The Voice: Gathering Storm

''A mysterious voice had haunted my mind from when I was born. Until this very day, I have known the voice as my guardian. But when it told me to gather the storm, I realized it wanted revenge against my father.''

My name is Storm Bringer, and I am a daughter of Poseidon.

I stood on top of the mountain, gasping for breath. I was terribly wounded, having just escaped a wrath of a hellhound. Fortunately, the voice, my guardian, had told me what to do.

I was searching for my lost dagger, when the hellhound attacked me. I had run far, and I had reached the very edge of the mountain. I had no idea where the monster is, but all I cared about was that the gods have spared my life. Again.

This was about the fifth attack I had since my thirteenth birthday. And I had lived, thanks to the Voice.

“You have done well, Storm.” The voice spoke in my mind.

"I-I know." I spoke, still wheezing. "Thanks to you."

There was a soft chuckle. “That is why I am your guardian.”

"Yeah, and I still haven't found my knife." I looked around, hoping to find it. Then I realized I hadn't brought Hunter along. My hand slipped inside my pocket and pulled out a silver tube, a whistle, and blew it hard. The shrill sound echoed into the forest behind me.

There was a howl, and my wolf bounded to me. He turned thrice, and lay down on my feet.

“Next month, a storm will come.” The voice spoke again.

I patted Hunter, and said, "Yeah, and the weatherman reported it will be a big one."

Just then, Hunter stood up, wagged his tail, and put his snout on the earthen ground. I laughed. "Probably a chipmunk." I mumbled, smiling.

I found Hunter as a young puppy one wintery night, and my mum agreed to let me keep it. He was active and so smart sometimes it scared me.

Hunter dove into a bush and out of sight for a moment. When he peeked out onto the bush, he had my missing dagger in his mouth.

"Clever boy!" I said as I gestured him to come to me.

“Smart wolf you have.” 

"I know." I said as I picked up my dirty knife and wiped it with my shirt.

''“You must come home, Storm. Your mother is already worrying.” ''The voice ordered. I nodded and gave a small whistle to Hunter and he barked and walked leisurely by my side. We crossed the forest and out into a green field, with a small house smack in the middle. Hunter howled cheerfully and ran ahead of me. He disappeared in our garage, where he usually lives.

My mother appeared in the doorway, her face showed worry.

"Storm Avi Bringer!" She yelled. "You've been gone for an hour and a half!" She put a hand on her hips and frowned.

"Sorry, mom." I said, smiling. "I've been looking for my dagger, you know. The one my father gave." I waited as she took in my explanation.

My mother's face softened, and she ran towards me. She hugged me tight and said, "At least you're safe. Come inside, it's cold. I reckon the storm predicted will come early." She pursed her lips. "And I've prepared dinner."

"Is there some for Hunter?" I asked as I went inside with her. My mother smiled. "Of course."

I sniffed deeply. "Is that chicken soup?" I said, practically drooling. Chicken soup is one of my favorites. I took in the cheery fire crackling in our fireplace. I saw the wooden table laden with a large bowl steaming, and two plates set out, with spoons and forks.

Mum's wrinkled face seemed young again. She liked it when I'm happy. We sat in our chairs and ate a hearty dinner. I was so full I could barely stand in my chair. Mum slipped off her chair with a bowl of soup and milk for Hunter. When she came back, it started raining.

"Oh dear." She said. "Bad timing." I understood her. When Hunter begins eating, he'll never stop until he finished the bowl. There is a leak in the garage, and sooner or later the wolf will get drenched.

"I think Hunter won't mind a few drops of rain." Mum whispered, and she left again to check on him. “Had a nice meal?” The voice said.

“Yeah.” I answered sleepily.

“Storm, can you do me a big favor?” 

“What is it?”

''“The storm had come early. When it had come to its most terrible time, sneak out of the house. Go to the mountaintop. Stretch out your arms and gather the storm.” ''

“Gather the what?”

''“You are the daughter of Poseidon, are you not? You can do such thing.”''

“How?”

''“As I said, stretch your arms. Summon all your power and command the storm into a glass bottle. When the sun comes out, I will come, in my true form. You must give me the bottle."''

"Oh. Why?"

No one answered. I decided to follow my guardian's order.

For three days, the storm picked up. On the fourth day, I watched as the sky went black as night, though it's 8 in the morning. Thick curtains of rain struck the ground. Lightning flashed, thunder rumbled. For an hour, I watched, until a lightning bolt hit a tree and it fell down.

I went to my mother's room and saw she was still asleep. I wore my raincoat and boots, and went out in the violent storm. But first, I went to ask the company of Hunter. He was snoring, if you know how a wolf snores. I gently woke him up, and he growled. His yellow eyes shot open,and he stood up, freakingly active.

He barked twice, as if agreeing to whatever I say. Then he walked with me.

It took thirty minutes to cross the forest because my boots kept getting stuck in the mud. Finally I reached the rocky edge of the mountain.

The clouds churned angrily, and rain kept pouring down. Hunter was drenched but he was not complaining.

I streched out my arms and cleared my heads of all thoughts except one: to gather the storm. I used up my power, and the sea below me began rising. Then, Hunter barked a warning. I didn't listen.