by Amey Coleman
It began to slowly fade away. I lifted my head up to watch a ball of light head back down into the cave. I looked at everyone and seen they had wide eyes. The light quickly disappeared, as my eyes blurred back into their original sight.
I felt a sense of urgency, “We need to check this out!”
The Blue Crow looked back at me and nodded her head.
“Are you serious right now?” my grandpa chortled.
Jack chuckled, “Why not? I could use a little adventure in my life.”
My grandpa quickly smirked, “Is this not enough for you?”
Jack nodded his head, “Nope.”
“Brad, talk Milly out of it!” my mother demanded.
He shrugged his shoulders to her and explained, “Lillian, she is only adventurous because of me.”
I saw her scrunch her eyebrows together and fold her arms reluctantly. I demanded, “Let’s go.”
The Blue Crow flew down into the cave, and paused to sniff around. We hopped off of her back to discover the Egg of Bravery was now cracked into two gigantic pieces of faded gold.
Jack walked up to the top piece and asked, “What do you reckon this would pay out?”
I smiled, to only have it turn into a grimace. I swept around to follow a scampering noise.
“Is there a good side to it opening?” I quickly asked.
“Why?” my grandpa asked.
I answered slowly, “Because I think it is in here.”
“Well, another legend I have heard, is that ‘when the beast is released, bravery will be everlasting’,” he quoted.
I circled the broken egg to find a tiny baby bird cowering. Its red feathers were eminent, and made it hard to not stare. It eyed me curiously, but each time I approached the scared little hatchling, it whimpered away.
My grandpa and the others soon joined my side. He stopped in his tracks, “A Phoenix!”
I looked at questionably, “Why are you surprised?”
“They are very rare, for as far as extinction goes, this may be the very last one,” he calmly explained.
“We need to protect it,” I hasted.
I heard Jack smirk, “What happened to it being some giant fire breathing dragon bird, Brad?”
My grandpa shook his head and continued, “From what I do know about these birds, a human can’t touch them.”
“You mean won’t,” my dad said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because a human will be instantly poisoned by their feathers,” my dad answered shortly.
My grandpa added, “Also, a Phoenix chooses its owner.”
“What if it doesn’t ever choose one?” Olivia piped up.
“The Phoenix will burst into flames and die with all of Cumberland’s bravery,” my grandpa solemnly answered.
I looked back at the baby Phoenix, and watched as it stood up. It looked at all of us slowly. It walked closer to us, and paused in front of me. I smiled at the Phoenix gingerly, and I held out my hand. Olivia grabbed my wrist and whined, “You will get poisoned!”
I shook my head and explained, “I feel like it wants me.”
She looked at me carefully and released my arm. The baby Phoenix sniffed my hand and happily jumped up into my palm. I looked around to see Jack and Olivia with their mouth agape. My parents didn’t seem to be surprised, nor did Mason or my grandpa.
I looked down at the bird, and whispered, “You wouldn’t hurt me would you?”
The Phoenix shook its head at me, and used my index finger to carefully caress the baby birds head. I placed the baby Phoenix on my shoulder, and felt it snuggle down. I looked at my hands and exclaimed, “I feel just fine!”
No one responded.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I stood by the opening of the cave, careful to not step off. The baby Phoenix nestled on my shoulder, and I turned to watch the sky turn orange. I looked at my grandpa and asked, “How much time do we have left?”
“Six, maybe eight, hours left. The time is slow here, and never accurate,” he shrugged.
“Will that give us time to find my father?” Mason worried.
My grandpa looked out to the opening and sighed, “If we hurry, then yes.”
Olivia approached me with a smile, and reached out her hand, “Hey baby Phoenix.”
She was quickly stopped by my mother who told her, “Don’t touch the bird.”
Olivia shrugged, “Milly is.”
My parents stared at each other immensely and my dad said, “Let’s not push it, just in case.”
Olivia nodded, “Okay, then.”
I looked at her apologetically and my grandpa added, “The bird picked Milly, maybe that is why it is not harming her.”
I could sense a quiver in his voice, which he usually only had when he told a lie. I looked into his eyes, and shook my head, why would he lie to me?
My parents eyed him, with big eyes. Mason, also, looked at him with wide eyes. I looked around to each of them, trying to make sense of it all. My thoughts were quickly disclosed, when my grandpa started to giggle.
He smiled, “But, I could be wrong.”
“Maybe,” my dad affirmed.
“Where would Holden be found?” I questioned, trying to change the subject.
My grandpa paced back and forth, then concluded, “I might know.”
I felt push on my hand, and saw the Blue Crow standing next to me. I looked up at her, and knew she must be hungry.
I nodded, “Go ahead and eat. We will be right here waiting.”
She flew away in haste, and disappeared into the trees. Olivia questioned me, “Do you think she will come back?”
“I don’t have a doubt in the world, that she will come back,” I smiled.
I turned back to my grandpa and asked, “Well, where was the last place you knew where Holden was?”
He stared out into the open and answered, “In a tree top near the Onyx Waterfall.”
“That shouldn’t be too far away,” Mason paused, “I just hope he will come back home with us.”
I placed my hand on his shoulder and reassured, “He will, you are his son, why would he not?”
My dad asked, “Well, we need to go, but why the Blue Crow is not back yet?”
I shrugged my shoulders, “A few more minutes shouldn’t harm us any.”
My grandpa stated, “Cumberland is full of enchanted creatures, don’t be too sure.”
I felt Mason’s hand tighten in mine, and asked my grandpa, “Are you sure he will still be there?”
He looked to the side, “I hope. I wouldn’t have any clue, as to where he would go. I am telling you the truth.”
Mason nodded, and my grandpa continued, “But, do keep in mind, he does not look human. You know this, so why worry if he will follow us back up to the Earth?”
I met Mason’s eyes and he claimed, “I want to meet my real father. Whether he stays with me, or not, I will always love him.”
A smile etched out of the corner of my mouth. I felt awed at his respect towards his father. I knew I had to embrace him, to let him know how much I care about him. How much I, love, him. So I did just that.
I started to hear rocks moving around. Olivia stared at me and piped up, “Is that the Blue Crow?”
I looked down and saw two twin girls climbing up. I looked back at everyone and exclaimed, “It is Holly and Molly!”
Olivia spewed, “What are they doing here?”
I shook my head, without answering, I took a few steps back. My hands began to shake, and I could see everyone else begin to tense up as well. I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled slowly out of my nose.
They popped up over the ledge, and Holly said, in a pant, “We are, here to, help. Our mother, aka Queen Carolyn, is planning something drastic for you.”
“Why should we trust you?” I countered.
“Why are you being hostile?” Holly asked.
“You guys made my life a living crap hole!” I raised my voice trying to sound menacing.
“Explain,” my grandpa stated.
“The ones you lived with were clones our mother made of us. Clones are heartless, and do not care about anyone but themselves. She knew we were too caring, so she replaced us,” Holly said.
I looked at Mason, and saw him begin to snarl, “You are lying!”
Holly and Molly stared at each other and started to smile. I looked at Jack and he continued to watch the twins intensely. They cocked their heads towards me, and stared at my shoulder. I looked over and remembered about the sleeping baby Phoenix.
Molly said, “You are right to not trust us, Milly.”
“Huh?” I questioned.
“They are the clones,” Olivia said to me.
“Where are the real Holly and Molly?” I demanded.
They shrugged their shoulders and answered, “Don’t know, and don’t care. We want the Phoenix.”
Holly and Molly mirrored each other as they reached behind their backs. They said, “One more chance, gives us the Phoenix or else.”
“Why should I give you the Phoenix?” I snarled.
They quickly stole a glance and then back at me, “Our mother has plans for the pest.”
The Phoenix awoke, squawking and hissing at them. They each pulled out a small handgun, and said, “Now!”
I looked at my grandpa and he held out a finger to silence me before I could talk. I looked over to Jack and saw his hand pulling a gun out of the back of his jeans. He raised it towards them, and Holly quickly shot it out of his hand.
I stopped and watched them carefully, as they aimed at me. I shook my head and raised my hands. I yelled, “Go ahead! Shoot me, but you will never get this bird!”
“Don’t be so sure about yourself,” Holly smirked. Molly giggled at her sister.
She held up her gun, and placed a finger on the trigger. I took a deep breath in and closed my eyes. I really need a miracle right now, I thought to myself.
I heard one of them scream, and deep growl come from their direction. I slowly opened my eyes to see Rolf jump up from behind them. I looked at Olivia with wide eyes, “Where did he come from?”
“He snuck up behind them,” she tried to say quietly.
He turned to us and asked, “Are you okay?”
I nodded, and out of the corner of my eye I caught Olivia starting to tear up. I looked back at Holly and Molly and saw them without their guns. Holly started to charge at Rolf and I quickly pointed, “Rolf, look out!”
He turned his head, and quickly raised his rear legs. With one thrust, he kicked her off the ledge, leaving behind only her screams to echo. Molly eyed Rolf, and we walked towards her with a lowered head. I could hear a growl muster from his throat.
She edged closer to the end of the cliff, and stopped as she about fell. She pulled out a knife, and began to cackle loudly. Rolf barked, and head-butted her off.
We walked over to him and Olivia quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. I heard her say, “I missed you so much.”
The necklace he had given her, revealed itself as she bent down. She looked down and asked, “Did you want this crystal back?”
He looked up at her and answered, “No, I gave it to you. It is my promise to you, that I will always protect you.”
“Sorry to break up the welcome wagon, but there are just too many of us to keep traveling,” Jack said.
My dad piped up, “I and my wife would like to go home. I trust Milly and you guys you will do fine.”
“Why?” I asked frantically.
My dad placed his hand on my cheek, as my mom held my arm. He explained, “We will wait for you there. Trust us, you will be fine.”
I nodded, fighting back tears, I hugged them tightly, “I just got you back!”
Rolf said, “I know of an alternative way out. Why are you all not coming?”
“We need to find Holden,” my grandpa answered.
“Why?” Rolf asked.
“He is my father, that I have never met, and would like to meet so I can learn more about myself,” Mason answered.
Rolf nodded, “I will take them safely there.”
My grandpa stepped forward, “I will go with you as well.”
“You were supposed to help us find Holden,” Olivia exclaimed.
“Just go where I told you, he shouldn’t have wandered too far,” he told us.
He turned to Mason and added, “When you find him, tell him where to find me.”
Mason nodded.
They climbed down the cliff just leaving us by ourselves. I felt saddened, yet more worried than normal.
I turned to look at Jack; he quickly noticed my concern, “What’s wrong?”
“I am confused.”
“They are going to be safe,” he assured.
“No, not that,” I shook my head.
“Then what?” he pressed.
“Why would my cloned parents protect me, if clones are without hearts?” I quizzed.
He sighed, “A heart is not just an organ placed in your body.”
Olivia giggled, “Yes, it is.”
Jack looked at her and continued back at me, “Anyways, a heart is grown in fetal stages. If it fails to grow in the body within eight weeks, the clone becomes lifeless,” he paused, “But, if a heart finds an owner, it will beat until their duty is complete.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I waited for the Blue Crow to reappear, “Where is she?”
Jack stood at the ledge and pulled his lips back. He blew out letting a sharp whistle brisk through the open. I looked back down and pointed in excitement, “There she is.”
I watched as she lifted her head. Below her, were her babies feeding on some berries. She nudged her babies, and they quickly filled their tummies to hop on her back. I waved at them.
Mason ushered us back away from the ledge, and awaited there for her. The baby Phoenix poked its head up, and watched with us.
She flew back up and hovered near the ledge. This made it easier to climb on her back. I sat next to her babies, who nestled on her head. I told her, “We need to get to the Onyx Waterfall.”
She made a quiet purr noise, and nodded her head.
Olivia tugged at my shirt, and I looked back to see she had traded spots with Mason, “Can you see that? It is so beautiful.”
I followed her gaze and watched as we neared the Onyx Waterfall. I stared in amazement. The way my grandpa described it, didn’t sound as pretty as it was.
I smiled at Olivia, but grimaced when I noticed the tree top my grandpa told us about, was cut down.
“What do we do now?” I asked sadly.
I felt the bird stop and we exchanged looks. I felt something hit my leg, and I looked down to watch a small rock fall down to the ground. I looked around but didn’t see anything else.
I turned to Olivia as she yelped, “Ouch!”
“What happened?” I asked.
“A rock hit me!” she complained.
“Me too,” I admitted.
The Blue Crow jumped up and squawked. I looked around and Jack yelled, “The rocks are coming from the Onyx Waterfall!”
I watched it carefully, to see more rocks sling out of it. I looked at Mason and he shared a curious look with me.
We flew towards the waterfall, and I asked, “How are rocks being thrown?”
“I am not sure,” Jack answered.
My baby Phoenix flew up off of my shoulder and disappeared behind the Onyx Waterfall. I yelled, “Hey! Come Back!”
We giggled a bit, and the Blue Crow flew over to where the baby Phoenix disappeared. I peered behind the blanket of white Onyx, and noticed a ledge.
We landed on the ledge, and concluded, “Let’s follow this to see where it goes.”
Olivia sarcastically added, “Yeah, and to see who assaulted us.”
We slowly followed the ledge, which shortly lead us inside a small damp cave. The Blue Crow hesitantly trailed behind us. I heard a small chirp and lo
oked down to see the baby Phoenix. I picked him up and placed him back on my shoulder.
The Blue Crow began to growl, which made us stop in our tracks. I followed the Blue Crow’s gaze towards the darkest part of the cave. She continued to growl, as Olivia gasped.
At first, I did not see anything, but as I looked harder, I could see a pair of yellow eyes. I couldn’t feel myself breathe, and I felt paralyzed. I just continued to stare blindly into the eyes.
Mason hopped in front of me and snarled, “Who are you? What do you want?”
Silence echoed through the cave. I heard some rustling, but didn’t see the eyes move. I placed my hand on Mason’s shoulder and said, “Maybe they are not anything. We have been traveling all day, without any sleep.”
“I am very real,” a deep raspy voice, interrupted us.
I looked back at the yellow eyes and watched as they moved closer. By the sound of their footsteps, I could tell it was a man. He seemed to be very tall, as the outline of his body became apparent.
Mason relaxed himself, “Who are you?”
The man paused, as he began to walk towards a sliver of light, “You know who I am, my son.”
I could hear a small gasp release from his lips. The man stepped closer and warned, “You need to leave Cumberland. I keep close tabs on Carolyn. She is very angry and has evil plans for all of you,” he paused and turned to me, “Especially you.”
I started breathe heavily, “Why me?”
Mason shook his head and asked, “Are you a Gargoyle?”
“Half. You know the other half,” Holden answered.
Jack changed the subject, “What are her plans?”
Holden answered, “I am not sure, but she is particularly interested in Milly, just like how she was with her parents.”
“Why?” I asked, starting to get impatient.
“You are more special than you realize. More so, than your parents,” he said holding my chin.
“Can we trust you?” Olivia countered.
He nodded.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Holden approached each one of us, shaking our hands. He clasped onto my hand and pulled it to his lips. He then did the same with Olivia.
He announced, “My name is Holden Crane Bridges, and I was a pawn in Carolyn’s experiments.”