The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Fifteen

["The silence was loud that night, and then fireflies...the glowing ember singing so beautifully. In that moment I knew who I was going to be." -Stories on her lips]

The first person on our list was Justin Hunt. I wondered what he looked like, his personality and goals, what he had as a person. But most importantly: if he accepted C's or not. That gave me deep and freezing chills.

I rested my head on my numb feeling hand, staring lifelessly beyond the glass of the car window. I'd see Niko's reflection show him calm as can be, enjoying the sound of the tires rolling along the concrete. His eyes were focused on the blurry lines in the middle of the street.

The clouds had faded, leaving the entire sky for the sun, deceiving those who thought it wasn't an average October day. When you stepped outside, you could realize that it wasn't as warm as it seemed, though the orb glowing on you helped a bit. It did make a difference, nonetheless, though it wasn't that much of one.

When we approached the city, many rows of homes lined the roads. Cars, street lamps, and parking meters lined perfectly along with the houses. I'd watch each identical one pass as we drove along. I nearly dozed off but the car came to a complete stop in front of an apartment building. I froze from the sudden realization that Justin was inches away.

"Here we go." I whispered, shaken and afraid, desperately trying to latch onto Niko for support. He didn't mind and let me have my minimal panic attack. I was extremely nervous, sweating profusely without hesitation. I took some gaping breaths, finding peace within my mind for meeting with the one with the Crimson Talisman.

We glided up the carpeted staircase that was covered in a large amount of stains to find his apartment door. It was titled '202' in gold engravings contrasted to the white of the entrance.

I hesitantly knocked, softer than normal. Niko stood beside me, still adamant for my sudden attachment  to his covered wrist. Soon, the door flew open to a blond haired man standing near my height. He was puzzled, and took a second to realize the Talisman around my neck. He reached down to his and held it up to show me. I smiled.

"Ah, you've found me. Was it easy?" He joked, leaning against the framework.

"Quite. We have a tracker as a brother." I explained, smiling widely to match his vibe. He motioned for us to enter and I was distraught by the vibrant colors and smells. I turned to look at him, but he had disappeared. Then he was in my face.

"Agh! What the hell?" I scolded, nearly tumbling to the ground. He was cackling hysterically at what he had done. I then registered that he was a C. My silent prayers had been answered.

"You should've seen your face. It was all like," He made a mock of what I supposedly displayed, "Ha ha. Anyway, what're you doing here?" His mood changed so drastically that I felt as if I was spinning on a roundabout in grade school.

"Oh, um.. We need your help, Justin." Niko announced. I nodded in agreement.
"First, it's Jesse. I strongly dislike my legal given name. And second, what do you need help with?"

"To find the holder of the White Talisman." I said, trying to mask some confidence.

"Right. And how do you plan to do that?" He queried, still obscure.

"It's simple. We find everyone else on the list and do our best to find white." I said, cut off by Niko.

"We need companions. Plus, the crystals brought together could be a power force all on it's own. And we cannot risk domination over the thirty-two."

"Please, there's already domination! They're the one in charge!" I snapped, waving my hands out to show some exaggeration to my statement. Both slammed their mouths shut, unable to speak a reply. I huffed and crossed my arms frustratedly.