Until We Fly: The Guardian Legacy

Chapter 18: Wolfborn

Static was patient, sitting forward and intently listening to my long story drag on.
From when I first found my Mothers katanas, all the way to the destruction of Jūx.

Her eyes were wide open, brimming with curiosity each time I went into detail. Whether about the snarling grimace carved into Jūx's face or simply the way someone's hair or clothes would flow.
Honestly, it felt really good to just let it all out in one, extended rant.

We were both sat, cross-legged on the floor with only my small desklamp lighting the room.

Though I had once thought of her as bratty and arrogant, I now realised that I felt completely at peace around this strange girl.
The same kind of natural relaxation I would with Köleil or Nim. Perhaps even stronger.
Which was odd considering I hadn't known her long at all. Especially compared to those other two.
And even more especially considering it was...well...me.
I don't tend to like people. Let alone so easily.

Maybe it was just the atmosphere or the release of my past.
But either way, I enjoyed it.

"Wow...no wonder you're so close to all these people! You've all been through so much together..."

"Yeah...never a dull moment over here."
I chuckled.

"I've never experienced a connection as strong...what's it like?"

"What? Come on, there has to be someone you are or have been close to?"

She shook her head.

"Not even Blank?"

"I don't know...I think we used to be close at one point. But you know, nothing lasts forever."

"Why? What happened?"

"I...don't really want to get into it...looking back, I can see how selfish and stupid I was being...it was a dumb reason to lose her..."

"Well, I'm sure she understands by now. Maybe you should try talking to her about it?"

Static pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them and leaning her head against her knees.

"...no...but...can you just tell me about you mum? I know it's a touchy subject, but I'm curious..."

"...well...she was a Guardian, as I said. My father was her Warrior. After having children, she gave her up old life to give us a better life. To be a proper mother. We lived in Cathentia. It wasn't safe, but it was away from people. Halfies like me are shunned literally everywhere. But when Mum got cursed, it messed with her crystal, cracking it and making it fade. I knew if she died, she could just come back. But Dad was drunk, he was mindless...when she did pass, he just destroyed it. He just smashed her crystal because it looked weird. It was a dumb way to lose such a great person..."

With a small sigh, I stood up and stretched my arms.
"Jeeze, look at the time! We've been here a while. Nim will have dinner ready soon."

Static's gaze followed mine towards the clock.

"...huh..."

"You coming with?"

"No. I think I'll just go back to my room. I'm not really hungry anyway..."

"Don't be silly. Come on." I grabbed her hand, pulling her up, "You haven't eaten all day."

"...okay..."

It took me longer than it should have to realise I hadn't let go.
Static awkwardly stared at our hands as I pulled away, heading towards the door.