Aftermath

Chapter 3+4

So, I usually try not to do those author note things, but I figured I should warm you that This chapter spans like, 3 years, just showing the most memorable moments, to give you an idea of what she does, along with meeting up with Morgan (a very important figure that if you don't know who she is yet, you will by the end of the chapter) and all that jazz. You gotta remember that this chapter is in the past, like a series of flashbacks, until the last section, which is present tense. Thx!
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I run, my breath coming out in ragged gasps as the hills fly by under my feet. I'd been running since skylight, trying to cross the wall as quickly as possible. The only problem? The wall was a 67 mile thick strip of land, place in a perfect circle, upon which no plants grew, no streams wound, and no animals traversed.

Along the inner edge the king had built his walls, forming a perfect circle of protection. A kingdom larger than life, ruled justly, protected by a three rings. The innermost, and weakest, being a 50 foot tall, 15 foot thick, stone wall. The second, and the strongest, being a ring of barren land which no one in their right mind would dare cross.
The third, though it's the first 'you shall not pass' to intruders, is a thick jungle of thorns and snakes. A leafy green death.

I grin at the thought, though it quickly turned to a frown when I realized what an effort that took. I look ahead as far as I can, and I can barely make out a thin green haze on the horizon.

I push myself harder, land blurring in my haste. It takes almost an hour, but I get there. Pausing at the entrance to the trap I pull out a flask of water and guzzle it as I search the wall of green for an entrance.

I find one almost immediately. I cautiously place a foot in, then jump back as darts fire at the tree is stood by mere moments before.
On to the next one, then.
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Five hours. It takes five goddamned hours for me to find a path that doesn't kill you within 5 steps.

I look up from the near-unnoticeable path as a scream reaches my ears. I put my hand on my sword, preparing to draw it when the scream sounds again. This time I recognize it for what it really is.

An animal. The wail of a terrified creature being eaten alive. I'd heard it only once, many years ago, and I'm reminded now of why I'd wished to never hear it again.
It mimicked the cry of death himself.
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I leap forward, stabbing my opponent right in the middle. I spin, preparing to slice off their head, only to ram into something with a force so strong I fall back, rolling to land on a knee.

I look up, expecting to see an actual person, but laugh at the sight on a thick tree branch, the bark smeared with blood. I laugh so hard tears leak from my eyes, causing Luna, ever the lover, to come lap them up off my face.

I push her away, laughing even harder as she does what seem to be a pout, which quickly turns to a yelp as her brother, Sol, pounces on her.

"Well", I gasp upon hearing the voice, sitting up quickly and turning to face the young woman. "Playing with the dogs now are we?"

I almost get angry, but relax when I hear the tone of voice. She's teasing me.

"Yes indeed, preparing for you, milady"

She grins and draws a sword. A challenge? I observe her carefully. She's off balance, the heavy sword tilting her to the right. I nod, smiling.
Challenge way accepted.
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I run through the forest, trees blurring, Luna and Sol right at my heels. I breathe in time with my heart, beating frantically against my ribcage.