Courageous Compassion | Illinois x Reader |

Crashed

It has been almost 2 hours and we, or I, have not decoded the riddle. It is so complicated that I tried to take the Sherlock out of me. It would probably be more effective if Illinois helped me.

I would take a peek at what he was doing and he seemed to have some notes with him. The last time I looked, it had a sketch of what almost looked like the idol at the other temple.

It was almost dead silent and it would be if it weren't for the deep hum of the jet. I looked out my window to see the night sky and the clouds. Stars glistened in the dark void we call space and it is beautiful.

If I had my phone or earbuds on me, I would probably play some music or listen to an audiobook because I don't like the silence. It would make me feel alone even though I have someone next to me.

[Y/N] So...uh...why the elephant?

Illinois turned to my face, an eyebrow raised high.

[Illinois] What do you mean?
[Y/N] I mean, why do they call it the Temple of the Lost Elephant?
[Illinois] Well...

He gave me a page of the few papers. There was a sketch of the idol. It was shaped like an elephant, trunk high and I could hear the sound it made.

[Illinois] Elephants are majestic and mysterious creatures. Yes, they may seem cute and friendly. But everyone and thing has their dark side. The temple was first thought to be "Temple of Blood," but they thought of something else.

He leaned over to my seat and pointed at the elephant.

[Illinois] People who inhabit around that temple, face death caused by elephants monthly. This temple doesn't have elephants, luckily. But they say the spirits of the deaths are transferred into that temple. They say you could hear the screams and cries of the fallen along with elephant noises.

He pointed to the trunk.

[Illinois] That is why the trunk in high in air.
[Y/N] So, what does it symbolize?
[Illinois] Elephants are, perhaps, one of the most widely known symbol of incredible strength, but noble, quiet one. Elephants are rarely ascribed aggression, violence or blood thirst, unlike lions, bears, wolves or other animals representing strength. Elephants are seen wise, noble, and powerful animals.
[Y/N] So that is why they named the temple after elephants?
[Illinois] Yes. Since elephant represent strength, and if one irresponsible or dangerous hand lays a finger on it, it'll give them power no human can contain. This is why we have to get there before those raiders get there.

Just then, the jet rumbled a little, making us shake in our seats. Then the intercom came on with a loud bleep.

[Venus] We have some rough wind in our way. Stay seated for safety until it goes steady. Thank you!

Venus ended that sentence on that note and we were still shaking. I held onto my seat belt, fear creeping up and down my spine. I felt a hand on my knee and I already knew who it was. I took a look at Illinois, him reaching my knee in reassurance.

I swiped my knee to my left and looked out my window, still gripping onto my belt. The jet had gone back to normal and I gave out a sigh.

[Venus] You are now, again, free to move around the cabin.

I let my head hang as I hand back the sketch to Illinois. He got it back and lined them up with the other papers and put them away.

I looked at the riddle paper, folded them up, and put it back in my pocket.

My stomach grumbled a small bit and I wrapped my hands around it, trying to muffle the sounds. But that didn't work because it made the noises louder.