Fair warnings for some of this chapter, nothing detailed just tiny snippets ^^" And sorry for being late, but look! It's over 9,000 words just for you awesome people!
Honani stood silently by the window, the tree ever so gently stroking the young boy's short hair that splayed out around his shoulders. Leira hugged his shoulders, whilst communing silently with Darian who since was at a loss of what to do, settled for petting Erynia's hair as she slept, her excitement leaving her tired and exhausted. A comfortable silence settled over the four. A peculiar expression crossed Leira's mind as she thought back towards the period where Honey's eyes when black… He looked insane; and insatiable. As if he thirsted for bloodshed, spilt guts and endless fear to be bestowed upon his victims and enemies, at that moment when he turned this… Darkness against her, Leira felt as though, death was beckoning her, to free her from her new son, to free her from the pain that this unmerciful boy, (no… he wasn't a boy at that time, he was … darkness, for lack of anything better to describe him…) would give to her for getting in his way. She felt all the… sadistic emotions, nay not near sadist but defence, and protection, and insanity developing into a pure form of darkness. She felt all this and was almost... lost... her trains of thought dying, her natural Elven senses scrambled... she felt, alone helpless, despite being near to her son and daughter... She felt completely lost within her sanity.
Blinking back to reality she shivered slightly, confused by the darkness within her new son, what better way than ask him?
Leira shifted her arms slightly bringing Honani's attention onto her. Honani looked up at his new mother with a worried expression on his face. Leira gave him a warm smile.
"Honey" Leira said gaining his attention, "W-what happened before, when you turned all…" Leira paused searching for the word, unable to keep the stammer from her voice.
"Dark…" Darian offered quietly, being heard due to the silence in the room. Leira nodded in agreement, before turning to Honani.
"You said you lost control, but…" Leira continued, "What exactly, did you lose control over?" she finished. Leira began gently stroking Honani's hair, as the tree moved away to catch the breeze, and held him gently in comfort of the topic which, in her eyes, was a hard story to tell.
Honani wondered whether or not this was the right thing to do, she was curious and obviously wanted answers, and his dark side seemed to be more volatile since Mahi wanted to go walkabouts nowadays. Even in the past, where Mahi was the companions of many of Honani's ancestors, he never left their side for long, until now. Thus Honani decided.
"It's rather complicated… but I'll try to explain the best I can." Honani said looking slightly edgy and nervous about his family's reactions.
"Well," Honani began, " It started with Helga Hufflepuff, one of the Hogwarts founders, she and her friends, Rowena, Godric and Salazar, all worked together to build Hogwarts school, they all used their magic, including the elemental magic they had."
"Elemental Magic?" Asked Leira, "I thought that only Elves had elemental magic,"
"They do, but they got told by the…" Honani paused, thinking hard about how to make this clear for his family, "Original Magic Being or Deity, the being that gives us all magic, allows the plants to grow, the sea to move – Basically she causes the entire world to work, we who have contact with her call her Mother Gaia. So the four founder's were told by Gaia to build a school so that she could grow stronger, or something, it's kind of hazy, my memory of the event from Helga is very old and is missing pieces, so it's hard to know. So Gaia used her power and gifted the four founders with elemental magic. Rowena was gifted Air, Godric with Fire, Salazar with Water, and finally Helga my ancestor with Earth; this is why the trees listen to me you see.
For some reason also, this gift is needed to be passed down through each generation, so every time someone has a child, the child gets the gift and the father or mother is no longer needed to harbour the gift, and then as you probably know, they get killed by their own magic, the child having all the memories of their father or mother as soon as they are born… almost like having two people in the same room, one would have to cease to exist for the universe to correct itself. It's the balance you see, but you would know all about that, wouldn't you" Honani stated, smiling slightly upward at his Mother who was still hugging him throughout the story. His mother was digesting the information, with a solemn expression on her face.
Darian cut in swiftly, "Sun to Moon, Heaven to Hell, Fire to Water, Air to Earth, Love to Hate, Time to Space…" It sounded as though he had it drilled into him from a young age considering how easily he recited it; then again these were Elves he was talking to, it was drilled into their anatomy to know about the Balance. Leira spared a glance at her Elven son, and gave an approving grin, which in turn caused him to beam at her with a wide smile that brightened the room.
"But what does this have to do with you're…" Leira asked trailing off in confusion. Honani gave a helpful smile and replied kindly.
"I'm getting there. Now, Helga had a secret hobby that she shared with Salazar; it was the hunt, Helga, despite her gentle nature and her competency with healing arts, was drawn to the sight of spilt blood, she often used blood magic in her potions, which gave her this reputation as a great healer; the difference between Light and Dark magic didn't matter when it came to these four, they just wanted to do Gaia's task as efficiently as possible. Helga's diaries have been lost for a while, but the Ravenclaw Diadem, which Rowena created, beholds all knowledge about what they knew, so that's one way… But the Diadem has been lost for centuries, so finding it is the work for a man who has nothing left or is incredibly gifted. Getting back on topic," Honani said cheekily,
"This Darkness inside me is basically the bloodlust that Helga felt, personified. I don't know what to call it, my inner shadow, the darkness, my angry side; I don't know what to call it. But it's a defence mechanism, if ever I feel threatened, or sad, or scared, it rises out of me and does something about it… My darkness was angry at my previous guardians, who tried to hurt me… He wanted to… touch me…" Honani paused shuddering, "defile me…" Honani choked out but was soon comforted by the elder Elf's arms that held him strong and warm, protected from the memories. "So… my Darkness removed them from the picture…"
Darian froze.
"Y-your shadow d-did that to them" He stammered in surprise and shock, "It was something from a horror film, I get how you love blood but that was inhumane, and that shadow is a part of you, and when berserk… What is your Shadow?"
Leira looked back at the pale elf who was stroking Erynia's hair in an attempt of comforting himself.
Honani looked with happy yet glazed eyes far into the distance, before answering in a breathless voice.
"He's my insanity,"
Leira, Darian and even the snoozing Erynia looked at each other confused, although Erynia only had a slight contemplative expression upon her face and wasn't pointedly looking at anyone.
"But, Honey, you're not insane," said Leira in a sweet voice and Darian nodded in agreement awaiting his brother's reply with an evil anxiety that crept up through him.
Honani looked back at them, and turned back towards the trees once more, he responded in a grave gravelly voice, that sounded as though two people were talking at once, one was a gravelly voice that sounded odd, like an amplified whisper from a dehydrated man who was lost on an island with his throat raw from screaming at his inner demons. The other sounded in Honani's normal voice, it sounded as though he had just finished laughing from a joke that made a rib or two crack from the mordacity of it all, a joyous voice that tried not to break out in laughter once more by the mere passing thought, both of the voices although normally completely, uncomplimentary each other in a horrible combination, yet they sounded as though they... belonged together, for if they were apart, they would both shatter, and cease to exist…
The twin voices spoke in the most oddest of fashions, one almost lustrously dark in the heavy stony voice in which he spoke, the other in the most Fey like tone, so light, so sweet, that it would have made the darkest, deadliest and most unmerciful Acromantula cry in devotion. And together they said:
"After seeing death after death of loved ones, life after life vanish in front of you, feeling pain after pain as death approaches ever so slowly, feeling the horrific pain as murders butcher your body with a maniacal grin upon their face,
traitors smirk at you as you scream, blood coating them as their eyes scream joy at the sight of yourself broken bleeding with death's gentle grasp ever so close yet so far away;
creatures and beasts from the nine depths of hell never relenting to pause their blooded muzzles as they rip and tear you're living body, with you watching and clutching onto the very brink of life to see them devour your heart and fight over it seeing the heartstrings snap one by one;
Then finally… one's who loved you, tear at your body whilst theirs is dead yet bewitched with death magic that only the master of death himself is liable to use, feeling their inferi claws unmercifully spraying your blood against the walls, whilst knowing all the while that with no one to pass this curse onto, pain is going to come in some form, over, and over, and over and over, each time attracting those creatures which kill maim and bathe in your remains, laughing all the while…
So Darian, Leira… You're both surprised I'm not the slightest bit sane?" The voice resounded back into Honani's normal voice once he mentioned their names, and he ended it with and exasperate and cheeky tone accompanied with a raised eyebrow, Salazar would have been jealous of.
Blank teary stares were his response. Leira held Honani tightly and silently conversed with Darian.
"They were all you're past lives, weren't they big bro…" Erynia's shy quiet voice sounded from the bed. She had been awake, listening during the entire time, listening in on their conversation; they obviously weren't going to included her when it came to 'grown up' things, so she learned to cope; usually sat in a bush under the open window outside.
Honani nodded wordlessly and leant back against his mother, taking deep comfort in her warmth, he felt incomplete…
Where was Mahi?
Honani blinked… He had been feeling a bit better after a while, he no longer had hormones of a pissed of drama queen on her period, but was more relax, and willing to talk and listen, hell, even back then his dark side wanted to talk as well, that must mean that he's calmer, that's good, feeling agitated with something violent inside is not a good think… but, if he's becoming calmer… that must mean…
Mahi's getting closer.
A grin broke out on his face and he giggled slightly. Erynia snuck forward and grabbed Honani's hand, before examining the landscape much like her brother was currently doing.
She loved her new brother, he was kind and gentle, and was fiercely protective, she was certain that he would protect her against these mortals. They didn't know much about the balance, the flow of energy through all things; it's what they'd call Death, the end, no more, gone; poof. They don't understand it, this world, is dying, Honani doesn't know it yet but once he knows the insane ramblings, he'll do anything to protect her - The planet – and perhaps himself if he had the time, Erynia mused.
She couldn't remember much of where they came from, only screaming, cold and then; a butterfly wing beat later… the light vanished too… but in a few years, Leira was planning on taking them back, it should have been enough time for the creatures to leave and search for another dimension to inhabit, perhaps her newly formed brother could come also.
Erynia's musings came to a swift end as she caught sight of a black figure dancing on the wind in the distance.
Gasping Erynia leapt forwards and squinted to try to get a better look at the girl, who was most likely an air elemental; but as she tried to look closer, but she disappeared…disappeared would be a bit bland, the wind picked her up and she turned invisible as she was carried away by the breeze, not before pointing into a separate direction, where something was flying towards them at a ridiculous speed; way too fast to possibly be of this world… And it was carrying something.
"Do you see that?" Erynia shouted loudly, pointing in the direction of the two creatures that were heading straight for them, showing no hint of slowly down, at all.
Leira's eyes widened in confusion, before replying, "I see it, what is it?"
Erynia looked up at Honani who was smil- nay, grinning like a Cheshire cat at the sight of the two far in the distance. Completely obvious to Leira and Darian who had crept up behind them and stared out fascinated, Honani's eyes flashed a bright florescent Yellow with joy that only Erynia caught; she looked up curiously at her big brother who looked down at his four year old sister with a buttercup coloured eye. Erynia looked on fascinated as the yellow colour soon dissolved into a familiar forest green, Honani smiled darkly and winked at her. Erynia blinked startled, shocked but mainly confused by her seven year old brother's revelation and only stopped staring at Darian's shocked voice.
"Err… Guys, those things are heading straight for us…" His startled voice called out. The two figures were extremely close to the house and were never relenting in the speed of which they came. Erynia's worried voice cried out as the two creatures headed straight for the open window, which they currently inhabited.
"GET DOWN!" She yelled quite loud and clear despite being at such a young age; in reflex the entire family dropped to the ground, as the apparent large black bird soared over their heads, barely catching Leira and Darian on their way down.
The bird circled the room and landed on the wooden frame of the bed. At this point in time, the bird could clearly be identified as a raven, and overly large raven but a raven all the same. The raven's wings were magnificent; they were jet black although as the bird stretched to settle, the midday sun caught slight tones of blue that were hidden within the plumage. The bird's large black talons gripped the headboard tightly making slight dents almost as in pain, and constricting around the bird's feathery thigh shaking rapidly, was a large black snake that was so tightly coiled it was at least an eighth its actual length and there was visible discomfort on the raven's face; considering an animal such as a raven cannot show facial expressions, the snake must be near enough braking the bones of the ravens poor leg, if this unnatural phenomenon was somehow occurring.
Darian gasped at their new visitors, and was visibly flailing as he was at a loss for words, much like his mother, and sister, who were a little more composed; Honani on the other hand much like his brother despite his shocked silence, couldn't be more overjoyed by the new guests; as he exposed a deep loving smile that could cure the blind with the simple radiance of it, and this smile was directed towards the quivering snake.
Honani walked forwards ignoring the futile efforts from his new family to avoid the terrified looking snake, and knelt next to the bed post and ran a soft hand soothingly down the black snake's odd plant textured yet strong scales. Honani did this a few times watching in fascination as the snake slowly melted under the manipulations, soon the snake unwound itself from the raven's leg, emitting a thankful caw from the majestic bird, to a much more comfortable position twisted around Honani's forearm.
Darian, Erynia, and Leira looked on in fascination and bemusement at their new family member who was now being gently groomed by the raven, who was picking at his hair, which seemed to be having fun attempting to snare the bird, around the beak and legs. The raven also seemed to be enjoying the fight with Honani's hair that danced in the wind, letting out gentle caws of delight once the hair has tried to snag at her claws.
Honani was none the wiser and was focused on the snake around his forearm. Honani turned to face his family who suddenly felt rather breathless as they stared at the heartbreaking grin and tears of happiness combo on Honani's face. Honani huffed and puffed for a while in hyperventilation before uttering two words.
"It's Mahi." His crystal voice rang out. Darian gasped, at the snake, which finally opened its eyes to reveal, deep jaded eyes much like his master's. A forked tongue flicked out to taste the air, and a warm look coated its expression, as Mahi stared out at his Vineling's new family. They seemed nice, and the youngest female hatchling, the one who had the most dazed bark coloured eyes, looked as though she had a Seer ability, thus the ability to create portals also. Mahi being the awesome snake-plant hybrid he was, he was able to sense humans and animals abilities, this was also how he knew that the older male hatchling with rather pretty golden eyes when caught by the sun had a telepathic ability and the eldest hatchling had the power of metal manipulation; because he was, that awesome. Not only that but they were not human, they were elves but no any elves, these elves were from before the time of Merlin, when they saw the planet's forewarned doom in a prophecy amongst their seers, and because of this, they ran away. Not very far, of course, they simply hopped into the next world dimension, this is why having the power to see and the power of Portals becomes very useful.
Mahi hissed out a greeting at the family with a wave of the tail, and Honani giggled happily before lunging towards the snake in a strike which would have made a viper proud and promptly hugged the poor snake tightly, causing an odd choked hiss to emerge, in fact it sounded a lot like a strangled breathe that a human would often emit when being hugged too tight, but it might just be trick of hearing.
Honani gasped and let the breathless snake flop onto the floor in a heap, due to previous suffocation. Honani swiftly apologised profusely towards the snake that lay still for a moment before slowly straightening out revealing its true length. Honani flinched slightly as he felt the room tip and his arms began to tingle unnaturally, Honani stared at his arms in confusion before shaking his head, swiftly ignoring the feeling as his imagination; a pair of dazed chocolate eyes caught the action.
Due to a snake-plant hybrid being often easily spottable and located, Mahi's kind were able to hide the flowers atop of its head in favour of having the unique flower pattern don all down it's scales. Mahi was currently in this form and was a sight to see, the dark green and dull red were contrast against the black background of the scales, even this black wasn't dull, it had a shine, a glimmer, it had a radiance all of its own with a criss-cross flower bouquet down it's long body, in order to hid amongst the undergrowth. Mahi was as beautiful as his master in this form and was more than worthy to be his companion, especially since Mahi had saved Honey's virtue all those years ago.
Honani couldn't withhold the gasp that escaped him as he felt the room rotate on its axis at an incredible speed, Honani gasping for breath, fell to the floor, which caused everyone to turn towards him in concern, even the raven. Honani was crouched on the floor, his limbs twitching every once in a while, and he seemed unable to stand and he looked everywhere in shock. He tried to speak but all that fell out was a jumble of words, nothing made sense. A blurred figure with white hair lent towards him, instinctively Honani fell backwards hitting the wooden end of the bed. He saw blurred mouths moving yet no sound seemed to fall from their lips; only soft, gentle whispers were able to be heard, but where were they?
Honani threw his head to the left as whispered hisses met his ears. The voice came from a cloudy grey picture; it was fuzzy and was hard to see. The blurred figures in front of him were frantic. Honani pointed at the picture, and saw that it had become somewhat clearer.
"Quick-" a soft hushed voice filtered through the mist, nothing was clear, it was so hard to see and hear.
"Quick? What did you mean? What are you late for?" said a dazed Honani, he was talking to the mist hoping that he could get his answers to no avail; it seemed the figure couldn't see him.
"No time for-"A rushed voice said commandingly making Honani shiver slightly.
"If there is no time, then make time, It's not impossible, only improbable as my Aunt Ela used to say" Honani was tossing his head from side to side, his pupil dilating and constricting rapidly as blurry images flew across the room.
"Billy's Rabb-"The voice sounded excited, but grew faint sharply, before he could finish.
"Who's Billy, and what's a Rabb, I've never heard of one of those before, tell me more. Please?" Honani whimpered as the voices grew distant and the world darkened.
"-won't be caught, Nagi, I know it!" The voice was clearing it sounded victorious, and sounded musical to Honani's ears, and contagious leading Honani to grin manically.
"Are you being naughty… that's wrong…Is there something wrong?" Honani's voice was trailing off and Honani saw a blurry figure with golden eyes blow glitter into his face, Honani began to feel a bit sleepy but refused to stop now, so Honani finished his sentence, "A-and, who's Nagi, she seems nice… "
"GINI, stop fretting already, you're making me even more edgy! Now twist-"
"Wow, Nagini seems like a nagging mother," Honani giggled "…But more edgy, why do you feel more edgy?"
"Because I feel watched… I know you are watching me…" The voice was whispering so low Honani strained to hear. But once he heard Honani's eyes widened marginally.
"I know, I can't see you, I can hear you, but it's blurry… Who are you…? But anyway, you seem nice, good luck and… I hope that-" Honani yawned at this point his vision becoming darker, "Maybe we'll meet soon… In person…"
The last thing Honani saw was a long black blur close to his face, stare deep into his eyes, those green eyes so much like his own, were very beautiful. Honani swore he heard a familiar voice whisper like a secret into his ear, "me too…" With that Honani's vision fell black and he fell into a deep undisturbed sleep dreaming about that mysterious voice in the mist.
-0- Meanwhile -0-
The departure of Mahi was, almost saddening, to both Tom and Nagini – who had seemed to have developed a crush on the sarcastic snake. But the gifting of Billy's rabbit, the pet of one of Tom's main tormentors, was enough to cause an evil grin to appear on both of their faces. This vendetta against the kid's of the orphanage had happened long ago.
Flashback – my first one! – Flashback
Tom was always one of the smarter children and by four had a fluent grip at the vocabulary and was very interested in books despite unable to read complex words; he was often cross-referencing through an old torn dictionary and soaking up knowledge faster than any of his age group.
The matrons were more than happy to give some books to the young happy albeit antisocial boy; they always seemed to like the boy who hardly made any fuss or problems in the Orphanage. But they often ignored him and he faded into the background and was labelled as 'just another kid'. This is the case where the other children got jealous and although they themselves couldn't read, unlike tom, they felt that he didn't deserve this "special treatment" he got from the adults, who pitied little orphans.
This was the first time Tom had something close to him ripped away.
He tried to protest to the matrons that it was his book, but he was far outnumbered… after all, who would side with the strange, quiet, antisocial loner that didn't participate in games with the rest of the children and would prefer to stay cooped up in his room?
This was the first time that Tom had a case of accidental magic.
That same day, during dinner together, the children, teens who were angry and spiteful about not being loved due to the brewing war, who stole the book from Tom sat across from and ignored him for the first part, but once the children were alone, as the matrons went to leave to collect the food, they took the book, lay on the table and gave each other evil smirks which were readily returned, which caused tom to frown in turn. They then looked at Tom sneering and began to slowly tear pages of the book out in haste of the matrons returning. Tom looked aghast at the teens sat across from him and weakly tried to protest. They then smirked at the small boy and ripped pages out faster, soon there was no pages left, as they ripped those into pieces as well, only the leather cover, which was old, moth eaten and barely legible.
Tom was angry, sad and frustrated. But it didn't end there.
The teens also had the very audacity to then say to the distraught Tom, "Oh, thanks for letting us borrow you're book, we have no need of it now, so here you go" and pushed the torn pieces towards the shaking boy.
Tom was so angry, but even more so that the matron came over and saw what the teens had left of the book, and blamed Tom for the mess and for the destruction of a perfectly good book, and was there ready to frogmarch him up to this room for punishment without dinner.
Tom saw red.
The cutlery began to quiver and shake hard. Shrieks from the children got the matrons alerted to trouble and stared in horror at Tom, who was sat glassy eyed and his hair was whipping around the room as a strong wind blasted about the room. Plates splattered and clattered, before leaping into the air, books began flying off the shelves and swerving around the air whilst the larger books took off and only managed to crash land in a heap on the floor. Tom was huffing and puffing in hyperventilation as his huge magical core was exercised.
Suddenly Tom stood and stormed from the room in fury. Once Tom was successfully out of the room, the plates fell and smashed against the table splattering all the children, the floor and room in a disgusting stew that was only available due to rationing. The wind disappeared and the books fell from the air they were flying in, and lay harmless on the floor.
The matrons just stared after Tom, horrified.
This was the first time Tom met Father Lucas.
Father Lucas was an old priest that sometimes visited several orphanages, before moving back to his little chapel in the middle of the countryside. He was well known in his younger years as a loyal follower of God and his teachings, and often preached to small communities all around the globe, and according to rumours helped many families exorcise spirits in their homes, he also dealt with possessions as well; believing that demons often cowered in orphanages, it was his loyal duty to god in order to send these beasts back whence they came. Which may have been, one of the reasons for his visits to orphanages, somewhat coincidentally, all of these 'possessed' children were young boys, either this was unnoticed by the foolish people, or they simply turned a blind eye and shrugged it off.
Despite his methods being somewhat… cruel, disturbing, and scarred children for life, Father Lucas believed his work noble and was never shy in publicizing his services about it.
Mrs. Cole had heard of Father Lucas' honourable work with these 'demonic children' and in haste informed him about the situation with Tom. Father Lucas came over the next morning. That day, the tiny hatchling Nagini saw the old man smirk darkly before covering it into a pleasant yet grave smile as he entered the Orphanage.
She didn't know what had happened in the building that day. But Tom had been shaken and refused any human contact after for many weeks.
Not only this, but Father Lucas had promised to return every few years to ensure the 'demon' had finally vanished… What this meant to Nagini was nothing but trouble, and made sure to inject a poison filled bite into him whenever possible.
End Flashback – oh, it's over… *tear* – End Flashback
Tom ground his teeth as the memories flooded back, tears burned at his eyes but he relented refusing to be weak in this moment of glory. A twisted smile appeared as Tom watched Nagini coil herself around the rabbit, whose squeaks and squeals for help went unheard, as the constrictor continued the rabbit futile attempts of kicking her off fails and her movements grew weak, and then the squeaks died down until a choking sound was heard, then Tom stared on with satisfaction at the rabbit's eyes, blank, empty, Lifeless.
Tom waved his hand at Nagini who shrank away at the sign. Tom's hand clenched around the cooling body of the rabbit, a dark grin spread over his face as he stood and looked about the empty corridor for any unwanted guests; none were in sight. He had to be fast so he wouldn't be caught. The caretaker would hear him drop his book on the floor when they found the body, and Tom would sneak in unnoticed. He thanked his powers for this; he wouldn't have survived in the orphanage without them.
Tom glanced down at Nagini, then back towards the stairs where beyond would be the perfect play to perform this little act; the Rafters. The rafters were a series of beams which overhung the main stairwell that lead to the children's rooms and to the main house. So no matter who was walking either way, down to the reception area which had a separate door towards the dining room or walking back to the sleeping where everyone slept; they would all see the rabbit's body.
Tom reached into his back pocket and brought out a long piece of string which was torn from a woman's dress at one point, Tom had taken so many things by now it was a hazy visual about who the wrench was. Tom quickly and precisely drew a loop around the rabbit's neck and pulled it tight. The rabbit hung limply from the string. It was time. Tom walked stealthily towards the staircase and paused to listen to Nagini's ramblings.
"Need to be swift Tom, deviously swift, so swift the swallows couldn't even follow; we don't have long, you are prepared, aren't you Tom! Please tell me you are? If you aren't I'll bite you… Well not really but I'd make your life a living heaven! No one wants to be perfect like that; beside didn't you hear what Mahi said! He practically blamed God for the sins of the world because he spills blood at dawn and dusk! I mean, seriously! Tom, have you got the rabbit, right? Oh good still using that grip of yours, you're not worried, are you? I mean I am sure, but I'm of course not letting it show I daren't show emotion in this world. I'm like a hunter you see, emotionless… stealthy… swift, to catch the prey and kill it before it runs off, I mean, I don't mean to brag but Mahi might teach me some things you know! Like how to catch bigger prey, or how to hold on to a squirming body for longer… Did you hear what he said about me, how good I am… Maybe he'll train me! That would be awesome, perhaps he could teach you too! Maybe he can teach us BOTH!" Nagini rambled fast and furiously.
Tom had a passing thought as to whether he should tie her up as well, or at least her mouth in any case. It seemed she wouldn't shut up, Tom! Tom! Tom! Mahi this, Mahi that. Not to say the least but Tom was very tempted to strangle Nagini then and there if she didn't shut up!
If he turned the corner of the corridor now he would be at the stairs and there beyond them would be the rafters, too high up for any adult never the less a child to reach, it would be the perfect set up.
He heard footsteps from around the corner; he couldn't afford to be caught now! Nagini too busy rambling hadn't noticed the intruders. Seeing the door to his right, an opportunity revealed itself, it fates were in his favour it seemed.
"Quick- Nagini in this storage room, hurry! We're going to get caught if you keep this up!" Tom hissed desperately not noticing his voice taking on a whispery spiritual effect and darting inside the storage room followed by the slim form of Nagini the door closed and Tom heard the old Matrons walking passed, gossiping… Along with a mysterious whispery voice which seemed cut off and hard to hear.
"Quick? Wha- you mean? –Late for?" The voice was whispery yet delicate and hesitant; Tom shocked, looked out the corner of his eyes to look for the voice, all he saw was a slight silver grey cloud following him, it looked as though some sort of dust or powder was disturbed by one of the children so Tom paid it no mind, he couldn't see anything wrong or off with it anyway, Tom very much wanted to meet the voice; where ever it was, it had that mysterious quality that drew him in… But had a job to do, and couldn't avoid getting distracted, besides, Nagini wasn't looking any different, perhaps it was just him but he couldn't afford to investigate this any further, he was wasting time, vital all too precious time.
"Tom, we need to go, now!" Nagini's tense voice drifted though his thoughts.
Tom shook his head and nodded opening the door tensely sensing for any signs of life, seeing none and hearing the children outside he stepped out.
"Tom… I don't think we should do this… it's too risky I mean-" Nagini tried again. But Tom cut her off.
"No! Nagini! There's No time for all these worries and what if's! This is the only time we can do this and we must do it fast!" Tom was hissing violently once again missing the whispering tone in his voice and a red gleam had lit in his eyes, which burned fierily with determination. Tom's eyes widened as the whispery voice replied to him, slightly clearer than before.
"If you have- make time! It's not impossible,-improbable"
Tom once again ignored the voice, despite the shine to the cloud that seemed to be getting brighter, like a fuzzy picture, however but it was defiantly clearer than before. But he couldn't just sit around to have a conversation with this illusion, nor his insanity, be whatever the cloud was, time was wasting… But Tom couldn't help wonder what on Earth the voice meant, make time? How exactly?
Nagini and Tom navigated towards the stairs and remained there as Tom slowly wrapped a thin hand around the piece of wire around Billy's Rabbit's neck, smirking as he did so relishing in the tinge of pain that shot up his wrist. Looking about once more he spoke as the deemed it safe to continue.
"Now look… Billy's Rabbit should be on the beams by dinner, so we need to somehow tie it up there" Tom explained pointing towards to creaking wooden beams which were the rafters.
Nagini looked up wide eyed at the flimsy dangerous looking planks of thin wood above her whilst thinking in disbelief about how to go about this mission. Tom was certainly too heavy for him to tie it up there, and his gift was too volatile for this at the moment. How was he going to do it? Nagini's eyes narrowed as she spied dark eyes gleaming menacingly and tauntingly at her. It took a moment for it to finally click.
"No. I won't! Tom you can't make me! Don't even try okay! I mean, seriously!" The snake huffed and turned pointedly away from Tom to look at the wall. Tom could congratulate her on her stubbornness that's for sure, but he needed her to do this… Time to pull out the trump card.
"Oh well, worth a shot, don't you think? I mean sure, it's only you who can properly climb that thing anyway, so I guess I didn't have a choice on my own; maybe I could have asked Mahi if he wanted to help, after all he is the kind of snake to do that, but I guess he'll always be the bigger person won't he" Tom said with a sigh, smirking smugly inwardly as he saw the odd completing look on his familiars face.
Out of the corner of his eye, Tom saw it again, the cloud was following him, it had a vague shimmering figure within it, but whoever it was Tom could tell they were very beautiful, extraordinarily so, but Tom was not one to get distracted so scouted once again for danger, and attempted not to start at the figure once he began to speak.
"Who's Billy and what a Rabb – never heard of one is – tell me more. Please?" the voice begged, the gentle chimes echoing in all their glory. Tom glanced at Nagini who had more a thoughtful positive look on her face, surely she should have seen him by now, or the cloud at least? Was it more of his gift or was it another being like him, Tom couldn't fully decide.
"FINE! I'll do it!" snapped Nagini. "I'll go do that bloody thing for you okay; But only this time, don't even thing about using me as a tool Tom! I'm doing it for Mahi… not you… well partly you… You know what I mean" Hissed Nagini who was clearly flustered and trying not to show any inclination of angst or worry for her charge in front of her. Tom, of course, saw through her and his gaze softened, he gave her one of his charming smiles, ones that made girls giggle and boys bow before him, it was such a beaming smile, which made her flutter slightly in pride and embarrassment.
"It's just… I'm nervous Tom… I'm scared as to what would happen should we be caught, to you… I don't want that man near you again, EVER TOM!" Nagini cried out in despair. Tom's eyes widened, as he thought back. Memories of his desperate cries of help falling onto merciless ears, as hands slowly roamed over his body. Tears falling from his eyes, like waterfalls, and his hands tied so he could do nothing. Tom shuddered and shook himself out of the memory, clenching his fists and gritting his teeth he glared at nothing.
"Don't you trust me…? Nagini, just believe me, I don't want that beast around anymore than you but you have to trust me. We won't be caught, alright, besides what can they do? They're scared of me!" Tom ended triumphantly; Nagini bounced happily and snagged the string within her mouth. "We won't be caught, Nagi, I know it!" Tom said triumphantly, checking the corridors, everyone was outside enjoying the breeze, the matrons we all having a break and gossiping, so this was the only time it could be done.
"Are you being naughty… that's wrong…Is there something wrong?" Tom looked over at the dust cloud voice and smiled, the voice was still there, it was somewhat comforting, even though he was alone this… thing, was here with him. But if anyone asks he would deny that he did want to find out more about this dust cloud, like whether or not he was real. Tom looked over at Nagini who was manoeuvring herself steadily towards the central beam. "A-and, who's Nagi, she seems nice… " Tom glanced at the cloud which was shimmering slightly, his eyes widened, the voice did seem tired, and was that a stutter, what was wrong with the strange cloud.
Tom's thought process was then stopped by Nagini's yell.
"Tom, I'm not sure about this! I'm nervous now! If we cross this line, they might blame you anyway! I don't- please don't make me do this!" Nagini pleaded through the string. She was on the high beam now and needed to tie it then the mission would be complete. Tom was so close victory was in his grasp yet so far off, still, he almost could taste it, he wouldn't… nay… he couldn't stop now. But he felt uneasy; the cloud of dust from the corner of his eye was flickering in and out of existence sharply. Despite not knowing what it was or who it was Tom felt a certain connection. A bonding moment, that made him crave for more. Bringing himself back down to earth he narrowed his eyes at the swaying snake.
"Oh for crying out loud Nagini; Stop worrying! We will be fine, I won't allow anything bad to happen to us, trust me! I'll speak slowly and clear for you; we will be Fine!" Tom hissed and grinned slightly at her muttering of self assurance, only when she began to doubt herself again did he speak up once more, "GINI, stop fretting already, you're making me even more edgy! Now twist around that beam and tie a knot, it'll all be over after that, besides, I'm snake enough to not get caught, but you however… you could use a little work"
Tom winked at Nagini who looked insulted and gave a snaky grin before setting off to work with an odd pace and balance, Tom then wandered in the direction of the shadows as he waited for Nagini to finish so he could take them back to his room, out of harm's way. Once again the whispery voice responded, much clearer, Tom could make out the entire sentence now and his eyes widened and smile threatened to break into a grin, but knowing if he did so, he would break out into peals of laughter, so Tom fought the urge.
"Wow, Nagini seems like a nagging mother" The voice giggled, Tom felt an odd sensation rise up his cheeks, he was mortified to find he was blushing, covering his hands over his cheeks as he willed the blood away, 'It would be nice if the voice laughed more' this passing thought made him freeze. Tom never thought his way. What was this voice and what was it doing to him? "…But more edgy, why do you feel more edgy?"
Tom decided to do the impossible, never minding he'd sound like a crazy person, there was no one around, and Nagini was too busy. It was worth a shot wasn't it?
Tom replied.
"Because I feel watched…" Tom paused unsure as to continue, but hearing the shadow gasp almost inaudibly, he continued, "I know you are watching me." Tom finished unsure as to what would happen now, but hearing the voice gasp in excitement slightly, he smiled and his eyes widened as the voice replied.
"I know, I can't see you, I can hear you, but it's blurry… Who are you…?" Tom opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the voice which sounded afraid of the answer, Tom's eyes grew thoughtful about this and his Eidetic memory set to work, Tom's search was inconclusive, he needed more information, "But anyway, you seem nice, good luck and… I hope that-" The voice rushed most of this in a breath as if afraid Tom would vanish, Tom's face grew thoughtful, did this person feel the same as he? Still not enough data, more information was needed.
'Perhaps another time?' Tom thought, the voice had yawned; perhaps it was night where he was? (No he has fucked up sleeping patterns due to his rough childhood XD)
Yet the voice hadn't finished.
"I hope that –Maybe we'll meet soon… In person…" The voice sounded tired now, and he could tell it was drifting off. The cloud drifted closer and he saw an outline and a few features of a beautiful person, he couldn't tell, he just knew. Tom, acting without any rational thought, leaned forward slowly shifting his face into the cloud of dust which tickled at his face curiously, and hovered over the images ear. Biting his lip in expiration, he decided to venture into the unknown and take a gamble.
He whispered, like a lover would into the images ear a sweet, yet sinful, reply.
"Me too"
-0-
Far off the coast of Greece in the Ocean was a small isle long abandoned known by local fishermen as Demon's rock, for those who sailed too close were lost in the sharp jagged edges hidden beneath the waves; these same waves crashed emotionlessly onto the small isle. The sky was darkening with grey as storm clouds settled happily bouncing into each other unseen causing clashes and their happiness to shine as flashes of light and rumbles of power as they laughed. Rain Hammered down relentless and brutal onto the dark black-wetted rock, which gave it an onerous aura. It had a few tufts of dead seaweed and strange grass which looked distorted by the constant wind, heightening the ominous feel shrouding the Isle.
Many seamen, from the tales of eye witnesses, kept a wide berth of the isle, whilst fishing or angling for fish, as the area around the rock had an abnormal amount of fish which could feed many people in the villages. However after a certain point, all men turned to face the isle and turned the skip towards it, some clambering the steep cliff faces in desperation, only to slip and fall onto the spearing remains of stalagmites long forgotten as the cave eroded away many millennia ago, however these remained. Some tales shared of how the stalagmites were a deep red colour due to the many lives they had claimed; many fanatic researchers quickly swarmed the isle searching for a way as to how these people died, what was on the isle, and how the stalagmites were able to survive outside of a limestone cave.
No one heard from them, but this was to be expected the magnetic field around the area was something special in itself, there was something about the isle that put off any equipment, all of the researchers had to collect it by hand, many of these researchers were inexperienced in field work and were based in labs, so had a hard time coping with the correct equipment needed. Plus even the samples were hard to get as the weather was constant and hazardous itself but robot machines would fail instantly due to the strange magnetic field. Locals thought that the area was haunted by the devil himself and warned others; tourists, researchers all of them, however smarter folk stayed behind.
The Tourists and Researchers who went to the rock were found dead and shredded to pieces upon the local beaches.
There was nothing the government could do, it was an island in the middle of the ocean, there was no one to blame and nothing to prevent anything and anyone going there, there was no clear cause of all these freakish deaths, besides anyone who went there ended up dead, how was one to know.
A dead man tells no tales after all.
The beaches along here were cursed said the locals, and those who stepped foot onto the beaches to collect samples and investigate often went mad selling stories about magic and mermaids and bird faced monsters from Hell. But before anyone could test them for insanity or some other mental illness, there was a slight snag in their 'being alive'… As they weren't supposed to be, so…
They died in less than a week.
No one knows how they died, but they died with a tear running down their cheek and a sad smile upon their face.
Any tests on their bodies failed as they speedily decomposed despite being encased in ice and a freezer, nothing was gathered; all forensic evidence was lost; there was nothing to work on as all tests sent away soon got lost or 'contaminated' somehow. So the authorities issued a No Go on the isle and surrounding waters, even and especially during times of hunger in the area of the coast.
The No Go Didn't do much, Bodies of teenage boys who wanted to prove themselves littered the beaches for a while after this issue was given. They then seemingly connected the dots and decided to not go there.
Still one or two bodies came floating to shore every so often.
Bird food for all the locals could care, they weren't going near the beaches; couldn't afford to get cursed they had families to feed and businesses to run.
There was one being making speedy progress towards the isle.
Suparna sped through the winds like it was nothing, and cawed joyously at the feel of the gale force winds. She loved the feel of the wind, it her and her mistress' element after all; nothing could harm her here.
She flew and landed on the tip of the cliff face and faced a flat landscape, spare one or two crashed helicopters and small planes. It was barren; Apart from a small little lean-to against a dead petrified tree that was leaning as if broken and dejected in the wind, frozen as if begging for mercy from an unseen force. Creaking sounds could be heard from the tree which would make any creature freeze, when the wind blew hard enough. Suparna didn't even twitch when groaning sounds of death and decay met her ears, sounds that mimicked the rasping of a dead man, and the moans from the living undead which necromancers relished in bring up so to say; her mistress had given her a task. She was going to fulfil it, even if she died, but that would be one feat, that she could respect as she was as tough if not more, than diamond.
Suparna flew softly over to the lean to and saw that the entire building was falling apart. The door was of a delicate brown, or it was until it slowly got eaten away by the sea breeze. The remains were clear. The wood now had streaking lines residing up and down the door; some looked suspiciously like nail scratches, although one couldn't be sure. The top of the door was jagged and had several spikes and odd pieces of wood sticking out from where some had broken off and these parts remained. Same on the roof and walls, although the walls looked suspicious and had a red tint which those who were weak brushed off as the same reason the stalagmites were red; rock composition.
Needless to say, they were always wrong.
Still the crooked old lean-to, it gave it an exceedingly old appeal to it. Said appeal may also be found in creepy old abandoned houses at the dead of night in the middle of a creepy forest, or perhaps at an old crumbling ruined castle where it was overgrown with vines which seemed to move every time you looked away, during a thunderstorm with a suspicious lack of rain. Overall it gave a look which was clear.
Stay Away.
And that, of course, was the reason Suparna wanted in so badly.
The large Raven Cawed loudly her mouth curved in a grin. And she couldn't wait.
-0-
Ok… So I know I have been a while… ^^"
Seriously a long time… I blame Tom… He was so uncooperative it was unreal. Plus School has been an issue, but I am trying and so far succeeding (ish… no not really) in juggling school work and coursework… and home life… etc etc…
Sorry Guys and Gals… Don't kill me… But do check chapter 1 again, I edited it coz it was shit but it's a bit better!
I shall inform you on any changes and once again, any and all suggestions are appreciated! ^^
Thanks for being such awesome people and please continue to read my stories; it means a lot to me. ;)
Lozzien XXX