Secrets II

The Orb is said to contain the essence of many stars and realms,' the wolf explained. 'Its power is raw and unbridled, capable of bending reality to one's will. The Emporium will stop at nothing to claim it, and your mother... she knew these secrets.'"

"Eric's eyes widened as he processed the wolf's words. He remained silent for a moment, his mind racing with the implications. Then, he spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper.

"'Is it... the Orb I recently got? Or is it something else?'

"The wolf's tail wagged slightly, its ears perking up. 'Yes, Eric. That is the Mysterious Orb. The one you possess.'

"Eric's eyes narrowed, his thoughts whirling. 'And my mother... did she know where the Orb was?

'The wolf's expression turned cautious. 'No, Eric. Your mother didn't know its exact location. But like the Emporium, she suspected it was hidden somewhere in this nameless forest. She hoped that you would find it, that you would be the one to claim it.'

"The wolf's expression changed, its ears folding back slightly. 'But there's something more, Eric. Something I didn't expect. Your mother... she helped you secretly, just days ago. She aided you when you fell from the bridge.'

"Eric's eyes widened in surprise. 'How did you know?'

"The wolf's tail wagged slightly. 'I sensed it. She leaked out her aura, a faint trace of her power. But since she did not come in person later means she may have been captured, or is being pursued when a trace of her aura was leaked. The Emporium must have detected her involvement.'

"Eric's grip on the Orb tightened, a surge of determination flowing through him. 'I have to find her. I have to protect her.'"

"As Eric contemplates on means to save his mother, he turned to the wolf with a curious expression. 'Wait, what's your identity? You seem to know so much about me and my mother.'

"The wolf's ears folded back, its tail wagging slightly. 'Me? I don't know... I was just a normal wolf that chanced upon this canyon many years ago. But the more time I spent here, the stronger I got. I couldn't explain it.'

"Eric's eyes narrowed, intrigued. 'What do you mean?' and 

"The wolf's voice took on a distant tone. 'Until recently, I received a message in my head. A vision of a figure, under a broken bridge in a forest, betrayed and battered. I felt an urge to find this person, as if it was my purpose of existence. So, I've been searching all over, checking every bridge in this world... until I found you, where I least expected.'

"Eric's eyes widened in surprise. 'You were searching for me?'

"The wolf nodded. 'I suppose I was. And now, I've found you. And I know that I've played my part in your journey.'"

"The wolf's eyes locked onto Eric's, its gaze serious. 'Be cautious of the Emporium and its forces, Eric. They have means to detect if the Orb's power is being used by anyone. You must be careful. And cherish your stay here, for one comes here not by will or even luck but fate'

"Eric nodded, his grip on the Orb tightening.

"The wolf turned, its tail pointing towards the east. 'The mystic realm lies in that direction. When you exit this canyon, it's portal lies inside a valley Your mother may be there, and it's where your journey will begin.'

"Eric's eyes followed the wolf's direction, his heart racing with anticipation.

"'Your journey is a grand and mysterious one, Eric,' the wolf said, its voice filled with a hint of awe. 'Even I don't know its full extent. But you should be aware of what to start from before moving on to a greater course.'

"The wolf's gaze returned to Eric, its eyes piercing. 'But it all comes back to the Orb in your possession. Use it wisely, Eric. The fate of many rests on your shoulders. I'll be going now and I don't know when we'll meet again but since what brought us together still exists, we are not separated. But hey, when am gone you have to comprehend the memories and all those visions, else.."

"Else what?..hey wait, fuck why didn't you finish talking" 

Eric, amused and confused at the same time as the wolf grinning and turn transparent as it disappeared before it could finish talking, cursing but..

Boom!!