Forward:
The Run Down...
We’re about to fall into chaos. The entire world as we know it is about to be assaulted by creatures only found in the deepest darkest recesses of the human mind. Creatures so horrible that we forget them as soon as we imagine them, are on their way to exterminate us. Except now we can’t simply click that mental delete button and push them away. They are coming here to delete us. If you are reading this then that means my journal made it back to reality. I may not be alive by then. The people you loved may be gone as well. Maybe you are a survivor, or one of the enemy. If not then maybe there is still hope for your world, the place where everything made sense... my world.
And right now, my companions and I are the only ones standing in between your world and total destruction.
And we’re failing…
And right now, my companions and I are the only ones standing in between your world and total destruction.
And we’re failing…
June 6th 2012
"The Candles go out… And so do I.”
Today is my sister’s birthday. I should be there, back at home, celebrating it with her right now. I should be enjoying myself, eating some cake and watching her friends swing blindly at a pinata, but I’m not.
Actually I have no idea where the heck I am or how I got here. All I know is that I am definably not in any place I have been to before, and there appears to be no escape. Everything is so confusing right now that it is giving me a headache. I don’t even know who will ever be reading this journal, but I always find that writing my thoughts down seems to calm my nerves.
I guess I should start my whole story from the beginning.
It all started with a fight. My sister started it. She comes into my room at six in the morning yelling outrageous accusations.
“Alex!” she shrieked in her shrill and annoying voice. “Someone left the gate open again last night and the dog got out! Wake up!”
I groaned and rolled over rather annoyed. You’d think that the birthday girl would be happier on her special day, huh?
I looked through the fog of drowsiness at my alarm clock next to my bed. The numbers glowed a bright six thirty and I immediately shoved my head back under the pillows, choosing to ignore my sister. All throughout the school year I woke up at the crack of dawn to be ready for the day and summer was the only break long enough that I could catch up on all my lost Z’s. There was no way during my summer break I would wake up earlier than ten. My sister could wait.
Suddenly the covers were ripped cruelly off of my bed and my body was exposed to the harsh cold Tennessee mornings. Wearing only a tank top and some shorts I was unprepared for such a shock and gasped aloud. In a single second my sister had me fully awake and my mood began to take a turn for the worst.
I glared at my sister who stood there with my blankets in hand and her hard eyes stared accusingly back at me. “Get out of my room. I gave you no permission what so ever to enter, and you had no right to take my things.” I growled in a threatening tone.
As usual, my sister ignored me. “The dog Alex!” she repeated, pointing commandingly at my door. “Go get it! It’s my birthday after all.”
I rolled my eyes. What gave her the right to speak to me, her three-year senior sister, in such a tone? Who did she think she was, the queen of England?! No, she was too lean, dark and wild to be royalty.
My sister was more like an untamed jungle beast with deep almost black eyes and smooth tan skin. She was skinny but short like a twig but moved like an acrobat with an unnatural grace. Her hair was unbelievably straight, shoulder length, and the color of chestnuts. High arched eyebrows and an angled face gave her a proud and almost arrogant look. However, when she looked at anyone she always seemed to have a slight sneer, as if they weren’t worth her time.
My sister and I don’t even have a smidgeon of resemblance, and sometimes I am grateful that we don’t. I don’t know where her genes came from. She probably got it from my dad’s side. I took after more after my mom.
My hair’s blond, curly and slightly frizzy. I usually wear it in a ponytail or down where it bounces into place reaching near mid back. I am not into style, or dolls or any of those girly things like Penelope is. I am a runner, with long legs and big feet. I’m tall and with good balance. Unfortunately I do not look at all like a super model, and have a more round face, pale white skin and freckles with grey green eyes. I tower over my sister by at least a foot, which at that moment I used to my advantage.
I stood up and glowered down at her. “The dog’s not my problem. The neighbors probably let him out after playing back there again. Besides, Tiny is your dog!” I snapped in her face. “I don’t care if today is the day you were thrown down to earth with the rest of us or the day you won a million bucks, you can get your dog yourself!”
We stood there glaring at each other for a while, neither one of us willing to give in. It was my room, my morning, and my blanket she was holding in her nasty hands, probably contaminating it! I would have to wash it before I slept with it again…
I didn’t understand why Penelope was bothering me with her own problems and yet thought that I was the one responsible for them. It was her dog and her problem! I was already agreeing to act as maid while the guests were here, so she had no right to tell me to chase after the silly lab anyway. She was way in the wrong, but the only problem was that she didn’t see it that way.
It was her birthday. She was queen. End of story.
“I’m telling mom on you then.” She said under her breath after a moment’s silence. “I’ll say you are ruining my birthday. You’ll be sorry.”
I stared at her opened mouthed. She was threatening me in my own room? Who was ruining whose day?! Apparently this kid was seriously mental. I decided to change tactics.
I smiled sweetly and spoke in a honey-coated voice, dripping with sarcasm and fake sympathy. “Penny. Darling.” I oozed, guiltily enjoying the anger that flashed across her face at being treated like a baby. “Your dog is a smart dog and will come back on its own. Now can you please let your big sis sleep some more before she has to begin setting up for your special day? Hmmm Penny?”
I could almost see the smoke billowing out of her ears like the steam on a train’s smoke stack. She was fuming furiously, and thinking hard to come up with a good comeback. Nothing beats the sticky trap of total sarcasm and obvious fake sweetness.
Finally she stomped her foot like a two year old brat and shouted up at me. “I hate you Alexandra Nike Webbing!” she spat, using my full name as if it would hurt me more. “I wish… I wish that you would disappear!”
With those last words she turned from the room and left with a complimentary slam of the door. In a whirl of bad feelings and untamed rage, the she-demon was gone, and my day was ruined.
I sighed. I hated fighting. It was such a waste of energy and just made the whole house tense and jumpy, as if everyone was expecting another fight. I preferred the peace and quiet of a book or the nice rhythmic sound of my feet on the ground as I ran. Not screaming and yelling. I went with the flow, my sister swam against it. Sometimes it hurt to see her struggling upstream. I never understood why she couldn’t just accept things as they were.
It was at that moment that I found myself actually agreeing with my sister for once. I actually wished to disappear as well. To be gone, away from the already busy day and vanish into thin air.
Maybe that is what started all my trouble. They say you should be careful what you wish for, and it isn’t until now that I am beginning to wonder just how true that saying is…
~
It was later that day, after I had finished putting up the streamers and blowing up balloons when I was enjoying the party with the rest of the guests that everything changed. It was time for cake. I brought it out, all thirteen candles placed neatly on top and the flames flickering brightly on each wick, like dancers in the wind.
My sister had invited twelve guests and they all showed up. They were a group of chatty, gossiping girls who followed the fashions and fads of today’s society, just like my sister. All of them annoying and easily annoyed. My sister sat in the middle of them at the end of the table. Six on each side, gathered around her. Thirteen girls, thirteen candles. It seemed fitting in a way, and if you counted military time, one o’clock in the afternoon would be thirteen as well. It seemed that even the time was celebrating my sister’s birthday.
I set the cake down in front of her with a smile and stood at the other end of the table directly opposite of her and then we all sang. The song seemed short, but maybe now, looking back, it was pretty long. I don’t seem to be able to recall the exact details though because what happened next destroyed my entire world in a heartbeat. I didn’t even see it coming before it was too late…
Perhaps my sister was angrier at me than I thought. It was true that the dog was still not back from this morning, but for me the whole incident was a thing of the past.
However, my sister was the queen of grudges…
She was about to blow out the candles when she suddenly stopped. Her eyes scanned the room for a moment, her mouth in the shape of an “o”, ready to blow out the fire, and then our eyes met. Her gaze locked onto mine, and time stood still. Then all thirteen pairs of eyes seemed to turn on me at that very moment and then… whoosh!
As the flickering flames distinguished in the cold breath from my sister’s mouth, ending their pathetic existence, so did my own existence cease to exist as my world fell from beneath my feet and I was plunged into darkness…
My sister must have really hated me to have spent her birthday wish sending me away like that. I wish I could have made up to her… At least made her smile before disappearing or like me a little better. I would have liked to say good-bye to mom, and my baby brother Mike. Now I am not so sure I will ever see them ever again…
~
I still haven’t explained where I am, have I? Well first of all I woke up on a cold hard stone floor in an eerily lit place. This place, from what I can tell, is a hexagon shaped room with a high dome ceiling, and a sort of six-sided star pyramid in the center of the floor.
The walls and everything else in this room is made of black, glistening stone like obsidian, with crystal and gold flecks of mineral within the stone. The mineral flecks made it sparkle and shine darkly in the strange blue light. It was polished so smoothly that it could have been carved from ice, and the stone was just as cold, though the air is fairly warm.
There are no doors, no windows or any sign of a way to get in or out. Not even a skylight. Frankly I am wondering how I am even able to breathe. Maybe I am already dead.
The light comes from this hovering blue orb that is right above the pyramid’s peak. The pyramid actually isn’t that tall. It only comes up to my mid-section and I am just over five feet and nine inches, which I just round up to six feet. From each of the points at the base of the star shaped pyramid runs a thin vein of gold that leads to a pillar, six in total, and one in each corner of the room melded into the wall.
The pillars are skillfully built, thick and appear to be holding up the gold domed ceiling. All the corners and moldings are edged in gold, and the veins of gold that led up to the pillars don’t stop there. They go up the side of the pillar and end in points, like they are arrows. Each arrow on each pillar points to a different symbol painted in gold at eye level like they were meant to be seen. There are six in total just like the pillars, and the sides of the room, and the number of walls, and the points of the star.
The symbols are what appear to be the number thirteen, an elaborately painted mirror, a pocket watch, an umbrella, a cat, and a saltshaker. These images I find odd. I don’t know of any way they each could be connected to each other. Maybe they tell a story?
Most I recognized to be symbols of bad luck. Except for the saltshaker and the watch this place could be the source of all things evil. Wasn’t the number six the devil’s number anyway?
I know that if you break a mirror you get ten years of bad luck, or that if a black cat crosses your path you’re going to have bad luck and you should never open an umbrella inside a house, and the number thirteen was unlucky but I couldn’t think of any bad things to do with time or salt. Perhaps they were all connected in some other way?
Still, that is not the strangest thing that I found in this room. The strangest thing is what you are reading now. What I am writing in. This very journal. It was lying there at the base of the pyramid, open to the first blank page like it was waiting for me. Next to it was an inky black fountain pen that wrote in this glorious deep blue ink, and then on the cover of this black leather bound book, printed in gold lettering… is my own name in loopy gold cursive. Not that you haven’t noticed by now since you are reading this after all.
My thoughts right now? Well I don’t know how much time has passed since I plucked up the courage to actually write on these beautiful white pages in this book after getting sent here by that birthday wish. I am not hungry, or tired, but just simply bored. The idea that I have died still lingers in my mind but I doubt it.
Whoever designed this place must love black, crystal, blue and gold. It is elegant, the structure is beautiful and looks like a skilled worker created this under the watchful eye of a very talented architect.
I don’t feel safe here though. It isn’t comfortable and peaceful. It isn’t like I have found some safe haven far away from the world, but it is a place where I can be alone. It could even be mine; after all, the book was left here for me. I could stay here for a while.
Now I am sort of feeling drowsy. It is more like a peaceful type of drowsiness though, not a tired and worn out sleep. It is hard to resist and I feel my eyes drooping.
I don’t know who will read this. I don’t know if I will ever make it back home, or if this is all just a dream and when I fall asleep I shall actually be waking up in my own world. I don’t know a lot of things, but what I do know is that for now I believe I am safe, and so, goodnight reader. Who knows if I shall ever wake up again?
Until next time,
~Alex N. Webbings
Actually I have no idea where the heck I am or how I got here. All I know is that I am definably not in any place I have been to before, and there appears to be no escape. Everything is so confusing right now that it is giving me a headache. I don’t even know who will ever be reading this journal, but I always find that writing my thoughts down seems to calm my nerves.
I guess I should start my whole story from the beginning.
It all started with a fight. My sister started it. She comes into my room at six in the morning yelling outrageous accusations.
“Alex!” she shrieked in her shrill and annoying voice. “Someone left the gate open again last night and the dog got out! Wake up!”
I groaned and rolled over rather annoyed. You’d think that the birthday girl would be happier on her special day, huh?
I looked through the fog of drowsiness at my alarm clock next to my bed. The numbers glowed a bright six thirty and I immediately shoved my head back under the pillows, choosing to ignore my sister. All throughout the school year I woke up at the crack of dawn to be ready for the day and summer was the only break long enough that I could catch up on all my lost Z’s. There was no way during my summer break I would wake up earlier than ten. My sister could wait.
Suddenly the covers were ripped cruelly off of my bed and my body was exposed to the harsh cold Tennessee mornings. Wearing only a tank top and some shorts I was unprepared for such a shock and gasped aloud. In a single second my sister had me fully awake and my mood began to take a turn for the worst.
I glared at my sister who stood there with my blankets in hand and her hard eyes stared accusingly back at me. “Get out of my room. I gave you no permission what so ever to enter, and you had no right to take my things.” I growled in a threatening tone.
As usual, my sister ignored me. “The dog Alex!” she repeated, pointing commandingly at my door. “Go get it! It’s my birthday after all.”
I rolled my eyes. What gave her the right to speak to me, her three-year senior sister, in such a tone? Who did she think she was, the queen of England?! No, she was too lean, dark and wild to be royalty.
My sister was more like an untamed jungle beast with deep almost black eyes and smooth tan skin. She was skinny but short like a twig but moved like an acrobat with an unnatural grace. Her hair was unbelievably straight, shoulder length, and the color of chestnuts. High arched eyebrows and an angled face gave her a proud and almost arrogant look. However, when she looked at anyone she always seemed to have a slight sneer, as if they weren’t worth her time.
My sister and I don’t even have a smidgeon of resemblance, and sometimes I am grateful that we don’t. I don’t know where her genes came from. She probably got it from my dad’s side. I took after more after my mom.
My hair’s blond, curly and slightly frizzy. I usually wear it in a ponytail or down where it bounces into place reaching near mid back. I am not into style, or dolls or any of those girly things like Penelope is. I am a runner, with long legs and big feet. I’m tall and with good balance. Unfortunately I do not look at all like a super model, and have a more round face, pale white skin and freckles with grey green eyes. I tower over my sister by at least a foot, which at that moment I used to my advantage.
I stood up and glowered down at her. “The dog’s not my problem. The neighbors probably let him out after playing back there again. Besides, Tiny is your dog!” I snapped in her face. “I don’t care if today is the day you were thrown down to earth with the rest of us or the day you won a million bucks, you can get your dog yourself!”
We stood there glaring at each other for a while, neither one of us willing to give in. It was my room, my morning, and my blanket she was holding in her nasty hands, probably contaminating it! I would have to wash it before I slept with it again…
I didn’t understand why Penelope was bothering me with her own problems and yet thought that I was the one responsible for them. It was her dog and her problem! I was already agreeing to act as maid while the guests were here, so she had no right to tell me to chase after the silly lab anyway. She was way in the wrong, but the only problem was that she didn’t see it that way.
It was her birthday. She was queen. End of story.
“I’m telling mom on you then.” She said under her breath after a moment’s silence. “I’ll say you are ruining my birthday. You’ll be sorry.”
I stared at her opened mouthed. She was threatening me in my own room? Who was ruining whose day?! Apparently this kid was seriously mental. I decided to change tactics.
I smiled sweetly and spoke in a honey-coated voice, dripping with sarcasm and fake sympathy. “Penny. Darling.” I oozed, guiltily enjoying the anger that flashed across her face at being treated like a baby. “Your dog is a smart dog and will come back on its own. Now can you please let your big sis sleep some more before she has to begin setting up for your special day? Hmmm Penny?”
I could almost see the smoke billowing out of her ears like the steam on a train’s smoke stack. She was fuming furiously, and thinking hard to come up with a good comeback. Nothing beats the sticky trap of total sarcasm and obvious fake sweetness.
Finally she stomped her foot like a two year old brat and shouted up at me. “I hate you Alexandra Nike Webbing!” she spat, using my full name as if it would hurt me more. “I wish… I wish that you would disappear!”
With those last words she turned from the room and left with a complimentary slam of the door. In a whirl of bad feelings and untamed rage, the she-demon was gone, and my day was ruined.
I sighed. I hated fighting. It was such a waste of energy and just made the whole house tense and jumpy, as if everyone was expecting another fight. I preferred the peace and quiet of a book or the nice rhythmic sound of my feet on the ground as I ran. Not screaming and yelling. I went with the flow, my sister swam against it. Sometimes it hurt to see her struggling upstream. I never understood why she couldn’t just accept things as they were.
It was at that moment that I found myself actually agreeing with my sister for once. I actually wished to disappear as well. To be gone, away from the already busy day and vanish into thin air.
Maybe that is what started all my trouble. They say you should be careful what you wish for, and it isn’t until now that I am beginning to wonder just how true that saying is…
~
It was later that day, after I had finished putting up the streamers and blowing up balloons when I was enjoying the party with the rest of the guests that everything changed. It was time for cake. I brought it out, all thirteen candles placed neatly on top and the flames flickering brightly on each wick, like dancers in the wind.
My sister had invited twelve guests and they all showed up. They were a group of chatty, gossiping girls who followed the fashions and fads of today’s society, just like my sister. All of them annoying and easily annoyed. My sister sat in the middle of them at the end of the table. Six on each side, gathered around her. Thirteen girls, thirteen candles. It seemed fitting in a way, and if you counted military time, one o’clock in the afternoon would be thirteen as well. It seemed that even the time was celebrating my sister’s birthday.
I set the cake down in front of her with a smile and stood at the other end of the table directly opposite of her and then we all sang. The song seemed short, but maybe now, looking back, it was pretty long. I don’t seem to be able to recall the exact details though because what happened next destroyed my entire world in a heartbeat. I didn’t even see it coming before it was too late…
Perhaps my sister was angrier at me than I thought. It was true that the dog was still not back from this morning, but for me the whole incident was a thing of the past.
However, my sister was the queen of grudges…
She was about to blow out the candles when she suddenly stopped. Her eyes scanned the room for a moment, her mouth in the shape of an “o”, ready to blow out the fire, and then our eyes met. Her gaze locked onto mine, and time stood still. Then all thirteen pairs of eyes seemed to turn on me at that very moment and then… whoosh!
As the flickering flames distinguished in the cold breath from my sister’s mouth, ending their pathetic existence, so did my own existence cease to exist as my world fell from beneath my feet and I was plunged into darkness…
My sister must have really hated me to have spent her birthday wish sending me away like that. I wish I could have made up to her… At least made her smile before disappearing or like me a little better. I would have liked to say good-bye to mom, and my baby brother Mike. Now I am not so sure I will ever see them ever again…
~
I still haven’t explained where I am, have I? Well first of all I woke up on a cold hard stone floor in an eerily lit place. This place, from what I can tell, is a hexagon shaped room with a high dome ceiling, and a sort of six-sided star pyramid in the center of the floor.
The walls and everything else in this room is made of black, glistening stone like obsidian, with crystal and gold flecks of mineral within the stone. The mineral flecks made it sparkle and shine darkly in the strange blue light. It was polished so smoothly that it could have been carved from ice, and the stone was just as cold, though the air is fairly warm.
There are no doors, no windows or any sign of a way to get in or out. Not even a skylight. Frankly I am wondering how I am even able to breathe. Maybe I am already dead.
The light comes from this hovering blue orb that is right above the pyramid’s peak. The pyramid actually isn’t that tall. It only comes up to my mid-section and I am just over five feet and nine inches, which I just round up to six feet. From each of the points at the base of the star shaped pyramid runs a thin vein of gold that leads to a pillar, six in total, and one in each corner of the room melded into the wall.
The pillars are skillfully built, thick and appear to be holding up the gold domed ceiling. All the corners and moldings are edged in gold, and the veins of gold that led up to the pillars don’t stop there. They go up the side of the pillar and end in points, like they are arrows. Each arrow on each pillar points to a different symbol painted in gold at eye level like they were meant to be seen. There are six in total just like the pillars, and the sides of the room, and the number of walls, and the points of the star.
The symbols are what appear to be the number thirteen, an elaborately painted mirror, a pocket watch, an umbrella, a cat, and a saltshaker. These images I find odd. I don’t know of any way they each could be connected to each other. Maybe they tell a story?
Most I recognized to be symbols of bad luck. Except for the saltshaker and the watch this place could be the source of all things evil. Wasn’t the number six the devil’s number anyway?
I know that if you break a mirror you get ten years of bad luck, or that if a black cat crosses your path you’re going to have bad luck and you should never open an umbrella inside a house, and the number thirteen was unlucky but I couldn’t think of any bad things to do with time or salt. Perhaps they were all connected in some other way?
Still, that is not the strangest thing that I found in this room. The strangest thing is what you are reading now. What I am writing in. This very journal. It was lying there at the base of the pyramid, open to the first blank page like it was waiting for me. Next to it was an inky black fountain pen that wrote in this glorious deep blue ink, and then on the cover of this black leather bound book, printed in gold lettering… is my own name in loopy gold cursive. Not that you haven’t noticed by now since you are reading this after all.
My thoughts right now? Well I don’t know how much time has passed since I plucked up the courage to actually write on these beautiful white pages in this book after getting sent here by that birthday wish. I am not hungry, or tired, but just simply bored. The idea that I have died still lingers in my mind but I doubt it.
Whoever designed this place must love black, crystal, blue and gold. It is elegant, the structure is beautiful and looks like a skilled worker created this under the watchful eye of a very talented architect.
I don’t feel safe here though. It isn’t comfortable and peaceful. It isn’t like I have found some safe haven far away from the world, but it is a place where I can be alone. It could even be mine; after all, the book was left here for me. I could stay here for a while.
Now I am sort of feeling drowsy. It is more like a peaceful type of drowsiness though, not a tired and worn out sleep. It is hard to resist and I feel my eyes drooping.
I don’t know who will read this. I don’t know if I will ever make it back home, or if this is all just a dream and when I fall asleep I shall actually be waking up in my own world. I don’t know a lot of things, but what I do know is that for now I believe I am safe, and so, goodnight reader. Who knows if I shall ever wake up again?
Until next time,
~Alex N. Webbings
June 7th 2012
“In Which I Discover a Dragon and Escape the Windowless Room”
It is 12:49 a.m. according to my digital watch. I completely forgot that I had it on until the alarm went off at midnight. (Don’t ask) I am surprised it still works with all these weird things going on. It seems almost… normal. Not surprisingly enough though I am bored. I’ve explored every nook and cranny of this place. There is something on the high domed ceiling but I can’t see it very well. It looks like another symbol in the shape of a flying bird, but it is so far away I can’t really be sure. The idea that the thing on the ceiling holds the key to my freedom seems highly unlikely though. Besides, how in the world would I get up there?
I’ve avoided the glowing orb in the center. It could be some sort of fire, or it might go out when I move to close to it. I don’t like the dark. I’ve left it alone.
I envy you whoever you are that gets stuck here after me because at least you’ll have my rather short journal to read and some interesting bones and rags to look at. If you are the gruesome and grisly type then maybe you could even think of some morbid game to play with my remains, or maybe you’ll go insane and start talking to my skull.
Thinking like this makes me slightly less bored.
~
You won’t believe what has happened since I last put this diary down! Right now I think any normal person would be freaking out, and even I have a hard time trying to wrap my mind around what has just happened. I am finally out of that blasted room, in a new place with a warm fire and a soft sort of woolen sleeping bag. There are a few people here but I am getting ahead of myself. You don’t even know how I got here. I’ll start from where I left off last so as to make things easier for you to follow.
I stopped my last entry short because I caught a movement in the corner of my eye. It was coming from the pillar with the number thirteen on it. At first I dismissed the movement and continued writing my sentence when I saw it again. It was a sort of flash in the corner screen of my vision; something that one wouldn’t normally notice. I’m not normal.
I put my journal in my jacket pocket and shuffled over to investigate. Nothing was there when I looked, and I was willing to let myself believe that it was a trick of the light when I saw it. I am ashamed to say that I let out a sort of startled yelp and fell back onto my backside; it hurt a lot since the entire place was made of stone, but at the moment I could have cared less.
At the base of the pillar crouched before me was something that I had thought was only real in fairytales. There was only one species name I could have thought when I saw it. The thing was a dragon. Dragons are known as the most feared and famous creatures of legend. They’re sometimes signs of good fortune; while two others they’re signs of destruction and ill will. In tales they are creatures of wisdom, power and dexterity, and there was one right here in front of me.
I was immediately on my guard, my reflexes and muscles twitching and tensing, ready to spring into action. Granted, the dragon was only about the size of a ferret or a small house cat, but with its wicked claws, sharp teeth, and possible fire breathing abilities, I was pretty sure that it could still be lethal.
Neither of us moved for a while. We regarded each other with cold respect, the dragon’s respect of me for being bigger though obviously not braver, and my respect of it for its deadliness and its superior hiding skills. I had thought I had searched everywhere, and unless I was blind or the dragon had been continuously avoiding me during my search, it would have been otherwise impossible for me to have not seen the dragon during my search.
The dragon had glistening black scales the color of the stone that surrounded the room, with small ridges down its spine of similar color, only more rugged and less glossy. Its underbelly was plated with amber yellow scales and its claws were thorns and as sharp as an eagle’s. A long lizard tail with a pointed end like an arrow flicked from side to side behind it, and large leathery wings were folded at its side. A sandpapery pink snake like tongue tasted the air in front of it, otherwise it remained motionless.
The head of the dragon was the most interesting though. It had a long and slender snout like a mini crocodile, and sharp teeth that protruded from the upper jaw. It had eyebrows ridged with small spiny scales, and then two long spikes sticking out at the back of its head. Other spikes lined the back of its lower jaw closer to the neck, but the ridges, and the glistening scales weren’t the most eye catching trait that the dragon had. It was the eyes. They were like liquid gold, and they were deep with an inner glow to them as if they had their own light. The black slits of an iris contracted and then widened as the light continued to dim and then brighten with the orbs slow and constant pulse.
I twitched with nervousness, yet refused to move. I was half scared that if I did then it would attack or flee, and then I was also held spellbound by the dragon’s amazing eyes. They never blinked, and I was a captive in their intense gaze.
In an instant all of that changed. With a single flick of its tail, the dragon darted forward and scaled up my leg, scraping my skin through my jeans. Then it was on my back, on my shoulder blade. I stiffened. I didn’t know what to do. I was in shock, but I had to quickly snap out of it. I had to take action before it was too late. The next thing I did though wasn’t the smartest thing to do, and the consequence was obvious.
I reach my hand tentatively back, moving so slow that it was painful, towards where I felt the creature sitting motionless on my back. The dragon’s warm scales pressed against my shirt, and its claws dug deeper into my skin as it saw me move. I flinched in pain but persisted to move my hand ever so slowly towards it, and then it struck.
My mouth twisted in a painful grimace, and my eyebrows knit together in frustration as I quickly withdrew my hand. The dragon came with it. The creature had embedded its teeth into the soft flesh of my wrist, and it refused to let go. Slightly panicked, I tried shaking my hand wildly in the air, but it only made the pain worse, and the dragon only held on tighter. It hurt. I stopped and knelt down, defeated, holding my hand out in front of me. Was the dragon poisonous? Was my fate already sealed? Maybe my entire purpose had been to come here and become dragon food. I might as well give in and stop fighting. There was no escape from the room anyway.
Then I looked at the dragon. It was still hanging onto my wrist with its teeth but its eyes were watching me with a certain curiosity as if wondering what I was going to do next; like it was intelligent and not just some lizard of legend. I calmed down a bit. I was overreacting and needed to get a hold of myself. I reached out towards the dragon with my other hand and grabbed it around its middle. It let go without further protest and continued to watch my movements with its golden eyes. It didn’t even try to struggle, but instead, delicately licked my wounded hand as if apologizing.
I smiled slightly and looked at my hand. That’s when I was surprised yet again to see that there weren’t any bite-marks but instead there was a small patch of pure white skin in the shape of a star on my wrist. I shook my head. I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore; after all, I was holding a dragon and had been whisked away from my home with the flickering candles of a single birthday cake.
My heart melted though seeing how sorry the dragon was. I hesitantly patted its head and ran my hand down its ridged back. Its scales were warm and pleasing to the touch, probably kept toasty by its inner flames. It leaned against my palm and seemed to enjoy it, and then at that moment I knew everything was going to be all right.
I smiled for real this time, feeling slightly giddy. I was in a place, a real place, with no means of escape, but I was here with a dragon. It sounded so unbelievably impossible and made up that it would have been easy for me to simply shrug it off and say it was just a really long and complicated dream. The dragon’s presence kept me from thinking that way. I petted it and scratched it under its chin like I do with my cat at home. Its eyes closed with pleasure and flicked its tongue across my hand. The creature reminded me so much of my cat!
At that moment, I actually let myself believe that it was my cat, and kissed it lightly on its scaled cheek. At that moment something changed. It was like something had clicked into place and the gears of the clock had started to turn once again. I felt it instantly. There was someone else in my head. My mind was being invaded as if some person was going through a large filing cabinet of my life story and personal achievements. I felt exposed, and I didn’t like it.
I mentally pushed this unwelcome presence from my mind with some effort and then pulled a semi-permeable membrane over my thoughts. Now I would be able to hear whoever was mentally out there but they wouldn’t be able to read my inner feelings and comments. A sad sort of chuckle interrupted my thoughts.
“Well, I guess the shows over then. Took you long enough, I was beginning to worry that I would never be able to complete my mission if I couldn’t get through to you. I may have been forced to take juristic measures, and that wouldn’t have been good at all. Not good at all…” said a voice that sounded like a teen-age boys. Then more laughter as he added teasingly, “thanks for the kiss.”
I was stunned and felt sort of like I had been punched in the gut. There was only one explanation for all of this. It was the dragon. I blinked at it for a moment, my mouth probably opening and closing in an unappealing fashion but who cared? The dragon was talking to me in my head! How was it even possible? Another long minute of silence and staring answered that question. Just like the mark that had appeared upon my hand when the dragon had supposedly bit me, a white star shaped mark had appeared on his cheek where I had kissed him. It stood out plainly against his black scales right beneath his golden eye that looked at me still with that bright curiosity. Somehow, I had formed a mental connection with this creature, and I had a feeling that it hadn’t been an accident on the dragon’s part.
“Your mission?” I asked aloud, not wanting to risk letting my mental guard down even for an instant. “And what would that be? Who are you? What… How…?” Having the ability to now communicate with the dragon suddenly left me swirling with questions. There was a possibility for answers, and my head wouldn’t sort out what was more important. I just wanted to know so much, but had no idea how to ask.
The dragon gave me his apologetic look again and shook his head. “Sorry. This is probably really disorienting for you and everything. I’m just glad you’re not having a panic attack and freaking out. You don’t really overreact to anything, do you? That’s good. I at least got stuck with a sort of sensible person for a partner,” he rambled on in my head, not answering any of my questions. “Well, I guess I should at least introduce myself.”
I shook my head and sighed. This whole mental thing would take some getting used to. His thoughts seemed to continuously bombard my head. It was sometimes hard for me to only allow his voice and main thoughts to come through. Occasionally I would get an image of whatever was on his mind at the moment. At one time I saw a black cat with two different colored eyes that appeared to be telling him something, but then that was instantly replaced with an image of me. Was my hair really that wild, and my eyes…? Were they really that color? It all seemed so unreal…
I was so caught up in trying to sort out some stray thoughts that had made it into my mind from his that I didn’t notice the dragon as he slipped out of my grasp. He scampered down my hand to perch himself on top of my knee cap (remember, I was still on the ground from the time he had first startled me) and then inclined his head in my direction, sort of like a half bow.
“I am Sylph Pyrimus Draconic.” He said telepathically. “You were summoned here for urgent matters that will be discussed soon, but first we need to hastily make our way out of this chamber.”
I looked at his tiny form and frowned, doubtful. “But, there are no doors or windows…” I muttered softly, only to drop the matter as his laughter once again bubbled in my mind.
“Well Alexandra Nike Webbings,” Sylph said cheerily, showing his gleaming white fangs, (I took for an attempt at a smile) “You got in here by magic and that’s how you’re going to leave. Do you trust me?”
I met his liquid golden eyes and the barrier around my thoughts slipped a bit. Truthfully I was scared. I wanted to return home where I belonged. I wanted to know what had happened and why I was hear. It was all so new and unbelievable that I was afraid that it was just a dream, and part of me wanted to believe it was. But then, deep inside of me something was bubbling towards the surface of all my emotions. It had ignited a little spark within my soul that thirst for adventure. To take the risk, and get my hands dirty for once. It wasn’t always going to be just enough watching everyone else do brave and exciting things. This was my turn to travel down the unexplored road.
I know it might sound strange to you, and back then, perhaps I should’ve thought things through a bit more. Had I known that if I had stayed in that room for the full twenty-four hours that I would be returned home exactly where and when I had been taken, I would have liked to think that maybe I would have chosen differently, but I know myself better than that. I can be impulsive and do crazy things at times. After watching so many people, I wanted a turn, and now I had that chance! I wouldn’t have changed my actions or decision in the end. So, perhaps I will never return home again, but I chose at that moment to trust the dragon.
Sylph heard all of that, and felt my conflict within. Even better was that he immediately knew that my resolve was to follow and trust him and it seemed that for a moment he was shocked. As I divulged some of his thoughts I got the impression that he had thought that it would have been harder than this. I smiled at him, and then heard his high and light-hearted laughter in my mind once more.
“Thanks Alex.” Sylph said with another bow of his head, and then he darted up my arm again and curled around my shoulders like an expensive feather boa. “Thanks for your trust… The way out is to simply touch the aura in the center of the room. You’ll be out of here in an instant, but be careful. It sometimes has some… side effects.”
Was that guilt I detected in his voice and hidden emotions? I couldn’t be for sure but I didn’t want to even ask what he had meant about the last part. I didn’t hesitate. Not even for a moment. I got to my feet and then in one fluent motion I thrust my hands into the dead center of the glowing deep blue orb of light. White-hot intense pain shot up my arms and all the breath in my body was sucked out of me. I had a moment to register all this pain before it consumed me and the world around me once again went out like a candle in the wind.
~
I landed in the dirt, wracked with bone burning pains, worse than anything I could ever describe. It was like my blood had been replaced with molten lead and was burning me from the inside out. I think I screamed, but my mind was so disoriented I could barely tell what was going on. I stopped thrashing around wildly and blindly, to give in and lie there coughing and gasping for air. The dirt had gotten into my mouth and tasted like dry leaves and dust. My vision was blurred, but in front of me was what appeared to be a great mountain higher than any natural thing I had ever seen, even in books. Behind it was the full white moon that gave off a bright white light so intense that it looked unreal. Almost fake.
Then I was on my back, staring at the stars. I don’t know how I got on my back, but I know that the stars were growing dim. My vision was failing and I was losing myself, slipping, into blissful unconsciousness. My mind was retreating, trying to escape the great waves of pain that rolled over me. My last sensation was being lifted up in strong arms, and the sound of a soothing heartbeat against my burning ears.
~
Now I am here. I know my story seemed long, but I had time to add all the details since we’re apparently still waiting. I wouldn’t want to forget them anyway, not even for a second. They may bore you but to me, they are my precious memories. Maybe someday I will find this journal, if I ever return home, and smile to myself, remembering all the adventures I had while I was younger. But I once again digress, because my entry is still incomplete. I once again have forgotten to mention where I am.
When I awoke to the rosy pink of the morning sky, and the chirping of birds in the trees, I had no idea where I was. I just had the sensation that I was safe and warm in a soft fleece blanket with a pillow that seemed to be made of clouds. I could have slept longer, and probably would have slept more if I hadn’t overheard an interesting discussion. Even more interesting was that I thought I heard Sylph’s voice in this discussion, only it wasn’t in my head this time.
“Rafiel found one of them, a girl named Allie. She’s the last one assuming that only six of the seven objects retrieved their chosen victors from Earth.” Said a soft and silky young boy’s voice to my right.
It was hard to hear over the crackling fire but from what I was gathering everyone else was asleep. I was aware of the presence of several other bodies close by. I seemed to have that sort of gift, mainly because I can’t stand being in tight quarters or having people touch me. An odd fear I know, but I preferred my solitude than to annoying crowds. There were two people in the discussion apparently, and I couldn’t make much sense of it at the time.
Next Sylph spoke. “Okay, let me get this straight. Alex came with me and that makes one; Aria came in chasing after Robin, that’s three; you found Lin and Naleen out there so with Rafiel’s find of Allie we’re all set. What now?”
My ears were pricked and I was listening intently now. I could safely guess that I wasn’t the only person to be snatched away from earth to be… victors? Did that mean heroes? I shivered, but not from the cold but from the thrill of a promising adventure. Maybe I would get the chance to run through a forest, or chase after a bad guy. I love to run. I waited eagerly to what would be said next.
The other character sighed deeply, as if releasing a mountain load of troubles. “Well, we hadn’t anticipated them all being girls, but I suppose that is my fault. When we sent out the seven objects of power to the outer realm, Earth, I was thinking of mother. The portal apparently picked up on that… and got us all girl heroines.” The mewling voice admitted reluctantly. “Besides, Rafiel has all the plans. I think it was his idea that all the girls are to receive a quick de-briefing on what our goal is, and their powers, and why they are here. I feel really bad about all this. They… They have homes and families in the other reality don’t they…”
I choose that time to sit up. Apparently something was wrong and needed fixing and so they sent for help and got us. I don’t know who really the “us” are yet but they needed help. I also was curious to how Sylph was speaking and why he sounded so much louder.
“Ahh! Good morning Alex!” Sylph said, immediately noticing my awakening. Too bad, it was back in my head. Maybe it had been this whole time and I just hadn’t realized it. “Are you feeling better? Did you sleep well?” he fretted.
I didn’t respond right away, but instead to the opportunity to take in my surroundings. What I had taken for a mountain the night before was actually a giant pyramid. Back in reality, it would even best Mount Everest in height! I was at the base of it inside a sort of tiny amphitheater lined with tables and drawers full of various tools and weapons as well as bags instead of chairs. I saw scythes, samurai swords, nun-chucks, and even bowling balls with pins. A stash of food mainly comprised of cakes covered another table, and then sleeping bags and camping supplies filled another. It was a hiker’s paradise.
We were on the place that one would call the stage, only it wasn’t a raised platform, but rather a sunken one with a fire pit in the center four other girls were asleep to the left of me, curled up in sleeping bags as well, and a few of them snoring loudly. They all looked to be around my age, maybe even younger. They were my partners.
Directly to my right sitting on top of another sleeping bag was a little boy. He had large ruby red eyes that looked almost sad, and his long wild black chin length hair stuck out at odd angles from underneath his hat that gave him the appearance of having cat ears. There was a funny little patch of white hair right in the middle of his wild bangs that I found cute. His mouth was small and gave him a pouty look, but that was also because of his small size and thin limbs.
He wore a red and black striped scarf around his skinny neck and his black clothes made his tan skin look pale. He wore no shoes, and sat cross-legged, looking expectantly and also with a sort of wariness at me. I deemed him absolutely adorable at once when I was able to match that tiny mewling voice to him. A part of me wanted to hug him. Little kids were the only exception to my no touch phobia it seemed. Cuteness had its advantages.
Sylph was next to the boy, still waiting for an answer to his greeting.
“I slept fine, thanks.” I said quietly after taking everything in. The pink sky, the fresh air, the scent of burning firewood and balsam trees. It was a beautiful morning. “So, will you explain a few things for me now? Like, what is your name” I asked politely with a small smile.
The small boy blinked, probably surprised at my calmness. “Rothgar.” He answered simply, and then seemed suddenly unable to say anything else as if he had swallowed his tongue.
Sylph grinned his toothy grin again and laughed the same laugh he had laughed the day before. “Right to the point I see. You don’t waste any time I see. Well anyway, now you can relax a bit. We won’t be able to repeat ourselves over and over again like you want so we will have to wait till everyone else wakes up as well.” He said before adding, “Oh, and welcome back to the world of the living. If you want to waste some time, you can help yourself to some cake and then write in the journal of yours over there. If the pyramid included those in your rooms they must be important so you might as well do something with it, right?”
I shrugged and nodded at the same time. I didn’t bother asking if he could ask aloud now. I would pester him later. I grabbed this book and choose a table closer to the fire and sat writing for what seemed hours. And I would continue writing but I believe I have caught up with the present. There is nothing else for me to say. I shall be here at this table close to the fire, waiting for the others to wake up, or that Rafiel person to bring Allie over. I want to talk to everyone and get to know them. It sounds fun, and exciting. Maybe I will make a new friend. I guess Sylph could be counted as a friend sort of. He’s just a dragon though.
Oh, and I just looked at my clock. An entire day for me has passed. It’s not June 7th after all. It’s June 8th, 7:21 in the morning. I had been knocked out for more than twenty-four hours. I wonder what happened during that time. Had the others been awake? I would be a bit embarrassed if they saw me sleeping. I hope I didn’t drool…
Anyway, signing out for now. I’m going to pack a bag and help myself to some chocolate cake.
~Alex N. Webbings
I’ve avoided the glowing orb in the center. It could be some sort of fire, or it might go out when I move to close to it. I don’t like the dark. I’ve left it alone.
I envy you whoever you are that gets stuck here after me because at least you’ll have my rather short journal to read and some interesting bones and rags to look at. If you are the gruesome and grisly type then maybe you could even think of some morbid game to play with my remains, or maybe you’ll go insane and start talking to my skull.
Thinking like this makes me slightly less bored.
~
You won’t believe what has happened since I last put this diary down! Right now I think any normal person would be freaking out, and even I have a hard time trying to wrap my mind around what has just happened. I am finally out of that blasted room, in a new place with a warm fire and a soft sort of woolen sleeping bag. There are a few people here but I am getting ahead of myself. You don’t even know how I got here. I’ll start from where I left off last so as to make things easier for you to follow.
I stopped my last entry short because I caught a movement in the corner of my eye. It was coming from the pillar with the number thirteen on it. At first I dismissed the movement and continued writing my sentence when I saw it again. It was a sort of flash in the corner screen of my vision; something that one wouldn’t normally notice. I’m not normal.
I put my journal in my jacket pocket and shuffled over to investigate. Nothing was there when I looked, and I was willing to let myself believe that it was a trick of the light when I saw it. I am ashamed to say that I let out a sort of startled yelp and fell back onto my backside; it hurt a lot since the entire place was made of stone, but at the moment I could have cared less.
At the base of the pillar crouched before me was something that I had thought was only real in fairytales. There was only one species name I could have thought when I saw it. The thing was a dragon. Dragons are known as the most feared and famous creatures of legend. They’re sometimes signs of good fortune; while two others they’re signs of destruction and ill will. In tales they are creatures of wisdom, power and dexterity, and there was one right here in front of me.
I was immediately on my guard, my reflexes and muscles twitching and tensing, ready to spring into action. Granted, the dragon was only about the size of a ferret or a small house cat, but with its wicked claws, sharp teeth, and possible fire breathing abilities, I was pretty sure that it could still be lethal.
Neither of us moved for a while. We regarded each other with cold respect, the dragon’s respect of me for being bigger though obviously not braver, and my respect of it for its deadliness and its superior hiding skills. I had thought I had searched everywhere, and unless I was blind or the dragon had been continuously avoiding me during my search, it would have been otherwise impossible for me to have not seen the dragon during my search.
The dragon had glistening black scales the color of the stone that surrounded the room, with small ridges down its spine of similar color, only more rugged and less glossy. Its underbelly was plated with amber yellow scales and its claws were thorns and as sharp as an eagle’s. A long lizard tail with a pointed end like an arrow flicked from side to side behind it, and large leathery wings were folded at its side. A sandpapery pink snake like tongue tasted the air in front of it, otherwise it remained motionless.
The head of the dragon was the most interesting though. It had a long and slender snout like a mini crocodile, and sharp teeth that protruded from the upper jaw. It had eyebrows ridged with small spiny scales, and then two long spikes sticking out at the back of its head. Other spikes lined the back of its lower jaw closer to the neck, but the ridges, and the glistening scales weren’t the most eye catching trait that the dragon had. It was the eyes. They were like liquid gold, and they were deep with an inner glow to them as if they had their own light. The black slits of an iris contracted and then widened as the light continued to dim and then brighten with the orbs slow and constant pulse.
I twitched with nervousness, yet refused to move. I was half scared that if I did then it would attack or flee, and then I was also held spellbound by the dragon’s amazing eyes. They never blinked, and I was a captive in their intense gaze.
In an instant all of that changed. With a single flick of its tail, the dragon darted forward and scaled up my leg, scraping my skin through my jeans. Then it was on my back, on my shoulder blade. I stiffened. I didn’t know what to do. I was in shock, but I had to quickly snap out of it. I had to take action before it was too late. The next thing I did though wasn’t the smartest thing to do, and the consequence was obvious.
I reach my hand tentatively back, moving so slow that it was painful, towards where I felt the creature sitting motionless on my back. The dragon’s warm scales pressed against my shirt, and its claws dug deeper into my skin as it saw me move. I flinched in pain but persisted to move my hand ever so slowly towards it, and then it struck.
My mouth twisted in a painful grimace, and my eyebrows knit together in frustration as I quickly withdrew my hand. The dragon came with it. The creature had embedded its teeth into the soft flesh of my wrist, and it refused to let go. Slightly panicked, I tried shaking my hand wildly in the air, but it only made the pain worse, and the dragon only held on tighter. It hurt. I stopped and knelt down, defeated, holding my hand out in front of me. Was the dragon poisonous? Was my fate already sealed? Maybe my entire purpose had been to come here and become dragon food. I might as well give in and stop fighting. There was no escape from the room anyway.
Then I looked at the dragon. It was still hanging onto my wrist with its teeth but its eyes were watching me with a certain curiosity as if wondering what I was going to do next; like it was intelligent and not just some lizard of legend. I calmed down a bit. I was overreacting and needed to get a hold of myself. I reached out towards the dragon with my other hand and grabbed it around its middle. It let go without further protest and continued to watch my movements with its golden eyes. It didn’t even try to struggle, but instead, delicately licked my wounded hand as if apologizing.
I smiled slightly and looked at my hand. That’s when I was surprised yet again to see that there weren’t any bite-marks but instead there was a small patch of pure white skin in the shape of a star on my wrist. I shook my head. I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore; after all, I was holding a dragon and had been whisked away from my home with the flickering candles of a single birthday cake.
My heart melted though seeing how sorry the dragon was. I hesitantly patted its head and ran my hand down its ridged back. Its scales were warm and pleasing to the touch, probably kept toasty by its inner flames. It leaned against my palm and seemed to enjoy it, and then at that moment I knew everything was going to be all right.
I smiled for real this time, feeling slightly giddy. I was in a place, a real place, with no means of escape, but I was here with a dragon. It sounded so unbelievably impossible and made up that it would have been easy for me to simply shrug it off and say it was just a really long and complicated dream. The dragon’s presence kept me from thinking that way. I petted it and scratched it under its chin like I do with my cat at home. Its eyes closed with pleasure and flicked its tongue across my hand. The creature reminded me so much of my cat!
At that moment, I actually let myself believe that it was my cat, and kissed it lightly on its scaled cheek. At that moment something changed. It was like something had clicked into place and the gears of the clock had started to turn once again. I felt it instantly. There was someone else in my head. My mind was being invaded as if some person was going through a large filing cabinet of my life story and personal achievements. I felt exposed, and I didn’t like it.
I mentally pushed this unwelcome presence from my mind with some effort and then pulled a semi-permeable membrane over my thoughts. Now I would be able to hear whoever was mentally out there but they wouldn’t be able to read my inner feelings and comments. A sad sort of chuckle interrupted my thoughts.
“Well, I guess the shows over then. Took you long enough, I was beginning to worry that I would never be able to complete my mission if I couldn’t get through to you. I may have been forced to take juristic measures, and that wouldn’t have been good at all. Not good at all…” said a voice that sounded like a teen-age boys. Then more laughter as he added teasingly, “thanks for the kiss.”
I was stunned and felt sort of like I had been punched in the gut. There was only one explanation for all of this. It was the dragon. I blinked at it for a moment, my mouth probably opening and closing in an unappealing fashion but who cared? The dragon was talking to me in my head! How was it even possible? Another long minute of silence and staring answered that question. Just like the mark that had appeared upon my hand when the dragon had supposedly bit me, a white star shaped mark had appeared on his cheek where I had kissed him. It stood out plainly against his black scales right beneath his golden eye that looked at me still with that bright curiosity. Somehow, I had formed a mental connection with this creature, and I had a feeling that it hadn’t been an accident on the dragon’s part.
“Your mission?” I asked aloud, not wanting to risk letting my mental guard down even for an instant. “And what would that be? Who are you? What… How…?” Having the ability to now communicate with the dragon suddenly left me swirling with questions. There was a possibility for answers, and my head wouldn’t sort out what was more important. I just wanted to know so much, but had no idea how to ask.
The dragon gave me his apologetic look again and shook his head. “Sorry. This is probably really disorienting for you and everything. I’m just glad you’re not having a panic attack and freaking out. You don’t really overreact to anything, do you? That’s good. I at least got stuck with a sort of sensible person for a partner,” he rambled on in my head, not answering any of my questions. “Well, I guess I should at least introduce myself.”
I shook my head and sighed. This whole mental thing would take some getting used to. His thoughts seemed to continuously bombard my head. It was sometimes hard for me to only allow his voice and main thoughts to come through. Occasionally I would get an image of whatever was on his mind at the moment. At one time I saw a black cat with two different colored eyes that appeared to be telling him something, but then that was instantly replaced with an image of me. Was my hair really that wild, and my eyes…? Were they really that color? It all seemed so unreal…
I was so caught up in trying to sort out some stray thoughts that had made it into my mind from his that I didn’t notice the dragon as he slipped out of my grasp. He scampered down my hand to perch himself on top of my knee cap (remember, I was still on the ground from the time he had first startled me) and then inclined his head in my direction, sort of like a half bow.
“I am Sylph Pyrimus Draconic.” He said telepathically. “You were summoned here for urgent matters that will be discussed soon, but first we need to hastily make our way out of this chamber.”
I looked at his tiny form and frowned, doubtful. “But, there are no doors or windows…” I muttered softly, only to drop the matter as his laughter once again bubbled in my mind.
“Well Alexandra Nike Webbings,” Sylph said cheerily, showing his gleaming white fangs, (I took for an attempt at a smile) “You got in here by magic and that’s how you’re going to leave. Do you trust me?”
I met his liquid golden eyes and the barrier around my thoughts slipped a bit. Truthfully I was scared. I wanted to return home where I belonged. I wanted to know what had happened and why I was hear. It was all so new and unbelievable that I was afraid that it was just a dream, and part of me wanted to believe it was. But then, deep inside of me something was bubbling towards the surface of all my emotions. It had ignited a little spark within my soul that thirst for adventure. To take the risk, and get my hands dirty for once. It wasn’t always going to be just enough watching everyone else do brave and exciting things. This was my turn to travel down the unexplored road.
I know it might sound strange to you, and back then, perhaps I should’ve thought things through a bit more. Had I known that if I had stayed in that room for the full twenty-four hours that I would be returned home exactly where and when I had been taken, I would have liked to think that maybe I would have chosen differently, but I know myself better than that. I can be impulsive and do crazy things at times. After watching so many people, I wanted a turn, and now I had that chance! I wouldn’t have changed my actions or decision in the end. So, perhaps I will never return home again, but I chose at that moment to trust the dragon.
Sylph heard all of that, and felt my conflict within. Even better was that he immediately knew that my resolve was to follow and trust him and it seemed that for a moment he was shocked. As I divulged some of his thoughts I got the impression that he had thought that it would have been harder than this. I smiled at him, and then heard his high and light-hearted laughter in my mind once more.
“Thanks Alex.” Sylph said with another bow of his head, and then he darted up my arm again and curled around my shoulders like an expensive feather boa. “Thanks for your trust… The way out is to simply touch the aura in the center of the room. You’ll be out of here in an instant, but be careful. It sometimes has some… side effects.”
Was that guilt I detected in his voice and hidden emotions? I couldn’t be for sure but I didn’t want to even ask what he had meant about the last part. I didn’t hesitate. Not even for a moment. I got to my feet and then in one fluent motion I thrust my hands into the dead center of the glowing deep blue orb of light. White-hot intense pain shot up my arms and all the breath in my body was sucked out of me. I had a moment to register all this pain before it consumed me and the world around me once again went out like a candle in the wind.
~
I landed in the dirt, wracked with bone burning pains, worse than anything I could ever describe. It was like my blood had been replaced with molten lead and was burning me from the inside out. I think I screamed, but my mind was so disoriented I could barely tell what was going on. I stopped thrashing around wildly and blindly, to give in and lie there coughing and gasping for air. The dirt had gotten into my mouth and tasted like dry leaves and dust. My vision was blurred, but in front of me was what appeared to be a great mountain higher than any natural thing I had ever seen, even in books. Behind it was the full white moon that gave off a bright white light so intense that it looked unreal. Almost fake.
Then I was on my back, staring at the stars. I don’t know how I got on my back, but I know that the stars were growing dim. My vision was failing and I was losing myself, slipping, into blissful unconsciousness. My mind was retreating, trying to escape the great waves of pain that rolled over me. My last sensation was being lifted up in strong arms, and the sound of a soothing heartbeat against my burning ears.
~
Now I am here. I know my story seemed long, but I had time to add all the details since we’re apparently still waiting. I wouldn’t want to forget them anyway, not even for a second. They may bore you but to me, they are my precious memories. Maybe someday I will find this journal, if I ever return home, and smile to myself, remembering all the adventures I had while I was younger. But I once again digress, because my entry is still incomplete. I once again have forgotten to mention where I am.
When I awoke to the rosy pink of the morning sky, and the chirping of birds in the trees, I had no idea where I was. I just had the sensation that I was safe and warm in a soft fleece blanket with a pillow that seemed to be made of clouds. I could have slept longer, and probably would have slept more if I hadn’t overheard an interesting discussion. Even more interesting was that I thought I heard Sylph’s voice in this discussion, only it wasn’t in my head this time.
“Rafiel found one of them, a girl named Allie. She’s the last one assuming that only six of the seven objects retrieved their chosen victors from Earth.” Said a soft and silky young boy’s voice to my right.
It was hard to hear over the crackling fire but from what I was gathering everyone else was asleep. I was aware of the presence of several other bodies close by. I seemed to have that sort of gift, mainly because I can’t stand being in tight quarters or having people touch me. An odd fear I know, but I preferred my solitude than to annoying crowds. There were two people in the discussion apparently, and I couldn’t make much sense of it at the time.
Next Sylph spoke. “Okay, let me get this straight. Alex came with me and that makes one; Aria came in chasing after Robin, that’s three; you found Lin and Naleen out there so with Rafiel’s find of Allie we’re all set. What now?”
My ears were pricked and I was listening intently now. I could safely guess that I wasn’t the only person to be snatched away from earth to be… victors? Did that mean heroes? I shivered, but not from the cold but from the thrill of a promising adventure. Maybe I would get the chance to run through a forest, or chase after a bad guy. I love to run. I waited eagerly to what would be said next.
The other character sighed deeply, as if releasing a mountain load of troubles. “Well, we hadn’t anticipated them all being girls, but I suppose that is my fault. When we sent out the seven objects of power to the outer realm, Earth, I was thinking of mother. The portal apparently picked up on that… and got us all girl heroines.” The mewling voice admitted reluctantly. “Besides, Rafiel has all the plans. I think it was his idea that all the girls are to receive a quick de-briefing on what our goal is, and their powers, and why they are here. I feel really bad about all this. They… They have homes and families in the other reality don’t they…”
I choose that time to sit up. Apparently something was wrong and needed fixing and so they sent for help and got us. I don’t know who really the “us” are yet but they needed help. I also was curious to how Sylph was speaking and why he sounded so much louder.
“Ahh! Good morning Alex!” Sylph said, immediately noticing my awakening. Too bad, it was back in my head. Maybe it had been this whole time and I just hadn’t realized it. “Are you feeling better? Did you sleep well?” he fretted.
I didn’t respond right away, but instead to the opportunity to take in my surroundings. What I had taken for a mountain the night before was actually a giant pyramid. Back in reality, it would even best Mount Everest in height! I was at the base of it inside a sort of tiny amphitheater lined with tables and drawers full of various tools and weapons as well as bags instead of chairs. I saw scythes, samurai swords, nun-chucks, and even bowling balls with pins. A stash of food mainly comprised of cakes covered another table, and then sleeping bags and camping supplies filled another. It was a hiker’s paradise.
We were on the place that one would call the stage, only it wasn’t a raised platform, but rather a sunken one with a fire pit in the center four other girls were asleep to the left of me, curled up in sleeping bags as well, and a few of them snoring loudly. They all looked to be around my age, maybe even younger. They were my partners.
Directly to my right sitting on top of another sleeping bag was a little boy. He had large ruby red eyes that looked almost sad, and his long wild black chin length hair stuck out at odd angles from underneath his hat that gave him the appearance of having cat ears. There was a funny little patch of white hair right in the middle of his wild bangs that I found cute. His mouth was small and gave him a pouty look, but that was also because of his small size and thin limbs.
He wore a red and black striped scarf around his skinny neck and his black clothes made his tan skin look pale. He wore no shoes, and sat cross-legged, looking expectantly and also with a sort of wariness at me. I deemed him absolutely adorable at once when I was able to match that tiny mewling voice to him. A part of me wanted to hug him. Little kids were the only exception to my no touch phobia it seemed. Cuteness had its advantages.
Sylph was next to the boy, still waiting for an answer to his greeting.
“I slept fine, thanks.” I said quietly after taking everything in. The pink sky, the fresh air, the scent of burning firewood and balsam trees. It was a beautiful morning. “So, will you explain a few things for me now? Like, what is your name” I asked politely with a small smile.
The small boy blinked, probably surprised at my calmness. “Rothgar.” He answered simply, and then seemed suddenly unable to say anything else as if he had swallowed his tongue.
Sylph grinned his toothy grin again and laughed the same laugh he had laughed the day before. “Right to the point I see. You don’t waste any time I see. Well anyway, now you can relax a bit. We won’t be able to repeat ourselves over and over again like you want so we will have to wait till everyone else wakes up as well.” He said before adding, “Oh, and welcome back to the world of the living. If you want to waste some time, you can help yourself to some cake and then write in the journal of yours over there. If the pyramid included those in your rooms they must be important so you might as well do something with it, right?”
I shrugged and nodded at the same time. I didn’t bother asking if he could ask aloud now. I would pester him later. I grabbed this book and choose a table closer to the fire and sat writing for what seemed hours. And I would continue writing but I believe I have caught up with the present. There is nothing else for me to say. I shall be here at this table close to the fire, waiting for the others to wake up, or that Rafiel person to bring Allie over. I want to talk to everyone and get to know them. It sounds fun, and exciting. Maybe I will make a new friend. I guess Sylph could be counted as a friend sort of. He’s just a dragon though.
Oh, and I just looked at my clock. An entire day for me has passed. It’s not June 7th after all. It’s June 8th, 7:21 in the morning. I had been knocked out for more than twenty-four hours. I wonder what happened during that time. Had the others been awake? I would be a bit embarrassed if they saw me sleeping. I hope I didn’t drool…
Anyway, signing out for now. I’m going to pack a bag and help myself to some chocolate cake.
~Alex N. Webbings
June 9th 2012
“Do We Really Have Much of a Choice?”
A lot of things have once occurred since the last time I have cracked open this book, and I am just going to assume that every time from now on will be like that. I don’t know if I will have much time to write at all considering everything that I’ve been told yesterday and today… I also think this is the last night we will be spending within the safe walls of the Traveler’s Haven (as I have been now told it is called, and the giant pyramid is just the Pyramid of the Moon. Makes sense now and I’ll explain why later) It’s all rather sudden, but then, so was the whole business in the first place. Everything seemed rushed and disorganized or barely even planned. I worry that I am doing the right thing. One question that they never answered was if there was any way for us to get home.
Anyway, continuing where I left off yesterday when I was packing my bag, I had just started to search for some sort of compass to use when someone shouted from outside. It was a voice I didn’t recognize, but it was also a guy’s voice which I found odd since I had heard Rothgar say that he had made the mistake of summoning all female heroes. I had to guess that this was Rafiel and that it was indeed a guy, not a girl like I had previously thought when I had overheard the name.
“HEY ROTHGAR! A LITTLE HELP?” The voice shouted from beyond the heavy metal doors.
I turned in time to see the scrawny kid scramble to his feet and scurry of to the door without a moment’s hesitation. The way he had acted so quickly made me believe that the owner of the voice must be in charge of this mission which was good cause I had some questions that needed answering.
“Hey, do you need some help with anything?” I called after him, moving as if to follow him, but then I stopped. Sylph had returned to his spot around my shoulders and was tapping the side of my head with his tail in a persistent manner.
“He’s fine; he’s just helping a friend with something.” His voice said inside my head. “Is your bag all packed? You should get something to eat then. Have you tried some of the pastries yet? I want some cake. Let’s go get some cake.”
He was obviously trying to divert my attention elsewhere, but I allowed it and walked over to the dining tables. They shouldn’t have even been considered dining tables but more like dessert tables. I don’t think there was a single sugar free thing on those tables. There wasn’t even any meat! It was just a smorgasbord of sweets as far as the eye can see. Cotton candy, chocolate fountains, doughnuts, cakes of all kinds, frosted crackers and then even more treats that I have never seen before.
I stared a bit at the unbelievable sight wondering if this was a dream come true or a nightmare before shaking my head and selecting a powdered doughnut. Not particularly hungry, I offered the tasty tidbit to Sylph who gladly gobbled it up within seconds. It was entertaining to see such a small creature devour such a large doughnut so fast and I laughed a bit at his powdered mustache. Then out darted his little pink tongue and it was gone. After that he then proceeded to lick every last speck of sugar from my fingers and I couldn’t stop giggling the whole while. His tiny tongue tickled, and it wasn’t rough like a cat but rather it was moving too fast to really feel it. It was more like being attacked with a really small feather and THAT tickles.
Curious now at how those doughnuts might taste, I popped a doughnut hole into my mouth. It was pure heaven. The dough must have been mixed with lemon rinds or something because it had a slight sour tang to it but then the sweetness of the sugar balanced the taste out perfectly. It was moist, it was soft and it seemed to melt in my mouth. It was none other than absolutely delicious.
The only problem with all that was that Sylph started to attack the sugar that had ended up on my face with his tongue and I had to push him away in order to avoid getting covered with dragon spit. That and it tickled too much. Instead I wiped what remained of the doughnut onto my sleeve, which he then attacked instead though I am sure it was purely for my own entertainment, and decided to return to packing my bag.
That’s when I saw Rothgar enter guiding another girl into the room accompanied by a small black cat with a white crown patch on his broad forehead and his tail held high. From the useful information I had gathered while I was ‘sleeping’ I could safely assume that this was our last member of the group, Allie, but I was confused as well. What had happened to the boy who was supposed to lead her here? I shook the thought away and concentrated on the present.
“Oh, so you weren’t asleep? How much did you hear? … You didn’t see anything right?” Sylph sounded concerned for some reason and I cursed myself for letting my mental shield drop again. I ignored him and his nervous feelings and continued on my path, determined to get some answers.
I ran up to meet them on the steps and waved in the girl’s direction. She didn’t respond which I found sort of disheartening but I was preoccupied at the moment and didn’t look closer into the reason for her silence until later. “Hey Rothgar, Need any help?” I offer once again, hoping to be of some assistance.
“Yeah. Thanks Alex.”
He didn’t meet my eye when he spoke which I guess wouldn’t bother me if I knew he was just being shy but that wasn’t the case. Rothgar looked a bit distracted, as if something was bothering him. Without saying anything else, he shook himself and walked off towards where the black cat had disappeared, not even bothering to introduce me to Allie or anything.
That’s when I noticed the reason why she had needed assistance in the first place, and the words just sort of tumbled out of my mouth. “Hi! I’m Alex! Oh… are you blind?”
The moment those words leave my lips I felt like an idiot. Had I even needed to ask? Sylph’s snickering didn’t help my mood either and I tried to ignore him and studied the person in front of me.
Allie was about a head shorter than me with straight mousy brown hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail that reached way past the middle of her back. She wore a striped black and purple jacket with a hood, a black T-shirt and jeans with worn out tennis shoes covering her feet. A rather small polka dotted school bag was already slung over her shoulders and wondered if she had been given that pack here in this strange world or had come with it from earth. If she had been able to take a pack from home when she transported I wondered if I had only been touching that cake, would it have come with me as well…?
A loud and awkward rumbling sound interrupted my thoughts and I stared at Allie in surprise. When was the last time she had eaten? If I had been out for a whole day… had she not eaten this entire time!?!
Her face reddened with embarrassment and she answered, flustered, “Oh, um… I’m Allie and…he he… yes… I guess I am sort of blind. Um… is there any food?”
I looked sadly at her, feeling sorry that she couldn’t have a decent meal because there was nothing like meat or cheese on the table and answered regretfully, “Yeah, right over here. They only have sweets though. Want some chocolate cake?”
She made a face and stuck out her tongue. “Chocolate? Ewe. Anything else?”
I was sort of surprised. I hadn’t met anyone who hadn’t liked chocolate before. Chocolate was the most amazing thing in the world! Especially melted chocolate, but I didn’t comment about that and instead offered her something else. “Powdered doughnuts?”
“Fine.” Allie said without much emotion.
I held out the doughnut for her to take before remembering that she was currently blind. Her green eyes stared sightlessly at me, or through me, expecting the doughnut or something. To anyone else, if they had been observing from afar, they wouldn’t have even known she was blind.
I tapped the doughnut against her hand at her side and she took it giving me a grateful smile before popping it into her mouth. After a few more doughnuts, a couple of licorice and a sugar cookie, she seemed satisfied, but I didn’t know if I could live off of nothing but sugar. I needed some meat.
“This world doesn’t need meat. Actually we don’t even have to eat really though most people do because it is just… uncomfortable. Besides, none of the animals here would be very happy about you eating them. They’re people too you know” Sylph said with a tone of disapproval.
I frowned. I guess that animals did have feelings too, but I would miss meat. And why would someone’s tummy growl anyway if they didn’t need to eat. This place was weird. I glanced back over at Allie and noticed that her cookie had disappeared and she looked like she was done eating. I took the opportunity to ask her some questions.
“So… How’d you end up here?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“Umm… I woke up blind. Almost walked off a cliff and then was saved by some guy who didn’t talk much and gave me no straight answers.” She replied. Great, she was talking in riddles. When would anything in this world make sense? I had at least hoped to find out that she had come from earth as well… “By the way… where are we?”
“Ah…” I say, trying not to sound too disappointed, “Well we are in a resting place of sorts. It looks like some kind of an arena but in the center is a fire and to the sides is some sleeping mats and then there are these foods… Want another doughnut?” I ask, trying to avoid any more questioning. I needed to think.
“… Yes please.” I gave her the doughnut and scanned the room, searching for where Rothgar and the cat had gone off to. Then suddenly a heated argument in hushed tones broke out and I spun around to see them to my right a ways away in the corner and my mouth dropped open in surprise.
“What the… Is Rothgar arguing… with a cat?! A talking cat?!” I squeak in alarm. I had to go investigate. Forgetting Allie at the moment, I started heading over in their direction, earning myself an annoyed comment from Sylph.
“What’s so special about a talking cat? I’m a DRAGON! Why are you even surprised?!” he grumbled.
I had to admit he had a point, but I was determined to get to the bottom of this whole situation and ignored him. That is, until I heard some startled yelps from behind me and remembered that Allie was still there. I turned around again just in time to see the poor girl get whacked in the face with an umbrella.
She had apparently tried to follow me even though she couldn’t see and ended up tripping and falling onto the sleeping bodies of the other girls, and the owner of the umbrella did not look happy to be awakened in such a way… The only problem now was that it appeared that she had knocked Allie out cold.
“Allie!” I cried out in alarm, staring at the small girl in alarm. It took me by surprise that despite her petite features, she had enough strength in one arm to knock another person unconscious, and I made a mental note to be cautious when dealing with this person.
I was lost for word and stood at a safe distance from the girl’s umbrella which was still in her hands, ready to strike again. We stared at each other. She appeared to be in a rather foul mood and I wouldn’t blame her for the way she had been woken up… She had a small round face framed by straight black shoulder length hair and bangs that covered her forehead. Her skin was pale like she didn’t see much sun but her eyes had a cold blue fire in them as if she was challenging me to dare to come closer. I stayed where I was, but the silence was growing heavy…
“Mrf… What’s happnin’?” came another voice from besides the now alert and on guard girl who had knocked Allie out. The girl who spoke was roughly around my size and she sat up with bleary eyes and a confused expression on her face.
Me and the umbrella girl stared at her for a bit as she blinked the sleepiness from her eyes. “Oh! I can see!” her jubilant shout nearly caused me to jump out of my boots and left me even more confused. “I can see again! Well… sort of… But this is much better!” She said excitedly.
This girl was a ginger with the pale skin and rather red hair. Her pale grey eyes were bright though and she appeared to be in a better mood than the other girl so I risked a question guessing that she was the friendlier of the two.
“Ahh… Who’re you guys???” I asked, trying to guess as to which names the girls belonged to before they said anything.
“What’s your name?” the small girl asked bluntly, ignoring my question.
“Oh… Well I’m Alex. Alexandra Nike Webbings… And so… Umm…” I shifted uncomfortably in place. This was feeling a bit awkward. The shouting and arguing of the cat and Rothgar was still going on in the background and Sylph had gone to join them now. Allie was still sprawled out across the other girl’s sleeping mats and I was now standing alone feeling very very confused.
“I’m Naleen!” said the girl who had just woken up with a big grin in my direction. “and this is Lin! Wow… Lin! You look smaller than I thought you would be! I can tell it is you though… because of your umbrella.”
I thought I caught a small smile from Lin but I couldn’t tell because it was gone almost as quick as it had come. It appeared to me that Lin and Naleen had already been acquainted. Thanks to Naleen though, the ice had been broken and I all at once began to feel much more comfortable.
“Okay. You were brought here by Rothgar then? That little kid right? He’s not so bad huh?” I said, trying to get a conversation going even though I had no idea where to start. “So how’d you both wind up here?”
My question, however, went unanswered for I was inturupted by an excited squeal from one of the other sleeping bags.
“Wow! More people! Robin you have to wake up! These are our new FRIENDS!”
Lin, Naleen and I all stared completely taken aback by the girl for a few seconds. To me it looked as if she had run into a rainbow and danced around in a bucket of tie dye and paint. Her hair was dyed purple, orange, and green with red stripes in varying patterns. One side of her hair had spiked ends, while the other curled. The spiked side ended slightly shorter than the other side and covered her eye a bit, while the curled side rested lightly on her shoulder. Her cheeks were rosy pink and her eyes a vibrant green. In one way her appearance was artistically beautiful, while on the other hand it just hurt my eyes if I stared too long.
The rainbow girl was excitedly shaking the other girl next to her trying to wake her up but not really paying attention to whether she was or was not awake already. The girl was in fact awake and her eyes were already open and glaring out of the shadow of her bangs. Anyone with even a smidgeon of sense could twll that she was VERY annoyed.
This girl was nearly the other’s complete opposite. If a doom cloud could be seen, I’m pretty sure one would be hanging around this girl. Her hair was dark brown, wild and short with bangs that hung partly over her eyes, making her look even gloomier and her deep grey eyes almost appear black. All of her dark hair and eyes were accented by her very pale skin and the black coat with faux fur in the hood that almost made it look like she had a exotic mane.
“Bugoffaria…” she growled dangerously, but the artistic girl appeared to not have heard her and kept smiling and chatting on about nonsense and how much fun this would all be. The longer this wen on the more the other girl’s look got darker and more dangerous.
Forget the umbrella wielding Lin, this girl looked like she was going to tear someone’s head off if Rainbow didn’t stop soon.
“Hey!” I yelped, trying not to sound so panicked. “Umm… Maybe you should… come over here and introduce yourself? You know, let your friend sleep or somethin...”
I was trying to get her to leave the other girl alone but my plan failed completely. She just kept on smiling and shaking her "friend".
At least she answered my question though.
“Me! Well I’m Aria! Aria Mel!” she quipped, “And this sleepy head is Robin! She’s my BEST FRIEND!”
I exchanged a doubtful glance with Naleen and Allin before returning my worried gaze to Aria. “Um… Actually I think that Robin is up already soo…”
“What? I can’t hear you over this strange growling sound! Who’re you anyway friend?” babbled the girl.
I wanted to yell back at her that the growling sound was emanating from the now very POed Robin but I never got the chance. All of the sudden there was a loud explosion and the pastry table went flying in the air. Everyone hit the ground or hid under their sleeping bags but I was completely unprotected and exposed to the full brunt of the dessert disaster. I had no time to run, and even less time to think. In a panic I raised my hands above my head and prepared to be buried beneath a pile of cakes and cookies… only it never came.
I cracked open my eyelids to find to my ever growing surprise and confusion that I was protected by some see through silvery glowing force field, splattered with what remained of the pastry table. Everyone else was either protected by sleeping bags, or had gotten a face full of frosting cause they hadn’t even bothered to duck for cover. Aria was one of those people, but she still was smiling and everything like she didn't even care that something had happened. It was kind of unnerving especially since she was already licking off all of the frosting.
“What... was that?!?” I managed to croak, still in slight shock.
Everyone was silent. Even the bickering of the boys in the corner had stopped. No one seemed to know what had happened. Then suddenly a level voice that hadn’t spoken before now piped up.
“I… I think I did it… I caused the explosion…”
It was Robin. She was sitting up now, fully awake and alert and… well… shocked like everyone else. Her eyes were wide and she didn’t even seem to care that a cupcake had smashed itself onto the top of her head and was sitting there like some kind of hat with a ruby red cherry on top.
There was more silence before Aria snorted and began giggling. Somehow it didn’t brighten the mood. “No silly. You can’t cause an explosion like that! The cakes just blew upsy that’s all… Right?” she said, even sounding unsure herself as she continued to lick frosting from her hands and face. I felt myself weakening and then suddenly the shield around me vanished along with the cakes it had plastered to it. I was left standing in the only clean circle in the room and I was feeling deadly tired again. All at once I knew that Robin had caused the explosion, and I had created the force field. Something was wrong with us.
I slowly turned around to where Rothgar, the cat and Sylph were still sitting in a stunned silence and demanded in the most dead serious tone I could muster. “What is going on?”
~
“We have… Powers?” Allie asked sounding excited. Not only had the explosion woken her up, but her vision was back. Out of all the girls here besides Aria, it seemed like she was the only other person here who wasn’t wary or at least a bit concerned about everything that had just happened.
Rothgar sighed. “Yes, as I said before you each were brought here by the taint that was sent out into your world in order to help us save ours. You gained these powers to aid you in your journey and stuff I guess…. No one really knows how or why it works out that way it just does. It might have to do with each of your personalities though.” He said softly.
“Why should we help your world? You basically kidnapped us all. What is in it for us?” Robin asked, her eyes staring straight at the poor kid rather intimidatingly.
His mouth opened and closed for a bit as he tried to think under such intense pressure, but luckily he was saved from answering by the cat.
“In saving our world you’ll be saving your own as well because the Lost Reality is connected to yours in a way… That and the guy behind this is trying to open up a portal into your realm and take over with his hordes of blips and nightmares.” Said the sleek creature in a completely serious tone while staring Robin straight back in the eye without fear, “What is in it for you is the safety of your own homes as well.”
From the way he handled things one could tell that the cat was used to handling things in tight situations and being in charge. Like he was meant to be a ruler or something like that, but why a dragon, a cat and a half scared kid was banded together I still didn’t know. Whatever it was, their world must have been pretty desperate to send them out to get us, and even more separate if they needed a bunch of teens like us!
Robin nodded and everyone else calmed down as well as things seemed to become clearer. Our purpose and stuff like that at least. I had to admire Robin though. It was like she had no fear of anything and managed to carry herself coolly throughout everything. Well… that is if you didn’t count her losing her temper and nearly smothering everyone in an explosion of cakes.
“So about our powers then… What was it that I did. What Robin did.” I asked, picking up some courage from somewhere.
“A well…” Rothgar was about to talk but the cat cut him off with the flick of his tail.
“You all were given powers, as I have explained before, to help you complete the quest. Some believe it is gained from your personality while others think it is from your symbol; the thing that brought you here. You,” he looked straight at me, his one amber eye and green eye blazing with an inner flame that seemed to spark my own; a spark of comrade-manship and adventure and all that stuff. This cat really was a leader. “were brought here by the symbol 13, yes? That is why you have the gift of the shield and other abilities related to protection…”
His voice faded into the back of my mind as I grasped what he had been saying. I blinked and felt a pressure lift from my heart, something that had worried me from the start. My sister didn’t hate me after all! I was so happy I missed all of what he told everyone else about their own powers and only came back to earth when a shiny black trinket was shoved in my face.
“Hmm? What is this?” I asked, confused again.
The cat gave me a very tired look before sighing and probably repeating what he had just told everyone else.
“This is a limiter. It will help keep your powers from getting out of control while in the meantime you learn how to control them.”
I nodded vigorously to show I had heard.
“Usually you are listening so well? What made you lose your focus Alex?”
“Oh Sylph! It was just… I had thought that my sister had wished for me to disappear. That’s all. I’m just relieved that it was something else that sent me here.” I said aloud before realizing the severity of what I had just done.
Naleen had been closest to me and she gave me a puzzled look. “Who’re you talking to?” she asked, not in a rude way though, but a friendly and curious way so I felt it okay to answer.
“Well… ummm… actually I am talking to Sylph, the dragon. But he can only communicate through here.” I said, taping the side of my head.
Naleen didn’t question me and for that I was grateful. I didn’t feel like I had the energy to try and explain things.
“That’s cool!” she said simply, and then pulled her pendant over her head.
I looked at the limiter in my hand. Each person’s had been different but as soon as I saw mine I immediately was reminded of the six sided room. It was made of black obsidian with gold flecks in it and the number thirteen carved deep into its stone and painted with old as well. It hung on a gold chain and as I put it over my head I felt something inside me shift sort of and my mind seemed clearer so it was easier to focus my thoughts but besides that, nothing else happened. It wasn’t like I could suddenly control my strange powers or something; it was just making it easier for me to learn how to do just that.
“Okay, I know this is all confusing for you guys but… well I don’t know what else to tell you. Raffiel already said it all I think. Do you have any questions though? If not you can go pack for the journey. It will be long and harsh. We’re fighting a war. We hope to gain some support from the other cities that we may stop in on the way to our destination. I don’t know how hard it will be but it won’t be easy…” Rothgar said, speaking up once again.
I nearly fell over. The cat was Raffiel? Well of course I should have recognized the voice… maybe… but still. The cat?
“I can’t believe you are still surprised about the cat! Get over it! I’m a dragon Alex! You have magical powers! Let’s move on! You’re already packed right? “ Sylph said rather irritably. For a moment I thought he almost sounded jealous that I was more taken aback by the cat than him and I smiled.
“Yeah, I’m all packed, but I do have a question so hold on a second.” I whispered to him. But I never got to ask my question. Allin asked for me.
She raised her thin arm high into the air with the umbrella in her hand and I watched Rothgar flinch back for some reason before acknowledging her.
“Um… Yes Lin? What is it?” He asked hesitantly.
She fixed him with a steady gaze and then I saw her squeeze Naleen’s hand for reassurance before speaking. “Where are we heading? What is our final destination?”
Rothgar blinked again, looking unsure how to answer once more before the cat, Raffiel, stepped up once more for him. “We are going to the king’s palace on the west shore. There is the queen’s uncle. He’s gone insane. He’s locked all the royalty away within the palaces own walls and he’s building a machine to tare through time and space itself. That is where we are going. That is who we are stopping.”
~
I helped Allie pack her bag. We were silent for most of the time. Everyone was thinking quietly to themselves for the most part. No one knew how long this journey would take. There was plenty of time to get to know one another through our travels.
The only one who was still unfazed by all this was Aria, but by now that didn’t surprise me. She appeared to be an optimist and I guess that can be good at times… if not annoying. For the most part I am surprised Robin hasn’t snapped and lost it again. For some reason Aria just likes hanging out with her, even if the feeling isn’t mutual.
I guess most of us have paired up into friend groups, but from what I have gleaned it is mostly from who we met first. I met Allie first so she sticks with me most of the time when she is not staring at the cat for some reason. Then there is Naleen and Lin. Naleen is friendly with everyone, but Lin seems sort of reclusive and shy. She sticks close to Naleen most of the time which sort of makes me think of a little sister hiding behind the bigger sister. Naleen was almost my height anyway. Just about an inch shorter. That’s all. Really!
“I think that things could have been worse right? I mean, you could all dislike each other instead.” Interjected Sylph into my thoughts once more.
I rolled my eyes. “Well yes, I guess but not EVERYONE gets along as you can see… still I suppose you are right. Things could be worse.” I yawned and stretched. “Allie, I’m gonna go to bed now. I think using my power back there really drained me cause I feel like the living dead. Goodnight.”
Allie nodded, “Okay Alex. See you tomorrow.” She said distractedly, still staring at the cat.
And so now here I am. It’s morning. The sun once again shines a brilliant white through the skylight in the roof. My companions have yet to stir but I am an early riser anyway. They’ll need their rest by the looks of it. Today’s the day our journey really begins.
-Alex N. Webbings
Anyway, continuing where I left off yesterday when I was packing my bag, I had just started to search for some sort of compass to use when someone shouted from outside. It was a voice I didn’t recognize, but it was also a guy’s voice which I found odd since I had heard Rothgar say that he had made the mistake of summoning all female heroes. I had to guess that this was Rafiel and that it was indeed a guy, not a girl like I had previously thought when I had overheard the name.
“HEY ROTHGAR! A LITTLE HELP?” The voice shouted from beyond the heavy metal doors.
I turned in time to see the scrawny kid scramble to his feet and scurry of to the door without a moment’s hesitation. The way he had acted so quickly made me believe that the owner of the voice must be in charge of this mission which was good cause I had some questions that needed answering.
“Hey, do you need some help with anything?” I called after him, moving as if to follow him, but then I stopped. Sylph had returned to his spot around my shoulders and was tapping the side of my head with his tail in a persistent manner.
“He’s fine; he’s just helping a friend with something.” His voice said inside my head. “Is your bag all packed? You should get something to eat then. Have you tried some of the pastries yet? I want some cake. Let’s go get some cake.”
He was obviously trying to divert my attention elsewhere, but I allowed it and walked over to the dining tables. They shouldn’t have even been considered dining tables but more like dessert tables. I don’t think there was a single sugar free thing on those tables. There wasn’t even any meat! It was just a smorgasbord of sweets as far as the eye can see. Cotton candy, chocolate fountains, doughnuts, cakes of all kinds, frosted crackers and then even more treats that I have never seen before.
I stared a bit at the unbelievable sight wondering if this was a dream come true or a nightmare before shaking my head and selecting a powdered doughnut. Not particularly hungry, I offered the tasty tidbit to Sylph who gladly gobbled it up within seconds. It was entertaining to see such a small creature devour such a large doughnut so fast and I laughed a bit at his powdered mustache. Then out darted his little pink tongue and it was gone. After that he then proceeded to lick every last speck of sugar from my fingers and I couldn’t stop giggling the whole while. His tiny tongue tickled, and it wasn’t rough like a cat but rather it was moving too fast to really feel it. It was more like being attacked with a really small feather and THAT tickles.
Curious now at how those doughnuts might taste, I popped a doughnut hole into my mouth. It was pure heaven. The dough must have been mixed with lemon rinds or something because it had a slight sour tang to it but then the sweetness of the sugar balanced the taste out perfectly. It was moist, it was soft and it seemed to melt in my mouth. It was none other than absolutely delicious.
The only problem with all that was that Sylph started to attack the sugar that had ended up on my face with his tongue and I had to push him away in order to avoid getting covered with dragon spit. That and it tickled too much. Instead I wiped what remained of the doughnut onto my sleeve, which he then attacked instead though I am sure it was purely for my own entertainment, and decided to return to packing my bag.
That’s when I saw Rothgar enter guiding another girl into the room accompanied by a small black cat with a white crown patch on his broad forehead and his tail held high. From the useful information I had gathered while I was ‘sleeping’ I could safely assume that this was our last member of the group, Allie, but I was confused as well. What had happened to the boy who was supposed to lead her here? I shook the thought away and concentrated on the present.
“Oh, so you weren’t asleep? How much did you hear? … You didn’t see anything right?” Sylph sounded concerned for some reason and I cursed myself for letting my mental shield drop again. I ignored him and his nervous feelings and continued on my path, determined to get some answers.
I ran up to meet them on the steps and waved in the girl’s direction. She didn’t respond which I found sort of disheartening but I was preoccupied at the moment and didn’t look closer into the reason for her silence until later. “Hey Rothgar, Need any help?” I offer once again, hoping to be of some assistance.
“Yeah. Thanks Alex.”
He didn’t meet my eye when he spoke which I guess wouldn’t bother me if I knew he was just being shy but that wasn’t the case. Rothgar looked a bit distracted, as if something was bothering him. Without saying anything else, he shook himself and walked off towards where the black cat had disappeared, not even bothering to introduce me to Allie or anything.
That’s when I noticed the reason why she had needed assistance in the first place, and the words just sort of tumbled out of my mouth. “Hi! I’m Alex! Oh… are you blind?”
The moment those words leave my lips I felt like an idiot. Had I even needed to ask? Sylph’s snickering didn’t help my mood either and I tried to ignore him and studied the person in front of me.
Allie was about a head shorter than me with straight mousy brown hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail that reached way past the middle of her back. She wore a striped black and purple jacket with a hood, a black T-shirt and jeans with worn out tennis shoes covering her feet. A rather small polka dotted school bag was already slung over her shoulders and wondered if she had been given that pack here in this strange world or had come with it from earth. If she had been able to take a pack from home when she transported I wondered if I had only been touching that cake, would it have come with me as well…?
A loud and awkward rumbling sound interrupted my thoughts and I stared at Allie in surprise. When was the last time she had eaten? If I had been out for a whole day… had she not eaten this entire time!?!
Her face reddened with embarrassment and she answered, flustered, “Oh, um… I’m Allie and…he he… yes… I guess I am sort of blind. Um… is there any food?”
I looked sadly at her, feeling sorry that she couldn’t have a decent meal because there was nothing like meat or cheese on the table and answered regretfully, “Yeah, right over here. They only have sweets though. Want some chocolate cake?”
She made a face and stuck out her tongue. “Chocolate? Ewe. Anything else?”
I was sort of surprised. I hadn’t met anyone who hadn’t liked chocolate before. Chocolate was the most amazing thing in the world! Especially melted chocolate, but I didn’t comment about that and instead offered her something else. “Powdered doughnuts?”
“Fine.” Allie said without much emotion.
I held out the doughnut for her to take before remembering that she was currently blind. Her green eyes stared sightlessly at me, or through me, expecting the doughnut or something. To anyone else, if they had been observing from afar, they wouldn’t have even known she was blind.
I tapped the doughnut against her hand at her side and she took it giving me a grateful smile before popping it into her mouth. After a few more doughnuts, a couple of licorice and a sugar cookie, she seemed satisfied, but I didn’t know if I could live off of nothing but sugar. I needed some meat.
“This world doesn’t need meat. Actually we don’t even have to eat really though most people do because it is just… uncomfortable. Besides, none of the animals here would be very happy about you eating them. They’re people too you know” Sylph said with a tone of disapproval.
I frowned. I guess that animals did have feelings too, but I would miss meat. And why would someone’s tummy growl anyway if they didn’t need to eat. This place was weird. I glanced back over at Allie and noticed that her cookie had disappeared and she looked like she was done eating. I took the opportunity to ask her some questions.
“So… How’d you end up here?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“Umm… I woke up blind. Almost walked off a cliff and then was saved by some guy who didn’t talk much and gave me no straight answers.” She replied. Great, she was talking in riddles. When would anything in this world make sense? I had at least hoped to find out that she had come from earth as well… “By the way… where are we?”
“Ah…” I say, trying not to sound too disappointed, “Well we are in a resting place of sorts. It looks like some kind of an arena but in the center is a fire and to the sides is some sleeping mats and then there are these foods… Want another doughnut?” I ask, trying to avoid any more questioning. I needed to think.
“… Yes please.” I gave her the doughnut and scanned the room, searching for where Rothgar and the cat had gone off to. Then suddenly a heated argument in hushed tones broke out and I spun around to see them to my right a ways away in the corner and my mouth dropped open in surprise.
“What the… Is Rothgar arguing… with a cat?! A talking cat?!” I squeak in alarm. I had to go investigate. Forgetting Allie at the moment, I started heading over in their direction, earning myself an annoyed comment from Sylph.
“What’s so special about a talking cat? I’m a DRAGON! Why are you even surprised?!” he grumbled.
I had to admit he had a point, but I was determined to get to the bottom of this whole situation and ignored him. That is, until I heard some startled yelps from behind me and remembered that Allie was still there. I turned around again just in time to see the poor girl get whacked in the face with an umbrella.
She had apparently tried to follow me even though she couldn’t see and ended up tripping and falling onto the sleeping bodies of the other girls, and the owner of the umbrella did not look happy to be awakened in such a way… The only problem now was that it appeared that she had knocked Allie out cold.
“Allie!” I cried out in alarm, staring at the small girl in alarm. It took me by surprise that despite her petite features, she had enough strength in one arm to knock another person unconscious, and I made a mental note to be cautious when dealing with this person.
I was lost for word and stood at a safe distance from the girl’s umbrella which was still in her hands, ready to strike again. We stared at each other. She appeared to be in a rather foul mood and I wouldn’t blame her for the way she had been woken up… She had a small round face framed by straight black shoulder length hair and bangs that covered her forehead. Her skin was pale like she didn’t see much sun but her eyes had a cold blue fire in them as if she was challenging me to dare to come closer. I stayed where I was, but the silence was growing heavy…
“Mrf… What’s happnin’?” came another voice from besides the now alert and on guard girl who had knocked Allie out. The girl who spoke was roughly around my size and she sat up with bleary eyes and a confused expression on her face.
Me and the umbrella girl stared at her for a bit as she blinked the sleepiness from her eyes. “Oh! I can see!” her jubilant shout nearly caused me to jump out of my boots and left me even more confused. “I can see again! Well… sort of… But this is much better!” She said excitedly.
This girl was a ginger with the pale skin and rather red hair. Her pale grey eyes were bright though and she appeared to be in a better mood than the other girl so I risked a question guessing that she was the friendlier of the two.
“Ahh… Who’re you guys???” I asked, trying to guess as to which names the girls belonged to before they said anything.
“What’s your name?” the small girl asked bluntly, ignoring my question.
“Oh… Well I’m Alex. Alexandra Nike Webbings… And so… Umm…” I shifted uncomfortably in place. This was feeling a bit awkward. The shouting and arguing of the cat and Rothgar was still going on in the background and Sylph had gone to join them now. Allie was still sprawled out across the other girl’s sleeping mats and I was now standing alone feeling very very confused.
“I’m Naleen!” said the girl who had just woken up with a big grin in my direction. “and this is Lin! Wow… Lin! You look smaller than I thought you would be! I can tell it is you though… because of your umbrella.”
I thought I caught a small smile from Lin but I couldn’t tell because it was gone almost as quick as it had come. It appeared to me that Lin and Naleen had already been acquainted. Thanks to Naleen though, the ice had been broken and I all at once began to feel much more comfortable.
“Okay. You were brought here by Rothgar then? That little kid right? He’s not so bad huh?” I said, trying to get a conversation going even though I had no idea where to start. “So how’d you both wind up here?”
My question, however, went unanswered for I was inturupted by an excited squeal from one of the other sleeping bags.
“Wow! More people! Robin you have to wake up! These are our new FRIENDS!”
Lin, Naleen and I all stared completely taken aback by the girl for a few seconds. To me it looked as if she had run into a rainbow and danced around in a bucket of tie dye and paint. Her hair was dyed purple, orange, and green with red stripes in varying patterns. One side of her hair had spiked ends, while the other curled. The spiked side ended slightly shorter than the other side and covered her eye a bit, while the curled side rested lightly on her shoulder. Her cheeks were rosy pink and her eyes a vibrant green. In one way her appearance was artistically beautiful, while on the other hand it just hurt my eyes if I stared too long.
The rainbow girl was excitedly shaking the other girl next to her trying to wake her up but not really paying attention to whether she was or was not awake already. The girl was in fact awake and her eyes were already open and glaring out of the shadow of her bangs. Anyone with even a smidgeon of sense could twll that she was VERY annoyed.
This girl was nearly the other’s complete opposite. If a doom cloud could be seen, I’m pretty sure one would be hanging around this girl. Her hair was dark brown, wild and short with bangs that hung partly over her eyes, making her look even gloomier and her deep grey eyes almost appear black. All of her dark hair and eyes were accented by her very pale skin and the black coat with faux fur in the hood that almost made it look like she had a exotic mane.
“Bugoffaria…” she growled dangerously, but the artistic girl appeared to not have heard her and kept smiling and chatting on about nonsense and how much fun this would all be. The longer this wen on the more the other girl’s look got darker and more dangerous.
Forget the umbrella wielding Lin, this girl looked like she was going to tear someone’s head off if Rainbow didn’t stop soon.
“Hey!” I yelped, trying not to sound so panicked. “Umm… Maybe you should… come over here and introduce yourself? You know, let your friend sleep or somethin...”
I was trying to get her to leave the other girl alone but my plan failed completely. She just kept on smiling and shaking her "friend".
At least she answered my question though.
“Me! Well I’m Aria! Aria Mel!” she quipped, “And this sleepy head is Robin! She’s my BEST FRIEND!”
I exchanged a doubtful glance with Naleen and Allin before returning my worried gaze to Aria. “Um… Actually I think that Robin is up already soo…”
“What? I can’t hear you over this strange growling sound! Who’re you anyway friend?” babbled the girl.
I wanted to yell back at her that the growling sound was emanating from the now very POed Robin but I never got the chance. All of the sudden there was a loud explosion and the pastry table went flying in the air. Everyone hit the ground or hid under their sleeping bags but I was completely unprotected and exposed to the full brunt of the dessert disaster. I had no time to run, and even less time to think. In a panic I raised my hands above my head and prepared to be buried beneath a pile of cakes and cookies… only it never came.
I cracked open my eyelids to find to my ever growing surprise and confusion that I was protected by some see through silvery glowing force field, splattered with what remained of the pastry table. Everyone else was either protected by sleeping bags, or had gotten a face full of frosting cause they hadn’t even bothered to duck for cover. Aria was one of those people, but she still was smiling and everything like she didn't even care that something had happened. It was kind of unnerving especially since she was already licking off all of the frosting.
“What... was that?!?” I managed to croak, still in slight shock.
Everyone was silent. Even the bickering of the boys in the corner had stopped. No one seemed to know what had happened. Then suddenly a level voice that hadn’t spoken before now piped up.
“I… I think I did it… I caused the explosion…”
It was Robin. She was sitting up now, fully awake and alert and… well… shocked like everyone else. Her eyes were wide and she didn’t even seem to care that a cupcake had smashed itself onto the top of her head and was sitting there like some kind of hat with a ruby red cherry on top.
There was more silence before Aria snorted and began giggling. Somehow it didn’t brighten the mood. “No silly. You can’t cause an explosion like that! The cakes just blew upsy that’s all… Right?” she said, even sounding unsure herself as she continued to lick frosting from her hands and face. I felt myself weakening and then suddenly the shield around me vanished along with the cakes it had plastered to it. I was left standing in the only clean circle in the room and I was feeling deadly tired again. All at once I knew that Robin had caused the explosion, and I had created the force field. Something was wrong with us.
I slowly turned around to where Rothgar, the cat and Sylph were still sitting in a stunned silence and demanded in the most dead serious tone I could muster. “What is going on?”
~
“We have… Powers?” Allie asked sounding excited. Not only had the explosion woken her up, but her vision was back. Out of all the girls here besides Aria, it seemed like she was the only other person here who wasn’t wary or at least a bit concerned about everything that had just happened.
Rothgar sighed. “Yes, as I said before you each were brought here by the taint that was sent out into your world in order to help us save ours. You gained these powers to aid you in your journey and stuff I guess…. No one really knows how or why it works out that way it just does. It might have to do with each of your personalities though.” He said softly.
“Why should we help your world? You basically kidnapped us all. What is in it for us?” Robin asked, her eyes staring straight at the poor kid rather intimidatingly.
His mouth opened and closed for a bit as he tried to think under such intense pressure, but luckily he was saved from answering by the cat.
“In saving our world you’ll be saving your own as well because the Lost Reality is connected to yours in a way… That and the guy behind this is trying to open up a portal into your realm and take over with his hordes of blips and nightmares.” Said the sleek creature in a completely serious tone while staring Robin straight back in the eye without fear, “What is in it for you is the safety of your own homes as well.”
From the way he handled things one could tell that the cat was used to handling things in tight situations and being in charge. Like he was meant to be a ruler or something like that, but why a dragon, a cat and a half scared kid was banded together I still didn’t know. Whatever it was, their world must have been pretty desperate to send them out to get us, and even more separate if they needed a bunch of teens like us!
Robin nodded and everyone else calmed down as well as things seemed to become clearer. Our purpose and stuff like that at least. I had to admire Robin though. It was like she had no fear of anything and managed to carry herself coolly throughout everything. Well… that is if you didn’t count her losing her temper and nearly smothering everyone in an explosion of cakes.
“So about our powers then… What was it that I did. What Robin did.” I asked, picking up some courage from somewhere.
“A well…” Rothgar was about to talk but the cat cut him off with the flick of his tail.
“You all were given powers, as I have explained before, to help you complete the quest. Some believe it is gained from your personality while others think it is from your symbol; the thing that brought you here. You,” he looked straight at me, his one amber eye and green eye blazing with an inner flame that seemed to spark my own; a spark of comrade-manship and adventure and all that stuff. This cat really was a leader. “were brought here by the symbol 13, yes? That is why you have the gift of the shield and other abilities related to protection…”
His voice faded into the back of my mind as I grasped what he had been saying. I blinked and felt a pressure lift from my heart, something that had worried me from the start. My sister didn’t hate me after all! I was so happy I missed all of what he told everyone else about their own powers and only came back to earth when a shiny black trinket was shoved in my face.
“Hmm? What is this?” I asked, confused again.
The cat gave me a very tired look before sighing and probably repeating what he had just told everyone else.
“This is a limiter. It will help keep your powers from getting out of control while in the meantime you learn how to control them.”
I nodded vigorously to show I had heard.
“Usually you are listening so well? What made you lose your focus Alex?”
“Oh Sylph! It was just… I had thought that my sister had wished for me to disappear. That’s all. I’m just relieved that it was something else that sent me here.” I said aloud before realizing the severity of what I had just done.
Naleen had been closest to me and she gave me a puzzled look. “Who’re you talking to?” she asked, not in a rude way though, but a friendly and curious way so I felt it okay to answer.
“Well… ummm… actually I am talking to Sylph, the dragon. But he can only communicate through here.” I said, taping the side of my head.
Naleen didn’t question me and for that I was grateful. I didn’t feel like I had the energy to try and explain things.
“That’s cool!” she said simply, and then pulled her pendant over her head.
I looked at the limiter in my hand. Each person’s had been different but as soon as I saw mine I immediately was reminded of the six sided room. It was made of black obsidian with gold flecks in it and the number thirteen carved deep into its stone and painted with old as well. It hung on a gold chain and as I put it over my head I felt something inside me shift sort of and my mind seemed clearer so it was easier to focus my thoughts but besides that, nothing else happened. It wasn’t like I could suddenly control my strange powers or something; it was just making it easier for me to learn how to do just that.
“Okay, I know this is all confusing for you guys but… well I don’t know what else to tell you. Raffiel already said it all I think. Do you have any questions though? If not you can go pack for the journey. It will be long and harsh. We’re fighting a war. We hope to gain some support from the other cities that we may stop in on the way to our destination. I don’t know how hard it will be but it won’t be easy…” Rothgar said, speaking up once again.
I nearly fell over. The cat was Raffiel? Well of course I should have recognized the voice… maybe… but still. The cat?
“I can’t believe you are still surprised about the cat! Get over it! I’m a dragon Alex! You have magical powers! Let’s move on! You’re already packed right? “ Sylph said rather irritably. For a moment I thought he almost sounded jealous that I was more taken aback by the cat than him and I smiled.
“Yeah, I’m all packed, but I do have a question so hold on a second.” I whispered to him. But I never got to ask my question. Allin asked for me.
She raised her thin arm high into the air with the umbrella in her hand and I watched Rothgar flinch back for some reason before acknowledging her.
“Um… Yes Lin? What is it?” He asked hesitantly.
She fixed him with a steady gaze and then I saw her squeeze Naleen’s hand for reassurance before speaking. “Where are we heading? What is our final destination?”
Rothgar blinked again, looking unsure how to answer once more before the cat, Raffiel, stepped up once more for him. “We are going to the king’s palace on the west shore. There is the queen’s uncle. He’s gone insane. He’s locked all the royalty away within the palaces own walls and he’s building a machine to tare through time and space itself. That is where we are going. That is who we are stopping.”
~
I helped Allie pack her bag. We were silent for most of the time. Everyone was thinking quietly to themselves for the most part. No one knew how long this journey would take. There was plenty of time to get to know one another through our travels.
The only one who was still unfazed by all this was Aria, but by now that didn’t surprise me. She appeared to be an optimist and I guess that can be good at times… if not annoying. For the most part I am surprised Robin hasn’t snapped and lost it again. For some reason Aria just likes hanging out with her, even if the feeling isn’t mutual.
I guess most of us have paired up into friend groups, but from what I have gleaned it is mostly from who we met first. I met Allie first so she sticks with me most of the time when she is not staring at the cat for some reason. Then there is Naleen and Lin. Naleen is friendly with everyone, but Lin seems sort of reclusive and shy. She sticks close to Naleen most of the time which sort of makes me think of a little sister hiding behind the bigger sister. Naleen was almost my height anyway. Just about an inch shorter. That’s all. Really!
“I think that things could have been worse right? I mean, you could all dislike each other instead.” Interjected Sylph into my thoughts once more.
I rolled my eyes. “Well yes, I guess but not EVERYONE gets along as you can see… still I suppose you are right. Things could be worse.” I yawned and stretched. “Allie, I’m gonna go to bed now. I think using my power back there really drained me cause I feel like the living dead. Goodnight.”
Allie nodded, “Okay Alex. See you tomorrow.” She said distractedly, still staring at the cat.
And so now here I am. It’s morning. The sun once again shines a brilliant white through the skylight in the roof. My companions have yet to stir but I am an early riser anyway. They’ll need their rest by the looks of it. Today’s the day our journey really begins.
-Alex N. Webbings