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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Fairy Tales & Fantasy
- Subject: Fantasy / Dreams / Wishes
- Published: 08/12/2017
The Mythical Sorceress (Part 1/3)
Born 2000, M, from Ballymena, United KingdomPrologue - 1014 words
Screams echoed throughout the valley, bouncing off the colossal stone formations which resembled mountains, ash and snow concealed the tops. Forceful gales of energy dashed past my head, but I dodged it. I looked around and I appeared to be alone. My eyes glanced over to the lush green leaves as they tumbled off the lanky tree, the brown trunk oozed out a maroon liquid. Small-scale rocks sprinkled along the entire gravel path.
Magical bolts of energy blasted off one mountain causing giant boulders to crash down causing the ground to convulse. Swords clanked in the distances as many people battled.
I heard a gentle rustle in the bushes, ‘I should investigate’.
I roamed around the narrow walkway in the centre of the valley. I felt a presence, and my body became weak it was as if my vitality was being drained from me. I knew what was happening; it was the trappers! The time had come and, after the years of training, I was ready.
"Well, what do we have here?” said a croaky voice. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Omen Vonner. It is a pleasure to meet you, sorceress."
"Reveal yourself at once!” I shouted. “Come out and face me!"
A figure stepped out from the tree. He wore a red and black gown and a broken white mask. In the hand of the figure was a long-pointed silver sword with a yellow handle.
I clasped my hands and aimed my head towards the ground. I focused and lifted the gravel from the path and aimed it towards Omen. The particles darted towards him.
He launched his sword into the air and it absorbed my attack. The gravel lost its energy and fell around him, the weapon glowing a dim green.
My heart rattled against my rib cage, causing my breathing to become heavy.
As he stepped towards me, everything around him wilted, the grey stones cracked and the lush plants turned black. The sky became dark and cloudy, the wind howled and swirled.
Omen snarled.
"Marvellous attempt but is that your best?. You're powerful but you do know that you are in a weakened state."
Expecting a counter-attack, I raised my wards summoning a rock shield vocalizing the word ‘Protasis’. Multiple rings of murky brown soil and grey broken rocks formed around me.
Omen continued to walk towards me. Through my shield, I saw him reveal his face, and straw-blonde hair dangled out. His pointed ears had golden earrings attached at the top, his skin was light with onyx lines that dribbled down the side of his temple and cheeks.
My breathing quickened, my palms sweaty, I was gasping for air, my wards weakened. I took deep breaths and focused my energy on a boulder, launching it towards him. He dodged it and propelled his sword into it, shattering it into minuscule pieces, they crashed to the ground and crumbled into ash
"Ha-ha, you are one pathetic sorceress. Aren't you supposed to be a good shot?" laughed Omen, rubbing his head.
"We-" I choked. A dark energy pierced my barrier from behind and grasped my body. I felt powerless. It slithered up my body, and danced down my arms and legs, forcing me to the ground. My knees landed on a sharp rock and it pierced into my leg.
Refusing to wince, I placed my hands on the ground trying to absorb earth essence. I saw Omen come into my peripheral vision. His feet crunched into the ground, dispelling my magic. He ran towards me with his sword swinging in the air.
I tried to get up, but my body was limp. He grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up. Gasping for air, warm flushes formed on my face and I felt light-headed. Omen hurled me back, and I glided across the ground.
I rose to my feet as fear embraced me, then gazed towards Omen and forced a gust of wind to sweep him off his feet. Omen grunted as he fell to the floor.
I exclaimed, "How was that for a pathetic sorceress!" as I flicked my hair.
"Maybe I underestimated your powers, Sara," uttered Omen.
"Wait, how do you know my name?" I enquired.
"Enough of the talking. You are going down!" screamed Omen.
He drew out his sword and launched it towards me, but my barrier protected me from this attack.
‘I know you from somewhere, I must focus’
His sword absorbed my barrier like it did with my other attempt to attack.
That sword must be enchanted with a magic draining spell, but only mythical beings can use magic, except the trappers, who can syphon power and use it later.
The sky blackened, and thunder cracked and roared as a single bolt of lightning crashed down in the distance.
"Now it is time to perform the ceremony," exclaimed Omen as he took off his mask.
He smothered his face with what appeared to be war paint, and his brown eyes pierced through my body with a single glare. His large, crooked nose hooked towards his small, thin lips.
Lightning bolts continued to plunge from the sky, the heavens opened, and rain lashed down. A luminous light carved through the darkness in the sky and shot down to the ground with a deafening blow.
A figure tumbled out of the light and lifted its hand, flinging me into the sky and forcing me away from Omen. I flew throughout the valley. I tried to catch my breath, but the gale was too powerful thus I failed to manipulate the air, my energy pool drained from the battle. After a few seconds, the sky became lighter, and the roaring stopped.
My journey halted as I crashed into a grassy meadow near my village. Luckily, I was unscathed. I did not feel feeble anymore. In fact, power ran through my veins and weakness was a thing of the past, and my energy was no longer being drained.
A voice echoed from the sky
"The Curse has now been placed."
‘I failed to protect her’
Chapter 1 - 1441 words
Rays of light came into my room dancing across the floor. The lilac walls echoed from the explosion of music from the next-door neighbour's house.
My head was aching, and my mouth was dry as a desert. My nose blessed by the smell of my burning candle, which I had forgotten to put out. Air poured forcefully into my room, stroking my face, compelling me to get out of my soft, snug bed. The lemon scent of the candle continued to fill the room. I grabbed my covers, and I flung them across my bed.
The music was still blasting; I screamed as I rubbed my eyes.
"Turn the music down. Some of us are still trying to sleep!"
With no reply, I climbed out of bed and fell onto my spongy carpet. The force of the impact of the floor disturbed my tender body. I gathered myself together and rose to my feet. I walked to my door, but my body felt chilled. Peering around my room, I looked for any article of clothing to protect me.
Clothes were abundant in the room from when I undressed last night. My black high heels were on top of my green gown. I blew out the candle and regretted it. The smell that emitted from the smoke was horrid. I breathed it in and gagged. I put my hand to my mouth and ran out of my room. Then, placing my hand on the handle, I forced it down and stepped out onto the solid oak floor, the wintery cold feeling travelling through my body.
I sprinted through the corridor and took the first white door on the right, which took me to the bathroom. The green and white tiles were bright, so I closed my eyes, feeling around for the toilet. My hands brushed against the sink, I took two steps to the left and there was a drop.
I felt the vomit travel up from my stomach. I put my head into the toilet bowl, the sick tasting dreadful. I stood up, then flushed the toilet.
The smell was putrid and crept around the room. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked appalling. My black eyeshadow was smudged around my eyelids and travelled down the arch of my nose. My dirty blonde hair was limp over my face, now drenched in vomit. I grabbed the nearest bottle of shampoo and soaked my hair with water in the sink. I poured on the shampoo, using my hands to form a lather in my hair. I scrubbed it into my scalp, hoping to eliminate the odour encased in the room. I wrung out my hair and dried my hair with a bath towel.
I tried to remember my dream from the night before. All I could piece together was a young woman wearing a white and green elegant gown. It danced down her legs and shook in the wind.
My mother’s voice interrupted yy thoughts.
"Clarissa Hastings!” she shouted. “Get down here right now! You are in big trouble, young lady!"
”Here she goes again,” I said to myself. “With the ‘when I was your age’ and blah, blah, blah.”
"Did you hear me?” she screamed. “Yes, mother,” I replied.
I wrapped a towel around my body and walked downstairs looking at our family photos which followed me down the staircase. I reached the bottom of the stairs and saw my mother standing looking angry, and somehow disappointed and happy at the same time. Her eyes pierced right through me and I couldn't look her in the face. So, I turned my back on her and walked back upstairs to my room.
“Get down here now!” she yelled. “Whatever mum,” I replied. “I'll be in my room if you want me.”
I ran up the stairs and returned to my room. Looking over to my wardrobe, I saw a plain white vest top, which I grabbed and put on. I went over to my dressing table. Taking a pair of black leggings with holes in them, I quickly put them on as the door creaked open.
“I received a phone call from Dr John,” my mother said calmly. “Why did you answer my phone?” I replied, annoyed. “Your phone was ringing for a long time and it irritated me. Oh and, no, you are not pregnant." “I guess that's good news.” I chirped.
She left the room and slammed the door. I assumed I didn't say the right thing.
From the aura of disbelief, I decided that it would be best if I went out for a brisk walk to calm down. I lifted my silver key from my dressing table and put on a jacket, putting my key in my pocket. I walked out of my room and down the stairs. I was about to leave, but then remembered that I needed my phone.
"Mum!” I shouted. “Where’s my phone?”
"It's on the table nearest the door,” she yelled.
I saw it lying on the glass table, so I picked it up and put it in the same pocket as my door key. I left the house. The calming breeze embraced me, and I took my first step. The neighbour's music had stopped playing. I could hear birds chirping and I smelt the fresh-cut grass as I continued walking out of my garden. For a moment, I looked back, admiring my mother's garden. In the centre, there was a rosebush surrounded by lilies and tulips. It was an amazing sight
I had no idea where to walk. Nausea overwhelmed me, but I cuddled into my stomach and continued to walk, hoping it would ease this sickness.
I felt like it was truly unacceptable that I was drinking whenever I knew I could be pregnant.
I felt agitated as if my body was trying to tell me something or warn me. I looked around and could see the same figure in the distance that I had seen every day for the past two months. Feelings of anxiety raced through my body.
The pit in my stomach grew with every step I took. I subtly looked back, and the figure had crossed the road to be on the same side as me. I picked up the pace of my walking. I had many options. Number one? Turn around and just walk home. Number two… Take the back alley home hoping to escape. Final option? Run. If something bad is going to happen, I must not make it obvious that I am onto him.
I picked up my phone and talked like someone was on the line, then turned around and headed back home. I looked straight ahead, trying not to make eye contact with the figure following me. As the distance grew shorter, the pit in my stomach became deep-seated. Just a short while later, the time had come. I was a foot in front of him. I stepped by him. Nothing happened.
I heard no footsteps, so I picked up the pace and once I felt safer, I turned around. The figure was standing three feet in front of me. His glare hurled through me. His smile was eerily creepy, and he swung his head from side to side. As he walked towards me, fear paralysed me. My breathing rapidly increased my heart racing. I dropped my phone from my sweaty hands. I quickly picked it up again, but I struggled to unlock it.
The figure was coming closer. I finally unlocked my phone.
By this point, he was a few steps in front me. I looked up, and he pulled out a wooden stake with a sharp point. Adrenaline pumped through my body as I tried to call my mother. I began rocking. I decided that it was best if I ran back to the refuge of my home. I picked up the pace and desperately tried to escape. I looked back, the figure had disappeared. I took a deep breath and the pit in my stomach subsided, a feeling of relief embraced me as I recomposed myself. I placed my hands on my thighs and took deep breaths. Just then, I heard a stick break. I looked up.
I felt a razor-sharp object plunge into my neck.
I felt dazed. I turned around and saw the figure. A few seconds had passed, but I, once again, felt a firm object connect with my head. I felt my body hit the pavement. I blacked out and felt numb. My eyes were closed but I could feel my body being dragged across the hard ground and lifted into a vehicle.
Chapter 2 - 979 words
I awoke to the smell of decaying flesh; my vision masked. I saw fragments of white ash dance across the room. As my vision recovered, I could see charcoal walls. Splattered on the walls were flaming red scribbles, which appeared to be foreign. I looked at the wall but it burned my eyes.
The floor was coated with razor-sharp glass. I could see my reflection bounce back into my eyes and saw crimson blood dried on the surface of my skin.
They bound my wrists with a tightly wrapped rope, which lacerated them. I violently shook my entire body, feeling the vibrations leave and return to my body. This only made the rope dig deeper into my skin. I released a sharp gasp of air and deeply inhaled to recompose myself.
My vision continued to improve. My eyes darted around the ominous room looking for a means of escape. I could see an old wooden structure, home to an aged television. It was black, and I could hear static; the buzzing rang in my ears and caused them to ache.
A mysterious figure appeared on the screen. It was wearing a red and black cloak and wearing a broken mask.
"Hello, Clarissa.” the figure uttered.
“Let me out of here, you psychopath,” I screamed.
“You have one hour to escape this room,” he replied. “Or this will be your final resting place.”
The television rapidly switched off and exploded. The glass and its inner components scattered across the room and fired towards me. A few shards of glass jabbed into my legs.
I forcefully tried to free myself from this confinement. The pain was sharp and painful. My wrists were tender and painted with my blood, but I was free.
I gazed up at the timer. It read ‘50’. I frantically pranced around the room looking for a way to escape. The glass was drilling into my feet. I daringly continued through the pain and I saw a panel which differed from the rest of the walls in the room. I forcefully kicked the panel, and it revealed a gloomy corridor with crummy lighting.
I slithered through the gap in the wall and landed in the corridor. Beige square boxes were sprinkled all over. I smelt rancid, decaying boxes. I gathered myself and stood upright, walking across the cool concrete floor.
A few moments passed, and I stood back up and advanced onwards. I could hear beeping and I studied the room looking for another timer. I finally stumbled upon it. It read ‘30’.
I felt like I was not alone. I dashed forward, the wounds on my feet continuing to bleed. I felt the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I saw the corridor branch off into two more paths.
My breathing was fast-paced, and my body could not take much more.
A figure appeared from one path.
Please do not hurt me!” I screamed.
“It won't be me who hurts you. It will be her!”
”Her?” I replied nervously.
I felt a pointed knife plunge into my lower left back. I wailed out in pain, reached behind me and grabbed the knife, ripping it out of my back, gritting my teeth. I threw my leg backwards, and it connected with one attacker.
She yelped.
"You will pay for that, foolish girl!”
The male attacker kicked me in the stomach. I dropped to my knees and the knife fell out of my hands. I grabbed it and threw it into the other attacker's chest. She cried out in pain.
I felt an object hit my head, and I blacked out.
I regained my consciousness, I woke up on the cold floor, coated in my blood. I had to stop the bleeding. I took off my shirt and wrapped my fresh wound up. I applied pressure and bound the cloth shirt more tightly around it. In the middle of my chest were the same scribbles as before. There must be a connection. I finally erected myself and I could feel a warm breeze cradle me. I looked down towards my shirt and it was dyed crimson. At the end of the corridor, there was a door. They must have moved my body elsewhere. I limped towards the open door, but I heard someone shout.
“Hey, you! Get back here.”
“Come and get me, you freak!” I screamed.
I felt the breeze become warmer. I was finally free from this prison! I reached the exit, but the figure was galloping faster towards me. I had to act, fast. I slammed the steel door and looked for a means of rescue.
“Can anyone hear me?” I screeched. “I need help! Anyone? Please!”
As I dropped onto the soft green grass, my life force became weaker.
My heartbeat dropped, my body grew colder, and my vision blurred. I felt the life leave my body. It was drawn up into the sky.
I saw my lifeless body as I floated peacefully in the boundless sky.
My body shook. I heard someone shout. Adrenaline was pouring through my veins.
"Clear!”
My eyes opened, and I took a deep breath. My limbs felt numb and stiff. I tried to move but couldn't.
“Clarissa,” a familiar voice said.
I tried my best to perk my body up.
I looked up, and it was my mother. She was wearing a puffy black coat with a pair of blue jeans and white trainers. She was crying and looked exhausted. She was holding my phone. Beside her was my sister, Sara, her face filled with joy and happiness as our eyes connected.
My mum and sister ducked under the police border and ran towards me. I heard sirens blasting and people talking. She brushed my hair and seeing her made me feel safe. The smell of her perfume comforted me.
“Everything will be OK now, my dear. You are safe.”
Chapter 3 - 1600 words
I woke to the sound of a machine echoing a rhythmic beat. I could smell an aroma of bleach. My eyes widened, and I was greeted with sincere looks from both my mother and sister.
Sara’s long light blonde hair was pinned up to right with multiple red bands and the other side was braided. Her eyebrows were slightly darker than her hair They were thin and arched above her blue eyes. I noticed that she was wearing black eyeshadow and her false lashes. Her nose was thin and narrow similar to her lips. Sometimes Sara and I got mistaken for one another as we look similar but our styles are very different, for example, she likes to braid her hair unlike me I like to have mine down.
My sister approached me and sat beside me on the bed. As she grasped my hand and looked at me, water flooded from her eyes.
“I’m so happy that you’re safe,” she said. “We were both worried when you didn't return home and mother said she knew who’d taken you.”
Before I could get a word out of my mouth, she wrapped her arms around my neck. I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Will you two girls be OK for two minutes I will go get us some coffee?" asked Celine. “We all need it, by the looks of things.”
"We will both be OK," said Sara.
My mother got up off the cushioned red chair, opened the door and walked out of the room. She looked back and smiled.
A few moments passed in the room and all Sara could do was look at me and smile. We had a falling out at home a few days ago. I am sure that she feels terrible about it, but that's in the past, so we can keep it buried.
The door blasted open, blowing the door off its hinges.
"Hello, Sara. Long time, no see," said a mysterious voice.
My body felt weak.
"Clarissa, move now!" shouted Sara.
I glanced at her and she was moving her hands in a peculiar way. She pushed her hands to the door frame and beckoned the figure closer to her.
"Sara, what is going on?" I interrupted.
"Tell mother Operation Omen," Sara said. “I love you, Clarissa. This is goodbye, but do not fret. I will always be with you."
"What?" I cried. “Sara, please, tell me what is going on,” Sara uttered words under her breath, and the figure walked towards her. She looked to be paralysed. The figure drew a dagger from his sheath and plunged it into the back of Sara's nape. Her body dropped to the floor and burst into particles.
"Now what have you done, sorceress?" growled the figure.
I gulped and said, "No, Sara! What have you done? You are a vile, disgusting… Whoever you are, go to hell!"
"Ha-ha! I see you survived! Ah, I forgot to introduce myself, how rude of me. My name is Omen Vonner."
"You took me! Why?" I screamed.
‘Scorchem!’ Celine yelled as a flaming tornado surged into the room and Omen was engulfed in flames.
"You will pay for this Sorceress! You are more powerful than your pathetic excuse for a daughter. She didn’t even try to fight back. She would not have been able to protect Astrinica from a bee!" Omen laughed.
"No, you will pay for everything you have done to this family, Omen! For Astrinica!” cried Celine.
She lifted her hands in a similar fashion as Sara and formed a ball of hot rocks in her hands. She aimed them towards him, released them and pelted them at the figure, forcing him to the floor.
Celine rose into the air and was surrounded by roaring red and yellow flames.
"I will never forgive you! You deserve nothing but death!" Celine yelled.
She released the vortex of flames and pushed them towards Omen. The flames crashed into the white wall, leaving black ash in their place. Omen had vanished into the fire.
Celine dropped to the floor, lifeless. The flames surrounding her dispelled.
I gathered myself together, tore the wires off my body and stepped onto the floor. The pain that travelled through my body was immense. I quickly walked over to my mother and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her.
She was unresponsive. Tears welled in my eyes.
I placed my head against her chest.
"Please come back,” I cried. “I am not ready for this world you speak of… Astrinica. Please, don’t go. I need you!”
Her body lay cold in my arms. I wrapped my arms around her upper back and gave her a squeeze. She gasped for breath and started to speak.
"Clarissa, you must not fear. Sara and I will always guide you every step of the way. We sacrificed our magic and lives for you. You must break the cur-"
Before she could finish speaking, her body vanished and fiery particles were absorbed into my body.
Energy coursed through my body but the pain I had once felt had gone. I lifted my gown, and found that my wound had healed!
I looked around the room and noticed a black sports bag. I walked over to it, pulled the zipper and found clothes inside. I lifted out a pair of black distressed jeans and a white vest top.
I took off my gown, threw it onto the floor and pulled the jeans over my legs. They fitted like a glove. I put the top on then continued searching the bag for a coat or jacket. Eventually, I found my sister’s purple fleece. I put it on and zipped it up. I gazed around the room, found my shoes near the bed, and put them on.
I peeked at myself in the mirror and wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my fleece. I decided that I needed to leave the hospital, but didn't know where I would go. I sneaked out of the hospital room and was greeted with silence. Marching through the deserted area, I noticed that the walls were bright white and the corridors were finished with a white tiled floor. I saw an exit, walked towards it, pressed my hand against the bar and walked through the door to the car park.
The car park was plain with only hints of life from the foliage and some small trees. The sky blackened, and gusts of wind drove through the open space.
"Hello Clarissa,” a deep voice said. “My name is Darian Clarke."
The man that approached me had short spiky brown locks. His sapphire blue eyes gazed at me and pierced through my body. His eyebrows were groomed and, curved at the arch above his eyes, and his nose was narrow, the nostrils ovular. My chest tightened and my breathing rate rapidly increased. My body shuddered. His lips were enchanting and voluminous. His chin was an inverted triangle, camouflaged with a full rich brown beard. His body was muscular. He was dressed elegantly in a button-up black shirt and a silver-grey jacket. His trousers were black and held around his waist with a brown belt. A black pendant on a silver chain dangled from his neck. His feet were encased in black boots, the laces were tied up with a double knot.
"Hello Darian,” I said, puzzled. “How do you know my name?”
His eyes locked with mine.
"Oh, yes. I was sent here to find you and return you to Astrinica."
"Return me?" I replied.
"You are an heir to a throne."
"Me?” I laughed. “An heir to a throne?"
"Yes. We have had enough time to chat. You are in grave danger and we must flee to Astrinica."
Darian walked away, and I followed. A blue light illuminated from Darian's necklace.
"Get down!" Darian shouted.
A sword hailed towards us and pierced the glass, shattering it. Darian raised his hands and waved them side to side and said ‘Protasis’, releasing water to form a barrier.
"Wait!” I cried. “You have powers like my mother and sister?"
Darian boasted, "Yes, I knew Celine and Sara, but we can talk about that later. We have to get to safety first,"
”OK” I replied nervously.
Darian continued to hold up the barrier of water. It swayed up and down and sounded like waves clapping off the sand. His body jolted. If my mum and sister had powers that would mean I could have powers, too. I needed to do something or try, at least. I raised up my arms and copied Sara's movements that I had seen earlier that day. All of a sudden, energy rushed through my body.
"No, get down. You aren't ready to battle," yelled Darian.
I gulped. "I will not stand by and watch someone else die. If I die here today, then it will be. I shall try"
My hands swayed from side to side, and I felt energy continue to race through my body. I felt as if my body was going to rupture at any moment. I propelled my hands forward, and a force came out, creating an opening in the water shield. I was clueless in what way I should aim my attack. I felt a presence and focused my power on that entity. I released the airwaves and I heard a voice cry out.
“Argh!”
"Amazing shot!” Darian exclaimed. “But hurry, we must go now!"
I replied, "Where? I don’t understand."
Darian beamed. "Follow me."
He recovered, rose from his knees and continued walking. I felt like I was stepping into the unknown.
He turned to face me. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"I hope so," I replied, hesitantly.
"Close your eyes," Darian said.
Chapter 4 - 1674 words
I closed my eyes. I felt as if I was falling through the floor.
I opened my eyes and was greeted with a vast, open valley. A village was exposed in the gap of the mountains, and bulky, green trees outlined a path.
"I feel like I've been here bef-" I started.
Darian interrupted.
"This is your birthplace. This is a normal feeling. You have not been here since you were born. Celine moved away from this place to protect you."
"To protect me from what… Myself? Or has it got something to do with that man? Omen?"
"Omen is dangerous,” Darian replied. “He wishes to rule over Astrinica but you being alive threatens this and that is why he wants all living heirs to be eliminated so that he can take over. Anyway, enough questions. You must figure this out on your own."
Darian walked, so I followed. The wind whistled past us as we continued down the path, through the valley. The sky lightened, and rays of light hurled down.
The village became much clearer now. It was small-scale, and I could only count a few cottages. The roofs were constructed of many layers of golden hay thatched together. The walls were made from grey stone bricks. These houses lacked windows but had single doors which were on the side of each one.
Spherical structures floated around the village, providing light for the villagers.
Darian looked over at me and smiled. "I need to you do something for me"
I gazed back and blushed.
"How can I help?"
He reached into his pocket, brought out a coffee-coloured box, and waved his hand over it. I heard a lock break and the box swung open. A cylindrical-shaped object floated out and glided upwards. It was purple in colour and emitted a dim yellow aura. It danced towards me. I reached out and grasped it. It was scorching hot, but it did not harm me. I instinctively placed the object in my mouth and took a deep breath. As I swallowed, a gust of wind danced around us.
"This will boost your energy pool. This makes you more powerful and will give you memories of your ancestors. It means you will now be able to fight, and it should come naturally. Your mother instructed that this was given to you, in the case of her death or your return to here," explained Darian.
He was silent. I knew it was time for us to prepare to fight Omen and stop his plans.
He looked over at me, walked towards me and grabbed my hand. Electricity ran through my body.
I gazed into his eyes as he said to me. "Are you ready to learn?"
"Yes," I replied.
"I will teleport us to the academy. You will need to harness and strengthen your abilities before we try to face Omen," he said.
We arrived outside a gigantic building, made from white marble. The roof was curved to form a dome, and tall narrow pillars supported the building. A cool breeze danced around the building as the sun beamed down.
Darian glimpsed at me.
"Welcome to The Astrinica Academy,” he said.
"Hello! You must be Clarissa?" said a feminine voice.
I turned my head around and was greeted by a middle-aged woman. Light-brown hair flowed down her slender shoulders. She was dressed in a grey fur jumper, which hung off one shoulder. Her green eyes glanced behind us, and her body shook as she tried to catch her breath.
Heavy footsteps approached. My body limped down towards the gravel, and I felt energy leave my body.
"Nare, raise the repealing barriers around the Academy. Now! Get back Clarissa," yelled Darian.
I gasped.
"Argh! What's happening?"
I peered around and saw a wave of people wearing long black robes and solid armour. They were nimble. The wave grew closer.
A field floated around and formed a blue dome encasing the Academy.
"I want to help!" Nare cried.
"It's the trappers!” Darian shouted. “We need to protect the knowledge buried within these walls."
Nare ran towards the entrance of the Academy. Darian looked at me and helped me get on my feet. He gave me a sincere look and whispered.
"You need to be strong!"
"We are two and, from what we can see, the wave greatly outnumbers us. I got lucky with that attack at the hospital and that was against just one of them,” I said.
"We will try,” he replied. “Remember you need to focus and think of your target. Throw all of your energy towards them!"
The wave was just moments away from us.
I nodded my head and took a deep breath. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. The sky became gloomy and the heavens opened. Thunder echoed in the sky as lightning crashed down.
The barrier lashed out beams of glowing light and bashed the wave, causing an explosion. A windstorm approached us from the blast. I concentrated and forced the cyclone back towards the enemy.
Darian charged forward. I aided him, sending arrows of wind towards a group of the trappers. They absorbed it, causing a bright white light to radiate around them.
"Get to cover. Now!" blustered Darian.
I gazed towards the light. It was enticing me forward. My body became weaker as I got closer. Buzzing sensations vibrated in my ears as blaring squeals reflected off the barrier, crippling me. My vision blurred and my breathing diminished. Searing heat bubbled in my chest and blood exploded from my mouth.
Screeching sounds continued to hail from the academy.
Darian gasped.
"It's the guardians."
I saw an outline of Darian's body approach me. He lifted me up and supported my neck and legs with his arms. He gently carried me and spoke.
"Everything is going to be OK."
I was passing in and out of consciousness.
"Give her to me!" begged Nare.
I felt a cold surface press against my body. I felt someone's warm hand on my forehead while the room swirled with vigorous tornadoes of wind.
My vision recovered and Darian was smiling at me while holding my hand. I looked away from him, feeling shaky.
"That's all I can do for her,” Nare stuttered. “We will just have to wait now"
I beamed.
"Thank you, Nare!"
A few days passed. My body was slowly recovering. Maybe it was something to do with that light. Nare taught me about my powers and about The Trappers. My last lesson was today. The room was circular, with towering brown oak bookcases lining the walls. Above the bookcases were large murals and sparkling symbols, some curved and others intersected. They vibrated energy which travelled down the bookcases and along the white carpeted floor. Brown desks and chairs were scattered across the room, I saw Darian sitting at one of the desks with his arms crossed and his head was resting on them. I walked over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Is everything OK?" I asked, smiling at him. The silence told me the answer. I lifted my hand and brushed it through his hair. I felt him grab my hand but he pushed it away. He stood up, with tears forming in his eyes.
"I am sorry," he whimpered.
"For what?" I replied.
He rubbed his head.
"I wasn't able to protect you out there. You could've died and it would have been all my fault."
”It wasn't your fault,” I said. “I’m still learning about this place and what it means to be a Mythical Sorceress. You have been through the same discovery journey that I have."
"No,” he replied. “You learned that Sorceresses and Sorcerers get weakened around The Trappers. But, they don’t affect me like they do you. I am different." "Wait, what?” I said, confused. “You're not like me? But… Your powers… How-”
He interrupted.
"I was born a Srif, meaning I have an energy pool for magic but it is low and that is why I wear this necklace. It acts as an amplifier and allows me to use more powers. Nare told you that right?"
"Yes,” I replied. “She said that it can be fatal if we use too much magic at once, and that is how we are hunted down by The Trappers. They take our magic."
"I'll always try my best protect you,” he said. “I won't let that happen to anyone die, but you should go and see Nare. I am sure she has more work for you."
I smirked at him and I could feel blood rush to my cheeks. I nodded my head, walked out of the library and was greeted by Nare. She led me back to the infirmary and reached me my pills out of the orange bottle.
"You are now ready. There was no final lesson. You just need to practice now, but you can do that on the way to the Temple Of Amaranthine. It is where you and Darian can break the Curse Of Perdition."
I gave her a hug and whispered to her.
"Thank you so much for your help and saving me. We hope to return victorious!"
Nare pulled back and smiled.
"Yes, you will. I wish you both the best of luck on your trip. Here is everything you’ll need.”
She gave me a large, bulging black bag.
Nare looked into my eyes and said
“Can I ask you something?”
I nodded my head and replied “Yes”
Her hands started to quiver then proceeded to rub her hands together.
“Just spit it out already” I chuckled.
“You know whenever Celine and Sara died? Did you absorb their lifeforce?” She stuttered.
I replied “Yes? Is that a problem?”
“No it is not, this would usually happen if you share blood”
She rushed out of the room, mumbling something under her breath.
Darian came in, stood beside me and looked me in the eyes as we teleported into the wilderness.
Chapter 5 - 2129
Enormous moss-smothered trees grew towards the sky. The branches shed verdant leaves that tumbled down. Light glimmered through the cracks in the trees, reflecting off the rippling water. The ground was covered in short, green grass. Large boulders were dispersed throughout the dense forest. Soft bursts of wind made the leaves flutter as wildlife hummed.
"Woah! This place is stunning!" exclaimed Darian.
"It is breathtaking!" I gushed.
I pointed at the path leading upwards. I thought this way must get us to the temple. The path was marshy and saturated with water.
"Race me!" Darian dared.
He lunged forward, treading in water.
"OK! 3… 2… 1… GO!"
I raced forward, dodging trees, trying to land my feet on solid sections of the forest floor. Whistling became louder, and I sensed something coming towards me. I flipped my head around and saw a huge ball of water. It connected with my head, and the frosty water dribbled down my face.
Laughter from Darian echoed throughout the forest.
I yelped.
"You better watch your back!" I said.
Darian dashed past me. It was time for my revenge! I forced wind to sweep him off his feet. He jumped up, avoiding the gale.
"Don't be so predictable!" he laughed.
We continued to race. I got distracted, noticing a waterfall flowing off a cliff-side in the distance. Just then, I focused back on looking for Darian, but could not see him.
"Surprise!" he shouted, jumping out from behind a tree.
We locked legs and stumbled onto a hard boulder. He crashed on his back and I landed on his chest.
"Nice one," stuttered Darian.
I laughed.
"That wasn't my fault!"
I was breathless. He gazed into my eyes. He scooted to his bottom and cradled me in his arms. He brushed his hands through my hair. My palms started to sweat. I turned my head to face him, Vibrations pulsated throughout my entire body, my heart galloping and my breathing unsteady. He looked down at my lips then back to my eyes. He wrapped his arms around my neck and his cheeks turned red. Leaves rustled in the distance and a branch snapped, I refocused and swiftly rose to my feet, Darian followed and pressed his back against mine, the sound grew closer and a rabbit leapt out of one of the nearby bushes.
“Ha-ha” I laughed.
Darian replied “We were just being paranoid, I can see the path, shall we continue” as he fiddled with his hands.
We reached the end of the path. The grand waterfall streamed down the cliff-side and poured into the lake, causing thundering crashes. Lanky trees hung over the edge. Rocks caused an indent behind the waterfall, and powerful beams of water shot from the lake.
Darian jumped out in front of me and redirected them back. Rocks flung out from the wall. I focused my energy and caused them to shatter, the pebbles from the rocks falling and causing the water to ripple.
Darian chatted.
"We need to get behind the waterfall. I will stop the water beams and you stop the rocks. I can only hold them off for so long, so we will need to sprint across the water."
"OK,” I replied. “Let's do this!"
I walked over to the edge of the lake. Darian stepped onto the water, causing it to become solid as he said “Augmenaris”. We both walked across, and multiple pillars of water rammed towards us, but he stopped the attacks. Boulders from beneath the surface caused the water to split open, and I forced them back down. Darian grunted. We needed to get across quickly. The platform was liquidating. We darted forward, the crashing of the waterfall becoming louder, and the sky fading away. Darian separated the waterfall, but fell to his knees, panting.
"I can't hold it for much longer,” he said.
I lifted him up and supported him. We limped forward. We were close to a rocky wall, so I used one hand to propel rocks away. Light shone through the holes in the rocks. We both stepped inside the wall, revealing a spacious cavern. Brick-coloured rocks encased the room, stone formations danced from the ground and more formations slithered down from the ceiling.
"How about you take a break?" I said.
"We need to keep going,” Darian replied. “We have no time to rest."
"You are getting tired,” I said. “You need to rest to allow your magic pool to recharge".
"I will be OK,” Darian reassured me. “We can rest at the temple once we get there."
I nodded my head as light radiated in from outside but, as we walked deeper into the cave, it soon became gloomy. We were surrounded by darkness. As we reached the exit, I finally caught sight of The Temple Of Amaranthine.
Massive grey stone pillars supported the fractured roof as sections crumbled and plummeted, smashing into the lake, creating colossal waves. The piercing sound echoed and ricocheted inside the cavern causing the roof to split.
My eyes flashed over to Darian’s and we sprinted to safety. Just then, the cavern collapsed, blocking our way back.
The bolstering blow caused birds to jet and squall. The colossal waves then settled and returned to normal.
I could see an outline of the path that led up to the temple entrance.
We took refuge over by a tree stump. The stump was short but very wide, like a satellite dish. Lilies and tulips bloomed from the mossy bark.
A few hours passed as we sat there, but it seemed like a lifetime.
We decided that now was the time to climb up the path to get to the grand temple. We set off and our journey came to a halt.
I could see the temple more. The pillars were inscribed with similar markings from the library.
The entrance was blocked by an energy field. A loud, clear voice sounded out.
"Young Hastings Heir. You have finally arrived. Welcome to the Temple Of Amaranthine. To enter, you need to walk through. We will talk further soon"
The voice dissipated.
"We are finally here!" I exclaimed.
"Yes,” Darian replied. “So we have to walk through it. That seems too easy… There must be something else to it"
I walked towards the barrier. I passed through it and entered a dark abyss.
Suddenly, I was floating on an empty plain.
Silhouettes approached me. They faded between human-like and not existing. The silhouettes became clear. They took the form of my mother and sister. They had black lines smothered over their faces and wore black robes and carried petite steel daggers.
Tears welled in my eyes. Celine drew her dagger and tilted her head to the side. She lunged towards me and the dagger grazed my forearm.
I paced backwards, my chest tightened. They both screamed and sprinted towards me.
‘This can’t be real,’ I thought to myself, terrified.
I watched them both die. I stood still, calmed my nerves and closes my eyes.
A few moments later, I opened my eyes. My mother and my sister were both gone and I was inside the temple. I could see Darian outside the barrier and I waved my hand, flagging him to pass through.
He stepped through the barrier and vanished. A few moments later, he was inside with me. I could see a fountain pouring out a black liquid, which jumped up and around the circular fountain. A pane of glass floated above and pulsated energy. I could feel the power running through my body.
The voice returned.
"You have both passed. What you see is the power of all your people. However, it has been surrounded by The Curse of Perdition hence limiting the power."
"This pane of glass is the source?” I shouted. “How can we purge the power?"
The voice begged.
"You have to defeat him in battle as he is the source of that dark power."
The voice vanished once again and teleported us to the academy.
The colour of Darian's body left. He trembled, and he was crippled to the floor.
The academy was crumbled to the floor. Roaring flames engulfed the rubble, and grey smoke glided up into the sky.
Darian yelped.
"This can't be happening! If the barrier is not up, that means that the source of the power is gone."
I walked over and hunched to comfort him.
"The source from the valley?"
He cried.
"No… Nare was the source. She has control over the barrier."
He stood up. Tears flooded down his face, and I wiped away the tears with my hand. I embraced him and whispered.
"Everything will be OK. We will avenge Nare."
He screamed.
"We need more than revenge. Omen must pay for what he has done! She was like a mother to me."
Darian rose up doused the fire with water as his entire body started shaking. The flames sizzled and the smoke faded. His body limped towards the ground but he stabilized and stood upright.
Footsteps approached and Omen laughed.
"Ha-ha. She fought well, but without help. She couldn't fight back. My power overwhelmed her. I suppose she granted me more power in the process."
Darian clenched his fists and dashed towards Omen. Omen unsheathed his dagger and threw it towards Darian.
I forced a gale of wind to misdirect the dagger. It pulsed towards me. I ducked to dodge it.
Darian launched his fists and bashed Omen in the face. He grunted and kicked Darian's leg, forcing him to the ground.
Omen grasped Darian's throat and smashed his chest. Darian gasped for air. I focused and flung sand towards Omen. He raised his hand and absorbed the energy.
Omen erected himself, Darian remained on the floor, unconscious.
"How pathetic,” chuckled Omen. “Now, who is next?"
Rage boiled within me.
I screamed.
"I will not permit you to have your way"
Omen laughed.
“What are you going to do about it in that feeble body!"
The sky darkened casting shadows around the plane, wind swept around Omen. I rushed towards him blasting waves of air in his direction, he evaded the attack and gazed towards the sky as he reached upward, he surrounded us with a bubble of murky soil and water. Moments later a white mist filled the area blinding me.
I studied the mist looking for any sign of Omen but I could see nothing. I paced backwards clenching my fists as I yelled: “Stop this at once, why use sly tricks to fight, face me one to one”.
Omen laughed “Perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement, I should let you know that. I am not the leader of The Trappers, I could help you find them”.
“Your death will free our power, give me one good reason why I should not kill you,” I said.
Omen replied “I was forced to place a curse upon your kind by the leader, of course, I could not have refused otherwise I would not be standing here, I will lower the barrier and we can discuss further”
I released my fists and the mist vanished along with the barrier encasing us, Omen was standing in front of me, he sheathed his black dagger.
“Why would I believe you and this is not some trick?” I questioned.
Omen chuckled “You’re still alive, aren’t you? But we have a more urgent matter, they reside within Raymarsh tower in the Capital of Astrinica, Raymarsh, to get there we must travel past the Temple of Amaranthine to Coldmoore Marsh, at the end of there will be a transporter that will allow us entry to Raymarsh, but I will find you in a few days, prepare yourself and that boy, I hope he does feel better soon”.
A force of darkness consumed Omen as he vanished.
I ran over to Darian as he was regaining consciousness, I helped him get to his feet.
He pulled me into an embrace as he whimpered “Are you okay? Is the curse lifted?”. I sighed “No, according to Omen he is not the leader and we should kill them instead, he was forced to place the curse on our people or he would have been killed. So he is going to help us get to a place called Raymarsh”.
Darian released me and smiled “That is my home! I have not returned there is a few months now, I would love to show you around, but we should be careful it is now the same as it used to be”.
I said, “Let's get to the village and see if we can get some help, we will discuss later”.
He nodded his head. The village was in sight and we started to walk towards it.
The Mythical Sorceress (Part 1/3)(Dylan)
Prologue - 1014 words
Screams echoed throughout the valley, bouncing off the colossal stone formations which resembled mountains, ash and snow concealed the tops. Forceful gales of energy dashed past my head, but I dodged it. I looked around and I appeared to be alone. My eyes glanced over to the lush green leaves as they tumbled off the lanky tree, the brown trunk oozed out a maroon liquid. Small-scale rocks sprinkled along the entire gravel path.
Magical bolts of energy blasted off one mountain causing giant boulders to crash down causing the ground to convulse. Swords clanked in the distances as many people battled.
I heard a gentle rustle in the bushes, ‘I should investigate’.
I roamed around the narrow walkway in the centre of the valley. I felt a presence, and my body became weak it was as if my vitality was being drained from me. I knew what was happening; it was the trappers! The time had come and, after the years of training, I was ready.
"Well, what do we have here?” said a croaky voice. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Omen Vonner. It is a pleasure to meet you, sorceress."
"Reveal yourself at once!” I shouted. “Come out and face me!"
A figure stepped out from the tree. He wore a red and black gown and a broken white mask. In the hand of the figure was a long-pointed silver sword with a yellow handle.
I clasped my hands and aimed my head towards the ground. I focused and lifted the gravel from the path and aimed it towards Omen. The particles darted towards him.
He launched his sword into the air and it absorbed my attack. The gravel lost its energy and fell around him, the weapon glowing a dim green.
My heart rattled against my rib cage, causing my breathing to become heavy.
As he stepped towards me, everything around him wilted, the grey stones cracked and the lush plants turned black. The sky became dark and cloudy, the wind howled and swirled.
Omen snarled.
"Marvellous attempt but is that your best?. You're powerful but you do know that you are in a weakened state."
Expecting a counter-attack, I raised my wards summoning a rock shield vocalizing the word ‘Protasis’. Multiple rings of murky brown soil and grey broken rocks formed around me.
Omen continued to walk towards me. Through my shield, I saw him reveal his face, and straw-blonde hair dangled out. His pointed ears had golden earrings attached at the top, his skin was light with onyx lines that dribbled down the side of his temple and cheeks.
My breathing quickened, my palms sweaty, I was gasping for air, my wards weakened. I took deep breaths and focused my energy on a boulder, launching it towards him. He dodged it and propelled his sword into it, shattering it into minuscule pieces, they crashed to the ground and crumbled into ash
"Ha-ha, you are one pathetic sorceress. Aren't you supposed to be a good shot?" laughed Omen, rubbing his head.
"We-" I choked. A dark energy pierced my barrier from behind and grasped my body. I felt powerless. It slithered up my body, and danced down my arms and legs, forcing me to the ground. My knees landed on a sharp rock and it pierced into my leg.
Refusing to wince, I placed my hands on the ground trying to absorb earth essence. I saw Omen come into my peripheral vision. His feet crunched into the ground, dispelling my magic. He ran towards me with his sword swinging in the air.
I tried to get up, but my body was limp. He grabbed me by the throat and lifted me up. Gasping for air, warm flushes formed on my face and I felt light-headed. Omen hurled me back, and I glided across the ground.
I rose to my feet as fear embraced me, then gazed towards Omen and forced a gust of wind to sweep him off his feet. Omen grunted as he fell to the floor.
I exclaimed, "How was that for a pathetic sorceress!" as I flicked my hair.
"Maybe I underestimated your powers, Sara," uttered Omen.
"Wait, how do you know my name?" I enquired.
"Enough of the talking. You are going down!" screamed Omen.
He drew out his sword and launched it towards me, but my barrier protected me from this attack.
‘I know you from somewhere, I must focus’
His sword absorbed my barrier like it did with my other attempt to attack.
That sword must be enchanted with a magic draining spell, but only mythical beings can use magic, except the trappers, who can syphon power and use it later.
The sky blackened, and thunder cracked and roared as a single bolt of lightning crashed down in the distance.
"Now it is time to perform the ceremony," exclaimed Omen as he took off his mask.
He smothered his face with what appeared to be war paint, and his brown eyes pierced through my body with a single glare. His large, crooked nose hooked towards his small, thin lips.
Lightning bolts continued to plunge from the sky, the heavens opened, and rain lashed down. A luminous light carved through the darkness in the sky and shot down to the ground with a deafening blow.
A figure tumbled out of the light and lifted its hand, flinging me into the sky and forcing me away from Omen. I flew throughout the valley. I tried to catch my breath, but the gale was too powerful thus I failed to manipulate the air, my energy pool drained from the battle. After a few seconds, the sky became lighter, and the roaring stopped.
My journey halted as I crashed into a grassy meadow near my village. Luckily, I was unscathed. I did not feel feeble anymore. In fact, power ran through my veins and weakness was a thing of the past, and my energy was no longer being drained.
A voice echoed from the sky
"The Curse has now been placed."
‘I failed to protect her’
Chapter 1 - 1441 words
Rays of light came into my room dancing across the floor. The lilac walls echoed from the explosion of music from the next-door neighbour's house.
My head was aching, and my mouth was dry as a desert. My nose blessed by the smell of my burning candle, which I had forgotten to put out. Air poured forcefully into my room, stroking my face, compelling me to get out of my soft, snug bed. The lemon scent of the candle continued to fill the room. I grabbed my covers, and I flung them across my bed.
The music was still blasting; I screamed as I rubbed my eyes.
"Turn the music down. Some of us are still trying to sleep!"
With no reply, I climbed out of bed and fell onto my spongy carpet. The force of the impact of the floor disturbed my tender body. I gathered myself together and rose to my feet. I walked to my door, but my body felt chilled. Peering around my room, I looked for any article of clothing to protect me.
Clothes were abundant in the room from when I undressed last night. My black high heels were on top of my green gown. I blew out the candle and regretted it. The smell that emitted from the smoke was horrid. I breathed it in and gagged. I put my hand to my mouth and ran out of my room. Then, placing my hand on the handle, I forced it down and stepped out onto the solid oak floor, the wintery cold feeling travelling through my body.
I sprinted through the corridor and took the first white door on the right, which took me to the bathroom. The green and white tiles were bright, so I closed my eyes, feeling around for the toilet. My hands brushed against the sink, I took two steps to the left and there was a drop.
I felt the vomit travel up from my stomach. I put my head into the toilet bowl, the sick tasting dreadful. I stood up, then flushed the toilet.
The smell was putrid and crept around the room. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked appalling. My black eyeshadow was smudged around my eyelids and travelled down the arch of my nose. My dirty blonde hair was limp over my face, now drenched in vomit. I grabbed the nearest bottle of shampoo and soaked my hair with water in the sink. I poured on the shampoo, using my hands to form a lather in my hair. I scrubbed it into my scalp, hoping to eliminate the odour encased in the room. I wrung out my hair and dried my hair with a bath towel.
I tried to remember my dream from the night before. All I could piece together was a young woman wearing a white and green elegant gown. It danced down her legs and shook in the wind.
My mother’s voice interrupted yy thoughts.
"Clarissa Hastings!” she shouted. “Get down here right now! You are in big trouble, young lady!"
”Here she goes again,” I said to myself. “With the ‘when I was your age’ and blah, blah, blah.”
"Did you hear me?” she screamed. “Yes, mother,” I replied.
I wrapped a towel around my body and walked downstairs looking at our family photos which followed me down the staircase. I reached the bottom of the stairs and saw my mother standing looking angry, and somehow disappointed and happy at the same time. Her eyes pierced right through me and I couldn't look her in the face. So, I turned my back on her and walked back upstairs to my room.
“Get down here now!” she yelled. “Whatever mum,” I replied. “I'll be in my room if you want me.”
I ran up the stairs and returned to my room. Looking over to my wardrobe, I saw a plain white vest top, which I grabbed and put on. I went over to my dressing table. Taking a pair of black leggings with holes in them, I quickly put them on as the door creaked open.
“I received a phone call from Dr John,” my mother said calmly. “Why did you answer my phone?” I replied, annoyed. “Your phone was ringing for a long time and it irritated me. Oh and, no, you are not pregnant." “I guess that's good news.” I chirped.
She left the room and slammed the door. I assumed I didn't say the right thing.
From the aura of disbelief, I decided that it would be best if I went out for a brisk walk to calm down. I lifted my silver key from my dressing table and put on a jacket, putting my key in my pocket. I walked out of my room and down the stairs. I was about to leave, but then remembered that I needed my phone.
"Mum!” I shouted. “Where’s my phone?”
"It's on the table nearest the door,” she yelled.
I saw it lying on the glass table, so I picked it up and put it in the same pocket as my door key. I left the house. The calming breeze embraced me, and I took my first step. The neighbour's music had stopped playing. I could hear birds chirping and I smelt the fresh-cut grass as I continued walking out of my garden. For a moment, I looked back, admiring my mother's garden. In the centre, there was a rosebush surrounded by lilies and tulips. It was an amazing sight
I had no idea where to walk. Nausea overwhelmed me, but I cuddled into my stomach and continued to walk, hoping it would ease this sickness.
I felt like it was truly unacceptable that I was drinking whenever I knew I could be pregnant.
I felt agitated as if my body was trying to tell me something or warn me. I looked around and could see the same figure in the distance that I had seen every day for the past two months. Feelings of anxiety raced through my body.
The pit in my stomach grew with every step I took. I subtly looked back, and the figure had crossed the road to be on the same side as me. I picked up the pace of my walking. I had many options. Number one? Turn around and just walk home. Number two… Take the back alley home hoping to escape. Final option? Run. If something bad is going to happen, I must not make it obvious that I am onto him.
I picked up my phone and talked like someone was on the line, then turned around and headed back home. I looked straight ahead, trying not to make eye contact with the figure following me. As the distance grew shorter, the pit in my stomach became deep-seated. Just a short while later, the time had come. I was a foot in front of him. I stepped by him. Nothing happened.
I heard no footsteps, so I picked up the pace and once I felt safer, I turned around. The figure was standing three feet in front of me. His glare hurled through me. His smile was eerily creepy, and he swung his head from side to side. As he walked towards me, fear paralysed me. My breathing rapidly increased my heart racing. I dropped my phone from my sweaty hands. I quickly picked it up again, but I struggled to unlock it.
The figure was coming closer. I finally unlocked my phone.
By this point, he was a few steps in front me. I looked up, and he pulled out a wooden stake with a sharp point. Adrenaline pumped through my body as I tried to call my mother. I began rocking. I decided that it was best if I ran back to the refuge of my home. I picked up the pace and desperately tried to escape. I looked back, the figure had disappeared. I took a deep breath and the pit in my stomach subsided, a feeling of relief embraced me as I recomposed myself. I placed my hands on my thighs and took deep breaths. Just then, I heard a stick break. I looked up.
I felt a razor-sharp object plunge into my neck.
I felt dazed. I turned around and saw the figure. A few seconds had passed, but I, once again, felt a firm object connect with my head. I felt my body hit the pavement. I blacked out and felt numb. My eyes were closed but I could feel my body being dragged across the hard ground and lifted into a vehicle.
Chapter 2 - 979 words
I awoke to the smell of decaying flesh; my vision masked. I saw fragments of white ash dance across the room. As my vision recovered, I could see charcoal walls. Splattered on the walls were flaming red scribbles, which appeared to be foreign. I looked at the wall but it burned my eyes.
The floor was coated with razor-sharp glass. I could see my reflection bounce back into my eyes and saw crimson blood dried on the surface of my skin.
They bound my wrists with a tightly wrapped rope, which lacerated them. I violently shook my entire body, feeling the vibrations leave and return to my body. This only made the rope dig deeper into my skin. I released a sharp gasp of air and deeply inhaled to recompose myself.
My vision continued to improve. My eyes darted around the ominous room looking for a means of escape. I could see an old wooden structure, home to an aged television. It was black, and I could hear static; the buzzing rang in my ears and caused them to ache.
A mysterious figure appeared on the screen. It was wearing a red and black cloak and wearing a broken mask.
"Hello, Clarissa.” the figure uttered.
“Let me out of here, you psychopath,” I screamed.
“You have one hour to escape this room,” he replied. “Or this will be your final resting place.”
The television rapidly switched off and exploded. The glass and its inner components scattered across the room and fired towards me. A few shards of glass jabbed into my legs.
I forcefully tried to free myself from this confinement. The pain was sharp and painful. My wrists were tender and painted with my blood, but I was free.
I gazed up at the timer. It read ‘50’. I frantically pranced around the room looking for a way to escape. The glass was drilling into my feet. I daringly continued through the pain and I saw a panel which differed from the rest of the walls in the room. I forcefully kicked the panel, and it revealed a gloomy corridor with crummy lighting.
I slithered through the gap in the wall and landed in the corridor. Beige square boxes were sprinkled all over. I smelt rancid, decaying boxes. I gathered myself and stood upright, walking across the cool concrete floor.
A few moments passed, and I stood back up and advanced onwards. I could hear beeping and I studied the room looking for another timer. I finally stumbled upon it. It read ‘30’.
I felt like I was not alone. I dashed forward, the wounds on my feet continuing to bleed. I felt the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I saw the corridor branch off into two more paths.
My breathing was fast-paced, and my body could not take much more.
A figure appeared from one path.
Please do not hurt me!” I screamed.
“It won't be me who hurts you. It will be her!”
”Her?” I replied nervously.
I felt a pointed knife plunge into my lower left back. I wailed out in pain, reached behind me and grabbed the knife, ripping it out of my back, gritting my teeth. I threw my leg backwards, and it connected with one attacker.
She yelped.
"You will pay for that, foolish girl!”
The male attacker kicked me in the stomach. I dropped to my knees and the knife fell out of my hands. I grabbed it and threw it into the other attacker's chest. She cried out in pain.
I felt an object hit my head, and I blacked out.
I regained my consciousness, I woke up on the cold floor, coated in my blood. I had to stop the bleeding. I took off my shirt and wrapped my fresh wound up. I applied pressure and bound the cloth shirt more tightly around it. In the middle of my chest were the same scribbles as before. There must be a connection. I finally erected myself and I could feel a warm breeze cradle me. I looked down towards my shirt and it was dyed crimson. At the end of the corridor, there was a door. They must have moved my body elsewhere. I limped towards the open door, but I heard someone shout.
“Hey, you! Get back here.”
“Come and get me, you freak!” I screamed.
I felt the breeze become warmer. I was finally free from this prison! I reached the exit, but the figure was galloping faster towards me. I had to act, fast. I slammed the steel door and looked for a means of rescue.
“Can anyone hear me?” I screeched. “I need help! Anyone? Please!”
As I dropped onto the soft green grass, my life force became weaker.
My heartbeat dropped, my body grew colder, and my vision blurred. I felt the life leave my body. It was drawn up into the sky.
I saw my lifeless body as I floated peacefully in the boundless sky.
My body shook. I heard someone shout. Adrenaline was pouring through my veins.
"Clear!”
My eyes opened, and I took a deep breath. My limbs felt numb and stiff. I tried to move but couldn't.
“Clarissa,” a familiar voice said.
I tried my best to perk my body up.
I looked up, and it was my mother. She was wearing a puffy black coat with a pair of blue jeans and white trainers. She was crying and looked exhausted. She was holding my phone. Beside her was my sister, Sara, her face filled with joy and happiness as our eyes connected.
My mum and sister ducked under the police border and ran towards me. I heard sirens blasting and people talking. She brushed my hair and seeing her made me feel safe. The smell of her perfume comforted me.
“Everything will be OK now, my dear. You are safe.”
Chapter 3 - 1600 words
I woke to the sound of a machine echoing a rhythmic beat. I could smell an aroma of bleach. My eyes widened, and I was greeted with sincere looks from both my mother and sister.
Sara’s long light blonde hair was pinned up to right with multiple red bands and the other side was braided. Her eyebrows were slightly darker than her hair They were thin and arched above her blue eyes. I noticed that she was wearing black eyeshadow and her false lashes. Her nose was thin and narrow similar to her lips. Sometimes Sara and I got mistaken for one another as we look similar but our styles are very different, for example, she likes to braid her hair unlike me I like to have mine down.
My sister approached me and sat beside me on the bed. As she grasped my hand and looked at me, water flooded from her eyes.
“I’m so happy that you’re safe,” she said. “We were both worried when you didn't return home and mother said she knew who’d taken you.”
Before I could get a word out of my mouth, she wrapped her arms around my neck. I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Will you two girls be OK for two minutes I will go get us some coffee?" asked Celine. “We all need it, by the looks of things.”
"We will both be OK," said Sara.
My mother got up off the cushioned red chair, opened the door and walked out of the room. She looked back and smiled.
A few moments passed in the room and all Sara could do was look at me and smile. We had a falling out at home a few days ago. I am sure that she feels terrible about it, but that's in the past, so we can keep it buried.
The door blasted open, blowing the door off its hinges.
"Hello, Sara. Long time, no see," said a mysterious voice.
My body felt weak.
"Clarissa, move now!" shouted Sara.
I glanced at her and she was moving her hands in a peculiar way. She pushed her hands to the door frame and beckoned the figure closer to her.
"Sara, what is going on?" I interrupted.
"Tell mother Operation Omen," Sara said. “I love you, Clarissa. This is goodbye, but do not fret. I will always be with you."
"What?" I cried. “Sara, please, tell me what is going on,” Sara uttered words under her breath, and the figure walked towards her. She looked to be paralysed. The figure drew a dagger from his sheath and plunged it into the back of Sara's nape. Her body dropped to the floor and burst into particles.
"Now what have you done, sorceress?" growled the figure.
I gulped and said, "No, Sara! What have you done? You are a vile, disgusting… Whoever you are, go to hell!"
"Ha-ha! I see you survived! Ah, I forgot to introduce myself, how rude of me. My name is Omen Vonner."
"You took me! Why?" I screamed.
‘Scorchem!’ Celine yelled as a flaming tornado surged into the room and Omen was engulfed in flames.
"You will pay for this Sorceress! You are more powerful than your pathetic excuse for a daughter. She didn’t even try to fight back. She would not have been able to protect Astrinica from a bee!" Omen laughed.
"No, you will pay for everything you have done to this family, Omen! For Astrinica!” cried Celine.
She lifted her hands in a similar fashion as Sara and formed a ball of hot rocks in her hands. She aimed them towards him, released them and pelted them at the figure, forcing him to the floor.
Celine rose into the air and was surrounded by roaring red and yellow flames.
"I will never forgive you! You deserve nothing but death!" Celine yelled.
She released the vortex of flames and pushed them towards Omen. The flames crashed into the white wall, leaving black ash in their place. Omen had vanished into the fire.
Celine dropped to the floor, lifeless. The flames surrounding her dispelled.
I gathered myself together, tore the wires off my body and stepped onto the floor. The pain that travelled through my body was immense. I quickly walked over to my mother and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her.
She was unresponsive. Tears welled in my eyes.
I placed my head against her chest.
"Please come back,” I cried. “I am not ready for this world you speak of… Astrinica. Please, don’t go. I need you!”
Her body lay cold in my arms. I wrapped my arms around her upper back and gave her a squeeze. She gasped for breath and started to speak.
"Clarissa, you must not fear. Sara and I will always guide you every step of the way. We sacrificed our magic and lives for you. You must break the cur-"
Before she could finish speaking, her body vanished and fiery particles were absorbed into my body.
Energy coursed through my body but the pain I had once felt had gone. I lifted my gown, and found that my wound had healed!
I looked around the room and noticed a black sports bag. I walked over to it, pulled the zipper and found clothes inside. I lifted out a pair of black distressed jeans and a white vest top.
I took off my gown, threw it onto the floor and pulled the jeans over my legs. They fitted like a glove. I put the top on then continued searching the bag for a coat or jacket. Eventually, I found my sister’s purple fleece. I put it on and zipped it up. I gazed around the room, found my shoes near the bed, and put them on.
I peeked at myself in the mirror and wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my fleece. I decided that I needed to leave the hospital, but didn't know where I would go. I sneaked out of the hospital room and was greeted with silence. Marching through the deserted area, I noticed that the walls were bright white and the corridors were finished with a white tiled floor. I saw an exit, walked towards it, pressed my hand against the bar and walked through the door to the car park.
The car park was plain with only hints of life from the foliage and some small trees. The sky blackened, and gusts of wind drove through the open space.
"Hello Clarissa,” a deep voice said. “My name is Darian Clarke."
The man that approached me had short spiky brown locks. His sapphire blue eyes gazed at me and pierced through my body. His eyebrows were groomed and, curved at the arch above his eyes, and his nose was narrow, the nostrils ovular. My chest tightened and my breathing rate rapidly increased. My body shuddered. His lips were enchanting and voluminous. His chin was an inverted triangle, camouflaged with a full rich brown beard. His body was muscular. He was dressed elegantly in a button-up black shirt and a silver-grey jacket. His trousers were black and held around his waist with a brown belt. A black pendant on a silver chain dangled from his neck. His feet were encased in black boots, the laces were tied up with a double knot.
"Hello Darian,” I said, puzzled. “How do you know my name?”
His eyes locked with mine.
"Oh, yes. I was sent here to find you and return you to Astrinica."
"Return me?" I replied.
"You are an heir to a throne."
"Me?” I laughed. “An heir to a throne?"
"Yes. We have had enough time to chat. You are in grave danger and we must flee to Astrinica."
Darian walked away, and I followed. A blue light illuminated from Darian's necklace.
"Get down!" Darian shouted.
A sword hailed towards us and pierced the glass, shattering it. Darian raised his hands and waved them side to side and said ‘Protasis’, releasing water to form a barrier.
"Wait!” I cried. “You have powers like my mother and sister?"
Darian boasted, "Yes, I knew Celine and Sara, but we can talk about that later. We have to get to safety first,"
”OK” I replied nervously.
Darian continued to hold up the barrier of water. It swayed up and down and sounded like waves clapping off the sand. His body jolted. If my mum and sister had powers that would mean I could have powers, too. I needed to do something or try, at least. I raised up my arms and copied Sara's movements that I had seen earlier that day. All of a sudden, energy rushed through my body.
"No, get down. You aren't ready to battle," yelled Darian.
I gulped. "I will not stand by and watch someone else die. If I die here today, then it will be. I shall try"
My hands swayed from side to side, and I felt energy continue to race through my body. I felt as if my body was going to rupture at any moment. I propelled my hands forward, and a force came out, creating an opening in the water shield. I was clueless in what way I should aim my attack. I felt a presence and focused my power on that entity. I released the airwaves and I heard a voice cry out.
“Argh!”
"Amazing shot!” Darian exclaimed. “But hurry, we must go now!"
I replied, "Where? I don’t understand."
Darian beamed. "Follow me."
He recovered, rose from his knees and continued walking. I felt like I was stepping into the unknown.
He turned to face me. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"I hope so," I replied, hesitantly.
"Close your eyes," Darian said.
Chapter 4 - 1674 words
I closed my eyes. I felt as if I was falling through the floor.
I opened my eyes and was greeted with a vast, open valley. A village was exposed in the gap of the mountains, and bulky, green trees outlined a path.
"I feel like I've been here bef-" I started.
Darian interrupted.
"This is your birthplace. This is a normal feeling. You have not been here since you were born. Celine moved away from this place to protect you."
"To protect me from what… Myself? Or has it got something to do with that man? Omen?"
"Omen is dangerous,” Darian replied. “He wishes to rule over Astrinica but you being alive threatens this and that is why he wants all living heirs to be eliminated so that he can take over. Anyway, enough questions. You must figure this out on your own."
Darian walked, so I followed. The wind whistled past us as we continued down the path, through the valley. The sky lightened, and rays of light hurled down.
The village became much clearer now. It was small-scale, and I could only count a few cottages. The roofs were constructed of many layers of golden hay thatched together. The walls were made from grey stone bricks. These houses lacked windows but had single doors which were on the side of each one.
Spherical structures floated around the village, providing light for the villagers.
Darian looked over at me and smiled. "I need to you do something for me"
I gazed back and blushed.
"How can I help?"
He reached into his pocket, brought out a coffee-coloured box, and waved his hand over it. I heard a lock break and the box swung open. A cylindrical-shaped object floated out and glided upwards. It was purple in colour and emitted a dim yellow aura. It danced towards me. I reached out and grasped it. It was scorching hot, but it did not harm me. I instinctively placed the object in my mouth and took a deep breath. As I swallowed, a gust of wind danced around us.
"This will boost your energy pool. This makes you more powerful and will give you memories of your ancestors. It means you will now be able to fight, and it should come naturally. Your mother instructed that this was given to you, in the case of her death or your return to here," explained Darian.
He was silent. I knew it was time for us to prepare to fight Omen and stop his plans.
He looked over at me, walked towards me and grabbed my hand. Electricity ran through my body.
I gazed into his eyes as he said to me. "Are you ready to learn?"
"Yes," I replied.
"I will teleport us to the academy. You will need to harness and strengthen your abilities before we try to face Omen," he said.
We arrived outside a gigantic building, made from white marble. The roof was curved to form a dome, and tall narrow pillars supported the building. A cool breeze danced around the building as the sun beamed down.
Darian glimpsed at me.
"Welcome to The Astrinica Academy,” he said.
"Hello! You must be Clarissa?" said a feminine voice.
I turned my head around and was greeted by a middle-aged woman. Light-brown hair flowed down her slender shoulders. She was dressed in a grey fur jumper, which hung off one shoulder. Her green eyes glanced behind us, and her body shook as she tried to catch her breath.
Heavy footsteps approached. My body limped down towards the gravel, and I felt energy leave my body.
"Nare, raise the repealing barriers around the Academy. Now! Get back Clarissa," yelled Darian.
I gasped.
"Argh! What's happening?"
I peered around and saw a wave of people wearing long black robes and solid armour. They were nimble. The wave grew closer.
A field floated around and formed a blue dome encasing the Academy.
"I want to help!" Nare cried.
"It's the trappers!” Darian shouted. “We need to protect the knowledge buried within these walls."
Nare ran towards the entrance of the Academy. Darian looked at me and helped me get on my feet. He gave me a sincere look and whispered.
"You need to be strong!"
"We are two and, from what we can see, the wave greatly outnumbers us. I got lucky with that attack at the hospital and that was against just one of them,” I said.
"We will try,” he replied. “Remember you need to focus and think of your target. Throw all of your energy towards them!"
The wave was just moments away from us.
I nodded my head and took a deep breath. Adrenaline coursed through my veins. The sky became gloomy and the heavens opened. Thunder echoed in the sky as lightning crashed down.
The barrier lashed out beams of glowing light and bashed the wave, causing an explosion. A windstorm approached us from the blast. I concentrated and forced the cyclone back towards the enemy.
Darian charged forward. I aided him, sending arrows of wind towards a group of the trappers. They absorbed it, causing a bright white light to radiate around them.
"Get to cover. Now!" blustered Darian.
I gazed towards the light. It was enticing me forward. My body became weaker as I got closer. Buzzing sensations vibrated in my ears as blaring squeals reflected off the barrier, crippling me. My vision blurred and my breathing diminished. Searing heat bubbled in my chest and blood exploded from my mouth.
Screeching sounds continued to hail from the academy.
Darian gasped.
"It's the guardians."
I saw an outline of Darian's body approach me. He lifted me up and supported my neck and legs with his arms. He gently carried me and spoke.
"Everything is going to be OK."
I was passing in and out of consciousness.
"Give her to me!" begged Nare.
I felt a cold surface press against my body. I felt someone's warm hand on my forehead while the room swirled with vigorous tornadoes of wind.
My vision recovered and Darian was smiling at me while holding my hand. I looked away from him, feeling shaky.
"That's all I can do for her,” Nare stuttered. “We will just have to wait now"
I beamed.
"Thank you, Nare!"
A few days passed. My body was slowly recovering. Maybe it was something to do with that light. Nare taught me about my powers and about The Trappers. My last lesson was today. The room was circular, with towering brown oak bookcases lining the walls. Above the bookcases were large murals and sparkling symbols, some curved and others intersected. They vibrated energy which travelled down the bookcases and along the white carpeted floor. Brown desks and chairs were scattered across the room, I saw Darian sitting at one of the desks with his arms crossed and his head was resting on them. I walked over to him and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Is everything OK?" I asked, smiling at him. The silence told me the answer. I lifted my hand and brushed it through his hair. I felt him grab my hand but he pushed it away. He stood up, with tears forming in his eyes.
"I am sorry," he whimpered.
"For what?" I replied.
He rubbed his head.
"I wasn't able to protect you out there. You could've died and it would have been all my fault."
”It wasn't your fault,” I said. “I’m still learning about this place and what it means to be a Mythical Sorceress. You have been through the same discovery journey that I have."
"No,” he replied. “You learned that Sorceresses and Sorcerers get weakened around The Trappers. But, they don’t affect me like they do you. I am different." "Wait, what?” I said, confused. “You're not like me? But… Your powers… How-”
He interrupted.
"I was born a Srif, meaning I have an energy pool for magic but it is low and that is why I wear this necklace. It acts as an amplifier and allows me to use more powers. Nare told you that right?"
"Yes,” I replied. “She said that it can be fatal if we use too much magic at once, and that is how we are hunted down by The Trappers. They take our magic."
"I'll always try my best protect you,” he said. “I won't let that happen to anyone die, but you should go and see Nare. I am sure she has more work for you."
I smirked at him and I could feel blood rush to my cheeks. I nodded my head, walked out of the library and was greeted by Nare. She led me back to the infirmary and reached me my pills out of the orange bottle.
"You are now ready. There was no final lesson. You just need to practice now, but you can do that on the way to the Temple Of Amaranthine. It is where you and Darian can break the Curse Of Perdition."
I gave her a hug and whispered to her.
"Thank you so much for your help and saving me. We hope to return victorious!"
Nare pulled back and smiled.
"Yes, you will. I wish you both the best of luck on your trip. Here is everything you’ll need.”
She gave me a large, bulging black bag.
Nare looked into my eyes and said
“Can I ask you something?”
I nodded my head and replied “Yes”
Her hands started to quiver then proceeded to rub her hands together.
“Just spit it out already” I chuckled.
“You know whenever Celine and Sara died? Did you absorb their lifeforce?” She stuttered.
I replied “Yes? Is that a problem?”
“No it is not, this would usually happen if you share blood”
She rushed out of the room, mumbling something under her breath.
Darian came in, stood beside me and looked me in the eyes as we teleported into the wilderness.
Chapter 5 - 2129
Enormous moss-smothered trees grew towards the sky. The branches shed verdant leaves that tumbled down. Light glimmered through the cracks in the trees, reflecting off the rippling water. The ground was covered in short, green grass. Large boulders were dispersed throughout the dense forest. Soft bursts of wind made the leaves flutter as wildlife hummed.
"Woah! This place is stunning!" exclaimed Darian.
"It is breathtaking!" I gushed.
I pointed at the path leading upwards. I thought this way must get us to the temple. The path was marshy and saturated with water.
"Race me!" Darian dared.
He lunged forward, treading in water.
"OK! 3… 2… 1… GO!"
I raced forward, dodging trees, trying to land my feet on solid sections of the forest floor. Whistling became louder, and I sensed something coming towards me. I flipped my head around and saw a huge ball of water. It connected with my head, and the frosty water dribbled down my face.
Laughter from Darian echoed throughout the forest.
I yelped.
"You better watch your back!" I said.
Darian dashed past me. It was time for my revenge! I forced wind to sweep him off his feet. He jumped up, avoiding the gale.
"Don't be so predictable!" he laughed.
We continued to race. I got distracted, noticing a waterfall flowing off a cliff-side in the distance. Just then, I focused back on looking for Darian, but could not see him.
"Surprise!" he shouted, jumping out from behind a tree.
We locked legs and stumbled onto a hard boulder. He crashed on his back and I landed on his chest.
"Nice one," stuttered Darian.
I laughed.
"That wasn't my fault!"
I was breathless. He gazed into my eyes. He scooted to his bottom and cradled me in his arms. He brushed his hands through my hair. My palms started to sweat. I turned my head to face him, Vibrations pulsated throughout my entire body, my heart galloping and my breathing unsteady. He looked down at my lips then back to my eyes. He wrapped his arms around my neck and his cheeks turned red. Leaves rustled in the distance and a branch snapped, I refocused and swiftly rose to my feet, Darian followed and pressed his back against mine, the sound grew closer and a rabbit leapt out of one of the nearby bushes.
“Ha-ha” I laughed.
Darian replied “We were just being paranoid, I can see the path, shall we continue” as he fiddled with his hands.
We reached the end of the path. The grand waterfall streamed down the cliff-side and poured into the lake, causing thundering crashes. Lanky trees hung over the edge. Rocks caused an indent behind the waterfall, and powerful beams of water shot from the lake.
Darian jumped out in front of me and redirected them back. Rocks flung out from the wall. I focused my energy and caused them to shatter, the pebbles from the rocks falling and causing the water to ripple.
Darian chatted.
"We need to get behind the waterfall. I will stop the water beams and you stop the rocks. I can only hold them off for so long, so we will need to sprint across the water."
"OK,” I replied. “Let's do this!"
I walked over to the edge of the lake. Darian stepped onto the water, causing it to become solid as he said “Augmenaris”. We both walked across, and multiple pillars of water rammed towards us, but he stopped the attacks. Boulders from beneath the surface caused the water to split open, and I forced them back down. Darian grunted. We needed to get across quickly. The platform was liquidating. We darted forward, the crashing of the waterfall becoming louder, and the sky fading away. Darian separated the waterfall, but fell to his knees, panting.
"I can't hold it for much longer,” he said.
I lifted him up and supported him. We limped forward. We were close to a rocky wall, so I used one hand to propel rocks away. Light shone through the holes in the rocks. We both stepped inside the wall, revealing a spacious cavern. Brick-coloured rocks encased the room, stone formations danced from the ground and more formations slithered down from the ceiling.
"How about you take a break?" I said.
"We need to keep going,” Darian replied. “We have no time to rest."
"You are getting tired,” I said. “You need to rest to allow your magic pool to recharge".
"I will be OK,” Darian reassured me. “We can rest at the temple once we get there."
I nodded my head as light radiated in from outside but, as we walked deeper into the cave, it soon became gloomy. We were surrounded by darkness. As we reached the exit, I finally caught sight of The Temple Of Amaranthine.
Massive grey stone pillars supported the fractured roof as sections crumbled and plummeted, smashing into the lake, creating colossal waves. The piercing sound echoed and ricocheted inside the cavern causing the roof to split.
My eyes flashed over to Darian’s and we sprinted to safety. Just then, the cavern collapsed, blocking our way back.
The bolstering blow caused birds to jet and squall. The colossal waves then settled and returned to normal.
I could see an outline of the path that led up to the temple entrance.
We took refuge over by a tree stump. The stump was short but very wide, like a satellite dish. Lilies and tulips bloomed from the mossy bark.
A few hours passed as we sat there, but it seemed like a lifetime.
We decided that now was the time to climb up the path to get to the grand temple. We set off and our journey came to a halt.
I could see the temple more. The pillars were inscribed with similar markings from the library.
The entrance was blocked by an energy field. A loud, clear voice sounded out.
"Young Hastings Heir. You have finally arrived. Welcome to the Temple Of Amaranthine. To enter, you need to walk through. We will talk further soon"
The voice dissipated.
"We are finally here!" I exclaimed.
"Yes,” Darian replied. “So we have to walk through it. That seems too easy… There must be something else to it"
I walked towards the barrier. I passed through it and entered a dark abyss.
Suddenly, I was floating on an empty plain.
Silhouettes approached me. They faded between human-like and not existing. The silhouettes became clear. They took the form of my mother and sister. They had black lines smothered over their faces and wore black robes and carried petite steel daggers.
Tears welled in my eyes. Celine drew her dagger and tilted her head to the side. She lunged towards me and the dagger grazed my forearm.
I paced backwards, my chest tightened. They both screamed and sprinted towards me.
‘This can’t be real,’ I thought to myself, terrified.
I watched them both die. I stood still, calmed my nerves and closes my eyes.
A few moments later, I opened my eyes. My mother and my sister were both gone and I was inside the temple. I could see Darian outside the barrier and I waved my hand, flagging him to pass through.
He stepped through the barrier and vanished. A few moments later, he was inside with me. I could see a fountain pouring out a black liquid, which jumped up and around the circular fountain. A pane of glass floated above and pulsated energy. I could feel the power running through my body.
The voice returned.
"You have both passed. What you see is the power of all your people. However, it has been surrounded by The Curse of Perdition hence limiting the power."
"This pane of glass is the source?” I shouted. “How can we purge the power?"
The voice begged.
"You have to defeat him in battle as he is the source of that dark power."
The voice vanished once again and teleported us to the academy.
The colour of Darian's body left. He trembled, and he was crippled to the floor.
The academy was crumbled to the floor. Roaring flames engulfed the rubble, and grey smoke glided up into the sky.
Darian yelped.
"This can't be happening! If the barrier is not up, that means that the source of the power is gone."
I walked over and hunched to comfort him.
"The source from the valley?"
He cried.
"No… Nare was the source. She has control over the barrier."
He stood up. Tears flooded down his face, and I wiped away the tears with my hand. I embraced him and whispered.
"Everything will be OK. We will avenge Nare."
He screamed.
"We need more than revenge. Omen must pay for what he has done! She was like a mother to me."
Darian rose up doused the fire with water as his entire body started shaking. The flames sizzled and the smoke faded. His body limped towards the ground but he stabilized and stood upright.
Footsteps approached and Omen laughed.
"Ha-ha. She fought well, but without help. She couldn't fight back. My power overwhelmed her. I suppose she granted me more power in the process."
Darian clenched his fists and dashed towards Omen. Omen unsheathed his dagger and threw it towards Darian.
I forced a gale of wind to misdirect the dagger. It pulsed towards me. I ducked to dodge it.
Darian launched his fists and bashed Omen in the face. He grunted and kicked Darian's leg, forcing him to the ground.
Omen grasped Darian's throat and smashed his chest. Darian gasped for air. I focused and flung sand towards Omen. He raised his hand and absorbed the energy.
Omen erected himself, Darian remained on the floor, unconscious.
"How pathetic,” chuckled Omen. “Now, who is next?"
Rage boiled within me.
I screamed.
"I will not permit you to have your way"
Omen laughed.
“What are you going to do about it in that feeble body!"
The sky darkened casting shadows around the plane, wind swept around Omen. I rushed towards him blasting waves of air in his direction, he evaded the attack and gazed towards the sky as he reached upward, he surrounded us with a bubble of murky soil and water. Moments later a white mist filled the area blinding me.
I studied the mist looking for any sign of Omen but I could see nothing. I paced backwards clenching my fists as I yelled: “Stop this at once, why use sly tricks to fight, face me one to one”.
Omen laughed “Perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement, I should let you know that. I am not the leader of The Trappers, I could help you find them”.
“Your death will free our power, give me one good reason why I should not kill you,” I said.
Omen replied “I was forced to place a curse upon your kind by the leader, of course, I could not have refused otherwise I would not be standing here, I will lower the barrier and we can discuss further”
I released my fists and the mist vanished along with the barrier encasing us, Omen was standing in front of me, he sheathed his black dagger.
“Why would I believe you and this is not some trick?” I questioned.
Omen chuckled “You’re still alive, aren’t you? But we have a more urgent matter, they reside within Raymarsh tower in the Capital of Astrinica, Raymarsh, to get there we must travel past the Temple of Amaranthine to Coldmoore Marsh, at the end of there will be a transporter that will allow us entry to Raymarsh, but I will find you in a few days, prepare yourself and that boy, I hope he does feel better soon”.
A force of darkness consumed Omen as he vanished.
I ran over to Darian as he was regaining consciousness, I helped him get to his feet.
He pulled me into an embrace as he whimpered “Are you okay? Is the curse lifted?”. I sighed “No, according to Omen he is not the leader and we should kill them instead, he was forced to place the curse on our people or he would have been killed. So he is going to help us get to a place called Raymarsh”.
Darian released me and smiled “That is my home! I have not returned there is a few months now, I would love to show you around, but we should be careful it is now the same as it used to be”.
I said, “Let's get to the village and see if we can get some help, we will discuss later”.
He nodded his head. The village was in sight and we started to walk towards it.
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