Before reading this, I recommend you play the song: Everything I Ever Thought I Knew from Tangled the series while you read this chapter. Character Death warning. Review!
Gurjin and Ordon struggled to support Ghost. They didn't want her to move around after her incident, but her fondness for Mira and Rian would only make things worse if they try to keep her away. Behind them, the two lords followed her to make sure no damage came to her. They arrived into the guards' quarters where they came across Rian crying over a heavily bandaged Mira.
"Mira!" Ghost cried. She broke free of Gurjin and Ordon. Her legs gave way under her. She crawled over to the bed with her strength. Her body screamed in pain. It felt like fire blazing through her soul. Ice crawling along her blue eye. Ghost felt Rian holding her. Gurjin was close behind. Her body was practically vibrating upon the sight she saw before her. "Mira…"
Mira was extremely pale. Almost as white as Ghost. The bandages covered her eye. She didn't look like the bubbly Vapran that everyone knew. She slowly opened her other eye and turned her head. "Ghost...Gurjin...Rian…" She gave a weak smile. "I'm so glad to see you here. I wish it was under better circumstances."
"Mira…" Rian spoke. His voice crackled with grief. "Don't say that. It's my fault you ended up like this. I shouldn't have left you alone." He took her hand in his.
"It wasn't your fault." Mira curled her fingers around his. "That enemy was looking for something. It started to stalk you. I lured it away…"
Ghost placed a hand on Mira's arm. "Mira. Please hang on."
"Ghost. It's going to be ok. Remember...Thra calls us home. Just be strong. I know you can do it."
"Mira don't leave." Gurjin said. Tears welled his eyes.
"Thra's song always has a place for us. My song is ending." Mira said. Then, she smiled again. Her eye brightened a bit. "I know for a fact that all of yours are going to be beautiful." With a deep sigh, she closed her eye and her hand went limp.
"Mira?" Rian said. "Mira!"
"Mira no!" Ghost wailed. Both she and Rain began to shake Mira's cold body. Their shouts were joined by Gurjin. It wasn't long until Ghost felt SkekTek pull her away from one of the greatest friends she ever knew. It wasn't long before she saw Ordon do the same with Rian and Gurjin. She struggled in SkekTek's arms for a while. Her lungs gave out all the grief she had to the entire castle. It wasn't long until she found herself back in her room. Her back once again stroked by The Scientist before being given a vial of Sleep Tonic.
"Shhh…"SkekTek hushed. "You have to rest now. It won't do you any good for your heart if you keep this up." He held up her head gently so she wouldn't refuse.
The liquid felt cool in Ghost's mouth. Like drinking a cool stream after a hot summer. Ghost's eyes began to grow heavy. Her body went numb. She only knows that SkekTek was starting to fade from view and only surrounded by sheets. Her mind only prayed that it was all just a bad dream.
-(A day later)-
Ghost had never felt hollow in her life. Of the things that had happened on this journey, losing Mira and SkekEkt's disappearance were the worst things that ever happened to her. She got ready for the ceremony to have Mira return to Thra. SkekTek did give her some medicine that prevented her body from taking another severe toll like it did yesterday. He wanted her to rest but she insisted that it would be rude of her not to go. So, The Emperor agreed that Ghost should have a few days off so she can recover from the attack and some of the emotional grieving that might interfere with her work.
It didn't take long for Ghost to dress in a dark grey dress and place a lacy grey veil around her face. She looked frightening but it seemed appropriate. She opened the door to reveal SkekLach, SkekTek and SkekVar gathered at her door. Ghost didn't have the heart to smile. "Do...you need anything before I go?"
SkekLach shook his head quickly. "No! I mean...we just wanted to see how you're doing before the ceremony."
"I appreciate the concern, but I have to go. Mira was a good friend of mine. If I passed away, she would…" Ghost gulped hard. "Anyway, I have to go. Rian and Gurjin will be meeting me at the west wing." She bowed and then walked away before anyone could utter a word. It didn't take her long to find the two Gelfling boys dressed in grey as well. She hugged Rian. Tears were already streaming down her face. Her heart trying not to break.
Ordon was soon with them. His eyes held a solemn glow. "Come on...It's almost time." With that, everyone went outside the castle to a small clearing in Stonewood Forest. Every guard gathered around the body of Mira. Draped in flowers. Her head donned a small crown of yellow flowers crowned her. Her body laid in a cart that had an armorling attached to it. Ordon started the ceremony. "Everyone...I would like to thank you for coming. Today is a sad day for everyone. Mira, a beloved Vapran guard here at the castle. Lost her life in trying to save my son and finding out where Ornamentalist was taken. While we mourn, let us not forget that there is no end. Life goes on. So as long Thra plays her song, we will prevail. For now, let us reflect on the memories we've shared with her."
Rian and Gurjin were the first to go. Rian had told them the day the two first met. Their little duel. Their kiss. Ultimately, he soon explained the regret he had of not being there for her in her time of need. Resulting in a burst of tears. Gurjin only said a few words of his memory of Mira. Before long, it was Ghost's turn.
Ghost felt her legs slowly turn to stone as she walked up in front of everyone. Her throat choked by her heart. The pain became intense. Then, she remembered what a Spritin, Kylan had told her about that during her trip at the tithing: To heal wounds of the heart, talking about the pain helps. Ghost took a deep breath. Tears were already stinging her eyes. "When I first met Mira, I was a little shy. I know that some of you had problems with me since I was half Grotten and my strange looks. So, she was surprised at first. Then, she got really excited and loved my features almost immediately. She said that my eyes are my best quality because they held so much mystery to them. Mira was the one to inspire me to see the world someday. She was very kind to me. One great friend to have when I was down. But now-" She tried to squeeze back the tears. "I hope she's happy where she is now."
After a few words of passage from Ordon, everyone broke into song (Speak for the Dead song). Ghost found herself singing the loudest. Her sorrow. Her pain. Every emotion was laced into her song. It carried far in hopes to let Thra know of this horrible loss and let Ornamentalist know that he's missed.
Far over the silver sea, her song reached the dark halls of the castle that floats. It was dark with only a few purple torches lighting them. Chains rattle as slaves begin to move. A throne room held stone creatures clustered together to provide a seat for a king that sat in the darkness. Next to the throne was a thin frame of a missing Skeksis, who could barely keep his eyes open. He could only utter one thing. "Ghost."
After the ceremony was over, Ghost decided to head home. As she walked down the halls of the castle, Ghost immediately recognized SkekEkt's room. She remembered the story he once told her of how they first met. The white Gelfling went over to the vanity stand where SkekEkt would put makeup on. She looked over the pearls that were his favorite gemstone. Then, walked over to the bed and flopped herself down. She could still smell some of the scented oil he would wear after a long day. Suddenly, she heard footsteps and looked up. It was SkekAyuk.
The Gourmand looked tired. Weary. Which wasn't like him. Hearing the news of his close friend get taken and missing must've taken a toll on him. "Never thought I would find you here."
"I just felt like being here." Ghost slid off the bed. "I thought maybe he'd show up here, being unharmed. Then, get all fussy about his kidnapping." She let out of a bitter laugh. "I miss him."
"No more than I do." SkekAyuk sighed. "Are...you going back to your room?"
Ghost nodded. Tears welling in her eyes. "I...just want to be alone for a while." She sniffled. Ghost then noticed a large cart of food being pushed. "What's all this?"
"Emperor and Scientist ordered me to bring this to you since you're going to be resting for a while. Sometimes eating food like this just helps at times."
Ghost and Gourmand walked all the way to her room. They unloaded everything except for one plate of food. "Can you give this to Rian and Gurjin? I think they didn't have eaten anything since this morning."
SkekAyuk looked at her surprise. Then, sighed. "Sometimes you become too generous for your own good."
"Sorrow drains all, Gourmand. I know that you're hurting too."
SkekAyuk was only silent. He backed away from where he was and went away with the cart.
Ghost sighed and went into her room. As she closed the door, her ears twitched a small sound. She turned to see Orchid sit on top of her bed. Ghost walked over to the threader. To her surprise, she sees Shield's head popped into her window. "Shield!" Ghost quickly ran over to the window. She opened it. Ghost waved him in. She quickly backed away as he tumbled in. "What are you two doing here?!"
I saw and heard what happened to you. Orchid explained.
Shield got up slowly from his spot. We wanted to see if you want company. It's just a little while. He noticed a dish on her desk. A lot of food. His face turned perplexed. Are you having a party later?
Ghost giggled. "No. Gourmand was ordered to give me enough food to give me strength while I'm still recovering. I think he went a little overboard."
Well...Orchid rubbed her front legs together. Can you tell us about the rest of your journey while we have some of what you're eating?
Ghost smiled. "Sure. But then you need to go, ok?" Before long, Ghost began to describe everything that happened in her journey. Her encounter with her grandparents. The Hunter. Elctor. Bladwings. Racing in the sandstorm. Up to what happened with her father. For a while Ghost had to eat some soup to calm herself down.
We're sorry that all happened to you. Orchid crawled up to her friend's shoulder. I'm just glad you're ok.
Do you want us to leave now? Shield asked.
Ghost shook her head. "No. I appreciate the company for a little longer." She lightly stroked Orchid while Shield nuzzled into her. They stayed like that until the strange trio fell asleep.
-(three days later)-
Ghost was doing her work on the robes for the lords. She managed to find some extra cloth in SkekEkt's room and managed to sneak it into her chambers. After being given a sackful of feathers, Ghost decided to use these feathers as a form of defense. Whoever took SkekEkt, would pay dearly for it. The least she could do right now is to get everyone ready for what was to come. So far, she completed SkekTek's and SkekLach's since they didn't fight as much. She hid them in the forest as she got the chance.
As for Rian and Gurjin, they met with her in her room every once in a while. It was still hard to talk about Mira. Rian even had a hard time trying to continue his duties since the guilt still held him. They sometimes hang out in the forest but that was as far as they could do.
One time, Ghost ran into another Grotten named Deet while in Stone-In-Wood. She seemed to have a tough time with some of the Gelflings that bullied Ghost when she was young. Not only that, her friend, a Podling named Hup, got punished for trying to help Deet. Ghost didn't exactly enjoy that form of prejudice and stepped in to convince Maudra Fara to let Hup go. She even recalled the kind words Deet told her: "I'm sorry about your loss. Also tell Rian that I'm sorry too. I do hope that they get one of the lords back. You have so much love. I wish I could help you, but I need to save Thra from the Darkening. Maybe I can see if the All Maudra can help you too. You really are a great Gelfling, Ghost."
On the third day, Ghost made a decision. She was going to look for SkekEkt herself. Even it meant losing her life. Ghost wrote letters to everyone, except SkekSil, and left them in the places where they would be able to find them later. She packed her things and dressed for travel. She took a moment to look at her dagger. The silver hilt gleamed in the light. A light blue crystal set as a pommel. Ghost could feel the icy design give her a strange sense of strength. Even the blue sheath reflected how much work and care SkekVar put in her weapon. Then, she picked up her rainbow crystal necklace and tied it around her neck.
As she made her way down the halls that ran into the catacombs, Ghost ran into Rain. It broke her heart to see that it's been only three days and he had already had most of his life sucked out of him. His blue eyes didn't hold the same laughter. He could no longer smile. "Hi Ghost…" He said. He then took notice of her outfit. "Where are you going?"
Ghost looked around. Then, took Rian to a hidden corner of the hall. "I'm going to find Ornamentalist."
It took a moment for Rian to process those words. Then gasped with shock. "Ghost! You can't be serious! You shouldn't go alone."
"Rian…" She sighed. "We've already lost Mira finding them. I'll not lose anyone else. I may have an idea where he may have gone." Ghost explained about the Castle that was floating in the Silver Sea.
"I did hear reports of that from the lords. I can't believe there's a castle in Sifa territory!" Then his eyes widened with realization. He fiddled in his pocket and pulled out an item. "Here. I found this while I was searching with Mira. I wasn't able to give this to anyone after…" His voice crackled slightly. His strength tried not to wain.
Ghost gingerly touched his hand. "I understand. I'll take this and see if it will give me any ideas." She looked at the item Rian gave her. Ghost that there was something about the metal that felt slightly alive. She then hugged Rian. "Take care Rian. Also, if you see Deet, the Grottan you saw earlier. I suggest you talk to her. She's very nice."
Rian gave a sad smile as he hugged back. "I'll keep that in mind. Just don't push yourself too hard." With that, he broke the hug and went with his duties.
Ghost once again looked at the item as she made her way further down. She was about to pass SkekTek's lab but then thought it would be a good time to say goodbye to Sidetec since she might not be able to see him again. She walked over to his cage. The little green creature chirped happily at the sight of her. "Hi greeny," She cooed as she stroked his feathers. "I'll be gone for a bit, so be good ok?" Just as she was about to back away, Sidetec snatched the bird-like pendant out of Ghost's hand.
"Hey!" She hissed. "Give it back! You know that's not yours!" She tugged at the other end of the pendant. The stubborn creature refused to let go of his prize. Ghost shifted her feet which caused the cage to rotate toward the crystal. With a fierce tug, the pendant was free but went flying straight to the Pure Crystal of Truth. It landed into the crystalized wall with a loud whack! Cracks formed around it. The crystal gave a high-pitched sound.
"Oh...Thra…" Ghost breathed. "What...have I done?" Her heart raced as she thought of the angry faces she would have to deal with. She went over to the crystal as she could without falling. "I'm sorry, Crystal. I'll have you fixed. I promise." She was about to reach for it when the pendant was suddenly absorbed into the crystal. Ghost shook herself. Unable to believe what she just saw. Why would the pendant do that? Her thoughts were interrupted as the crystal was brought up through the shaft.
I best go then, Ghost thought. She waved goodbye to Sidetec and went on her way. She managed to reach the catacombs. She looked around to make sure she wasn't followed. When there was no sign, Ghost plucked a thread. In a matter of minutes, the Ascendency gathered in a face used to frighten her but now it was a face of a dear friend that she must say farewell too.
Friend Ghost...Ghost...Ghost. The Ascendency said. What brings you here? Here? Here?
"I've come to say goodbye, dear friend!" Ghost answered. "I'm going away."
Whatever for for for?
"Yesssss!" Said an all too familiar voice. "What encourages you to say goodbye?"
Ghost felt her heart sink. She slowly turned around. A gasp of horror escaped from her mouth. In front of her were the lords of the crystal. They all had grim expressions on their faces. A sense of fury hanging above their heads. Lanterns in their hands. As for SkekSil, the Chamberlain held a smug expression on his face. Like he won a game. "E-Emperor...How did you find me?"
"Chamberlain saw you sleeping with Arathim." SkekSo explained. "He told us about it. We didn't want to believe it, but we all decided to see it for ourselves."
"Ghost…" SkekTek said. "How long have you been doing this?"
"I-"
"You see everyone?" Chamberlain cut Ghost off. "Ghost no care about us. Ghost is traitor! Allied to Arathim! She want power!"
"No!" Ghost shouted. "That's not it!"
Ghost! You brought them here here here?! The Ascendency growled. Fury in their eyes.
"I didn't! I made sure I wasn't followed!" She looked at the lords. "I don't want a fight! We all belong to Thra! I know both sides have done horrible things, but I thought we can make peace somehow." Her arm was snatched by SkekOk.
"Aiding our sworn enemy will help no one!" The ScrollKeeper shook his head as he tightened his grip. "I can't believe you would do this to us, Ghost! After all these years! After everything we did for you!"
SkekVar walked forward with his sword. "I'm ending this here and now."
"No don't! They're my friends!" Ghost pleaded.
You're no friend of ours, Gelfling Gelfling Gelfling! The Ascendancy hissed.
Ghost felt her heart break. The pieces fell to her stomach. Without thinking, she broke free of ScrollKeeper's grasp. A loud rip hung in the air. She pulled out her dagger. Unaware that ice was crawling out of her hand and onto the weapon. Ghost got between SkekVar and The Ascendancy. With every strength she had, she lifted her dagger to block the blow. The two weapons met. The impact caused everything to shake in the cavern. A burst of fire rang forth with a sweep of Ghost's hand.
"What the-" SkekZok said.
"Retreat!" cried SkekSo.
Ghost was barely registering what was going on. She briefly looked into the faces of SkekTek and SkekLach. Both of them held sorrow and disappointment that hurt her more than being hit with a vase. Then, just ran as she heard The Arathim also running away. Ghost soon found herself also moving into the darkness. Her hands flailing in the random tunnels. She yelped as skin grazed by rock. She tumbled and found a light that led her to a setting sun. Her mind still whirled as she continued on.
By the time she went deeper into the forest, Ghost noticed dark clouds gathering. She sat down in a small nook formed by rock. Her heart hammering as she finally understood what had happened. "I've...lost everyone...I've lost my home. Everyone's mad. The Arathim hate me because I've led the Skeksis right to them." Just then, she heard a rustle from a nearby bush. Her eyes widened in fear.
To her relief, it was Grumble and Fearless. The two Fizzgigs rolled over to her. Grumble nuzzled into her lap while Fearless looked at her with a questioning gaze. It was as if they knew what happened, but still wanted to know why.
At that point, Ghost couldn't stay strong anymore. All the bullying, ridicule and pain from the other Gelflings. Now, her home is gone. Her family is gone. All the friends she's made are now gone to. All in just three days. She cried. Tears streaming down her face as she laid on the ground. Her wailing reached up to the sky. Almost as if Thra's pain was in tuned with hers. Suddenly, it began to snow.
That wraps it up. Now you know why I wanted you to put this song while reading it. Ghost's life just fell apart after one bad mistake. All I can say is: SKEKSIL THE CHAMBERLAIN IS THE WORST! And before anyone could ask: Yes, things are going to get sadder from there.