<strong><em><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;">Shima</span></span></em></strong>-<em><strong>Somewhere in Haven</strong></em><br/><br/>There was a slight rumbling, as if the world shook and the earth groaned and protested against the movements.  Nestled into a cliff, covered over by moss and curling ivy, a crack appeared in the granite wall, breaking the seal that had been carved into its face.  Behind the wall there came a soft sigh as if someone stirred in there sleep, not yet waking.  The outside world would not let this restful slumber continue.  Energies dark and light called to the dreamer, whispering and cajoling with it's tentative touches.  The sounds of roaring and howling, of predators screeching.  They called and called to her, awakening her.<br/><br/>She opens her heavy lids to darkness, eyes drawn to the crack of light teasing at her vision.  Laughter bubbles up from within her, the sound is beautiful and yet tinged with bitterness.  She rises from her resting place, her movements like liquid grace and moves to the light.  She traces her finger along the crack, feeling the last of the power that had bound her here drain away.  Smiling, she placed her palm over the jagged tear in the earth and it exploded outward.  Moving forward without waiting, stepping into the light, she flared into her own brilliance.  Silvery and beautiful as the moon, the girl stood with her arms outstretched to the undeniable sweetness of the air, taking in lungfuls and savoring it.<br/><br/>"Shima is....free," she said to the sky.  Startled by the sound of her voice, she struggled to remember more than her name.  Confusion fell upon her delicate features and her cherry lips frowned.  The wind suddenly gusted and she became distracted by the sound of leaves as they danced in their boughs.  She smiled and began to dance through the trees, the silver strips of her skirt, swaying and flaring around shapely legs.  The light around her began to die and she stopped.  She looked at her hands examining the creamy flesh.  They were not always like so.  Sometimes but not always.<br/><br/>Shima wanted to run and play after being asleep for so long.  She could feel so many others and Shima wanted to play with them.  Then her stomach grumbled loudly and she laughed, patting at the smooth scape of her abdomen.  She wanted to hunt, as well.  Laughing, she began to run, her silver hair flowing like a banner behind her.  The fierceness of her hunger overtook her and her lovely form began to change, melting in a soft glowing light.  Farther she ran, her instinct carrying her forward and in seconds she was running on four legs.  Powerful muscles bunched and released. Huge paws thundering against the gentle cushion of grass.  A howl escaped her, one of exuberant joy.<em>I am here, I am here</em>, it said as it echoed across all of Haven.<br/><br/>Shima skidded to a halt on her haunches, her jaws open as she panted heavily.  She grinned wolfishly and howled once more her happiness.  She turned her head sharply.  There.  She could scent the trembling fear as her prey attempted to hide itself.  Quietly she rose, the great black wolf with silver eyes, following the scent.  There was a sudden bleating and a young fawn burst from it's hiding spot.  Delighted, the wolf gave chase.  Shima would dine, her mouth watering as she pounced into the air, her jaws coming down over the small neck, snapping it with a sickening crunch as her great jaws closed about it.  Death and blood filled her mouth and she hungered.  The others would have to wait, for now, she had other things to occupy her.