Until next time,
Evening Star
For Love of the Past
Chapter 4
5 years would pass before Aurora would return to the Sun City. During that time, life on Earth was wondrous. As Aurora grew, so did the bond between her and brother. Darien never forgot the promise he made to his Aunt to keep Aurora and his mother safe, and so he stayed true to his word. He was proud to be a big brother, and always made sure he set a proper example for his little sister. He never excluded her from his life, or his friends. He kept an eye out for her wherever she went, to ensure that she was safe. Darien was the one to teach Aurora how to swim, and how to horseback ride. With help from his parents, Darien even taught Aurora how to read, at the young age of 4. Darien was forever telling Aurora how much he loved her. He held her hand wherever they went, giving her hugs and kisses on the forehead. They were the best of friends. Even in the presence of his friends, Darien never treated Aurora any differently. He was proud to have her as his sister, and he wouldn't hide that fact for the world. With time, Darien's love and respect for his little sister was a trait his friends admired most about him. They even began to think of Aurora as their little sister, and enjoyed having her around.
Aurora's bond with her brother ran very deep. Darien was her idol, her inspiration. In everything that she did, she always tried to make him proud of her. Everything he was, she someday wanted to be. She trusted him with her life. She always knew Darien would be the one to protect her. During storms it would be Darien Aurora run to. She would curl up into bed with him, and bury her face in his arm until it was over. They loved each other very much, innocently and unconditionally, as only children know how. When they were together, the Stars on their foreheads would shine as brightly as the stars in the sky. It amazed Angeline, the power she could sense from them when they were together. But what puzzled her more was the fact that only when they were together would their Stars shine.
Angeline had spent many nights watching her children sleep, Aurora curled up in her brother's arms, and wondered what destiny held for them. She could only pray that no matter what hardships, or joys, they might face in life that they would do so together.
Though Aurora had many playtime friends, outside of Darien there was only one other that Aurora cared deeply for. That was her horse, Firewalker. Firewalker had been born to a white mare, one of many mares owned by Angeline and Derrick. What made this young colt so special, however, was the fact that he had been born with the mark of the Star on his forehead, and shared the same date of birth as Aurora. It became obvious to Angeline that this horse was meant for her daughter, and as a gift for her on the day of her birth, Angeline gave Firewalker to Aurora.
Firewalker was a handsome creature, and very good-natured. His coat
was white, as his mother's had been, but his mane and tail were a dark
ruby red, matching the color of the star on his forehead. His eyes were
And it was between Firewalker and Aurora that a bond would form; a bond that would transcend time and space. For while Aurora was unaware of it, Firewalker was her sworn guardian, a duty he would honor regardless of the place, time, or era.
But these peaceful times on Earth were not to last, and by the time Aurora was 5 and Darien 9, their world was thrown into chaos. Beryl, attempting to broaden her force, polluted a small number of the people of Earth with her evil. It was Earth's highest reigning kingdom that she attacked, home to Aurora and her family. The kingdom became suddenly war torn; a kingdom once ruled by peace and serenity. Now blood shed and mayhem reigned supreme. The attack came during the early spring, at sun set one April evening. The dark powers of Beryl spread through the kingdom over night, forcing Angeline and Derrick to awaken their children at 2 am, so that they could escape the murdering pillagers. People ran a mock in the streets; many were fleeing for their lives, others were over come by Beryl's power, and became the threat from which the others were attempting to flee.
Angeline and Derrick lead their children from their home, holding tight to each of their hands so as not to lose them in the chaotic crowds, which threatened to break them apart. Aurora had to practically be dragged away, as she did not want to leave Firewalker at the mercy of the mad men and women, who were tearing their home apart as they stole into the night. And though her screaming cries tore at Angeline's heart, she knew the danger her family was in, and could not afford to endanger them more by returning for a horse. So, hand in hand, the family pushed through the raging crowds around them, attempting to reach a temporary safe haven where Angeline could contact her sister. Once she was contacted, Angeline and Kiaya could combine their powers and transport the family safely back to the Sun City. That safe haven, however, was never found.
The whole kingdom was covered by darkness. There was no moon, nor were there any stars bright enough to shine through the darkness which had swallowed the kingdom whole. The entire kingdom was burning. The screams of hundreds of people could be heard through the darkness; some were screams of pain, others screams for mercy. The screams of dying animals could also be heard, animals that were trapped in the many burning barns across the kingdom. People lunged at each other with knives, pitchforks, and axes- any weapon that could cause injury or death. Gangs formed and hunted the innocent down, beating them to death. Slaughter surrounded the family as they tried to escape the madness that had consumed their world, but their attempt of escape were to no avail.
Less than a quarter of a kilometer away from the kingdom's limits, Darien was torn from his father's hand, as the family was engulfed by an oncoming mob. The force by which the mob pushed passed them was so great, that Darien could simply not hold on to his father any longer. Within a moment he was lost to his family. Angeline was frantic, trying to locate her son through the passing crowds, hoping against hope that some mad man hadn't simply put a knife through him. Derrick screamed his name in vain, shoving people out of the way trying to catch a glimpse of his son, but Darien could not be seen.
Aurora cried meekly for her brother, as the horrific scene around her had sent her into shock. Her mind had ceased long ago registering coherent thought, or attempting to make sense of what was going on around her. Angeline's mind however had not been blessed with such unknowing of her surroundings. Reality rang clear through her mind, as it did through her husband's. Darien was lost, and could not be found. The best thing for them to do was to try to continue on, and get the rest of the family to safety. But Angeline could not bring herself to abandon her child. Derrick realized this, and did what he could to make Angeline continue their search for safety.
Derrick looked Angeline in the eye; " He's gone Angie. He's dead, at least to us. We must leave this place if we're to salvage what we have left of our lives, and family." Derrick shook as he spoke, overcome by so many emotions – the overwhelming pain of his son's loss, the soul wrenching guilt of knowing Darien's loss was his fault, and the ever-present fear for his family's safety. Holding Aurora close to her, Angeline looked at her husband through tears. She knew he was right, he had always been right, but what he proposed she do now was more than what she was capable of. However, it had to be done. She was just about to consent to leaving when Derrick was attacked from behind.
A huge man, with a crazed look in his eye, clubbed Derrick across the back. Derrick fell hard to the ground, desperately trying to breathe. He screamed at Angeline to run, to save herself, but at first she wouldn't go. Derrick struggled to his feet, only to be beaten down again by the same man, who was surrounded by a few others that had gathered round. Each took a turn at beating him; it did not take long for Derrick to die.
Derrick's death, however, was sight Angeline had been spared. Soon after the first attack on her husband, women driven mad by Beryl's power swarmed Angeline, trying to tear Aurora from her grasp. Angeline push and kicked them away, then turned and ran, but she was not fast enough. The possessed women ran her down, and began kicking at her, and striking her across the back with fallen branches that had been strewn across the ground. Their blows were fierce, and they forced Angeline to her knees. All the while she held Aurora in her arms, pressed protectively against her chest. Throughout the beating, Angeline sheltered Aurora with her body, but she knew she had to move on.
Fighting against the many attacks that now rained down upon her, Angeline got to her feet, and ran for dear life. She paid no mind to her surroundings, or her direction, she just ran with all she had inside of her, head bent to protect herself from any other vicious blows.
Suddenly Angeline found herself alone with Aurora. Miraculously she had made it outside the kingdom's limits. She and her daughter were safe, but Angeline was dying. The wounds she had suffered during the onslaught of attacks within the kingdom had broken almost all of her ribs, had cracked her left shoulder blade, and had left her bruised to the bone. But the fatal wounds were those that could not be seen- the internal wounds. During her flight from the kingdom, one of her broken ribs punctured her right lung. The wound was grave, and as she stood holding Aurora outside of the kingdom, she began to cough up blood, and struggled to breathe.
On top of the punctured lung, both of her kidneys had ruptured during the beating. The damage done to her was extensive, and Angeline knew it. But before she died, there was one thing she had to do.
Kiaya, can you hear me? Angeline spoke to her sister telepathically. Kiaya's response was immediate. Angeline I'm here. You are so weak! Why? What is happening?! Angeline could sense her sister's rising panic, for she was far too weak to try to block from her mind the inner turmoil she was suffering from, so as to spare her sister. By conveying images of what she had seen, within moments, Kiaya learned of what had happened on Earth, and to the family that she loved. With that knowledge, Kiaya shared Angeline's turmoil. For it became clear to Kiaya very quickly that her sister was far too weak to survive a transport. If Aurora were to make it to the Sun, Angeline would have to die.
That, however, was a sacrifice Angeline was all too prepared to make. This is the only way Kiaya. My beloved Derrick is dead - I know it; my darling Darien is lost to me, and I, myself, am dying. Aurora must live, she must! Please Kiaya, promise me you'll keep her safe. Promise me you'll love like she is your own. I know she'll be happy with you on the Sun, I know it in my heart. Promise me……… Angeline's voice grew weak in Kiaya's mind. Fear gripped at Kiaya's heart and soul as she screamed out into the night for her sister to stay with her, not to leave just yet. Annngeeelinnne!! Please, stay with me! I can't do this alone! Yes, I promise you! I promise you Aurora will live in peace, and she will live knowing she is loved. I will guard her with my life, I will love her as if she were mine; I promise you sister, Aurora will be happy!
Kiaya reached out frantically with her mind to reach her sister, but all she could sense was silence. Knowing not Angeline and Aurora's whereabouts on Earth, without Angeline's combined strength and knowledge, Kiaya would never be able to bring Aurora to the Sun; and to safety. Angeline! Suddenly Angeline's voice rang out from the darkness in Kiaya's mind. I'm here Kiaya. Thank you. Thank you for your promises. I feel I can now rest in peace….. But before we do this Kiaya, promise me one more thing. Promise me you'll tell Aurora, someday, that she had a mother and father that loved her more than life itself. Speak to her of Darien; remind her how close they were, and how much they loved each other. Tell her that we are forever with her, always by her side, and that should she ever need us, she needs only to seek us out and we will be there.
Tears streamed down Kiaya's cheeks. She could feel her heart shattering, never to be the same again. On my honor as Sun Queen, Angeline, I promise you that. Kiaya felt a sudden rush of relief flow through her sister. Then let us begin. And Kiaya, I want you to know how much I love you. I'm so sorry now that I did not listen to you so long ago, that I did not stay when you asked me to. There is nothing to forgive Angeline, Kiaya spoke softly to her. I love you too.
With those last words, Angeline gathered up her waning strength, and drew a bewildered Aurora into her arms. Angeline knew her daughter had no idea now what was going on; she only hoped someday that Aurora would remember her words. " My precious little Aurora. I'm so sorry my darling! I've failed you so. But know this, my little one, I will always be with you. I love you, and no matter what happens, nothing could ever take my love from you; nothing could ever change that. Live, and be happy, Aurora. And maybe someday, I hope you'll be able to forgive me for what I've done; for what I've allowed to happen to our family." Letting her go from her tight embrace, Angeline looked into her daughter's eyes, tearing filling and spilling out over her own, "I love you Aurora. Always remember that."
Angeline's voice was barely a whisper, as the pain in her chest became
too much to speak. Her vision began to grow dim; her breathing became shallow
as she continued to lose blood, externally and from within. She sensed
her sister was ready, waiting for her to commence the transportation. Angeline
cast her hand out in front of Aurora, so as to direct her power towards
her daughter, and not herself. Pouring her very soul into her effort, Angeline
began. Her powers reached out and surrounded Aurora protectively. She sensed
Kiaya's powers do the same. Aurora began to fade gradually, until there
was nothing left of her, or Angeline's powers. Kiaya looked on in grief
as her young niece appeared before her, and upon her safe arrival, felt
Angeline's life force give out all together. ANGELINE! Kiaya's
mind screamed out. She could feel Angeline slipping away. We will
meet again………. Angeline's voice whispered softly in her sister's
mind. Then Angeline was gone, lost forever to those who loved her the most.