Niko

My bare feet pounded on the earth, toes scraping for purchase as I skidded around a corner. I threw a hurried glance over my shoulder, searching for my pursuer.

They were nowhere to be seen.

Slowing, I fought to calm my racing heart. My chest heaved, but I was grinning as I stared at the loaf of bread I clutched in my hands. It wasn't much, but it would feed us for today.

I was walking now, but still shot cautious looks over my shoulder from time to time. A small, run down hut appeared near the end of the rough dirt street. I tucked my stolen prize under one arm and pushed the tattered curtain that served for a door aside.

Dappled light was scattered over the dirt floor.

My younger brother, who was playing with a crude wooden staff, looked up as I entered. "Mum's in the back." He answered my unspoken question, jerking a thumb over my shoulder.

"Thanks, Aiden." I set the loaf down on our small table, then proceeded to find her. "Breakfast's on the table." I leaned in the doorway that led off into the second room.

My mother straightened from where she was rearranging our cots, turning to me. Lines– from all that laughter, she used to tell us– were etched into her dark face. Her hair was layered with grey. "Niko, baby. Did you steal it again?"

I pushed off the wall and shrugged. "I had no choice, mum. We've got no coins to spare."

She cleared the space in less than two steps, placing her hands on my cheeks and pulling my face down so she could plant a kiss on my forehead. "You weren't followed?" She released me, glancing around worriedly.

I patted her arm. "No, mum, the merchant couldn't catch me," I reassured.

"Good, good." She nodded. "Come then. Let's go eat."

Back in the other room, we all sat down to enjoy the meagre breakfast. As soon as we were done, I slipped back to wash up a little bit. I changed into my nicest clothes, though they were hardly better than rags.

It would have to do, I thought to myself as I coaxed my wildly curly hair into submission.

Once the time came, my family and I walked out into the village square, keeping a careful eye out for the merchant I stole from that morning.

The village Greencloak, Eli, was waiting. The bowl containing the Nectar of Ninani was balanced in his delicate hands.

I walked slowly up to him, conscious of the many eyes on me.

"Kneel." Eli's voice rang out authoritatively over the village, silencing the spectators.

I knelt, looking up. The underside of the Nectar's bowl was carved intricately with swirling silhouettes of animals. I would've liked to run my fingers over it, perhaps study it more, but then Eli brought it to my lips. He tipped it so I could take a sip.

The liquid hit my tongue in an explosion of flavour. It was sweet like the honeyed soup my father used to make Aiden and I when we were sick. Before...

I banished the thought. Now was not the time to be remembering his death.

Eli pulled back the bowl and I stood.

A rumble of thunder echoed in the sky, jolting me right down to the core. I fell to my knees.

"What's going on?!" The words came out slurred.

A flash of lightning split the sky, then the thunder stopped.

I was still blinking away the light when I heard the gasps. Mustering my strength, I pulled myself up to my feet.

Then I saw him.

An ostrich, tall and proud, stood a mere two paces in front of me.

I couldn't believe it. No one had summoned a spirit animal in my family for generations. It couldn't be.

The ostrich blinked slowly at me, his gaze steady.

Maybe it could be. I reached out a hand to touch him. My fingers were trembling, but from fear or excitement, I myself couldn't tell.

A large hand snatched my wrist out of the air.

I shrieked in surprise. My arm burned as it was twisted behind my back. I recovered my voice. "Let me go!" I screamed, kicking my legs and flailing around.

Whoever was holding me grunted, but didn't let go.

I recognized that grunt.

The merchant.

A bolt of fear shot through me at the revelation, making me freeze in place.

No, no! I don't want to die like him. My mind screamed, making me seize with terror.

"How dare you!" Eli's fury-laced voice sliced through my thoughts. "This is a sacred ceremony!" I'd never been happier to hear him angry.

The merchant turned so I was facing Eli. "This boy steals my bread every single day. And I'm sick of it. So I'm going to make an example of him."

Eli paled and another Greencloak, one I'd never seen before, stepped forward. "Make an example of him?" His voice was low and dangerous. "I think not." He drew up his sleeve and, with a flash, a cheetah appeared. "If it comes to a fight, you know that I'll win. So I suggest you drop the boy and go on your way."

There was a sharp intake of breath behind me and the vise-like grip around my wrists loosened, dropping me.

The merchant stepped back, an ugly expression on their face. "If he ever steals from me again..." their eyes narrowed and I gulped, glancing at the Greencloak.

"Don't worry about that." The Greencloak replied, "he won't bother you again." His words were clipped, formal, but his cheetah still snarled

The merchant nodded, shooting me a last withering glare before lumbering off.

My mum and brother ran up. "Niko, my baby!" My mum squealed, hugging me tightly. "Are you alright?"

I nodded and gently pushed her away, turning to the Greencloak with a frown. "What did you mean by 'he won't bother you again'?"

He sighed, "well, it appears you'll have to come back to Greenhaven with me."

"Why?"

"This may seem like a lot to take in, but you're part of a prophecy to save Erdas." He called the cheetah back to passive, brushing the wrinkles from his sleeve.

"W-what?!"

"Pick your jaw up off the ground. It's your bird, boy." He pointed to my ostrich.

I flushed and closed my mouth, following his finger to stare at my spirit animal.

My mum hugged me again, this time smiling. "Niko! My son! In a prophecy! Your father would be so proud."

I swallowed against the lump that had formed in my throat and shook my head. "I can't leave you."

"We'll manage." She cupped my cheek.

I leaned into the touch. "Are you sure?" Despite everything, excitement courses through my veins. I'd finally be able to get out of here. Go explore the world, and save it along the way, of course.

"Of course, my baby." She smiled. "It's your dream. Go live it."

"I'll take care of her, don't worry." Aiden jumped in.

I ruffled his hair and tugged them both into a huge hug. "Don't forget me, okay?"

"Wouldn't dare." They pulled away with identically sad smiles. "We'll miss you!"

I smiled back, then turned to the Greencloak. He nodded to me, and my ostrich stepped up to my side.

I'll make you proud, I promised silently as I waved goodbye to my family one last time.

754 words! I'm awesome! Hope you like it so far! Also, I'm thinking of making a Spirit Animals role play. Would anyone join?

edit: 18/03/21
gosh that's a long lad
1300 words!! wow
also geeeez it's so hard not to accidentally stick curse words in here
i swear way too much tho so it's probably a good thing
enjoy my lovelies!! xx