The sound of a ticking clock mixed with the light dripping of water
The feeling a gentle, cool breeze...
It’s been so long since I’ve had any dream like this
A dream that could’ve either foretold something good something terribly bad
“What in the...?” I groaned groggily as I slowly blinked open my eyes to get used to my surroundings.
Or a lack of thereof
I was in a completely pitch-black room where only a single brown loveseat and a giant perch lied.
Though I could’ve been paranoid...
Why was I already getting the feeling that Ibis was going to find something to scold me about?
“Ibis?!” I called as I got up, dusting myself off a little before I went over to the couch and sat down. My brow cocked a little as I looked around the room, though it wasn’t my first time being in such a place.
It never failed to unnerve me a tad each time I was summoned to this place when I was asleep, after all...it felt like anything could’ve jumped out of the darkness to snatch me up.
Suddenly however, just as I took a seat on the surprisingly comfortable couch. I heard the sound of clicking claws before the gentle flapping of wings.
Ibis
“I am surprised you knew that it was me.” Ibis hooted as she rested on her perch, her form larger than average while her head was turned all the way to look at me.
I chuckled. “How could I not? You’re the only one who likes dark surroundings which is fitting! Y’know...seeing as you’re an owl.”
Indeed, but I did not summon you here to talk casually but to inform you more on the continent you’ll be going to.” Ibis huffed.
“I thought you said I was just going to say a few heels to the Lion Guardian?”
“That is part of the reason, but you will be going there for something bigger. I never send you somewhere for mere play.”
‘Got that right...’ I thought with a slightly annoyed grumble.
“In the Desert Continent, I expect you to bring down the one who plagues this-”
“You’ve been saying that phrase since I was seventeen Ibis.” I interrupted.
“The one who plagues this land’, who am I even fighting anyway? The job would’ve already been over and done with if I had a name and some looks!” I huffed.
Ibis’ eyes narrowed dangerously but she simply let out a tired hoot and continued. “Socia, is her name. Socia Kalahari, the one who started the war fifty years ago as well as the one who murders not just the immortal race but some mortals as well.” Ibis revealed, my brow cocking at the word ‘fifty’.
Fifty years ago? That woman is probably nothing but an old woman at this point!
“I suggest letting time do its magic here, the woman is an old lady at this point Ibis!” I laughed before Ibis shook her head.
“Artifacts of the immortal race have a strange way of keeping mortals...fresh when taken of course.” She said before she suddenly turned around and extended her wings, placing them in front and behind me before I slowly began to glow.
“The Desert Continent is hot, the sands could peel skin while the sun’s empowered rays can scorch bone. I will give you a new outfit to help against this.” She cooed before she removed her wings, my eyes widening at the new ‘armor’.
Though this clothing was extremely simple, it managed to keep its grace and beauty as well as a strange cooling factor to it! A white, strapless crop-top that had golden feather designs surrounding the middle while I wore a pair of equally colored baggy pants with golden feathers designing it as well! The only additions? A pair of silky ties hanging from the sides...not to mention the fact that the pants were rather low-hanging.
No matter, it wasn’t the first time I’ve worn something that showed a bit of skin here and there. “I’m surprised, this thing keeps me feeling cool.” I chuckled as I danced around in it a little.
“Indeed, I wouldn’t wish for you to get scorched underneath the hot sun young spirit.” Ibis sighed before she suddenly started to flap her wings, the sheer force kicking up a harsh gust of wind before I suddenly fell back onto the couch.
“I expect you to do everything I ask in this continent, young spirit. Bring down my rivals and defeat the woman who tortures the land. Do this and you shall be rewarded greatly.” She hooted before she suddenly flew off, shrieks and calls leaving her before a final hoot sent me right back to sleep.
The sound of crickets chirping...a cool breeze went across the bare parts of my skin, something rising and feeling repeatedly underneath my head while a furry body was cuddled next to me...usually I woke up from Ibis’ little phone calls and it was the next morning! But for it to still be night? It must’ve been a shorter conversation than I already thought.
‘Great...now I can’t even sleep.’ I thought with a groan, rubbing my hand over my face as I turned over to look up at the sky. Inky black and devoid of any stars or galaxies afar...strange how alone things could feel when you looked up at an empty sky.
Suddenly however, I began to feel a wet nose sniff and rub up against my arm, causing me to cock a brow before I quickly looked down to Shiro’s eyes already directed up towards me. Absolutely adorable! His puppy-eyes brought shame to an actual puppy!
“What are you doing?” I asked, making sure to keep my voice low.
“You are up so I am going to stay up with you.” Shiro responded before his tail started to thump against the ground lightly, a chuckle leaving me before I turned to look back up at the sky.
“I’m fine staying up on my own, after all, I’ll get tired eventually.” I said.
“You’ve clearly been up before I was, you’re wearing different clothes.”
“Ah...a result of the darn bird. She probably betted on the fact that I would wake up during the day.” I grumbled.
“Anyway, are you alright Shiro? I’m pretty darn sure you didn’t just suddenly wake up because I was up.” I asked, giving the area between his ears a rub before Shiro started to let out a whine.
“No,” Shiro answered.
“I am not alright.” He continued.
“Mind telling me why then?”
“Its- It’s everything...I am afraid, afraid to go to the Desert Continent, afraid to explore the lands beyond this one, afraid to be around Ares and Ryzel. I do not like them.” He admitted.
“Adventuring...I am terrified of it.”
I couldn’t help but widen my eyes slightly at his words, him? Afraid of adventuring? I would’ve never guessed seeing how much he liked to chase bugs out of the village when he was younger!
“If you were this afraid of adventuring then why did you agree to come with me? You could’ve easily said no and I would’ve chosen someone else!” I said, Shiro scooting closer to me before he let his head rest in my lap.
Another whine left him. “Because...I didn’t wish to seem to like a coward to my family, to be chosen to go along with you? It was an honor. A terrifying honor.” He grumbled.
I let out a small sigh, the whole not wanting to disappoint your family situation...I understood it but at the same I didn’t. Then again, when you begin to forget what your own family even looks like, I guess my reason was justified.
“I’m not exactly the best at advice.” I chuckled awkwardly as I scratched the back of my neck.
“All I can do is recommend you to face your fears head on.” I said, giving him one final pat on his head before he suddenly shot his head up and looked at me with wide eyes.
“But how?!” He barked.
I quickly hushed him. “I-I’m not like you...” He said in a quieter tone.
“Fearless, always ready to seek out adventure and brave the dangers of the world...” “Guess I’m getting better at my acting skills, fearless? I’m always scared! I think you just got confused with me being riskier.” I chuckled, causing him to tilt his head a little.
“Riskier?” He repeated.
“Yep! I don’t have a real sense of...judging things I suppose? I see something I want or want to do something then I just go for it! Life’s too short to wait for anything.” I grinned, the sight of Shiro’s head tilting even more making me sigh even more.
"Well...let me explain myself a bit more." I chuckled.
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