A Journey to Remember
Heyo guys. Things really start happening in this chapter. I hope you like it. I need more ideas. I only have up to chapter 11… Please review! I need your opinions
CH9
While Julia and Luke were enjoying the Celebration together, Danielle and the group were enjoying the night with the elders. The feast continued on and different demonstrations and gifts were presented to the Queen and her daughter. Gold, silk, jewelry, and valuables were all common gifts that were presented throughout the night. When everyone seemed to be finished, the sorcerer walked up to Danielle and bowed.
"(If I may, present the princess a gift?)"
"(you may)"
He walked to the center of the rom and clammed a ball on the ground to make a big red smoke cloud. When it cleared, a Husky pup was crawling on the floor. He picked it up and then handed it to the queen.
"(Thank you.)"
The man bowed and then left.
Back at the temple, Luke sat on the ledge swaying his feet while Julia laid down with her head on his lap.
"You alive?" Luke asked softly with a smirk on his face.
He gently brushed some hair out of her face only to reveal her sleeping face. He carefully got to his feet then picked her up and carried her to her bed.
"Thank you for another memorable night Julia." He whispered as he headed out of the room.
Once Danielle entered the temple she headed to Julia's room to check if she was there.
"And who is this little one?" Luke asked with a smile on his face.
"Oh Luke! This pup is Julia's. It's a gift. Do you know where she is?"
"She's asleep in her room." He said motioning to her room.
Danielle smiled and headed to her room. She set the pup down on the bed. It wriggled its way closer to Julia and snuggled next to her. Shortly after, the kingdom settled down and every one was asleep.
The next morning, Julia woke up to the feel of something between her legs. She sat up and saw the pup all curled up sleeping.
"What are you doing here?" She giggled.
Moments later her mother woke and went to check up on Julia.
"That is a gift from the sorcerer. That man is a little scary." She said standing in the door way.
"You should have seen what he did when you weren't here." Julia replied with a smirk on her face.
"It was a bit frightening." Luke said as he walked up behind Danielle.
"Good morning Luke." Her mother said as she turned around.
"Good morning." He said with a smile.
Julia set the pup down on the bed and watched it try to walk around. It's little body sunk in her blankets and eventually rolled over in defeat.
"So what are you going to name her?" Her mother asked as she sat down on the bed.
"Hmmm." She said while rubbing its tummy. "Luna. Your name is Luna."
Later on that day when the sun was starting to go down, Julia and Mika took a walk in the rainforest behind the city. Luna trotted down an old trail that led to a little house in the middle of the forest. Julia opened the door and entered the house. It was all dusty and had holes in the ceiling and walls. The bed was still made and the room was neat. Tree leaves were everywhere and were covering most of the furniture. She walked over to a table and picked up a knocked over picture frame. The picture had her mother holding a baby in her hands with her father admiring them from above. Julia walked around the house inspecting the different trinkets while Luna was wondering the rooms.
"(It's dangerous to be out here alone.)" Kenji said from behind her.
Julia turned around in surprise. He was standing in the doorway with Luna in his arms.
"He said that it is dangerous to be out here alone." Levi said as he walked up behind him.
"I think my parents lived here." He said as she turned around to pick up the picture. "And I think I did too."
She walked over to a broken down cradle and picked up a ball. Luna's ears raided up once she saw the ball.
"(We shouldn't be here.)" Kenji said as he looked out the window.
Levi walked over to peer out. "We should leave Julia. It is getting pretty dark."
They all left the house and headed back to the city.
As they left the city a scout from the neighboring kingdom headed back to their camp and told their leader what had just happened. A meeting was held and all of the elders refused to speak.
"(She was walking with the beast.)" The scout said.
"(Was she with anyone else?)" The leader said.
"(She was with the traitor and some other man. They seemed to guard her.)"
He sat there rubbing his chin in thought. "(We shall visit them soon.)" He said then waved everyone out.
They sent a messenger to alert the kingdom of their visit.
As Julia, Levi, and Kenji reached the city they headed back to the temple. Luna trotted right behind them.
When they reached the temple, Levi left and Kenji set up his hammock in the front room. As Julia sat on the floor, she took the ball out and bounced it against the wall. Luna sprung up and tried to catch it. Kenji watched them play for a while from his hammock. He spoke to her but she did not know what he said to her. Then he spoke some words in English.
"You have a good heart."
She smiled and then tossed the ball to him. He threw the ball in the air and Luna jumped after it. A little while later, Luna plopped on the floor with exhaustion.
"Alright Luna. Let's go to bed."
Right when they got all comfortable in bed, her mom and Levi walked in with a straight face.
"Is something wrong?" She asked
"The leader of the Litvak is coming to meet us tomorrow."
"For what?"
"You."
Kenji walked into the room with a startled face.
"(Litvak?)" Kenji questioned Levi.
"(Yes. Taakan is coming.)" He replied.
Kenji's shoulders dropped and his face drooped with a worried expression.
"What's wrong?" Julia asked.
"Kenji was Litvak. He ran away and is now a traitor to Taakan." Levi replied.
"Who is Taakan? Is he the leader?"
"Yes. He is the strongest they have had in centuries."
Silence fell over them for a little. Luna was fidgeting under the blankets as she was trying to get out.
"(Should I stay out of the way?)" Kenji asked.
"(No. Hold your head up high. You have nothing to fear.)"
"What's going on?" Julia asked
"He asked if he should stay with him. I told him to stand up to him."
"We better get some sleep. Another big day tomorrow." Danielle said out of the blue.
Everyone agreed and dispersed. Julia lay in her bed looking out the window.
"Oh father. Things are happening so quickly." She whispered to herself.
Luna curled up at the foot of the bed and fell asleep.
Crickets were chirping and faint laughing was heard in the distance. Julia opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. She sighed then quietly got out of bed and tiptoed over to the balcony. They city was quiet and the streets were lit with torches everywhere. She slid her legs over the edge and sat down. Her white nightgown flowed in the breeze and her long black hair blew in the wind. She took out her pocket watch and opened it up revealing the picture inside. A black and white picture of her father and mother seemed to glow in the moonlight. She closed her eyes and started humming a tune. Faint music came from a hut down below. She chuckled as she remembered the time she was dancing with the little boy to the same song when they were in Mexico.
"Can't sleep?"
Julia opened her eyes and peered behind her.
"Nope." She replied.
"Me either."
Luke pulled up a stool and sat down next to Julia.
"I see the boys are still up." Luke said looking over at the lit up hut.
"Yeah haha." She said looking out at the view.
"I wonder what is going to happen tomorrow." She said breaking the silence.
"I don't know." He said as he rested his chin on the ledge. "Don't worry."
"I'm just scared. I don't know why they are even coming over for. My mom just said…me." She said as she turned to face the city.
Luke stood up and wrapped his arms around from behind and put his chin on her shoulder.
"You'll be fine."
Julia leaned her head against his.
"What's this?" He asked touching the top of her hand.
A White pattern was on the back of her hand. It seemed to glow.
"I, I don't know." She stuttered in curiosity as she held her hand up.
A little bark came from behind them. They turned around to see Luna walking onto the balcony.
"What are you doing here Luna?" Julia said as she got down from the ledge.
When she bent down to pet her, the glowing mark that Julia had on her hand was also on Luna's forehead. Then when Julia touched her, both of their marks went away.
"That was strange." Julia said.
"Hmmm." Luke bent down to pet Luna.
She whimpered and nudged them as if she were trying to get them to go inside.
"Alright Luna. Let's go back to bed." Julia said standing up.
Luke stood and grabbed her hand before she walked back to her room.
"Hey. Don't worry alright? Get some rest."
Julia smiled and squeezed his hand. A few minutes later, all three were in bed and fast asleep.
The next morning Julia woke up to the sound of little scampering feet. Kenji was sitting on the floor throwing the ball for Luna who was chasing after it. He seemed to enjoy every bit of it. When she walked into the front room, Luna dropped the ball and ran to Julia.
"Wow you are already getting big!" Julia said as she picked her up.
Luna was about as tall as Julia's knees. Her mother and a guard walked into the room with some boxes and chests in their arms. Luna started growling.
"Hey, Luna. Come here." She motioned.
She invited the guard to come closer, then held Luna with one of her arms. The guard peered down at the dog as it growled at him. Julia grabbed his hand and put it on Luna. After a few seconds, Luna quit growling and loosened up. Luna rolled on her back and let the guard rub her belly.
"So what's with the chests?" Julia asked
"Oh those just have some clothes and gifts in them from the other day. Shall we start getting ready?"
"This early?"
"Well they didn't say what time they were going to be here."
"Ok." Julia said with a sigh.
Danielle smiled and then went to go open up a chest. The guard stepped outside and Kenji followed. Luke was still fast asleep in his room.
"Those are so pretty!" Julia exclaimed.
There were tons of dressed laid out on the bed. Luna ran outside with Kenji and the other guard and played fetch.
"Which one should I try on first?" Julia asked
Her mother picked up a light sky blue tinted dress with a purple ribbon that wraps around the chest and handed it to Julia. When she was done putting it on, she twirled so that her mother could see it.
"oooh I like that one."
"Would you like to go to the springs with me? I would like to get washed up."
"Sure."
They headed out of the temple and to the springs. Kenji, Luna, and the other guard followed. Once they arrived, Julia hopped in. Luna jumped in the water right after her. Kenji ran up panting from chasing Luna but then turned around quickly when he saw Julia in the water.
"Sorry princess."
"It's okay. Just stay facing that way." She chuckled
Luna swam around chasing the ball that was floating in the water. Once Julia was done bathing, she got out and laid out in the sun. Luna got out of the water and shook, sending water everywhere. On their way back to the shack, Kenji, Luna, and Luke were playing a game with the kids. As they passed, they all bowed then went back to their game. Once they got back to their temple Julia put on her dress and sat down on the bed. Her mother walked over to a desk and opened the drawer. She smiled as she took out a wooden box.
"What is that?"
Her mother opened the box and held up a slim silver chain with blue gems on it. She motioned for Julia get closer and then grabbed her leg.
"This is what your father was going to give you on your nineteenth birthday."
"Why are you giving it to me now?"
"Well, it matches your dress and I'm sure your father would have given it to you once he saw you again."
She smiled and then put it on her ankle. She gave her mom and hug and then threw the ball for Luna to chase.
"Hey mom. Do you mind if Luna and I go for a walk?"
"Make sure you are back around noon please."
"Thanks! Let's go Luna."
They headed down the temple and took the path behind the city. The guy did not notice her and Luna leave the shack.
Julia opened the house door and walked in. She continued exploring the rooms while Luna curled up on the bed and watched her. She picked up the picture and took it out of the broken frame, then folded it up and put it in a fold of her dress. The wind started blowing and blew the door wide open. Leaves scattered everywhere and Luna jumped up growling. Julia turned around to see what was going on. A jaguar was crouched in the door way cornering Julia. Luna barked and tried to distract it but it just kept on inching toward Julia.
"Kenji! Help!" Julia cried out
Back at the city, Levi stopped peeling his fruit and froze.
"Stop. Listen."
The group stopped what they were doing and listened. There was barking in the distance and an audible shout that was drowned by the vegetation.
"Someone! Please!" She begged.
Kenji bolted down the trail to the house and the group followed close behind.
Julia's back hit the wall and she froze. She closed her eyes as it leaped in the air towards her awaiting the pain that will follow.
Nothing.
She opened her eyes and saw the Jaguar floating above her. She moved away from the wall and walked around the cat. Luna got off of the bed and walked to Julia's side.
"What happened Luna?" She asked looking at her.
Luna sneezed and when she did, some frost particles came out of her nose. Julia bent down and gave Luna a big hug.
"It's so cold. What did you do Luna?" She asked as she touched the Jaguar.
Just then Kenji and the group ran into the house. Levi walked over to Julia and then stared at the jaguar with wide eyes.
"Are you okay?" Levi asked still eyeing the frozen cat.
"I'm fine thanks to Luna."
"You froze him Luna." Luke said walking up to the cat.
"(The legend is real. But…)" Kenji said pausing.
"A woman." Levi said turning to Julia.
"What?" Julia said a little taken back.
"The legend is real. But it was said that the best of man would be the one." Levi explained.
"Wait. All of the stories of the great beast and warrior….is me? I am hardly the warrior." She said sitting down on the bed.
"You are the one Julia." Levi said putting a hand on her shoulder.
She sat there in silence looking at the Jaguar. Kenji walked up to it and stuck it in the side with his spear, killing it.
"(We should get back.)" Kenji said.
Everyone left the house and headed back to the city.
A little Litvak boy saw the whole event and ran back to tell the camp guards what he had just witnessed.
"(I saw the beast! It was in the house!)" He yelled as he ran up to the guards
"(What happened?)" The guard said as he bent down.
"(It froze the spotted cat! The legend is real!)"
The guard stood up, ruffled the boy's hair, and then walked off to Taakan's tent.
"(Tak. We better get a move on.)" The guard said.
"(We are leaving soon.)" He replied.
Back at the city, Kenji took the Jaguar up to Angel to show him what had just happened. Julia and the group gathered up at Danielle's temple and shared the news.
"Are you sure you are okay?" Danielle asked as she held Julia's shoulders.
"I'm fine mom. I'm just a bit startled."
Her mother brushed through Julia's hair as they sat on the bed. Luke and the others waited outside with Luna while Julia got cleaned up. When they were done, Julia sat down on the rocking chair and pulled out the picture she took from the abandoned house.
"Where did you find that?" Her mom asked sitting next to her.
"I found it a broken house. I believe it was our house."
"Well you were born in that house."
"Why did we move?"
Danielle took a big sigh. "Well, when you were born you had different colored eyes. Neighboring tribes came to see you. Once they found out, they wanted to take you away from us. This city defended us the whole time but a few days ago, the Litvak found out about you and Luna. The white beast. They have been looking for you ever sense.
Danielle walked over to a box and picked up some pictures, then sat back down. They both looked at them and smiled. The first picture had a young dark skinned boy holding a baby in his arms. Another picture had the same little boy rolling a red ball towards the baby. They were a little older in the picture because the baby was crouched.
"Who is the boy in these pictures?" Julia asked as she pointed at the picture.
"Ah. He was the sweetest little thing. He came to play with you almost every day. Anyways he was a little Litvak boy. His father was their leader at the time. We never knew his name and we never learned their language."
They both sat there and enjoyed the pictures for a while longer.
"Hungry?" Danielle said as she set the pictures down.
"Yeah a little. You go ahead. I'll meet you down there."
She got up and left while Julia went to go and put the pictures back. Luna trotted in and jumped on the bed with Julia. She petted her and then Luna put her head on Julia's chest. A cold rush went through her body and left her with the goose bumps. Luna then looked up into Julia's eyes. Julia saw a glimmer cross Luna's. A couple moments passed and she snapped out of it. Luna started licking her and it seemed like they both had smiles on their faces.
"Let's go eat some lunch Luna."
They got off of the rocking chair and headed down to the courtyard. Kenji and Levi caught up to her and noticed something different.
"Julia… your eyes." Levi said stepping in front of her.
"My eyes? What's wrong with them?" She asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Your right eye is a hazel color. Didn't they used to be both brown?"
"Wait. Is that a bad thing?"
"No I guess not. It's just different. They look like Luna's now."
"My mother told me I was born with different colored eyes. I guess it just came back."
"I suppose so."
They continued down to the court yard and found almost everyone eating lunch already. They sat down and enjoyed the afternoon together.
"They should be here soon. We might as well stay here and wait for them." Angel said as he took a sip of his drink.
"So what exactly do I have to do?" Julia asked as she sat back on her cushion.
"Not much I believe. Don't worry. Nothing bad is going to happen. We are all going to be here." Her mother said as she rubbed Luna's belly.
Julia gave her a smile of security and went back to playing with Luna. They were playing a game of keep away with the group. All of a sudden Luna turned around and started growling. Julia had a feeling she knew exactly where Luna was growling at.
"They are here." She said as she turned around.
She pointed in the direction that they were coming from. Everyone stood up and faced them as they walked in the courtyard. Luna sat in front of Julia as to protect her and Kenji walked to her side along with Levi.
"Welcome. We are honored to meet the great leader of the Litvak." Said Danielle.
The group of Litvak men stood there as Takaan crossed his arms and stiffened his posture. Levi walked up to the Queen's side and translated what she said. Takaan uncrossed his arms and spoke back.
"(No. It is a great pleasure to see the legend and the Queen.)"
Levi translated. Takaan advanced toward Julia and the Queen. Luna lowered and started growling at him as he eyed him down. He stopped about five feet in front of Luna and met eye to eye. Then he turned his attention to Julia and her mother. They did a small bow and then Takaan fixated his eyes on Kenji.
"(What are you doing here?)" He spat.
"(I will always serve and protect the legend and her beast.)" He said lifting his chest up in a proud manner.
"(How embarrassing!)" Takaan said as he turned around to face his men.
"(One of my greatest warriors and he was beat by this little girl?!)" He groaned as he eyed Julia.
"(Yes she defeated me. But the gods are the ones who give her strength. She climbed the Rintou Rocks and walked with the ancestors. It is an honor to serve her.)" Kenji said without batting an eye.
Takaan's face became serious and then he strode towards Julia kicking Luna out of the way and pushing Kenji on the ground. Luke started to advance toward him but Will and Levi held him back. Takaan pulled Julia's arm and then held her hand up. His eyes widened as he saw the white symbols. Luna jumped at Takaan and slammed into him making him let go with a stumble. He laughed and then left the city with the men he came with. Julia walked to Kenji to help him up and he gave her a smile. The group checked up on Julia and Luna before getting back to the Temple.
"Are you alright?" Luke asked as he grabbed her hand.
"I'm fine. I'm more worried about Luna." She replied
"She's tough just like you. He didn't even leave a scratch." He said with a smile.
She smiled back let out a sigh of relief.
"Well I guess the worst part is over."
"Yeah." Luke replied letting go of her hand.
"I'm going to get changed."
"Alright. You know where to find me when you need me." He replied.
They exchanged smiled and she walked to her room. She changed out of her dress and put on some shorts and a black undershirt. When she was done she walked out into the front room and passed the picture box. She sat down and went through some of them on the rocking chair.
"Hey mom. How come dad isn't in any of these pictures?"
"Your father is the one who drew them."
"Oh. Then who drew these?" She questioned as she held them up.
"Angel drew those. Then your father put color into them afterwards."
"Wow. Can I keep one of these?"
"Sure. Don't lose them."
"I promise."
She folded a picture up and put it in her pocket.
"I am going to go for another walk. I need some fresh air and a place to think."
"You should bring Kenji or one of the guards with you."
"I am just going to the rocks. I have Luna with me anyways."
"Okay. Don't be too late."
"Okay."
She smiled and headed out the door with Luna. Luna ran up ahead into the field and started chasing the little grasshoppers.
"Boy. It sure is colder than I expected it." She said as she rubbed her arms.
The grass was nice and green, the sky was filled with pinks and oranges, and Luna was…well, being Luna. Julia walked around the bottom of the Rintou Rocks hoping to get a sign from her father. There was no sign of anyone but the grasshoppers hopping around on the blades of grass. Little blue flowers bloomed in little patches and the small lakes were bubbling with signs of fish. This was by far the most relaxing place to be whenever something is nagging on the inside.
When Julia came back around the rocks, she couldn't see where Luna had run off to.
"Luna! Where'd you go?" She said in a worried voice.
She looked down at her hand hoping to see the glowing patterns light up, but there was nothing but white symbols.
"I wish this was the other way around." She thought to herself.
Luna had chased a butterfly into Litvak territory. She trotted back in search for Julia once she had lost the butterfly. A rustle came from a couple bushes and it stopped her in her tracks. Julia knew right then where Luna was and started running in the direction. Her hand lit up and hoped that Luna was somewhere nearby. Julia sprinted into the vegetation but stopped when the glowing stopped. It was pitch dark out and all she could see was where the moonlight shown from the cracks of the canopy. She followed the moonlight spots as far as she could go, when all of the sudden, everything went black. Someone or something, had put a cloth over her head and was binding her hands together. Then she was being led somewhere. They seemed to be walking forever. Every step she took hurt; she wasn't wearing shoes. Then she could see some glowing auras through the material that was covering her head. The voices she heard sounded like men but she couldn't understand what they were saying. She could hear the cries of Luna in the distance and she tried to wiggle free. She was filled with so much rage she felt like she could rip the rope that held her hands together. Moments later, hands gripped her shoulders and the cloth was yanked off her head. It took her a while for her eyes to focus, but when they did, she saw that she was in a tent. In front of her sat four men. Two of them she recognized from earlier today but the other two she didn't. All she could do was stand there. There was no way of getting out of there.
Oh my gosh guys! I am almost out of ideas for chapter 11. I need your help! Read on! I should have another chapter up for you guys next week. Thanks for reading.