll be fine! We were well without you before! With or without you, we’ll be fine!

Nalani glances at her with a discarded look, If you want to get rid of me just say it!

Eva apologizes, No! It’s not like that! It’s just . . .

Nalani interrupts her and chuckles, It was a joke Eva! I’m just foolin’ with you!

Eva relaxes and sighs, Oh . . .

Nalani lies down on her bed, I guess I’ll leave tomorrow night then.

Eva curiously stares at her, Why at night?

Nalani, Like you said, to ‘disguise’ myself.

Eva, Ah, but just one thing . . .

Nalani, Hmm . . .

Eva, How are you going to recognize anything in the dark of night?

Nalani, I’ll find my way . . . somehow.

Eva, Okay, just be careful then.

Nalani assures her, I will.

Later the next morning Nalani prepares her supplies for the journey. "Hmm . . . I need an outfit for my disguise. She looks around the room. Hmm . . . she then walks to Eva’s room and knocks her door, Eva?"

Eva opens the door and warmly replies, Yes, what is it? She walks back to fix her bed.

Nalani walks into the room and asks, Do you have anything for me to wear? And something that can protect me, like a bullet proof vest? She scoffs.

Eva smiles and says, You’re lucky that we used to make outfits for the G.S. (Guardia Squad). She walks across the room to her closet and separates her clothes and behind them is a small vault.

Nalani asks, How long have you guys been making uniforms for the G.S.?

Eva explains, We’ve been with the G.S. for almost five years . . . but that was twelve years ago when the two leaders disappeared. She opens the vault inside are a few clothes, some weapons and cash. All were remnants of the past. Eva pulls out a feminine vest and some other clothing. Here. She hands it over to Nalani. Don’t worry! It’s bullet proof, and it’s light weight too! She takes the straps off. See! Also . . . the extra feature of our clothing is it’s not always the same as the other uniforms. We try to vary them so the enemy wouldn’t easily recognize us. I’m sure you can go unnoticed.

Nalani nods her head, Nice. Only one problem.

Eva asks, What?

Nalani looks at her then the vest, They’re white!

Eva tries to assure her, Oh . . . well we can fix that! Go buy some dark color like navy blue dye. The good type not the cheap stuff or it will wear out soon.

Nalani asks, You don’t have any?

Eva apologizes and says, Nope, sorry.

Nalani, Great. Okay, I’ll go get some. She walks out of the room and out the door. She walks down a dirt path through some pine trees leading down a hill. She passes by some houses and enters the market center. "Hmm . . . which store . . ." She looks around and sees many wonderful things for sale, but not what she was looking for.

She overhears a merchant talk to a businessman, Technology is the best friend man can ever have when it comes to business. But seeing how Maura is spreading fear it’s pointless to use it much or else things can get worse! A lot worse!

The Businessman sadly agrees and says, If only things could get back the way they should then everyone can be at peace.

The Merchant looks at his merchandise and says, Yeah, but as long as Maura is around no one can be at peace.

The Businessman looks at the police department across the street and declares, Why won’t the governments do something?

The Merchant tries to explain, Every time they get close to solving a case it’s like they disappear and cause grief somewhere else. It’s like a disease you can never cure.

Nalani walks away and passes by some stores, Debbie’s Taylor . . . Small shack . . . maybe here, Grand Art Store! She enters the store and browses around some aisles. She asks an employee, Excuse me, but, where are the dyes?

The kind employee replies, They’re in aisle eight, they’ll be on your left. Nalani thanks the young woman and walks to the aisle to acquire the dye.

After Nalani pays for the dye, she notices something strange happening outside. She leaves the store and sees a small crowd around a drunken man causing trouble with Mariela (a friend of Eva and her brother).

Mariela is disgusted and embarrassed, Leave me alone you pervert!

Nalani walks through the crowd and stands beside Mariela, What’s going on here?

Mariela is relieved to see her, This old pervert was bothering these young girls. I came to help, but now I need the rescuing!

The Pervert drinks some beer and says, Oh, come on love! I was only having a bit of fun. His eyes were blood shot and his breath smells heavily of alcohol.

Nalani says without gazing at the man, I suggest you leave before you get hurt.

The pervert glances at her and asks, A girl with spunk . . . *hiccup* . . . I like that, and who might you be?

Nalani sternly commands him, Leave! Now!

The pervert walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulder. How about a little game before I go! . . . Let’s play . . . *hiccup* . . .

Nalani pushes his hand off, I warned you! She hands her bag to Mariela, Hold this, please.

Mariela stares at her with concern, But you don’t know how to fight!

Nalani coolly replies, I don’t have too.

The drunk pervert chuckles as he drinks some more beer. Nalani waits for him to make the first move. Here I come! He sluggishly charges toward her, but she dodges it. Surprisingly though he makes an upper cut but she dodges it by inches. Very nice . . . but . . . *hiccup* . . . let’s see you try that again. As the two are fighting the crowd grows larger as they gather around them enjoying the side show. The drunk groans as he tries to get Nalani down. He drinks the rest of his beer and smashes the bottle. Stand still! Argh . . . He jabs the broken bottle trying to cut Nalani but she hits his hand making him drop it. Angry he throws a punch, Nalani dodges it but this time it’s followed by a high kick and she barely blocks it with her arms and gets pushed back by the force of the impact.

Nalani whispers to herself, "That was close. She backs up to the big barrels of beer. Great, more beer."

Pervert, Well it’s been fun . . . *hiccup* . . . but it’s time to end it. ARGH! He charges at her like an angry bull.

Mariela gazes with fright, Nalani! NO!

Seconds before he is about to hit her, Nalani jumps in the air and pushes off his back and lands safely away from harm. The old man goes crashing into the barrel and gets knocked unconscious. Minutes later the chief policeman comes up to Nalani and asks what happened. Mariela explains to the chief the situation.

Chief, Well then, I guess you’ve done well. I’ll take him into custody then send him back where he came from.

Nalani asks disappointingly, You’re setting him free?

Chief apologizes and replies, Unless he raped somebody I can’t really arrest him. But his misdeeds will be reported and he will be advised to never come to this town again.

Mariela appreciates his service, Thank you, chief.

Chief nods and is gracious, I’ll be off now. Thanks again! He leaves with the unconscious drunk for questioning.

Mariela glances at Nalani and says with enthusiasm, I didn’t know you could fight!

Nalani explains, That wasn’t fighting! That was . . . dodging. She thinks to herself, "Still though . . . that felt almost . . . natural for me. Like I’ve done it before. But when?"

Mariela was still excited from the performance and exclaims, Whatever it was it was amazing! Where did you learn that?

Nalani dusts herself off, Bag, please. Mariela hands her the bag as Nalani thanks her and replies, I don’t really know. It was like instinct, you know.

Mariela tries to put her thoughts together and says, So your mind is lost, but your body is not?

Nalani shrugs and grins, Humph . . . I guess.

CHAPTER 2

Eva is in the backyard near the clothesline. She touches them to check if the cloak and the vest were dry yet. It’s still a bit damp, and the sun is starting to set. The sky is painted by cool hues of blue and purple as the sun begins to set between two distant blue mountains. It’s starting to get chilly. I’d better put these in the dryer for a bit. She grabs them and heads inside. As she walks inside the back door Nalani bumps into her. Nalani apologizes, Oh, sorry.

Eva assures her, That’s okay.

Nalani looks at the pile of clothes she has, I was about to check them. You didn’t have to . . .

Eva assures her, It’s fine, besides I needed to get the table cloths back inside. Also they’re still wet. They walk into the laundry room.

Eva then starts to recall about the incident that happened earlier. I heard you helped Mariela.

Nalani gloomily replies, Yeah . . . She seems to be concentrating on something else.

Eva asks, A drunk pervert was it?

Nalani snaps out of her thoughts, An old drunk pervert! I didn’t do much, I only played around with him a bit.

Eva grins, So I heard. So are you starting to remember now?

Nalani explains, That was just instinct, I don’t remember anything about how to do that.

Eva smiles and says, I have a feeling that you’ll learn your past very soon.

Nalani glances out the window, I hope so.

Eva then remembers something. Oh, my brother was looking for you!

Nalani asks, For what?

Eva replies, I don’t know . . . The dryer beeps and she opens the door, They’re done!

As Nalani takes out the clothes and straightens them out she notices an extra item. She looks at Eva and asks, What’s this?

Eva chuckles, A mask! You said you were going to be sneaky! So, how about a mask to go along with your outfit? The mask only covers half the face and is made of the same material as the vest. "Also . . . I think this