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Chapter 10
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Man am I tired. First week of school has drained me of energy.
Now enjoy:
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My feet were walking forward, an unknown force controlling them. I knew I wasn't responsible for it, my mind had gone blank... I suppose it was my heart that controlled my feet now. It pounded so hard and quickly I feared it would explode.
Anxiety. Excitement. Nervousness. Happiness. Love.
Too many emotions were filling my chest, it hurt.
"Peter." It came out so soft that it almost seemed like a ghost had whispered it.
I continued to reach forward, as if to touch him, to feel his warmth, to feel his life. He was so close... He was just there, right before my eyes. Breathing, blinking, and living. He was just right there-
Something fought against the force, something held me back from reaching my love. Something pulled me away from him, from my happiness. I turned around.
It had been a someone to hold me back. Duke's hand held my wrist and his face was utterly dejected and hurt. It was handsome, but it was marred by a mixture of emotions. I couldn't even look at him for more than a second, my heart clenched in guilt. He looked so sad... so lost... and so hopeful.
"Stay." Was all he said and it was all he needed to say. I knew what he wanted, I knew he wished for me to choose him. But I also knew that my choice had already been made. It had been made years ago... The moment I had met Peter.
I felt numb as I turned my back to him, shutting him out. My feet began to move again, the force stronger than ever. I expected the hand to fall from my wrist, to be left behind, but it stayed.
A memory overwhelmed my senses.
"Don't do it." Alyssa begged. "Don't leave again."
"I don't think I have a choice. I'm being called..."
"I won't let go of your hand."
"You must!" I cried. "I can't have you risk your life-"
"Hey! Your four! Get back here!" A teacher shouted angrily. His voice was close- very close.
"Now or never Kayla." Duke smiled at me, his voice tender. We took a step and entered the doorway.
"I won't let go of your hand..."
"I won't let go of your hand..."
"I won't let go of your hand..."
The soft whisper of his promise sent goosebumps up my arms. I knew then that Duke would never let go, no matter how painful He would never willingly let go, no matter the danger it put him through.
I walked on freely, but I was not alone. Duke followed silently, his fingers intertwined with mine.
Caspian looked at the sword he held in his hands, so clueless to the great honor he had of doing so. The sword glinted in the sunlight... It was clean and strong... The Prince recognized the sword instantly. It was legendary: the sword which had killed the Guardian. The glint almost mocked me, as if daring me to approach. I dared.
"High King Peter." Caspian said, almost in reverence.
"I believe you called?" Peter's voice sent waves of warmth through my body, the flame grew stronger with his every word. I came closer with every step.
"Well yes, but I thought you'd be older."
"Well if you like, we can come back in a few years." Peter replied cooly. My flame fired up in anger.
"No." I whispered... He couldn't leave. He couldn't leave my life again.
Caspian was alarmed as well. "No, no that's alright. It's just, you're not exactly what I expected." He surveyed the other King and Queens. "I thought you were all closer to the Princess' age-"
Ed pounced, "What would you know of her?!"
Edmund's voice sent tingles up my spine. My Edmund was back... My feet picked up speed.
Caspian's grasp on the sword tightened, "You were not the only ones to answer the call."
"MAKAYLA!" Lucy screamed, she flew at me.
Her body hit me hard and I gasped out in surprise.
"You're alive!" Her voice trembled as she wept, coming to hysterics. "You're alive! Oh Kay! Kay!"
Shock wore off. I remembered who embraced me and I kissed her brown hair fervently. "Lu! I'm so happy to see you!"
"Impossible..." Susan ran to me, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Kay!"
Lucy kindly moved to my side to allow her sister and I to reunite. Susan's arms wrapped around my shoulders and she squeezed. "Susan..." I whispered, feeling peace enter me at her touch. "I missed you."
Her shoulder began to tremble as she pressed her face into the side of my neck, I could feel tears wet my skin. She began to cry as hard as her sister, "Magic." She whispered the word. "It has be to be magic."
"Aslan wouldn't let me die." I used my one, free hand to soothe her. My fingers combed through her lovely hair, "I'm sorry that I couldn't say good-bye."
"Where have you been?" The words were accusing and angry. Susan pulled away slowly, and turned to look at her brother in horror.
"Edmund!" She snapped.
He paid no heed to her, his eyes were fixed on something behind me. I followed his glance and winced when I realized he stared at Duke's hand holding mine.
"You need to let go Duke." I murmured, without looking at him.
His next words weren't a surprise. "I won't let go of your hand."
"The time has come."
"N-No." He held his breath.
"P-Please Duke, I don't want to have to pull away." I bit my lip. "You'll always have me, don't forget."
He let go.
Free at last, I walked forward. This time, I walked alone and strong.
"Edmund..." I raised my arm out.
His arm came up as well, his hand extended towards mine. He stood in place, frozen, his face expressionless. I reached him and our fingers interlinked, his hand was as soft as I remembered.
"Where have you been?" He said hoarsely, and I saw his eyes become shiny.
"I was sent home," I rested my forehead against his and smiled. "But I was called back."
"You died." Ed shut his eyes painfully, and two drops of water fell from his eyes to the ground below us.
"Maybe in body here, but my soul lived on. Aslan gave me body again when I returned to our world." I sighed. "You were angry at him."
Hate flickered on his face, "He killed you-"
"Not him, but the traitor." I assured softly. "Do not blame him, I have forgiven and so should you."
Edmund opened his eyes, "I missed you."
"And I you." With my free hand, I pressed my palm against his cheek. A grin broke out, "You've lost your baby fat again."
He laughed and pulled away. Then he held me out and pointed at my dress, "What the bloody hell are you wearing?!"
"We had a dance at our school." I shrugged. "This is modern fashion."
"Well, I like it." Ed growled playfully before twirling me, making my grin widen.
Caspian sniggered.
Giving the Prince a hard look, I said, "You're all damn perverts."
"You know him?" Ed motioned at Caspian, surprised.
"Yes, we landed in the forest and met Caspian not long after." I explained.
Ed frowned, "We?"
I nodded confidently. "Duke and I both answered the call."
Susan looked at Duke in surprise, "You heard the call?"
He had gained control again, Duke was relaxed and looked almost normal. His voice sounded kind, but I could hear a hardness beneath. He was still hurting. "No, but Kayla told me about Narnia. When she heard the call, I didn't want her to be alone."
"Kayla?" Edmund, Susan, and Lucy all said together in confusion. I winced.
Duke put on a lopsided grin, but it didn't reach his eyes, "Yeah, I call Dolphin here Kayla."
"She hates that nickname."
Everyone, including myself, looked at Peter in surprise.
Duke recovered first, "No she doesn't."
Peter kept a cool face as he shook his head. "She told me so."
"If she hated it, she wouldn't let me use it."
"Maybe she just lied to spare your feelings."
"What the hell? Go on Kayla, tell him."
Then everyone looked at me, expecting an answer.
I frowned. "This is trivial, we are at war and we're discussing nicknames? I refuse to answer."
Caspian saved the day, "She is right, we must hurry to Aslan's how."
"Where?" Lucy asked, voicing her siblings' confusion.
"The modern name for the Stone Table." I said, "There's a lot you need to learn."
"Obviously." Ed glared at a minotaur. "I want to know why they're here and no one is killing them."
"A common enemy unites even the oldest of foes." Badger spoke up.
Reepicheep made his presence also known, "We have anxiously awaited your return my liege. Our hearts and swords are at your service."
"Oh my gosh, he's so cute!" Lucy giggled.
It was the wrong thing to say, because the feisty little warrior drew out his sword. "Who said that?!"
"Sorry." She immediately said.
"Oh, erm, your majesty! With the greatest respect, I do believe that courageous, courteous, or chivalrous might be fit for a knight of Narnia." Reepicheep put his sword away.
"Well," Peter said impressed, "At least we know that some of you can handle a blade."
"Yes indeed, and I have recently put it to good use securing weapons for your army sire."
"Good, because we're going to need every sword we can get." Peter directed this comment to Caspian.
"Well then," The prince said a bit smartly. "You will probably be wanting yours back."
Not amused, Peter took his sword back into possession.
I gasped, "Your sword!"
Peter went rigid, his eyes fell to the floor ashamed.
"Where did you get it?!" I said, hope filling me.
When Peter did not even look up to acknowledge me, Edmund answered. "We came to Narnia through a cave on the beach besides Cair Paravel. It's in ruins Kay, the Telmarines attacked-"
"I know," I told him. "Caspian and the others have informed us."
Us... Edmund seemed a bit ruffled at the inclusion of Duke.
Still, he answered calmly. "The treasury survived though, the hidden entrance is still in tact and we were able to grab our things from the royal chests."
"My wand!" I felt utter relief. "It's okay, thank Aslan because I'll need to fetch it to use my magic-"
"No need," Ed smiled a bit. "Peter picked your things up."
My heart skipped a beat, "I see..."
I looked at Peter, but he was staring at the floor, appearing to be lost in his own world.
"We have your wand and Sais," Edmund quickly continued the conversation before things turned awkward. "But I'm afraid we don't have anything to replace that lovely dress of yours... Can't say I'm disappointed though."
I flushed, "Ed!"
Susan and Duke laughed while Caspian sniggered again. Poor Lu just looked puzzled.
With a wicked grin, Edmund squeezed our hands, which were still clasped. "Come on then, I'm guessing we're in a hurry to reach the Stone Table."
"Yeah, the Telmarine army won't be far behind." Duke put in. I was surprised at this but then after a moment of thought, it made sense. He was claiming authority with the Pevensies, showing that he wasn't just a boy who got dragged along. He wanted to help.
Also taken aback by Duke's input, Edmund raised an eyebrow. But thankfully, he nodded and accepted the information. "Let's continue on, no point in waiting here."
With that, he leg go of my hand and then offered his arm. "My lady?"
"Good king," I laughed and accepted the offer. Within a second my other arm was taken by Susan.
Duke and Lucy followed closely behind.
I never saw what Peter did, he made sure to avoid me.
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"OH MY GOD SUSAN!" I screamed randomly.
She jumped, "What?!"
"YOU GOT MARRIED!"
Susan stiffened, "I did."
My smile fell, "Why aren't you happy? It took you bloody long enough for you and Vicern to come to your senses."
She cringed at the sound of his name.
Ed elbowed me harshly. "Ow!" I looked at him and bit my lip when he mouthed, "Where's Vicern?"
"Oh crap." I realized a bit too late, the damage was already done. "I am so sorry Susan, I didn't mean to bring him up."
Susan straightened her back and nodded stiffly. "It's okay, I need to start talking about him anyways. I'm tired of trying to avoid him."
"You don't have to talk about-" I assured her.
"No, I want to." She cut in, sounding sincere. "Would you like to hear about his proposal?"
I smiled, "Yes."
Susan and Lucy sighed dreamily.
"He found me in the gardens, I had been laying in the grass staring up at the sky in thought. The sun reminded me of you... It was so warm and if I stayed put for long enough, my skin almost absorbed the heat. It was just like the times you would pass through me when you were in your visions, how I could feel your presence... Anyways, I had my eyes closed when I felt something even warmer heat my hand up. It was his hand... And then I felt something strange between our palms. I opened my eyes and sat up. All he said was, 'Susan...' before he pulled his hand away. The ring was plain, but it was magical.
It's an Elvin metal, rare and difficult to work with, which explained it's plain appearance. The metal doesn't fuse with jewels or gold, nothing... Except for one thing. It fuses with sunlight, it absorbs the heat and sends out this sensation of almost... a flame passing through your body. I think I know how you feel with your flame, your magic. It's funny, because Vicern didn't even ask, he simply looked at me and I knew his question. I didn't answer his either, I simply gave him a kiss and that was it."
I was misty eyed, "I always knew his elfiness was a soft one."
Susan smiled, "Yes... He loved you, I think you were his first love."
I felt my stomach twist, "Susan, please don't-"
"I'm not upset, I never was jealous. In fact, I'm grateful that he loved you, because it taught him that love was more important than anything else. He gave up his position as head of the Elvin army for our marriage, he sacrificed much when he came to live at Cair Paravel." Susan's lip trembled and I recognized the signs of tears coming on. "So when... when I left him... He must've been so frightened to go back to his people, after leaving them for me."
"No, that's not true." I whispered. "I asked Trufflehunter, he knows many things about Vicern. Vicern was welcomed back to the Elves, they rejoiced in his return and felt no anger at you. In fact, Vicern became their King after his father died. He led them until... until he too passed on."
"It's not fair," Susan was crying freely now. "That I'm alive today and he's not. I deserted him, I left him all alone. He must think that I stopped loving him and just disappeared. Oh Vicern..." She raised her left hand and stared at the simple ring on her marriage finger.
"Aslan wouldn't let that happen," I told her confidently. "Think about it Susan. Vicern knew that you loved him, don't you ever doubt that. So for you never to return from a hunt, all your things and belongings in Cair Paravel, he would obviously think something happened to you. He would try to find you, and knowing Vi, he would never stop. So for him to simply leave Cair Paravel and join the elves immediately after just proves that he knew you returned to your world. Aslan must've told him..."
"I agree Su," Ed said kindly. "Vicern loved you more than anything, it makes sense."
"Aslan would take care of it." Lucy added.
Susan wiped away her tears, "The Aslan we knew isn't here anymore... If he would take care of Vicern, then why wouldn't he take care of Narnia? Why wouldn't he stop the Telmarines? What happened?!"
"I don't know," I mumbled. "But it doesn't matter, because we're back and obviously our duty is to help get things back in order. Maybe Aslan can't handle it all, maybe he needs us to do it."
"I think you're right Kay," Edmund placed emphasis on my nickname. "But what I want to know is why did Aslan bring back a normal boy back?"
"Boy?!" Duke snapped. "I'm older than your brother pal!"
Ed glanced over his shoulder and laughed, "I grew up mate, I'm probably as old as your parents technically."
"That's gross." I scrunched up my nose.
Lucy giggled, "I guess that mean's we're 1300 years older than Prince Caspian."
"Speaking of him, where is he?" I asked, looking around.
"In the back, talking with Peter and Trufflehunter." Ed informed me. "Oi, don't try to change the subject. Why is your friend here in Narnia? How did he get in if he's not royalty? Susan's horn is only supposed to call us."
I frowned, "No, it's only supposed to call the Kings and Queens of old... I have no idea why I heard the call, I was no Queen."
"On the contrary, you were." Lucy chirped.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I demanded, getting defensive.
"Whatever," Duke said. "I'm here and that's not going to change."
Edmund gritted his teeth.