Wither Sickness Book 5: Legends Remembered

No Easy Way Out

Sylvie pov:

With my sword now in my hand, I glance around warily.

"Where are we?" Olivia asks faintly.

"Genesis' training grounds," I say simply, as my gaze hardens, "This place is no joke and it's even more dangerous now that I don't have my powers."

I hear a loud screech and I cover my ears.

As the screeching came to an end I removed my hands from my ears and turned to face the rest of the group.

"I suggest you start running," I say quickly.

"What why?" Axel asks, rasing his arched brow.

"That's why," I say and point towards a giant red bird soaring in the sky.

"Oh geez," Olivia mutters.

I begin running, dashing through the forest.

The rest of the gang follows me.

I sprinted through a puddle of mud and suddenly something ferocious leaps from my left, catching me off guard.

I fell to the ground, the white tiger clawing at my face and it's sharp fangs prepared to sink into my skin.

I forgot about these things.

The ferocious animal is thrown off me and Jesse punctures it with her glistening sword, killing it.

She then turns to me and helps me up.

"Thanks," I breathe faintly.

"No problem," She says as I catch my breath.

The red bird from earlier swoops down and spreads it's long wings.

"Guys go go go!" I say hastily.

I let them run.

"Just go straight!" I shout, "I'll get this thing off your backs!"

"What! We shouldn't separate. It's too dangerous," Jesse says rapidly.

"Unless you want to die, I suggest we separate besides I'll find you. If not, well then you're screwed."

The flying nuisance was coming closer.

"Go now!"

Fortunately, they do as I say and Jesse doesn't retort.

I began taking off in a different direction and the bird follows me.

Alright you got this. You've only done this a million times.

I can't help but grit my teeth though. The endless hours I spent doing this, the techniques that were burned into my brain from the intense practices Genesis put me through. I clench my fists, she's manipulated me so much.

(Sylvia Pov:)

I have to get out of here.

If I don't, Genesis is going to end up killing me.

I groan in agony and the bruises on my body stung.

I can't let her kill me. Jesse and the gang need my help.

But getting out of here is a long shot and with the state I'm in I can barely breathe.

I tap on the silver watch on my wrist. Luckily, the one I gave Jesse wasn't my only watch.

Without warning, Genesis teleports in front of me which makes me jump.

She smirks and kneels.

"Y'know you can end your misery here little one," She says, 'sympathy' in her tone, "Hmmm maybe if I show you something your mind will change."

With that she snaps her fingers and we're in a different place.

We are both on a hill overlooking a grand city, pillars made out of gold.

"Stand up," Genesis orders.

I hesitantly obey and stand to my feet, surprisingly I felt no pain.

"Look around, this place could be yours. You could even rule the whole world Sylvia," She gazes at the city below, "Join me and I'll give you greater things than what is before you."

I clench my fists.

"...I.... I," I gulp and take a deep breath before gritting my teeth, "Even if I could have a...all o...of this it w..wouldn't m..matter."

"Oh my dear you are so oblivious... Of course it matters after all power is everything," Genesis states as she folds her hands behind her back.

"I would never join you!" I exclaim boldly.

"Heh," She glances at me and the way her eyes are lighting up suggests danger, "Suit... Yourself."

She snaps her fingers and all of a sudden I'm in dark place falling.

I can't scream as I'm being plummeted to who knows where.

Who kills their own sibling....? A whisper inquired.

No... No I just did what I had to do.

...All you wanted was your sibling, but even she was against you....

Memories came flooding into my mind.

"Where'd you teleport him!"

"Oh somewhere far," Sylvie said with smirk.

My heart ached at those memories.

You are not loved...

"Ew, look at her... What a freak."

I've never let those words get to me, but now I feel it affecting me.

You can't escape Sylvia....

You're trapped with these experiences forever.

The moment of where I killed my own sister replayed vividly in my mind.

My mind was tormenting me, replaying moments I had suppressed.

I was shaken to my core as the most vulnerable moments of my life replayed constantly, it felt like I was experiencing those moments all over again.

Suddenly I was back in the cell, my hair was dangling over my watery eyes and I breathed heavily (it was starting to hurt again but it was necessary, I had to breathe).

I wanted to scream...

I wanted to plead for Genesis to let me out of here...

"Join me..."

No!

"Join me!"

I can't... Betray them.

"You think they really care?"

Doubt struck me s I began questioning that.

"I can give you all of your heart's desires..."

"...I..."

"I can give you the life you've always wanted..."

I felt myself giving in and for once I felt drawn to this. I was betraying the people I desired to protect, but I felt like I was no longer in control of myself.

"I'll join you."

As the words slipped out of my mouth, I instantly screamed.

Agony coursed through my body as I trembled violently.

I felt my body burning and I felt like I was getting a million tattoos. As I quickly glanced at the palm of my hand, I noticed vibrant red symbols and my eyes quickly widened. No.... I didn't know about this.

"Finally Sylvia," Genesis said rapidly, "Now... This is going to be a whole lot of fun."