CH.12
“Mmmyyyy head!” Silas groaned as he rolled back over burying his face into the pillow. “How in the hell did I even get home?” Gray sat up head pounding. “I practically carried your drunk ass home.” groaned Gray as well, as he held his forehead, sitting up on the floor. “Why do I let him get me into these situations?” thought Gray as he laid back down on the hard wood floor of Silas’s room. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before he heard Silas moan, “daammnnn.” “What?” Said Gray. Still staring at the ceiling. He felt as if he had been hit by an eighteen wheeler. Every muscle in his body ached. “Just look around.” Silas said in a muffled voice, head back into the pillow. Gray cocked his head to the side as his eyes squinted and adjusted. “Holy shit!” He sprang up. “ow, ow, ow!!!” As soon as the pain eased, he took a real good look at what had happened last night. “We bought more?!?” he exclaimed, looking around at the beer cans, bottles, and objects they must have purchased while drunk strung across the floor. “It appears that way.” Muffled Silas once more. Gray slowly stood up remembering that even with two part time jobs, he had been too busy paying all of his mothers bills. Therefore, Silas, once again. Had paid for everything. “But where and why did we get all of this stuff?” He said while looking at the rather odd objects strung across the room. There were all kinds of what appeared to be ancient objects just thrown around the room. Of course he knew Silas had the money to buy them. But something felt eerie. Also, while he recalled dragging Silas into the house, he had no recollection of purchasing anything else on the way home. His eyes bugged out of his head. “Oh dear God.” Thought Gray. “What if we robbed a museum or something?!?” “Silas!!” Gray went to the edge of the bed. “Hmm?” muffled Silas. “Where on earth did all of this stuff come from?!?” “Dunno.” said Silas rolling over and falling back asleep. Gray shook him. “Silas I’m being serious here.” Gray could feel his heart beat begin to speed up. “thadump, thadump.” He turned Silas over towards him “Something isn’t right.” “mmm!” Silas sat up irritated and took a second look at his bedroom. “Okay so I saw all of the empty booze containers.”Belch. “But what in the hell is up with all of this shit?” He said as his eyes darted back and forth at the messes of ancient artifacts. “You see..” Started Gray as he popped Silas in the back of the head. “I was wondering the same damn thing. And there is only one person who I know who gets us into these messes.” He got closer to Silas’s face and said, “can you guess who that person might be?” “Yeah, yeah.” Said Silas standing up. “Lay off will you?” He pulled on a pair of jeans just laying in the floor and walked over to his dresser, pulled out a bottle of aspirin, popped a couple, washed it down with a half drank beer from the night before, and tossed the medicine bottle to Gray. “Don’t worry.” He said to Gray. “We will figure this out.” Gray looked at him as Silas finished the beer, and thought, “What in the hell is wrong with you?” He took out a couple of the pills for himself and asked, “Um so beer after a night like that might be all well and good for you. But do you happen to have any bottles of water around here?” Silas pointed to the mini fridge in the corner of the room. “Help your self.” He said in muffled voice, tooth brush hanging out of his mouth, as he pulled out a T-shirt from his dresser. Gray slowly got up, grabbed a bottle of water, washed down the aspirin, and got into one of his duffle bags where he pulled out clean clothing. He pulled out his tooth brush and began to brush his teeth as well. Once he was dressed and had pulled his converse back on, He heard Silas gasp. He then looked up at him and said “What’s wrong Silas?” There stood Silas with one of the artifacts in his hand. It appeared to be a stone of some kind, but before Gray could get a good look at it, Silas drug him by the wrist and drug him full speed down the stairs. Sebastian stood at the dinning room table. He looked at the boys with a smile on his face and said, “Ah! you two are finally awake! breakfast is prepared.” “No time!” Silas exclaimed as he darted past him with Gray still in hand. Gray broke free of Silas’s hold and said “What is going on?!?” Silas turned to him, and said in an urgent tone, “I know where we got those things!” He looked at Gray with a face that Gray had never seen before. “Please just trust me.” Stated Silas in a low, but still urgent voice. Gray looked into Silas’s worried eyes. “He is being dead serious.” He thought to himself. “Every time you have told me to that, we always ended up in a heap of trouble.” Gray looked at Silas’s eyes once more then sighed. “Okay Silas I trust you. But I swear to God if you lead us into some kind of trouble you owe me big time!” “Thank you Gray.” Said Silas. Now hurry up and follow me!” Silas sprinted down a long hallway, Gray running right behind him. Their sneakers squeaked echoing through the enormous mansion as they panted, both beginning to run out of breath. Still they kept running as if their lives depended on it. Gray began to recognize this part of the corridor. It was one of the original ones from when the mansion was first built. As they turned a sharp corner Silas came to a sudden halt causing Gray to slam into him. “What is it?!?” Gray exclaimed as he watched Silas feeling all over the brick walls. “Where is it, where is it, where in the world is it!?!” “Where is what?” said Gray very worried at this point. “When I was a little boy I discovered a hidden passage way.” Said Silas in a very concentrated, out of breath voice. Gray looked around the mansion and thought, “It might be a little cliche’ but I’m not surprised.” “C’mon help me look!” Silas yelped at Gray. “What is this? a game of damn clue?” Gray said sarcastically. Silas stopped and looked up at Gray. “Gray this is serious.” They met eye contact. “Okay.” Was all Gray said as he began to feel on the wall too. For when Silas said something was serious, and it didn’t include Xbox live, it was extremely serious. As he pushed every brick on the wall, he caught a glimpse of a baby blue light glowing through Silas’s pocket. It was the stone. Gray stared in awe and forgot all about the walls. He unconsciously leaned against it instead and jumped back as it began to shift. Silas spun around. “That’s it!” he hollered grabbing Gray once more by the wrist and pulled him down a cob webbed dark stair way. “Silas!” exclaimed Gray in a very worried tone. “It’s so dark!” As he said that, torches on the wall began to light themselves as the opening closed behind them. That did not phase Silas as he drug gray further down the stairway. With every step a torch lit up on both sides of the walls. The concrete stair way was ten times scarier to Gray(as if the magic wall and torches weren’t frightful enough,) because instead of It being a straight down or winding staircase, it had sharp turns. They made Gray feel as if something could jump out from behind one of the walls at anytime. He clasped his best friends hand sweating bullets. They ran in silence. “Where does this end?” thought Gray feeling a panic attack coming on. They reached the bottom. The last of the torches lit up. There stood a wooden door, that was split down the middle. “As I suspected.” Said Silas extremely serious. “And what exactly did you expect?” said Gray heart pounding. “That.” Said Silas calmer than he was before. He pointed to the middle of the door where a lock had been busted. “No matter how many times I tried to open that lock it wouldn’t budge.” Silas paused for a moment before continuing with, “I stole my fathers key ring once and none of the keys worked. I tried to pick it, bolt cutters, you name it. Nothing worked. This is no ordinary lock. He then slowly removed it the lock and hesitated before slowly beginning to push both sides of the doors open. Behind the doors there was pitch black darkness. Both of the boys locked eyes then gulped. Silas stepped forward. “What in the hell do you think you are doing?!” Gray said with a shaky voice as he leaped forward grabbing Silas’s arm. Silas looked back at Gray. “Gray.” Silas started softly. “You are the best friend I could ever ask for. But I have no clue what lies behind these doors. All I know is it’s time. Then Silas disappeared into the darkness.
CH 13.
Vally dressed in the new hemmed dress that Cid did a rather good job on. She could tell that even though he washed and dried the dress with his magic, he went as far as to hem the bottom by hand. She slipped into the dress then proceeded to walk out of the bathroom where the cottage was filled with a great smelling aroma. She looked to the stove where Cid was waving his wand and steaming a variety of vegetables in one pan, some sort of meat in another and the rising of bread in the oven. He did not turn around as he said, “There by the wooden rocking chair.” Vally looked down near the chair and there sat a pair of boots that looked to be brand new. It was obvious that it was designed with a princess in mind. However, standing knee high they were also made to withstand any sort of weather. Beside them laid knee high socks. “Are these for me?!” exclaimed Vally as she leaned down to feel the hand made leather. “Some one spent days, weeks, possibly even months making these and perfecting them.” “She thought to her self. “Well they sure as hell are not for me.” stated Cid as he took the bread out of the oven with his wand. While fairies were only known to have one sort of magic, warlocks could learn and perfect any type of magic that they put their minds to. Especially the guardians of the realm. “Have a seat.” said Cid as he sat two tea cups on the small table in the middle of the room. Valley grabbed the boots and socks as she walked over and sat on the small couch located next to the table while Cid poured tea into both of the cups. He then took a seat on the worn arm chair across. Beside the small living room layout was a fire place. The “kitchen” laid all of the way to the back of the cottage. It was the type of place that just made you feel like home. Cid handed one of the cups to Valley. She thanked him as she slowly blew on the tea. “Put them on.” Said Cid as he pulled out a flask and poured some it’s contents into his tea, and began to take a sip. “Huh?” answered Valley as she took a sip of the tea. “The boots.” he answered now drinking straight from the flask. “Try them on.” “Oh right!” answered Valley. She slipped them on with the socks. “They fit perfectly!” She twirled smiling. Cid sat there silently sipping his spiked tea. Valley caught a glimpse of Cid’s face. As he continued to drink his eyes glazed over deep in thought. He seemed to be in a place far, far away in his mind. Valley sat back down on the couch, feet criss crossed on the worn floral rug. “Um Cid.” Began Vally. “Hm?” mumbled Cid taking yet another sip from his flask. “You seem like something is troubling you..” Cid then evaded the question by getting up and saying, “Dinner has cooled down by now. I’ll make you a plate your highness.” He then rose and instead of using magic and made two plates of food by hand. Valley sipped her tea in silence. As she looked down once more at the amazing hand crafted boots She noticed writing engraved on the inside of the right one. The writing said “Lydia” with a small heart engraved beside the Name. She quickly looked up at Cid. “Cid…” She whispered. Cid stayed silent for a minute. “Your plate your highness.” A plate filled with food sat gently on Vally’s lap out of the air. She could feel the warmth on her knees. She looked up at Cid. He had sat back down, pocketed his wand, and sat his own plate on his lap. “I just have to get it out.” thought Valley. She took a deep breath before saying, “Cid. These were Lydias weren’t they?” Cid stayed silent for a minute before saying, “They were.” He held the flask tightly and spoke once more. “I made those for her the day before she found Grace.” Valley sat, fists clinched. Bracing herself for what was to come next. “You know Valley.” Cid started once more, staring blankly at the floor. “I really did love her.” He hesitated before saying “No. that’s not right. I do and will always love her.” “Oh Cid…” Vally whispered. She looked down at the beautiful arrangement of food he had made her. “And Grace.” Said Cid, now tears in his eyes. “I always wanted a family.” He chugged what was left of the liquor, sat his untouched plate on the table, and cried. This was the first time Valley had ever seen him cry. She never had met Lydia. She only remembered the story of her death.
CH 14.
King Leon. Who at the time, was just Leon Praise. Before he lead a rebel against the fairy kingdom because Lord Caspian had taken on a human lover to be his wife, which was forbidden by the High heavens. Number one in their commandments, for it was the leaders of the realms holy duty to carry out the six laws of the land of Raza. He rose to a new thrown of which he created extremely quickly. This divided what was originally Fairy kingdom of Emerald, into Orchid and Water Lilly. Orchid had been Camillia’s favorite flower. During the war, after The High Heavens had heard of there being a human in the realms. All of the homes in all of the realms of Raza were raided for humans by their soldiers. As if it were the Holocaust. When they got to the warlock realm, they were already high on adrenaline from raiding the Vampire, Indigo, and Giant realms. They began burning everything in sight, killing the innocent, and sending the whole realm into a wicked hell. The warlocks magic was no match for the sacred magic of the high heavens. At the time, Cid was still on the counsel of the High Heavens. Once he saw the destruction going on below he swore a renegade against them. Four had left as well, while two stood by the counsel. A young teenage like warlock, just old enough to join by the name of Hiro Wright. And a middle aged man who went by the name of Simon Turner. When Cid got to his home land he couldn’t believe the horrific sight. He stood there, hand to his mouth in terror as he watched the place he loved burn. Not only was the realm burning. Cid could smell the burning of flesh. “Lydia!?!” Cid didn’t hesitate after that. He ripped off his High Heavens’ white robes and began to sprint towards hell it’s self. At the time he still contained the magic of the High Heavens so he could meet it’s soldiers’ strength. “ZAP!” White light fired at Cid. Cid dunked and fired right back knocking the soldier right back. Instant kill. Cid looked back. “He had been wearing a hood. What a disgrace! these men are cowards!” “COWARDS!!!” he yelled tumbling behind a burning building to dodge a strike. He fired. Perfect shot once more. He charged further pulling his bandana like scarf over his mouth to block the smoke. “YOU COWARDS!!” He screamed through the scarf, running with all of his might, matching every enemy with a shot from his wand before their shot could even come close him. “You call yourselves’ men but yet you hide behind your hooded masks!!!” He fired a shot at a man trying to sneak up on him from behind without even looking back. He turned the corner. “Lydia!!!” he screamed as he neared her home. He coughed through the smoke. He cast a Heavens cleansing spell and pulled the scarf back down onto his neck as the smoke around him evaporated. His whole body covered in ash, hair that at the time was long and pulled back into a pony tail had came loose sticking to the sweat on his face. He continued to call out to Lydia as he fired shot upon shot, knocking down man after man. Until he reached her front door. The entire home was engulfed in flames. He waved his wand high three times and said “Aqua louzia ropa,” drenching the home in water. He bolted inside. “Lydia!” He yelled out of breath. Looking side to side of the home. “Lydia where are you?!?”“Cid!” Came out a cry from Lydia’s bedroom. “Grace!” hollered Cid as she ran to him. He caught her soot covered body in his arms. “Where is your mother?!?” He said in a panicked tone. He sat her down and wiped the tears rolling down her down her face. And the mucus spilling from her nose. “This way!” She grabbed Cid’s hand still crying. He ran with her towards the bedroom as he knocked another soldier off of Lydia’s steps with a blast from his wand. Once he reached the bedroom, He gasped as he saw Lydia on the floor covered in blood barely hanging onto life. He rushed to her side. He told Grace to hide in the corner as he took Lydia in his arms. “Lydia speak to me!” He could see deep wounds all over her body. From both magic and man made weapons. She looked up at Cid with her hazel eyes glazed over, and long curly black hair draping over his elbows. In the corner Grace was sobbing. Lydia began to speak. “Before I die.” She began to cough up tar and blood. “YOU WILL NOT DIE!” exclaimed Cid “You are a healing warlock for The Gods’ sake!” He grabbed her hand. She pulled it away and put it to Cid’s face. Still coughing she said slowly in a raspy voice. “Cid you know as well as I do when you choose to be a healer, and the High Heavens grants your request, the only rule is you cannot heal yourself. She turned over in his arms and coughed up more blood and tar. Cid began to cry. He raised his wand. Lydia put her hand over the end of it. cough “Cid you also know that not any kind of magic. Even that of the High Heavens, can heal me.” “But!..” Began Cid now sobbing. Then with the rest of her strength she forcefully grabbed his face, turned it towards her. And with that glazed over look in her eyes she spoke softly, but yet forcefully. “And Cid Hensworth don’t you dare think about using forbidden magic!” “I’d give my..” “Your life for me I know. I know Cid, and that’s one of the many reasons why I love you.” Cid’s eyes widened as tears flew down his face. “Now.” coughed Lydia. “I’m running out of time. Therefore, please let me speak. I have only three wishes. “One, please take Grace. I have healed all of her wounds from the soldiers. And of course keep her safe from harm. “Lydia of course I will always..” “shhh.” Lydia put her finger to Cid’s mouth. “Help bring peace to this chaotic world we live in. And three..” She coughed up more, but yet darker blood onto the floor. “And finally..” She began as Cid felt her body go weak in his arms. “Finally. Live a happy life. If not for you then for me. Every time you have a wound, as it heals, I want you to think of me and how I will always be with you. Always healing you. And may there be a scar, know that it is only a reminder of my love for you.” Then just like, that she fell dead. “Lydia no!” Cid sobbed pulling her tightly to his chest. Covering his clothes in blood. Crying. He couldn’t even hear the battle anymore outside. He couldn’t smell the fire. He couldn’t here the screams of terror. He could only whisper the words “I never got the chance to tell you. I indeed love you too. Lydia.” “How touching.” came a voice from behind. Cid recognized this voice. He slowly laid Lydia down on the floor after kissing her lightly on the cheek. Then turned around. “Barrings?!?” Cid looked at his fellow warlock councilman Lenard Barrings. Barrings is an older warlock, with a balding grey head, and unruly grey beard. His eyes darted only shortly to the crest torn off of Barrings’s robes then to his hands held behind his back, a wand to his throat, and then finally to the familiar voice. Cid slowly stood up. “Oh Hiro.” Hiro had light chestnut colored hair, neck length, slicked back, and light brown eyes. He had been Cid’s underling. His voice quivered as he pointed his wand at Cid and said, “Don’t take one more step or I’ll kill you both! Now hands up!” Cid put his hands in the air and started “Hiro. You’re so young, why? Why do this when you don’t even know the ways of this world, of the realms, of life?” “Shu..Shuddup!” stammered Hiro. “I..I swear I’ll kill you!” Cid closed his eyes and sighed. “Kill me Hiro.” “Cid don’t be stupid!” Started Barrings, who was quickly cut off by Hiro sticking his wand deeper to his throat. There was nothing Cid could do. Even though he was skilled enough to strike Hiro from behind Lenard. Hiro, similar to what Lydia had done for her healing powers was approved for the power of quickest shot when met with a foe in exchange for a shortened life span. What this meant, was no matter how quick, nor clean Cid shot, Hiro would always be quicker. Quick enough to kill Barrings and him with one boomerang shot. And Cid wasn’t about to let that happen to Barrings. Clap Clap Clap There was the sound of boots walking across what was left of the hard wood floor. “Well done Hiro. Now disarm him.” “Simon!” spoke Cid in anger as he rose slowly putting his hands up letting Hiro disarm him. “Well, well, well!” Said Simon calmly with a smirk on his face. “I didn’t expect you to give up so easily. In fact, i’m slightly disappointed. I’d expect more of a fight out of you. Leader of the Warlock counsel men of the high heavens.” A group of hooded counsel members came in behind him and surrounded the room. “Or should I say traitor of the High Heavens?.” “Look at what we have here guys, a defenseless traitor.” The room filled with laughter. Cid let his arms down slowly as he began to speak. “A traitor you say? How ironic.” He slowly rose fearlessly off of the ground. He slowly began to walk towards Simon. Almost immediately the soldiers pointed their wands and other magical weapons at Cid, ready to fire upon command. Simon then spoke with a smug grin on his face as he waved for his men to lower their weapons. “Now now guys lets see what the cowardly traitor has to say before he dies.” His boots made the clacking noise once more as he met Cid in the center of the master bedroom. “This should be interesting.” He said putting his small purple gun to Cid’s throat pushing Cid’s jaw up. The gun shot purple, flaming so called, “sacred” bullets, which both paralyzed and caused it’s victims to die a slow and painful death. It was intended for those who broke one of six sacred commandments of the High Heavens. Intended for those who committed unspeakable crimes against the Realms of Raza. “I take it you are now leader of the warlock counsel of the High Heavens?” said Cid blandly. “I am” Simon then laughed as he said “The Lord of all of the Realms appointed me because a certain someone decided to commit treason.” “So I stood up for what I believe in! For what I KNOW was right!” Started Cid “You plan to shoot me Simon?” Asked Cid with no fear, but instead rage in his eyes.“You plan to shoot me like you did all of those innocent warlocks outside? And countless others in the realms?” He then smirked back at Simon. “Innocent men. women.” Out of the corner of his eye he looked at Lydia. He became enraged with so much anger that his warlock aura began to show. “In fact there are not many that you will not kill. Huh Simon?” “Even children.” Simon then got angry and pushed his pistol harder into Cid’s throat. “What in the hell did you just say to me. old friend?” He growled. Cid choking now that the gun was pushed so far into his throat, managed to get out, “You heard me.” He coughed, “I said go ahead and shoot me.” He paused then smiled. “child killer.” Simon cocked the gun. “Don’t shoot him!” cried a small voice from the corner of the room. Simon spun quickly and pointed his gun at soot covered Grace, who was sobbing in the corner. “A human!” screamed Simon. “Collect her now!” Simon then turned to his men. “What are you waiting for?! Seize her now!!!” “No!” screamed Cid. Simon turned and pointed his gun once more towards Cid. Cid froze. “She is not human!” He yelled. Simon smirked as his men seized Grace as she sobbed uncontrollably calling out to Cid. “We shall let the Heavens decide that when we take her before the counsel. “The counsel?!?” Cid cried out. “She’s just a child you piece of shit!” “Oh my, my Cid.” spoke Simon His men ran towards her. Hiro threw Barrings into the floor. Cid immediately snuck his wand out of Hiro’s loose coat pocket. Cid turned quickly towards Barrings who was coughing on the floor and cast the same cleansing spell on him that he used upon his self and helped him off off of the floor. With the gun still pointed at Cid, and now Barrings, Simon hollered, “Quickly grab her, transport her to the Indigo realm, have them wipe her memory, and check for any trace of magic, or any blood from any of the realms.” Barrings drew his wand and they walked back to back, walking in a circle. They were surrounded. “What a pretty prize to bring my Lord.” Simon said with a smile. He then looked toward Lydia’s lifeless body laying on the floor, in a puddle of blood. He began to laugh. “Awww that wrench was your beloved wasn’t she??” He said coldly, still smiling, twirling his gun around his finger. “You bastard you were the one who killed her!” Cid started to jump at him, Barrings grabbed him by his wrist and pulled his back to his own, with his wand still pointed. There they stood back to back. “Great observation.” Said Simon very giddy like. “That is the flame I remember and admired from the, so to speak, “Cid Hensworth The Great.” “However, now that you are cornered, you are not so great anymore are you?” He began to pace back and forth across the room. “I wouldn’t expect anything more from cowardly traitor.” He tried to pounce once more but his wrist was gripped even tighter than before by Barrings, still holding his back against his own. “Just be patient.” Whispered Barrings. “We have approximately one minute until it is time.” “Time for what??” “Shhhh,” Barrings’s cut Cid off. “Whatever you do don’t draw your wand again. He WILL disarm you once more. “Just try to buy us time for one minute.” “Huh?” Whispered Cid. “You traitors what are you talking about?!” Demanded Simon. Cid looked to helpless little Grace in High Heavens magic handcuffs, then to Lydia dead on the floor. Rage brew inside of him. “Oh what an aura.” laughed Simon. “Not only must have you been in love with this wrench but you must have also loved her little human toy huh?” Barrings gripped tightly around Cid’s wrist once more to keep him level headed. Cid closed his eyes for a moment and let his mind go back to the time he took Lydia and Grace to the stream to fish. Both Lydia and Cid began immediately casting fish upon fish upon the bank with their wands. Grace sat on the bank disappointed. Lydia drug her wet skirt tail over to where grace was and sat down. Cid followed and sat on the other side of her. “What is troubling you, beautiful child of mine?” Lydia spoke softly as she patted Grace’s head. “I can’t do it.” “Do what baby?” Asked Lydia as Grace pushed Lydia’s hand away, put her head between her legs and began to pout. “Fish.” You say I’m a warlock like you momma. But if I really was shouldn’t my magic be working?” She sighed. “All that happens when I try is make small pink rays of light go from my wand and into the water.” Cid and Lydia both looked at each other in shock. “And it just passes through the fish without doing anything. I give up!” Cid still in shock at what Grace just said, quickly brushed that off and had an idea. He began to walk through the water headed towards a tree on the other side of the bank. “You can swim right Grace?” Grace nodded. “What are you doing?” Lydia asked Cid in confusion for he could of easily used his wand. “You’ll see.” He winked at Lydia as her fair skin blushed. “Now follow me Grace.” They swam against the flowing stream to the other side, where Cid told Grace to help him break off a couple of branches. Then they swam back to the bank where Lydia sat with an intrigued look on her face. “Now.” said Cid starting to carve away at one of the branches. “Watch closely because I’m going to teach you how to make what’s called a fishing rod.” “A what?” asked Grace. “Something you can catch fish with without the need of magic.” Answered Cid enthusiastically. Lydia laughed. Cid’s excitement reminded her of a small child’s when they received a treat. She put one hand to her face, elbow on her knee, and still smiled directly at Cid. This time he blushed, and then while flustered continued instructing Grace on how to finish the rod by hand. By the end of the day Grace was over joyed. “Momma! Uncle Cid! Look! I caught three fish!” Cid ruffled her hair as he looked at the three tiny fish she had caught lying on the bank. “You did wonderful!” He picked her up in his arms, and said “Next time i’m going to teach you how to make a bow!” “Really?!?” exclaimed Grace looking at him with her glowing eyes. “Really, really.” He said. But first lets get these fish home and cook them, it’s starting to get dark. “Ok!” She said with the brightest smile. Lydia then rose and grabbed the barrel of fish. Silently she sat it down and with a smile on her face said, “It’s much more fun when you do it by hand.” She then grabbed one of Cid’s hands as he let Grace down, where she immediately started running around using the very vague pink light on the tip of her want to attract the fire flies as she laughed and played. “You think so?” Said Cid “Actually my dad taught me when I was quite young.” He grabbed Lydia’s other hand in his and continued with “He always said magic can’t do everything. Even for a warlock.” Lydia looked at Grace playing and then she said, “you know? he’s right.” She smiled and then her smile faded as she looked down at Cid’s hands which were all scratched up from the carving. Her smile faded. “You think so?” Said Cid . He looked at Lydia’s expression. “What is it? Lydia what is troubling you please tell me.” She didn’t take her gaze away from his hands as she said these words; “Cid. What do you think about me becoming a healer?” CH 15 “Have you heard a word I said?” growled Simon. Cid looked at him dead in the eyes and smiled. “You can shoot me. He heard barrings counting down now. “Ten.” whispered Barrings “Oh don’t worry I’ll take much pleasure in shooti..” Cid cut him off. Barrings – “nine” “You can shoot Barrings.” Said Cid. Barrings squeezed Cid’s wrist hard and growled “eight.” “You can kill and kill to your hearts desire. Until you’ve wiped all of the realms of Raza out.” “Seven, Six” “But I WILL haunt you.” “Five.” “I will sign my soul over to the Yokai Realm.” “Four.” “I will track your men down first.” “Three.” “Then you.” “Two.” “And I will slaughter each and every one of you!!” “One!! Cid duck!” Both men fell to the floor as a blue flashing light exploded the room around them engulfing it in blue flames. Out came blasts from both parties still back to back, both men kept blasting their wands as they made for the exit. “Barrings!” What is going on cried Cid as they made it to the front steps. As he said that two more people in torn white robes tumbled and ran off of the walls to the center of the room with smirks on their faces, firing at the High Heavens platoon . “I’ll be dammed.” Said Cid. “I knew I recognized the blue flames.” “Takano!” smiled Cid breaking away from Barrings, as he stared at the most daring, yet crazy and arrogant member of the Warlock Counsel. Takano tossing a glowing blue grenade up and down in his hand. With a smirk on his face, he winked at Cid and Barrings, then said “Right on time.” Cid looked at the torn spot on his robes where the crest had been, and smiled even bigger. He was an ally. Takano stood there 6’1 , slender but yet with build, his eyes golden and serious looking. Shaggy black hair that swept right over his golden eyes. “Now hurry! we will take care of the rest! Just get that little girl and get the hell of here!” Yelled Takano over the blasts, then he unplugged another grenade with his teeth and dropped it, moving quickly through the room dodging blasts. Cid came back into reality. He heard Grace’s cries from outside. He sent a blast knocking a man back before the masked man even got the chance to fire. Cid then bolted down the stairs of the house. Followed by Barrings, whose older age didn’t show one bit when it came to battle. Cid cast another cleansing spell over them both and then exclaimed “split up!” We have to get to Grace before they make off with her!” Barrings nodded and ran into the smoke out of Cid’s sight. Almost immediately Cid spotted Grace’s pink hair glowing through the chaos. “And I will slaughter each and every one of you!!” “One!! Cid duck!” Both men fell to the floor as a blue flashing light exploded the room around them engulfing it in blue flames. Out came blasts from both parties still back to back, both men kept blasting their wands as they made for the exit. “Barrings!” What is going on cried Cid as they made it to the front steps. As he said that two more people in torn white robes tumbled and ran off of the walls to the center of the room with smirks on their faces, firing at the High Heavens platoon . “I’ll be dammed.” Said Cid. “I knew I recognized the blue flames.” “Takano!” smiled Cid breaking away from Barrings, as he stared at the most daring, yet crazy and arrogant member of the Warlock Counsel. Takano tossing a glowing blue grenade up and down in his hand. With a smirk on his face, he winked at Cid and Barrings, then said “Right on time.” Cid looked at the torn spot on his robes where the crest had been, and smiled even bigger. He was an ally. Takano stood there 6’1 , slender but yet with build, his eyes golden and serious looking. Shaggy black hair that swept right over his golden eyes. “Now hurry! we will take care of the rest! Just get that little girl and get the hell of here!” Yelled Takano over the blasts, then he unplugged another grenade with his teeth and dropped it, moving quickly through the room dodging blasts. Cid came back into reality. He heard Grace’s cries from outside. He sent a blast knocking a man back before the masked man even got the chance to fire. Cid then bolted down the stairs of the house. Followed by Barrings, whose older age didn’t show one bit when it came to battle. Cid cast another cleansing spell over them both and then exclaimed “split up!” We have to get to Grace before they make off with her!” Barrings nodded and ran into the smoke out of Cid’s sight. Almost immediately Cid spotted Grace’s pink hair glowing through the chaos. Simon pointed his gun at Sam and said “Get into the carriage.” “That is if you value your life.” He cocked the gun back to attack mode and pointed it right at Sam. Sam froze. He was not used to facing foes so close up. And to make matters worse, his gun had crashed into the dirt and then was seized. “Sam don’t go!!” Barrings’s shouted once more. “Ah what a nuisance you always were Lenard Barrings.” Simon then cast the same paralyzing spell upon Barrings that he had used upon Cid. Barrings fell on his knees beside Cid. Cid pulled enough strength to grit his teeth in full rage as he watched Sam being forced onto the flying carriage with glowing hand cuffs around his wrists. Simon knelt once more in front of Cid. “There is that aura again that I missed so much.” Simon’s eyes bugged as he watched Cid struggle with all of his might to get out the words “Yoo..you bb-astard.” “Fascinating!” Said Simon quit excitedly. “The paralyzing spell is supposed to last hours, sometimes weeks!” He grinned from ear to ear. “However! You are already breaking free! Astonishing!” Barrings fell to the ground unconscious. “Bar..rr…Barrings.” strained Cid with all of his might. He could only hear the collapse. “Don’t worry about him.” Said Simon. He grinned once more. “Because I have a proposition for you.” “Nee-vverr” stuttered Cid able to blink now and feel his wrists twitch, regaining movement.” “No no, hear me out.” said Simon. His eyes darted back to Lydia’s home. But first, Hiro would you?” “My honor my lord.” Hiro turned to the house and pointed his wand. “Show..show yourselves!” Stuttered Hiro. Around came Takano first, “Ahh! Simon! Long time no see!” Said Takano fearlessly and sarcastically. Simon put his hand to his head annoyed. “Ugh! You annoy the hell out of me Takano. You always have. Hiro!” “Yes Sir!” responded as he disarmed Takano of his grenades. “Woah, woah! you can’t just strip a man of his weapons!” Said Takano as he put his hands in the air. Annoyed Simon sighed. “Nothing will ever shut you up the hell up will it Takano? Here lets shut that damn mouth of yours.” He cast the same binding spell that Grace was trapped with, except his was around his mouth. He could do nothing but mumble. “Much better. Now down to business.” “I offer a proposition for you Cid.” Cid could control his head at this time. He turned to Barrings out cold on the ground, then to Sam being held hostage upon the carriage. Next he turned to Takano, mouth bound shut, and now wrists behind his back, locked in the magic white bounding cuffs. Takano still looked unphased. “Rejoin the counsel and be my right hand man once more.” Spoke Simon. “Like hell!” Spit out Cid, now with full control over his vocal chords. Simon snickered. “I figured you would say that.” “If you knew I would’t why ask?” Said Cid. “Because I know your powers. I know your strengths.” Simon leaned into Cid’s face. “But I also know your weakness’s.” Grinned Simon. Cid fell silent . “I know you won’t let your fellow comrades die when all you have to join me.” Cid remained silent. “Ah but first.” Cid closed his eyes and then stood and huffed. He raised his hand and used a magnetic spell, spitting light blue light into Lydia’s home. Out tumbled a Lady with crazy wiry hair, pale skin, and deep brown eyes. In shock, Cid cocked his head as far as he could towards Lydia’s house. He had expected a man from the Warlock militia. Instead he recognized the women as Callie O’quinn. One of the warlock rebels from the High Heavens counsel with a hole where her crest used to be. He could hear her coughing as Simon drew her in the air by her neck towards him. He placed her in the air, where Cid was able to watch her suffer. He could feel his legs begin to regain movement. Simon leaned back in smiling. “Now back to our proposition.” “Come with me and I will set them all free.” He was almost nose to nose with Cid as he said quietly even the pink haired bastard child.” “Why you son of a …” Started Cid, but was cut off by Simon. Simon grabbed ahold of Cid’s Chin with one hand, the other holding Callie in the air still. “Exactly who do you think you are talking to?” laughed Simon. Cid looked around at his comrades. Even Callie was mumbling don’t do it, as she lost oxygen little by little. Cid all of a sudden felt a healing spell wash over him. “It can’t be.” He thought to himself thinking he saw Lydia out of the corner of his eye. He quickly turned, but there was no one. However, all of his limbs were free. He didn’t have time to think about it. As he heard Grace whimpering he pretended to be paralyzed still. A memory shot through his head. “You know Simon?” “Hmm?” responded Simon still holding Callie. “Have you finally decided to join me?” He smiled. “How smart of you!” “Actually.” Began Cid. “I have a proposition for you.” “Simon’s smile slowly dropped as he said in a stern voice, and what might that be?” “You were absolutely right, we used to be good friends. Starting back in our childhood.” And what exactly are you getting at?” snarled Simon. “We know everything about each other.” Cid paused then leaned in looking Simon dead in the eyes. “EVERYTHING.” Simon’s eyes bugged nearly out of his head. He dropped Callie who started coughing, Takano helped her up. Simon froze. “My Lord?” said Hiro concerned. No answer. “Release them!” “But my Lord..” started Hiro. “DO WHAT I SAY REALEASE THEM IMMEDIATELY!” Hiro and the rest unchained Sam and Takano. They started to go for Grace but Simon interfered. He stood as he yelled, “All except for her!” Cid growled. “Simon!! We just had an unspoken deal!!” Simon, now with a stern face, turned to Cid and said, “Yes we do. I will take your black mail seriously and set you and your men free to do as you wish.” “BUT. If you interfere with the girl I believe The High Heavens will over look me, and go straight for you, accusing you of harboring a human.” Cid let his dark navy blue aura free as he swung his leg against the dirt into Simon’s legs causing him to crash into the ground. Before Simon could retaliate Cid put his hands together and out of energy cast a very hard blocking spell that he still had trouble with. “intorable balackasse!” It worked. Simon was knocked back by the barrier. Cid charged for Grace. He felt arms around him. “What in the hell?!?!?” screamed Cid as he tried to get Sam, Takano, Callie, and now an awake Barrings off of him. “LET ME GO I HAVE TO SAVE HER!!!” He screamed as he watched the tears in her eyes flow down her face as the carriage rose with the whole militia in tow. Including Simon. “release their weapons.” Upon command his men slowly floated their weapons down to the ground. “I’m sorry Cid.” Spoke Takano softly, his strong arms holding Cid back. “We also made a pact.” “To protect each other no matter what.” Barrings said. They all held Cid tight as He tried to break free. “GRACE!!! GRRRRAACCEEE!!!” He continued to cry and scream as his four allies held him tight. Simon stepped to the edge of the carriage which was almost out of sight. “Until next time!” He yelled down at Cid. “My old friend!” “GRACE!!” Screamed “Cid!!!” “I WILL COME FOR YOU I PROMISE!!!” He fell to his knees weeping as the Carriage disappeared into the sky.
CH 15
Gray stood there, speechless. “Silas what in the f***.” Thought Gray, fearing for Silas’s life. thump thump “When did I start having so much fear when he wasn’t by my side? Gray then swallowed and stepped into the darkness. He heard the doors slam behind him. “Silas?” He whimpered. He felt someone grab him from behind. “AHH!!!” He felt a hand go over his mouth. Warm breath in his hair. “Gray it’s only me.” “Oh thank God.” Gray felt as if his heart was about to burst wide open with shock, fear, and relief. He felt Silas grab his hand in the dark. “Sii..lass.” Stammered Gray. “Where ..where are we?” Silence. Gray felt Silas squeeze his hand. He whispered “I don’t know.” He pulled him close to him and said “But I’m about to find out.” There was another silence and then Silas pulled Gray in tighter and said “I know what I’m doing, and I won’t let anything happen to you.” Badump Badump The numbness that had engaged Gray for so long shattered. He was afraid. He was really afraid. He could feel his sweat falling into Silas’s palm. Silas squeezed his hand. As he did this Gray peered through the darkness down at their hands. There was a faint blue light. The light was coming from Silas’s other hand as it crossed over and pulled the glowing stone from his pocket. Gray could see the same crest that was on the door. It was blue with a white fox with three tails, enclosed in angel wings. Silas stepped forward not letting Go of Gray’s hand. Gray couldn’t stop shaking as he stepped forward with him. Silas took a deep breath. He held the stone high and mumbled off words Gray did not understand. Gray heard a popping sound which caused him to jump and close his eyes. He could see brighter that light through his eye lids. He opened them. One by one seven golden torches began to pop with blue light. circled around the boys, lighting up a brick room that looked like a dungeon. All around it was artifacts similar to the ones they woke up to in Silas’s room. Similar to the stone. But their eyes didn’t focus on the artifacts long for there was what appeared to be the frame of a giant square mirror attached to the brick wall right in front of them. While Gray’s breathing kept speeding up, Silas stayed calm. Eyes glazed over as if he were in a trance. He lowered the stone and stepped toward the wall, letting go of Gray’s hand. Gray, not thinking, grabbed hold of the back of Silas’s shirt. “Wait Silas!” He said, voice trembling. “What is going on?” Silas only said “Just stay behind me.” He proceeded to the very center of the frame and began to run his hand along the bricks. “Silas what is going on?!?” Gray came to Silas’s side. “Silas it’s just an empty frame. It looks like the glass has broken out. We could of done it while we were drunk. Now please lets just go back upstairs..” Silas put a finger to his mouth as he grabbed ahold of Gray’s hand once more. Gray could feel Silas’s heart beat through his hand. He could feel the sweat. He looked at Silas’s shirt the neckline was drenched. “He’s just as scared as I am.” Thought Gray. He squeezed Silas’s hand as their sweat started to slip them apart. “But how is he able to act so composed?” “No.” Started Silas still running his hand along the bricks. “This mirror isn’t broken. In fact, it’s not a mirror at all.” He smiled nervously as he crouched down dragging Gray down with him still not letting go of his hand. “Woah!” exclaimed Gray. “Silas you’re not making any sense! Now please lets just leave!” Said Gray desperately. Silas looked at Gray with his usual sly smile, with a nervous hinge to it and said, “okay Gray.” He held out the stone to one of the bricks. “Silas c’mon!” Gray tugged at Silas’s hand. The stone began to glow brighter and brighter until it was engulfed in blue flame. It started to levitated. Gray started to hyperventilate. “What in the hell is going on?!?” Silas pulled Gray in as he let the stone levitate into the air. “Silas I don’t know if this one of your sick jokes, But it’s gone to far” “He does have the money to provide these props.” Thought Gray trying to rationalize the situation. “But his face. This is the most serious i’ve ever seen him.” Silas didn’t say a word as he kept his eyes glued to the stone above him. The torched began to shoot single strings of blue light over the boys’ heads connecting to the stone as it grew even brighter. So bright the boys had to cover their eyes. Squinting at the wall Gray could see the brick that Silas held out the stone to. There carved into it was the same fox angel crest. It fell out of the wall. Slowly, the bricks began to began to fall out crashing into the ground. Gray couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Behind the falling bricks purple waves filled the frame. It was a portal. This time all of the bricks in the walls came crashing down around them. This time Gray jumped onto Silas’s arm and pleaded, “Silas! We are going to be trapped!” Silas grabbed ahold of Gray, jumped up and grabbed the stone. The torches retreated their light from the stone and went out leaving the now crumbling room pitch dark again with only the portal glowing. And it was starting to close. “Silas!” cried Gray “Come the f?@# on! we are about to die! You said we were leaving!!!” Silas turned to Gray, holding onto him tightly and said with his sly smile “We are.” He kept ahold of Gray as he pushed them through the portal just as it closed behind them, and as the room became completely collapsed.
CH. 16
“Thank you for everything Cid.” Said Vally as she kissed his cheek. She stood in the still pouring rain on Cid’s small bridge. “I have to get to the yokai realm before it’s too late.” “Hang on now Vally.” Cid grabbed her hand swiftly. “If there truly is going to be a war what makes you think getting to Grace in the dead middle of the night is going to help anything? And the night of the pinks moons to top it off!” Vally gave Cid a serious bone chilling look. Hair blowing in the wind and rain, she stood perfectly still looking like a beautiful porcelain statue. “You know that as soon as there is mention of war Water Lilly won’t waste any time twiddling their thumbs.” Cid froze. Valley continued with no fear in her voice. “If I am to waste time. It might be too late. The realms might already be separating and picking sides.” She pulled her hand away and took a step forward not breaking eye contact. “If you truly care about Grace you know how much danger she is in.” Cid began to open his mouth but didn’t say anything. She untied Molly from the post outside of Cid’s home and climbed upon her. Lighting struck and then thunder rolled. This sent Molly back on her hind legs. It however, did not phase Valley. Cid stared in awe for in the pouring rain, the roughed up body, the absence of her tiara, and the stern face he had never seen on her before, she no longer looked like the fragile princess he had always seen her as. No, she looked like a warrior. “You cannot stop me Cid.” As the lightning lit up her face once more. Cid looked at the warrior in front of him. “So if that is all I am off to the yoke realm.” She turned Molly and began to trout away. Cid closed his eyes and saw Lydia’s face. He then drew his wand and created a barrier in front of Valley and Molly. “What is the meaning of this?!?” Valley screamed at Cid through the noise. The rain had picked up. “I will not stop you.” Said Cid. “Now wait here. He dashed into the cottage and returned with a bow attached to a leather bow quiver. The leather being the same kind as the boots he gave Valley. Inside of it was several sharp sphered arrows. “Here.” He tossed it to Valley She caught it and looked at Cid in confusion. “I’ll keep this short and sweet.” Loudly spoke Cid. “You’re a damn fool if you think this is going to be just a war between the fairies and the realms. Valley stayed silent, still baffled by what Cid was saying. “Have Grace teach you how to shoot. You are not a priestess so you won’t be able to shoot sacred arrows, nor do you contain enough magic to posses a fairy power specific to you.”
Cid are you trying to pick a fight?!?”
“But! Cid stepped forward.
“You posses more courage than anyone I’ve ever fought along side of. Also, if anyone can put a stop to this madness, it will be Grace and you.”
Valley remained silent with tears that seemed to connect to the pouring rain running down her cheeks.
Cid dissolved the barrier.
“Lastly, Grace is stronger than you think.”
“I know tha..” She was cut off by Cid.
“That makes her both rare, and valuable!” Cid exclaimed.
“And not only to us.”
This made Valley uneasy but she did not let it show. “What do you mea..”
She was cut off by Cid once more. “There is no time for explanations, you’ll find out soon enough so move your ass!”
“Cid…” Started Valley very confused.
“You said it yourself didn’t you?” Cid’s voice rang out. “There is not much time. SO. MOVE. YOUR. ASS!!!”
“The realms..” Cid paused. “No! Raza depends on you!” It has been waiting for it’s savor for over 600 years so go!”
Valley still did not fully understand but she took Cid’s words to heart as she nodded and galloped through the thunder, lightning and rain.
Cid looked towards the sky, letting the rain soak him to the bone.
“My dearest Lydia, please watch over them. Please help protect Valley.
Please help protect our daughter.”
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This was a great snippit of both story segments. I enjoy how the events unfolding in Orchid are chaotic and a bit contrary when we first think of a whimsical fairy land. It’s also clever how you use certain names to evoke setting, like the name Valley.
One thing I was wondering about Silas and his situation is how has he been entrusted with his inheritance, i.e. how does he still get to live fabulously in a massive mansion? Maybe it was explained in previous chapters, but if not it would offer further authenticity to the characters.
wow! I never thought about that! thanks for the advice! now you’ll get to see in the upcoming chapters as Silas’s background becomes more clear 😉
I really wish as I write this novel I could pick up an editor …I don’t know anything about publishing or anything…the only thing I rreally know about is my goals and dreams
I know that this site offers a cool editing service. Cheaper than other editors out there. Maybe take a look?
https://noahwriting.com/online-editing-services/