The Centaur

7

I look away, hiding, not wanting to see what Statisto has done to Nicoli.

 I feel the thud of hooves walking toward me.

 I close my eyes and feel a hand on my shoulder.

 "See what he's done. I'm wonderful," Nicoli probes.

 I walk away, stumbling over sticks.

 "No, I don't want anyone," I say, pushing all emotions away, "I want to be alone, happy, and free."

 "No, you don't," Nicoli says, placing his fingers on my eyelids, "If you don't open your eyes, I shall make you open them."

 I close my eyes harder. He forces my eyelids open.

 I gasp at what I see before me. Nicoli's hair is pure white and his eyes turned blue. He has light skin and a muscular build. From his waist on down, he is a pure white stallion.

 I'm awestruck.

 I look back at Statisto.

 Near him, while I was looking away, appeared a strange boy. He has a speckled face, nubby little antlers, and leafy hair.

 He hugs Koi then Statisto.

 He must be their child.

 Statisto nods at me.

 I look back at Nicoli.

 "Stubborn, Zelos, that's what you are," Nicoli says with a smile.

 "I am, and always will be," I say, turning away and running into the woods.