THE NEW BEGINNING
--- Water is my eye
My most faithful mirror
Teardrop on the fire
Feels like sunlight on my breath
When black flowers blossom
---
There weren't many ways to make sense of what was happening. The change in the atmosphere surrounding the mystical world was hard to miss. Certain measures were being taken to ensure the security of the Forest and for all that dwelled in it, particularly the area surrounding Rootcore. Evil was still out there and no doubt, the events occurring today were something they were all well aware of. All the rangers were on high alert. Daggeron was in and amongst the crowd keeping watch and Claire was told to remain inside Rootcore monitoring the Xenotome in case dark energy was detected in the woods.
Despite all of this concern, something exciting was about to happen.
I stood by the edges of the growing crowd of magical creatures, solemnly watching the procession of well-wishers that engulfed the whole place. The winds were picking up and the clouds overhead masked the sun like a furious storm of locusts rampaging the skies. As the moments ticked onwards, the setting sun beyond the dreary clouds began to set, gradually stealing the daylight in its wake. I stood up straight, after spending countless minutes leaning against the rough bark of a huge tree, and spotted some of my friends. Xander was, quite happily, encircled by young maidens from the neighbouring towns. They seemed to have really taken to his charm as I watched them laugh generously at something he said.
Nearby were Vida and Chip immersed in the crowd who were happily handing out sweets and greeting people as they flooded into the clearing in front of Rootcore. Vida had some sort of instrument in her hands, something I'd never seen before. She shook it to a rhythm in tune to the other bearers of the instrument. The musical hum that drifted through the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't help but smile. They were all having so much fun. How come I wasn't?
Nick was nowhere insight. That realization brought me back to why all of this commotion was going on in the first place. I shook my head, forcing those thoughts away. I didn't want to think about it. In stead, I continued to search the crowds, doing my best to keep my mind occupied.
A moment later, growing cheers were reverberating through the crowds as the entrance to Rootcore was lifting up and Udonna stepped through. Ever since Lienbow returned, hope grew to new heights among the people of the mystical world. The desire for peace was starting to take shape once again. Udonna and Lienbow became an icon of the past, before The Great battle that destroyed the lives of so many. The return of Lienbow was so unexpected, it brought about changes that would have never taken place otherwise. The neighbouring towns and cities within the magical world had blocked off all contact, in aide of protecting their own. Living in constant fear of The Master's evil henchmen, they refused to leave their homes and could do nothing but put all their hope into the hands of the Mystical Warriors that had returned.
When I heard about that, I couldn't help but sigh. Talk about no pressure. We had to save, not only our world, but that of the magical creatures who now stood together. Thousands and thousands of little creatures bustled through the clearing, clamouring to get a glimpse of Udonna. She stood aside now, and let Lienbow step out. The roar of cheers was almost deafening. I caught the eye of a fairy that looked at me oddly. He was probably wondering why I wasn't screaming my head off with joy, as everyone else was. I forced a smile on my face and clapped in chorus.
That's when I saw Nick, walking out right behind his father, Lienbow. He looked different, wearing traditional mystic garments that made him look more a part of this world than I'd ever imagined. His hands were dangling to his sides, as he walked slowly. I couldn't see his eyes as he looked downwards with a stern expression on his face. He wasn't happy and that made my head spin. This was supposed to be a blissful occasion for him above all.
The crowd started to quiet down as Lienbow stepped forward to say a few words.
"The idea of standing here today in front of you all, was not something I entertained. I never thought it possible. Somehow, incredible luck was on my side, freeing me at last. I take great comfort in seeing you all in such high spirits. This is in deed a joyous day. Joining together, once again, one Kingdom of Mystical power, to stand against the Evil that threatens us; After everything that has happened, I thought that was impossible as well. Once again, I was wrong." Lienbow paused and looked around as the crowds cheered louder than ever. "I thank you all for being here today, and I could not feel more grateful to be alive than I do at this moment. My son, Bowen, is easily my proudest achievement. Even though I did not get the chance to watch him grow into the person he is today, I am however, overwhelmed beyond any measure, to what he has become. I introduce to you The Light, and one day, the most powerful Wizard in the world."
The cheers erupted once again and Nick's face grew more solemn. Nick hesitated before stepping in line with his father and steadily looking at the people convened in front of him. I couldn't understand why but it felt like he didn't want to be there. I couldn't understand why I wanted to know the reason for this, but I did, extremely.
I struggled to stay focused on what was happening. Lienbow put a hand across Nick's shoulder and moved him into the crowd that divided and made a path for them to walk through. As he did, Nick shook hands with noble wizards, who had journeyed far and wide to be there to meet him, and see what he was capable of, it seemed. The challenge in their eyes were unmistakable.
I took this opportunity to sneak back into Rootcore, and think about what was happening. I had to make sense of it considering Nick's reaction was absolutely opposite to what I had expected. The Magical World reunited and Udonna had requested the rangers to remain at Rootcore for an extended period of time. She wanted us to work with the other mystical wizards, all powerful in their own right, so that we could find ways to progress in our fight against the Master. This was a novel request, one that I was not entirely opposed to. It was just the idea of leaving the Human world for so long, bothered me. I'd miss my family and what little of a normal life I had left before I became a mystic ranger.
Now Udonna was asking us to give all that up for who knows how long. I need some time to get used to the idea, but I had no idea that Nick might have the same problem. In fact, I doubted that he did. Getting the chance to spend time with his family was something I knew he'd appreciate. So what was bothering him?
"Hey Madison, isn't it great?" Her cheerful voice rang high, as she leaned over the open window taking in the sight of the crowds. I quickly glanced over at the Xenotome and relaxed when everything looked okay. Claire was too caught up in what was going on outside to pay much attention to it.
"Yeah, Claire. It's wonderful." I tried my best to sound excited and even forced another quick smile when she threw her head in my direction and giggled happily.
"Would you mind if I just take a peek outside? It'll only take a moment, I promise." She was already skipping to the door before I got a chance to reply. "Sure Claire, take your time." I guess, some part of me wanted the alone time, even though 'peace and quiet' didn't exactly go with the deal. Claire smiled graciously and ran out the door.
I was finally alone.
---
can't change this feeling
I'm way out of touch
can't change this meaning
well it means too much