Secrets

chapter 35 : Change of heart (past event) part one

Cora's P.O.V

I found myself perched by the riverbank, my legs throbbing with agony and my face stinging from the jagged scratches that matted my fur. Warm blood trickled down my chin, mingling with the rain that fell relentlessly. 'She's gone... she's truly gone.'

Hours seemed to slip away as I remained motionless, paralyzed by a heavy despair. 'Pyro... it had to be him!' I glared into the distance, a low growl rumbling in my throat. All I could think about was revenge. My mind raced with plans of retaliation. They deserved every bit of it; they were the ones who had taken Solar, the ones who had harmed Hydro, the ones who had shattered my life, violated me, and clawed at my very existence. Did they think their actions were justified? That this was what Arceus wanted? I clenched my jaw, feeling the fire of rage and hatred coursing through my veins. Tears threatened to spill from my eye. "They will pay," I whispered, determination flooding my heart as I pushed myself up.

With great effort, I dragged my paws forward, one of them twisted and painful under my weight, yet I pressed on, even as it threatened to buckle. I had to keep moving; I had to find Quinn and Rea. I had told her to wait in the mountains for either me or Solar... but it seemed I was the only one left now. My vision wavered, each step serving as a brutal reminder of my grim reality. My fur clung to my body, soaked through, while blood continued to drip from my face, and the skin around my missing eye burned with an intensity that made everything feel more difficult. 'But I have to keep going... For Rea... for Solar.'

***

The chill in the air intensified as I approached the forest's edge. My breath came in labored puffs, and my legs felt like jelly beneath me. Though I knew I was close, my weakened state made the distance feel endless. I already ached for her. I shut my eyes, conjuring the image of her—the stunning Espeon, her playful gaze locked onto mine. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself staring at the looming entrance of the mountain territory ahead.

"Cora?!" The familiar call of my older sister broke through the haze. A smile almost formed as I spotted the black Umbreon sprinting toward me, concern etched across her face. She reached my side, offering her support just when I needed it most. I exhaled shakily as she led me to a small crevice in the mountainside. There, nestled in a cozy bed of moss that Quinn had clearly prepared, was my beloved daughter. I let myself crumple onto the cold ground, indifferent to the chill. Quinn's eyes widened in horror as she took in my appearance. "Cora... Your face... Wh—"

"Please, just be quiet... I don't want to talk," I cut her off. I adored my sister, but I didn't need a reminder of my wounds. I was all too aware of the ugly scar marring my features. I needed to find a way to shield my empty eye socket from infections. My head dropped onto my paws, consumed by a profound emptiness.

"Cora... I'll gather some herbs. You just rest here. I... I guess I'll wait until tomorrow to hear what happened," she said, her voice flat, a tremor of fear lacing her words. She looked shaken, though she hadn't endured what I had. I closed my eye, yearning for sleep but finding only the haunting image of the Espeon's lifeless body, twisted and bloodied. A sob escaped my muzzle.

'Please let this just be a nightmare.'

*****

"Mom! Mom! Wake up!" I opened my eye to see Rea bouncing with excitement, her fluffy tail wagging furiously. "You promised to take me out for a hunting lesson today!" I rubbed my one eye, still feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to me. As I sat up, the bright morning sun streamed in, but it didn't warm my heart. Everything felt incomplete without Solar. It had been six moons since I lost her, six moons since everything changed in my world.