Shining Light of the Volstir (The Light of the Volstir Book 1)
Page 14
Nia thought about her new variation while she focused on Victor. En suggested that she think about all of the emotions she had felt from him. Nia closed her eyes and was able to see the city in her mind. She began trying to find and where he was located. She was able to see many shadows. Victor however was unable to be seen.
En believed that she needed to practice with it. Nia was somehow able to use her ability in a different way. For a moment it felt as though she had a connection with Victor. It was similar to her connection with En but completely different. En suspected that Nia’s ability now allowed her to form connections with anyone.
The connection could be used to track others. If En was right then Nia would be able to locate the girl. She had touched her only briefly however that would be enough. The pain that she had felt was easy to remember. En also suspected that the further the person was would weaken the connection.
The theory made sense to Nia. Unfortunately they didn’t have time for Nia to practice. She would have to use her ability to find the girl now. It would have to be enough as she began trying her ability again. Several times she tried to locate the girl and Victor. Every attempt failed however she continued trying. She watched as En began playing with his tail while rolling on the roof.
The pain that Nia had felt when she touched the girl. That was how she would have to connect with the girl. The pain had been mined numbing and had almost destroyed her. Just thinking about it made her nerves ache. Nia turned towards En and began glaring at him, he could see why she was a bit mad. En could help her by fortifying her mind and her ability.
“Quit playing around and help me here. Men and their constant need to play with themselves” Nia snapped while En looked up in surprise.
En started to stare at her with a curious expression on his face. Nia could tell that he was a bit offended by her last comment. She didn’t care as she pointed for him to move next to her. Without a small hiss, En walked over and sat in front of her. She sat down and allowed the cat to sit on her lap. Looking into her eyes she could already feel their connection.
It was still difficult even with En helping. Nia was able to feel the pain as she tried to find her. Twenty minutes past before Nia was able to see the girl. Surprisingly, they were able to see what was surrounding the girl as well. Nia opened her eyes and looked down at En and the pained look on his face.
Nia felt bad for En since he wasn’t used to the pain. She started to pet him gently though could that he was still in pain. Somehow the pain wasn’t bothering her the same way it had before. Nia didn’t know if she was getting used to it or if her nerves were being destroyed. She could only hope that it would help her when the time came.
“She’s hiding in a cave at the zoo. Go find Victor and tell him to meet me there” Nia ordered as En began to protest.
Nia didn’t listen as she began moving through the city. If the humans saw her she would appear as nothing more than a blur. Nia would need to have Victor’s assistance in order to destroy the Soulem. Nia also needed to talk with her before that happened. En and Victor would never understand the pain Nia had felt.
Running quickly through the city, she began to notice something. Nia felt as though her speed had somehow increased. Nia was moving much quicker than she had ever before. When trying to stop Nia found it difficult. She ended up crashing into a tree almost knocking it completely over in the process.
Slowly she got to her feet and began looking around. Nia was close to the zoo and would begin searching around. She watched as several people began walking around her. They had all noticed the leaning tree and were trying to figure it out. She didn’t have time to worry about that as she started walking away.
“What is such a beautiful young lady doing here all alone?” a cocky voice said from behind.
Nia continued walking as she began looking around for the zoo. The man that had been talking quickly walked ahead of her. She could see that his long black hair was greased back into a pony tail. He had a slight tan along with an incredibly large nose. The look on his face was extremely smug.
“Come on now little lady. I can see that your lost, let me give you a tour” the arrogant man said as he reached out for her.
Nia was much quicker and was able to grab the man’s hand. She smiled sweetly to him as she gave a slight squeeze. The man’s expression changed from cocky to anguish. Nia didn’t have time to waste on this rhino.
“Perhaps you can help me. Point me towards the zoo and then walk away” Nia said in a kind voice while glaring at the man.
She released his hand and allowed him to take a step back. For a moment she didn’t think he would be able to speak. Nia took a step forward and watched as the man began pointing towards the zoo. He was quick to give her directions before leaving. She hoped that he would have more humility in the future.
Within a few minutes she was walking around the zoo. Nia began thinking about the background as she looked at the people and the animals. She had clearly seen the inside of a cave but many of the exhibits had man made caves. It was meant to provide some comfort for the animals. Nia doubted that the animals enjoyed the zoo more than being free.
She stopped and closed her eyes as she began trying to think. She wouldn’t have much time since En and Victor would be joining her soon. Nia decided to go inside one of the buildings and see what was around. Walking towards a grey building with flyers on the side she tried to use her ability. Nia had hoped that it would allow her to sense the girl. Nothing happened due to the amount of people around.
Inside the building she could see behind the glass window; penguins. There was a large lake with a cave in the middle of an icy looking island. Nia looked into the water and realized that on the floor below was another cave. They appeared too connected to each other. She wondered if the cave was larger than it appeared.
Looking around she began to notice several service entrances. Nia looked at them until she found the right door and entered the exhibit. Inside were several tunnels that secretly allowed the employees to feed and watch the penguins. They also allowed them to enter many of the other exhibits.
There were doors that kept the different areas separate. A few of the tunnels took the employee to several storage rooms. The tunnel was also able to connect to other buildings. Nia had never seen this side of a zoo. She suspected not all would be like this one.
Placing her hand along the wall, she noticed the detail of the caves. This particular one held otters that were playing around in the water. Nia was quick to avoid being seen by workers or guests. She walked back into the tunnels while noticing something. Her stomach began to sink as she looked at the security locks that were on the outside of the doors. Someone had been able to shut them off without drawing attention.
Several signs were posted along the walls. Slowly she began looking at one of the signs. Large black arrows pointed towards a security room. Nia followed the arrows until she came across a small group of maintenance men. Without being seen she began listening in on what they were talking about.
Somehow several of the security functions were shut down. They believed that it was hacked by an outside source. The maintenance men were trying to fixing it for the past three days. This confirmed Nia’s suspicion that someone was watching the Soulem. She doubted that they were working together however nothing could be ruled out.
Walking away from the men, Nia began trying to reach out to the girl again. Once again it had failed as she continued checking the doors. She wouldn’t be able to track the Soulem any closer however she might be able to connect with her. They would have to be extremely close; allowing Nia to locate her easier.
Her hand was placed on every door that she crossed. All of them were cold to the touch though she wasn’t able to feel anything else. On her fifth attempt she was finally starting to get somewhere. The door was cold like the others however there was something else that was there. The pain was still a strong memory and she knew that the source was behind this door.
It was another exhibit belonging to the otters. This informed Nia that she had likely walked around in a circle. The otters were playing around as she moved carefully. People were gawking at the creatures as they began chasing each other around. Slowly Nia began moving along the side of the wall.
Something odd could be seen in the back of the cave. In the right corner was a smaller cave that would be difficult for anyone to see. The small cave could hide someone that didn’t mind staying still. Nia looked closely and was able to see someone crouched with a human arm next to them.
There was no point in wondering where the rest of the body was. Instead Nia looked at the crying Soulem. It was just like the first time they met as the girl looked up at her with blood shot eyes. Nia realized that the girl must constantly be crying. Nia was reminded about the pain the girl constantly went through. Taking one more step closer; Nia half expected the girl to try and attack her.
Instead the Soulem didn’t move as she looked at her. Nia didn’t understand at first why the girl attacked Victor straight away and not her. A likely guess would have been that since Nia was a female like herself the girl was less afraid. Nia suspected the real reason had more to do with instinct.
The girl wanted to die but was unable to kill herself. Nia figured that her body knew about Nia’s empath ability. Somehow the Soulem knew that Nia was unable to fight her physically. Victor’s telekinetic ability made him much more of a threat than her. Now would be her only chance to speak with the girl. There wasn’t a single minute that she could waste.
“When I first heard about you, I thought you were a monster. I now know that the real monsters are the people that did this to you. I know what you want but first I have to say that I’m sorry” Nia said calmly as the girl looked at her with the tears still flooding out from her eyes.
The girl was still shaking as though the air was too cold. Nia knew better; this was the only thing the girl could do in order to ease the constant pain that she was feeling. Her clothes were even more ragged than before. The smell from the animals seemed to cloak the putrid smell that came from her. Nia could smell rotting death coming from the girl.
“I just want to die” the girl sobbed as Nia felt her heart sink further into sadness.
“I know and I will help you fulfill your desire” Nia answered; for the second time she expected the girl to attack.
Without Victor or En around; Nia was all but helpless. She had no chance of defeating the girl if she decide to kill her. Nia figured that this was why the girl still did not make a move. Her body was more aware of what she was than her mind. Nia looked into the girl’s eyes and tried to see into her soul.
She was innocent but still very deadly. Nia wished there were another way to help her however she knew the girl would have to die. Slowly she watched as the girl stood up and began breathing heavy. Nia began to feel the same searing pain inside. She hadn’t expected the pain to be worse than before.
She wasn’t touching her but Nia could feel the same effect as before. Nia was lucky to have prepared herself for this as she concentrated on her light. The hope that it gave her would help shield her mind from breaking. Her muscle began to sting as though bees were constantly stinging them.
Her body was screaming for relief as an urge to run started to appear. Despite the pain, Nia didn’t move. She wanted to feel the pain again because she had a purpose for it. The only thing she had to do was keep her mind from shattering. This was not going to be an easy task however it was something that felt right.
“I can feel your pain” Nia said sadly as she walked up to the girl.
A sharp increase of pain began to engulf her as walked forwards and gave the girl a hug. The girl would die but Nia wanted to give her something before that happened. She needed to let the girl know that someone would bear the pain just like she had too. It wasn’t much but it was all Nia could think about doing. It wasn’t just for her sake but for Nia and Victor’s as well.
“You’re not a monster and you didn’t deserve this” Nia whispered as her vision started to waver.
Chapter Nine: The Promise for Revenge
Her breathing became harder however Nia didn’t let the girl go. It was a Volstir that had taken everything from her. A Volstir had reduced her to living in a world that was a thousand times worse than hell. The pain Nia felt was nothing compared to the girl’s pain. Something inside told her that she had to try and make it right somehow. Life could be cruel and painful but it was wrong to make someone suffer for amusement.
The girl began to struggle as she took a step back “Why are you trying to be nice? I almost killed you last time and I can see the pain you’re in now just by being around me. I am a monster no matter what you say. I’ve killed so many and will continue unless someone kills me” the girl said in a distraught tone as Nia was left speechless.
Nia had hugged her and used her ability to try and help the girl but it had a different effect than what she had anticipated. The girl’s mind was shattered however Nia had been able to help her regain some of her human side. The pain was still present but now there was something more. Nia was able to feel something inside the girl that wasn’t Soulem. It would be her only chance to find out more about the girl.
“What’s your name? I want to know who you are” Nia asked as the girl closed her eyes tightly and began shaking her head.
Nia realized that the girl had torn herself apart from her true self on purpose. It was the only way she could deal with what her new body was forcing her to do. Nia had always believed that the separation occurred during the Morte Lumo. It seemed that in this case it was different. The girl hadn’t been lost in the turning process however she had chosen to remove herself.
Pain and anguish were more evident on her face than ever before. She was fully aware of the things she had done and it was killing her. Nia had wanted to ease the girl’s pain but instead she’d only made it worse. The only way to help the girl would be to have her accept herself. Nia couldn’t help but wonder if it would be possible to fully reconnect the girl’s mind and complete the turning. She wouldn’t have a light but the girl would still be a Volstir and could have a chance at redemption.
“Your wrong and you know it. You’re still human and you have a name. I promise that I will find the people responsible for this and I will make them feel your pain. I want to make them suffer for taking your light. I want them to know who you really are” Nia tried to explain as the girl opened her eyes once again.
The pain had been slowly increasing but was now sending electric jolts throughout Nia’s body. She wouldn’t be able to stay conscious for much longer. The pounding in her head was effecting her hearing while her sight started to blur. Nia refused to give in to the pain though she felt the shaking in her legs. Physically it was unbearable however mentally Nia could feel her own strength against the hopeless feeling.
“My name is Kamadashi Utaru” the girl said suddenly as her voice began to tremble.
Nia could see that she was losing herself again; this time it would be permanent. Nia knew that it would be impossible for her to reach the girl again. Tears were falling from both women as Utaru walked to Nia and reached into her pocket. A metal stone like object was pulled out as Utaru handed it to her.
It was extremely difficult for the girl to do this as her body started shaking violently. Taking the stone without looking at it; Nia looked into Utaru’s innocent eyes. Nia could feel Utaru’s memories entering her. She felt Utaru’s hands on her own without the same pain as before. She watched as her lips began to form silent words before letting Nia go.
“Utaru, thank you” Nia whispered as she felt a new presence approaching.
Victor and En were close and would arrive any second. They had a plan for when this moment arrived as Nia heard the screams from outside. She knew that Victor had released several
of the tigers from their cages. It would be the only way to remove the humans from the area. Nia wanted to give Utaru as much peace as possible before she died.
“It’s almost time” Nia said as she looked into Utaru’s eyes; the girl nodded slowly as she began fade away.
Utaru grabbed Nia’s arm as new waves of pain began surging stronger within Nia’s body. Her eyes were now vicious as she began to dig her nails into Nia’s skin. Utaru was gone, it had been foolish of Nia to believe that she could have been saved. The stone Utaru had given her was dropped into her pocket as she felt more pain with each passing second. Nia didn’t struggle with Utaru but instead tried reaching out to Victor.
“Save her soul it’s all she has left. I’m counting on you Victor” Nia thought as the world around her faded into black once again.
Utaru moved to kill the unconscious Nia however Victor was quicker. He appeared just in time and pushed her back with his ability. En raced towards Nia and immediately began to connect with her. He activated her variation two and did something nobody could have expected. The Polong fell to the ground as Nia opened her eyes with renewed strength.
“Oh wow; this was not the plan” Nia said as she stood up.
Her eyes and voice were very different as though they didn’t belong to her. Nia looked at herself before looking at the unconscious En with curiosity. Somehow the connection and Nia’s variation two had allowed En to possess her body. It was strange to no longer be a cat however En didn’t have time to waste. He just hoped that Nia would be alright.
“En?” Victor asked as Nia’s head nodded.
“She’s unconscious and will be for a while. I was able to use her ability to put my mind inside her body” En explained quickly as he stood up and placed his hands forwards.
Utaru seized up as she was trapped by En’s telekinesis. Victor was shocked but didn’t say a word as instead he began helping En to contain her. En was able to use Nia’s ability in different ways than before. The connection she had with others allowed her to emulate their abilities. Victor’s telekinesis could now be used by En for a limited amount of time.