The Perry Sidious Chronicles

1# Voices on the wind

This story is set in an alternate dimension, and takes place on a version of earth very different from ours.

• 🌷 • Dedicated to those of you reading this. Every journey, no matter how difficult it may seem, begins with the first step. So don't give up on your dreams. • 🌷 •

• ♡ • ♡ • ♡ •

"I died last night in my dreams." 

Glancing up, Jonathi blinked, dumbfounded by his best friend's words. "For a shaman, you always say the most bizarre things." He commented before sinking his knees into the cool mud next to a gently flowing stream to refill his bottle.

"It's a gift," came Perry's sarcastic response. "But no, seriously, I'm not even joking. I did die in my dream; it was almost as messed up as this darn atua bottle!" She grunted in frustration, attempting to pry open the lid but to no prevail. 

One of the many disadvantages of being a shaman was that she was forbidden to partake in simple activities of tribe life, such as warrior training. That, of course, would come in handy; it would certainly help build muscles and keep fit. To be completely fair, her difficulty in getting the lid off wasn't because she lacked strength. In reality, Jonathi's sister had playfully tightened the lid as a prank.

"Why not ask the spirits for help?" Jonathi casually suggested.

Perry tossed her bottle at his head; it missed and landed beside him. She grumbled in dissatisfaction. Oh, how she would've enjoyed the sound of it coming into contact with his hard head. 

"I could always ask the spirits to drown you." 

Laughter erupted from the back of Jonathi's throat. "Not sure how you'd explain that one to my father." 

He had a point. 

Being the unfortunate son of the Sidious tribe's chief meant that Jonathi was untouchable. 

Perry slumped in defeat against a gnarled dead tree, its rough bark pressing into her clothes. Her icy blue eyes focused on her best friend as he knelt by the sparkling stream, filling his bottle. The gentle sound of flowing atua filled the air, a moment of calm amid the tension surrounding them.

Her thoughts lingered on the previous day when the tribe searched the parched land for refuge from the relentless heat. They crossed dry stretches of the earth until they found a hidden cave with a small stream of fresh atua nearby. The sanctuary was discovered by Master Tamarni, the tribe's shaman and her mentor. 

A soft shadow surrounded Perry, pulling her from whatever daze she had been in.

Looking up, her breath caught. 

Jonathi stood above her, tall and striking against the bright sky. His deep brown eyes sparkled like polished mahogany, reflecting the sun's rays and making her heart race. Not in a good way. She hated how he always did certain things to irritate her.

For a moment, silence filled the dry, hot air, that is, until he held out her atua bottle, which was now full. 

Huh?

Since when did he fill her bottle? And, more importantly, why?

"Regardless of your drowning threat, yours is full. You're welcome." He smirked, flashing his perfect white teeth. 

Stretching out her hand, Perry took her bottle from his grasp. "Thank—"

"Ah, there you two lovebirds are!" A familiar voice called out, causing both Perry and Jonathi to sigh.