Summer

A Chapter by Lilith

Title says it all.

3:15 P.M…

“I can’t believe it’s the end of the year!” Fiona crowed as we walked down the hall.

“I know right! It feels like yesterday we were starting school.” I say, snagging a Skittle from Fio.

“Back when we were clueless as a two year old.” He said.

“Yep. Oh, we had a good year.” I grin, and we take a turn to the common room.

“I can’t believe I didn’t get any demerits this year.” Fiona said as she crossed over to the couch and flopped onto it, using the coffee table as a footstool.

“So can I. Hey, check this out. Xeynordamere!” I call, and here a scuffling before he arrived with a Mt. Dew in one hand and a Coke in the other.

“Here.” He said and handed me the Coke and gave the Mt. Dew to Fiona.

“Isnt’ that dangerous? Letting him roam around?”

“Well, he did save my life the other day.”

“What?” Fio choked.

“It’s a long story.” Fiona said.

“I’ve got time. Tell me.” He commanded.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “It’s kind of long.”
“I’m sure.”

“Well, the other day I was taking Xeynordamere outside for some fresh air…

6:45 A.M. (a few days ago)…

“Why are you doing this again?” Xeynordamere asked as we walked outside, dew glistening off the grass.

“Fresh air. Beauty of nature. I didn’t have anything better to do.”

“Nature is stupid.” He claimed and folded his arms as an orange butterfly landed on his head.

“No it isn’t. You are though.” I say and lead him through the garden, inhaling the sweet air.

“So? I don’t get its purpose.” He said as he stared at a flower like he wanted to murder it. Then again, he looks at everybody that way, so maybe it was just how he looked.

“It’s there for people to enjoy.” I say and pluck a red flower above my head. Stooping down, I place it behind his ear.

“No it isn’t. It’s for me to destroy.” He said evilly and swatted the flower off his head and stomped on it.

“You can’t destroy the garden. The school will get mad and you know that.”

“So? All I need is your consent.” He said.

“Sorry my friend. That’s something you’re going to have to work for.” I smile as a little blue bird hopped down from its branch to the ground, nibbling at seeds.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” A deep voice said behind me, but when I turned all I could see was the shadows.

“Get behind me. Now.” Xeynordamere said and before I could ask why he shoved me to the ground.

Just as a bolt of black was rushing towards me.

“What the hell?” I ask, trying to pinpoint the attacker. Then I saw it. Two pale yellow eyes gleaming at me from the shadows.

“Hello Silver. I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself. I’m Umbra, which is shadow in Latin.”

“What do you want?” Xeynordamere asked, and I stared at him. The way he spoke was if he actually cared what happened to me.

“Only the girl alive. She can pay me well.” Umbra said, and I shivered.

“Sorry Umbra, but that’s not going to happen.”

“Oh really? You can’t do anything in that little body. Much less fight me. I’m surprised you can even swing a punch.”

“Uh huh. What about now?” He asked, and suddenly his body was expanding, becoming larger. His long tail swept the leaves, head the shape of a large cat. Standing in front of me was a full side leopard.

“Hmm…” Umbra trailed off, and at that moment Xeynordamere shot me a look.

Want me to kill him? The look said, and I thought back to the shadow bolt that had almost killed me a moment ago. Gritting my teeth, I nodded.

With a single lunge, Xeynordamere swiped at Umbra. There was a piercing shriek before silence.

“You can get up now.” Xeynordamere murmured before shrinking back to his stuffed animal size.

“What was that?” I ask, staring the spot Umbra had been a minute ago.

“Umbra was a shadow demon, and one of the worst kinds. Most are too weak to do any real damage, and instead roam the world gossiping about crazy things humans do. But Umbra is one of the rare fighters.”

“What did he mean when he said about taking me alive?” I ask, thoroughly scared now.

“I don’t know Silver. I don’t know. But I’ll promise you I’ll try to figure it out. Until then, watch your back. He could’ve killed you in an instant if I hadn’t shoved you out of the way.”

I was silent for a moment, registering this. “Xeynordamere, you just saved my life.”

“And now I’m going to do it again. Let’s go before they come again.” He said, and led me out of the garden.

3:20 P.M. (present)…

“Woah. That’s some story.” Fio said, and I nodded.

“Did you thank Xeynordamere?” Fiona asked.

“No, but I gave him some privileges. He can freely run around now as long as he doesn’t get into trouble, and is allowed to watch any TV show as long as it isn’t porn.”

“Turn on TLC.” A voice said beside me, and I looked down to see Xeynordamere with a little bag of popcorn.

“You heard him Fio.” I tell him, and he grinned before flipping the channels.

“So, my mom said you and Xeynordamere will stay at our house in Florida this summer. That’s awesome!” Fiona said.

“You’re staying with us? Bring sunscreen. You can get burned real easily down there.” Fio said, trying to find TLC.

“Noted.” I say.

“Oh Lord, don’t get me started on that. Last year my entire back turned bright red. It was hell.” Fiona grumbled.

I snort. “Leave it Fiona to forget sunscreen.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” I smile into my soda before taking another swig.

“We’ll have a good time this summer. I can just tell.” Fio said after finally finding TLC.

“What am I going to wear though?” I think suddenly. “All my bikinis are too small.”

“You can borrow something of mine. We’re about the same size.”