Chapter 7
Ledgend
"Ok Danny, it's time to wake up…" I could hear Ella's distinct voice coax me into the real world. "You've been out for over sixteen hours, you're going to sleep your entire weekend away!"
I heard myself moan. I didn't want to open my eyes; I didn't want to feel the pain I felt yesterday. Most of all, I wanted to continue my dreams. I felt that they were trying to tell me something and I was extremely annoyed that I kept waking up as soon as I got to the good parts.
"Do you feel any pain anywhere?" Ella asked.
I moaned again. I was preparing my body for the pain that I should be feeling. I remembered the impact of hitting Jesse. I remember the intensity of the throbbing in my shoulder and knew that I must have torn or broken something quite severely. I slowly searched my body for the pain that I was supposed to feel, but was alarmed when I found none.
I kept my eyes closed as I spoke.
"No, I don't feel anything," I thought that my lack of pain must be from a massive amount of pain medication. I must be in a hospital.
"I am glad to hear it. Can you open your eyes for me dear?" Ella's voice was clam, steady.
I slowly opened my eyes and my surroundings came into focus. I was shocked to find myself in my room.
"You didn't take me to the hospital?" I was accusing.
"What for dear?"
"What do you mean what for? I nearly died out there on the field! It felt like I ripped my shoulder right off!"
"You just said that you weren't in any pain. How does your shoulder feel now?"
I stopped for a moment to actually try to assess my entire body, including my shoulder. I felt great. Nothing hurt, nothing was sore or stiff. I felt like a million bucks. It made absolutely no sense to me.
"Pretty good… but I don't understand how. I was sure that I completely wrenched my shoulder…" I paused as the last seconds before my blackout became clear. "… and Jesse. I hurt Jesse! Oh, no! Is he alright?"
"Jesse is fine dear, not a scratch on him. It will take a lot more than a little hit to keep that boy down."
"Little hit? I totally clocked him! I thought I heard his bones snap!"
"He's fine Danny. Don't worry about him," my aunt's voice turned suddenly authoritative. "It's time to get up; I have some things to teach you today."
I groaned as my aunt left the room. Her teachings always involved physical activity of some sort. Wrestling, sparring, even active meditation. She would engage my siblings and I in these weird activities while insisting that we needed to be able to "protect our bodies and our minds." It was the only part of auntie's visits that I didn't like.
As I slowly sat myself up Mel and Lindsay entered the room.
"Finally! I thought you were trying to play sleeping beauty and I was going to have to send Thomas in here to kiss you out of your coma!" Mel said with a grin.
I suddenly realized that I forgot all about Mel's sleepover, and felt horribly about it. Lindsay sat herself down on the edge of my bed holding an old leather book.
"Aw Mel, I am sorry I was out of it all night… I'll make it up to you. Promise."
"Don't worry about it. Lindsay was great company. Besides, I wanted to stay. I will have to admit I was a little worried about you. I was going to insist that they take you to the hospital, but then I heard you talking. By the way, you say a lot of weird stuff in your sleep…"
"Oh great." I hoped I didn't embarrass myself too badly. "What did I say?"
"You kept rambling on saying something about 'but he's good' and 'I trust him'. And then you started talking about Halloween stuff."
"Halloween stuff?"
"You said that you had to protect the werewolves from the vampires."
I laughed.
"You also said that vampires can change. Not all vampires must be destroyed."
I just stared dumbfounded at Mel. I had no idea why I would be thinking about vampires, especially in my sleep. I had to admit however, werewolves seemed to be haunting my dreams a lot lately and it wasn't a surprise that I was mentioning them.
I looked over at my sister as she handed me the book in her hands. I recognized it instantly. It was the book that auntie would read us stories from when we were little. I was surprised when I noticed the symbols on the front of the book. Some of them matched the jewelry that I wore around my neck. The front of the book had the large letter S in the middle and other smaller symbols lined the four edges. I never paid attention to the markings on the book when I was younger, but now they were impossible to miss. They matched the silver jewelry auntie had bestowed upon my sister and I.
"Your dreams reminded me of the stories that auntie would tell us. Perhaps reading this book will help you with your… sleeping habits?" Lindsay looked into my eyes with the strangest of expressions. It was like she realized something for the first time. She was recognizing something that she had never seen before.
I gazed at the book and let my finger trace the curves on the tattered front cover. I admired how the leather brought out the silver imprinting of the now familiar symbols. The book looked like time could not touch it, and at the same time it seemed like it were hundreds of years old.
"Thanks Lindz. I may have to humor auntie and see if this book will unravel my mystery," I tried to sound lighthearted, and I found myself suddenly curious.
"We will leave and let you get dressed. Your aunt is making breakfast. See you downstairs!" Mel said as Lindsay got off my bed and both marched out of my room.
The instant they left the room a strange connection took over my body. The book was attached to me somehow. I was a part of it, it was the key and my heart was a locked vault. As my fingers continued to trace the silver symbols electricity surged around my bracelet and radiated up to my necklace. I was bound to this book somehow, and I felt like it was trying to reach me.
I gently lifted the cover to reveal the first two words printed on faded yellow paper. The words "the beginning…" were printed in Old English letters and were placed precisely in the middle of the page.
I turned the page over to reveal the books first story, simply called "Ledgend". Although I didn't want to keep Mel and my family waiting on me, I could not overcome the desire to read the story that was right before my eyes. Before I realized, my eyes were traveling across the delicate print soaking up the words…
Ledgend
As the world began, humans lived amongst the creatures of the forests, the waters, and the mountains in unity. The binding of peace amongst these mortal beings was not taken lightly, for whoever sought to destroy the world's tranquility was punished by the two spirit sisters: Neva of Vengeance and Nora of Honor.
But as time progressed in this new world many of the humans became greedy and did not want to share their world with any other beings. One family, the Kamrons, began a quest to control all creatures of the earth and to slaughter those they could not overpower. Neva, who became enraged at this gluttony for power sought to use this family to teach all the people of this world a lesson, one that would not soon be forgotten.
When the Kamrons fought to slay the innocent creatures of the land and sea, Neva intervened. She gave some of these helpless creatures a great power; the ability to change themselves into any form they desired. They became the Shape Shifters. Many of the shape shifters became human to guard their brother and sisters, others changed into dangerous predators to help destroy the humans that sought to obliterate them.
With the creation of the shape shifters the Kamrons realized that they needed assistance to win the war they started. The Kamrons did not want to put themselves in jeopardy so they sought control of a species of animal that showed loyalty, and was ferocious, powerful and intelligent. The Kamrons stole many of the wolf-pups of the forest, bread them to join their war and do their killing for them. Even more enraged, Neva changed these wolves and made them turn against their masters, while making them part-human. She multiplied their strength and ability to hunt and made them stronger when the sun fell. She called these new creatures Were-Wolves.
After many years and though many of their family were destroyed, the Kamrons would not stop their quest for domination. They encouraged many humans to help them eliminate all creatures of the world that would not show them loyalty. The Kamrons would not stop until they made humans the ultimate rulers of the lands and the waters.
Neva would never have this. As her final act of vengeance Neva pressed a fate worse then death on the Kamrons. She could clearly see how the Kamrons had no heart for other beings, so she stopped theirs from beating. She saw how the Kamrons treated other creatures so coldly, so she turned their skin to ice. She knew how much these humans wanted to spill the blood of the innocent creatures of the forest, so she made them thirst for the blood of their own kind. Neva turned the Kamrons into Vampires.
After many years Neva began to realize the arrogance of her vengeance. The shape-shifters, the were-wolves and the vampires she created where now much more powerful then the humans. The Kamrons were becoming aware of their newfound power, and now sought a new goal: to not only rule the creatures of the world, but the humans, werewolves and shap- shifters as well. Neva did not consider the consequences of her actions when she created the vampires. If she had, she may have realized that keeping these creatures alive without a beating heart gave them incredible strength and speed and keen senses.
Some of the shape-shifters and the were-wolves also sought revenge with all humans because they did not help to stop the Kamrons quest to slaughter and control them.
Desperate, Neva went to her sister Nora for guidance. Both did not have the heart to destroy any creature of the world, no matter how vile. However they realized what must be done. The humans and the innocent would need protection. Nora looked into the souls of the humans, seeking individuals with honor, courage, strength and intelligence. She wanted humans that would not abuse a great power if it was given to them. Once she found these kind hearted souls she enhanced their abilities and gave them divine weapons. These humans would be the guardians of all people, of all creatures, of all beings. They would be the protectors of the innocent: they were called the Slayers.
The book slowly slipped between my trembling fingers and plopped shut onto the bed. I felt a sting in my eyes, but they were not teary. They felt like they were on fire. I slowly looked up to see myself in the mirror across my bed. I was mesmerized by the reflection staring back at me. My eyes were lit like a glowing blue flame.
This cannot be! There is no such thing as werewolves and shape shifters! It's impossible to live without a beating heart! Then I did feel tears of frustration swell in my eyes. This wasn't right. This wasn't REAL.
I suddenly sensed a presence at my door.
"Danny, are you coming? Dinner is ready."
"Sure Mel. I will be just another minute."
"Kay, well hurry up would ya? You're taking forever!"
"Sorry! I will be down in a minute! Promise!" I half shouted back. I didn't want Mel to come in and find out that I hadn't even started to get dressed yet.
I heard Mel walk down the stairs and started to search for my favorite sweats and t-shirt. I quickly tore off my pj's and pulled on my day clothes. I then whisked into the washroom to splash some water on my face. I was grateful that the reflection in the bathroom mirror had my normal looking eyes back.
After washing my face I inhaled a deep breath and tried to erase the "Legend" from my head. I was not going to think about it again, it was NOT real. I cleared my head of the nonsense and went downstairs to join my family and Mel.
The moment I stepped into the kitchen the smell of bacon and eggs welcomed me and lifted my spirits considerably. Lindsay and Mel were sitting side by side at the table, and my brother was seated opposite of them. My dad was sitting at the head of the table, and I saw Auntie's cup of tea the other end. It was nice to have a full table, even if that meant I had to sit by my brother.
"Morning princess," Joe was the first to welcome me to the table. "Should have known you were too girlie to handle a real game of football, but don't worry, next time Jesse and I will go easy on you. You know, play down to your level so you can keep up without a half day nap afterwards."
My brother thought he was funny. I momentarily considered how hot auntie's tea would feel to him if he was wearing it.
"Whoah, Danny! How much cologne did you put on today? You really should go easy on that stuff. It smells nice and all, but really… do you have to bathe in it?" My brother was really, REALLY annoying first thing in the morning.
"Joe, I don't own perfume! I don't know what you're talking about, and I really don't care about how you think I smell," I sounded really irritated, even to myself. "Now pass the hashbrowns and don't say ANYTHING else to me!... Please!"
Ella brought the eggs that she was frying on the stove to the table.
"Careful Danny, you need to try to control your temper. Eggs anyone?"
I sat there fuming. I was trying to control my anger, but my aunt's nonchalant attitude about things and the annoyance of my brother had my rage stirred. My eyes burned and I could feel the electricity running through my body.
In the mist of my irritation I became extremely aware of my father staring at me, into me. He placed his hand on mine and I felt the strangest sensation. I knew how helpless he felt, how much he wished he could help me and how he wanted me to calm myself. I sensed his mind, and I instantly felt calmer because of it. I could suddenly focus, and the anger melted away.
Ella seemed to notice this small gesture and gave my father an approving look. She knew how dad's touch had comforted me.
The remainder of breakfast continued in a normal fashion. Mel was the center of attention, everyone seemed curious of the things that were new in her life and Auntie and Lindsay seemed to dominate her conversational time. Joe and I sat next to each other in a comfortable silence, while my father seemed to chime into the conversation happening on the other side of the table, periodically piercing his eyes into me.
After diner was done and the dishes were rinsed and placed into the dishwasher my aunt reminded me of the request that she made earlier.
"Danny, Joe, Lindsay please meet me in the backyard for a lesson. Mel, you are more than welcome to join us if you wish."
"Sure, Danny's told me all about the training you give her. It sound's exciting," Mel stated with a smile… if she only knew.
"Great, I'll give you kids five minutes to get ready. I will meet you in the backyard."
I wanted to protest, but it was vain. Auntie did so much for me and my siblings, and this was all she ever asked of us. Joe and Lindsay loved the training but I always felt myself too clumsy to do things properly.
When we got to the backyard Auntie was sitting on the grass in her meditative trance. I knew that she heard us coming, so we didn't have a need to announce ourselves. The four of us just sat down on the grass facing her and copied her pose. In the past, when auntie "trained" us, we would start with meditation, so it was a familiar routine for three of the four of us.
I closed my eyes and started my breathing exercises. The deeper I inhaled, the more consumed I felt buy a trance that was enveloping me. Then something very strange happened. I became aware, aware of EVERYTHING. I could hear my heart beat. I could hear the heart beats of the four people around me. I felt the presence of the critters in the trees, the birds in the sky and insects in the ground. I heard the wind blow through the forest. I smelt the pine and the dew and the grass.
Even though my eyes were closed, I was alerted to everything that was around me. I knew exactly how close others were. I could distinguish between each different aura. Mel was by far the most calm, Joe was the most aggressive, Ella was the wisest and Lindsay was the most trusting. I felt bonded to the people around me, protective and whole.
"Very good, Danny. Your focus has improved considerably," Ella's calm words penetrated my thoughts.
How did she know that?
It seemed that a few more minutes passed. They might have been hours, but I couldn't tell. Ella's voice eventually broke through my thoughts for a second time to take me out of my reverie.
"Alright, that's enough meditation for now. Let's see what our combat fighting skills are like, shall we?"
My brother and sister opened their eyes and smiled. This was their favorite exercise.
Auntie led us through our warm up routine. It was a basic set of stances and postures that we would glide through while holding certain aggressive posses. Normally these exercises would have a calming effect on me, but for whatever reason I became increasingly agitated. I tried to shake the sensation, but instead it seemed to swell.
I was persistently trying to ignore my irritation when the sensation suddenly shifted. I was no longer annoyed, I was mad. Angry. I was LIVID. What was even more astonishing was that there was a direct source of my distaste. It was pointed at my aunt. Somewhere inside of me I knew that she did not have the right to be here. She did not have the right to be with me, to show me these things. I was not hers. This was not her place. Something was missing, something was wrong. I was longing for someone, and I knew exactly who it was. I was longing for Thomas, but I did not know why.
Heat smoldered behind my eyes, fire burned in my necklace and bracelet. Electricity flowed through my veins. Anger ran through me, consumed me, like a flood that could not be stopped. My mind was calling for Thomas, screaming his name. Resentment filled my heart. I glared at my aunt, warning her. She had no right, and if she continued to persist I would fight her.
I felt my heart expand in my chest. Every beat echoed in my ears. I stopped my training and stood there glaring at her. I felt malevolent, like I wanted to rip her apart. Suddenly, Ella stopped her exercises and was staring back at me. I've never seen her look so angry. I've never seen her look so DANGEROUS. In her eyes I recognized a glow. It was the same steely blue blaze I saw in my reflection in the mirror earlier.
"You need to calm down Danny, I see that my time with you is over," Ella voice was firm. All the love in her voice was gone.
I ignored her.
"Be warned Danny, you need to control yourself. You WILL control yourself."
She was fueling my fire. She should not be commanding me what to do. She has no right. I took a very aggressive step towards her.
"Danny, I will fight you if I have to. I will protect myself, and I WILL win. You cannot beat me Danny. NOW STEP BACK." She then directed her attention towards the others with us. "Joe, Lindsay, Mel, go into the house for me please. I need to have a talk with Danny, ALONE."
I felt the uncomfortable stares of Joe, Lindsay and Mel. They did not understand what was going on. They left reluctantly. I waited for them to be out of site, and then I took another step towards my aunt.
"STEP BACK DANNY. STEP BACK NOW!" Ella's voice was full of authority. I did not care, she did not control me. I wasn't going to listen to her. I took another full step forward.
I saw Ella crouch. She was preparing for an attack. I accepted the challenge. I broke into a full out sprint. I closed the ten yard gap between us in half a second. I lunged myself towards her, but just before she was within my grasp she spun out of the way. I was still flying in the air when I felt a hard blow hit me in the center of my back. My body changed direction before I landed on the dewy grass with a light thump.
This angered me more. I could feel a dull ache in my back as I got up to my feet, but I was not done fighting. I was preparing myself to try again.
"Enough Danny."
The strong, masculine voice came from behind me. I stopped instantly. This was a command I must obey.
My aunt was the first to speak to the new member of our party.
"Thomas! Perfect timing! Why don't you join us?"
