M.K Erving
Chapter 1
The moonlight slowly ebbed away, leaving sunlight to filter in through the stone crevices. Like a bolt, I jolted out of bed. My wings were tucked behind me, a chestnut color to match my hair. Getting on my regular attire of a hoodie and pants, I stiffly stomped down the stairs. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were sitting on their dull grey chairs, with the same piercing stare, thin spectacles, and formal clothes. I was abandoned on one of the alleys overlooking the valley, and Miss Hemingway ( someone who works at the orphanage ) found me alone.
Unfortunately, my foster parents weren’t someone you’d like to get to know. They were strict, unforgiving, and didn’t-wouldn’t, accept a no. In fact, the only reason they took in a ‘burden’ like me was to pay off a debt. And now, I was stuck with a pair of elders. My griffon wings still hadn’t matured, and I wasn’t able to fly yet. Everyone else in class A-3 had long since had their share of admiration. I was the ugly duckling. Hopefully, though, I would grow up with beautiful, graceful wings, just as one of the earth-dweller’s stories ended. I had to give it to him, Hans Christian Anderson made many worthy books of my attention.
My home and the rest of the village was seated in the sky, on a cloud. A few centuries ago, earth-dwellers ravaged the earth with their polluting machines, forcing many of the once magical creatures to go extinct. Only some such as pixies and dragons survived. My race and I, people with griffon wings, were able to escape. Our ancestors fled to the sky, starting civilization anew. By the day, we are getting stronger and stronger, reforming to our former selves. But earth-dwellers were still ignorant, not listening to our pleas. To this day, the earth is getting weaker.
“Opal!!” Mrs. Moore screamed, her old voice cracking from the pressure. “Mercy, child! I don’t have time for you to be dawdling. Go to school!”
I snapped out of the daze, but dread slowly crept over me. School was the last place I wanted to be now. Scornfully, I muttered, “Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Moore.” I snatched up my already ready bag, hitched it across my back, and tucked in my wings cautiously. I would try not to show it.
Unfortunately, my foster parents weren’t someone you’d like to get to know. They were strict, unforgiving, and didn’t-wouldn’t, accept a no. In fact, the only reason they took in a ‘burden’ like me was to pay off a debt. And now, I was stuck with a pair of elders. My griffon wings still hadn’t matured, and I wasn’t able to fly yet. Everyone else in class A-3 had long since had their share of admiration. I was the ugly duckling. Hopefully, though, I would grow up with beautiful, graceful wings, just as one of the earth-dweller’s stories ended. I had to give it to him, Hans Christian Anderson made many worthy books of my attention.
My home and the rest of the village was seated in the sky, on a cloud. A few centuries ago, earth-dwellers ravaged the earth with their polluting machines, forcing many of the once magical creatures to go extinct. Only some such as pixies and dragons survived. My race and I, people with griffon wings, were able to escape. Our ancestors fled to the sky, starting civilization anew. By the day, we are getting stronger and stronger, reforming to our former selves. But earth-dwellers were still ignorant, not listening to our pleas. To this day, the earth is getting weaker.
“Opal!!” Mrs. Moore screamed, her old voice cracking from the pressure. “Mercy, child! I don’t have time for you to be dawdling. Go to school!”
I snapped out of the daze, but dread slowly crept over me. School was the last place I wanted to be now. Scornfully, I muttered, “Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Moore.” I snatched up my already ready bag, hitched it across my back, and tucked in my wings cautiously. I would try not to show it.
|
“Would anybody like to say the answer?” Mr. Wilson inquired. He was the type of guy who had wrinkled skin, half moon spectacles, and an expressionless face. No one did anything. Looking around me, I saw that almost everyone was dozing off. “Opal?” My face flushed, I knew why he had chosen me. I was always the first person to speak up. I could feel everyone's eyes burning into me.
Trying not to seem too much like a teacher’s pet, I walked to the chalkboard, determined not to show my embarrassment. I pretended to be struggling over the problem, and finally said, “Er...X is equal to negative four hundred twelve,” I lied. It wasn’t that I couldn’t easily figure out the problem, but I didn’t want people to view me as a bookworm, adding onto flyless. Mr. Wilson seemed surprised. “Incorrect.” My face turning into a deeper radish color, I tried to fade back into the background. “The correct answer is thirty-eight.” With this, I shrinked back to my seat. After the class was dismissed, I gathered all of my books hurriedly, for once wanting to get home. “Miss Winslow, I know that you got the answer wrong on purpose.” Mr. Wilson spoke to me. Now it was my turn to pretend to be surprised. “What do you mean?” It came out of my mouth louder than I wanted. the teacher stared at me attentively, looking right through my lies. After an awkward silence, he sighed, “Fine. Miss Winslow, you are free to go.” He went back inside the classroom and closed the door behind him. |
I felt guilty lying to the only person that wasn’t, well, teasing. Mr. Wilson treated me like another one of his pupils. I thought that the day had let out all of its burdens, but I was wrong.
Tom, someone from my class turned up around the corner with his buddies Wendel and Lukas. Thomas had a cropped sheet of shiny jet black hair, and sneering brown eyes.
“Thought I’d see you crawling around here, half-pint! Saw you acting like an idiot in class. You can’t fool me!” Tom snickered. Wendel and Lukas followed along, laughing dumbly.
I rolled my eyes. He was an idiot. “Get lost! I don’t have time for you bunch.”
They growled in reply, slowly cornering me into a wall. Panic rose inside of me. What could I do? Without thinking, I slammed into Tom and landed a hard punch straight in his face. Not giving them time to reply, I tried to fly away. It didn’t work, so I was reduced to having to run. The gang soon got back to their senses, and followed me. I could tell Tom was infuriated, his face red and nose trickling with blood.
“You’re dead, loser!” Tom yapped.
I chided myself furiously, trying to figure out why I had done the stupidest thing in the world. Now I had made an enemy of one of the most popular figures in all of Riverton Middle School. On second thought...it wasn’t like he’d been friendly to me before.
With one last stride, I twisted and turned around all of the buildings, finally losing them. Within minutes, I had arrived at my ‘home’. There was gray and black paint neatly splattered onto the house, and fences that blocked out all intruders. All it had in the front garden was a discouraging pile of wet soil. “Worst day,” was all I managed to say, and slammed the door behind me.
When I went in, Mr. Moore and his chubby self was snoring loudly in his bedroom while Mrs. Moore was reading intently. I didn’t bother to tell them I was home. They would just shoo me away like a pest. I quickly went to my room, pulling out my journal. It was more of a diary, but I liked the sound of ‘journal’ much better. It was like there was more adventure and mystery to the sound. I got out a quill and purple ink. Then I wrote:
Tom, someone from my class turned up around the corner with his buddies Wendel and Lukas. Thomas had a cropped sheet of shiny jet black hair, and sneering brown eyes.
“Thought I’d see you crawling around here, half-pint! Saw you acting like an idiot in class. You can’t fool me!” Tom snickered. Wendel and Lukas followed along, laughing dumbly.
I rolled my eyes. He was an idiot. “Get lost! I don’t have time for you bunch.”
They growled in reply, slowly cornering me into a wall. Panic rose inside of me. What could I do? Without thinking, I slammed into Tom and landed a hard punch straight in his face. Not giving them time to reply, I tried to fly away. It didn’t work, so I was reduced to having to run. The gang soon got back to their senses, and followed me. I could tell Tom was infuriated, his face red and nose trickling with blood.
“You’re dead, loser!” Tom yapped.
I chided myself furiously, trying to figure out why I had done the stupidest thing in the world. Now I had made an enemy of one of the most popular figures in all of Riverton Middle School. On second thought...it wasn’t like he’d been friendly to me before.
With one last stride, I twisted and turned around all of the buildings, finally losing them. Within minutes, I had arrived at my ‘home’. There was gray and black paint neatly splattered onto the house, and fences that blocked out all intruders. All it had in the front garden was a discouraging pile of wet soil. “Worst day,” was all I managed to say, and slammed the door behind me.
When I went in, Mr. Moore and his chubby self was snoring loudly in his bedroom while Mrs. Moore was reading intently. I didn’t bother to tell them I was home. They would just shoo me away like a pest. I quickly went to my room, pulling out my journal. It was more of a diary, but I liked the sound of ‘journal’ much better. It was like there was more adventure and mystery to the sound. I got out a quill and purple ink. Then I wrote:
I closed my journal and sighed. I put the book back under my mattress and headed out. Very suddenly, I heard a noise. It was a desperate whinny, sounding somewhere in the brush.
“Hello?” I cautiously tramped through the autumn forest, their leaves turning red, orange, and a beautiful gold. Worried for whatever was there, I got a stick next to me, just in case.
Lying down was a mare with a milk-chocolate brown body and black legs. But what made me open my eyes wide with shock was that there were chains over her legs. The mare’s eyes were glossy with fear, burrs pokingv everywhere I could see on her.
“Hello?” I cautiously tramped through the autumn forest, their leaves turning red, orange, and a beautiful gold. Worried for whatever was there, I got a stick next to me, just in case.
Lying down was a mare with a milk-chocolate brown body and black legs. But what made me open my eyes wide with shock was that there were chains over her legs. The mare’s eyes were glossy with fear, burrs pokingv everywhere I could see on her.
|
“Er...are you ok?” After letting it out, I immediately flushed. Firstly, I’m not good with animals. Don’t understand them, never have. But my heart still ached for the girl, so I started off by going back home as fast as I could to get some wipes and whatever a horse needs to get well. When I came back, she was still lying there, breathing uneven.
“Sorry I took so long, horse,” I muttered. Then as quickly and gently as possible, I pinched out of the spiky stuff covering her. The horse was obviously disturbed by me, and snorted, trying to chew my hair off. “Ok, ok! Take it easy, just trying to help.” After a long pause, “Be back in a jiffy.” I ran back home without looking back yet again so I could find the biggest plier I could find. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were ignoring me like usual, looking at the magazines. “Hey, do you have a plier?” I asked them, hoping for the best. They didn’t answer. I rolled my eyes and headed for the storage room. That was my best chance for finding some. “Aha!!” I yelled, for there was the tool I needed! Rusty, but it’s all I had. |
The mare was still laying on the floor, a bit more relaxed. She was like me, not willing to admit something, though I could tell she was glad for the company. Of course, no burrs on her pelt as well. “You’re ju-uuuust about done, horse.” With a heave, I snapped the chains on her that were tying the horse to the ground in half. She immediately got up to her feet and glared the most vicious horse stare I had ever been given.
“You’re welcome.” It didn’t seem to appreciate it, so I turned around to leave. “See you around.”
With one last look behind me, I left with my trusty plier and headed back for home.
“You’re welcome.” It didn’t seem to appreciate it, so I turned around to leave. “See you around.”
With one last look behind me, I left with my trusty plier and headed back for home.
Chapter 2
I pulled the pillow over my head, shifting all over in my bed, unable to sleep. All that I could think about was the mare I had seen yesterday, and it didn’t seem to be leaving me alone. What if she was in danger again? Left to die without anyone near her? Part of me knew these were hallucinations.. After an hour of consolation, I muttered, “Ugh! Fine, horse. You won, I’ll come!”
Tiptoeing through the dark hallways, I got off my night clothes and slipped on a shirt and pants. Annoyingly, my wings were stuck in the doorway, like always. I would always forget to tuck them in when I was going out. It was as if I didn’t have any control over them! On second thought, that part was true. When I silently walked past my foster parents bedroom, Mrs. Moore wasn’t where she was supposed to be. And when I saw a bony figure appear in the lantern light, I squeaked.
“Young lady! Where do you think you’re going? It’s nighttime, go to bed.” Mrs. Moore screeched.
I stayed silent for a while, all the possible words getting choked inside of my mouth. “Um, just getting some fresh air? It’s so stuffy in my room..you know..?” It was the silliest excuse I had ever heard of, but it would have to do. Couldn’t take it back. The thin woman stared at me through her thin glasses. I bit my nails out of reflex.
“Come back when you’re finished. NO distractions, got it?”
Mr. and Mrs. Moore’s house was almost exactly beside the ‘haunted’ woods, because they said they wouldn’t like distractions for themselves and me. I felt like rolling my eyes just at the thought of it, but I was still too close to Mrs. Moore. So, without further ado, I put on my outside winter clothes and headed to the woods.
The woods were too dark for my liking, every shadow in the brush making me jump. Each second I got more and more hopeful to see the horse that I had named Starlight.
“Horseyyyyy! Come out, please!” However, in my mind I was thinking, like she’s gonna answer that. I tried to push my fears away, but it was hard while I listened to the screeching of Vampire Bats and owls.
Just as I thought that I heard a whinny, a vicious growl awoke my senses. In front of me was a wolf, and it looked hungry. “Dinner, just in time.” It snarled cheekily, a cruel glittering smile appearing over his broad snout.
I yelped. “Y-you t-talked!” Then, “I didn’t know they could talk!” Apparently, the wolf found this annoying and rolled his eyes.
“Everyone thinks that!” It yapped. Apparently, anything was possibly in a magical world. I noted that carefully so I wouldn’t get surprised next time. But now I had a bigger problem. There was a huge, talking, hungry savage in front of me.
“I don’t taste good! You won’t want to take a bite out of my old bones!” I seemed puny in front of the looming predator.
“Nice try, but you’re still my dinner!” He leaped to where I was, me barely escaping from his crunching teeth. “Stay..still!” The wolf growled.
I grabbed the nearest stick that I could find and struck him. But he caught in his mouth and snapped it in half. I heard a mocking laugh sound from him. Getting more panicked by the second, I yelled for help. He slowly put one paw in front of the other, his eyes looking more devilish the closer he got. I ran and ran, like I always did. Thinking back, I may have acted tough, but in the end I just fled as a coward.
A fierce neigh caught my attention, and luckily the wolf as well. Starlight stampeded to him, fury in her eyes (I decided to call her that though it didn’t match her pelt). She bucked and kicked at him, while the wolf was desperately clinging on to her and sinking his teeth into her forelegs and back. Gathering enough courage, I yet again grabbed a stick and slammed it onto his head. He scampered off with dust in his tracks, whimpering.
Starlight looked at me curiously. “Thanks, you really saved my life back there.” I whispered, not wanting to alert other creatures that might be lurking at this time.
The horse whinnied proudly, and started running off back into the woods. “Wait!!” I yelled, and for once, she actually listened. Starlight trotted back to me and snorted, as if to say, what do you want from me now?
“Will I see you again soon?” I asked, not sure if I would be able to bear it if she left. Then I would be once again, all alone. But Starlight made me feel like I was someone that was worth being with. Plus, I don’t know if I could take being alone in the forest yet again. Next time, I wouldn’t be so lucky.
Starlight gave me a look saying, how do I know, knucklehead? And with that, she sprinted off for good. At least, for now.
***
Next day at school, I couldn’t focus at all. I was half worrying about Starlight, and half yearning for her to be here. Now I’m stuck in sixth grade, with Mr. Wilson transfering to Mountain Ridge Middle School. There was another person that I knew leaving for good.
“Leo, for the last time, a positive multiplied by a negative won’t turn out as a positive, but a negative. If they’re both negative or positive, then it is safe to say that it will be a positive. Don’t get them mixed up all the time!” The teacher chided a nervous boy that was currently twiddling his fingers. I kinda felt bad for him, even though he could make me extremely annoyed. Mr. Wilson then went back to the chalkboard and furiously wrote on it.
After class home room, I was walking, deciding to go onto an untamed path. A tiny red brick cottage caught my eye. It almost looked like the ones in fairy tales, where the seven dwarves lived, but was more used and old. The house was definitely abandoned, with cobwebs, faded paint, and wood planks covering the windows. A welcome sign was lying crooked on the floor, though not very welcoming. And there was no “For Sale” sign, so I made up my mind to go and take a look inside. It wasn’t very homely, with only rows and rows of bookshelves lining the walls. The books were undoubtedly old and cracked. I ventured to curiously grab one off the shelved, a cloud of dust making me cough.
“Sheesh.” I couldn’t even read the title, for it had faded away over the years. But something about the place made me feel comforted, and I decided to take a seat in a patterned chair. “How old is this place..?” I muttered to myself. Looking around the shelves, my eyes fell upon a book. Just not like the others. This one looked like it was just published, a gold spine and scarlet cover. I immediately got out of my seat and examined it.
I was sure this wasn’t here before… These thoughts clouded my head but I pushed it out of my head. Hesitating, I carefully grabbed it and opened it, exciting for what I would see. But all there was was hundreds of blank pages. I was underwhelmed, and placed it back.
“Well, that was disappointi-’’ I was silenced as a blinding flash filled the room and a secret corridor emerged out of the ground.
“AAAAH!” I yelped, jumping back. There were cobble stairs leading down to a brightly lit ending with torches that blazed yellow, orange, and red. “Ok…”
Tiptoeing through the dark hallways, I got off my night clothes and slipped on a shirt and pants. Annoyingly, my wings were stuck in the doorway, like always. I would always forget to tuck them in when I was going out. It was as if I didn’t have any control over them! On second thought, that part was true. When I silently walked past my foster parents bedroom, Mrs. Moore wasn’t where she was supposed to be. And when I saw a bony figure appear in the lantern light, I squeaked.
“Young lady! Where do you think you’re going? It’s nighttime, go to bed.” Mrs. Moore screeched.
I stayed silent for a while, all the possible words getting choked inside of my mouth. “Um, just getting some fresh air? It’s so stuffy in my room..you know..?” It was the silliest excuse I had ever heard of, but it would have to do. Couldn’t take it back. The thin woman stared at me through her thin glasses. I bit my nails out of reflex.
“Come back when you’re finished. NO distractions, got it?”
Mr. and Mrs. Moore’s house was almost exactly beside the ‘haunted’ woods, because they said they wouldn’t like distractions for themselves and me. I felt like rolling my eyes just at the thought of it, but I was still too close to Mrs. Moore. So, without further ado, I put on my outside winter clothes and headed to the woods.
The woods were too dark for my liking, every shadow in the brush making me jump. Each second I got more and more hopeful to see the horse that I had named Starlight.
“Horseyyyyy! Come out, please!” However, in my mind I was thinking, like she’s gonna answer that. I tried to push my fears away, but it was hard while I listened to the screeching of Vampire Bats and owls.
Just as I thought that I heard a whinny, a vicious growl awoke my senses. In front of me was a wolf, and it looked hungry. “Dinner, just in time.” It snarled cheekily, a cruel glittering smile appearing over his broad snout.
I yelped. “Y-you t-talked!” Then, “I didn’t know they could talk!” Apparently, the wolf found this annoying and rolled his eyes.
“Everyone thinks that!” It yapped. Apparently, anything was possibly in a magical world. I noted that carefully so I wouldn’t get surprised next time. But now I had a bigger problem. There was a huge, talking, hungry savage in front of me.
“I don’t taste good! You won’t want to take a bite out of my old bones!” I seemed puny in front of the looming predator.
“Nice try, but you’re still my dinner!” He leaped to where I was, me barely escaping from his crunching teeth. “Stay..still!” The wolf growled.
I grabbed the nearest stick that I could find and struck him. But he caught in his mouth and snapped it in half. I heard a mocking laugh sound from him. Getting more panicked by the second, I yelled for help. He slowly put one paw in front of the other, his eyes looking more devilish the closer he got. I ran and ran, like I always did. Thinking back, I may have acted tough, but in the end I just fled as a coward.
A fierce neigh caught my attention, and luckily the wolf as well. Starlight stampeded to him, fury in her eyes (I decided to call her that though it didn’t match her pelt). She bucked and kicked at him, while the wolf was desperately clinging on to her and sinking his teeth into her forelegs and back. Gathering enough courage, I yet again grabbed a stick and slammed it onto his head. He scampered off with dust in his tracks, whimpering.
Starlight looked at me curiously. “Thanks, you really saved my life back there.” I whispered, not wanting to alert other creatures that might be lurking at this time.
The horse whinnied proudly, and started running off back into the woods. “Wait!!” I yelled, and for once, she actually listened. Starlight trotted back to me and snorted, as if to say, what do you want from me now?
“Will I see you again soon?” I asked, not sure if I would be able to bear it if she left. Then I would be once again, all alone. But Starlight made me feel like I was someone that was worth being with. Plus, I don’t know if I could take being alone in the forest yet again. Next time, I wouldn’t be so lucky.
Starlight gave me a look saying, how do I know, knucklehead? And with that, she sprinted off for good. At least, for now.
***
Next day at school, I couldn’t focus at all. I was half worrying about Starlight, and half yearning for her to be here. Now I’m stuck in sixth grade, with Mr. Wilson transfering to Mountain Ridge Middle School. There was another person that I knew leaving for good.
“Leo, for the last time, a positive multiplied by a negative won’t turn out as a positive, but a negative. If they’re both negative or positive, then it is safe to say that it will be a positive. Don’t get them mixed up all the time!” The teacher chided a nervous boy that was currently twiddling his fingers. I kinda felt bad for him, even though he could make me extremely annoyed. Mr. Wilson then went back to the chalkboard and furiously wrote on it.
After class home room, I was walking, deciding to go onto an untamed path. A tiny red brick cottage caught my eye. It almost looked like the ones in fairy tales, where the seven dwarves lived, but was more used and old. The house was definitely abandoned, with cobwebs, faded paint, and wood planks covering the windows. A welcome sign was lying crooked on the floor, though not very welcoming. And there was no “For Sale” sign, so I made up my mind to go and take a look inside. It wasn’t very homely, with only rows and rows of bookshelves lining the walls. The books were undoubtedly old and cracked. I ventured to curiously grab one off the shelved, a cloud of dust making me cough.
“Sheesh.” I couldn’t even read the title, for it had faded away over the years. But something about the place made me feel comforted, and I decided to take a seat in a patterned chair. “How old is this place..?” I muttered to myself. Looking around the shelves, my eyes fell upon a book. Just not like the others. This one looked like it was just published, a gold spine and scarlet cover. I immediately got out of my seat and examined it.
I was sure this wasn’t here before… These thoughts clouded my head but I pushed it out of my head. Hesitating, I carefully grabbed it and opened it, exciting for what I would see. But all there was was hundreds of blank pages. I was underwhelmed, and placed it back.
“Well, that was disappointi-’’ I was silenced as a blinding flash filled the room and a secret corridor emerged out of the ground.
“AAAAH!” I yelped, jumping back. There were cobble stairs leading down to a brightly lit ending with torches that blazed yellow, orange, and red. “Ok…”
|
I was sure this wasn’t here before… These thoughts clouded my head but I pushed it out of my head. Hesitating, I carefully grabbed it and opened it, exciting for what I would see. But all there was was hundreds of blank pages. I was underwhelmed, and placed it back.
“Well, that was disappointi-’’ I was silenced as a blinding flash filled the room and a secret corridor emerged out of the ground. “AAAAH!” I yelped, jumping back. There were cobble stairs leading down to a brightly lit ending with torches that blazed yellow, orange, and red. “Ok…” |
|
Chapter 3
As soon as I saw the opening stairs, I tiptoed silently around it and ran away as fast as I could. “That’s gotta be a haunted house.” I whispered to myself. Firstly, I had a good reason for freaking out. No house has crazy gadgets lying around to open secret corridors..right..? Either I was hallucinating, or overreacting.
Out of nervous reaction, my wings were uncontrollably slapping me on the head. “Hey!” I yelled, to myself. “Stop it!!” Everyone at home in city hall was flying, as if to mock and remind me that I couldn’t. There were multiple beautiful buildings in a perfect circle, marble paths joining together in an arch decorated with vines and sharp shrubbery. Then, protected by glass, a silver statue of our founders, Mr. Brookes and Rosie Brookes, his daughter. Mr. Brookes had a harsh, stern face, with an emerald colored suit embedded with pearls. Rosie was tiny compared to her father, with wavy brown hair, dark skin, and a smile that lit up the whole room.
Apparently, they had been prosecuted many years ago, and Mr. Brookes had wanted a safe place for his daughter to grow up. Rosie had had a brother, but he perished along with many of our kind. Thus, the sky island was created. I had always found our history so interesting, that I would pour over thousands of the library books to learn more about the subject. There wasn’t any information on where or how Rosie Brooks’ brother died. It was the one thing that I couldn’t figure out on my own.So his past remained a mystery..
I was walking randomly around with no goal in particular. I kept on thinking about Starlight and the cottage that I had seen earlier today. I was worried Starlight didn’t care if she ever saw me again, and if I would ever forgive myself if I missed the chance of a secret tunnel going underground.
The more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. What’s the harm in just seeing the creepy house again? What’s the harm in taking a little peek? Who knows, maybe there’ll be treasure or something down there. I laughed at the idea. Still, it was possible.
Making up my mind for sure this time, I excitedly ran toward the beaten path that I had followed. City hall was the only place in the sky island where there were visibly clouds underneath, and we just kinda..walked on them. But the rest of our world was just like the world underneath, with soil, water, and creatures roaming freely. It was just that there were clouds way, way underneath. Sort of like lava underneath, but more puffy and not burning hot. “Opal, I hope you’re doing the right thing!” I muttered.
I didn’t want to admit it, but something about that place creeped me out. It wasn’t exactly the dusty, weeded cottage itself. It wasn’t the tapestry and gloom about it. That was something I could cope with easily. But there was something else with me, unseen and hidden. Just thinking of going anywhere near it gave me a tight knot in my stomach. This time, it definitely wasn’t a hallucination. There was something else in there with me. And I didn’t like it.
What if it showed itself to me again? What if something terrible happened? Angrily, I screamed a bit too loud, “STOP BEING INSECURE, OPAL!!!” A few passersby’s stopped in their tracks, either glaring or snickering at me. I looked at the ground and clawed at it furiously. “Sorry.”
***
Out of nervous reaction, my wings were uncontrollably slapping me on the head. “Hey!” I yelled, to myself. “Stop it!!” Everyone at home in city hall was flying, as if to mock and remind me that I couldn’t. There were multiple beautiful buildings in a perfect circle, marble paths joining together in an arch decorated with vines and sharp shrubbery. Then, protected by glass, a silver statue of our founders, Mr. Brookes and Rosie Brookes, his daughter. Mr. Brookes had a harsh, stern face, with an emerald colored suit embedded with pearls. Rosie was tiny compared to her father, with wavy brown hair, dark skin, and a smile that lit up the whole room.
Apparently, they had been prosecuted many years ago, and Mr. Brookes had wanted a safe place for his daughter to grow up. Rosie had had a brother, but he perished along with many of our kind. Thus, the sky island was created. I had always found our history so interesting, that I would pour over thousands of the library books to learn more about the subject. There wasn’t any information on where or how Rosie Brooks’ brother died. It was the one thing that I couldn’t figure out on my own.So his past remained a mystery..
I was walking randomly around with no goal in particular. I kept on thinking about Starlight and the cottage that I had seen earlier today. I was worried Starlight didn’t care if she ever saw me again, and if I would ever forgive myself if I missed the chance of a secret tunnel going underground.
The more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. What’s the harm in just seeing the creepy house again? What’s the harm in taking a little peek? Who knows, maybe there’ll be treasure or something down there. I laughed at the idea. Still, it was possible.
Making up my mind for sure this time, I excitedly ran toward the beaten path that I had followed. City hall was the only place in the sky island where there were visibly clouds underneath, and we just kinda..walked on them. But the rest of our world was just like the world underneath, with soil, water, and creatures roaming freely. It was just that there were clouds way, way underneath. Sort of like lava underneath, but more puffy and not burning hot. “Opal, I hope you’re doing the right thing!” I muttered.
I didn’t want to admit it, but something about that place creeped me out. It wasn’t exactly the dusty, weeded cottage itself. It wasn’t the tapestry and gloom about it. That was something I could cope with easily. But there was something else with me, unseen and hidden. Just thinking of going anywhere near it gave me a tight knot in my stomach. This time, it definitely wasn’t a hallucination. There was something else in there with me. And I didn’t like it.
What if it showed itself to me again? What if something terrible happened? Angrily, I screamed a bit too loud, “STOP BEING INSECURE, OPAL!!!” A few passersby’s stopped in their tracks, either glaring or snickering at me. I looked at the ground and clawed at it furiously. “Sorry.”
***
|
After half-an-hour, I yet again arrived at the house I had been terrified of. Although it was tiny, I felt it’s secrets towering over me in one big, intimidating clump of bricks. “Nothing to be scared of. Nothing at all..” I tried my best to reassure myself. Everything was exactly the same as when I had last visited it, with the opening in the planked ground still open, my voice echoing through it. Extremely careful, I put my feet step after step in the dusty stairs. Every now and then I would shriek at the sound of clattering somewhere down. Every fiber of my being was urging me to turn back, but I didn’t. It had been nearly three hours of endless walking of curved stairways, turning sideways, up, down, diagonally, and every way you could possibly imagine. My feet were aching, wondering if it would ever stop. “Of course there’s an end!” I scolded myself.
I would always talk to myself, as a way to entertain me. Since there was no one else to talk to, of course. But I was getting more and more worried as the seconds, minutes, and hours passed. After a while, I saw a white burst of light in the distance. Relief filling up, I ran as quickly as possible to the ending. Thank goodness there’s an exit at all! Is what I was thinking silently. But what was revealed to me after reaching was nothing at all like I had imagined. There was a huge damp room with a waterway around a colossal pillar in the center. It looked like a bookshelf, but all of them were thrown carelessly into the water. |
|
Looking more closely, I gradually noticed burnt tinges around all of them. The worst had experienced all of their pages torn off, with only the soggy cover remaining to view. “What happened..?” I whispered, surprised. There was also a kind of harbor leading into a stone room, filled with granite tables and bottles with liquids inside. They were either potions, concoctions, or something of the sort.
Rattling my brain, I had vaguely remembered one of my childhood favorite folktales. It was about witches and wizards being cast out from our kind, never to be seen again. Magic was a scorned art, one of the most important unspoken rules. Anyone even associated with the likes of it would be banished, without question. But it was rumored that they had created some sort of refugee hospital, tending to all the sick or in need. But it was just a story. No matter how I refused the idea, all of the story pointed to this one place. To the left, I was startled to see some graves in the ground, with names imprinted forever onto them. It looked like a memorable place. Still, didn’t make it any less creepy to be standing on top of dead bodies in the ground. I quickly ran back to the place with the waterway and destroyed books. There wasn’t really anything to see. But I was even more curious that I had been before.
“Secret grotto. I’m definitely going to have to do some research on this. There must be something in the library.” I took a last look at the newfound place I had seen, wondering if I’d ever be here again. I wouldn’t want to take this walk again, that’s for sure. But I had to come back here.
With a pang, I suddenly remembered that I hadn’t eaten in hours. My stomach started hurting and grumbling at the same time.
“Great. And there’s still a couple hours before I reach high ground.” I couldn’t believe I hadn’t brought any emergency snacks. Still, though, who would’ve expected it’d take this long? Grumbling at the thought of walking my seemingly ancient legs, I trudged up the doorway staircase. It was in the exact position it had been before.
Crash! A vase lying on one of the tables fell from its place. I screamed. “Wha-?” There was nothing there to knock it down.
I quickly grabbed a candle nearby and surveyed the area, shoving it everywhere in the air.
“My bad, sorry.” A voice called..from nowhere.
“...!! Where are you?” I asked, now utterly confused. I solemnly wondered if I was dead as well, just like the dead people from the graves. What if this was some trap, and I was on the way to the after life? Or I was just having some mental issues. I might need a therapist to get out of this alive.
And then, when I least expected it, the pale figure of a boy no over fourteen appeared.
“Aaah!!” I yelled. I guess I could possibly deal with weird phenomenals once in a day..but two?
Rattling my brain, I had vaguely remembered one of my childhood favorite folktales. It was about witches and wizards being cast out from our kind, never to be seen again. Magic was a scorned art, one of the most important unspoken rules. Anyone even associated with the likes of it would be banished, without question. But it was rumored that they had created some sort of refugee hospital, tending to all the sick or in need. But it was just a story. No matter how I refused the idea, all of the story pointed to this one place. To the left, I was startled to see some graves in the ground, with names imprinted forever onto them. It looked like a memorable place. Still, didn’t make it any less creepy to be standing on top of dead bodies in the ground. I quickly ran back to the place with the waterway and destroyed books. There wasn’t really anything to see. But I was even more curious that I had been before.
“Secret grotto. I’m definitely going to have to do some research on this. There must be something in the library.” I took a last look at the newfound place I had seen, wondering if I’d ever be here again. I wouldn’t want to take this walk again, that’s for sure. But I had to come back here.
With a pang, I suddenly remembered that I hadn’t eaten in hours. My stomach started hurting and grumbling at the same time.
“Great. And there’s still a couple hours before I reach high ground.” I couldn’t believe I hadn’t brought any emergency snacks. Still, though, who would’ve expected it’d take this long? Grumbling at the thought of walking my seemingly ancient legs, I trudged up the doorway staircase. It was in the exact position it had been before.
Crash! A vase lying on one of the tables fell from its place. I screamed. “Wha-?” There was nothing there to knock it down.
I quickly grabbed a candle nearby and surveyed the area, shoving it everywhere in the air.
“My bad, sorry.” A voice called..from nowhere.
“...!! Where are you?” I asked, now utterly confused. I solemnly wondered if I was dead as well, just like the dead people from the graves. What if this was some trap, and I was on the way to the after life? Or I was just having some mental issues. I might need a therapist to get out of this alive.
And then, when I least expected it, the pale figure of a boy no over fourteen appeared.
“Aaah!!” I yelled. I guess I could possibly deal with weird phenomenals once in a day..but two?
Chapter 4:
When I saw the boy, I knew immediately what it was. A spirit, or known more commonly, a ghost. They were known to inhabit abandoned places, and this was a prime example. “Hello..” I was unsure how to talk to him. It was very unusual to actually see a ghost with your own eyes, but everyone on the sky island knew that they could be found almost anywhere. Alleys, rooms, even right in front of you. They had the ability to make themselves seen, but it wasn’t preferable. Everyone who had the ability to see the unseen was thought of as unlucky. I didn’t believe such folly, but it was still intimidating. Why me? Why me, out of every single griffon-person, had to be cursed?
He shooed of my friendly greeting and snapped, “Who’re you? I don’t remember giving you permission to step in here.” Looking more closely, I saw that he had long black hair and blue eyes. But it was barely visible, cause he was almost transparent.
I was thoroughly offended. “I don’t need to be given any permission. My name is Opal Winslow. And if I may ask..who are you?”
The boy studied me closely, and there was no denying the fire in his eyes that meant I shouldn’t be here. “I go by L. I thought you might’ve been an intruder, so I took extra precautions. How did you get here? I safely hid the only entrance.”
“A book.” I had no intention to give him any more information, especially when he had been snotty. If he was going to be stubborn, I would too.
We sat in silence for a while, filled with silent suspicion and awkwardness. Soon, however, my curiosity betrayed me. “What..is this place.?” I inquired.
“It used to be a place for the sick. The witches and wizards of the past did everything they could to help. That was during the war against your people and the humans. Now everything is back to normal, and they have gone extinct with the times.” With a sigh, he added, “These old books and the concoctions on the shelves are all that’s left of this place.”
All I could do in reply was dumbly stare around. I had never imagined anything like this could exist.
However, in a second, the spirit went back to how I met him. “You shouldn’t be here. I closed off this place to outsiders. It wasn’t meant to be found. Go away, and don’t come back.”
“You can’t make me.” I retorted, and went to scan the potions on the cabinetry. “So..these actually work?” I slyly asked, a mischievous feeling rising up inside of me. “What do they do?” I tried to be as nonchalant as possible.
“Of course they do. They would still work, even after the world destroys itself.” The boy responded.
There was a question that had been bugging me for forever. “Don’t you want to leave this place? I mean, see sunshine?” The look on the spirit's face showed me that the idea had enticed him, as so many times before. There was a look of pure longing, uncomfortably familiar to what I had experienced so, so many times in the past.
But the look was gone in a second, and he replied solemnly, “I can’t. If anyone hostile was to come in here, I wouldn’t be able to protect the secrets here. If used in the wrong hands, these could prove deadly, even having the ability to win a pointless war. I can’t leave. It is my cage, and I’m its protector.”
I didn’t take much heed to his warning. “Suit yourself. Anyways, I’m gonna go. See you!” Before leaving, I covertly placed a few of the potions of my desiring into my pocket. It was sure to come in handy later. I wanted to look at them with more detail, so I couldn’t wait to leave. Who knows what would happen? It seemed like the type of opportunity I had been yearning for.
“Go, then.” He said, and faded away into mist. A silent tingling surge of electricity passed through me. Looking forward to the hike back, I went at least a mile or so before I was sure the spirit hadn’t followed me.
Hastily, I grabbed the array of potions that I had stolen, looking at them in befuddlement. There were shades of purple, red, orange, blue, white, yellow, black, and even some blobs of something. I felt a tinge of guiltiness for basically stealing it from the spirit, but at the time, I didn’t think. I curiously looked at the contents of them, all neatly labeled with a hard to read calligraphy:
He shooed of my friendly greeting and snapped, “Who’re you? I don’t remember giving you permission to step in here.” Looking more closely, I saw that he had long black hair and blue eyes. But it was barely visible, cause he was almost transparent.
I was thoroughly offended. “I don’t need to be given any permission. My name is Opal Winslow. And if I may ask..who are you?”
The boy studied me closely, and there was no denying the fire in his eyes that meant I shouldn’t be here. “I go by L. I thought you might’ve been an intruder, so I took extra precautions. How did you get here? I safely hid the only entrance.”
“A book.” I had no intention to give him any more information, especially when he had been snotty. If he was going to be stubborn, I would too.
We sat in silence for a while, filled with silent suspicion and awkwardness. Soon, however, my curiosity betrayed me. “What..is this place.?” I inquired.
“It used to be a place for the sick. The witches and wizards of the past did everything they could to help. That was during the war against your people and the humans. Now everything is back to normal, and they have gone extinct with the times.” With a sigh, he added, “These old books and the concoctions on the shelves are all that’s left of this place.”
All I could do in reply was dumbly stare around. I had never imagined anything like this could exist.
However, in a second, the spirit went back to how I met him. “You shouldn’t be here. I closed off this place to outsiders. It wasn’t meant to be found. Go away, and don’t come back.”
“You can’t make me.” I retorted, and went to scan the potions on the cabinetry. “So..these actually work?” I slyly asked, a mischievous feeling rising up inside of me. “What do they do?” I tried to be as nonchalant as possible.
“Of course they do. They would still work, even after the world destroys itself.” The boy responded.
There was a question that had been bugging me for forever. “Don’t you want to leave this place? I mean, see sunshine?” The look on the spirit's face showed me that the idea had enticed him, as so many times before. There was a look of pure longing, uncomfortably familiar to what I had experienced so, so many times in the past.
But the look was gone in a second, and he replied solemnly, “I can’t. If anyone hostile was to come in here, I wouldn’t be able to protect the secrets here. If used in the wrong hands, these could prove deadly, even having the ability to win a pointless war. I can’t leave. It is my cage, and I’m its protector.”
I didn’t take much heed to his warning. “Suit yourself. Anyways, I’m gonna go. See you!” Before leaving, I covertly placed a few of the potions of my desiring into my pocket. It was sure to come in handy later. I wanted to look at them with more detail, so I couldn’t wait to leave. Who knows what would happen? It seemed like the type of opportunity I had been yearning for.
“Go, then.” He said, and faded away into mist. A silent tingling surge of electricity passed through me. Looking forward to the hike back, I went at least a mile or so before I was sure the spirit hadn’t followed me.
Hastily, I grabbed the array of potions that I had stolen, looking at them in befuddlement. There were shades of purple, red, orange, blue, white, yellow, black, and even some blobs of something. I felt a tinge of guiltiness for basically stealing it from the spirit, but at the time, I didn’t think. I curiously looked at the contents of them, all neatly labeled with a hard to read calligraphy:
|
There were various other potions. My heart pounded with excitement. Just thinking about everything I could possibly do with these! There were a million different choices. All my guiltiness fading away, I suddenly had an idea. Who would want to travel hours and hours and hours back up to the surface? I had a teleportation spell just for it. “Just to test it out.”
But I was hit with a sudden pang. Witchcraft was utterly forbidden. If anyone found out the place I had seen or known that I had attempted to do any spells, I would be banished or even locked up. No, I thought. It wasn’t worth it. Anyone in their right mind would never make irrational decisions like this. Regretfully, I put them back in my handbag. *** |
|
To my surprise, when I slowly emerged to the surface, it was around midnight. The stars were twinkling merrily above, the crescent moon shining over autumn trees. It looked as if nothing had changed..but I knew that wasn’t true. I had been revealed secrets that would’ve been better left hidden. Why? Did I just have to be interested in dark arts? That, I would never know.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore had been perfectly furious with me.
“Dear god, where were you!” They reprimanded me, steam practically flowing out of their nostrils.
“Well, I-” I tried to reply.
“You have a lot of explaining to do!” Mr. Moore rumbled.
“Yes, but you see-”
“And don’t even think about escaping the house again!” Mrs. Moore screeched, her voice hoarse with anger.
“Wait, listen-”
“Go to your room, now.” They said in a dangerous, unison voice. Any rebellious voice in me was silenced without a word of listening. I felt like screaming. Nothing I ever said made any sense to them, and the same went for me about what I thought about them. It was like I didn’t have a voice or opinion in the house, and anyone that was left was to be exterminated, destroyed. I could only wish to turn nineteen and be allowed to leave this horrible place. We weren’t even near civilization, locked away!
In my room, there were just a few necessities. A table, bed, closetry, and the most important, my bookshelf. It was completely filled with books that were old and cracked. The only way I could get my hands on them was from being granted the books at the library about to be thrown into the trash. Instead, they all now just wait for the next visit from me once a week to go and pick them up.
However old they were, I treasured them deeply. They were my only escape from reality. An idea struck me like lightning. I could go to the library and study up more on mythology. In other words, Witchcraft & Wizardry. It was a huge-in a way-fairytale book from the library that I had read many, many times before. It showed all of the adventures they had in the olden times, what they ate, spells, and whatever else could possibly be there. If their facts were right, it was a walking encyclopedia. I would never be able to sit still and not do any research on the subject. Still, I was grounded. With a sigh of disappointment, I slumped onto my brown and checkered bed.
What would’ve even made it more exciting was the fact it was written simply by the pen name ‘L.’ That was what the boy said he went by! It couldn't be a coincidence, especially when he was literally protecting a place where witches and wizards used to dwell. I was determined to find out what exactly this guy was keeping from me.
A mischievous fire started boiling in my stomach. I could still go, but just in secret. I started to form a plan in my head. I looked at the clock; 12:34 precisely. My foster parents were sure to be asleep right now, at the very least in their rooms. And thankfully, on Saturdays the library’s were open twenty-four seven. If luck was with me, I would be able to sneak out unnoticed. I would be back by sunrise.
One thing was sure with Mr. and Mrs. Moore, they never underestimated me. I never knew whether it was a good or bad thing. But it wasn’t an impossible chance-knowing them-that there would be surveillance cameras in the hallway..newly installed. They wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Unless I wanted to be grounded not for a day, but for a year, I’d better go out a more discreet way.
“Of course!” In almost all mystery books (I had about a dozen in my book collection) they always escaped by window. If realistic fiction can do it, why can’t I? The vision in my head now was becoming real.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore had been perfectly furious with me.
“Dear god, where were you!” They reprimanded me, steam practically flowing out of their nostrils.
“Well, I-” I tried to reply.
“You have a lot of explaining to do!” Mr. Moore rumbled.
“Yes, but you see-”
“And don’t even think about escaping the house again!” Mrs. Moore screeched, her voice hoarse with anger.
“Wait, listen-”
“Go to your room, now.” They said in a dangerous, unison voice. Any rebellious voice in me was silenced without a word of listening. I felt like screaming. Nothing I ever said made any sense to them, and the same went for me about what I thought about them. It was like I didn’t have a voice or opinion in the house, and anyone that was left was to be exterminated, destroyed. I could only wish to turn nineteen and be allowed to leave this horrible place. We weren’t even near civilization, locked away!
In my room, there were just a few necessities. A table, bed, closetry, and the most important, my bookshelf. It was completely filled with books that were old and cracked. The only way I could get my hands on them was from being granted the books at the library about to be thrown into the trash. Instead, they all now just wait for the next visit from me once a week to go and pick them up.
However old they were, I treasured them deeply. They were my only escape from reality. An idea struck me like lightning. I could go to the library and study up more on mythology. In other words, Witchcraft & Wizardry. It was a huge-in a way-fairytale book from the library that I had read many, many times before. It showed all of the adventures they had in the olden times, what they ate, spells, and whatever else could possibly be there. If their facts were right, it was a walking encyclopedia. I would never be able to sit still and not do any research on the subject. Still, I was grounded. With a sigh of disappointment, I slumped onto my brown and checkered bed.
What would’ve even made it more exciting was the fact it was written simply by the pen name ‘L.’ That was what the boy said he went by! It couldn't be a coincidence, especially when he was literally protecting a place where witches and wizards used to dwell. I was determined to find out what exactly this guy was keeping from me.
A mischievous fire started boiling in my stomach. I could still go, but just in secret. I started to form a plan in my head. I looked at the clock; 12:34 precisely. My foster parents were sure to be asleep right now, at the very least in their rooms. And thankfully, on Saturdays the library’s were open twenty-four seven. If luck was with me, I would be able to sneak out unnoticed. I would be back by sunrise.
One thing was sure with Mr. and Mrs. Moore, they never underestimated me. I never knew whether it was a good or bad thing. But it wasn’t an impossible chance-knowing them-that there would be surveillance cameras in the hallway..newly installed. They wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. Unless I wanted to be grounded not for a day, but for a year, I’d better go out a more discreet way.
“Of course!” In almost all mystery books (I had about a dozen in my book collection) they always escaped by window. If realistic fiction can do it, why can’t I? The vision in my head now was becoming real.
Chapter 5
I had cleverly woven together the tightest pieces of fabric I possibly had in my room. It was more of a makeshift bundle of cloth then a professional escapee helper. In books, they would do just as I had done and latch it to something inside the window. Then, they would climb down to the outside secretly and safely, so as not get caught in whatever they were doing.
I thought this might’ve been the most useful way to get out unnoticed. Plus, I had been dying for the right time to try it, but the opportunity had never revealed itself to me until now.
With a heave, I lifted the mass of fabric and lowered it silently. I was still terrified I would be found out. “Opal, slow and steady wins the race.” I repeated the moral that had been repeated to me so many times before. What had before seemed like a momentous chance now seemed ominous and daunting. There was such a long way till the ground, seeing that I was on the second floor of the house. Doubts began flooding me, rushing in and infecting my thoughts.
What if I fell? I’d go into a coma at the very least. How much trouble would I be in? I doubt Mr. and Mrs. Moore would even care if they learned I had literally fallen from a second story at midnight. All that mattered to them was the fact I had solidly broken the rules. Who knew? Maybe it would be the end of my life.
“Stop thinking!” I practically punched my head in annoyance. There was no going back now. The least I could do was just go through with it.
My breathing uneven, I slowly lowered myself out of the window. I struggled to keep my wings under control. It was flapping and flapping like it had a mind of its own. Exasperated, I muttered, “Are you trying to talk me out of it too?” It stopped and became still as a rock. “Okie-dokie..” The rope was swaying beneath me, a cold chill sweeping through my head. After a few seconds, I was down at the window where my foster parents were sleeping.
Even from out here, I could hear them snoring. “Aah!!” I let go of the rope and reached the ground with a thump. My head was spinning, but at least I wasn’t in the hospital wing right now!
I thought this might’ve been the most useful way to get out unnoticed. Plus, I had been dying for the right time to try it, but the opportunity had never revealed itself to me until now.
With a heave, I lifted the mass of fabric and lowered it silently. I was still terrified I would be found out. “Opal, slow and steady wins the race.” I repeated the moral that had been repeated to me so many times before. What had before seemed like a momentous chance now seemed ominous and daunting. There was such a long way till the ground, seeing that I was on the second floor of the house. Doubts began flooding me, rushing in and infecting my thoughts.
What if I fell? I’d go into a coma at the very least. How much trouble would I be in? I doubt Mr. and Mrs. Moore would even care if they learned I had literally fallen from a second story at midnight. All that mattered to them was the fact I had solidly broken the rules. Who knew? Maybe it would be the end of my life.
“Stop thinking!” I practically punched my head in annoyance. There was no going back now. The least I could do was just go through with it.
My breathing uneven, I slowly lowered myself out of the window. I struggled to keep my wings under control. It was flapping and flapping like it had a mind of its own. Exasperated, I muttered, “Are you trying to talk me out of it too?” It stopped and became still as a rock. “Okie-dokie..” The rope was swaying beneath me, a cold chill sweeping through my head. After a few seconds, I was down at the window where my foster parents were sleeping.
Even from out here, I could hear them snoring. “Aah!!” I let go of the rope and reached the ground with a thump. My head was spinning, but at least I wasn’t in the hospital wing right now!
|
The library was just a couple of minutes away, as I was silently walking through the cobblestone pathways that led directly to it. I knew the road by heart, and it wouldn’t make any difference if there were signs in the first place.
I shivered and pulled the hoodie I had been able to wear over my shoulders. All of my jackets were in the main room, and that wasn’t a choice. Finally, I arrived at the towering figure of the public library. It was truly grand, with white pillars, dozens of windows, and perfectly architectured statues of the smartest people in history. All of it sort of reminded me of the greek gods, on olympus. Breathing heavily, I entered the building, my breath frosty in the cold air, making snow figures. My nose was rosy red from outside, and I let out a big sigh of relief when I entered the warm welcoming entrance hall. |
|
It was a sight to behold. There were shelves upon shelves of books, a glass floor, and many beautiful tables settled in the middle. If you had any chance to find a piece of information, the one place you could find almost anything was the Sky Heights Public Library. This place felt to me more of a home than my house, besides all of the grandeur.
One of my favorite places to go and read were these small circular resting places, carved into the walls. I would climb up there and read to my heart's content for hours with a mug of cocoa. Those were the old days, however. Now, I was either toiling away at the house for Mr. and Mrs. Moore, doing school, or everyday homework.
“Get to work!” I rolled up my sleeves and went to the asking counter. Breathing a deep breath, I asked as politely as I could, “Excuse me, ma’am, but where might I find the magic section?” I tried to be as nonchalant as possible, like a kid just curiously visiting. The lady at the counter, with the reading glasses you’d always imagine a librarian would have, and a purple striped dress, smiled warmly at me. She seemed rather appalled at my request, but did it nevertheless.
“Dear, it should be in section 4. Are you sure you want to read that subject?” She replied, nervous.
I tried to respond as coolly as ever. “Yes, I love the tales about witches and wizards. I just want to hear those delightful stories again, you see.” This seemed to relax the librarian, putting her at ease. I was just another kid with some weird reading desires.
“Of course, of course.” She turned around and started clackity-clacking on her keyboard again, seeming to forget I was ever here. Breathing a sigh of relief, I headed to bookshelf section 4. This had the least amount of books that I had ever seen, with only a few lining the bookshelf. It looked as though this place had been abandoned, while all the rest were crammed thick. It was weird how this one place in the world could be so neglected, while all the others were fat and juicy with information.
The truth was, no one wanted to risk saying anything at all about the subject, so just a few write about it, still saying little. I placed my finger, scanning the shelves like a detective. “Ureka!” I exclaimed in glee. There was the thick book of Witches & Wizards on the shelf, with gold print and edges. The cover was maroon colored and dirty, but it looked just as it had since I read it when I was younger, just older and more cracked.
The beautiful letters and lustrous illustrations made me smile in spite of myself. Flipping through, I put my finger on the author. “L.” I frowned, wondering when this book was even written. “Great!” I scowled. There was no date. There was absolutely no information but L! If I would ever hope to find out more about the spirit, I’d have to go for a second visit. I’d rather do anything but see that grump again. I wasn’t even welcome, I added bitterly.
Forgetting about L, I went to a table and opened the book. As I did, everything around me started to blur as I got lost in the book. Everything was how I had remembered it, as if it hadn’t changed at all. I stopped a second, remembering my childhood. Both my parents had been alive then, caressing me gently in my old crib. My mother was beautiful, black locks flowing down and touching my cheek, with gorgeous emerald eyes shining brightly at me. My dad had brown eyes and a laughing smile, like he didn’t care what anyone else thought. The only thing similar about me and my mom was our bright green eyes. I had inherited my dad’s brown hair.
Starting to dwell and think about this, I suddenly realized I had to be one of the unluckiest eleven and a half year olds on the planet. It was definitely a depressing subject. Everyone I had possibly ever loved and cared about was taken away from me.
Then they had gone to the ground, on a mission. My parents had never come back..now I was stuck with Mr. and Mrs. Moore. I went back to reading, trying to shake off the shiver that had passed through me:
The world has been blessed by magic for as long as time began. We have been blessed with such power, harnessing its strength for the salvation of all creatures. But I shall tell you a tale no one has ever heard before. Once, witches and wizards roamed the earth freely, practicing their arts for anyone in need, either friend of foe. Witches and wizards were a friend to all. No one questioned their decisions, and the world was in an era of great peace. They traveled the earth, tending the earth as they went. Soon, however, monsters arose, challenging the authority and kindness the witches and wizards had shown. The world was thrown into chaos, vile villains covering the earth in ash and fire. For centuries, the world did not have seasons. Everything soon turned into a barren wasteland of ice and fire. Battles were waged ruthlessly, as living creatures fled and died. Innocent creatures continued to perish and lay waste to their lives as the vicious fight continued. No side held any sign of relenting, and the battle raged on, more hatred growing between the two races. Mankind, Griffon-People, magical creatures, and everyone else started to resent the two sides, both fighting for what they thought was right, and seeked refuge. All banding together, forgetting the past, all of them banished both witches, wizards, and monsters. The world was put at rest again. Seasons started again, nature replenished it’s strength, but the deep wound between races was never healed. Different races continued to grow apart, causing havoc and destruction from the inside. Meanwhile, witches & wizards were banished to the icy north, walking days on end with no sign of stopping. Their resources had long since been used, and no help was to come. The society of potion-magic people walked thousands of miles, numbers receding. After many months of tireless travel, they came to a stop. The wind spirits had taken pity on them, and gave them a place to reside in. It was an underground cave, icicles of salt hanging from the ceiling, and stone reflections gorgeous to the eye. There, the race rebuilt themselves, hiding for decades. To this day, they dwell in the icy mountains below, cowering from existence.
One of my favorite places to go and read were these small circular resting places, carved into the walls. I would climb up there and read to my heart's content for hours with a mug of cocoa. Those were the old days, however. Now, I was either toiling away at the house for Mr. and Mrs. Moore, doing school, or everyday homework.
“Get to work!” I rolled up my sleeves and went to the asking counter. Breathing a deep breath, I asked as politely as I could, “Excuse me, ma’am, but where might I find the magic section?” I tried to be as nonchalant as possible, like a kid just curiously visiting. The lady at the counter, with the reading glasses you’d always imagine a librarian would have, and a purple striped dress, smiled warmly at me. She seemed rather appalled at my request, but did it nevertheless.
“Dear, it should be in section 4. Are you sure you want to read that subject?” She replied, nervous.
I tried to respond as coolly as ever. “Yes, I love the tales about witches and wizards. I just want to hear those delightful stories again, you see.” This seemed to relax the librarian, putting her at ease. I was just another kid with some weird reading desires.
“Of course, of course.” She turned around and started clackity-clacking on her keyboard again, seeming to forget I was ever here. Breathing a sigh of relief, I headed to bookshelf section 4. This had the least amount of books that I had ever seen, with only a few lining the bookshelf. It looked as though this place had been abandoned, while all the rest were crammed thick. It was weird how this one place in the world could be so neglected, while all the others were fat and juicy with information.
The truth was, no one wanted to risk saying anything at all about the subject, so just a few write about it, still saying little. I placed my finger, scanning the shelves like a detective. “Ureka!” I exclaimed in glee. There was the thick book of Witches & Wizards on the shelf, with gold print and edges. The cover was maroon colored and dirty, but it looked just as it had since I read it when I was younger, just older and more cracked.
The beautiful letters and lustrous illustrations made me smile in spite of myself. Flipping through, I put my finger on the author. “L.” I frowned, wondering when this book was even written. “Great!” I scowled. There was no date. There was absolutely no information but L! If I would ever hope to find out more about the spirit, I’d have to go for a second visit. I’d rather do anything but see that grump again. I wasn’t even welcome, I added bitterly.
Forgetting about L, I went to a table and opened the book. As I did, everything around me started to blur as I got lost in the book. Everything was how I had remembered it, as if it hadn’t changed at all. I stopped a second, remembering my childhood. Both my parents had been alive then, caressing me gently in my old crib. My mother was beautiful, black locks flowing down and touching my cheek, with gorgeous emerald eyes shining brightly at me. My dad had brown eyes and a laughing smile, like he didn’t care what anyone else thought. The only thing similar about me and my mom was our bright green eyes. I had inherited my dad’s brown hair.
Starting to dwell and think about this, I suddenly realized I had to be one of the unluckiest eleven and a half year olds on the planet. It was definitely a depressing subject. Everyone I had possibly ever loved and cared about was taken away from me.
Then they had gone to the ground, on a mission. My parents had never come back..now I was stuck with Mr. and Mrs. Moore. I went back to reading, trying to shake off the shiver that had passed through me:
The world has been blessed by magic for as long as time began. We have been blessed with such power, harnessing its strength for the salvation of all creatures. But I shall tell you a tale no one has ever heard before. Once, witches and wizards roamed the earth freely, practicing their arts for anyone in need, either friend of foe. Witches and wizards were a friend to all. No one questioned their decisions, and the world was in an era of great peace. They traveled the earth, tending the earth as they went. Soon, however, monsters arose, challenging the authority and kindness the witches and wizards had shown. The world was thrown into chaos, vile villains covering the earth in ash and fire. For centuries, the world did not have seasons. Everything soon turned into a barren wasteland of ice and fire. Battles were waged ruthlessly, as living creatures fled and died. Innocent creatures continued to perish and lay waste to their lives as the vicious fight continued. No side held any sign of relenting, and the battle raged on, more hatred growing between the two races. Mankind, Griffon-People, magical creatures, and everyone else started to resent the two sides, both fighting for what they thought was right, and seeked refuge. All banding together, forgetting the past, all of them banished both witches, wizards, and monsters. The world was put at rest again. Seasons started again, nature replenished it’s strength, but the deep wound between races was never healed. Different races continued to grow apart, causing havoc and destruction from the inside. Meanwhile, witches & wizards were banished to the icy north, walking days on end with no sign of stopping. Their resources had long since been used, and no help was to come. The society of potion-magic people walked thousands of miles, numbers receding. After many months of tireless travel, they came to a stop. The wind spirits had taken pity on them, and gave them a place to reside in. It was an underground cave, icicles of salt hanging from the ceiling, and stone reflections gorgeous to the eye. There, the race rebuilt themselves, hiding for decades. To this day, they dwell in the icy mountains below, cowering from existence.
Chapter 6:
I closed the book. I was surprised this wasn’t a banned book of some sorts, considering some of the brazen statements here. I couldn’t read the rest of the book, for it was too smudged, the printing very faded and unreadable. Looking out one of the many glass windows in the library, it was twilight time. The sun was still hiding behind the mountains, and colors of orange, pink, and red streaked the sky. Clouds hung heavily, gray and solemn. The clock on one of the library walls said exactly 3:06 a.m.
My eyes were bloodshot, and I struggled to stay awake. If it was any comfort, Mr. and Mrs. Moore still wouldn’t wake up for a long time yet. With slowed strides, I put Witches & Wizards back where I had found it in section 4. I waved goodbye to the librarian who was still sitting there and opened the door to outside.
Even after reading the books, I felt like I had more questions than answers. With no author’s note or anything like that, there was absolutely no information regarding L, and what if the book was just children's folly, with no actual based facts? Part of me didn’t want to believe this. And even if it was correct, how and why would I look for witches and wizards? They might even be extinct.
I rubbed my head, pushing away all the bad possibilities. I had to at least have hope. But it was hard in these types of situations. Why did I want to meet them in the first place? The sky island was completely silent, everyone still asleep till sunrise. Only a few lamplighters remained, in dreary black clothing.
“Of course!” All my weariness forgotten, I fished through my bag where I had protectively kept the potions. It was like I was attached to them, not being able to let them out of my sight. I didn’t want them to be lost or forgotten. Plus, what would happen if they figured it out or something? There wasn’t any proof that it came from me, but I wasn’t exactly the most liked girl on sky island. The bullies would surely rat me out, proof or not.
My eyes were bloodshot, and I struggled to stay awake. If it was any comfort, Mr. and Mrs. Moore still wouldn’t wake up for a long time yet. With slowed strides, I put Witches & Wizards back where I had found it in section 4. I waved goodbye to the librarian who was still sitting there and opened the door to outside.
Even after reading the books, I felt like I had more questions than answers. With no author’s note or anything like that, there was absolutely no information regarding L, and what if the book was just children's folly, with no actual based facts? Part of me didn’t want to believe this. And even if it was correct, how and why would I look for witches and wizards? They might even be extinct.
I rubbed my head, pushing away all the bad possibilities. I had to at least have hope. But it was hard in these types of situations. Why did I want to meet them in the first place? The sky island was completely silent, everyone still asleep till sunrise. Only a few lamplighters remained, in dreary black clothing.
“Of course!” All my weariness forgotten, I fished through my bag where I had protectively kept the potions. It was like I was attached to them, not being able to let them out of my sight. I didn’t want them to be lost or forgotten. Plus, what would happen if they figured it out or something? There wasn’t any proof that it came from me, but I wasn’t exactly the most liked girl on sky island. The bullies would surely rat me out, proof or not.
|
Every day I was yearning to try out all of the potions right in front of me. Of course, I could never do it. That would be treason. Regretfully, I took out the one potion that could be useful for my predicament:
This could solve all my problems..just the thought enticed me so much I had to slap myself. Mournfully, I put the potion back inside my bag with the others. It was a dark maroon color, almost like blood. I would have to figure out another way out of this.
Walking more quickly, there was a new determination bubbling within me. There has got to be other options, like searching it up on sky computers..and if absolutely nothing worked, I would have to go back to the grotto/underground tunnel. I had no idea why I wanted to know the truth so bad. I was the type of person who couldn’t stand not having things answered. I finally arrived at the Moore household, a blue light flickering above the black door and dead grass on the lawn. The windows were almost black-colored, and just looking at the house was intimidating. It made you want to run away as fast as you could, as if it was a haunted house. |
|
I was just about to open the door when I remembered. How could I have almost barged in? I went around the house to the back where I spotted my makeshift fabric ladder, and started slowly but surely climbing up. I was barely thinking about anything but L. Every doubt that I had had was stabbing me again like a thorn in the back. Anyone logical would think that there are surely more than just one spirit or person who calls themselves L. What if he was just a fan and wanted to call himself that? Still, I didn’t feel comfortable just leaving the case, and that’s it.
When I got inside the window and porch, I immediately lunged for the computer that I had on my table. It was an old version, but worked nevertheless. I typed ‘background of author of Witches & Wizards’. Tentatively, I pressed enter on the keyboard. All it said was ‘mysteriously, nothing about L has been evidence confirmed. L remains an uncovered subject.’
I felt like screaming and smashing my head on the table. No answers again?! I was on my last wits. It was either the potion or seeing the boy. I felt stupid, fishing for answers that didn’t even necessarily need to be answered in the first place. My heart was in it, however.
The common sense in my head told me not to use the potion, no matter what. So the only option that I had left was to go back to the grotto…’
***
“Again? The last thing I want to do is see that guy again.” I muttered to myself. But there was no choice now, unless I wanted to abandon the subject entirely. It was beginning to be a lost cause, just as I was as well. Suddenly, there was a pang, and I realized I had forgotten how tired I was. Without a second thought, I fell to my bed and sank into a daze. The covers were so warm, and sleep was pulling me. In a mere second, I was caught into a deep sleep. It was now 4:56 a.m..
I woke up tomorrow morning at the arrival of noisy birds and continued knocking on my door.
“Get up! You’re late, again!” Mrs. Moore screeched. I was wondering if that was the only tone she could use when talking to me. I would’ve appreciated a, hi, could you please wake up? It’s 8:34 in the morning, you know! School’s starting. That was a dream that could never come true, though. The sunlight filtered in through my curtains, realizing I had forgotten to close them. A shiver passed through me as I realized it became cold as ice in my room through the long night. The blanket did nothing to block out the cold air outside. Rubbing my eyes and groaning, I went and closed the window and shut the curtains to block out the blinding light.
Immediately, I gasped. It was 8:36! School started at eight. I immediately slipped on my shoes, brushed my hair, and took my backpack. Luckily, I had prepared everything for Monday school yesterday. I ran outside, forgetting I couldn’t fly. I flapped my wings but fell headfirst into the sidewalk concrete.
“Ow..” To my alarm, I heard the second bell ring loud enough to make me jump. It sent out a long, deafening noise.
Running as fast as I could, the streets were barely occupied, with only the faint whispers and clatters of merchants selling at their shops. Other than that, there were barely any children, excluding the toddlers that giggled and laughed as they played with toys and friends.
For the first time today, I noticed all of the decorations strung from rooftops and the floor, giving the world a new light of brilliance. The first snowfall of winter would start this week, and everyone was preparing for the Winter’s Beginning celebration. Winter’s Beginning was very similar to a sort of ‘Christmas’ that the earth upheld. Everyone in the Sky Island would gather at the town’s center, with festivities to celebrate the process of nature replenishing its strength and growing anew. Then griffon-people would go back to their house and prepare a feast for the following day.
This was my favorite time of year. The first falling of the little white specks that covered the air and floor. Everyone coming together, my breath showing in the pale and frost biting air. It was a beautiful experience, and the thought warmed my heart. The weather was already chilly, and I wished I had brought a heavy fur coat.
Forgetting my school dilemma, I slowly walked through the cold cobblestone roads, enjoying the world as it was, covered in a great sheet of white. In this little moment everything was perfect. There were no problems arising in the calm world, only me alone.
When I got inside the window and porch, I immediately lunged for the computer that I had on my table. It was an old version, but worked nevertheless. I typed ‘background of author of Witches & Wizards’. Tentatively, I pressed enter on the keyboard. All it said was ‘mysteriously, nothing about L has been evidence confirmed. L remains an uncovered subject.’
I felt like screaming and smashing my head on the table. No answers again?! I was on my last wits. It was either the potion or seeing the boy. I felt stupid, fishing for answers that didn’t even necessarily need to be answered in the first place. My heart was in it, however.
The common sense in my head told me not to use the potion, no matter what. So the only option that I had left was to go back to the grotto…’
***
“Again? The last thing I want to do is see that guy again.” I muttered to myself. But there was no choice now, unless I wanted to abandon the subject entirely. It was beginning to be a lost cause, just as I was as well. Suddenly, there was a pang, and I realized I had forgotten how tired I was. Without a second thought, I fell to my bed and sank into a daze. The covers were so warm, and sleep was pulling me. In a mere second, I was caught into a deep sleep. It was now 4:56 a.m..
I woke up tomorrow morning at the arrival of noisy birds and continued knocking on my door.
“Get up! You’re late, again!” Mrs. Moore screeched. I was wondering if that was the only tone she could use when talking to me. I would’ve appreciated a, hi, could you please wake up? It’s 8:34 in the morning, you know! School’s starting. That was a dream that could never come true, though. The sunlight filtered in through my curtains, realizing I had forgotten to close them. A shiver passed through me as I realized it became cold as ice in my room through the long night. The blanket did nothing to block out the cold air outside. Rubbing my eyes and groaning, I went and closed the window and shut the curtains to block out the blinding light.
Immediately, I gasped. It was 8:36! School started at eight. I immediately slipped on my shoes, brushed my hair, and took my backpack. Luckily, I had prepared everything for Monday school yesterday. I ran outside, forgetting I couldn’t fly. I flapped my wings but fell headfirst into the sidewalk concrete.
“Ow..” To my alarm, I heard the second bell ring loud enough to make me jump. It sent out a long, deafening noise.
Running as fast as I could, the streets were barely occupied, with only the faint whispers and clatters of merchants selling at their shops. Other than that, there were barely any children, excluding the toddlers that giggled and laughed as they played with toys and friends.
For the first time today, I noticed all of the decorations strung from rooftops and the floor, giving the world a new light of brilliance. The first snowfall of winter would start this week, and everyone was preparing for the Winter’s Beginning celebration. Winter’s Beginning was very similar to a sort of ‘Christmas’ that the earth upheld. Everyone in the Sky Island would gather at the town’s center, with festivities to celebrate the process of nature replenishing its strength and growing anew. Then griffon-people would go back to their house and prepare a feast for the following day.
This was my favorite time of year. The first falling of the little white specks that covered the air and floor. Everyone coming together, my breath showing in the pale and frost biting air. It was a beautiful experience, and the thought warmed my heart. The weather was already chilly, and I wished I had brought a heavy fur coat.
Forgetting my school dilemma, I slowly walked through the cold cobblestone roads, enjoying the world as it was, covered in a great sheet of white. In this little moment everything was perfect. There were no problems arising in the calm world, only me alone.
Chapter 7
“Miss Winslow, this is the third time this month you have arrived tardy.” The principal, Mr. Meyers, stood glaring at me sternly from the other side of his desk. Colonel, his dog, stood looking at me. He panted with a comforting look about him, slobber dripping from his tongue.
Mr. Meyers’ look, however, was like a knife stabbing at my stomach. I was convinced the principal had always hated my guts. Anything wrong in the slightest was a perfect chance to exploit me for my misdeeds. Yes siree, I was treated like a slug in this room, and wherever he was with me.
“What on earth are you doing, child, to be so late so frequently? I am genuinely concerned about the progress you are going through at my school. It deeply concerns me that you were once one of my star students, and now..well, you’re one of my worst. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help you with? Regarding that you’re a foster child, I don’t know what to expect!” He continued on and on, blabbering about what was right and wrong.
It was hard to thank him for his concerns when I had actual serious problems at stake. For heaven's sake, it has been almost a week and I haven't solved the one mystery that plagues my mind night and day! And even with that, here I was, in detention. I was seriously considering my priorities here; school, or finding out about a mysterious author that might not even be the ghost I had seen?
The second one seemed more important. I wanted to just get this over with, and then start worrying about my education. It was hard, though, with the principal of my school hovering over me like a hawk.
“MISS WINSLOW!” Mr. Meyers stood up from his chair and looked at me furiously. “Do you even care about the fact that the principal of your school is talking to you, having a serious talk about your education?”
I winced under his fierce stare, and shook my head. “Look, I’m sorry, Mr. Meyers..it’s been a tough week, and I’m having difficulty focusing. It’s just..there have been so many things that I have to solve, and I don’t have time to finish them all in time.” I sounded so genuine and sincere that I saw the principal’s eyes soften in understanding.
“That’s quite all right, Opal. Though, try to pay more attention to your studies. You are dismissed.” He answered. And with a final sigh, he started organizing the books on his bookshelf to alphabetical order.
Mr. Meyers’ look, however, was like a knife stabbing at my stomach. I was convinced the principal had always hated my guts. Anything wrong in the slightest was a perfect chance to exploit me for my misdeeds. Yes siree, I was treated like a slug in this room, and wherever he was with me.
“What on earth are you doing, child, to be so late so frequently? I am genuinely concerned about the progress you are going through at my school. It deeply concerns me that you were once one of my star students, and now..well, you’re one of my worst. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help you with? Regarding that you’re a foster child, I don’t know what to expect!” He continued on and on, blabbering about what was right and wrong.
It was hard to thank him for his concerns when I had actual serious problems at stake. For heaven's sake, it has been almost a week and I haven't solved the one mystery that plagues my mind night and day! And even with that, here I was, in detention. I was seriously considering my priorities here; school, or finding out about a mysterious author that might not even be the ghost I had seen?
The second one seemed more important. I wanted to just get this over with, and then start worrying about my education. It was hard, though, with the principal of my school hovering over me like a hawk.
“MISS WINSLOW!” Mr. Meyers stood up from his chair and looked at me furiously. “Do you even care about the fact that the principal of your school is talking to you, having a serious talk about your education?”
I winced under his fierce stare, and shook my head. “Look, I’m sorry, Mr. Meyers..it’s been a tough week, and I’m having difficulty focusing. It’s just..there have been so many things that I have to solve, and I don’t have time to finish them all in time.” I sounded so genuine and sincere that I saw the principal’s eyes soften in understanding.
“That’s quite all right, Opal. Though, try to pay more attention to your studies. You are dismissed.” He answered. And with a final sigh, he started organizing the books on his bookshelf to alphabetical order.
|
I slowly slipped away from the room as quietly as possible, and went to my classroom, A-3. On arrival, Mr. Wilson and the rest of the class stared at me. I could spot no friendly faces.
“Aah..Miss Winslow, I’m so glad you could join us today.” The words were harmless, but there was a sharp touch to his tone in that calm face of his. “It’s lucky you chose today to attend class.” He whipped away from me, and looked at the rest of his students. “Today, we have a foreign exchange student here with us today. I hope you will all welcome her warmly. Miss Elmwood, please come up here and introduce yourself.” There was excitement and fear throbbing in my mind. A new student? We hadn’t had one in a while! I quickly stumbled into my seat mid-back, Tom, Lukas, and Wendel openly snickering at me. “Leave me alone,” I replied. They didn’t bother me anymore, and I just thought of them as bothersome rats in the cellar. At the front of the room emerged a girl with brilliant sea-blue eyes and flaming red hair that made it appear a fiery orange. She was wearing a short maroon dress that looked as if it was cascading down from her like a waterfall from the knees and below. The new girl had birch cherry colored wings, magnificently held high behind her. To top it all off, there was a pretty dark blue-purple dahlia pin near her ear, keeping the flowing orange locks from getting in her face. |
|
Some girls were expressionless or smiling warmly, and the boys couldn’t help but blush in her presence. I didn’t blame them, considering that she looked just like a perfect princess straight out of a fairy tale. Me included was trying to stop my mouth from gawking.
The girl easily noticed everyone admiring her, and looked to the floor, twiddling her slim fingers. Mr. Wilson was not affected, and politely asked, “Miss Elmwood, please introduce yourself.” He repeated.
She jumped, and nodded excitedly. “H-hello..” Everyone in the room looked in silence. “My n-name is Aria Elmwood. I come from a different sky island than this one. The t-toxic weather spread from humans was too much for us to take, so m-me and the rest of the island had to s-seperate and find new h-homes.”
Now everyone stared at her even more than I thought possible. I had heard of numerous sky island’s spread across earth, but never experienced another girl from one of them. “I’m very sorry for your misfortune, Miss Elmwood, but I hope you will find this to be your new home. Take a seat beside Miss Winslow, if you may.”
With this, my stomach suddenly lurched. Me?! I felt like barfing at the thought. Who knows? Maybe this Aria Elmwood was just another stuck up girl. Another addition to the class for torturing me. I immediately stood up from my chair from impulse. “Mr. Wilson, are you sure-” The questioning look from his face silenced me, and I begrudgingly sat back down.
Aria happily went to sit beside me, looking at me curiously. However, I was glad to see that there was no ounce of the mockery I was used to. For now. Once someone gossiped about my wing dilemma, she’d be laughing at me. I miserably put my face flat down on the table.
***
During recess, Aria was trying to keep up with me. I had been assigned by the teacher to show the ‘foreign exchange student’ the way around this school. Aria didn’t show any sign of letting up, and chattered to me.
“What’s your name?” She asked politely, trying to egg out answers from me. She knew that I wasn’t going to start talking myself. Any sign of the shy, scared girl was now gone, replaced with a hyped teenager.
“Opal.” I simply answered. I had no intention in giving her personal information.
If Aria could show her feelings right now, she’d be a stampeding bull, heading straight for me.
Stopping at the lunch tables, I told Aria to stop. “And here are the glorious lunch tables. Ahead is our class, and the local garden should be somewhere behind the school. Do you need any more information, or can I eat in peace?” I inquired impatiently. The new girl seemed to have so many questions I did not have the time to answer.
As if oblivious to my silent pleas, Aria answered innocently, “Can I sit with you? I don’t have any other friends here.”
That answer triggered a nerve, and I wondered how she could have picked that one sentence, the one that could make me feel like crying out loud. I tried to suppress my feelings. “Oh, trust me, you’ll have plenty of friends soon enough.” I couldn’t hide my bitterness of her being here a millisecond, and everyone was head over heels for her.
Meanwhile, it took me a whole year just to stop being noticed..and some still did. And this time, it wasn’t a good type of noticing, where everyone clambered behind you, but the bad kind.
Aria was utterly perplexed. Now I had very clearly shown I did not favor her in any way, and she obviously had no idea why. How could she, though? I had all my secrets bottled up in my heart, and no one knew what I was thinking, unless there were fumes of steam coming out of my nostrils and ears.
I didn’t want to seem mean, however. So instead I secondly answered, “Sure. Just don’t stay too long.”
***
I marked a halfway-secluded lunch table near the garden that was weirdly without a fence. Aria had no doubt in her face, eyes shining with excitement at the thought of having a friend.
“This reminds me of my school lunch table back on my own sky island, in Celan. But there was a willow tree covering a table like this, and I would usually eat lunch here..Well, always.”
I hardly paid any interest in her, and opened the lunch that I had prepared. Some strawberries, salad, and a peanut butter sandwich. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were always too busy with their ‘work,’ so I had grown up independent.
“You know Opal, you’re very quiet.” She remarked incredulously, as if that had never before been in her vocabulary.
“Is that so? Well, you won’t want to associate with the likes of me anymore, then, do you?” I said, not looking up from my food. “I’ll be out of your hair, then. Don’t worry, join one of the girls at the tables. They’ll welcome you.” And with that, I quickly went away to another secluded table.
Aria’s blue eyes were filled with hurt, and I immediately felt guilty after leaving. But it was too late, and I was well on my way elsewhere. I knew I shouldn’t have treated her so badly, however nervous and jumpy it made me. I just wasn’t good with other people, especially kids around my age.
‘Sorry’ was what I wished I would’ve said immediately, and remembered how friendly she was trying to be.
When the school bell rang once again, I guiltily went back to class. Mr. Wilson was sitting stiffly at the front of the class, as always, and sending a piercing hawk-eye stare towards everyone that entered the room. He was like a walking surveillance camera, checking everything and everyone for any hint of suspiciousness.
The rest of the class was always kept on their toes by his random tests and math lessons. If I had to ask the rest of the students who their least favorite teacher was, it would, no questions asked, be Mr. Wilson.
“As according to schedule, we will be going to the library right now. Everyone, gather the books you borrowed from last time and prepare to return them at the front desk. Quick, quick, hurry up.” He chastised quickly, his eyes darting from one end of the room to another. “We won’t tolerate any late books again, got it? Be in line in one minute.”
Although there wasn’t any groaning, I could see the looks on everyone’s faces that they were preparing for utter misery.
The girl easily noticed everyone admiring her, and looked to the floor, twiddling her slim fingers. Mr. Wilson was not affected, and politely asked, “Miss Elmwood, please introduce yourself.” He repeated.
She jumped, and nodded excitedly. “H-hello..” Everyone in the room looked in silence. “My n-name is Aria Elmwood. I come from a different sky island than this one. The t-toxic weather spread from humans was too much for us to take, so m-me and the rest of the island had to s-seperate and find new h-homes.”
Now everyone stared at her even more than I thought possible. I had heard of numerous sky island’s spread across earth, but never experienced another girl from one of them. “I’m very sorry for your misfortune, Miss Elmwood, but I hope you will find this to be your new home. Take a seat beside Miss Winslow, if you may.”
With this, my stomach suddenly lurched. Me?! I felt like barfing at the thought. Who knows? Maybe this Aria Elmwood was just another stuck up girl. Another addition to the class for torturing me. I immediately stood up from my chair from impulse. “Mr. Wilson, are you sure-” The questioning look from his face silenced me, and I begrudgingly sat back down.
Aria happily went to sit beside me, looking at me curiously. However, I was glad to see that there was no ounce of the mockery I was used to. For now. Once someone gossiped about my wing dilemma, she’d be laughing at me. I miserably put my face flat down on the table.
***
During recess, Aria was trying to keep up with me. I had been assigned by the teacher to show the ‘foreign exchange student’ the way around this school. Aria didn’t show any sign of letting up, and chattered to me.
“What’s your name?” She asked politely, trying to egg out answers from me. She knew that I wasn’t going to start talking myself. Any sign of the shy, scared girl was now gone, replaced with a hyped teenager.
“Opal.” I simply answered. I had no intention in giving her personal information.
If Aria could show her feelings right now, she’d be a stampeding bull, heading straight for me.
Stopping at the lunch tables, I told Aria to stop. “And here are the glorious lunch tables. Ahead is our class, and the local garden should be somewhere behind the school. Do you need any more information, or can I eat in peace?” I inquired impatiently. The new girl seemed to have so many questions I did not have the time to answer.
As if oblivious to my silent pleas, Aria answered innocently, “Can I sit with you? I don’t have any other friends here.”
That answer triggered a nerve, and I wondered how she could have picked that one sentence, the one that could make me feel like crying out loud. I tried to suppress my feelings. “Oh, trust me, you’ll have plenty of friends soon enough.” I couldn’t hide my bitterness of her being here a millisecond, and everyone was head over heels for her.
Meanwhile, it took me a whole year just to stop being noticed..and some still did. And this time, it wasn’t a good type of noticing, where everyone clambered behind you, but the bad kind.
Aria was utterly perplexed. Now I had very clearly shown I did not favor her in any way, and she obviously had no idea why. How could she, though? I had all my secrets bottled up in my heart, and no one knew what I was thinking, unless there were fumes of steam coming out of my nostrils and ears.
I didn’t want to seem mean, however. So instead I secondly answered, “Sure. Just don’t stay too long.”
***
I marked a halfway-secluded lunch table near the garden that was weirdly without a fence. Aria had no doubt in her face, eyes shining with excitement at the thought of having a friend.
“This reminds me of my school lunch table back on my own sky island, in Celan. But there was a willow tree covering a table like this, and I would usually eat lunch here..Well, always.”
I hardly paid any interest in her, and opened the lunch that I had prepared. Some strawberries, salad, and a peanut butter sandwich. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were always too busy with their ‘work,’ so I had grown up independent.
“You know Opal, you’re very quiet.” She remarked incredulously, as if that had never before been in her vocabulary.
“Is that so? Well, you won’t want to associate with the likes of me anymore, then, do you?” I said, not looking up from my food. “I’ll be out of your hair, then. Don’t worry, join one of the girls at the tables. They’ll welcome you.” And with that, I quickly went away to another secluded table.
Aria’s blue eyes were filled with hurt, and I immediately felt guilty after leaving. But it was too late, and I was well on my way elsewhere. I knew I shouldn’t have treated her so badly, however nervous and jumpy it made me. I just wasn’t good with other people, especially kids around my age.
‘Sorry’ was what I wished I would’ve said immediately, and remembered how friendly she was trying to be.
When the school bell rang once again, I guiltily went back to class. Mr. Wilson was sitting stiffly at the front of the class, as always, and sending a piercing hawk-eye stare towards everyone that entered the room. He was like a walking surveillance camera, checking everything and everyone for any hint of suspiciousness.
The rest of the class was always kept on their toes by his random tests and math lessons. If I had to ask the rest of the students who their least favorite teacher was, it would, no questions asked, be Mr. Wilson.
“As according to schedule, we will be going to the library right now. Everyone, gather the books you borrowed from last time and prepare to return them at the front desk. Quick, quick, hurry up.” He chastised quickly, his eyes darting from one end of the room to another. “We won’t tolerate any late books again, got it? Be in line in one minute.”
Although there wasn’t any groaning, I could see the looks on everyone’s faces that they were preparing for utter misery.
Chapter 8
All the weariness faded from my soul, and it was replaced with pure happiness. We only went to the library once a week, and even though I had Sky Heights, I would never pass up an opportunity like this.
Finally, something to cheer me up, I thought. Our library was definitely an older version of the elegance and costliness of Sky Heights, but filled with tales of glory and information nonetheless, no matter what else.
Finally, something to cheer me up, I thought. Our library was definitely an older version of the elegance and costliness of Sky Heights, but filled with tales of glory and information nonetheless, no matter what else.
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Mr. Wilson marched promptly up to the white door with a clear window in the middle. “Jack, stop trading your pencils. Sam, could you hurry up?! What did I tell you younglings, I don’t have time for this! Quick, quick!” He sounded with a loud, rumbling voice. Mr. Wilson was like a general in the urgent time of war.
At last, to my relief, everyone obediently lined up in a rather wiggly line. There was giggling and clamoring from the boys and girls that hid in the back to cause trouble. In the library, Mr. Wilson announced to everyone their orders, and kids scattered in all directions, looking for an enticing read. I went to a non-read section, all on fiction books. It was almost newly-polished, and soon this place would be filled with excited kids with the same interests as me. I scanned the shelves hurriedly, wondering if they had any new books for me to read. I finally spotted something unfamiliar. Alonzar: Tales of the Olden Times, I curiously read aloud the title. A wispy, windy sound filled my ears, and I pressed them tight, struggling to keep it in. A portal appeared right in front of me, a blue-white turning circle in the middle, with distant stars and worlds slightly beyond it. An emerald with a stone clasp stood at the top of an illuminating crystal arch, hovering above the portal. I shouldn’t have been that surprised, considering everything I had gone through the past few days. But here I was, something that shouldn’t have existed in the first place appearing right before my eyes. |
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“What is up with me and finding forbidden things..?” I muttered, still keeping my eyes on the thingy with my full attention. If anything funny was to happen, I didn’t want any part of it.
Stumbling back, I ran back to the front of the library, trying to act as if nothing at all weird had happened. I did not want to add another level of crazy into my life. But when I went to where everyone should have been, everyone was frozen!
“Uh..hello? Everyone, what’s happening?” I whispered tentatively. Apparently, no one could hear me..it was like time stopped for everyone but me..at least, that’s what I thought.
Going through every single section just to make sure, I turned around to the science place. There was Aria Elmwood looking at every single book with silent excitement. My eyes opened wide, and I had to clamp my mouth shut to not gasp. It was stupid, but I didn’t want to talk to her ever again. I was too scared at what she would say. As it appeared, Aria didn’t yet notice that everyone was frozen in time. She was still as calm and happy as ever.
Stepping back step by step, I slowly went back to the portal, here and there accidentally bumping kids and the librarian over.
“Oops! Sorry! Didn’t see you there! Aah, are you ok?!” Was basically what was happening. Of course, they didn’t reply, and just had the same nonchalant or bored expressions as ever.
When I reached the gleaming blue, white, and purple portal, I was breath taken by the sight.
Then with annoyance,I remembered that I always seemed to always get in trouble with this kind of stuff..I thought frustratingly. Still, a surge of excitement was brewing inside of me that I couldn’t stop. Enchanted, I slowly lifted a finger towards the mesmerizing light. I slowly touched the portal, my hand going straight through it to who knows where.
In a second, it was like a huge suction was pulling me into the circle of light, and I struggled to pull back. But it was too strong, and I found myself gasping as I was pulled into the portal. “Help!!” I shrieked, silently knowing that no one could help me now…
Stumbling back, I ran back to the front of the library, trying to act as if nothing at all weird had happened. I did not want to add another level of crazy into my life. But when I went to where everyone should have been, everyone was frozen!
“Uh..hello? Everyone, what’s happening?” I whispered tentatively. Apparently, no one could hear me..it was like time stopped for everyone but me..at least, that’s what I thought.
Going through every single section just to make sure, I turned around to the science place. There was Aria Elmwood looking at every single book with silent excitement. My eyes opened wide, and I had to clamp my mouth shut to not gasp. It was stupid, but I didn’t want to talk to her ever again. I was too scared at what she would say. As it appeared, Aria didn’t yet notice that everyone was frozen in time. She was still as calm and happy as ever.
Stepping back step by step, I slowly went back to the portal, here and there accidentally bumping kids and the librarian over.
“Oops! Sorry! Didn’t see you there! Aah, are you ok?!” Was basically what was happening. Of course, they didn’t reply, and just had the same nonchalant or bored expressions as ever.
When I reached the gleaming blue, white, and purple portal, I was breath taken by the sight.
Then with annoyance,I remembered that I always seemed to always get in trouble with this kind of stuff..I thought frustratingly. Still, a surge of excitement was brewing inside of me that I couldn’t stop. Enchanted, I slowly lifted a finger towards the mesmerizing light. I slowly touched the portal, my hand going straight through it to who knows where.
In a second, it was like a huge suction was pulling me into the circle of light, and I struggled to pull back. But it was too strong, and I found myself gasping as I was pulled into the portal. “Help!!” I shrieked, silently knowing that no one could help me now…
To Be Continued....
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Overtaken
After Opal suddenly falls through the mysterious portal, she finds herself trapped on the ground, with no way out! After humans are hurting the earth, the ground is almost completely dead. Now, all the unclean air is spreading to the sky island, creating havoc and overgrown shrubbery to arise. Can Opal return to her home and save it before it’s too late?
About the AuthorM.K Erving lives in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland with her four dogs; Aurora (Australian Shepherd), Raya (Pitbull), Emerald (Dalmatian), and Jax (Doberman). She also has two cats; Midnight (A tuxedo cat) and Solari (Gold and blue-eyed Khao Manee).(Hiking in the multiple paths near her are one of M.K Erving’s favorite hobbies, other than writing. |
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