The End of The Beginning

Chapter 16

Chapter 16:

            Today instead of waking up to sun and warmth, I shivered in rain and hail. I ran into the forest. I know you aren’t supposed to go under trees when there’s lightning but I was desperate! Shut up, I know I’m stupid…sometimes. No sign of Brook. She was probably up in the air soaking up the water droplets. Stupid nymph.

“I heard that!” Someone screamed.

“Who’s there?” I called out.

“Brook, you idiot.”

“Stop reading my freaking mind it’s not cool!”

“Whatever. Get out here, it’s not that bad.”

“Speak for yourself, water girl.” I retaliated.

            A girl in a glimmering blue dress walked into the forest. Her hair, eyes, and dress glowing. She wasn’t Brook, that was for sure. She had blonde hair, much like my sister’s. Her eyes blood red and dress pitch black.

“Owen Reynolds,” the creature croaked. I flinched at my last name. Unheard of for many years it has felt like. How long has it been since the beach, Greystone Orphanage, and my life nearly ending? Not a hyperbole. “Owen Reynolds,” it repeated, “You shall report to Greystone Orphanage now. Simply follow the trail of blood and no harm shall come to you or your friend here.”

It was now that I realized Brook hanging from the nearest tree, ropes tied around her wrists and ankles. “Lies!” I screamed out. “Lies.” I repeated quietly. Where was Rose when I needed her? She said something about how I had powers too, I just hadn’t found them yet. Well, now would be a pretty darn good time to find them.

Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Telepathy. Rose, help me. Please, a creature…woman…Br- Maybe I shouldn’t mention Brook…the creature wants me back at Greystone Orphanage…I don’t think it’s destroyed.

Flames appeared next to my face. Had to be Rose. Had to. I jumped through. Adios Suckers! Brook…she’ll manage. I landed on my face in a very familiar meadow. A girl with pale skin and fiery red hair appeared next to me, frowning in my direction.

“Thanks,” I whispered.

“Anytime.”

            Thoughts bombarded my brain. Why did she run away from me? What were her dreams? Where was she? I willed myself to stop. Let her speak first. She wasn’t speaking. Guess that opens my window.

“Why’d you leave?” I blurted out.

“I had too. The dreams…” She trailed off as she shivered. I wanted to put my arm around her fragile body, to comfort her…I thought better of it.

“Dreams…”

“I rather not speak of them.”

“Alright. Why did you help me?”

“Just because I ran away doesn’t mean I hate you.”
“Oh?”

“Also, this means Greystone Orphanage is still up and running.” She muttered something else under her breath but I didn’t catch it. She probably just cursed, considering this horrifying news.

“Where have you been?”

“Here.”

            She was being incredible vague. As much as I love her, she scares me to death sometimes. We sat in silence for what felt like forever. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. I still didn’t say anything. She looked up at me with her emerald eyes and no tears were visible, but silence was worse. Her face was flushed and she was shivering. Goose bumps coated her arms. Her knees were tucked against her chest and her arms wrapped around. Her long red hair fell over her face. “I’m so sorry, Owen” Her voice was barely audible, even in this quiet valley.

            What is she sorry for? Leaving me? Being a bitch? Not talking…well telepathy? She needs to narrow this down.

No. A voice in my head said. Fire isn’t the only evil, so is water.

Brook appeared next to Rose. Her eyes were no longer a milk chocolate, but the color of an unripe cherry. She is a demon.