Prologue
When the trees stopped talking and the liles stopped walking, beyond the wiley wild winds. The flowers started blooming, the grass started fading. The water started drying and the fire started burning. This is the birth of the world. When the ash grew seeds and the seeds grew trees, the rocks started hardening and the dirt started softening. The animals and beasts of every kind grew from the earth. Then the humans were born. Not as special as they would like to believe, born the same as every beast. But they still had something different, a fire in their soul. At the beginning of the world there was a being, one different from the others. The one that created the world, created the universe, the gods, and the eternities. The Diviner had a creation, a child, unlike the others, Ignix, the personification or spirit of fire. From the beginning, the creator warned the children. “Fire burns children, fire burns.” But some of the creatures did not listen. The humans, to curious for their own good. They tried to tame the fire, again and again. They were consumed by the flames again and again. But they did not stray, and the entity warned them again and again. Ignix, however, grew tired of this game, and devised a scheme. Then a man, a nameless man, tried another time. The man put a birch branch among the flames of a burning fire. But this time the fire stayed and would not burn the stick, and the fire would not move. The man, astonished at his findings, ran to tell his village. When the entire village gathered around the fire and wondered in awe. Then Ignix erupted and lept from person to person consuming them one by one. They ran and ran from the fire but they could not outrun it, and the creator wept up above. Flooding the earth. The fish had mercy on the drowning people and taught them how to swim, and the otters taught them how to float. As the sun dried the earth, the plants grew back and the fish said farewell, and then the only humans left were gifted with a gift of infinite wealth. For the being truly treasured the children, and wished them life. Then told them that for this gift there will be a price, but it would protect them against the world. The being then left to sleep among the stars, because the first gift the being had ever gifted them was their own free will. The Diviner could do nothing to stop their will. Yet the essence hoped the children would use their gift wisely, and live on longer. Planting the childrens seeds.
The Beginning
The Ash swirled around Iulia Claire’s feet, the burnt branches crunching under her feet. She closed her eyes breathing in the ash. Something was burning, not just the smoldered forests' ghost. Russian thistle, tumbleweeds. She opened her eyes, the black tree branches and the flecks of white bark welcoming. Odd that she found such comfort in the skeletons of the past. The gentle bumping of her Trombás case against her calf, the gentle air brushing away the tiny hairs that had escaped from her braids. She paused. Ahead of her, the field of red poppies growing, bright against the black forest. Her favorite place in the world. She could stay there for hours, why not? She set down her case and backpack and lay on her back in the field. The flowers surrounding her, their scent drifting through the air. She centered her thoughts and simply thought, stop. And it did, she checked her watch, crafted from magic, showing the time from reality and the demiplane, where she went when time stopped. The normal clock had stopped but the clock for the demi plane started up again. She had stopped time; she had all the time in the world. Things were much different on the demi plane, the other lane of time, where nothing ever happened. If she moved something or plucked a flower, when she visited the demi plane again or came back to the time plane it would be as though it never happened. Nothing died here either. If something died in the time plane, where everybody lived, it would look like they were overlapping. Constantly waving in and out. The trees are full of leaves and burnt cartratures of themselves at the same time. Like looking at two pictures at the same time. Perhaps the demi plane was so comforting because she could see the life behind the cartratures of what was. Or possibly because everything slowed to that single frame in that moment. She lay there in the field wondering if she put her ear to the earth would she hear its heartbeat? If she were to sing, would the trees hear her? If she were to dance would the wind join in? If she were to weep would the flowers join her? If she were to laugh like a child would the sun join in? Was she really so special to have this gift? Or was it fate mocking her. Something she wasn't sure she wanted to know. Perhaps she was a daughter of the earth as the stories told, perhaps it wasn't all for nothing. She sighed, even if she had all the time in the world she had to get home eventually. She always found it a miracle whenever she decided to let time start again; why should she? It was ironically harder to want to start time again but easier to make it go at the same time. Time wanted to keep going forward, like a river rushing down a mountain. She was the stubborn dam keeping it in place. She breathed out in a single breath, go. And then it went again. Sometimes she wished it wouldn't listen to her, but at the same time that would be simply terrifying. With another sigh she picked up her bag and case and started walking with her boots crunching down the path. Her home, a warm inviting coven, more old fashioned than most houses in the City of Neho. It looked like their home belonged more in Utho or Alaah rather than Neho. Though it was more fitting considering their families patron Goddess, Ehuna Goddess of peace, warmth, the healing of fire, the home, tradition, spiritual guidence and healing, mercy, forgiveness, and much more. A sharp contrast from her sister Ehnja, Goddess of conquest, wrath, victory, burning destructive flames, vengeance, but also hope.
“I’m Home!” Iulia projected into the echoey halls. She clomped up the stairs after dusting the ash of her shoes, the spindly staircase made from raw branches with the bark hastily chiseled off, the bannister not quite following a straight line. Her room had broad windows letting the bright sun light up the room. Her timed candle on its metal stand resting on her wooden desk next to her orchid plant hastily pushed aside as she rushed to throw the window open. “Amari!” Iulia yelled to her little sister. Amari jerked her head towards Iulia.
“Coming!” The small girl said as loud as she could and rushed towards the house. Iulia smiled, she loved her little sister. She was so cute with her bouncing twin braids (Or singular braid like today) and their sandy blond color, her golden green eyes, and rosy cheeks. Today she was dressed in her sky blue overalls and cherry blossom colored shirt. Her big shiny bow was the same color as her shirt at the back and center of her head. She loved picking out a new bow to go with her outfits everyday, and their mother used to make them by the dozen. Iulia could hear her sister race up the stairs and then burst through the door. “Iulia, your back!” The tiny girl exclaimed. “Iulia! Iulia! Can you tell me a story?” Iulia paused and thought, “Amari, what kind of story do you want me to tell you?” Amari stopped her bouncing for a moment and tottled over to Iulia’s window seat covered in embroidered and ruffled throw pillows. She squirmed and snuggled into the back corner, pushing her back against the window. “Tell me the story of …..” “Alright, one day…….”
Perhaps Were It All Derived
It was another boring day in Ms.Hillsbergs’ class. That is, until the girl walked in. There was a knock on the door and Ms.Hillsbergs opened it. Walking in was an average sized girl with her hair in two braids going all the way down to the middle of her calves. It was hard to tell if she just had really dark brown hair or straight up black hair because she was covered head to toe in soot. It was as if she was a chimney sweep, just back from the job. She had large honey brown eyes like a doe, with long curled eyelashes. Slightly sunburnt and tawny skinned. Clearly she had some Heija blood. Her nose was just slightly crooked and her canines were particularly prominent when she smiled giving her a wolfish demminor.
“Gracious! Go wipe that stuff off of you!” Ms.Hillsbergs exclaimed, The girl complied, stepping outside the door dusting off and wiping away the soot with her hands and a towel she had pulled out of her back pack. “What were you doing this morning?”
“Oh, I was just walking to school. This happens every day, because I live in the Burning Birch.” The class was silent, The Burning Birch Forest? The girl continued to wipe off her black boots, black shorts and dark green shirt.
“Ahem, well, why don’t you tell the class your name and a little bit about yourself. You're the first transfer we have had in a while.” The girl threw away the wipe, she had cleaned up quite well. (She seemed to have practiced in the art.) And she promptly spoke,
“I’m Iulia Clarie, as you know I live in The Burning Birch Forest. I am 16 years old and a Finari (Upperclassman).” Then she turned towards Ms. and asked for her seat. She didn’t mention her ability like most students did. It was apparent that she had one because of the charms that she carried. She also carried, typical of students, a charm of Qriana, the Goddess of knowledge and education. An image of Qriana is always in the entrance of a school or education center, often more prestigious schools will have bigger and grander images of her, some going as far to have large scale statues of her. Our school has a mural on the front of the building, climbing up the wall. Often during exams students will carry images or charms of Qriana for her blessing, support, and simply for good luck. Some students, like Iulia apparently, just keep one with them at school all day regardless of whether they have an exam or not. I switched my vision, I could be wrong, she could have no ability at all. My ability is rather boring but useful, I can tell how much magic or magic potential someone has. Though it's not really called magic, that's just a slang word. I started screaming once I looked at the girl again, she was on fire.
“She’s on FIRE!” I started scrambling for the fire extinguisher.
'`August Zachary!’ Ms.Hillsbergs shouted. I did not stop at her exclimation, the girl would be burnt to a crisp if I hesitated a moment longer. “She’s not on fire for Etar's sake stop screaming!” I froze,
“She’s not?”
“Iulia’s fine child, turn your ability off right now. How rude of you, trying to size her up like that.” Embarrassed, I turned off my vision and went back to my seat while Ms.H apologized and explained the situation. I had made a fool of myself. Camile snickered in the back corner,
“Nice going Zachary.” And to my horror the girl, Iulia Claire, was sitting down right next to me. I tried several times to get her attention and apologize to her but she had her eyes glued to her note book hastily scribbling down notes in a standard black and white composition notebook. A model student, how boring. Her backpack was wide open complete with a folder, binder, three more notebooks, and a pencil pouch. All in black, probably for practicality, though it seems offly bland. Just as I started to look away I noticed a flash of color. An old bottle green hardback book, with weathered stained, and rumpled pages gilded with gold was tucked away. Odd, what was even odder was the rectangular piece of glass hanging off her back pack. Now that itself wasn't odd, for nearly everyone had one to identify their patrons and clans. But what was was the engraving etched into it. A capital C (I assume for Claire) surrounded by vines and most unusually a rabbit standing up on its hind legs. The rabbit had emerald stones for eyes and there was gold writing on top, else it was devoid of color. The writing wrote,
To The One That Burns
Temple Tomes
‘The thing is for a man to see which is rather standing. And there is which one will find, the answer to what you seek is rather divine.’
Started the poem in the book Iulia was reading, The Crying of A Daffodil. It was an old book. It was a leather bound that was a deep brown with swerling and frilled gold writing for the title. The first page was of a woman, her hair woven with yellow daffodils and swerling gold designs erupting from her equally golden tears. It was a beautiful picture, the original would have taken days to make that much detail. This was very much not the original, the original was on display in some famous museum somewhere. She could only dream to even see let alone touch such an important book. She had been lucky to get the copy she had, they were highly expensive and only a few copies were still circulating the market. Lucky for her, Iulian Claire, her mother happened to have been one of the head Archivists for the HBA, Historic Books and Documents Association. Mrs.Claire had purchased a copy of the book right after they had been available. Her mother had made Iulia beg to borrow the book and to swear to protect it with her life. Of course this is an exaggeration of the actual events that conspired. However she had better not bend or rumple the pages if she didn't want to get an ear full. If her mother was still well enough to even manage that, or if she remembered loaning the book. The book was long and tedious and lots of weaving around the actual point of the book. Lots of flowery writing and penmanship that made no point nor had any relevance to the actual purpose and meaning of the book. The first ever recording, documentation, and study of the different kinds of abilities. One of the essential keys to the science of AIS. Short for Alumhextide adenosine. The scientific name for magic. And a good reason too, EPA, the main chemical that is used in magic therefore used to measure your cuppacity to use magic, is created in the appendix. The main component to this chemical is potassium, electrochemical/Ionization energy is created using potassium. However the A in EPA, the actual chemical is relevant. It stands for ATP, the main source of energy within humans. Regardless of the importance of the book, now was not the best time to read it. Iulia was in the middle of the Tholos of Ehuna. It was more Mosque-like than a Tholos though, the title not quite describing the differences in architecture accurately. A mishmash of the two. People wearing chiton, peplos, veils, and shawls. Including herself. Proper attire for such a holy place. With a sigh, Iulia tucked her book under her arm and headed to the Pascentium Fundamenta, the feeding grounds. When she arrived Iulia greeted the patrons and grabbed a small handful of a raisin carrot mix within the stone bowls set into the stone table. Crouching down on the ledge reaching into the grassy field she fed treats to one of Ehuna’s sacred rabbits. Every ten years 50 rabbits were chosen to be Ehuna’s sacred rabbits, being fed and petted by worshipers and taken care of by the priestesses. Treat’s were not always provided to feed the greedy rabbits, to prevent obesity and health problems for the rabbits later in life due to the excess sugar. After the ten years are up most of the rabbits are dead due to their short life spans but if one of them is lucky enough to still be alive it would be taken in by a retired or soon to be retired priestess. The sacred rabbits of Ehuna were possibly the softest things Iulia had ever touched, as she had been here often. Rabbits are typically quite soft, especially these ones as they are groomed quite regularly. Though your hands are quite dry after a while as a rabbit's coat absorbs oils. The rabbit Iulia was currently petting was light gray with white on the tips of its paws and ears. One of Iulia’s favorite animals, possibly because she was so familiar with them. Visiting the Tholos frequently as a child. Once the bunny had eaten the entirety of the contents of her hands, she moved on to the worship place. The chimes rang as soon as she entered the spacious hall. The chimes were manually rung every time the hour passed on the sundial, signaling another sesion of worship. On Mondays the chimes were rung every half hour as it is the day of prayer. In the hall Iulia joined the procession in the line for medela stones, stones infused with Ehuna’s healing power. The hall was built out of semi-transparent glass with see-through pillars to complete it. Though, Iulia has alway suspected that the pillars were acrylic on the inside to support the roof. The floor a cool stone patch-work in comparison to the rest of the building made of a solid white stone. The ceiling letting light through was tinted but the glass above Ehuna’s statue was clear, making it as if a pillar of light extended above her. The statue, so large the room had a raised roof above the rest of the building, if you were to ignore the blue, gold dome near the entrance. She was draped in cloth with a veil covering most of her hair, her hand extended outward, in a kind, loving gesture. Surrounding the statue was the large water filled basin, filled with Koi and flowers drifting in the water. Koi, another sacred animal of Ehuna. In front of the basin was the long depression in the stone edge filled with smooth round stones you would find in a pond or lake, inscribed with symbols. Medela stones. Each person grabbed a stone and performed the rituals and prayers of cleansing. The stones for healing the soul, mind, body, and spirit. Therefore often used as a cleansing of the soul, repentance of sins. That was what most people were here for, not Iulia. She wished for a soothing of her mind, was she truly born of the creator, did the gods really care about mortals? At the end Iulia and the other worshipers tossed the stones gently in the water and the priestess collected them, barefooted in the water, their chiton and peplos hems soaked, putting the stones one by one in Ehuna’s palm. And then the stones slowly slipped back into the priestess baskets held under her hand, the ones left in Ehuna’s hand read aloud. The prayers Ehuna wished to personally answer, not just delegate to her servants. The eldest priestess attending the ritual would read off the inscriptions in the stones. One simply had to remember which rock they had picked up. The first inscription the priestess read was,
“Mercy.” Iulias stone. But Iulia was not very good at listening to the goddess, was it really an answer to her prayer, or was it fate playing with her yet again? Will she ever know? Right that moment the next stone the priestess picked up read, “Believe.” She could not ignore this message or could she? Iulia left the hall, excusing herself. She ran to the cleansing room, the room of truth. Water a prominent theme still, Iulia walked out from behind the waterfall covering the doorway. It wasn't truly a waterfall, a decent amount of water but if you ran through it you wouldn't be too badly soaked. It was quite an odd sight to see so many people running through the doorway, not pleasant if you were having a particularly bad day. But on this particular day Iulia took a particularly long time passing into the other room, as if she wanted the ‘waterfall’ to wash all her sorrows and pains away. She stood there until someone asked her to move and she did. And there she was water dripping off her robes and her hair wet and soping in their twisted braids. The braids saging from the pins holding them to her head. Perhaps it would dry and her hair would fall in beautiful waves, shiny and healthy. The healing powers of Ehuna in act. Possibly, after all her prayer had been answered. Iulia supposed anything was possible. Perhaps she would even one day be able to heal her mothers mind. Perhaps it was something that Ehuna didn’t want to heal. And if that was the case Iulia couldn't fathom why. Her mother wasn’t cruel, she just was broken on the inside. Her mother was truly…..HER MOTHER! Her mother’s book! It was still under her arm wet from the ‘waterfall’. Iulia dashed to the library within the Tholos, there might be time to save it. Jarna might still be there.
“Jarna!” Iulia Shouted.
“Shhh!” Immediately followed by the patrons, worshipers, alike. And an angry Jarna stomping forward. Grabbing her by the arm she clenched her arm tightly, so much that the surrounding area turned white.
“Ow!” Then Jarna proseded to clamp Iulia’s mouth shut, she had remarcably strong forearms. Possibly from constantly shelving the thick leather Tomes on the tholos library. She put on her best and most charming smile and turned to face the readers.
“I apologize for the interruption, please go back to your studies. Most people seemed satisfied with that, but a few only begrudgingly turned back to their books. Jarna then proceeds to forcefully ’guide’ Iulia to the back room for priestesses. As soon as she was in the room Jarna ripped her fake smile off her face in shreds and in the trash can. “What in Durab do you think you're doing!” Iulia poked fun at her anger, probably not the brightest idea.
“Your Ehuna’s priestess, is this the example your puting? The goddess of peace, serenity, and grace?”
“The example I am setting? Speak for yourself, what in the world could be so important as to shout in the middle of the HORICOS!” The Horicos, the gold gilded, precious blue stone, and glossed deep dark wooden library dedicated to Ehuna and her wisdom. Iulia shyly pulled out the book with a look of self berasion on her face. “What in the CARGOS?! You did WHAT to THIS book!?” Followed by harsh verbal whipping which is well deserved while Jarna hurriedly prepared the drying cloths and weights. “WHAT could you possibly do to EXCUSE ALL OF THIS?!” Jarna possibly screamed on top of her lungs emitting a high pitched screech causing Iulia to flinch. Another priestess in training peaked her head into the room.
“Um, Jarna.”
“WHAT!” The small girl flinched, seeming to get even smaller,
“Um, Jarna. We can hear you through the walls.” Jarna paled, “Tell them that I am most deeply and terribly sorry for the interruption.” The small girl squirmed,
“Jarna….the mistress is coming.” Jarna if she could get paler and possibly more horrified she would have.
“Oh, the life spirit, body, soul, and mind of Ehuna. Hear me, save my already dead self.” The worst and most desperate prayer Iulia had ever heard one of the priestesses ever say. “OH Ehuna, OH Ehuna!”
“Why are you begging for your dear life?”
“Because the mistress is coming!” She shouted looking like a deer in headlights.
“The mistress?”
“No, the mistress, the most strict of them all.” Right then a thin, tall woman entered the room. She had high cheekbones and a scarecrow like figure, with her hair the color of their wings. Though her roots were showing, she had clearly dyed her blond hair. A thing that only senior priestesses were allowed to do. The woman started shrieking in the shrilles, highest voice Iulia had ever heard.
“What do you think you're doing?! Screaming throughout the temple?!” Jarna only answered in a small meek voice,
“I’m sorry mistress.” Lowering her voice she then spoke still in a harsh manner,
“I expect this won’t happen again.” she said looming over Jarna.
“Yes, mistress.” She said quietly.
“Good.” And The priestess spun on her feet matter of factly towards the door and glided out of the room. All of the Preci, priestesses in training, looked relieved when she exited the room. Jarna breathed a sigh of relief,
“Thank goodness she hadn't seen the book,” And then Jarna proceeded to explain the situation. All the Preci turned on Iulia, disgusted, disrespecting a book in such a manner.
“Whoa there, let me explain.” And Iulia provided an explanation of the unfortunate situation and how it occurred. Many of the Preci were satisfied with her answer but a few still looked at her with contempt in their eyes. Book lovers presumably. I suppose you would have to be if you were a priestess of Eunah. One of the goddesses favorite passovers as explained in the myth of Musikal. A myth involving Eunah forever swearing her maidenhood making her a virgin goddess. Perhaps not one of the more interesting myths, but one of the most informative ones. Going into much detail about the goddess. However, that myth happened to be Iulias favorite. Not because of the luxurious home of the gods ,Gahin, being described nor Eunahs froloking within her feilds and crystal clear streams and lakes. No, but because of the luxurious detail the at the myth went into. So beautiful was the writing that whenever the myth was told that practically everyone who knew it and cared for it memorized it word for word. Oh, the writing. Not particularly grandiose, but simple and beautiful. As such the world was up in the heavens and the skys. The real myth its self could be summarized in a few words, but the eloquent writing can not be replicated quite as easily, even if you could. The myth rumored to come directly from the gods themselves, such eloquence could not possibly be described or made by human hands. And if they were, then that author of myth was possibly a god him or herself. Such a thing of which is known, but origins unknown. It is no question that people wonder where such a text came from. Such a beauty, marveled by almost all humans alike. The myth not only encapsulating Eunahs story but also the daily life of the gods. There is much more theroised about the myth but none known to be made true. A lie? Possibly, but not likely. Where else could such a wondrous thing come from? Would you know the answer, because I certainly do not. Perhaps its origin was from the legendary city Ameos, connecting the humans to the gods. It is not known. Jarna sighed,
“Since the freezer is off limits currently we can not freeze the book to individually dry the pages. And also because we don’t have that kind of time, the best we can do is to set the book a little far off from the fire.” She said gesturing to the furnace responsible for heating the library among the many other furnaces in other rooms off shooting the library. With the towels placed carefully between the pages and the elaborate weights placed on to top, Jarna gingerly set the book near the fireplace. The Precti whose break hour had just begun including Jarna invited Iulia to a Ylira ceremony. The ceremony is held daily during Marisha. The sacred hour of the gods, 2 o’clock. The jade tea cups and other pieces of the set are laced with gold and incet with black jasper. The ritual is simple. Of course not shared with people outside the worship of Eunha. Two teapots in the traditional ‘Bokcahe’ style. Squat but rounded body of the teapot, and a handle on the bottom doubling as a stand, with a handle on the side sticking straight out only attaching at one spot, swirling intricate designs and a long spout. Often in turquoises, jade, and minty blue colors, with an occasional all metal pot. These teapots often had polished wooden accents often with varing between modest and intracite designs and the pottery purposely broken to enable the use of Kintsugi. The art of fixing broken pottery with gold. Meant to symbolize that embracing your flaws can create a stronger whole. The two pots the Precti brought to the room followed such traditional mannerisms closely. One of them is pure jade and the other turquoise with Kintsugi and the two handles are wooden.
Continue…
School
The girl was back, and she was just as covered in soot the first time. Some of the students cast protective wards around themselves and others, not just to show off, but because they were scared. They were scared because of the stories of the curses and devilry that was formed in the forest the day it burned. Not one student wanted to be near the girl, and especially not get dusted with ash. The ash was cursed, haunted, by the ghosts of the forest. Kids who would vie to take out the trash to avoid vacuuming would protest and find themselves occupied to avoid being near the soot covered towels the girl Iulia used to wipe off the ash every day. Today the girl hadn't bothered to wipe off the soot as she had been late. How can she stand being covered in all that ash? Ms.Hillsberg announced the agenda for the day, we would be reading an excerpt from Dr. Michal Piors book on AIS. I read it last night so I am not going to bother to listen. Ms.Hillsberg always drones on in a flat boring voice, how could someone possibly expect me to pay attention? I lift my book to make it seem as though I am reading along while peaking at the girl through the corner of my eye. Still a diligent student as ever, eyes glued to the page. When was she ever going to do anything interesting? Now that I think about it, I don’t even know what ability she has. What is she, some kind of robot? She doesn't make any sense. Perhaps it is time to devise a test. Just a little hazing that's all. Right? Just a little fun, no harm in that. I anxiously bounce my leg as I watched the clock. Why can’t lunch come any sooner? How long is a half-hour really? Only thirty minutes, a minute 60 seconds, not that long, so why was it taking forever? Might as well read ahead.
“Zachary August Smith! Are you even paying attention to this lesson? We are on page 135 not page 205, why in Etar’s name are you three chapters ahead?” I was startled, she was so loud sometimes.
“Erm-uh, I had read the chapter last night so I thought I could read a little ahead.”
“Even the footnotes? Hm?”
“Er-no Ms.Hillsbergs’.”
“Then I suggest getting with the rest of the class Mr.Zachary.”
Guess I’m reading the footnotes instead. But I can’t focus, none of it makes sense. Why would this girl live in that forest? Yes, houses were incredibly cheap, but that is only because no one wants to live there. She seems pretty well off, there is no apparent reason that she couldn't live anywhere else. Ten minutes left of class. I take a closer look at the girl. Her hair is impossibly long, as if she had never cut it before. Her leg is bouncing, her shoe laces following suit. Her fingers are twitching, like she is reaching out to something. The sun catches her watch on the same arm, shining a beam of light straight into my eyes.
‘Ow’, I briefly exclaim as I squint against the sun. The watch was soot free, a startling comparison to the rest of her, perfectly clean, not a fingerprint. Bizarre was the watch: it had two hour hands, two minute hands, and two second hands; only one set was moving. The other stuck somewhere between three and four, I do not bother to read the minutes. The watch is all silver, even the face of the watch. The six hands and the numbers are different though. The hands are black; the numerals are emerald green. Like the rabbit's eyes. I can’t look away. The hands are ticking perfectly in sync. Perfectly, perfectly, timed. A loud but charming melody starts, but I can’t focus on it, on anything else. Everything goes blurry around me except the watch; perfectly clear, perfectly still except the hands slowly ticking away. The watch suddenly moves and I snap out of my daze. Iulia is gathering her things. The bell! That is what the melody was. I blink a few times and rub my eyes, it is time for lunch. I lose sight of her in the rush of students exiting the classrooms. I finally make it past all the jumbled bodies in the hallway and make it outside, I spy Iulia sitting on the big metal pipe cover on the right side of the field. One leg up, one leg down, crossed and eating her sandwich. “Hey, Iulia!” I called out. She looked up and seemed surprised.
“Yes?” I sat down on the grass below her. Her gaze tracks my movement.
“Do you mind if I have lunch with you?”
“Um, sure. I guess.” The girl looked at me funny. We glanced at each other pensively and ate in silence until the bell rang.
“See you later!” I rang out, I am a cheery person. Her eyes dart away.
“See ya,” She said while giving me a half smile closer to a grimace, and we parted ways to our next class. Isin’t she delightful? Quinisdently, we had the same class after lunch, AIS exercises in Mrs. Jones class.
“Ms.Claire, please go to Mr.(Bai) Ma’s class while we practice AIS exercises.”
“Yes, ma'am.” Why would she need to leave? Iulia seemed to know exactly what was going on. It just doesn't add up, the first day she didn't say what her ability was, and now she was leaving while we did AIS exercises. This girl was hiding something, and the school was helping her do it.
“Place your hands on your lower right abdomen.” Instructed Mrs. Jones. “You should be able to feel the ‘energy’, a simplified term, sitting there. Your appendix. Draw your ‘energy’ out up towards your chest, across your shoulder of choice, down your arm, and out your palm. Once you are advanced enough you will be able to draw out your ‘energy’ without pulling it through your arm. Just having to think where you want your ‘energy’ to be. In fact I know some of you already can.” She paused, eyeing me. “Do not be discouraged, some skills requiring AIS come easier to others. Please note that you can in fact focus your ability through other outlets in your body. The medians if you will. However, as many of you know the palm is the easiest and safest median to use. Now all of you exert that energy towards the cube placed on your desk.” Through the room cubes were being malformed and destroyed through various means. One melting and bubbling like a boiling pot of water, one shattering, another simply disappearing. “Each and every person has a different type of AIS usage. There are four different categories of AIS, the most common being external, being that you can affect things in your environment, or other people such as healing AIS.
“The next common is a physical manifestation or internal AIS, where you can change something about yourself and your attributes and/or capasity to do things. For example, having enhanced senses, strength, shapeshifting, or mental surges as a few examples. There are also Observational and Affectual AIS manipulation types, these terms are used when someone can observe, affect, sap, steal, or control anothers AIS. These AIS users tend to have lower levels of AIS in their abdomens as they do not need to produce as much to be just as powerful, drawing on others AIS.
“The last and fourth category of AIS manipulation types are composed of miscellaneous outliers that do not fit into any of the other categories. You can probably come up with a famous few. Some get confused by time manipulation as an external AIS. However, it is not as they are not actually affecting their surroundings with AIS. They can affect their surroundings by utilising their AIS but their AIS itself is not affecting the environment. This diffiencation is very important when it comes to AIS manipulation type classification. Make sure to not forget it.” People have different types of AIS manipulation, magic powers if you will. For me, my cube did nothing. I just stared at it, shining bits revealing themselves in the black of the cube. No one else sees them. Only me, seeing the bits of magic in the cube that makes it sensitive to AIS. Practice cubes. It looked almost like shards of glass in tar. I have Observational and Affectual AIS manipulation, I can see AIS and have some minor control over other people's abilities. I look over at the other students, they were bright. Most had wavering lines from their abdomen to their palm, but a few had steady trails, signs of a well practiced and strong Magic user. But none of them, not even Mrs.Jones were even close to how bright Iulia’s AIS is. It was like comparing a bonfire to sparks of ash.
...
The boy would not leave me alone. He kept on popping up. I swear he came out of a trashcan once. He just won’t stop! He clearly wants something from me, so why doesn't he just ask? One of his current antics is to trail me around, just barely behind me. It's not like I can ask him to stop either because we have the same classes.
“Hey, Iulia!” He practically bulldoeses into me as I abruptly stop and turn around to face him.
“What?” I sigh. He huffs a little and replies,
“No need to be so rude. It's just that this is getting nowhere.” I frown,
“What is getting nowhere?”
“You know what, I’m just going to ask you.”
“Ask me what?” I screw my face at him. This kid is really getting exasperating.
“I’ll tell you after school. Meet me at the gate?” He says questioningly, giving me a small smile. I sort of glance around grimincing. This is so stupid, sure he might be a little anoying but he is the only kid here that has offered me any sort of friendship. No matter how hard I try to be friendly they all are scared away by the ash. Stupid superstitions.
“Fine.” I shake his extended hand. He erupts in a bright smile.
“See you then!” I can not just leave him at that. That would be rude to leave him hanging, I give a slight smile.
“See you then.” I reply. He waves obnoxiously grining the entire time as he heads off to one of the few classes we don’t have together. His cheerfulness is infectious. I wonder what class he has right now. I suddenly hear the bell ring. My smile instantly turns into a scowl. He made me late for class. I ran the rest of the way down the hall. Stop, I think. Dashing the reast of the way open the door and weave around frozen bodies hoping that no one noticies when I think, Start. The world is suddenly unfrozen and I hear the calamoring of students in sharp comparison of the complete silence of the demi plane. Mr.Ma turns around and gasps.
“Goodness, I did not see you there. One day one of you all is going to give me a heart attack and that will be the end of me.” Earning him a few giggles from students with a dryer sense of humor. He gives me a knowing look out of the corner of his eye. He knows. The tiny old man is sharp. I have a feeling that I won’t get away with anything around him. I am strictly forbidden from using AIS on school grounds because of the instability of my power and a combination of how much I have spells for a disaster. I sigh, this is not going to be an easy school year. I can’t concentrate in class, I just keep thinking about what August said. (His middle name. He has reportedly said that he hates being called by his first name or any kind of variant of it) What in the world could he possibly need to ask me about. Is it the reason that he has been so persistent? Could he know? No, he coulden’t. There is no possible way that he could. My AIS manipulation is a well hidden secret. No thanks to me, I admit I am rather sloppy with it; but no staff member at the school is allowed to say a word about it. My family avoids the subject with other people religiously and the government is as of now debating what to do with me. However, they all agree that under no cericumstances should anyone other than necessary should find out. There have only been three other AIS manipulators in the history of the world to have the same AIS as me. And even then it is debated if Vantion Rus even had the same AIS as me or if it was false propaganda started for the Chakan Wars. The wars were cruel regardless, they should have never happened. (PUT SOMETHING HERE TO ELABORATE) Regardless, I should start paying attention to class, while this is a history class we still have leagues to go before we get even close to the Chakan Wars. Currently, we are discussing the foundation of the Iulshofos peoples. I am Half Iulshofos and half Heija. It is an interesting combonation considering how much both cultures clash. However, I am a part of the Iulshani religion, same with my mother who grew up in Heija. I only stayed there until I was nine. It was difficult because the Heija have a strong distaste for the Iulshani religion, while the Iulshofos don’t mind the Heija all that much. Though I was not persecuted nearly as badly as my dad who is a full blooded Iulshofos and I was granted a certain protection as a child because the Heija, including myself, hold a certain sancanty over a childs innocence and purity. But, they believe that a childs innocence goes away at the age of ten. That is why we moved just before my birthday, we were geting threats about how they were going to purge the country of ‘dirty Iulshofos’ blood. Vile threats born of hatred. I prefer not to think of my time in Heija. I love people of my blood people, but there are some things that I will never understand. My mother used to tell me all about the days when there was no anttimosity between the two countries and religions. I wish that I could have seen it. Regardless of what was, this is the now, as unfortunate as it is. Where has the time gone? It is only two minutes until school is over. How does time fly so fast? I start packing up. Mr. Ma calls me over to his desk as I suspected and as the other students file out of the class room he eyes me suspiciously.
“You know what you did wrong don’t you?” He says.
“Yes,” I glance down at my black boots.
“Very well, just do not do it again all right” I look at him as he gives a grandfatherly smile. The man looked particularly like an old turtle when he did that. From the hunched back, his small and round wrinkled face with his small pair of spectacles set on his nose, to his diminutive stature.
“Okay?” Confused, I leave the classroom. That was surprisingly easy. Oh, August. I should probably head towards the gate. I walk towards the gate in anticipation for what he is going to ask.
“Hey!” I jump and cover my face. After a couple of seconds I open my eyes again and I see that it is just August.
“My gosh, you scared me.”
“Istar, you get scared so easily!” I scowl at him for using a God's name in such a manner.
“Hey, hey,” He puts up his hands in surrender. “Ms.H said it before me, and you seem far too inclined to scowl as of late.” I give in and push him a little with a smile.
“Fine, now what do you have to ask me? It's been bothering me ever since you asked.”
“Oh,” He raises his eyebrows. “Something I said is of concern to the great Iulia?” He, much to my chagrin, smiles at me. I deflate a little at my defeat.
“Yes, yes. Now just tell me.” We fall into suit, walking side by side giving a little swing of his shoulders as he walks out of his apparent giddiness.
“Humm, now what was it?” He looks upwards obviously enjoying this very much, a little too much. But I can’t help but ask.
“You have not forgotten, now have you?” He smiles perhaps a bit more devilishly out of the corner of my eye, I hate it when people do this to me. My isafisable curiosity has made me the target of many such games as this. Apparently, he sees this on my face and drops the act.
“No I haven’t, I’ll tell you. What is your manipulation type?” I freeze, I feel a chill go through my body, if I could see my face I am almost certain that you would be able to see the blood drain out of my face. Apparently you can because he immediately starts with concern. “Hey are you okay?” He faces me straight on, grabs me by the shoulders, and looks me in the eye. “You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to. It is just my insufferable curiosity. You're okay. You're okay. Come on, let's just sit down here for a minute.” I clumsily followed his gentle guide of his arm down sitting on the sidewalk. I just can not stop shaking. What will happen if he finds out? What will happen to me? “Hey, you don’t have to tell me. You are okay.” I look at him, desperation obvious in my voice.
“I can’t. I can’t tell you.” I’m wrenching my head so fast back and forth that my neck pops. I am gasping for air as I feel my tears through my shirt and snot on my lip. Choking on my own breath. He yanks a tissue out of his bag and hands it to me and I rub my face clean. He grabs my hand tracing circles on my palm, it's strangely calming and reassuring. He keeps on doing this until I calm down to a manageable level. Granting me a small smile when I finally look him in the eyes.
“I am sorry. I did not realize that that was such a-” He pauses, searching for the right word. “Sensitive topic for you.”
“It’s alright. You couldn't have known.” I try to smile a little to reassure him that I am alright, but it dissipates almost instantly. He arches a brow,
“There is, and will not be, any of that ‘pretending you are alright’ after that. It is not very convincing at any rate.” I let out a huff of air as I flop backwards on my backpack. August twists around and follows suit so we are laying side by side.
“Yea, you’re right. Must be instinct.” I give a half-hearted laugh, more of a self deprecating sound. August wiggles around a little and tries to get comfortable on the sidewalk and eventually gives up, turning his head towards me he says,
“Anything I can do?” He says the last word weakly and perhaps a little helplessly as well.
“Not really. But I appreciate the offer.” I turn over facing him. “You know I really can’t tell you. I would if I could.” He turns as well, looking me in the eye.
“It’s okay.” A small smile perks up his face. “Could we still be friends though?” I laugh for real this time. Just like little kids that become best friends for life by claiming them through a very similar declaration. I look over and I can help but,
“Pftt! Oh my gosh you really said that with a straight face.” I really start racking with laughter now, and I bury my face in my jacket sleeve until the sound is muffled enough that you just see me shaking. August turns a bright red and sputters,
“Ah, come on! It is an honest question!” His voice raises octaves with each word. It only makes me laugh harder until I am gripping my sides. “It's not that funny!” It is no use. I am practically howling with laughter at this point. “At least somebody is laughing.” He expresses in defeat.
“Hey, hey, I am sorry, okay. It's just, you said it so seriously. You looked so hopeful and desperate. What, did you think I was going to make you beg on your knees or something? Goodness, I am not a Dini! fine, we can be friends.” He pops up immediately, like a wack o’ mole, hands set in front of him and his legs splayed out, grinning from ear to ear.
“Really!”
“You really are like a little kid you know. Yes really.” Almost splitting his shin from his giddiness he jumps up and offers me a hand; which I take. How friendship deprived must this kid be? Does he not have any friends? Thankfully he did not mention my ‘emotional burst’ for the rest of the time as we walked towards the bus stop. “Bye!” I called as I walked away.
“Why are you still walking? We are at the stop.”
“I know I walk home. That is why I am always covered in ash, remember?” He slapped his hand on his forehead.
“Right, you mentioned it on your first day.”
“That I did.” I stated as I gave a small silute with two fingers against my head. As I turned away from him to continue walking home I couldn't help but smile. My future is looking bright with that light in my life.
I soon learned that I was very, very wrong. August had a plethora of friends which he introduced to me the day after-during lunch at school-our declared friendship.
“Ha! Yea, August does that. He did the same to all of us.” Said the waine girl in a red dress matching her equally red hair. She had dimples and a hooked nose in an odd way. She reminds me of Ima, our neighbor's ginger cat. They aren’t much of neighbors though, they live a mile and a half away from us, but they are the closest people who live next to us. The boy, with a ruffled collar that made it look like he had gotten dressed in the dark, guffawed at her statement. August had introduced us and I now knew them as Isla and Andi, some of August’s closest friends, as he introduced them. Andi with an “I” the boy had interrupted, just to clarify, he said. They were a lively bunch. I could see how they got along. Isla’s favorite color was red, clearly, as she was covered head to toe in it. She had dyed her hair as well. Andi had told me, he had whispered it to avoid her wrath, as she would much rather be a natural red-head. I found all of this ironic to the utmost degree considering that her AIS ability is creating and manipulating fire. Andi I found was her twin, he, to make this even more ironic, controlled water. He couldn't really create it however, he could only draw it from his surroundings. In a way Isla could only do that as well she could just ignite it, be the catalyst for the reaction. The duo were really, what I would describe as, foils. They bounced off each other literally and figuratively. They sat side by side and they bumped up against each other whenever they reached or motioned in the opposite directions. This did not happen often though because they had a very similar thinking process and had a one track mind set. It was almost trippy watching them move in sinc like they are little dee or twittle dum. I was also introduced to Ikin, he was a kind boy with a hallowed look in his eyes he black hair stuck up in all directions stock straight, giving him a windswept look, it did not help that he constantly looked dazed as well. He and I were the quiet ones of the group; I think he took a liking to me. He looked perhaps a little lonely even amongst the group. However, He did have a wane smile on, perhaps he was enjoying himself a little bit, just in his own subdued way.
“Come on, we have to show her!” Burst out Andi, Isla bit back with her protests.
“Last time we did that we set Ikin’s hair on fire!” Ikin looked a little on edge as she said this statement but spoke with a small tittering voice,
“It is okay. You can show her.” Isla rolled her eyes at him and turned to her brother and waved her arms up and about, both twins talked with their hands alot.
“Can’t you see him! Well hear him. His voice is shaking! I refuse to do that again.”
“Oh come on! I was cool. I put it out quickly, he did not even get burned!” Ikin instinctively reached his hand up and stroked his hair looking a little shell-shocked at the last statement.
“But his hair never recovered! Just look at it!” Isla then proceeds to march up to Ikin while he nervously backs away, and touches his hair. “See! You can still feel how rough it is. That's why it sticks up all the time. It never did that before.” Ikin hurriedly grabs her hand and holds it in place to prevent her from rifling through his hair which she had continued to do as he tried to duck and doge away from her probing hands. “Oh,” Isla blinks rapidly, flustered she readily apologized, “Sorry, I should have asked.”
“It is okay.” He spoke, again in his soft voice. He tended to talk quietly because loud noises and voices startled him, August explained, saying that Ikin had the physical manifestation of AIS, shadow walking. He got it from the Goddess Kephy, the Goddess of the night. She is his family's patron Goddess. Almost all physical manifestation AIS enhanced people's senses as well, for Ikin it made just about everything a bit to loud for him. He smiled a little and rested his head on her shoulder. I raised an eyebrow questiongly to August at that, were they dating? He shook his head no, he explained to me that Ikin tended to talk less and express things through physical touch and affection more. It took a little getting used to but that is just how he is. Isla sighed and declared to her brother once more.
“I am not doing that again.” Andi threw up his hands in exasperation. Not quite defeat though. I thought this was a good time to pitch my two cents in.
“Um, can I know what this ‘thing’ that you are going to do is?” Andi looks at me a little surprised and startled.
“Oh yea. I totally forgot to tell you, I was just a little worked up.” He said as he shot a glare at his sister, who promptly responded with a face of her own. “It is just a little show we like to put on for people. Fire and water cancel eachother out so we like to put on a kind of fireworks show where I throw up orbs of water and Isla bursts them into steam. One time we were experimenting with different materials for Isla to use as her igniter and one of them did not go out with my water and kept on burning, that was the one that Ikin’s hair lit on fire.”
“That sounds pretty dangerous.” I remarked.
“It is.” Isla interjected, earning her a side look from her brother.
“You can hash that out between each other, I’m not getting in the middle of that.” I replied, trying to find the smoothes exit out of the conversation.
“Regardless, I am not participating and therefore you can not do it as I am an essential part of our display, right Andi?” She gave her brother one of those smiles that were paired with dangerous eyes, daring him to disagree.
“Fine.” He pouted. Andi then turned to me and remarked,
“It is really cool though.” in an almost hopeless kind of way. Isla, from what is apparent, was strong willed and it seemed that there was little anyone could do if she had made up her mind.
“Come on, let's go to the tree, that's something that everybody likes.” Isla unexpectedly suggested. Ikin perked up at that. It turns out that ‘the tree’ was the grand Oak that was planted firmly in the very back stretch of the field.
“Oaks can grow up to nearly 100 ft tall, this one is nearly grown giving us plenty of room to climb, so” She finished with a grin, “let's climb up.” Isla hitched up her skirt, revealing her shorts underneath, and started with a startling proficiency and nimbleness that only came with hours of practice. Ikin and Andi followed shortly after her, climbing up like three scuttling monkeys. August turned towards me,
“Well, after you.”
I climbed up the tree with a slightly less experienced touch, but I made it up shortly thereafter. August sat next to me on one of the lower branches, below everyone who had made it to the very top of the tree. Our legs dangled precariously below us. “So what do you think?” He questioned. I hesitated for a moment and then I answered.
“They are…lively.” He laughed at that.
“I was talking about the tree.” He smirked.
“Oh, um…”
“It is okay, I was going to ask you that too. I would say that is one way to describe them. Ikin is a touch gentler than the rest of us though. Wouldn't you say?”
“I would.” August, uncaring of the rough bark flipped backwards on the branch. I gave out a startled yelp of surprise. I was shocked to see that he hadn't cracked his head open on the ground. He was simply dangling from the branch upside down by his legs like a monkey would with its tail. He wore an amused grin from my fright.
“Don’t you worry about little ol’ me.” He gripped his hand over his heart. “It makes me emotional to think you care so much about me.” He wiped away his fake tears with zeal, and pulled himself up right with core strength that I doubted I could muster. He hopped up standing on the branch. “Follow me, we got to catch up with the rest of the crew.”
I followed after him reaching up to the next branch and placed my foot on a smaller nob in the tree which he had used. My eyes widened as my foot and my arm ripped off the branch, burning from the bark. A scream ripped from my throat. They all whipped their heads around and they looked in horror as I fell from the tree. The tree that was nearly, nearly…I can’t think as I am being hurled towards the ground.
“STOP!” I scream, and the world magically does, but I forgot something, I don’t. I finished the rest of my free fall in the demi plane. As everything fades to black I can’t help but think what happens if I can’t restart time. Will everyone be stuck forever?
Mother
“Iulian, we need to talk.”
“Not now Cato.” Cato sighed, he just couldn't seem to tear her away from her work.
“My sweet, you need to rest.” It was Iulian’s turn to sigh. Slowly she spun around in her chair to look at her husband.
“I’m sorry darling, I shouldn't have snapped at you. You're right I should take a break. Want to have lunch?”
“I would love that.” Cato gave a soft smile towards his wife and pecked her on the forehead. “How does Khorovats sound at Titus’ restaurant?”
“Sounds delicious, I’ll get ready real quick. Wait for me!” Calling out the last sentence teasingly as Iulian stepped out of the office turning the corner. Cato couldn't help the ‘worry lines’ that formed in between his brow as his wife left the room. Her illness was getting worse. The doctors weren’t quite sure what it was, they could only point out symptoms. She forgot to take care of herself. Forgetting to eat, drink, sleep, go to the bathroom. Memory loss, tremors. She started to obsess over her work, not moving from her desk until Cato got her to do something else. She was thin, Cato tried to get her to eat but she wouldn't eat much when she did. Saying she wasn't hungry. She had had appendicitis just before it all started, one of the doctors suggested that because her AIS had been a physical manifestation type that her body might be going through some kind of severe withdrawal but they were still unsure.
“Oh, love. What am I to do? I can seem to do anything as you are slipping away from us. Our girls need you Iulian. Our son needs you. I need you. What am I to do without you?”
The Cave
“Something strange is happening here, but I am not sure what.”
“I feel it too. What could it be?”
“Mable, turn your light back on. Quick.” A weak glow parts the dark’s draped curtain, revealing the scene before the two women. Emals blinks a few times, her eyelashes aflutter. Revealing her dark red irises. The blond, Mable, steps forward hesitantly, grabbing Emals’ hand. Emals long brown hair dances in the air as she turns her head.
“What is it Mab’s?” She was frowning.
“Nothing, it just doesn't feel right.” Emals drags her fingers through her bouncy bangs, tugging at a knot. A nervous habit. She felt it too. Her somber expression matches Mable’s.
“I can’t put my finger on it. It might be the best to turn around.” Mab’s nodded in agreement. The speleologists retreated out of the cave. They shouldn't have turned off that light. The two enjoyed the peace of the absolute darkness of the caves they studied, and near complete silence. Normally, it was fine. People often did tours in caves where just before they turned back they would do the exact same thing. But this time, it was a fatal mistake.
“Iulia, Iulia wake up.” A figure hovered over me but I couldn't quite make them out. “Iulia.” Their voice seemed far away, far, far, away. My vision swam but they finally came into focus. It was a woman. She wore pure white robes, pleption and chiton, a white covering over her hair, a warm kind face waned with concern. I had seen her face before, but where? She smiled, “Iulia my child, you are finally awake.” A cloud passed over her face, she was worried about something. I reached up and touched one of her curls near my face. She looked surprised at first but then she gave her loving smile again. “But now it is time for you to return to the real world, my daughter.” She bent down towards my face. I flinched and closed my eyes at her brightness. I felt her lips brush my forehead, and then, I was back. The woman was replaced with Isla over me.
“She is awake guys!” She shouted. I grabbed my head, it was throbbing from her shouting. I held my arm over my eyes to block out the sun, stabbing pins and needles into my eyes. Apparently time had started again while I was knocked out. I wonder why. Not for long as I register my heads spiking pain at Isla's shouting.
“Keep it down, will you?”
“Oh, sorry. Your head must hurt pretty bad.” Was my face wet? I draw my hand back to look at it, dripping with water.
“Yea, sorry about that. We splashed water on you to wake you up, but that didn’t work.” She kind of chuckled at that, but I don’t think that is quite the right word for the exclamation she gave. “Andi, August, and Ikin are getting the school nurse. Unfortunately, his office is all the way across campus. You have been out cold for a good few minutes.” She then scrunched her face up at her last comment. “I didn’t check so I don’t actually know how long or I would tell you.”
“I never got that saying, there is nothing good about getting knocked out.” She laughed at that.
“Right you are.” I can see the boys and the school nurse rushing over to me now. Frantically rushing over. Things start to blur again.
“Hey, Isla.” Start to mumble. “I think I am about to pass out again.” I can hear the nurse shouting and the boys asking Isla about me as I slowly drift off to sleep. Suddenly I realized who she was.
“EHUNA!” I immediately regret my exclamation, gripping my head in pain. Everyone jerked their heads towards me.
“What is it? What about Ahbi Ehuna?” The nurse creased his brows in concern. Ahbi, yes. A word, no, a title, greater than a god. I dragged my hand over my face.
“Nothing.” I better discuss this with someone trusted in private before I go around telling people. Reluctantly the nurse replied,
“Allright, if you insist.” August glanced curiously at me but no one probed me any further on the matter. The nurse looked me over quickly and healed me with his AIS.
“Be careful from now on, especially for the next couple of weeks. That could have been really bad.” He scolded me . “As I said be especially careful for the next couple of weeks, my AIS can be undone by more physical damage you know.”
“Okay I will be careful.” He raised an eyebrow at that.
“You know without AIS a concussion like that would be a very long and painful ordeal to go through. Though it is odd, it seemed like you had been sitting on that damage for a while based on how it had affected the rest of your brain.”
“I know, I felt it before you came here.” Satisfied that I understood the seriousness he felt necessary to instill in me he turned to the rest of the group to make it clear that climbing the tree was off limits.
Continue…
Found dead. That is how Mable and Emals were found. Dead at the mouth of Maoi Pakto. God's heart. They had massive holes in their lower abdomen. Their bones; broken. Dead. Found dead. It was all over the news, and that is exactly how Iulia and Cato found out. The morning news.
“The famous speleologist duo, a field of science that specializes in the study of caves, Mable Kvat, and Emals Clare, were found dead this morning in the cave Maoi Pakto, a favorite among cave spelunkers. The scientists were exploring an unknown branch of the cave Maoi Pakto that had recently been discovered. Currently we are unsure about what really killed the two scientists, and are waiting for the autopsies to be released to the public. Stay tuned on channel 5 for more,” Cato turned off the tv, he couldn't take it any more. He stood there unmoving.
'`Dad”, Amari tugged at her fathers sleeve. “Was that Auntie Em they were talking about?” Cato shook, holding back tears, sucking in air, his voice cracking. He looked down at his little girl and said,
“Yea, it is Ama.” Looking back up, swallowing back the cry on his lips, “Yes it is.” Suddenly he turned and looked at Iulia, “Iul’s can you get your little sister ready for school today. I have to call your Grandmother.”
“Of course, Dad. I can do that.” She turned to Amari, “Come on Ama, got’a get ready for school.” She took the little girl's hand and led her up the stairs. Their father finally let his tears fall, body wracking sobs, as he collapsed on the couch. After a long, long time, he got himself a few tissues and composed himself enough to call his mother to tell her about his little sister, Emals. She answered the phone,
“Yes, Cato?” But he couldn't speak. “Cato? What is it, what is wrong?”
“M-Mom,” He spoke in a shaking voice.
“What happened, are you okay?”
“Yea mom, I am okay. But, but,”
“What, what is it? I worry you know.”
“Emals…Emals is dead.” The end went silent. They both just stood there, the line open between them, hearing each other breath.
“How did it happen?” their mother asked in a trembling voice.
“They don’t know.” Cato said in a small voice. “They found her at the mouth of Maoi Pakto with Mable”
“Mable is dead too.” She said more like a statement than a question. Everyone knew that they always went to caves together. “We have to tell the Kvats.”
“I will do it, don’t worry about it.”
“Okay, Gidi. I will tell your father.” She paused for a moment then asked, “Please light her a Pitowi for me, you know me and your father can’t stay out for very long anymore. We just get so bone weary, especially with your fathers health.”
“Of course no question about it.”
“Thank you Cato, I love you, take care.”
“I love you too mom. Bye, bye.”
“Antki. (Bye)” Then the line went dead. Cato sighed, he had to tell the Kvats next. He was not quite sure that he was ready for another emotionally strenuous conversation yet, but they needed to know.
It was the day of Aunite Emals funeral and Pitowi. Abita and Aba (Grandmother and Grandfather) were able to come to the funeral but had to go home before the Pitowi ended. We were all dressed in special funeral robes and long veils covering the entirety of our heads making the world seem to darken through the black cloth. Her Pitowi, A candle lit by each person there surrounding her modest casket where she lay wrapped in colorful silks and filled to the brim with Rose Drifts and other flowers that Dad ceremoniously lit in place of Abita and Aba. This ritual is called a Pitowi. Throughout the evening everyone in attendance would add fuel and wood to the fire in order to make it as big as possible. This was tradition in order to ensure that one of the Goddesses Of Death Qraona, Gryvtrix, and Qrotune, see her spirit to guide her to the afterlife where her spirit will be judged by Virena, one of the Goddesses Of Life & Death. The other the God Medses and Virena control when it is someone’s time to be born or time to die. There are two of them to keep each other in check and because they have very specific roles pertaining to life and the afterlife. Medses bring spirits into the world so they can live and Virena chooses what happens to them after death. Both do not serve any of the gods and are actually one of the higher beings that the creator had made in the beginning, no god has the power to overrule them nor control life or death. Because of this the three Goddesses of Death Qraona, Gryvtrix, and Qrotune, can only bring souls/spirits to the afterlife if Medses or Virena have ordered them to do so. It is Dad’s job to keep the fire burning throughout the night to help light the way into the spirit world. The other mourners, me, Amari, Mom, our Grandparents, and our other extended family help as well, but it is mainly Dad’s job as Sinv, also known as the main morner. Because of this Abita and Aba were able to go home early. Sitting around the Pitowi Amari layed down on my lap as I snacked on sugared pecans.
“Iulia?” Amari whispered,
“Yes, Amari?”
“Auntie Em is not coming back is she?” He lowered my eyes to look at Amari curled up on my lap.
“No Amari, she is not.” Amari paused at that, I could not tell if she was crying or not because her face was twords the fire away from me.
“Iuli, I am going to miss Auntie Em.”
“I am too Ami.” I stroked Amari’s hair, she was too young to be wearing a veil like me. Eventually I could hear her breathing steady into a regular rhythm, letting me know that she was asleep. I gently shifted from under her and carefully lifted her head off of me and set it on the ground. I took off my shawl and wrapped it up into a bundle and then I wedged it under Amari’s head in place of a pillow. That would have to do for now. I snached up another paper packet of sugared pecans, they were addictive and delicious, and walked over to where my parents were sitting. “Mum, Dad, Amari is asleep. Do you want me to take her home or do you want us to wait?” Dad glanced up from the fire and looked back just as quickly and stirred the fire with a poker.
“No, It is too dark out. You can’t walk home alone, it is too dangerous, but Mom can drive you.” He turned towards Mom. “Could you drive the girls home Iulian?”
“That sounds like a plan, I will come back after I drop them off.” She stood up and bent down to kiss my Dad on the forehead. Today was one of her good days. Dad said he thinks that the shock of Aunite Em’s death brought her back for a little bit. I shook Amari awake and guided her back to the car only stopping to glance back at Dad staring into the heart of the fire.
Vin
The next day at lunch I walked over to August’s little group surprised to find another person there. She introduced herself as Vin. She had her long tight curls tied up in a huge bun and bangs that she showed really reached below her chin but were so bunched/curled up that they only reached just above her eyebrows. She had shown me, she had cut the the night before apparently. She had several piercings along her ears; all of her earrings were silver. All of her clothes fit her well but had excess fabric making them swallow her figure completely with an impossibly large hoodie paired with jean shorts and tennis shoes. She offered me a hug, which I couldn't bring myself to refuse and found that her hoodie was as fluffy and soft as it seemed. She smelled like chamomile tea and had an assortment of beads scattered throughout her hair. She was all bright colors and glossy lipstick. She had a number of rings that she would flip across the tips of her fingers like a sleight of hand coin trick. August stood and spoke upon my arrival,
“Vin has a preposition for us all.” The other’s seemed to know what was going on but hadn't the slightest clue.
“Well,” Vin started shyly playing with one of her curls that had escaped from her bun. “It was more of just a preposition for August but I suppose the more help the better.” She pauses and blushes at her brash statement, pulling her stray curl downwards in some ineffective attempt to hide her face. “No offense to any of you.” She said, glancing around at everybody. This was odd, from the way she introduced herself she did not seem like the shy type, whatever she has to say must be a topic of embarrassment. “Um, some of you may know that I like to draw and sculpt, create things if you will. You might also know that anything I create I can make it come to life, or if it is an inanimate object I can pull it out of the page. I, uh, was drawing a chameleon and I couldn't get one of the eyes right and I brought it to life so I could see it from a different angle and uh,” She made an expression that emulated the very sentence, ‘and I messed up’ perfectly. “And it kind of disappeared…I can’t find it anywhere. I know August can see AIS and I figured since it is pure AIS he could find it really easily and I could put it back in the page.” I had to interrupt when she said that. I was just too curious.
“Couldn't you just erase it? Wouldn't it go away then?” She shook her head, she also looked grateful that the focus was eased away from her blunder.
“No, I tried that once. My drawing gets stuck in reality and I can’t get rid of it then.” I twist my face up at the unfortunate news.
“It would be so much easier if you could, that is unfortunate. Wait,” I pause and look up at Vin, “How did you find that out? That sounds like a story with an unfortunate ending to it.” Vin griminced.
“It does, I drew a snake once and this was when I was first getting my power under control and I accidentally brought it to life. In a panic I erased the drawing thinking that it would be easier than trying to rein in my power and trying to catch the snake…” Every one flinched or griminced at that, knowing what it meant. “I ended up getting bit and going to the hospital. Luckily it wasn't too bad considering I was just drawing a generic snake and not a particularly venomous one. They doctors were able to draw the venom out with AIS manipulation fairly easily, especially the venom itself was my own AIS.” She shook her head at the thought, she had learned her lesson thoroughly and permanently. “Regardless of that unfortunate event, would you all be up to the task?” Vin glanced around at our odd little group as we all one by one nodded at the question. August spoke for all of us.
“We will do it.” Vin nodded,
“Then it is settled, I will send August my address and he can send it to the rest of you guys cuz’ I only have his number. Tomorrow at ten?” Isla pitched in for herself and her brother.
“Me and Andi are both free.”
“Works for me.” August approved. I nodded my head.
“Works for me as well, I will double check with my Dad just to be safe.” By some silent agreement we all already knew that Ikin would much rather not be there, and so rather than have him come up with a half-hearted excuse, he is much too nice to out right decline, we all just accepted that he just was not inclined for this kind of strenuous activity. I texted Dad and he responded startlingly quickly giving the go ahead on the matter. I turned back to the group, “Yea, My Dad said I could come.”
“Looks like we are all set.” Vin declared, “I am going to leave you all for the rest of lunch, my sweet potato fries in my lunch box are calling my name. See you tomorrow!” Shouting out her last sentence walking away from us all. An odd interaction it was, if I do say so myself.
The next day was Saturday and it was the first time I got to see the whole gang outside of school. Just before I left I poked my head into the living room to find my Dad, I found him staring at the tv, transfixed. I have only seen him like that once before, when Aunite Em had died and we found out on the news. He was looking with that same horror and shock in his face. The tv was off but my Dad was still staring into the deep dark pool of black the tv created shut off. I was unsure what to do an edged a little closed to him and called out,
“Hey, um, Dad?”
“Yea,” He responded, sounding subdued and almost lethargic. Like he had just given up on everything, or someone had taken everything from him again. Again.
“I already asked you if I could go and you said yes, I am going to start heading over to Vin’s house now. Um, hey, are you, like, okay? Did something happen? You are starting to scare me a little bit” Dad shook his head like he was clearing his head from a thick fog that had been enveloping his mind.
“Yea something did. Three archaeologists at a dig where they were found dead like Aunite Em and her partner were found.``My eyes widened in shock from the sudden revelation. Unsure of what to say I mutter in reply.
“Well that can not be any good.”
“No it is not.” He agreed, shaking his head in disbelief. My Dad often understands things that I can not quite articulate with words, it is quite convenient when the cat catches my tongue. Though that is not the proper way to use that saying. Not in the slightest. “Sorry for bringing up something so dreary when you are about to go out and have fun with your friends. Have a great time, I will pick you up for your doctor's appointment. I will double check the time but it should be on the calendar.” Right, I had forgotten to explain what I was actually going to be doing, catching a runaway chameleon. Regardless, that kind of technicality does not particularly matter in this situation so I let it slide with no comment.
“Bye, see you later!” Give my final goodbye while heading out the door. My Dad hollars after me as the door slams shut behind me.
“See you in a bit!”
I had gotten ready early so I could walk over, but it was not too terribly long. It was only about a 30 minute walk if you really wanted to take your time, which is exactly what I did. August and Andi were in a classic combo of a t-shirt and jeans but Isla was a bit more dressed up. Her auburn hair has rolled up in a bun on the tippy top of her head with a few stray hairs flying astray. She wore skinny jeans that seemed tailored to her figure with black sneakers and a poofy sleeved blouse that fit her nicely. The blouse was of course a bright red, her lipstick a tad more of a subdued red, but her cherry dangly earrings matched the color perfectly. She had dotted on makeup freckles on her face completing the entire look. I raised an eyebrow in her direction,
“Someone got up early today.” She smiled brightly revealing her sparkling teeth.
“Why thank you for noticing. I am glad someone appreciates my hard work.” She said while shooting a knowing glance at Andi making him look away.
“Well I think you look lovely.” She really does look nice, subdued but noticeable. There but not in your face, it suits her quite well.
“Well, we best head in. We wouldn't want to keep Vin waiting all day, now would we.” August stepped forward onto the porch and rang the doorbell. We had all come at around the same time, otherwise we would have waited inside with Vin waiting for the others. Vin almost instantly answered the door.
“Hey guys! Come on in.” She led us into a cozy front room with a colorful blue couch with bright pink and yellow decorative throw pillows. I plopped down on the couch next to Isla with Andi on my other side and August taking up the ottoman while Vin curled up in a lovely upholstered chair. “Suppose we better get started right away then, I have refreshments afterwards if anybody wants them.” She paused and suddenly corrected herself. “Well, you get started. I suppose I won’t have any part of this, that is why I asked for your help after all.” Isla perked up a little, which I was surprised to find possible in her already very perky mood.
“The refreshment will be very much appreciated. Thank you for the thought.” Before Andi started to ask about exactly what kind of refreshments are there. August declared the hunt officially starting now. August instantly exclaimed a startled expression.
“What ever is it?” Vin frowned. August sighed and walked over to Vin and pulled at her hair.
“One tiny lizard you drew. I was in your hair! How did you lose it in there?” Vin’s eyes widened with a mixture of shock and horror.
“Why didn't you tell me it was there?!”
“Because then you would freak out, exactly like you are now.”
“Am not.” Vin replied looking more than a little disgruntled at August’s remark.
“Well, that was quite anti-climatic.” Isla stated.
“Way to state the obvious.” Andi teased, earning him a box to the ear. “Rude.” Vin decided that she had better intervene before things got any more heated.
“I do have Kougin-Amann to make up for all the trouble.”
“Oh would you. My sweet tooth is absolutely dying for something sweet, it has been all day.” Isla exclaimed. Vin smiled.
“Why of course.” Vin hurried over to what I assume is the kitchen and left us alone to our own devices.
“Wait!” August called out. Vin whipped around at the sound of his voice.
“What ever is the matter?”
“You forgot to put the lizard back in your drawing.”
“Chameleon.” She corrected him. “But you are right, thank you for reminding me before we lose the sneaky blighter again.” Vin picked up the chameleon, grasping it with her right hand and walked over to her sketchbook where she flipped over to the page of her drawing. “Ah, here it is.” She exclaimed. She gave a deep breath and as she exhaled she pushed the Chameleon into the book as fast as she could. There was a bit of a shimmer and blurring around her fingers and the sketchbook as she did it and when she lifted her hands it was gone.
“Woah, that is so cool!” Andi exclaimed. Vin shyly ducked her head.
“Thanks.” Snapping her head up she said, “Well I best get the Kougin-Amann now.” This time she actually made it to the kitchen and came back with a set of small plates, Kougin-Amann, glass cups, and lemonade.
“Oh, thank you so much. This looks delicious!” Cutting off herself Isla reached out and snached up a Kougin-Amann and bit straight into the sweet treat.”Oh,” Her face melted in delight.
“This is wonderful! Did you make these yourself?” Vin grinned broadly,
“By yours truly.”
“How ever did you make these?” Isla asked in wonder and bewilderment.
“Well I do not have the recipe memorized but I think I have a copy around here somewhere.” She paused and thought for a moment. “Come on Isla I think I know where I put it.” Isla and Vin left, hunting down the recipe for Kougin-Amann while the rest of us sorted out the plates and cups among us. A plate and cup for each, we all just grabbed a Kougin-Amann but Andi was courteous enough to fill up all of our cups for us.
“Thank you, Andi.” I was pleasantly pleased.
“You are most welcome. I can not help but wonder, however, why our companion has decided to abandon his manners.” Andi tsked at August shaking his head. “What happened to your boastful exclamations on your picture perfect etiquette? Do not tell me that our August has abandoned all sense of decorum? Why, I do not believe it. Whatever happened to you?” He really milked that for all it was worth. I can see however, that this clearly was some form of an old joke between the two. Joining in I chastised,
“My, what an example you are setting.”
“Ho, ho, right you are! Our good fellow should be setting an example for you, our newcomer, not the other way around! Tsk, tsk,” He really said ‘ho, ho’? Andi is just a little too involved in this act I would say. August gave a almost resigned sigh,
"You have beat me I must say my good fellow. Though you really must give me a few seconds my old fellow, really. One can not respond immediately, give a fellow some breathing room will you?” August responded. A little too heavy on the fellow’s, by a lot.
“Hmm, true, true.” Having seemed to have come to some kind of decision Andi replied, “Very well, I see your point, I concede.” Both boys raised themselves in some kind of ridiculous pretentious air, their chests puffed so far outwards that their backs where arched, legs crossed and floating in the air, and finally slowly moving their glasses of lemonade in small circular motions held aloft with their pinkies extended so far out that I would not be surprised if one of the two had dislocated it at some point in the past. Their faces you might ask? So perfectly and comically emulated perfectly and expression of overconfidence and tom foolery of which I can not fully describe. At that very moment both of the girls walked in and Vin, utmost confused, of which she had every right ot be, exclaimed,
“Now what in Istar is going on here?! What sort of expression is that?” Isla immediately knew what they were doing. The boys which had moved to look at them with a surprising amount of syncrosy, and Andi had called out,
“Oh hello there sister.” With a suggestive rapid and raising and falling of his eyebrows. Isla wrinkled her nose at him,
“My gosh, the two of you are at it again. Where did that even come from? And cut out the eyebrow thing. That is just plain weird.”
“Will someone please answer my question!” Vin ululated in her distress. My Ignix! The boys are getting to me. Isla assured her that it was nothing to concern herself with, and the boys were simply being odd, which they usually were in a constraint state of peculiarity. With that they finally sat down to enjoy ‘the pleasant companionship of companions'' as Andi put it. Isla did not bother to get a plate for her half eaten Kougin-Amann which she had snached up when Vin had first brought them out but she did get a glass of lemonade, along with Vin who neglected to get a Kougin-Amann for herself on the basis that she was not hungry as she had had a late breakfast that very morning, more of a brunch really, she said.
“This has been quite an odd day. Wouldn't you all agree.” Vin questioned passively. We all nodded in silent agreement. It was a particularly peculiar day, especially after coming here. Though today has been kind of weird, disregarding the incidents transpiring with the chameleon. Vin screwed her face up in an odd kind of way.
“ I just feel like your guyses visit has been much too short to send you home just quite yet.” Then a moment of inspiration struck her. You could almost see the light bulb go off in her head. “I know let's play a game.”
“What kind of game?” I inquired.
“How about Amens Mendax. Practically everybody knows how to play that one.”
“Okay, let's play. How does everybody else feel about that?” I questioned.
“Sounds good to me.” Isla said.
“Me as well.” Andi chipped in. We all turned to August. Who was leaning back in his chair legs stretched forward, his mouth gaping open wide and crumbs from his Kougin-Amann scattered all over his shirt. Closing his mouth he subsided.
“Yea, okay. I will play.” Vin clapped her hands together, holding them in place.
“Then it is decided, do all of you know the rules?” I shyly raise my hand a little in a small wave combined with a little shrug.
“I actually do not know how to play. I just said yes cus’ it sounded fun. Especially since the name literally means ‘crazy liar’, I thought that I would give it a swing.”
“That is okay, we will teach you how.” Vin assured me.
“Oooh, a new player! This is going to be exciting.” Isla interrupted. She looked particularly delighted at this prospect and it got me thinking that this game had a little something more behind it than just something to pass the time.
“I do not get why all the girls I mean seem to be so obsessed with this game.” August confessed. Isla laughed at that,
“Of course you would not. I have never met anyone as dense as you.” Oh, it was that type of game. It was a get to know you, and based on the title it was a tad bit more blackmail worthy than the introductions they make you do in class on the first day.
“Oh, stop distracting her with all your little quips, alright?” Vin pouted. Then she turned towards me again to explain the rules.
“Okay, so the game Amens Mendax is very simple but more than a little dangerous.” A grin pulled back her lips, I have a feeling that she is very good at this game. “You hold out your hand like this,” She spread out her hand, her five fingers spanning wide. “Then you come up with five teeny-tiny-ity-bity lies. NO seriously, like the most minute detail about yourself that you can think of. Then we go in a circle telling our first lie or truth and when it is your turn everybody takes turns guessing if you are lying or telling the truth. If they catch you lying then you have to put two fingers down instead of just one, because each of your fingers represents one of your lies or truths and the less you have the less chances you have of winning before you lose with zero fingers left.”
“You forgot one thing.” Isla interrupted, “Everybody else has to agree on what they are guessing before they answer, this is to prevent people teaming up and one person guessing truth and the other guessing false to get you out faster. Oh, and do not forget when you have no fingers left, shout out ‘crazy liar’. It is where the game gets its name, the players calling the others ‘crazy liars’ because they were so good at a lying game.” Slowly through the explanation I started to grin, just a little. I am good at lying and this game sounds particularly amusing.
“Well” I glance back and forth. “Let's get started.”
“Let’s take a couple of minutes to come up with our truths and lies.” Andi suggested.
“But not too long.” Isla interjected. I screwed up my face thinking about what I am going to say.
“Alright I got it.” I announced. “Everybody else ready?” They each gave their exclamations of affirmation and we started, Vin going first.
“Okay my first one is that I have never filled a sketchbook all the way.” I frowned as the rest of us conversed, it did not make sense that she would tell such an obvious lie. She draws far too much to have never filled up a sketchbook all the way. Then again, she might have done it on purpose, she said the game consisted of niche and minute details, perhaps she always skipped the first page in her sketchbooks. We are never going to get anywhere with that kind of circular argument. I think it comes down to being able to tell if she is lying just based off of her face. Now I can see that my prediction was true. She came up with a detail so conflicting that you had no choice but to base your guess solely on her poker face, which showed not even the slightest expression.
Continue…
At precisely 3 o’clock Dad picked me up from Vins’ house and after we all said our goodbyes I jumped in Dads’ Grand Cheroke and we whipped off the block to my doctor's appointment. It was a government mandated appointment. I am perfectly healthy and I have already had my check up for the year, however, the Iulshofos government-which as my Dad always angrily states has no business doing-mandates for me to have monthly check ups to see how my body handles its excess amount of AIS. I suppose he would be the person to ask about that because he is a nurse, he has external AIS but he has training to use it specifically for healing. For one, that amount of energy being released because of some kind of incident happening to me is highly dangerous to everyone and everything around me, second, the more AIS research and the more we can understand it the better. Besides, with an AIS manipulation type as rare as mine, they are not very likely to be able to do any research on it at all without me. I would much rather have a team of scientists have years of data on my AIS if something goes wrong than them haphazardly guessing and stabbing nettles every which way, guessing and hoping that it will work. On the upside the appointments are paid for by the government so it does not put any financial strain on our family, unless you are counting the gas mileage. All the scientists and doctors there are really nice, if you forget that they only care about you for the research and data. Almost all of them are apart of the philosophy movement that are denying the existence of Gods and belive in cold hard facts of science, so none of them believe any of the myths and rumors of the Burning Birch so none of them try to ward of evil spirits in my direction when I come in covered in ash occasionally. While that is nice, but I simply can not agree with them on their philosophies. Yes, math, science, and logic are all good voices of reason that we should listen to. But on the other hand I still very much believe in the Gods and the pantheon. I just can not get how they can deny their existence, they are so intertwined with our lives I can not see how you could ignore it all. I have great faith in the God’s and the Ahbi, I can not possibly see how such an important part of my life can be forsaken by so many. Regardless of my lamenting, it will solve nothing nor change their minds, and I had better stop it too right around now as we just pulled up to the lab. I jump out of the passenger seat and land squarely on the asfalt. The Grand Cherokke is a bit taller than the other cars in the lot as my Dad put a lift on the car because he wanted to go four wheeling with it when he first bought it. Unfortunately he has not been able to fulfill his dream yet because right after he bought the car about a year ago is when Mom got sick. He has not been able to do much else than take care of Mom, me, and Ami. Dad locks the car and spins his keychain on his finger, featuring a silver lizard and a mini copper robot that is affectionately named Howard. Why Howard you might ask. Well that is the exact same question I asked my Dad when he first got the key chain and he promptly replied,
“It is a good strong name, do not judge the poor man before getting to know him! I thought I raised you better than that.” Shaking his head at me he refused to elaborate further, and I do think he holds a great deal of affection for the poor robot that was assigned the unprincipled name of Howard. Though Howard is quite a cute little robot. I stepped up onto the sidewalk and marched up to the front door which my Dad had already reached in several long strides of his lanky legs and opened the door presently. I swung past him and we were hurried in by the staff to the regular testing room of which I was, am, assigned. I would not be surprised if they named the room after me at this point. Coming here every month and every year of my life since I was five. The age I found out my particular flavor of AIS was particularly flamboyant. Oh, and dangerous. Well at least I have not exploded yet. Though they seem to keep expecting it, which is not conscirning at all, not in the slightest. Okay, maybe it is a little concerning. You see AIS is basically stored energy used for a very specific purpose/function in the body that can not be used for anything else. I have an abundant amount of this energy and everytime I use it it is like building a fire with flint and stones next to a bucket of exposed gasoline. If my AIS goes even a little out of control then all that gasoline explodes. Inside of me. In my appendix. Yea, I will not survive that if it ever does happen. What exactly the government is trying to find out with all of these tests is will I explode, if I will how can they prevent that, and if I will not then how are they sure I will not and how is a phenomenon like me even alive and functioning. They typically take some blood draws when I am here and a couple of scans that I have no idea what the acronym they are called stands for and send home. Up until I was eleven they always gave me a lollipop at the end but they gave up caring after that. Though Dad always lets me pick what we are having for dinner on appointment nights. Alice Springs Chicken for me tonight, thank you very much. A nurse named ‘Cami’ as she informs me, which is really just short for Camilne, drew my blood and applied on my are the standard pale bandage and cotton ball to stop the bleeding. They give me the standard questionnaire about what has been going in and out of my body for the last month. Yes, I have been eating a well balanced diet. No, I do not participate in substance abuse in any form. Yes, medical AIS has been performed on me recently for a head injury. So on and so forth. I doubt the detailed records of bowel movements are any help though, I can not phantom why they need them or what they do with them. They needed a stool sample from me once for whatever reason and they lost it. I mean, excuse me? How do you lose a stool sample? They had me do another one in the end. Regardless of my bewilderment at there procedures here and my questioning on how well do they really adhere to them, I answer all of their questions and after I endure their relentless grilling I go through several scary looking machines for scans of who watsit knows. After that whole halabalue we finally make it back to the car, peel out of the parking lot and drive back home. My Dad decided to ask at that moment what I wanted for dinner that night and I promptly replied with the best chicken dish the world has ever known, Alice Springs Chicken, oh, and pumpkin pie for dessert.
“Looks like I am doing some cooking.” Dad replied to my decree. We had a leisurely drive home and I quite enjoyed Dad's scrumptious cooking. Dinner was a dream, pure bliss. In the end when my lead head hit the pillow I dreamt of Chameleons, pumpkin pie, and nurses with needles.
When I get up in the morning I get dressed and head downstairs for breakfast, my bag slung on my shoulder haphazardly. I thoump down the steps and hear the tv blaring.
“Breaking news today, there have been three more deaths similar to the original killings of the speoplogists at ‘God's Mouth’ Maoi Pakto, except this time the hiking group of close friends Amoi Benosil, Deinhe Pervine, and Syvol Ruikoin. All found at forest Lorinel. Also known as the ‘mouthpiece’. Yes, you heard that correctly. The very same forest the original seers received messages from the Gods. Five deaths total and all with faital puncture wounds to the lower abdomen. Experts have been evaluating the situation and,” Dad quickly turned off the tv shaking himself from his daze, almost transfixed as he absorbed the information half buried in his cereal bowl. Dad glanced up at me and tried to reassure me.
“Do not worry about it Iul’s, I am sure it is just some strange wild animal that came from and unfortunate mishap with AIS. That is all.” He paused for a moment and added. “Well that would not be the first time that has happened before now has it?” I screwed up my face at my Dad's comment. Something about what he said seemed to give me..oh what do you call it? Deja vou? My brain keeps on coming back to AIS. The most valuable part of our bodies, not including the things that we need to stay alive, is our appendix. It is where we get all of our AIS, without it we can not make any. There have been many tests via trial and error to make superficial AIS in a lab, all without suggses, even though we know the chemical formula for it. Further proving the existence of God’s, without them we would have no AIS. I frown, I do not study anatomy nearly enough.
“Hey Dad,” I called out.
“Yes Iul’s?” He replies in question
“Where is our appendix located in our bodies?” My Dad looks over at me concerned. Arching a brow.
“Have your teachers not taught you? Besides even if they did not you should be able to feel it because it holds your main reservoir of AIS. Oh,” My Dad practically slams his head on his arms that are resting on the table. Lifting his head back up and looking at me giving a small bashful smile. “You would not feel it would you? Because of how much AIS you have it would be hard to isolate it. Am I right?” I confirm that his theory is correct and is exactly what the doctors had mentioned the day before. “Yea it is located in your lower abdomen, why?” He asked, looking at me looking quite confused and flustered, possibly from his severe lack of sleep. That is also probably why he also did not remember what the doctor had said the day before. It does not really matter though, they usually say the same thing every time anyways. Anything significant he would probably already know from his medical background as a nurse. My Dad realized it first before my brain fully processed it consciously. “Wait, are you saying that that might be what they are after? People's appendixs’? Okay that sounds really weird out loud. But AIS monsters would clearly be attracted to AIS, right. So if the person that created these creatures, whatever they are, had a really violent and twisted mind then what is these creatures are inadvertently killing people by gouging out their appendixis to absorb more AIS!” My Dad jumped up, hands grasping at both sides of his head and tugging at his hair as he paced the room. “OH No, oh no. If that is true then this is really really bad.” Saying it twice for emphasis. He turned and looked at me in horror. “And you would become their number one target, a ticking time bomb.”
“What?” I interrupt in my confusion. “Why me?”
“Oh Iul’s.” He shakes his head in horror and disbelief. “You would be like a shining beacon, a bonfire among ashes. You have over ten times the normal amount of AIS in a normal person. Of course they would go after you first.” My eyes widen and my lower lip and my hands start to tremble as the realization starts to dawn on me. I am next. I start becoming overcome by tremors.
“Hey dad…” I start to weakly say, trailing off before I can finish. Then all goes black.
Contiune and/or Change ending of scene…
I went to Eunahs’ Tholos the next day, sunday. I sighed, squinting at Eunah’s statue. It was her without a doubt. The woman I saw in my dream. I frowned, I am no prophetess, I should not be seeing visions of the Gods. What she said did not make any sense anyway. I have always been taught, alongside all the other children, that we are children of the earth and the Creator not any of the God’s. Besides Eunah is a sworn virgin Goddess, she couldn't have birthed any child. Let alone me. Dad has shown me photos fresh and baked straight out of the oven at the hospital, if you know what I mean. It just does not make any sense. I have the book again, The Crying of A Daffodil. I have finally read a little past the middle of the book. It begins another poem, one of the many that the book is oh so famous for.
“Lilies alight in the field open with a touch. Walk little child, walk little children. Far beyond the graves of what was once passed. Children not of blood but of the seed. Perhaps another day you may see the flowers bloom. But not today, oh not today. Perhaps again on a far away day.” Rather melodramatic I think. Wait a minute. I look back at the book and I read the poem again. “Lilies alight in the field open with a touch. Walk little child, walk little children. Far beyond the graves of what was once passed. Children not of blood but of the seed…” Children of the seed! Maybe that is what Eunah was referring to? But what does it mean? There is only one person I know that would have a phantom of an idea that it is talking about. Well, maybe I know a few, but she is the only one readily available at this moment, Jarna. I run through the temple going to the library first. It is the place I think of immediately. She spends most of her time there anyway. I dash through the waterfall, water spraying everywhere off of me. My shawl and the hood of my peplos whipping and flowing in the air as I race down the halls. I almost slipped a couple times in my leather sandals on the slippery floor, my sandals being wet not helping the situation. I immediately spot Jarna when I skid into the library. I almost shout out to her but I stop myself, I got quite the proper scolding for doing that last time. Instead it briskly walk up to her. I had gotten a few side looks when I had entered in such a chalamor. It is best not to disturb anyone here, I already did that last time. I would hate to get banned from this particular section of the Tholos. Now that would be rather unfortunate. When I finally get next to her she raises an eyebrow at me questioningly. She mouthed at me,
“What is all the rush?” I look around at everybody around us and I shake my head.
“See that you have all of these people around you. Yes this is important but it can wait until you get off on break.”
“Okay, I get off in ten. See you then.” She said then waved me off to attend to all of the other worshipers in the library. I watch from a far off bench filed somewhere between the R’s and the S’s in the mythos section which made up most of the library, unsurprisingly. I watched as one by one people sought after Jarna for questions and guidance, but most often asking where to find a particular book. While Precti are trained before they are allowed to formally and officially work in the temple (Tholos), people tend to go to fulflegged priests and priestesses for the more thoughtful/deeper and meaningful questions. Eventually ten minutes rolled around and it was finally Jarnas break. I actually did not notice at first until Jarna had come over to me asking what was so important. To pass the time I had flipped through a fascinating and entertaining anthology. I shyly tell her about what happened to me, I tell her about the dream with Eunah leaning over me and everything she said to me.
“I-it just does not make any sense to me. Eunahs child, how? She is a virgin Goddess so that is just not possible. Besides you have met my mom, they have photos of me from the very minute I was born! How does that make any sense? Also I really hope you do not think I am going crazy from the dream thing, because I am not. At least I hope I am not.” I paused for a moment contemplating what that statement implied about my own sanity before moving on. “So anyway, moving on, I was reading the book I had before here,The Crying of A Daffodil. The one you helped me out with. Anyway, I have finally read like half way through the book. It begins another poem, one of the more famous ones in the book, I remember it from AP Lit. It goes like this:
‘Lilies alight in the field open with a touch. Walk little child, walk little children. Far beyond the graves of what was once passed. Children not of blood but of the seed. Perhaps another day you may see the flowers bloom. But not today, oh not today. Perhaps again on a far away day.’ Children of the seed! But I was like, I do not know what ‘child of the seed' means, and so I was like, who would I know that would know what that means? Jarna! Anyway, sorry that was a kind of long winded explanation of why I need your help in figuring out what ‘child of the seed’ means. I figured they would have told you something in prestisss school or something. Wow, thank you. You are astoundingly payscent with me sometimes.”
“I am glad that you at least acknowledged it.” Jarna sarcastically remarked. “Besides you dumb dumb, everybody knows what child of the seed means. Did you not pay attention at all in basic worship training?”
“Clearly not enough.” I Replied.
“Clearly.” She agreed with me. “ ‘Child of the seed’ means that you are one of two things, or both. One, you are a child of their spirit. Which is very rare and you should get checked out by a priestess for that. Or two they are simply saying that you are a worshiper of them, which you are. But, I still think that you should get number one, child of her spirit, checked out because you are having dreams about her. And communications with the Gods is like the number one thing on the checklist for if you really are a child of her spirit, and if you are that could be like, a really big deal. I am not exactly sure of all the details nor how big, but it is a pretty big deal.” Jarna patiently explained to me and my squirrel minded brain.
Continue…
I walk out of the Tholos and turn a rounding left and walk on the sidewalk lined with red and orange leaves falling from the trees. They crunch under my sandal clad feet. I kick a rock out of the sidewalk and onto the field to the left rather than the street on my right. My pelplos is dragging a little on the ground so I pick up the slack, tugging at the fabric and winding it around my fist. I spot a squirrel dash across the street to meet with another squirrel. The two dash up a pecan tree. I find it quite odd that nuts are considered fruits scientifically. A pecan is nothing close to an apple, at least in my mind. Well I would suppose they could be when the definition of a fruit is simply a matured, ripened ovary of a flower. I would rather not think about that definition however. I pass by various shops and stalls only stopping to buy sugared pecans. I do not typically like pecans but sugared pecans with dried cherries are a delicious snack. I had barely convinced my Dad to let me keep walking home, let alone go to the day market by myself. Though he capitulated when he found out that I would be going to the Tholos and when I pointed out that both murder scene were far far away from here and from very isolated parts of The Iulani Empire. It is a crime in Iulshofos to prevent someone from entering a Tholos or temple unless you have probable cause that you know that they are going there to purposely damage, disrupt, or deface the Tholos in any way or disrespect any of the Gods. While technically you can bring someone of another faith inside a Tholos, it is heavily frowned upon and can be seen as disrespecting or slighting the God or Goddess that the Tholos is dedicated to, however I would say that that technicality and differentiation mainly depends on which God the Tholos is honoring. If we are talking about Eunah’s Tholos then all are welcome and people are actually encouraged to bring people of other faiths to her Tholos. ‘All are welcome in the house of Eunah’ is carved in marble at the entrance of her Tholos. Though Eunah is one of the few exceptions. Walking through the market I almost pass my grandfather's stall but I stop briefly to talk to him. He stuffs out his thick cigar the second he sees me approaching. As he always says, “I am an old man, I do not need any saving from myself. But you have plenty of years left and I can not call myself a decent grandfather if I let any of you pick up any of this old man's bad habits.” So he stuffed out his cigars whenever he sees any little kid, not just his grandkids. Not just to save him from his ‘bad habits’ but also to save our lungs from hacking and wheezing that comes along with all that smoke.
“Morning Iul’s” He smiles at me. His deep brassy voice had the rumbling of a bear and the warmth of a hot drink filling your belly on a cold winter night. Wrapped in furs in front of the fireplace after being out in the snow far too long. “Would you like a lychee?” He asks me, grabbing one of the fruits from his stall. “I represents good luck and wealth, especially with the next year coming up. Could use a little extra luck this year, eh? Like everyone else.” His beard bristles in the wind. It was long and white like his hair, with a wild sort of way about it. He was from the north of ishani, all built with heavy bones and big frames. Muscles large and hard from the harsh life in the North. All the northerners I have met were all large cheerful characters but all seemed wild, wise, and dangerous when they heard someone make a foolish or off hand comment. They all seemed a little larger than life, rough and gruff but creatures of some ancient wisdom that everyone but them had long forgotten in our drevelry. A glint in their eye, a look like they know the world in a way you do not and never will.
“Sure Aba. (Grandfather) I would love one. And a little extra luck would be nice to have hanging around me, just in case.” He laughs his booming laugh of his, but his smile never quite reaches his eyes, has not since Aunite Em passed away.
“I think everyone could use a coin from ol’ Gedes right around now. Everyone's luck for the year has just about run out!” He says jokingly, chuckling to himself. Smiling like he and Gedes himself were sharing a old joke across that table, between friends of lifetimes...I smile hearing that. Everyone knows that particular myth about Gedes, but only a farmer would refer to him in such a familiar way. Gedes is considered a friend of Farmer’s rather than someone threatening them with no crops if they do not worship him. Gedes is a bit more friendly and jokester-like, almost childish compared to many Gods but also a wise sage to those he gives advice. I have always thought of him as a northerner. The myth stemming from his playful nature talks about him confusing and tricking a little farmer boy but in the end blessed him with good crops for the rest of his days as long as he never becomes a merchant. Though the part of the myth my Aba was referring to goes a bit like this, roughly: Gedes, the God Of Agriculture is known to take the appearance of a old farmer who would sell fruit and vegetables on the side of streets in a wooden cart, those who are lucky enough to stumble upon him and buy something from his cart and listen to his seemingly ramblings of an old man, will get a special blessing from Gedes depending on what they buy. Some scholars think that the real gift was actually Gedes 'ramblings' in the end. The myth is more of a lesson than a story. My Aba owns a wooden stall similar to Gedes in the myth but not quite the same. Gedes has a wooden cart, not a wooden stall. All the same he will get the occasional person whispering and pointing across the street at him referring to his shocking resemblance to the God of agriculture. He really does look shockingly similar to the descriptions of Gedes in various myths, well at least his human form. I think even one of them mentions Gedes' habit of smoking a little too often, though I am not sure about the validity of that statement. I peel off the lychee’s outer skin and gouge out the seed. I plop the small fruits inside into my mouth. They taste similar to grapes but more tart and sour than one.
“Thanks Aba, it is delicious.”
“I am glad you thought so. Get home safely now. I see a few more customers eyeing my fruit and I ought to attend to them.” He winks at me, his crow feet crinkling in a warm, familiar manner, and turns towards the small crowd forming around his stall. I glance back briefly before continuing on my way. I finish my sugared pecans just before I make it to the entrance of the burning birch. When I get to the first line of trees I groan in exasperation and look down at my white garments. This is going to be a pain to clean later. Regardless of my white garment catastrophe I hike up my garments to prevent the hem from dragging and dirtying my pelplos anymore than necessary. As I march right into the Burning Birch Forest, my home. The minute I opened the door I heard the shouting and heard the bustling of several people, including the sound of my Dad's anxious pacing around the living room. When my Dad heard the door swing open and closed he whipped around twisting and craning his neck to react as fast as possible to the noise I had made.
“Oh, thank Ehuna that you are safe!” He said, then I would assume addressed whomever he was talking to on the phone that he had pinned into his shoulder with the side of his head and jawline. “Yes, she is fine. She just got home. Bye, bye.” Slamming his phone on the table, so hard that I was surprised it did not break he rushed over to me and enveloped me in a warm, crushing, hug.
“Da-ad, I can-no-t breath!” I barely gasped out after his crushing embrace had pushed out all of the air in my lungs. He loosened his grip slightly and I realized that all of the people in our living room consisted of my mom, Aunt Ulie and Uncle Ohnes. Aunt Ulie and Uncle Ohnes are married so it is no surprise that they were together, but what was a surprise was the panic crossing their faces, with only a faint trace of relife melting the glasisure on their faces. Amidst all of this chaos Amari was laying on Mom's lap with mom staring off into the distance. Today was one of her bad days. On bad days she was little concerned with anything, let alone whatever everybody is freaking out about.
“What is wrong guys? What happened?” Okay, perhaps I said that a bit too casually for speaking to my Aunt and Uncle, but I think it can slide this time considering the considerable amount of panic that I gained just watching the concern dance across their faces. Both my Aunt Ulie and Uncle Ohnes winced at my loud voice. They both have a physical manifestation of AIS, heightening their senses significantly, I must sound really loud to them. They can both transform into different kinds of mammals, any mammal that they have seen before. Before Dad spoke he told Amari to go upstairs in her room and that this was a much too grown up conversation for her.
“Another murder happened while you were out.” My dad explained.
“But this time,” My Uncle Ohnes interjected. “It was right next to Amina”
“Amina!” I shouted, “But that is the capital, the city right next to us! In broad daylight too! How have they not spotted whatever is killing all of these people by now? I mean at least a hazy description from a passerby.” My Aunt Ulie shook her head.
“They did, but people are saying that the middle aged lady has early dementia or something. No one wants to believe what she said she saw. We had thought that something might have happened to you too because you were out so long, well you father did. He called us and explained everything about your theory. We agree that that is what is most plausible. And today we got a, well, sort of confirmation of that theory.”
“What did she see?” I questioned my Aunt. Aunt Ulie looked nervously at my Dad who had finally let go of me and glanced briefly at her husband. Both giving her a brief nod to continue telling me. Before she did, however, she said a quick prayer of protection to Eunah. I could feel myself pale, watching her pray. If she was asking Ahbi Eunah’s for protection just for mentioning whatever it its name, it was something really, really bad. I have never seen Aunt Ulie look so afraid, let alone afraid at all. Now she was nearly trembling telling me,
“Dark Beasts.” It was almost as if the very sky recoiled at the name of the creatures. The sky had been darkening and had finally started to rumble like the belly of a whale, rumbling with thunder and lighting. The rain split open from the heavens and came pouring down in bucket fulls.
“Dark Beasts?” I asked with a tremor in my voice. “You do not mean? No, it can not be. Is this true?” She shook her head.
“We only know what we have heard and nothing more. Nothing is confirmed, as I said no one wants to believe it is real and happening.” My Dad added to Aunt Ulie’s comment.
“The myth of the reckoning and final judgment.” That myth, the myth of reckoning and final judgment, is the end, the final endgame. There is no coming back from it. You see, unlike most myths that have happened in the past, this one is a prophecy. It starts off by talking about the priestess herself who gave the prophecy. All about her and how she became a priestess,her validity, how she gave the prophecy yadi yadi ya. The actual prophecy talks about a time where the people stopped believing in the Gods and forsake them. Then it talks about what the Gods do in response. Some do nothing, some smile upon the humans for forging their own destiny, proud that humans are finally able to realize their potential as children of the creator, but others do not take kindly to this development. Some of the Gods enjoyed being worshiped and are angry and loathing that they are starting to be ignored. The angered Gods form a council, they have a meeting to discuss what they should do to keep the humans in check. The meeting quickly dissolved into a shared pure loathing on the dismissive humans. But Istar, the God of tricks has a preposition, a proposal if you will.
“The humans must be punished!” He declared. But the violent Gods are unsure of what to do, they could not take humans magic or free will or control them because those were gifts that the creator had given them and it is not within the Gods powers to take the creators gifts away from the children. While the rest of the Gods are conversing and arguing, Istar starts smiling his wicked smile, he had an Idea. The vision cuts off at Istar beginning to tell the other Gods his sceam. The rest of the vision shows flashes of violent bloody scenes filled with sights of horror that one could never dream up in a nightmare. But in all of the images it prominently displayed one thing as the bringer of this death and destruction. Dark Beasts. What they really are, we have no idea. But what we do know is that they are creatures born from the Gods pure seething hatred and anger. No one had wanted to believe the prestiss prophecy, just like no one wants to believe in the Dark beast now, because what they really represent are the Gods marking the humans with a symbol of death. Making the world ripe for destruction.
“But,” I sputter the hopeless words pouring out of me, “Many people still believe in the Gods. There is only a small faction of unbelievers.” I know that it is not true, but I hope that it is, “There is no way that there are enough unbelievers to stir up God's anger so much. How can this be true?” My Aunt looked at me sadly and shook her head,
“No, there is. You have been lucky Iulia to be surrounded by so many believers, but I am afraid after the Government abandoned the theocracy structure, there has been a massive decline in religious worship and belief. It is heartbreaking to watch but so many faithfull men and women have been abandoning their faith. Whether they are Heija or Iulshofos, over the recent years there has been a massive decline in faith and believers.” My eyebrows turn downward in confusion at her Heija statement, that could not possibly be true.
“Aunt Uile, you must be mistaken. I do not mean to insult you or your intelligence in any way but have you ever met a pure blooded Heija besides my Mom? Well, my Mother before her mind over took her,” I paused to glance at my Mom. Her eyes are still glazed over as she stares off into the distance. I try to skirt around that topic as much as possible, not that I need to talk about my mom's mental state often. Besides, Aunt Uile already knows all about it, probably more than I do. I am sure that my Dad would try to hide at least some things from us kids. Though I do know that he keeps my older brother Mio fully updated while he is still away for college. “The Heija as a whole are very very religious and stress religion over everything, no matter what. The average Heija are even more religious than the Ishani monks in the Kimani mountains!” Auntie Uile sighs, but before she could respond to my retort my Uncle steps in.
“Yes, Iulia. We both have met Heija other than your mother. We are aware of how religious the Heija are and what they have done to you because of it,” He pauses, staring into my eyes, he knows that it is still a sore subject for me. “But, most of the Heija religious zeal comes from the older generations. Me, my wife's, and your Dad's generation is where the religious dedication started seeing a decline. It was very subtle, with still strong belief in the faith but being used less and less in everyday life. Then your generation is when the real sharp downturn in the religious worship started. The youth adopting a form drifting from traditional worship to a movement called shkinia. A type of relaxed worship that the older generation around Abi’s age considers sloppy, lazy, and disrespectful. Regardless, yes even the Heija are losing faith.” My eyes widen in shock. I did remember that it was mostly the older generation, older folk that would make vile comments on me and my Dad’s blood. I remember the older woman across the street would always hand out maple syrup lollies to all the kids in the neighborhood, she couldn't see too well so I was just one of the other Heija kids to her. That is until I told her my name. ‘Iulia!’ She wheased, ‘What benighted Heija is going around naming their kid a Iulshofos name? It must be that dirty Iulian girl who lives across the street!” She wacked me with her cane and shooed me off her porch cursing at me the whole way until I was safely inside my house across the street crying in my Mothers arms as she gently rocked me off to sleep that night. Thankfully Amari never had to experience what I did as we left the country before she was born, it would have probably been even worse for her as she outwardly looks significantly more Iulshofos than me, clearly she has more of Dad’s blood than I got. My Dad jumped in then, he had an even more devastated look than I imagine that I am wearing right now.
“I am afraid Iulia, that is true. Our day of reckoning has come, and we will pay for our sins.”
“I-I am going to take a walk.” I declare in a shaky breath.
“Iulia!” My father calls out to me as I run out the door and dash through the rain. I can feel the thundering rain immediately soak my shirt, Osoi, the Goddess of storms, must be furious at us all. I run and run, like I could run from the rain. The air ripped out of my chest, burning in my throat like I am swallowing sandpaper. My legs burning like Ignix set them ablaze. I hear a strange sound. I stop. The wind? Not, like someone crying, someone in pain. I suddenly realize that the rain on my face is salty. The sound is coming from me. I cover my face with my hands falling to the ground with my tears. My knees and my shins scrape the ground and I feel a sharp pain as I see my crimson blood swirling with the ash and the water. I reach my arms down and swing my legs out from under me, my shorts getting soaked, and I run my fingers over my scrapes to assess how bad it is. A scream rips from my throat, I feel a rip in my throat where my vocal chords are. I feel a pain rip through my chest so violently that my head jerks back and my back arches involuntarily. Suddenly the fire between my rib cage and abdomen fades as my vision blurs black and I barely manage to swing my head downwards and see through my sopping wet chunks of my hair a long, cruel claw jutting out of me. Everything goes black and the world caves in.
The Goddess in White
And then I saw her again, the lady in white, Eunah. At least I could tell I was dreaming this time. But it did not feel like a dream, I only know that I loss consciousness and I woke up here. But this could not possibly be real life so I must be dreaming. Eunah smiled at me. She slowly started walking towards me, she walked so gracefully and stepped so lightly that it looked as if she were floating. “Where am I! What happened to me!” I scream scrambling to my feet, grasping at my chest, where there is no claw or hole. I suddenly realize that I am no longer wet, I feel my now dry hair.
“Iulia, my child.” She spoke. It was a soft and gentle voice but it seemed as if it boomed and echoed throughout the white space that we were standing in. It seemed to have no end and no beginning, expanding on and on forever. It did not seem to have any floor or ceiling either. Like if I wanted to I could step down lower into the whiteness and the beyond. But I did not. My eyes are glued to the Goddess, unsure if this is just some vision that my mind is conjuring in my sleep to comfort me or if this really is a vision from Ahbi Eunah. She burst into a twinkling, angelic (literally and figuratively) laugh covering her mouth with her hand, her garments flowing like silk ribbon as she moved, it very well could be silk if it really is Ahbi Eunah. She had pearls attached to gold wire formed to look like vines entangled together to form a crown around her head in an Organic shape. “Yes, my child. This is real,” She gestured to the whiteness around us and then to herself. “I am real as well. I am gladened that you think of me as your Ahbi, though I did already know that.” She laughed again at herself, her voice sounding as clear as glass and a twinkling and sharp as diamonds and silver. While I can not help but wonder what happened to me before I passed out, anything could happen considering that I am literally in the presence of Ahbi Eunah. “Do you not believe me?” She asked in a bubbly and cheerful voice, almost reminiscent of a champagne glass bubbling over with an amused way about it. “I did answer two of your prayers with my medilia stones did I not? ‘Peace’ and ‘Believe’, I think it was. Oh, and do not worry about your body in the mortal realm, your life is preserved for now. Hopefully It will continue to be when you return to the mortal timeline.” Most people with these sarcastic comments would come off as snide and rude to say them, but for some reason I feel calmed and a bit bubbly like she appeared to be at her comments. I could feel within the very depths of my soul that Eunah was not sniping at me but chastising me for not listening when I was given answers to my prayers while I could also tell that she was trying to comfort me in so odd a way that she went about doing it, but she did comfort me in the end. She smiled a bit wider at me as she had kept on smiling this entire time and could not very well smile again at me. “I am so glad you understand what I was trying to say. You see I am not very good with words some of the time, contrary to what many of you humans think to believe. Especially in human tongues, I am just so used to speaking the language of the God’s.” She screwed up her face concentrating, grasping for just the right words. “The language of the God’s is just so more…expressive.” She finally settled on ‘expressive’, seemingly satisfied with her word choice she started to move on but then she caught herself, “Oh, my dear child, I am so sorry. I seem to not have let you get a word in. I forget you have not spoken when I can hear your thoughts like this. I hope you do understand, I am not used to conversing with humans like that.” She mentioned ‘humans’ as a general group several times but I could not bring myself to be insulted or offended in any way, I knew somehow again that she meant no insult by her word choice, just that it is simply how it is for her and the other Gods. There is just such a huge gap between humans and God’s that that is just how they ended up referring to us, as no insult but as a statement of fact on multiple levels. I do not know what to say, I am awe struck by her beauty and her grace, I just,
“Wait, this is not your true form is it?” She appeared pleased at my questioning statement, it was a bit of both.
“My such a clever child I have raised. Yes, you are right my darling. I would not want to strike you completely dumb with a glance now would I? That would not do any good for either of us. In fact I think that that would be rather unfortunate for you and the rest of humanity still alive on this earth and fairly inconvenient for me.” She pursed her lips in a pouting fashion. when most people make that expression, I find it childish and immature but with Ahbi Eunah I can not help but think that with whatever she does that she still emulates perfection in all forms. “I am most terribly sorry, I forget that humans do not like to feel insignificant, I am sure that your death being a mere inconvenience to me may be insulting to you. Come to think of it, Gods do not like that either.” She cheers up a bit at that. “Though in all honesty while your death would in fact only be a minor inconvenience to me. I do know how hard it would be on your friends and family, not to mention yourself as well. But please know that I do care for you, my child, though I am a bit too careless with my words about you. I hope you do know that and of your importance to me personally.”
“I do, though you are right it is a bit odd to be talked about in such a manner, but I think that I am starting to understand. At least if not a little.” She smiled broadly at me, the same sparkling smile that she has shown me time and time before, Eunah is quite a bit more cheerful than she comes off as in the myths.
“I knew you would understand. Well,” She started to correct herself. “I do know that you understand as I can hear your thoughts after all. And yes, before you ask. I have changed quite a bit since those old tales had happened to me. I would hope that I would have changed quite a bit after all these centuries.” She chuckled at her own joke, me joining in with a soft giggle, but I could almost feel an underlying sadness in her voice, like she had not really changed at all over all these years and she wishes that she had.
“Well I would hope so too.”
“My, my! She has a voice. Well, come along now. Let us go somewhere a bit more pleasant for conversation, now shall we.`` It was phrased more like a question but she had stated it matter of factly. There would be no discussion I scensed, I would be whisked away to wherever she pleased and I would have no choice to ‘come along’ dragged about like a rag doll owned by a little girl. I suppose that that is quite an appropriate comparison to show the difference between humans and Gods. I am not complaining however, I have the utmost trust and faith in Ahbi Eunah. She may seem more childish but I have a feeling that she was acting that way to get me to relax and be more comfortable around her. I just can not quite believe that Ahbi Eunah would be as airheaded as she is acting. Ahbi Eunah is known for her wisdom, someone as wise as her could not possibly struggle with words as so. But really, what do I know after all? She suddenly gave out a loud chuckle in front of me, turning into a good full and hearty laugh.
“Oh, my oh my. The humans that I chose.” She seemed more pleased with me than she was before but a touch disappointed and a bit…sad? “You saw right through me. I really have not learned anything from Istar. Granted we are not on speaking terms right now.” She gave a sad sigh, “Had hoped to comfort you at least a little bit by acting in a somewhat detached manner so that you could detach yourself at least somewhat from the whole situation. Unfortunately, I raised too clever of children for that.” I frowned.
“Pardon me for asking but, Ahbi Eunah…”
“Yes, my darling?” She glanced curiously at me. “No I am not reading your mind right now, I blocked your thoughts off from my mind to hopefully give you a semblance of privacy. I could hear the thoughts in the back of your head worrying and fussing over it. Do not worry, tell me what you have to ask me.”
“I do not mean to offend you or anything but I asked my friend Jarna, a Precti of yours what It means to be a child of yours but I think that you are using the term in a bit more familiar way than Jarna was describing the definitions to me. If you do not mind me asking why do you keep calling me your child? Not that I mind or anything.” She turned back towards me and stopped as we had been walking forward in the whiteness, and raised a questioning eyebrow towards me.
“Do you not like being my child?” She questioned me.
“Oh, No! I did not mean it like that!” I said defensively, but Ahbi Eunah only laughed at me and my worry.
“My child, you do not have to walk on Ingus' coals around me! I was only teasing you with it.” She chided me, leaving me a bit embarrassed at the familiarity she seemed to hold for me. At least I did not need to doubt whether or not if she truly cared for me or not. I knew that she did truly, truly, care for me. How? I do not know how I know this, just that I do. She suddenly spun on her heel to turn back and look at me. She frowned, “This is going much too slow.” And with a clap of her hands we were suddenly sitting in a clearing in a wood. Something about the wood seemed strangely familiar to me. I gasped out loud. She raised her eyebrows at me in question with a slight smirk dancing on her lips. “What? Figured out where you are yet?” If you could laugh only with your eyes she did it. “I thought that you would recognize it.”
“This is the Burning Birchs field of poppies, isn't it. On the other side of the forest. Before it was burned down I mean.”
“Well observed, you see this place when you go to what you call the ‘demi plane’ am I right?” I blink, I was a little shocked and surprised at her observation.
“Yes, how did you know?” She burst out in laughter at my question.
“Darling, did you forget that you were talking to a Goddess? That is not the question you should be asking me.” She chastised me, it was starting to get really annoying that I could not bring myself to be mad at her. I wish I could. “Now, what question should you be asking?” She looked me dead in the eyes. We sat in silence for a few moments while I thought. I still could not come up with whatever she wanted me to ask her. I just stared back not knowing what to say back at that. She assumed a bored expression and tapped her fingers on the table. I figured that she was still waiting for a response so I told her so.
“I do not know. Why don’t you tell me.” She pouted a little after I said that, disappointed.
“Ah, I was hoping you would figure it out like last time.” She sighed after saying this resigned, “Alright I will tell you. The question you should be asking me is why you are seeing that same forest as you see on what you call the demi plane.” I am puzzled by her remark.
“Why would I ask that.” She tilted her head in disbelief.
“Goodness! I know you are smarter than this! Make the connection. Think about what you know about Gahin, you say and the other humans that your power is to stop time, but what is it really happening? What do you do to stop time, think about it. Your powers do not fully match the human that could control time. He could stop time, go back in time, change things, go into the future even though that particular scope of his power was limited. Are you even sure that you can control time? You even have significantly more of what you call ‘AIS’ in your reservoir than he did. His patrion was the brother gods Ohnas, God Of Beginnings and Rosmus, God Of Endings. Sons of Oxione, God Of Time and of Atmus, Goddess Of Wonders. But your patrion is me, the Goddess, Ehuna, Goddess of peace, warmth, the healing of fire, the home, tradition, spiritual guidance and healing, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, grace, etc. Gosh, it sounds like I am gloating. I am not. I just really wish I got paid for all the work I do.”
“Hundreds of sacrifices are made for you everyday. What do you mean?”
“Human money is good and all, especially when I go down to earth but it takes a lot of human money here for it to be worth anything. Regardless, do you see? What your ability really is.” I frowned, maybe I hit my head a little too hard that time. I really can not see whatever connection she is trying to show me.
“I still do not get it,” Patiently she explains again.
“Well as you humans have observed, and have been told through the stories of our (The God’s) lives. That abilities typically match their patron God or Goddess, even though we do not give you your abilities, the creator does give us slight control over what type of abilities our followers receive. That is why you are not born with your abilities and typically get them when you are a little older when we have observed you enough to decide what ability you should get. Of course the creator can stop us from giving certain people certain abilities, but they rarely do that.”
“Okay?”
“Well, it would not make any sense for your ability to be time manipulation because I am your patrion, I have nothing to do with the powers of time. So, what do I have reign over that I could give to you that also stops time as an effect of it?”
“Um, I can not really think of anything. I am sorry but I really have no idea.” She sighs, I suppose she will have to give it to me straight. She leans towards me, her hair slipping over her shoulders and brushing on the table top.
“Here is a little hint right now, here,” She gestures to the not burned Burning Birch. “We are in the spirit realm. The Gateway to Gahin, home of the Gods, including me. Now think what role do I have related to this very place, the same place you go every time you ‘stop time’.” She smiles and rests her head on her arms sprawled over her half of the table looking up at me. I can feel my eyes widen when it finally clicks in my head.
“Spiritual guidance, you are also the Goddess of spiritual guidance and spiritual healing.” I stand up suddenly, pushing back my chair and walk up to the nearest tree. I look closely at it, it is waving in and out just like what happens when I stop time, except her control over the realm is much more stable so it is harder to spot, which makes sense considering her stasis and power from being a Goddess. I come upon the revelation.
“I do not control time at all.” I turn back towards Abhi Eunah. “I can go to the spirit realm. The spirit realm being on a different time plane than the human world makes it seem like I am stopping time. That is why I can not change things in the human world from here isn't it? Because I am in a completely different reality.” Eunah, looking completely satisfied and very pleased with my observation confirms it.
“Right you are. You finally got there.” She stands up and glides over to me.
“You,” She points at me tapping me on my forehead. “Are the child of my spirit and my soul.” She pears into me, tilting her head. It seems like she in peering into my very soul. “And the Gods have chosen you as the seer, oracal, the soothsayer. The link between the humans and the Gods in the last days.” She backs away from me and says one last thing. “I can not say much more to help you. I wish I could.” She brushes her hand on my face, tucking my hair behind my ear. “But, you should know darling, that you can do so much more than communicate with us.” She frowned, “I know that this is very unfortunate timing for you, but you will not be able to come back here for a while. We have strained the spirit realm far too much just in our short little meeting.” She tangles her fingers in my hair as she holds the back of my head as she tilts her head up and kisses my forehead where she had taped earlier. “Good luck…My daughter.”
Suddenly I am back. Back with the pain, back in the forest, back in the rain, and staring in the eyes of a beast. The beast is unlike anything I have ever seen. Black with red eyes bearing into my soul. Not like Eunahs kind and loving eyes but like with its eyes it tore away my flesh ripping it away and peeling my flayed flesh back to look into my very core. The claw is no longer in my chest where it had stabbed me through the back, but I could see the yellowed bone protruding like a cancerous growth on its finger dripping with my blood and chunks of my bloody tissue clinging onto it. Its teeth bared at me like a bloodhound with teeth sharpened like knives, serrated like sharks teeth. Its mouth is hanging open, the drool sloping from its mouth, salivating from the chunk of flesh that had been ripped out of my back. I could see chunks of my flesh in its mouth. I could not do anything as I layed broken on the floor. “Stop! Stop! Just STOP!” I scream, I sob. It is not working, I can not go back. I can not go to my safe place of comfort. The demi plane has left me, no, the spirit plane. I think it just barely missed my spine but I am not sure. I can not move anyway. I figure it will not matter anyways unless I do something soon to avoid getting completely eaten. I can still feel my magic, so I know that it did not get to my abdomen, yet. I try to wiggle away slightly without it noticing. I grab onto the root of the nearby birch that is protuiting out of the ground. I cling onto it pulling myself up to a sitting position. The beast, no, the monster noticises. It does not seem to be in a rush as it stalks towards me, it knows that I can not run in my damaged state. I try to scream, or call out, but nothing escapes my lips except a groan as I gasp for air. I whimper as the monster grabs onto my leg and drags me closer to its mouth. “Dad!” I manage to yell out, barley loud enough to go farther than just beyond the clearing. The beast slams its fist into me to silence my scream. It drags its claws across my back shredding my flesh into ribbons. I can not make any more noise as the air is knocked out of me. I cough violently as I try to breathe, blood spilling out of my mouth. I scrape my fingers across the forest floor trying to get away unsuccessfully and my fingertips tear and start to bleed. “Dad,” I gasp out, barely louder than a whisper. BANG! I hear a gunshot, the monster yells out a hideous growl. It got shot, by, by Aunt Ulie! And Uncle Ohnes was standing next to her. At least I assume it is Uncle Ohnes, I can not imagine any other wolf to be by Aunt Ulie’s side other than Uncle Ohnes. But the bullet had barely phased the beast. Its preying yes turned away from my limp form on the ground, turning towards my Aunt and Uncle. The monster bent down on all four of its limbs and started to gallop, towards them. “No,” I croaked. Barely being able to speak at all. “No, no, run…” I could not speak anymore, no more words would come out of my throat. My throat had closed up, like I was choking on my own air. I am helpless as I watch my Uncle bolt towards the beast in his wolf form, leaping up to tear a chunk from the beast's shoulder and neck. His jaw gripped on as the monster whipped its body around attempting to rip him off with his claws. Never letting go of the monster, finally being ripped off of the creature with the beast's muscle and bone clenched between his teeth. The wolf spat out the monster's chunk of shoulder and neck in his mouth growling as he paced, moving slightly backwards, bracing himself for the fight. I could see a few gaping bloody holes in the gums of the wolf's mouth; my Uncle had already lost a few teeth from this bloody brawl. My Aunt had not shot at the creature, I think that she was afraid to shoot my Uncle in the violent thrashing the beast had been doing. She shot at the shadow beast again, earning a beastal roar from it. I could see that she had the shotgun that Dad kept under the stairwell in the closet. She had to reload it again, ducking behind a tree. Shotguns, at least Dads, could not hold that many bullets at a time.
Continue…
Leaving
I wake up and everything is white again. Am I in the spirit realm again?
“Iulia!” I jerk my head in the direction that my name was called. That was a bad idea, I gasp out from the sharp pain that runs through my body like an electric current.
“Uh! Ow,” Deflate again falling back on my cot, white sheets and blanket. Hospital, that is where I am, the hospital.
“Iulia!” My Dad exclaims again. Dad, he is alive.
“Dad,” I managed to call out. I am having a hard time breathing. I suppose whatever machines I am hooked up to agree beeping the warning alarm loudly. A nurse bursts through the room at the sound, my Father immediately. As he is a nurse himself he understands the importance of getting out of the way for medical personnel, as much as it seems to pain him to be torn away from me again. “Dad!” I see a flash of Amari dashing by and Mom by her side as I am immediately surrounded by medical personnel. Nurses stabbing me with nettles and doctors asking me questions. After they are all done I finally get to see my family properly. “Dad,” I suddenly realized that I have said ‘Dad’ three times in a row now.
“Yes my darling. I am here.” Darling? Why does that sound so familiar? “The Doctors said that you should not talk for a while, all your screaming tore your vocal cords.”
“Screaming?” I asked dazed and confused, I could barely scream when the Dark Beast was tearing into me.
“Yes, screaming. The Doctors did not think you were conscious enough to remember. It turns out that they were right. When you were brought to the hospital you were screaming and crying until they finally put you under a medically induced coma. They had put you into a suspended AIS stasis so they could work on your wounds in your back. They gave you several skin graphs, so do not be too alarmed at the patches of skin that do not quite match your skin color, they tried their best to match it up with the limited time they had to perform the sygeries. Do not worry your Aunt and Uncle are perfectly fine. They were treated right away and are recovering quickly. You were out for a full three days.”
“Did-did it get,” I swallow before hesitantly asking, I could feel the pain in my throat straining and burning. My voice cracking as I sputtered, “Did the monster g-get my appendix? C-can I still use magic?” My Father looked downcast as I asked that and I feared the worst.
“No, your appendix is fine.” Why did he look so upset then? “I just wish,” He looked away from me, looking out the hospital skylight window. “That you thought of your own health over your AIS. You did not ask if there were any complications or if there is anything that you needed to know, if anything happened while you were knocked out. If you are even able to walk. You know how close to your spine that-that beast got. I-I just wish that you, not just you but everybody could imagine a life without AIS.”
“Dad, I do it is just,”
“Just what!” My Father jerked around looking at me with fire in his eyes. “You almost died! My child, my baby girl, almost died! And what you think about is whether you still have AIS. Emals, my sister! Your Aunt could not use AIS. She is,” He looked devastated at his statement, continuing on correcting himself. “Was,” I could see how that one word devastated him, he could not bear the thought of losing me too. Oh, how could I be so thoughtless. He continued on, in a soft but passionate and burning voice.``She was a Udi, a magic-less. Does that not make her life worth living?”
“No, Dad. It was worth living.” I whispered reverently in response. I loved her, everyone loved Auntie Emals, it did not matter that she was a Udi. Some believed that to be a Udi it meant that the creator had forsaken you, but to many others it meant that the creator saw you in a special light. The gift of AIS is to help us in this life, if you were Udi, the creator saw the strength in you to continue on without needing grace. No one who has properly met Auntie Emals would think she was forsaken. She had the most beautiful light in her heart. No one could even think of her as forsaken. He buried his face in his hands. His palms dug into his eyes. “I am so sorry, Iul’s. I thought that I had lost you. I only wish that you had a bit more of a sense of self preservation.” I chuckled when he said that.
“I will try.” He smiled at me. Not a full smile, but a small smile, it is at least some Progress.
“I mean really, what were you thinking when you lunged towards that Dark Beast like that? And how in the world did you do whatever you did to the Dark Beast? What was that?” My Dad questioned me; reasonably. I smiled and looked up at the eggshell painted ceiling.
“Something Abhi Eunah told me.” My Dad looked at me kind of funny and asked,
“Abhi Eunah? She told you something.” He looked at me disbelieving.
“Yeh, mediliah stones. Mercy and believe. But also not just that, something else too.” He creased his brows in a frown.
“Something else? I am going to need the full answer to my question, Iulia.” I nod as much as my head will allow, which is not much, at my Father.
“I can not control time Dad. That is not my AIS ability.”
“What do you mean Iulia?! Are you sure you did not hit your head too hard? Maybe you were out for too long.”
“No, no, I am fine. Here me out okay.” I assure my Dad and motion for some water. After a few sips of some funky tasting tap water I launch into my story. “Our patron Goddess, Eunah, does not control time. So, why in the world would I be able to? No, I would not, it would not make any sense. One of the things that Abhi Eunah does control however, is the spirit realm. She is a spiritual guide and healer. I do not go to the demi plane when I stop time. I go to the spirit realm, the gateway to Gahin. The spirit realm is on a different plane of reality and that is why time seemingly stops and why I can not affect or change anything in our world from there. Eunah told it all to me. I am the gateway from the human realm to the spirit realm and the God’s.”
“Whoa there, slow down. Let yourself breathe.” As soon as my Dad had reminded me to breathe I suddenly realized that I said that entire explanation in one breath without taking any breaks to breath in between. I took a few deep breaths to recover from that and reached towards my cup of tap water that I had drunk out of a few moments earlier.
“Ah!” I exclaimed loudly, sucking in a sharp breath from the intense pain searing all across my back, and collapsing back onto the hospital bed.
“Do not move. I will get that for you.” My Dad reached over to hand me my cup but my sister Amari beat him to it. “Oh, well then. I guess Amari will get it for you then.” When Amari hands me my glass of water I tell her thank you and she replies to me say,
“Will you be alright now Iul’s?” She seems so small and so little. A tiny little kid who has had her Aunt that she was close to die and thought that her older sister was going to as well. I give her a small smile to hopefully reassure my little sister.
“Yea, I will be alright now Amari. Do not go worrying about me now, okay?” She nodded her little solem head gravely and sits next to our Father.
“I will not.” I quirk my head a little at her. At least that does not hurt too much. I also glance at our Dad to see a similar expression cross his face. That is not quite the response I was hoping to get from Amari but I guess it works. I sip on my water a little bit. My Dad finally speaks up about what I had monologue-d about earlier. He frowned a bit thinking about it.
“So what you are saying is, that you say Abhi Eunah in a dream, well, vision if it truly was her. You are also saying that she told you that your power is not to control slash stop time, but it is actually the ability to visit the spirit realm, the realm of Qraona, Gryvtrix, and Qrotune, the three Goddesses of Death and to be able to communicate with the Gods as, what do you put it as?”
“As Abhi Eunah said, the Daughter of her Spirit. Whatever that means.” My Father paled when he heard me say ‘the Daughter of her Spirit’, why was he so shocked? What does it mean to him? “Dad, what is wrong?” He hesitated before answering me, staring off a little behind me, off into the distance.
“It is just,” He looked back at me looking horrified, filled with fear. “Once your Mother started to, to, become unfocused as the Doctors call it. She started saying at night in her sleep over and over, that she absolutely had to find the ‘Daughter of spirit’ as soon as possible. When she looks off into the distance and I ask her what she is doing whenever I can manage to get her to respond to me she says that she is looking for ‘the Daughter’.” I can feel my eyes slowly widening.
“What-what do you think that she is thinking, or what is happening to her?” He dragged his fingers through his hair, settling his hand on the back of his neck, rubbing it in a nervous motion or tick.
“I did not want to have to tell you guys this but I guess I have to. Well, you all already know that she had appendicitis. She had to have her appendix removed and as she was an internal AIS manipulator it is having some internal effects from AIS withdrawal. It would not be nearly as bad if she had had any other ability but her ability to have brain surges, AIS induced surges in neuron activity in her brain, giving her the incredible ability to store massive amounts of information in her brain and to be able to think at an incredibly fast rate, It was wonder full while she could use it, but now she is developing large holes in her brain, her brain tissue shrinking because the large of AIS constantly flooding her brain had been swelling it without her realizing.
“AIS withdrawal affecting this. That is why Doctors and scientists always recommend to flush your body, besides your appendix, entirely of AIS once a month, condensing it all back into your appendix to prevent things like that from happening, one of the many reasons everyone has always been so concerned about your excess amount of AIS. Iulian was not very careful about it, not nearly as much as she should have been clearly. Now because of this she is suffering memory loss, her brain trapped on only two things, finding the ‘Daughter of Spirit’ and her work as an historiographer.”
“You mean that I am whatever she has been looking for all of this time?”
“Apparently so. We need to pay a visit to Abhi Eunahs Tholos as soon as you get better to figure out what this all means. I am nearly certain that the High Priestess will have at least something for us. I figure that this is at least along the lines of whatever you asked Jarna the last time that you went to the Tholos. I take it that she was not all that helpful.”
“Oh, no she was perfectly fine. She answered all of my questions all alright, I just seem to not be asking the right questions lately. According to multiple people that is.” He raised a questioning eyebrow at my last sentence but lowered it without asking me for a further explanation. I suppose he figured that there are only so many answers that he will be able to get out of me. Pick your battles to fight, as they say. Though they also say ‘Pick the battles that you are going to fight wisely and give the rest to Loyhyr (The God Of Battles and of War)’ so I am not quite sure which piece of that advice to follow considering that they are slightly contradictory, but I suppose that either one works. “Welp, sounds like a plan to me.” I nod sharply and we end the conversation as another Doctor, well, Nurse, enters the room. She looks over at us and says,
“Oh, I am terribly sorry to interrupt but we have good news for you all.” I found it a little weird that she said ‘we’ when she is the only person in the room except for me and my family, but I get it. She is trying to have good bedside manners and is just talking about the Doctors and Nurses that have been attending to me. “You will be all set to go in a couple of hours after a couple of tests if they turn out okay you will be out on your way.” She smiled at her word play, I will admit it is pretty clever of her to say it like that. She turned and walked briskly towards the door only briefly pausing to glance over her shoulder, calling out to say, “Oh, and your first test should be in up to five to ten minutes. Have a great rest of your day, get better soon!” She hung onto the door handle looking over her shoulder to look me squarely in the eyes in a serious sort of manner. “And do not get into any trouble, be careful about that now will you.” Arching her carefully manicured eyebrow while finally fully slipping out of the door.
“She is a little much.” My Dad turned and gave me a glare for saying that.
“I can and still will ground you you know, even if you are already bed ridden.” I rolled my eyes a little at that jokingly,
“Yes, yes, I know. Do not mind me, I will make sure to remember to mind my manners. My head is a little screwed up you see. Hit it a little too hard like you said, you know.” That earned me a small smile from both my Dad and Amari giggled a little bit. “Oh, and by the way I like Mio know about everything that is going on.” I nod, hopefully my overprotective older brother is not freaking out too much. The nurse was right, not that I thought that she would not be, but another nurse came in a few minutes to do a few miscellaneous tests. I am not quite sure what they were, I kind of went on full autopilot and just did whatever she asked me and I zoned out into my little world inside of my head. She gave my Dad very specific instructions on how to take care of my wounds, all of which he knew already as he himself is a nurse. The Nurse was very pleasantly surprised to find that he already knew everything, she would have very much liked to just leave it at that but she is legally required to tell him everything he needs to know just in case, but at least she did not have to explain a lot of things for him. Most of my wounds have been at least partially healed by medical AIS but there is only so much AIS that Doctors and Nurses can use on their patients for multiple reasons. The first being that they need to reserve their AIS for their many other patients and secondly being that if you use too much AIS to heal someone's body or as a pain nullifier or nuturlizer it can make someone's body become dependent on medical AIS to function and that can be very dangerous like an addiction, or it can also make it that their body can not heal on its own at all so you would need to go to a Doctor’s office or see a Nurse just for minor bumps, bruises, and scrapes, because their body can physically can not heal itself anymore on its own. Anyway, I finished up the tests and was wheeled out of the hospital in a wheelchair and we drove home in our red Grand Cherokee 2007 I think, I always forget if it is a 2007 or if it is a 2002 model. It is a fairly old car. As we drive home my Dad drives in the front playing music while my Mom sits in the passenger seat staring off into the distance lost in her head and Amari is sitting next to me in the middle back seat. The song lyrics echo in my head mixing up and jumbling together the lyrics of the songs, swimming up in my head.