Echo

Chapter 6

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Published: June 17, 2023

Edited: June 24, 2023

Author's note:

If you follow me then you already read my announcement. If you don't then it's been a while! I am glad to back working on this story. I took time to focus on my life as I just needed to. I am happy to be back now and focus on my love for writing.

There may be some errors but I will go back and fix them later on!

 I hope you all enjoy this update as I am going to update more from now on!

Now enjoy! :)

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     The newcomer had similarities between the horrifying creature and the three beings by me. I could see the light of the flames reflecting off its dark scales. It seemed taller though especially with its long limbs. Four fingers stretched from its hand showing off its terrifying claws. I felt my breath leave my body as it grinned – its red eyes locking on us.

     "Holy shit." I said as the being watched us. The grin never left its face. I heard Scaley mutter something to me from its tone I could tell he probably was cursing too. Three started to converse in their native tongue and at that moment I truly felt lost. I have no idea if these three cared about my safety but I'm pretty sure they thought the same of me. I decided in that moment to name the other two Grumpy for the grey scaled being and Ember for the red scaled one. The grey one deserved its name. As if hearing my thoughts Grumpy turned to me with a scowl, words leaving their mouth – the tone sound accusing.

     An argument started between Scaley and Grumpy as Ember yelled at the two before running towards the intruder. They quickly met head on fighting. The red one's fire whips lengthen and twirled viscously as it cracked against the dark being. My eyes were drawn away as the stone started to pulse rapidly against my hand, stinging a bit from the heat that it emitted.

     The sounds around me began to fade as I focused on the stone. Voices started to whisper by my ear – it was startling almost calming. However, the whispers soon grew louder to the point it hurt. I yelled in pain as I dropped the stone, desperately trying to cover my ears. The pain forced me to drop to my knees. I was vaguely aware of a figure in front of me and a hand on my shoulder. It was as if there was so many different voices and languages being yelled at me all at once. It was overwhelming.

     Sounds were being distorted – almost like static. I could hear words, but nothing made sense. The stone's presence seemed to pulse as if it had a heartbeat. I wanted to cry with how strong the pain was in my ears as it traveled to my head. As soon as it reached the front of my mind it started to fade, even the shouts turned down to soothing whispers. Voices were beginning to register in my ears as well as the commotion around me.

     "What did you just say?" I groaned as I finally opened my eyes as the pain subsided. The stone gently glowed in my hand. I must have grabbed it at some point again.

     "These Earthlings really need a galactic translator." Scaley muttered as his cat-like eyes narrowed in annoyance.

     "Oh my gosh I can understand you." I said stunned at the revelation. Scaley had the decency to look just as shocked as I did for a few seconds. It didn't last long. Behind us the other two were still fighting the newcomer. Grumpy and Ember seemed to be doing their best to keep the intruder at bay. However, I could tell that they were struggling to keep focus as it turned its attention toward us.

     "What is going on?" I asked backing up. It seemed fear had finally taken control of my body as I felt the need to flee from the area. The stone in my hand kept urging me as well. The vibration it emitted burned my skin in warning. Danger, danger, danger.

     "Get the Earthling and the Heart out of here now!" The Ember yelled her voice came out very urgent. Grumpy threw more metal blades at the evil look alike.

     Scaley pulled me up and dragged me along, as we ran from the scene. I kept up with Scaley especially with hearing the intruder let out a terrifying cry. It almost sounded frustrated. The noise urged us both to run faster. As we climbed out of the crash site, we continued running away from the area. At some point Scaley let go of me and returned to holding his side. His longer legs kept forcing me to keep up. The pain in my leg was becoming unbearable as I started to cry. The whole event was finally setting in and wearing down on my mind and body. I could tell Scaley was experiencing the same thing I was. The thought seemed to make my leg ache even more as I finally stopped.

     "I can't – I – I need to breath." I panted tears streaming down my face as everything came crashing down. This whole night is insane.

     "We can't or it'll catch up to us." Scaley gasped as he turned back to me. He was also catching his breath.

     "Look, Scaley, I have no idea what is going on. You are literally from a different world or planet. You have electricity. You fell out of the sky and brought your friends and two terrifying ones. And I have no idea what to do with this glowing rock!" I exclaimed. The stone glowed again at my statement.

     "Give it to me then."

     "What?"

     "The Heart or as you call it a "glowing rock." Hand it over to me, then." He stated as if everything would go back to normal with a simple exchange.

     "Fine here you go – ah!" I yelled as the stone seared my hand. Another force field emitted from the mineral as it shields itself from being handed over. The voices came back in a scolding tone, causing a headache to form at the front of my mind. It ended as quickly as it started.

     "What just happened?" I asked.

     "I shall explain later. Right now, it is my job to get you and the Heart a safe distance from my squad's crash site." Scaley stated as he once again marched forward. Noise from our left startled the both of us. Sparks danced around Scaley's hands as he moved in front of me waiting for the maker of the sound to appear. However, when the noise became clear I let the air I was holding escape my lungs.

     "Oh, Taffy thank gosh it's you!" I moved out from behind the being as I approached the gentle beast as it made its appearance. Taffy seemed to have calmed but I could tell he was also ready for this nightmare to be over.

     "He knows the way back." At the sound of his voice I turned to the scale being. I gave him a skeptical look at his words.

     His head slightly tilted to the side. "Taffy. He knows the way back from which you two came. You must take the Heart and keep it with you at all times." Scaley firmly instructed as he walked up. Taffy slightly backed up still on edge from the night events. Scaley crouched to the ground as he encased his hands together before looking up at me.

     "What are you doing?"

     "I am assisting you on mounting this giant."

     "His name is Taffy, and you don't need to." I stated but I accepted his offer either way. His offer allowed me to prevent extra force being applied to my injured leg. I made sure the stone or Heart was safely tucked away in the front pocket of my hoodie. The Heart secured I turned back to Scaley surprised to see that he was just standing there.

     "What about you?"

     "I shall find you soon. I must make sure the rest of my squad is still accounted for." Although his tone was firm and cold his eyes seemed to dim a bit. I mentally prayed that his squad was alright.

    "Wait – how will you find me?" I asked as his words fully registered. The corners of his mouth tilted upwards.

    "Don't worry about it, Earthling."