Curse of the Phoenix

Ch.47 -A Gift

Dru~

I shifted back, and doubled over, coughing. Gladly, my clothes were still on, but they were a little worn, as if they had been in use for years. Angela had been on the sidelines, while Solembum showed me exactly what I was capable of when I was in the other form.

He showed me how easy it was to walk, it was the same as when you were crawling on your hands and knees but faster. Running was the best. I also had a set of claws. Solembum showed me that with a good enough blow you could shred the bark from a tree.

We had been as animals for around two hours before we shifted back. Angela was sitting cross-legged, a pair of knitting needles in her hand and a basket of yarn, varying in color. I didn't know what she was knitting, but it looked like a sweater. She had an arm and part of the middle done, if my assumption was correct. She didn't even look up, just pointed over towards a large rock, where my shoes, sword, belt buckle and everything else I had to take off were sitting in a small, neat, pile.

"Thank you." I said.

"It's fine. While you were out chasing things and acting like kittens, I talked to Arya and told her we would be late. The rest of your siblings have awoken, it's about time we show them what they can do as well. Though, make sure you get something to eat first. You don't want to know what it's like shifting with an empty stomach."

"I'll remember that. Do you know how to get back?"

"I do. Get dressed first, then we can go. Truthfully, we're not far, we just went in a few circles and I cast a spell here and there so we would remain undisturbed."

"Why?"

"The elves don't have many shape-shifters. There's a family who can be in the form of wolves. Eragon briefly encountered the mother when he was in Ellesmera before. Now, hurry, we have to go!"

She began to pack up what little she had, and I put my shoes on. Everything else I would have to take off later, so I wouldn't even bother with putting them back on. Except for my necklace. I hid that under my shirt. I was even uncomfortable leaving it here when I left with Solembum. I would have to be more careful, now that I knew what the necklace really was.

We began the walk back, and it was as if I was seeing everything for the first time. My vision seemed to be stronger than normal, as well as my hearing and sense of smell.

Solembum...what is this? I asked.

You shifted. Now, you are like your mother was. And, similar to what happened to Eragon. Not as strong as what happened to him, but similar. Your senses have been heightened, and your metabolism is most likely increased. Nothing harmful.

I'll take your word for that.

Why wouldn't you? He asked. I didn't reply, just continued following Angela. Eventually we were back on the path. I heard a trumpet, and saw the flash of golden scale. Loth was above us. He tried to ask me what happened, but I stopped him. He would see in a moment. Better keep it until the others could do the same.

When we walked back into Tialdari hall, everyone stared at us.

"You're a bit late." Murtagh said.

"What is it you want to show us?" Arya asked quietly.

"Where is everyone else? And we need to be in the right place. Just the seven of us, as well as Angela and Solembum." My stomach suddenly growled, and I remembered I needed to eat before changing again. "Can i have something to eat? I need to before we go." I explained.

"Dru, why?" Arya asked.

"I'll explain everything later, I promise. Just please, we have to hurry up. The faster we do this the better." After that nobody questioned me. I ate half a loaf of bread and downed three glasses of water. After that I stood and went outside.

"Angela, could we just return to where we were?"

"Of course. Go find your siblings first." At that time they all slowly joined us.

"Dru, where have you been?" Luke asked.

"Hold on dude. You'll see in a minute. Just follow Angela." I said. He just shrugged and then waited for everyone else. He had to lean on me. Mikael could stand, but his hands were burned. Alice and Luna were both awake, but Alice had hurt her eyes and Luna had burned her mouth when the bird flew out.

"Is that everyone?" I said. Murtagh took over on helping Luke walk, so I was unburdened. "Let's go." I said. Angela began to walk, and I followed. It seemed only a moment until we were back in the clearing.

Everything was the same, except this time I was showing everyone else.

"Alright everyone, make room. Just, a few paces away, that would be best." Angela said. She walked over to the edge, the only person I couldn't see, and I guessed that it was if something went wrong, she'd be there to help in moments. Solembum sauntered over to me.

Solembum, its fine, I know how to do this now.

I know. He blinked once at me, his eyes changing from yellow to a blue color, and then walked behind me to sit next to Angela.

"Whatever you do, don't run. Don't move. Just watch." I said. Last time I had closed my eyes, but this time I only used my eyes. And then I began to pull.

It was as if there was an internal tug of war going on in my gut. A weak someone on the other side. Then I pulled.

I got to one knee as I felt it begin, then dug my hands into the dirt. A brush of wind. A tremble. My skin tingled. And then gasps as it was all over. I opened my eyes again. And I could once again, truly see. I looked over at everyone.

Murtagh just stared. Arya didn't seem so surprised, but then again there was an elven family of shapeshifters. My own siblings seemed to be the most affected. Mikael and Luke were staring, theirs mouths agape. Alice had a hand over her mouth, and Luna was blinking quickly, as if she couldn't process what had just happened.

I felt a little itchy, so I shook myself the way a dog would if it was wet. Then I blinked and stretched.

"Dru?" Luke asked. "Is that you?"

Of course it is, stupid. I thought aloud. This is why mom took us to the forest. Each of you can shift too, you know. Im positive Iara and Marumen can as well.

"Did that hurt?"

Wait until I change back, please. Talking is easier.

I prepared myself for the change back. I imagined walking. Then I tingled again, and my bones had a warm feeling. Then I was standing again. I leaned over and coughed once, then looked back up. Everyone continued to stare at me. I held out my arms.

"Second for me. It's simple once you know how."