A/N

Here's the first chapter of the Sequel of My Saving Raine. Just to give you an idea of what we're looking at now...

Six years have passed for Raine. Seven years have passed for Caspian.

Raine has moved along in life as Aslan intended for her to do. She's about to graduate from college and she'll soon be taking on her first paying gig as an assistant choir director at a local school district. Life has continued around her...one of her best friend's is newly married and having the time of her life. But what's left for Raine? The only life and love she ever wanted lives on in a world that, she is beginning to wonder, may not even exist.

Caspian has moved along as well...for the worst. He has turned cold and bitter, and he's no longer the sweet, caring man he once was. Everything that should have happened in Narnia after Raine left didn't. The world is savage and cruel. And somehow, it all comes back to the day Raine walked through the portal, holding the heart of Narnia's king in her hands.

I hope that gives you some kind of idea of where we're headed. It's not pretty...but with time it will get better.

And we all know the drill. Anything C.S. Lewis came up with isn't mine. Unfortunately...[sad face].

And this really doesn't follow the movie or the book. It's just the stuff that's coming from my twisted imagination. So...enjoy!

When The Cloudburst Meets The Blaze

Ch.1

Forever Seeking What Was Lost

Cornelius's POV

"Where is His Majesty? We've a dilemma in the village that requires his attention," a young foot soldier asked, standing before me. The boy could not have been much older than the king, but his eyes were full and alive; youth and innocence shone brightly in his molasses colored eyes. Caspian's eyes were dull and empty, and he looked far older than he actually was. If only she would come back…

I smiled at the soldier, waving my hand to him in dismissal. "I believe His Majesty still remains in his chambers. I will alert him." After watching the boy scurry back through the heavy doors of the throne room, I turned to find the king. My feet followed the familiar path to his chambers, as they traveled this route several times a day, seeking out Caspian when he wasn't seeing to his throne. After turning many corners and ascending many steps I reached his door, and the sounds of moaning and panting that reached my ears made me feel sick. It seemed that the king had decided to leave his morning open for 'recreation'.

I had considered knocking, but decided that the matters at hand were far more important than his 'sport' and opened the door, taking a deep breath to prepare myself for what I knew I would find. And sure enough, as I stepped in I saw two unclad women sprawled beneath the king, their skin flushed with heat and pleasure. Upon hearing my entry, all three pairs of eyes sought me and two shrill screams were heard. But Caspian's response was far less concerned.

"Cornelius, is it truly such a difficult task to knock?" He asked flatly, rolling off of the two women and lying on his side.

I felt my face fall at his lack of concern. It didn't seem to bother him at all that he was bedding two strangers, or that I had just walked in on his distasteful act. I raised my gaze to the two ladies, whose eyes were wide with fright. I smiled gently. "I apologize, dear ladies, for the interruption. But I must ask for your pardon. I wish for a moment alone with His Majesty."

The two women, who didn't look a day over seventeen, looked at each other as they held their sheets over their exposed bodies and then looked to Caspian. The king was sitting on the edge of his bed, his face expressionless. "Don't go anywhere. Anything he has to say can be said now. Besides," he casted a sideways glance to the two girls, "we're not finished yet."

I could feel my stomach turning. Both the women that he 'wasn't finished with yet' were ten years younger than he was. I also thought it odd that they were the age of Raine when they fell in love…and the age she was when she left him behind. As much as I wished for the two girls to leave and get on with their lives, I knew he wasn't going to let them go. So I stepped toward the end of the bed and began.

"Your Majesty, one of your men has brought it to my attention that there is a matter in town that you must see to," I said, looking at him over my spectacles. His face didn't change.

"Is that all?"

"It is, my king."

The king's eyes moved from me back to the blushing maidens, who looked as if they were more than ready to leave my sight. "Alright then, Cornelius you are dismissed." And at that, he rolled back over the two girls, pushing them back down into the plush mattress beneath them. His lips plundered one of the girl's breasts and I heard the girl gasp loudly. He growled gruffly in response. I wasn't at all surprised that he carried on without seeing me out first. Seeing that he was completely occupied and would not hear me anymore for the moment, I turned and left, shutting the door behind me.

Sadness took its place in my heart where it had begun to dwell. My dear boy, my dear Caspian was not the strong, loving, joyful boy he had once been. After losing his love, his heart turned cold and uncaring. Now he barely occupied his throne, leaving it to me to watch over. He had made it my job to inform him if anything needed his attention. I once used to be his friend and mentor. Now I was nothing more than his messenger.

I rounded a corner and entered the throne room once more. Behind the throne was a stained glass window with a depiction of Caspian's father, King Caspian IX. I took it upon myself to watch after the boy when his parents had been killed brutally at the hands of his uncle. I made sure he was cared for and saw to it that he was given some direction to follow in hopes that one day he could be a better ruler than those before him…and better than his ruthless uncle. I kneeled before the throne as my eyes fell on the glass portrait. The long deceased king's eyes bored through mine as if knowing what had befallen his only son. And I couldn't help but feel the burden of my guilt.

I closed my eyes, and I could see the two maidens Caspian was lying with. Both were of fair complexion, with blue eyes and dark, almost black hair. Both resembled the woman he once wanted as his queen. Both were exactly her age. I couldn't help but to hope that maybe, somewhere in his shadowed heart, he still loved her. And maybe, by Aslan's gift, one day she would return to him and mend what had been broken. For I knew she was the only one who could.

Raine's POV

Seven-twenty-five.

"Dammit, I'm late," I cursed as I put a little more pressure on the gas pedal. I was supposed to meet Kate and Audra at a fancy spancy restaurant in town for dinner. Audra and her new hubby were leaving for their honeymoon in the Grand Cayman's tomorrow, and Kate and I wanted to celebrate with them one last time before they went. Suddenly my phone started ringing. It was Kate.

"Dude, where are you?" I could hear the mild irritation in her voice. She hated it when people weren't punctual.

"I'm almost there, I swear. I took a little longer in the library than I meant to."

Kate sighed deeply on the other end of the line. "Man, are you serious? It's friggin Friday…what the hell are you doing in the library?"

"I wasn't just in the libarary…I was in a practice room before that…"

"Ah, well I guess I can't blame you for that. 'Feels like I've been living in the practice rooms this week," she faded off. "When are you going to get here? Audra and Bud are already here, and we're all getting pretty hungry…is that rain?"

I gripped the wheel tightly with my right hand, holding my phone up to my ear with my other. I was squinting to see through the fat drops of rain that were pelting my windshield. "Yea, the bottom just fell out. But I'm almost there. I'll see you in a minute or two." And without saying bye I let my phone slide shut. I really hated talking on the phone and driving. Finally I could see the restaurant's lit up sign gleaming through my blurry windshield.

I found a place to park and let the engine die, eyeing my window with a pout. Of all days for it to rain! And of course I didn't have an umbrella…the forecast didn't mention anything about rain. Damn this Texas weather! I grabbed my purse, tucked it into my sweater, and lunged out of the car, locking the door behind me with a 'beep', and made a run for the door. I still got pretty soaked, though. When I walked in, Kate was sitting in the lobby holding a wad of tissue paper.

"Hey, Cuz, it looks like you could use this," she grinned teasingly as I took the paper from her, wiping my face dry. Good thing I didn't bother wearing make up today… After drying myself off the best I could she lead me into the restaurant in the direction of our table. When we got to the table I saw Audra and her husband leaning against each other, their noses touching and content smiles spreading on their lips. I froze in my steps at the sight, feeling a lump rise in my throat. Kate kept walking and took a seat, unknowing of my dilemma. She looked to her side to realize I wasn't there, and looked up at me with questioning eyes. She followed my gaze to our best friend and her husband, and she looked back to me, sympathy glowing in her green eyes. Then she cleared her throat, and the two broke away from each other. At seeing each other, Audra leapt from her chair and tackled me in a hug. Bud walked around the table to clap me on the back.

"Girl, I was afraid you weren't going to make it!" She cooed through her smile as she swayed me back and forth.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss this, chick," I smiled back at her, my eyes landing on Bud and feeling my heart fall, "not for the world."

Bud gave me a pat on the back before taking his bouncing wife in his arms and leading her back to the table. After taking a few deep breaths I took my seat beside Kate. I picked up the menu and opened it up, letting my eyes scan over its contents. But not a word of it was read. I suddenly didn't have an appetite. All I wanted was to go home and curl up in front of the fire with my quilt and watch the flames crack. I didn't want to be here, sitting across from my best friend…watching her touch and kiss the love of her life. I didn't want to feel the love that was radiating from them. But tonight wasn't about me. It was about her and Bud. And I would be damned if I was going to sit here and mope about the love I had and lost.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when Kate tapped me on the shoulder. "Hmm?" I turned to look at her. And I had to stifle a laugh as I saw the look on her face and followed her gaze. On the other side of the restaurant there was a man waiting on a table. He had platinum blonde hair and a deep, natural tan. He had a nice build, too.

"Would you check that out?" She whispered, her eyes flashing back from me to him.

I snickered. "Yea, he's kinda pretty," I answered modestly. I wasn't really into blondes.

She looked at me incredulously. "Pretty? What the…Raine are you seeing the same guy I'm seeing? He's more than pretty, he's friggin delicious!"

I heard Audra giggling and started laughing harder. I swear she sounds like a chipmunk when she laughs. Beside her, Bud was shaking his hand and laughing. I just looked back to my goggling cousin beside me. "Whatever you say."

She finally managed to tear her eyes off of the waiter's form to look back at me, and clicked her tongue. "Tsk, tsk, Cuz. You just don't have any appreciation for beautiful men, I guess."

I laughed lightly at her banter but held my tongue. I had appreciation, but I left it in Narnia.

I felt a kick from under the table, and looked up to see Audra beaming up at our waiter who had just approached the table. It was the poor guy that Kate had been gawking at. I could see Bud smirking and doing his best to keep his composure.

"Hello, I'm David and I'll be your server this evening," he paused, looking oddly at his tablet after seeing the way Kate was looking at him. "Could I start you guys out with an appetizer and some beverages?"

"I think I'll have a coke," I said, pinching Kate under the table to draw her back to the present. She flinched and looked at me before blushing a little.

"And you miss?" the waiter looked at Kate, grinning lopsidedly. He's not helping…

"I, um..I- I think I'll have a sprite," she stuttered out, looking down at her lap to keep from staring again.

Bud spoke up from the other side. "And we'll both have dr. pepper."

David the Delicious Waiter dabbled down their selections and looked back up at us, avoiding looking at Kate. "Alright, I'll give you a few minutes to look over the menu and I'll be right out with your drinks." As he walked away, Kate slowly raised her head, watching him walk away.

"Grrrrrrrraow," she purred as she eyed his ass, watching him disappear into the kitchen.

Audra chuckled. "Jesus, Kate."

Kate just looked up at her, her cheeks as red as her fiery hair. "Hey, that boy was HOT!"

I just laughed, shaking my head. "Yea, but damn, Cuz. He's a human being, not a quartered loin at a meat market." The minute the words left my lips I had a flashback.

"I have responsibilities, Raine. You cannot expect me to spend every waking moment with you."

"Yea, you've got responsibilities, alright. Eyeing poor Susan like she's a quartered loin at the meat market. Stalking her like a stag in the woods. Ha!" I never thought I would ever look at him the way I was looking at him now. "Yea, let me tell you, I can see that you have your hands full." I looked over to Susan to see her staring at the ground, looking as if she was counting every blade of grass that grew between the weeds. "...And since you're so heavily occupied, what I'm doing with the army should be the least of your worries. So, if I were you, I would back the fuck off."

I squeezed my eyes shut at memory, balling up the edge of the table spread in my hands. Caspian. My Caspian…the night he realized that he was hurting me by ignoring me. It was also the night that I hurt him by letting him go…the night I gave up on everything. But later I realized that I could never give up on him.

A frosted glass of soda was placed on the table in front of me, and I ripped myself out of my memory and back to reality. Caspian was gone. He was in Narnia, along with my heart. That was in the past and there was nothing I could do to bring it all back. I looked up to see Audra and Bud peck each other on the lips sweetly, and bit back the urge to cry. But this night was hers, not mine. And so I held my head up higher and pushed back the traces of tears that had begun to form.

After dinner, we all made our way to the parking lot. The storm had stopped long ago and the air was cool and carried the scent of earth. I took a deep breath, briefly remembering the pure air that I inhaled in Narnia.

"Well, I guess this is it," Audra said weakly, looking at me and Kate shyly with her hands crossed in front of her. She looked at us until she couldn't hold it any longer. The next thing I knew she had both me and my cousin in a bone-crushing hug. "I'm gonna miss you guys so much!"

"It's only a few weeks, Audra," Kate reminded her, pulling away and smiling at her.

"I know, but we've never been apart for longer than a few days," she said weakly, wiping away a stray tear.

I hugged her again, swaying from side to side. "Oh, now don't do that. You go on this trip and you two have fun together. Enjoy your time in paradise, because when you get back you're going to have to help me restrain Kate from raping that poor waiter," I giggled while watching Kate's eyes widen in defense.

"You're a bitch." She said, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at me.

Three of us just laughed. Then Bud and Audra turned away, climbing into the front seat of his mustang. As the mustang pulled out of the parking lot I could see Audra's white hand waving at us through the passenger side window. We both waved back.

Kate turned to look at me, a perfectly shaped brow raising. "Alright, it's your turn."

"Hmm?" I asked, turning to face her.

"Well, Audra's the first to get hitched, and you've gotta be next."

No, you are. I will never marry, because I can never love.

But instead of letting loose the tears I felt welling up, I smiled and turned away. "We'll see, we'll see."

We both got into our separate vehicles. I rolled down my window and looked over at her, motioning for her to do the same. When she rolled it down, she shouted across to me, "What is it?"

"Are you going back to the house or do you have some stuff to do before?"

She looked at me in thought, popping the gum she was chewing on. "I actually need to make a few stops before I head home."

I nodded. "So I'll see you back home?"

"Yea."

I rolled my window back up and backed out of the parking space, peeling out of the lot. As much as I had wanted to see Audra before she left for her honeymoon, I wanted nothing more than to be home. It was a fifteen minute drive back to our house. We kinda lived in a secluded neighborhood. It was a suburban neighborhood, but the homes were spaced out and surrounded by woods. When I pulled into our drive, I killed the engine. I grabbed my bag and got out, looking up at the sky.

The stars were winking at me from their dark canopy. Sadly, I sighed wishing that there were as many stars here as there were in Narnia. But I knew there was no use in thinking about my other home. I could never go back, and I would never see Caspian again.

A/N

So here we go. Is it what you expected? Hmm...let me know what you think.

~Rhythmic5