Shadow Knights

Chapter 14

The sun warms my skin, stirring me from my sleep. I sit up, stretching my arms high above me.

"Why did no one wake….me….?" 

I look around but find no trace of Leon or Theo. There aren't even trees around me anymore, just luscious, green grass for miles on end. As I'm taking in the view a deep growth permeates the air. I turn around to see a black wolf with golden eyes creeping out of the tell grass. The wolf was larger than anything I'd ever encountered before. It was slightly larger than a polar bear but there was no doubt that it was anything other than a wolf. While I was still being amazed by the creature I failed to notice it took a defensive stance about to pounce. By the time I processed what was happening all I could do was hold up my hands in front of me. I screamed out for the creature to stop but all that came out of my throat was an exhale. I closed my eyes shut waiting for the creature's jaws to clamp down on me tearing me to pieces. But instead of feeling fangs dig into my flesh a white light erupted from my hands sending the wolf tumbling. Steam rolled off its body as if it had been electrocuted. It whimpered cries of pain that broke my heart. That feeling of pity quickly dies when it stands up again. Furry ripples through its body. It bares its teeth, drools dripping from its fangs and lets out a furious growl. It circles me waiting to pounce but I was ready this time. I set my right foot back and drew my katana. We stared into each other's eyes waiting for the other to attack first. After its second circle I see Its muscles tense signaling a pounce but just before his paws leave the ground the word 'STOP' rings through the air. Immediately the wolf drops its fighting stance and sits down licking its wounds. I turn my head to see who spoke still in a defensive stance in case the wolf attacked again.

"He is of no threat to you. He's just slightly upset. After all, it has been a while since he's sensed you."

Standing behind me was the woman from before. The one that led me to the tree. I sheath my katana.

"It's good to see you are complete again Rose."

"I don't understand. I searched for you for months but you never came. Why now? Who are you? What the heck is up with that thing?"

I point to the wolf. It looks up and gives a huff before returning to its licks.

"It is my responsibility to bring balance. When you cast out the parasite you no longer had a need for me. As for the wolf, that is Midnight. He is yours or at least he was yours. When you took your sirus powers away he got locked away. Since time here moves slower it must have felt like an eternity to him. I'm sure he was just upset for being in the dark for so long."

"I wasn't going to hurt you...much."

My head snaps to the wolf. "Did you just talk?" He looked offended.

"Did you want me to bark like a dog? Hmph rude." He turns his back to me and sulks.

"Come now Midnight. You know she's been through a lot and doesn't remember."

He still doesn't turn around.

"I'm sorry Midnight. I might not remember you but that's no excuse. It was wrong of me to lock you away."

He lets out a sigh. "Alright I'll forgive you but don't do it again." He comes up to me and rubs himself against me.

"I won't. Although I don't know how I did to begin with, even if I wanted to I couldn't."

"Good. Now get out of the void. I'd like to stretch my legs and I can't do that with you here."

"Alright, alright. I'll get going."

I turned to thank the lady before I left but she was nowhere to be seen. Huh I guess she's gone again. I close my eyes and pull my subconscious out of the void.