She smiled but her smile wasn't happy, it was sad and lost.
When my eyes fluttered open I heard several gasps. I wasn't totally sure what happened, but I knew I felt weak.
Conor ran over to me handing me the small bottle containing the cure. "The activator we got it, release Nullet!" He ordered, I wasted no time summoning Nullet.
I immediately closed my eyes afraid to see him. Afraid to see what state he was in. "I'll give him the cure if you want." Someone said I was sure it was Rollan.
I nodded I wasn't sure if they saw me, but I heard noises. I opened my eyes after several seconds, everyone was quiet, Nullet didn't seem to be cured. Are we too late? And then suddenly he made a quiet noise, giving me hope. He lifted his head and his emerald eyes had returned. I felt tears in my eyes as I squeezed him.
"Sorry to interrupt but we must hurry. Time is against us." Sal said checking the sky. We made it back to the ship in no time. Now we were to continue our long journey to the first cypher key.
I leaned against the railing staring into the deep blue ocean. Although Nullet was cured he needed to stay in passive because of the small boat. The boat ride was relatively quiet. It took us quite a long time to arrive, but the ride was filled with small conversations and naps.
The cypher key was supposedly hidden in a cave among a small town in Eura. We still had 2 more keys to find even after this key. And our supplies were almost finished.
"This is the last of our food," Sal said his voice flat. He handed out some dried meat to each of us, giving the rest to the remaining Greencloaks. My stomach growled when I saw the meat. I was very hungry. But not as hungry as I've been before.
I knew Nullet was much bigger than me and needed some as well. I released him for passive and ripped the meat in half hesitantly holding it out to Nullet. He gobbled it down quickly, his sweet eyes saying: thank you.
I ate my piece in silence sitting down on a cold rough crate. "This is fun." Rollan grunted nibbling on the dried meat. Sal sighed sitting down next to Abeke.
"After getting the key we need to gather new supplies," Sal said his face changed suddenly as if an idea popped into his head. "If we wanted to hurry things up we could split up."
I felt my eyes widen, everyone else sort of glanced at each other awkwardly. "Yes. That is what we should do." Meilin stated. I guess it was agreed then.
"Olivia, Rollan, and Meilin you can get the key. Abeke, Conor, and I will gather the new supplies." Sal scanned everyone's faces over again making sure they understood. We nodded, I understood. I released Nullet, and pet his head. It wasn't that he didn't like the water it just wasn't his favorite.
The town was very small. But I was used to that. The people here were nicer and smiled at us every couple steps. I was in a better mood as well, I'm not sure if it was because Nullet was safe or because the people here smile.
"Keep your weapons on you, we can't be sure there won't be any obstacles along the way to get the first cypher key," Sal instructed he shoved some extra things into one of the packs.
"Okay let's split up," Conor confirmed summoning Briggan. He patted Rollan's back with a stern nod. And then we separated, it felt good without a leader for once. I felt independent like I could do anything. Meilin, of course, was leading, Rollan following close behind.
"According to this book," Meilin held up the book about The Belenese. "the cave is right through this town." Which meant we passed by tons of small shops.
I took a deep breath of fresh air. The sun was just peeking through the clouds, a small warm welcome. I smiled back at the towns people. They were happy to have visitors, it seemed there weren't visitors often.
Rollan kicked at the sand and pebbles in front of him. We continued to walk, by now I had gotten used to the ache in my leg and it almost seemed to disappear. I couldn't help but think of how Elra got away. She would pay, and I wouldn't hesitate to do so.
"Let's take a small break I need to figure out where the next turn is," Meilin mumbled scanning the book. Rollan leaned over her shoulder, his face crumpled in confusion.
I smiled and patted Nullet's head, we would get that key in no time. When I looked around I noticed a middle aged woman watching me. At first, I just ignored her, but she started to walk over to me. I opened my mouth unsure of what to do. I felt Nullet start to tense behind me. My hand moves to the back of my belt, my fingers automatically gripping the sword.
The woman smiled and stopped next to me. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice you look very familiar." She spoke in kind words, a warm smile greeting me. I decided she was no threat and removed my hand from my belt. "Do you have any siblings?" She asked her head slightly cocked.
I shook my head, "Not that I know of." The woman held her hand to her mouth in thought. I lowered my gaze to the dirt streets, I knew Nullet was nervous about strangers.
"If you don't mind me asking, Who are your parents?" The woman asked, her kind face innocent. The question hit me by surprise, for several seconds I froze, my mouth opened but no words came out. Nullet nudged my hand, bringing me back to earth.
"I-I don't remember..." My eyes dared to water. Her face fell, not sure of what to say next. She held my hands making me jump.
"What's your name?" She said a smile returned to her face. I blinked once letting the question flood into my brain.
"Olivia," I answered turning my head back to Meilin and Rollan. They were both still trying to figure out the way to the key. When I turned back to the woman her face was frozen.
"Oh sweetie, my name is Clarice. I think I knew your mother." Her words didn't register into my brain right away.
"WHAT?!" I said my voice raised. She knows my mother? That's impossible.
"Yes, you're an orphan correct?" I nodded curious, to see what else she had to say.
Clarice sighed her eyes wandered across my face, examining every small detail. "You look so much like her." A tear rolled down Clarice's cheek. I was confused.
"Where is she??" I asked impatiently. Clarice shook her head, her face crumpled into a frown.
"Poor child, has no one told you?" Clarice said once again holding my hands. I pulled my hands away, a frown now on my face as well.
"Told me what?" I said tears already filling my eyes. Something's wrong. Nullet stood up glaring at Clarice.
"Your mother she- she was killed." I could tell it pained Clarice to say this. I didn't want to believe it. If I told myself it wasn't true then maybe I would believe it. But no matter what, I know that this is the truth. The cold, hard truth. I knew that because the truth hurts.
"I'm so, so sorry," Clarice said wrapping me in a hug. Normally I'm never too friendly with strangers, but I needed a hug. I let the tears fall, I let my heart rip in half. When I was younger I always kept a small hope that my mother was alive. Now that was gone.
After 5 silent minutes, I wiped my cheeks with my cloak. "Listen, your mother's name was Eva." Clarice said her face was serious. Eva. I repeated the name under my breath. "I thought you should know, that you're not the only one. Eva had twins."
YOU ARE READING
Spirit Animals | Damaged
Fanfiction"Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive." It's been 4 months since the four fallen have defeated Kovo and Gerathon. Right now they're legends. At the mention of their names there's a gasp. It's been Olivia's dream to summon a Spir...
