Aftermath: Echo’s Story - Pt.1

Aftermath: Echo’s Story - Pt.1

She continued to pace quick-footed circles on the wraparound porch of the sea-side ranch house. As the sun started to chase away the stars high above her she stopped, panting and sat on the porch swing by the front door. She continued panting hard as she set her tired bones on the over-stuffed throw pillows and stared down the South-East side of the hill. Her eyes gingerly tracing the cracked cobblestone path to the now abandoned lodge. The broken kitchen light flickering on and off as if on cue.

The Gray turned her attention away from the distant flicker as the sun started to leave an orange blur on the ocean a mile ahead of her. She sighed, dragged herself off the comfy pillows and stretched her stiff body. She stood at the edge of the porch steps sniffing the air for a short moment before jumping into a full sprint down the hill. The high wheat-grass whipped across her frame as she shifted from her wingless form into a wyvern. She launched herself into the air just as the cool ocean water grazed her tail. The Gray glided further out before wheeling around and hovering in place. She drew in a sharp, long breath as her pale body appeared to glow against the darkening sky. She carefully aimed for the tunnel entrance surrounded by crystals. Then releasing a thin burst of pale Indigo flame down towards the beach. She watched the crystal’s colors swirling in the flames, waiting as it cleared to resemble a mirror. She drew in a sharp breath before diving into the swirling gate. She dropped faster and faster, closing her teal eyes seconds before making contact. She felt like her whole body was in a blaze, then like ice and then numb before emerging on the other side almost instantaneously from when she entered.

The Gray stretched out her aching, stiff bones once again. She listened to the cracking and popping of her joints as she straightened up and looked at her new surroundings. Only a dim, Dusty Brown void as far as the eye could see, the only sound to be heard being the gate closing. She let out an exhausted groan before she started to walk toward the Judge’s Grotto to begin her search. She quickened her pace as she caught the scent of sea water, fish and water flowers. The Gray sprinted til she could see the 10 Gates of the Grotto. She ran till see saw the water gate in the distance. Its Blue, Green, and Aqua crystals swirling with a bright flame. She closed her eyes firmly before rushing through. The feeling from before coming back, as she landing on the other side. Wet grass and mud squished between her talons. She reared up on her back legs, long, whip-thin tail a few inches off the ground. She could see a river behind the treeline, the sound of playful splashing reverberating through the forest. She dropped down onto all fours and cautiously made her way to the river. Not wanting to scare whatever it was away, or be noticed.

Reaching the river, she wearily looked around the river bank. Nobody. Not a single creature to be seen around her, only the babbling water to be heard. She sighed again and headed back to the gate. What were those sounds before? She thought, praying nobody spotted her. All I can do is head back home now and hope that nobody saw me here. I don’t need Pastel to find me. Not now! Too short a time for freedom if I’m found out. I can’t go back! It was too long, too long. Too-... Why? She shook her, trying to push back the thoughts that circled her mind. Now retreating to her old world. It now hidden among the scattered, destroyed remains of the Dead Zone. Unwanted, resurfacing memories of the, now forgotten, War swirled with her thoughts. A sharp, painful chill ran down her spine as she walked, not just from the Gate’s magic this time.

As she arrived back on the beach she made sure the Gate wouldn’t remain open on accident, sealing it therally. She slowly trudged back up the hill to her house, a dull ache in her bones. This is what you get for not sleeping for three days! She scolded herself. Shaking her head as she strode up the front porch to the door, making sure to lock it behind her.

She stretched before she stumbled into the kitchen to grab the bowl of Watermelon, Cherry Blossom, Lemon-Buttercream-Heart, and Strawberry-Chocolate Macarons. Along with various other sweets and the jar of Sweet Lemon Cocktail (Lemon, Peach, Mint Leaves & Raspberry Juice + Sugar, Water). The Gray settled into the couch as the last rays of sunlight finally disappeared on the horizon, leaving her in the dark for a few moments. She sighed a breath of relief as the T.V. flicked on, amazed the old junker still worked after all these years of being in a once vacant house. She fully draped her 8.5-9 foot tall body on the couch’s pillows, spreading herself out. In the soft light she snacked on a few pieces of Milk Tea Tart and Deco Roll, rethinking the old days. Ignoring the show, she thought back to the war that ravaged so many worlds and regretting she ever took part in such a sin. Icy claws ran throughout and down her body as she contemplated the time away into the night. Finally passing out as her head viciously spun with past guilt, the T.V. a dull hum in the background of her blanked out and empty dreams.

The next day the Gray woke to the smell of pumpkin pancakes cooking in the kitchen. She looked down at herself now only 6.5 in. tall, the small, wingless form she used to conserve her magic now. She cracked and rubbed her neck as she glanced over to the T.V. Off? She questioned before heading into the kitchen.

There standing at the stove was a young human, her human. A 16-year old girl, one of the few left after the war. She hopped up onto a stool, a plate of Ginger-Pumpkin pancakes and Maple-Cinnamon Coffee waiting for her already.

“Good morning, Echo!~” She said in a sing-song tone. ‘Echo’ the name her human had given her, one she’d never grow sick of hearing. A name to show their permanent bond together.

“Mornin’, Indie!” Echo yawned while stretching out her skeletal body, hearing her bones crack and pop.

“Sleep well?”

“Yup, better then I have in a while.”

Indie smiled at her while pouring more batter into the pan. “When I came down the T.V. was still on. You’re usually awake enough to remember to turn it off.”

“Three days without sleep and a scattered mind will do that.” Echo shrugged.

“I heard you pacing for a while last night. Then silence. Did you go somewhere, Echo?” She glanced at the small dragon.

Echo sat silent for a moment before speaking, her voice low and hushed “The 10 Gates of the Judge’s Grotto, a water Gate.”

Indie froze, shocked and nearly dropping her breakfast. “The... Did anyone see you?!” Slight panic crept into her voice.

“No. I made sure of it.” Hearing these words calmed Indie’s worried expression.

“Good!” She sighed. “Would you like any syrup?”

“No, I’m good.” She said, diving into the pancakes. And a bit relieved that Indie wasn’t the type to pry for more answers, but always knew them without having to ask. Echo always liked that about her, she was always respectful to her.

They continued to chat through their meal, and into Indie’s art studio. Little to nothing would be made of the previous night. Neither one knowing what would become of the seemingly harmless splashing Echo’d heard. Times were changing quickly, for better or worst was to be determined. But for now their little world would only continue to grow larger and stronger as the days went on.