Author's notes: very simple message today, I NEED MORE REVIEWS!!! PLEASE, PEOPLE!!
Chapter 11: A Second Chance
As night began to creep in upon the colossal fortress, its inhabitants prepared for a good night's sleep. Deep within the chambers, the guards changed shifts, keeping security in tiptop condition. Far above, the night sky was clear of clouds, and for the first time in centuries, the stars dominated the heavens. Every now and again, a comet would flash across the horizon, and the citizens would say their own prayer; Ra has blessed their land and they will soon be rewarded with a great harvest.
From the tallest tower within the fortress walls, Angel stood alone in a beautiful silk dress incrusted with the pearls of the legendary ocean and wild flowers from the great plains of Asia, all of which suspended in time to capture and preserve the most perfect time in their existence. How this was possible amongst a lot of other things such as how the world suddenly seemed so peaceful and why she wasn't trying to escape were all befuddling to her. And yet, despite all the questions and the frankly alien environment she is now in, Angel felt peace, more than she has felt in a very long time.
"Is it not exactly as I had promised?" Darkness sat on the edge of the bed, gazing dreamingly at the figure, which seemed more of a goddess wrapped in such divine clothing than a mere mortal, "the riches, the comfort, and the peace?"
For a while, Angel did not answer, for she was still far too much in thought; how could these beings act so natural even though they have slaughtered thousands of innocent lives no more than a week ago? How could they claim to be so civilized when they worship the act of battle and give the weak no chances at all? And most importantly, why is their leader so interested in her, interested enough to keep her alive?
"The answer is simple."
Angel turned to look at her companion; something she was compelled to do yet did not dare for the past hour. "Are you reading my mind?" She whispered, the mere suggestion of which contradicted in everything she believed in; magic cannot possibly exist.
"Reading one's thoughts are one of the more basic forms of our abilities," Darkness replied in a equally gentle and some how, unnerving way, "the success of such spells depend solely upon the intended target. Those of weak minds, such as a mere human, are easy to read; sometimes the spells aren't even necessary, for their minds dwell purely on greed and fear. Such corrupted minds were never meant to last."
Angel frowned and looked away. For a second she had considered that perhaps Darkness was much more respectful and noble than she had first believed, now though, he seemed just as arrogant as ever.
"But you… you are so different," He continued, "from the moment I laid eyes upon you, I knew you were something else, something far more than just another human. At first I thought it was your attitude towards the world and everything within it that seemed so unique, but then I realised that you were a lot more complex than that." He stood, refusing to shift his gaze as he moved towards her, "your mind, your body, your very soul has been signalling me, trying to tell me that you are more than you appear to be. Your potentials are incredible, such powerful aura should not and cannot be wasted away…" He paused, standing right behind her, his face next to hers, his arms wrapping around her waist, "you, my beautiful goddess, are beyond the mere comprehension of the world of mortals. You are unique and more intelligent than any I have ever encountered. You, my dear, will be the most powerful spell caster this world has ever seen."
A shooting star streaked overhead and landed near the horizon with a white flash. From bellow, the people began ceased what they were doing and gasped in awe at the crash site; some began to whisper prayers, others bowed.
"See that?" Darkness whispered into Angel's ear, causing her to tense at the sensation, "that's a sign from Ra himself; you will become one of us and I will be destined to train you in the arts of magic, and one day, you will save us all."
Next day, the sun rose with nothing to block it away. Across the entire desert, tiny signs of life began to creep out from their hiding place; first came the insects, then tiny reptiles, until the vast sea of sand became as busy as the books that Angel has read said they should.
They should all be dead, she told herself, but that is obviously not the case. From across the chamber, an eagle perched itself high on the support beams, staring intently at the girl lying across the bed. For a while, Angel tried to remember what Darkness had said the other night, how she was special. But what could possibly be unique about me, she thought, wrapping the blanket around herself. A few floors bellow her; the first signs of activity began to bounce off the walls of the corridors. The men were getting ready to carry on their work from last night and the soldiers were changing shifts once again, but despite all the commotion, Angel felt alone.
Where is that man? She wondered; if he's so interested in her, why did he leave her on her own? Is he not afraid that she would attempt an escape? For the umpteenths time the thought crossed her mind, yet she decided once again to ignore the idea. There's nothing for her to go back to even if she does make it past the sea of guards and soldiers, Ascalon would now be nothing but rubble and all of those she has once cared about are presumably dead.
"Atto," She whispered, the boy had said that he liked her and from the short time between then and the attack, Angel had hoped for something more out of him, "but there's no hope now… you're gone."
The eagle called and glided down and landed gently next to her, before resting on top of the fluffy pillow and resumed its stare.
"I never even thought I'd ever see the day where I would see an animal anything as beautiful as you." She smiled and stroked the bird tenderly, "But tell me, how could I possibly be as unique as Darkness said I am? I'm just a human, after all."
The eagle remained silent and closed its eyes in content. Funny how after all these days, the only thing Angel has felt comfortably with was a rare bird.
"Everyone is unique, Angel."
Startled, she climbed to a sitting position and stared at the eagle, no way could that bird just spoke to her.
"Do not be afraid, I simply want to be your friend."
The creature's beak did not move, and yet Angel could hear the words as clearly as the voice of a person. Is it talking through her mind?
"The very fact that you can hear me means that you, my friend, are no ordinary human. And when the time comes, you will find that there are many strange and amazing things that only you can accomplish. And when that day comes, you will truly transform into a higher state of being."