What You See…
Thanx for the reviews people, and for answering my questions!
Disclaimer: Don't own LOTR.
Chapter Five: If I Could Fall Into the Sky, Do You Think Time Would Pass My By?
The day passed much as usual. Get up, go to school. Sit through classes and pretend I'm paying attention. Pretend that this wasn't my last day in this school, this town, this state, for I had decided that I would leave Massachusetts. Pretend that I wasn't going to escape from my abusive parents today. See? Normal as you can get.
To tell you the truth, I felt rather frustrated throughout the day. I had considered staying home for the whole day but had decided against since I couldn't be sure that my parents would be gone the whole day. I think Lilly suspects that something is up. The rest of my friends continued on gossiping about who was so hot at school and the latest fashions, but I think she noticed. I was rather quiet today, or more so than usual. She questioned me on whether something was wrong or not, and concern was etched into her voice. For a moment I had a wild thought just to spill the beans, to tell her everything. I came back to the real world quickly, smiling and saying that I had just been up late working on homework. She had given me a penetrating glance but had then fallen silent, not questioning me further. But still, I had the distinct impression that she did not believe me. I pushed the thought out of my mind, though, and continued with my day.
I had felt guilty, though, afterwards. After all, I was going to leave tonight, and Lilly was my best friend. Surely she deserved better! She would never know what had happened to me. Then I remembered Ryan, and my guilt increased. He was such a sweet boyfriend! It would never work out, though, for deep in my heart, I knew that he was not the one I loved. I cared deeply for him, of course, but I did not love him. These may seem foolish words. For how can one know, you might ask, how can one know love until they had let the relationship wax and wane as it willed? But I knew. No feelings stirred in my heart when I looked upon the face of Ryan except friendship.
Still, guilt plagued me. I realized that even in this life that seemed so cruel, I did have friends, and I was grateful for it. As I walked toward the buses after waving a goodbye to Lilly, my resolution wavered. Did I truly want to leave this town, where I had grown up, spent my entire life? Did I truly want to leave this school, these friends, this life? Perhaps I could just wait it out, wait until Johnny was eighteen and then bear him away. For a moment, that solution called to me, seemed so much simpler. It was like being presented with two types of desert; would one rather prefer chocolate cheesecake or roasted beetles? Then I remembered all that I had gone through, the nights of tears, the evenings of pain, never having a moment's peace, even in my dreams. I hardened my resolve. Roasted beetles might not sound very appetizing, but it was still edible, and it would not make one gain weight, as chocolate cheesecake might. It would not have the same consequences.
"Hey, move it, girlie!" a loud voice called from behind me. I felt a hand shove me toward the stairs of the bus. I had been blocking the way as I stood in thought. I caught myself before falling face forward on the stairs and turned around furiously. The mixed emotions in my heart reached the surface in the form of blind anger.
I glared at the senior who had pushed me. My famous "death glare," some called it, especially reserved for juniors and seniors who bullied freshmen. They had no right. He took a step backward, seemingly surprised that I had turned to face him, me, a freshman. He must be new, my brain coldly calculated, since most everyone around here never messes with me. My reputation as the popular girl with silver hair with the kick-butt martial arts parents had traveled around the school quite rapidly when I had first arrived.
"Don't mess with me," I hissed at him in a deadly tone of voice that scared most people. Lilly had once accused me of scaring the people at McDonalds when I had gotten into an argument with the cashier. Well, he was pissing me off… Anyways, back to the point, I had enough pressure on me about what I was going to do this afternoon without him adding to me. Stupid seniors. Why can't they mind their own business, I thought rather angrily.
"What did you say, little girl? Why don't you just get out of the way and stop trying to act like you're brave? Go on, now. Run home to you mommy," he said in a superior tone of voice, putting his hand to my shoulder and beginning to turn me around. A crowd had gathered by now, waiting to get on the bus but also watching what was conspiring with interest. At the senior's words, whispers had broken throughout. I could hear a few of them.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he crazy?"
"Doesn't he know who her parents are?"
"She's gonna kick his ass!"
"No, she isn't. She probably doesn't even know martial arts at all. I mean, who knows whether her parents teach her? She's probably pretending to be all that."
"Maybe you're right."
I forced myself not to punch this guy in the face. Containing my anger, I said coldly, "Let go of me."
"Why should I? Are you gonna make me, little girl?" he replied, smirking, his hand still grasping my shoulder.
I snapped. My carefully contained rage broke loose like a dam, letting the torrents of anger flow out like an incontrollable river. He had now insulted me twice. One thing I could not stand were a sexist guys who believed that men were better than women, were stronger and braver, and this guy was definitely leaning in that direction. Another thing I couldn't stand was people making fun of me because of my height. True, I was rather short but not enough to look like a "little girl" as he had named me. Quick as lightning, but still acutely aware of the fact that the bus driver was behind me, I delivered a smart chop to the arm that was clasping my shoulder. It dropped immediately, with him gasping in pain. Then, in a fashion that made him look like he tripped, I kicked his legs out from underneath him, causing him to fall flat on his back. I could hear the words of "What's goin' on out there?" from the bus driver.
I dragged him upright, bringing his pain-filled face very close to mine. "Never mess with me again," I spoke in a whisper, punctuating each word with a small shake. With that, I stalked onto the bus. There were cheers from the crowd, but I ignored them. I sat down and moodily gazed out of the window. Now that the moment was through, I was mentally berating myself for losing my temper. I should've kept a check on my emotions, I thought, emotion will only get in my way in the long run and that little show of temper did nobody any good! As the bus started on the way to my neighborhood, many people congratulated me, and I pointedly ignored them. My arms were now a little tired. Shaking that senior had not been an easy task considering that he was much bigger and heavier than me! Stupid! I continued berating myself, Now you've just wasted precious energy and effort that you might have need to use during your escape! How dumb can you get? And you should know by now not to lose your temper!
The bus rolled to a stop near my house, and I got off, still reprimanding myself. This time, I quickly made my way towards my house. Before going in, though, I gathered my weapons. I might need them if we run into any trouble, I thought grimly. I had never killed anyone before in my entire life, but if I was forced to in this escape, then I would not hesitate to do so. Then I quickly rushed into the house. I paused for a second, listening for sound, for any hint that my parents might be at home. Nothing. Then again, they were always good at being silent. They might still be here. This is foolishness! What if they catch you? These thoughts came unbidden to my mind, and I pushed them away hurriedly before they could put even more doubt in my heart.
I threw down my school backpack and rushed to my room, grabbing the pack that I had laid out for myself. Grabbing another, empty pack, I checked my watch. 3:27. Good, I still had time. I then began my search. I went to my parents' bedroom first, looking for Johnny or maybe a hidden door. I found neither. From there, I went back to the first floor and began combing the place. Even I had not been to all the places of my five-story house. For a while the search seemed fruitless. I had found nothing on the first, second, and third floors. I checked my watch again. 4:00. I had to hurry.
Finally, on the fourth floor, I found him. I had been searching a room that looked like all the rest. I had been just about to go back out after finding nothing when my hand felt something as I was about to flip off the light switch. It was like a little button. I pressed it, and to my astonishment, the entire left wall of the room slid open! And there was Johnny, sleeping peacefully, his child's face smooth and calm, his chest rising evenly. He looked so innocent then that my eyes filled with tears. I brushed them away quickly and went to wake up Johnny. He woke slowly and let out an exclamation of "Ari!" when he saw me accompanied by a hug. I hugged him back for a while before explaining to him that we were leaving. As I explained, I went around the room and packed his things. It was a rather good room, with toys and everything a child could want. I was rather surprised at this and wondered about it but ignored the question for now.
As I finished packing and explaining, I looked over to Johnny, who was staring at me with wide, guileless, blue eyes. My heart felt warmer. "Come, Johnny," I said, "We must hurry if we are to escape today." And he came, without asking any questions, once more the same, undying trust. We left the room.
* * * * * * * Meanwhile… * * * * * * * * * * *
I lock my bedroom door and cast a silencing spell over the threshold, ensuring that no one would hear a sound. All is prepared; all is ready. I begin the ritual, starting with the placing of the crystals. Five crystals, pure and shining, I place in the center of the room. I clap my hands once, speaking a sharp word of command, and they begin to glow. White, incandescent lines of power form between the crystals, creating Pishruuk, the Star of Light. I move to the center of that star, clutching only the sheet of paper upon which I have written my spell. Of course, I have memorized it, but I will not be leaving anything to risk in this operation. Creating a portal is very complicated business. Now, to call upon the seven colors, the seven threads of power.
I speak:
"Red- Blood Saver, Blood Letter—Come to me! I command it."
Lisele-ut
A glowing red strand of power materializes in my right hand. It feels of red hot iron, festivities on the air, the warmth of fresh blood, all at once. Its color of red swirls, sometimes light, sometimes dark, sometimes the color of blood, sometimes that of an apple. I continue.
"Orange- Fire Starter, Fire Quencher—Come to me! I command it."
Frith-re
An orange strand comes to me, swirling in color as the first strand. It feels like the warmth of flames, the juice of an orange.
"Yellow- Light Bringer, Light Queller—Come to me! I command it."
Merte-mi
Yellow, like the shining of the sun, the refreshing taste of butter, caresses my hand, also changing.
"Green- Grass Hider, Glade Scryer—Come to me! I command it."
Kurh-fa
The lushness of green grass, the gentle feel of soft wind among tall trees, the scent of evergreen. Green is in my hand. The strands of power squirm, wanting to be set loose. I hurry on, not wanting them to break out of control.
"Blue- Cloud Chaser, Cloud Caller—Come to me! I command it."
Brige-sol
Blue comes as the softness of puffy clouds, the rushing of ocean waves, the eternal encompassing of the sky.
"Indigo- Night Stayer, Night Summoner—Come to me! I command it."
Luasa-ela
I feel the stars of night, the velvety blackness of the world, come to my palm. Only one last strand to go, I think in relief. It is becoming quite a task to manage all of this power. They work against me, trying to break free, but I clamp my will tightly on them, forcing them to stay calm, quivering the center of my hand. The last strand will be the most important, signifying my journey to a new world.
"Violet- The New Beginning—Come to me! I command it."
Grei-ti
Violet, the cry of a baby, the cloaks of royalty, the essence of starting over, materializes to be with its brothers and sisters. Knowing I have not much time, I take the strands and begin to weave, chanting my spell at the same time.
Time, it is a tapestry
Threads that weave it number three
These be know, from first to last,
Future, Present, and the Past
Present, Future, weft-thread be
Fleeting in inconstancy
Yet the colors they do add
Serve to make the heart be glad
Past, the warp-thread that it be
Sets the path of history
Every moment 'neath the sun
Every battle, lost or won
Finds its place within the lee
Of Time's enduring memory
Fate, the weaver of the bands
Hold these threads within Her hands
Plaits a rope that in its use
Can be a lifeline, net—or noose.
And then for the last part:
What I once lost
I now shall gain
Away from anger
Far from pain
That now we part
In this dark hour
Storms of grief
And wells of power
Stir the mysts
Of Sand and Time
Bring back to me
What once was mine
Let me now
My emotions hide
Begin again
These powers reside!
Rather bad poetry for my part, but writing spells was never my strong suit. It was hers. I swallow, closing my eyes for the briefest of seconds, pushing away the memories that I can not yet face, pushing back reason. For reason will stop me from this, stop me from opening a portal. I open my eyes. The spell seems to be working. The threads of power now look like a tapestry of sorts.
Yes, the portal, the forbidden portal, is opening.
Now, it stands before me, in the Star of Light, a molten mixture of colors dazzling the eyes and ensnaring the soul if the wielder is not careful. But I am. My spell had worked perfectly. I heave my pack upon my shoulders, taking one last look around my room, at the pictures of my friends and family on this world. A bitter half-smile forms on my lips. It is good that I am leaving now. I will spare them the sorrow of heartbreak. And I will spare myself as well. I lift my foot to step through. The whirling halo of light blinds my eyes for an instant. Then, suddenly—
Nothing.
My foot steps through hair. I feel my face freeze; my heart seems to stop beating. What has gone wrong? my mind is frantically screaming, What has happened? I did everything correctly, all the spell components, everything. I begin to mentally review everything I had done. Everything had been correct. But then what had gone wrong? Why had it disappeared? Fear constricts my heart. Building a time portal is forbidden. Having one out on the loose, with no control is even worse. It can probably destroy this entire world, I realize with a sinking heart. What had gone wrong though?
And then it hits me, shocking my mind. I had been missing one spell component, just one, but it made all the difference.
I had not given the portal a location. I had not told it where to appear when I summoned it, whether to stay in front of me or to move to Africa or anything else.
My knees collapse from underneath me. The spell has left me weak, I think vaguely. My emotions begin to overload my weary mind, and I do the only thing I can think of right now. Tears splatter the floor.
I weep.
* * * * * * * * * Also meanwhile… * * * * * * * *
"Once more we are gathered on Halalia, day of power, the day when seven moons of seven different worlds form an alignment. How has everything been going? Are our plans proceeding as expected?"
"My lord, everything is going quite well."
"How so? Details. For only once a year may we meet or else the powers of good may track us down and destroy us forever."
"The training is progressing quite as expected, my lord. The One is still unused to the rigors of training but is beginning to adjust."
"Good. Will the Chosen be ready soon?"
"Not yet, my lord. It will still take a few years before the process is complete."
"Will there be any interferences?"
"No, my lord. That is, except for the Other. But the Other has different issues."
"The Other….Still, it would be a good idea to watch, make sure the Other does not get any notions or ideas. Watch the Other carefully. Have you found the Three Sacrifices yet?
"Nay, my lord. But surely, that is not so important? After all, they will not be needed until the end?"
"Ah, never think that way. Begin scouting for the Three Sacrifices. Without them, our plan is nothing."
"Yes, my lord, as you command."
"Now, on to more recent matters. Shavya, tell me, what have your visions been of lately? Do you foresee anything that might be of importance? Speak up, seeress."
"My lord, the—"
They all felt it; every single member attending the Council felt it. Power. Vibrations hummed through the air, louder and louder, thrumming with power. The sheer force of it sent many members to their knees, clutching their heads in pain. Such power! It was unheard of!
"Shields!"
They all heard the lord, his voice penetrating through the waves of pure force and reacted to it, instantly forming mental shields. Even then, though, they could still hear the power buzzing around them, though lesser now.
"What?"
"What's happening?"
"Such power!"
"What group is doing this?"
"Have they discovered us?"
"Are they coming for us?"
Then, a voice boomed out over the confusion, "Silence!" The might of their lord's voice sent them all into an immediate silence after the initial outbreak of panic.
"Khunam, what is this? What can you tell of this?" the lord asked, beckoning to one of the black-robed figures. But just as the figure was about to speak, they all knew what it was. And in that moment, dread and awe seeped into their hearts, eating away like carbonic acid does to limestone. The same thoughts raced through everyone's mind. A portal! A portal through Time and Space! Who would dare?! It had long ago been forbidden by all orders, good, evil, and neutral, for building and entering a portal could bring about the destruction of the world, or completely ruin the run of events. Not even those highest among their order and most powerful did not dare create a portal. Not that they could, for creating a portal took much strength and power and could not be done by one person alone. There had to be a group of skilled magi, at least ten, in order to create one, and even then, it could go awry.
The silence that reigned while these thoughts were speeding through everyone's mind soon became ominous. Finally, someone gasped out, "Who? Where? Did anything go wrong?" At this break in the silence, everyone seemed to regain their senses.
"Khunam," the lord commanded, "find out who it is."
"Yes, my lord," a figure robed in black answered. A look of intense concentration came over his face as he searched with his mind for the portal and who had created it. Then, after a few seconds upon which tension mounted, his face turned a ghastly shade of white, and he collapsed on the ground. Immediately, everyone flocked around him, helping him up, giving him a sip of water. These actions were not done out of kindness, though, but out of the need for news, for what was happening.
When Khunam was finally revived enough to speak, he said in a tone filled with awe and fear, "One person! One person built the time portal!" At this, whispers spread like wildfire through the Council. The lord, though his face was now a shade paler, raised a hand, and silence fell over all again.
"Continue," the lord said in a neutral tone of voice.
"I cannot tell whether the person is a man or a woman…or some other species. But whoever it is, they contain power like I have never felt and mindshields that are impossible to break through! Yes, so strong were the shields that they threw my mind back when I tried to broach them!" Once again, a few mutterings before the man continued, sipping water.
"As for the portal," he once more spoke, a tremble in his voice, "it is near the place in which you dwell!" He turned towards two other black-robed figures. They exchanged sharp glances.
The lord's face had become even paler, though he was still quite composed, his pale face the only sign of nervousness. "Go," he commanded, his voice tinged with what might have been—fear? "Go, quickly. Make sure nothing happens to ruin our plans! Go!!!"
With that, the two figures rushed off into the gathering darkness.
* * * * * * * * * * Aria * * * * * * * * * *
We went down the stairs. I was holding Johnny's hand in mine, and it gave me a bit of warmth. My senses were at their peak right now. I was aware of every tiny movement, every sound, every smell. I jumped at the creak of a stair. Johnny looked up at me in surprise. "Where are we going, Ari?" he asked me, his blue eyes wide.
"Somewhere far away," I replied, "Come along now, we have to hurry." Johnny became quiet again, trusting me. I was grateful for the silence, not knowing how to answer these questions right now. My nerves were stretched out so much that I was afraid that I'd snap and go insane. We rushed down more flights of stairs, still alert. Then, there was the front door. My heart seemed to rise in relief. Freedom! Only down the entrance hall now. I was elated. Victory! I wanted to shout out in joy. But suddenly, just as we neared the door, my parents came bursting in through it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
No… where has it gone?
My tears still fall upon the floor. Helplessness rages inside of me. I wipe away my tears as they flow. No, I think, I must concentrate. I must try to find it!
I reach out my senses.
* * * * * * * * * Aria * * * * * * * * * *
My father came first, dressed in a what looked like a black bathrobe. In instant reflex, I hurled one of my daggers. But this was not in practice. This was real, deadly earnest. It plunged into his chest, and he staggered. With a look of surprise, he crumpled to the ground.
For a moment, I felt stunned, shocked, even sickened. I had just killed someone, my own father, in fact. But I had no time to brood for my mother came at me, dressed in a similar fashion, with a deadly look in her eyes, her sword at the ready. She always seemed to have her sword with her. I remembered Johnny and quickly backed away, looking for an exit. My mother was blocking the front door, and there was no back way. I knew I could not beat my mother in weaponry. So I took the only way there was left. Up.
"Run, Johnny!" I screamed, "Run upstairs!" He looked confused for a moment. He had seen the dagger hurtle into my father's body, but he did not understand it, did not understand death. He glanced at me for a second and then obeyed, sprinting up the stairs as fast as his weak legs could carry him. I ran after, hurrying him along and keeping a watch on my mother. She dashed after us, her eyes full of murder. I shuddered. Those eyes were not sane, not rational, not…human!
I blessed whatever gods there were that she did not have bow and arrow or throwing knives. If so, we would have been caught for sure! We kept on running. I could hear Johnny's breath come out in wheezes and gasps. I knew he could not last much longer. I still breathed easily from all the running that I did at school and at home. I did not know what we would do when we reached the fifth floor. Then I remembered.
The pulley in my room that I used to pull my bookbag up with! We could escape from there! The pulley had strong ropes, and I knew that they would not break. I guided Johnny in the direction of my room as we reached the fifth floor. By now, he had slowed considerably. I could not hear my mother behind us, but then again, she stepped silently as well. She can't be too close, I thought.
I opened the door to my room, dragging Johnny in with me and slamming and locking the door. Then I quickly rushing to the window and called Johnny over. Just as I began instructing him on how to climb down, very quickly though, the door burst into shards. Literally, it just burst into shards. That was the only thing I saw though.
The next thing I knew, something had slammed into me, knocking the wind out of me, and slamming me into the wall. I sat up dazed, the thought of escape still firmly latched in my brain. Then another something slammed into me again, and this time I was not so lucky. I flew through the wall. Yes, through it. I had the vague thought of ouch, that hurt, before I began to fall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I sense it, the thrumming energy of the portal. My heat lifts. It is in a small neighborhood near here, next to a five-story house. I murmur the words that conjure up the image of what is happening around the portal.
Everything is peaceful and serene. The gathering night is illuminated by the portal's dazzling rainbow of colors. I sigh in relief.
But then—
A small figure, the light of the portal flashing off its strange, silver-colored hair—
Plummeting right through the portal.
* * * * * * * * * Aria * * * * * * * * * *
I fell. Everything around me blurred. All I could hear was the wind rushing over my ears. I closed my eyes. For a second I considered just giving up, just letting myself fall to the ground and probably break my neck. I considered not showing any resistance. Death would be welcome. Perhaps it's time for me to join my Shadow-Lover, I remembered from one of the books I had read a while ago. But it was only a flash, a mere speck of a thought.
I remembered Johnny. I remembered my friends at school, Lilly and Ryan. I sill had something to live for, even though hope seemed to be lost right now. No, I would not give up yet! I braced myself for the fall, trying to turn my body into the right position so that I would land safely. I waited.
Nothing.
I opened my eyes for a brief glance at what was happening. A dazzling array of light met my eyes in the increasing darkness, millions of different colors, changing and flowing. I was falling into—a rainbow?
And then I was through it, having the strange sensation that I was moving through a million different landscapes—water, fire, grass, sky—all at once.
And still I fell. I began wondering when this fall would end. But suddenly, I was falling through branches, through a thick canopy of trees. Brambles and branches struck my body; leaves whipped my face. I bit back a cry.
I fell through more of thick foliage. All thoughts of landing properly were out of my mind. I just concentrated on not falling on an upright branch and killing myself. But the ground came all too fast. For a moment I was free of the foliage, falling through empty air. My eyes were closed as not to get them scratched out by brambles. Therefore, I did not see the ground rushing up to greet me.
Cra-a-ack.
The sound seemed to ring through the dense mass of trees, vibrating. Fire exploded in my left arm. For a moment, I lost my breath, seeing nothing except for bursts of color before my eyes, hearing nothing but the roar of blood in my ears, losing all thought of anything but the pain. I fought against the darkness that was creeping towards me. I opened my mouth to scream, but the years of training pierced through even this haze of pain, and I closed my mouth, letting out only a small whimper. No one could have kept entirely silent in this situation.
I don't know how long I lay there, thinking of nothing but the pain and at the same time, trying to turn my thoughts away from it. But at length, I tried to move myself. Once again, bursting balls of flame lacerated my left arm. My brain seemed to completely shut down.
There was a ragged scream which I faintly recognized as my own, the totally random thought that I still had my packed bag and my weapons with me, and then—
Darkness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
YAY! I'm finally done!
Disclaimer: Oh, the whole colors thing and time poem thing belongs to Elizabeth Haydon, the author who wrote the Rhapsody, Prophecy, Destiny trilogy. The thing after the time poem is mine though, that's why its so crappy. And the shadow-lover thing belongs to Mercedes Lackey. Too tired to write more notes.