A/N: Guess who finally has internet connection? This girl! I apologize for the massive wait for these chapters. I lost my work and couldn't even use my computer. So I finally present the updates!
Chapter Eight
I pushed the wooden doors open. My gasp lost its volume before reaching halfway across the room. Shelves nearly touched the ceiling stuffed tightly with books of various sizes. Quiet people milled around the gigantic library as they searched around for reading material.
My decision not to ask Chase for help now seemed pretty dumb. It seemed impossible to find anything in this place without a map. Why did I have to be so stubborn? This is how I get into complicated situations. I shuffled to the nearest bookcase with a huff.
It's just difficult to trust someone with this information. What if they don't believe me? They might think I'm crazy. And I can't wait to find a confidant when the memories are getting consistent. I need answers soon.
My eyes scanned the rows of titles. Herbs and Natural Remedies, Healer's Guide… Nope, wrong section. I took a chance with the other side of the library. Doesn't this place have signs? I plucked one book from the top shelve and opened it. The pages released the scent of flowers and a strong warm breeze. I peeked down at the picture. To my surprise, a tree sprouted from the ground in the spring scenery. The wind made the leaves dance with the flowers below. Words appeared on the page next to the picture. Boldly titled above was Earth.
"Wow."
"Incredible, isn't it?"
I jumped at the voice behind me. I spun around to lock with emerald eyes. Katrina.
"Miss- uh ma'am, um-"
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you."
My face reddened, "No, its fine. I'm startled easily. Always been jumpy since I was little and… and I have no idea why I told you that."
Katrina laughed, "I don't mind. Are you doing research?"
"I am, of some sort."
"Elemental Magic is an interesting subject," Katrina tapped the title.
"Oh, yes it is. If only it were the correct book. I have no idea how anybody navigates their way around this place. It's so huge!"
"It does take some practice. Do you need any assistance?"
"I would appreciate it. I mean if you have some time."
"I'm not needed anywhere for a while. So, what are we looking for?"
"Well…" I closed my book. How do I explain this? "You see I remember something from my journey… a person, yeah, who I ran into. They were very nice and helpful but they told me about a voice that spoke to them."
"Hmm… what did it say to them?"
"It was nothing bad. The voice almost acted like a guide. Sometimes it offered advice or warned the person of danger. But once it did the job, it never spoke again."
"This is strange indeed. Besides speaking, did the voice ever take physical shape or try to control the person. Anything at all?"
"Memories," I blurted. "This person experienced visions but realized they were someone's memories. I wasn't sure whose they were exactly. I guessed maybe it was the voice themselves but I ne- I mean they never saw the face."
Katrina narrowed her eyes with a hum. She barely gave a gesture to follow before she took off towards another section. I hurried after her clicking heels and swinging hair. She stopped at back wall.
"Ladder, please!"
A person appeared and vanished before I could even blink and left a large block at Katrina's feet. My eyebrow rose at the thing. That's a ladder. The café colored woman stepped upon on it and as her foot lifted, another step appeared underneath her shoe. My mouth slightly opened. This place keeps surprising me. Katrina climbed up a few more magical steps then stopped at the middle.
"Catch," she called out.
The falling book nearly slipped past my fingers when I jumped at the surprise toss. Three more followed into my arms. Katrina descended from the ladder, the steps disappeared and the brick from the start only remained.
"Those should provide some assistance in your research."
"Thank you so much! You really didn't have to do this."
"It was no trouble. Although, I am curious what you plan to do with the information you find."
"I… uh, actually, that's a good question. I'm not sure myself but this problem has been haunting me. I think once I have the answer, I can help. Even if I never meet that person again, what if there's more? Then I provide some solace." Especially for myself…
She smiled, "You sound like a real Traveler. We set out to help who we can. Speaking of which, I have another book for you."
Katrina led me away and handed over a leather bound book. The faded symbol rested in the middle.
"This is a bit of history you might want to catch up on. I must take my leave. Please excuse me and good luck with your journey Alexis."
"Good-bye Katrina and thank you again!"
I stared down at my books. Maybe I was closer to a confidant than I thought.
Flip. "No."
Flip. "No."
Flip. "No!"
I slammed the cover closed. All this information yet none of the pieces fit! When something sounded close enough, the author threw a curveball that didn't apply to my situation. The entire night I was locked in my room but now my research looked like a wasted effort.
It began with books on spiritual guides. I thought I had hit the jack pot. They revealed themselves when the person they watch over went through an important or life alerting change. Check. They offered advice and almost acted as a second conscience. Check. They can communicate through telepathy but prefer to show their physical form. Nope. The voice likes to stay inside my head and hide.
Then the information became darker. Obviously, Katrina didn't believe my claim about the voice being good. One passage talked of a spell where a voice whispered to you as they slowly made you insane. Then sometimes people would use mind control and order the subject through the mind. Ghosts were considered but they don't usually speak to the person they're haunting. Another book spoke of possession by evil spirits and demons. A shudder ran down my spine at the thought of that actually happening to me.
For a second, I considered it. What if the voice wanted to gain my trust so he could ease into my body and take full control? The subject can black out so I would never know if he tried before. After a while, I calmed myself down after reminding myself that Elsa would have noticed.
The ache returned in my heart at the thought of her name. A small sigh escaped as I threw the book on the pile on my nightstand. Training seemed like it was taking forever, I failed in my research, and my goals felt farther from my reach. Sleep sounded great at this moment. I switched the lamp off before slumping into my sheets. I tossed and turned trying to find comfort. Instead my mind focused on the empty space beside me. I pressed my fist on my chest in attempt to stop the ache. My eyes kept flickering back to my abandoned bag on the floor. No, I don't need it. It's not going to help.
My heart won this round. In defeat, I slipped my hand inside and grasped the last book I snuck away. The block title boldly stood out, Elemental Magic. I counted the pages and found the spot. A blue light illuminated the room from the open book and an arctic wind rushed against my face. I closed my eyes savoring the cold biting my warm skin. My fingers reached out to the pages so the snowflakes swirled around my touch. It was like she was here again. A tear slipped down my cheek.
Elsa...
