Beautiful Oblivion

By Amanda Menard

Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for a Degree in Writing

Creative Writing Option

12/12/2013

Thesis Advisor: Prof. Vastola Abstract

My thesis is a short story set in the fantastical world of Fraylonia. The world itself is breaking apart under the strain of the evil Matron, who seeks to reform the world in her image.

The majestic colors and magical beings of Fraylonia are all threatened to the point of extinction as she leaves death and destruction in her wake. Young Chausiku and the aged Elder appear with a prophecy of apocalyptic proportions. The presence of a strange hermaphrodite

Norbert/Norberta confirms that the prophecy is coming true. A tragic explosion cripples the city of Trenbough and leaves all other life dead.

Along the way, forgotten powers and an old love are reawakened, causing an inverse world to appear and challenge the logic of what is possible.

It is up to the human, Sophia, who finds herself homeless and on the run, and Guy, a man who saves her from death, to save the world, or die trying.

September 15, 3015. Trenbough Streets. Early Morning.

A hoarse whimper escaped from Sophia as the crimson essence of life dripped freely down her arm.

“It feels fantastic to be alive,” Sophia declared. Grabbing a discarded newspaper, she let the stained red words fill the empty corners of her mind. This hell was only slightly better than the hell she left behind. She shrugged, combing her unkempt hair with her fingers. Even now,

Gunther and the Matron would be looking for her. They simply could not let “their precious darling” out of their sights for too long.

Sophia tried to remember a time when she was happy. She quickly concluded that there was never any happiness; only abuse and death. Sophia seemed to be the only source of light in the Matron’s life and she took advantage of this face at every turn. Over the years, Sophia dutifully fulfilled her obligations to helping both Gunther and the Matron with their experiments

“to advance magical research”. This would usually involve drawing blood or trying to extract magic from deceased patients.

“It’s for the greater good. You may be curing cancer, my dear,” Gunther always told her.

Regardless of where she was in the hospital, she could not conceal the sights and sounds of death and decay.

“Hmm, what time ish it?” a drunken angel slurred, his fluffy grey wings covering his vomit stained blazer. She ignored his inquiry, instead focusing on the task at hand. Trenbough

General Hospital loomed in the distance. It looked more like a mansion than a hospital. Three orbs hovered overhead, protecting it with a magical force field. Any who dared destroy it was in for a nasty surprise. If she had known how, she would have burned it down a long time ago.

“Such behavior will not be tolerated!” Sophia still remembered the sound of the Matron’s screaming perfectly. Instinctively, Sophia held out her arms in front of her face to shield her from the Matron’s blow.

“I can’t believe I still do that after all these years,” she spit, clenching her fist to erase any memories of that wretched mortuary.

“No. They cannot find me. They cannot…” she paced back and forth, each step leaving behind a footprint.

“Hey lady. Wheresh the free drinksh? Yeaaaa,” the drunken angel babbled incessantly.

“Would you shut up already?” Sophia took the nearest object and threw it at him. It landed in his lap and he laughed.

“Heyyyy. Nice shot…” he began snoring loudly. She waited for him to wake up. Any minute now…

“Sunrise! Get up and smell the coffee Trenbough!” the mayor’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers. The roaring signs of life crept slowly to the streets. The smell of fuel filled her senses and she grinned.

“Perfect,” she rubbed her hands together. Her stomach grumbled loudly in response.

“I have no time to think about this shit,” she groaned. She would have to go a fifth day without food. She clutched her stomach, wishing the noise would go away. She tried to push any thoughts of cheeseburgers or marmalade out of her mind by twirling her necklace. The engraving

H.S. shined brightly in the sunlight.

The flapping of wings above her meant one thing: she had to act fast. She ran into the shadows knowing the darkness there would keep her safe.

“Where do you think you’re going, Miss Moreland?” she yelped in surprise. The man threw his black jacket to the ground, revealing a concealed sword.

She attempted to back away slowly, but she lost her footing and fell on her behind. He grinned savagely and grabbed her by the throat. The negative energy that he projected was enough to make her suffocate. She kicked him, but he only got pleasure from her pathetic attempts to break free.

“Stop yer’ strugglin’!” he tore off the remnants of her ragged clothing, leaving her naked and afraid.

“That’s it then. This is the end,” she thought. As her lungs screamed for air, her thoughts were only of death. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

“Release me from this misery…” the world was now a blob, void of any form. She heard a faint sound behind her before landing on the ground with a thud. She gasped as the delicious air filled her soul with life.

“Is THIS how you kill people? Pathetic,” a flash of silver obscured her vision. His crimson essence sprayed on her naked breast. He fell to her bare feet dead and broken. She turned quickly away, trying to hide her shame from this man.

“Hello, Sophia,” he spoke softly. She turned her head, giving him a fierce death stare.

“Who are you and how do you know my name?” she snarled.

“Is that how you thank someone who just saved your life?” he shrugged, contemplating whether to leave her there or not. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the blood off his sword.

***

September 14, 3015. Fraylonian Plains. Sunset.

Chausiku hastily looked around her, making sure no one else was in her proximity. She tossed her shoes carelessly aside and danced in the lush green meadow. Beautiful amethyst flowers bloomed all around her as she danced, and the last moments of sunlight shone lovingly on her face.

Like clockwork, the endless rainbows and flowing water sent from the floating islands above ceased all activities for the day. The majestic blue sky was replaced with an artistic collage of colors. The trees bent over, allowing for the setting sun to make its departure. Though life was continuing in its beautiful patterns, this did nothing to reassure Chausiku. Even the life around her had to prepare for the festival tonight. She grabbed her shoes and ran to the nearest tree.

A sickness of uncertainty grew in her stomach. She knew that she had to perform the ritual as she had so many times before.

“Why me? What is so special about me?” she asked herself. This ritual was passed down from generation to generation, only to be used in times of great darkness. A young girl, personally chosen by the Elder, must purify her spirit in order to withstand the darkness, which must take over her body so that the Elder may purge it away completely. If the Elder fails in his duties, it is the job of the people to continue in his stead. If the girl succumbs to the darkness, it is the Elder’s job to kill her as a sacrifice to appease the Matron. For it was only then that the darkness and death could go away. This took place roughly every five years. Chausiku had performed this in her youth with surprising perfection, but this time felt different.

The signs were unmistakable; animals that once frequented the plains since moved elsewhere. The people grew restless and hungry as the plentiful harvests withered and died.

Chausiku could no longer detect Mother’s bountiful presence anywhere; it was as if she had forsaken the Plains.

She recounted this over and over again in her mind. She looked at her bare feet, the dirt marring her otherwise clean complexion. Her hazel eyes intently studied her legs. She pulled her skirt over her boney knees.

“Am I not pure enough to carry the burden?” she whispered. The wind howled in response.

“Must I do this? Surely he is going to know,” she began to cry, each uncertain tear hitting the soft earth below. As each tear landed, a light blue flower sprouted in its place. Each flower lasted brief seconds before wilting. The sickness gnawed away at her stomach as she contemplated the decay; she knew that the Matron was near.

“Look how dirty I am. He will know for sure,” she swatted her feet, assaulting each speck of dust as if it was an unwanted pest. In a few hours, Chausiku knew that Mother would restore life to the lush plains, but she could not erase the feeling of the pain and suffering she would inflict when the Matron took her over.

“Child,” the Elder emerged from his frayed yellow tent and walked over to her. She yelped and forced her shoes back onto her feet. She shivered coldly as the howling wind picked up its pace.

“It is time,” the Elder gently tugged Chausiku’s arm.

“But why, Elder? Why must I do this?” she asked. “Why is everything so different?”

“She is coming back, child. We must appease her,” the Elder replied.

“This is nothing like years past,” Chausiku whimpered.

“Yes. She is growing strong. I cannot do this without you,” the Elder urged.

“But where is Mother? Why isn’t she responding?” Chausiku said.

“I cannot say, child,” the Elder helped Chausiku to her feet, “we must go. The Matron must come out.”

The Elder walked casually back into his tent. Chausiku obediently followed, for she knew better than to incur his wrath.

“Please,” he said. Chausiku sighed as she grabbed his headdress and handed it to him. He cleared his throat, mumbling a bunch of unintelligible words. He waved his hand across the room, causing the gnawing feeling in her stomach to return.

“Soon they will know,” he slammed a book shut, “grab me my staff.”

He pointed to a cabinet on the other side of the room. She stood looking at the floor, grabbing the cabinet to support her shaking body.

“Now,” he tapped his foot as she handed him the white staff. The bones rattled ominously in the wind. Chausiku grabbed a green blanket from the cabinet and wrapped it around his aged body. Picking up a flask, he drank the thick blue liquid inside, causing his body to go limp. She gathered his staff, book, and headdress, placing them on a chair beside him.

“I must focus,” Chausiku whispered. She acted as his guardian, protecting him from anyone who dared try to approach. At seventeen, Chausiku felt the best she could do was hit his attackers with a stick. She sighed.

She stood quietly by his side, watching him as he slept. It was useless trying to decipher what the Elder was thinking; she stopped trying to do so a long time ago.

“Why do you worry me so, Elder?” she sighed, trying to ignore the ruckus that ignited outside the tent.

“No, YOU go wake up the Elder.”

“You first.”

“But the Matron will find out.”

Finally, three tiny souls peeped their heads inside the tent.

“Is the Elder asleep yet?” they asked in unison.

“Hush young ones, can’t you see I am busy?” with a flick of her wrist, she shooed the young boys away.

“Watch out, the Matron is going to get you!” one of them sneered as the boys burst into a fit of laughter.

“Ah to be young again,” she stated. Secretly, she longed for the days where running through the meadow barefoot would not have any consequences. However, those days were far behind her. She was the heart and soul of her people, and they needed her more than ever.

“Time…magic…flood…begin…” the Elder mumbled.

The moon rose in the sky, drowning the world in an eerie yellow. The children danced and played under the moonlight, but Chausiku stood still as her fingernails dug deep into her palms. Sweat dripped down her brow as the otherworldly orb in the sky surfaced in the blackness. Her footing became unsteady, causing her to fall to the ground. Her vision became blurry as the presence of the two opposing colors invaded her mind.

“No! Go away!” she shouted.

“STOP!” the Elder abruptly awoke from his stupor and rushed out of his bed. He placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Child, you are not well,” the Elder looked into Chausiku’s eyes. The calming emerald of his eyes sent a rush of energy through her, causing her affliction to disappear.

“Elder… what was that?” Chausiku squeaked, trying to disguise her fear. He only shook his head.

“We must begin,” he urgently pulled her to her feet, and she held onto him for support.

“Yes, of course,” she tried to steady her footing, being sure not to show her weakness again. She handed him his ritual robes, staff, and headdress. He quickly put them on. She followed suit and adorned herself in a set of black robes. She quickly grabbed her grey feathered headdress and put in on before running out of the tent after him.

“I will not falter again. I am the heart and soul of my people,” Chausiku whispered.

***

Every eye was transfixed on the gruesome creatures on the altar. Chausiku and the Elder stood ready, their human features disguised by their ritual garments. The Elder held out his frail hand, motioning for the crowd to settle down. Chausiku let out a nervous smile. To the people, this was no longer was the Elder and the caretaker they knew and loved, but gruesome beasts of the underworld; the harbinger of humanity and his downfall.

Let me out. Let me out Chausiku. Hurry up, an all too familiar voice screeched in

Chausiku’s mind. Chausiku quietly shook her head.

You are only the Matron now. Let go, Chausiku, the voice said urgently.

The Elder thrust his staff into the ground, causing an unseen shockwave to pass through the crowd. The force sent Chausiku to her knees.

Yes! Yes! Hurry up! The harsh grating voice became increasingly irritating inside her head. She handed the Elder the ceremonial drums, and he lightly pounded on them.

“As with all things, it began with the beating of a heart,” he handed her the drums, and she held them close to her chest.

Mine. Very soon it will be mine, the voice leered. Chausiku covered her ears.

“But this time, it was not a mother’s gentle love that saved us…” the Elder paused and pushed Chausiku down, causing her to sink face first into the ground, “only by his hand were we allowed to live. For each of us is a product of his merciful gift,” he held out his staff in front of him as it shimmered a multitude of colors. Chausiku drifted away, her young soul floating into the staff where it would be locked away, for now.

“It’s so good to be back,” the Matron smiled. The Elder began chanting, sending her into a trance. She began transforming before their eyes, becoming the being they all fearfully awaited. Her hair turned long and black and claws grew in place of her fingernails. The headdress became a mask, permanently transfigured onto her face. She wore no clothing and her skin began glowing. She danced around playfully, killing all the lush green grass around her.

Each sparkling flower wilted away and died. She left only death in her wake.

Each member of the crowd fell into the trance, swaying to and fro to the beat of the

Elder’s chanting. A thunderbolt stuck his staff, causing the sky to fill up with grey and black clouds.

“Soon it will be mine!” the Matron cackled and rubbed her hands together.

“Her thunderous din may have blackened the skies. But we did not tremble. He may have shied away, but we did not falter. The Matron has come to join us, and without him, we are lost,” the Elder stated.

White clouds formed in front of them, swirling violently at first, but quickly stabilizing into something concrete. In the center was a vision of a man and a woman. The Matron grabbed the cloud, which sprung back in her hand.

Good. Very good. Get on with it, old man.

***

Year 0: Retelling of the Beginning of the World

“Don’t take my baby!” Lady Frey sobbed. She sat in front of Lord Frize, pointing frantically to an object in his hand. She was naked and miserable, weeping for the beloved baby that he took from her. She hoped her voice would cut deep into his soul.

“What makes you think you are worthy of such a gift?” Lord Frize boomed, unaffected by her miserable tears. The sphere in his hand twisted violently, as if it was trying to break free from his grip.

“But it’s mine!” she wailed. An unnatural blackness surfaced in her eyes as she spoke.

“It was not yours to take, woman. You killed him and kept it all to yourself,” the orb began making moaning noises as Lord Frize carefully guarded ‘her baby’. The skies morphed into an angry red, showing that the wrath of Lord Frize was not to be taken lightly.

Hot tears streamed down her face as she lunged at him. He easily brushed her aside and she fell face first into the clouds.

With a desperate heave, he threw the sphere towards the world below. So rapidly it fell, burning the atmosphere with its intense power.

Lady Frey screamed and jumped into the open air. The foreign air clawed at her throat, threatening to suffocate her. Her breath came out in wheezes as she held out her hand. She finally reached it and held it close to her chest.

“My baby…” she whispered. The unstable sphere exploded, lighting the sky with intense flashes of sapphire, jade, topaz, ebony, ivory, and grey. The residue covered each of the lands, imbuing them with strange new energy. These lands split off, each flying in a different direction.

Only one land stayed in place; the remaining energies covered it. With Lady Frey’s last breath, she disintegrated, becoming one with the new land forever.

Lord Frize cried not only for her destruction, but for the new world below him. Each of his tears fell to the ground, causing new life to spring up in their wake. Dragons and unicorns rose up, dancing across the landscape; flowers of unseen colors were left behind as these magical beings moved. The people of this land were imbued with imagination, free will, and magic. Lord

Frize watched as these people huddled together for survival, working to build shelters and find food. Each creature existed in harmony. He called this land Freylonia in honor of Lady Frey.

Satisfied, Lord Frize let these creatures carry on with their lives. He entered a deep sleep, not to be awoken until he was needed again.

***

Present Day: Ritual

“The age of my interference has passed. Now mortals can take the reins,” the Elder relayed Lord Frize’s last words to the crowd. He snapped his staff in half, releasing Chausiku’s

11 captive soul. The crowd groaned as the Matron tried to grab the cloud once more. It vanished and she grabbed empty air.

“No! I will not go away again! No!” the Matron shrieked as she transformed back into

Chausiku. Her hideous features receded and became more human.

“I am free again,” Chausiku brushed off her robes, freeing them of the Matron’s taint.

“…And now young ones, we meet our end. Those agents of darkness would steal us away once more. Quietly they come, waiting to seduce us,” the decayed land created by the

Matron began to heal itself. Slowly, specks of green appeared on the flowers, causing them to glow radiantly. They sprouted before the crowd’s eyes, taking on a new life of their own.

Chausiku breathed a sigh of relief as the Plains returned to normal. Any signs of the Matron disappeared; Chausiku knew it would be five years before she would have to see the Matron again.

I’m still here, silly girl, the Matron giggled inside Chausiku’s mind, thank you for being such a dutiful servant. The Elder continued, taking no notice of the panic on her face.

“But as with all things, this story has an end. For He is coming, and with him our Gentle

Savior comes,” the Elder concluded.

“No!” Chausiku shouted. Her skin began turning into a very dark shade of black. Her hair and fingernails turned lethally sharp and sent stabbing pains into her skin. She cried out loudly as the Matron tried to eliminate Chausiku completely. The Elder closed his eyes and removed a dagger from the sleeve of his robe.

“Only one can survive,” the Elder mused as he stabbed Chausiku in the side. She coughed up blood and let out an unearthly shriek before collapsing.

***

September 15, 3015. Trenbough Streets. Midday.

Stuffing the handkerchief in his pocket, Guy walked over to the dead man’s vacant jacket. He removed what looked like some papers and a badge.

“If you MUST know, I am called Guy. I felt a dark presence, so I followed it here,” he threw the vacant jacket to Sophia.

“I am SO not wearing that thing,” she cringed.

“Fine. Suit yourself,” Guy said as he picked up the jacket and dusted it off.

“You still didn’t tell me—“ Sophia stammered.

“Shh. That’s not important,” Guy interrupted.

She scoffed at the thought of having a stranger who knew her name coming to her rescue.

She knew that he was a threat and must be watched at all times.

“We should get going. It’s not safe here,” Guy said. He extended his hand out to Sophia.

“What makes you think I would go with you?” Sophia growled.

“Would you rather die of starvation, girl?” Guy asked.

Sophia reluctantly picked up the discarded jacket and covered her naked body with warmth. Her stomach rumbled loudly. Guy chuckled to himself. She stood up and grabbed Guy’s hand.

“Fine, let’s go,” she stated, “but don’t get comfortable with this.”

Together they walked into the daylight; she couldn’t help but admire the signs of life around her. It had been far too long since she left her hiding spot. The midday sky turned a lovely shade of purple. The dragons and unicorns patrolled the skies of Trenbough, transporting

13 passengers to their destinations. The Angelic Vanguard trumpeted the arrival of midday, and like clockwork, the residents stopped to give words of thanks for the lovely day. Sophia breathed in the air of this rich purple universe, and her soul was filled with a new hope.

Guy couldn’t help but feel relieved in Sophia’s change of mood. Her eyes, once a sea of blackened despair, were filled to the brim with the whiteness of blessed warmth.

“Mmmmm,” she hummed peacefully.

“What a mysterious young woman. Perhaps there is more to her than just despair…” Guy said quietly to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a distress cry from Sophia. She fell to the ground, stopping herself with her hands.

“So tired… Must stay awake…I must…” she mumbled. In spite of her fighting to stay awake, a wave of deep sleep washed over her.

Guy knew he needed to bring her to safety, and fast. She lightly snored, and a look of comfort was draped on her face. He gently picked her up and carried her. She weighed so little that walking was no challenge. As he held her close to his chest, he noticed a calming energy radiating from her.

“Is she the one?” he was baffled as to how she could even possess such differences in energy and change them so quickly.

“No, she can’t be. She’s way too fragile for that,” Guy shook his head. He looked around, making sure no other souls were near; they were surrounded by only sky. He chanted a few words in an ancient tongue and the two disappeared in a flash of light.

***

September 15, 3015. Fraylonian Plains. Midday.

Chausiku lay in the Elder’s bed, her side covered with a healing salve.

“Did I…fail?” Chausiku sat up carefully.

“You did well, child,” the Elder grabbed Chausiku’s hands.

“What happened?” Chausiku asked.

“You were too weak. I should not have pushed you,” the Elder sighed. He reached for the healing salve.

“I am fine, Elder,” she shoved the salve away. Her thoughts were interrupted by a tugging feeling in the back of her mind.

“Did you feel that, Elder?” Chausiku asked as she tugged the Elder’s sleeve.

“Yes, child. He has found her,” the Elder mused, nodding his head.

“Should we bring them home?” she asked him.

“No. She does not yet know,” the Elder said.

Chausiku watched as he picked up a solid white orb. He tapped on it gently, but nothing happened.

“No. It has not yet turned,” he said as he placed the orb in his lap.

“But Elder! He spoke THE tongue,” Chausiku poked his arm.

“The tongue of the ancient ones, yes. Only he would be so bold,” the Elder said.

“Which is why we need to see them,” Chausiku pleaded. The wound in her side ached, and she lay back down so she wouldn’t irritate it further.

“Just wait, child. All will unfold as planned,” the Elder smiled, “you need your strength.”

The Elder looked over at Chausiku before making his way to the cabinet. He grabbed a fraying book and turned to a page.

“Elder, what do you think happened to the Matron?” Chausiku asked. The Elder briefly turned his attention away from the book.

“She was not supposed to survive being stabbed, but I fear her soul is elsewhere,” the

Elder sighed. Chausiku groaned. The Elder took the book over to Chausiku and pointed to a picture.

“Through her death she shall discover the truth,” he mused. Chausiku saw a picture of two women: the first holding an object Chausiku couldn’t see, and the second sitting under a moon.

“But where IS she, Elder?” Chausiku asked, pointing to the first woman in the picture.

“We haven’t felt her presence at all.”

“She is not lost. Her soul still lingers,” the Elder closed his eyes and picked up the orb. It no longer remained a solid white, but instead began swirling a mixture of red and grey. Chausiku noticed that the red slowly receded, and the grey eventually choked it out completely.

“I see. So she is still here,” Chausiku stated.

“Yes. Her destiny is tied to him. Since he has awoken, it is only a matter of time,” the

Elder looked at the orb’s swirling grey, “we must make sure we are ready when it happens,” he placed his hands on her shoulders.

“I will be, Elder,” she nodded, trying to ignore her aching wound.

***

September 16, 3015. Guy’s House. Morning.

Sophia woke up in a rock hard bed.

“Ugh, how can anyone sleep in this thing?” Sophia loudly declared.

“Well good morning to you, too,” Guy sighed, “back to normal I see,” he handed her a hot meal and a cup of tea. She wasted no time digging in, eating every last morsel of the pheasant on her plate. The warmth of the tea filled her mouth with the sweetness of cinnamon.

With a burp, she placed the plate and mug on the bedside table.

“Why do you have so little?” Sophia gaped. All she could see were two faded green couches and a round blue rug.

“I’m not home much. It’s all I need,” Guy replied.

“How did I get here? Why are you helping me? How do you know my name?” the questions poured from her mouth in a never-ending stream. Guy could only shrug. In this moment, he was glad that his hair was hiding the stress in his eyes.

“I told you, I sensed a dark presence. After I found you, I couldn’t leave you there,” he replied.

“You are so full of shit,” Sophia shouted. She grabbed the empty mug and threw it at the wall. It burst into hundreds of tiny pieces and would never be whole again.

“I’ve done so much to help you, and this is how you treat me?” he shouted back. He walked to her and stared into her eyes, “Look girl. I didn’t HAVE to help you. I could have left you there to die. So either accept my help or leave me the hell alone,” her eyes were a swirling mass of grey. Water formed as she struggled to hold back the tears.

“Sorry, I’ve had a shitty life. Kindness isn’t always a word in my vocabulary,” she sighed.

“Tell me about it,” he replied.

Sophia lay back down on the bed, and Guy walked over to the broken glass and swept it into a pile.

Sophia closed her eyes. Guy and the recent events kept intruding upon her thoughts. As she pondered these events, she felt herself drifting away to a different place: a place in between black and white. She laughed at this exhilarating feeling. She was so enthralled that she didn’t notice Guy calling her name. With a slap, his hand hit her face, making her fall back into reality.

Sophia angrily rubbed her face.

“Sorry, but it was necessary,” Guy said.

“What was that?” she scoffed.

“I don’t know,” he sighed. Sophia curled into a ball, the comfort sending her back into a serene state of mind. She snored softly as she drifted back to sleep.

“Good. She’s sleeping again,” he said quietly. He took a small needle out of his jacket pocket. He lightly pricked Sophia’s arm, causing it to bleed. He took out his handkerchief and dabbed at the small wound.

“Sorry, but it was necessary,” he put the needle into a small baggie, and stuffed the baggie into his pocket.

***

September 16, 3015. Trenbough General Hospital. Midday.

“What is TAKING HIM SO LONG?” a woman’s voice screeched, “He’s supposed to be

HERE BY NOW.”

“Relax, Matron. He’s just biding time now,” a man responded. Somewhere in the distance, a voice yelled out something inaudible.

“Gods, does he EVER shut up?” the Matron sighed. She walked over to a control panel and pushed a blue button. The distant voice became quiet, and the man breathed a sigh of relief.

“If we stall any longer, then he will only become more irritating,” he said.

“What should we do about it, Gunther?” the Matron asked as she filed her long fingernails.

“Wait for the boy. Then we can begin,” Gunther said as he stroked his white goatee.

The Matron tapped her foot to the sound of the song playing on the overhead speaker.

Even in the end

The desperate find a friend

Lead me to the solitude

Of the world’s demise

Awaken!

Hold me in the sun

Forgetting everyone

All the world unwinding

The darkness ever binding

The Matron smiled and stroked her pointy black hair.

“He is coming,” Gunther said and pointed to the circular pad in the middle of the floor.

The Matron swiveled her chair around to see Guy beaming into the room. Guy slumped over, breathing heavily.

“About time you came back, boy,” the Matron said coldly.

“Sorry… couldn’t get… away…” Guy replied, “she’s…asleep now…” he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the baggie with the needle in it. The Matron wasted no time in grabbing it. She inspected it closely.

“This doesn’t look unusual. What’s so special about it?” Gunther asked.

“She could be THE one, Gunther. Think about it, who else could survive such a brutal attack?” the Matron shook the bag, and the needle dissolved in the blood inside the baggie.

Gunther’s eyes widened.

“Oho! Now that is promising!” Gunther exclaimed.

“We must begin at once!” the Matron jumped up and ran out the door. Gunther walked casually behind her.

“What the hell is this about? I thought they were just testing her blood,” Guy said quietly to himself. He quickly followed them.

“You! Boy! Get me out of here. I know you can hear me,” a mysterious voice filled

Guy’s thoughts.

“Who’s there? Who are you?” Guy replied. He began sweating.

“You’ll see me soon enough. Don’t let them do this!” the voice became increasingly urgent.

“Why? What are they doing?” Guy asked.

“Stop it! No!” the voice shrieked and Guy felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his head.

Somewhere nearby, he heard a man yelling.

“Hello? Is that you? Where are you?” Guy asked.

“Right in front of you,” the voice replied. Guy turned to his left and saw the Matron and

Gunther standing in front of a man. This man wore no clothing. His arms and legs were chained and he could not move. Patches of the man’s skin were transparent and shined multiple colors.

“Would you quit your yelling?” the Matron shouted. She gave Guy an irritated look.

Guy walked around the Matron and Gunther to get a closer look. The Matron held the baggie of blood in front of the man. Gunther was scribbling notes in a notebook.

“Good, good. Magic resisting chains are working up to par, I see… Hmm…” Gunther mumbled, “his skin is absorbing her blood. Which means…” he paused and rubbed his goatee,

“she is the one.”

The Matron cackled and rubbed her hands together. She took the baggie and threw all the blood inside it onto the man. The man screamed as his skin and features contorted. He began glowing several colors at once. Once the contorting ceased, his entire arms and part of his chest were transparent.

“We just need a little more now. Just a little more,” the Matron said as she gave Guy a cold gaze. A look of panic spread across Guy’s face.

“What’s the matter, boy? You aren’t AFRAID, are you?” Gunther said as he walked over to where Guy was standing.

“No, of course not. Why would I be afraid?” Guy said, giving off a nervous laugh. The

Matron and Gunther gave each other a look, and Gunther nodded. He took a pen out of his pocket. The pen transformed into a dagger, and before Guy could react, Gunther stabbed him in the chest.

“This is what happens to those who are cowards,” the Matron sneered, “we’ll drain every last ounce of blood out of your precious wench.” Gunther and The Matron walked out of the room. Guy slumped over on the floor, clutching his chest wound.

“Sophia… no…” Guy grunted before passing out.

***

Present Day: Inside Guy’s Mind

“My Lord! My Lord! Wake up, old man!” Guy heard a voice prodding his thoughts. The room around him was pitch black, and he could not see anyone or anything present.

“Who’s there?” Guy cried out.

“Don’t pretend you forgot about me, My Lord,” a shimmering man entered Guy’s vision, and Guy had to shield his eyes from this man’s brightness.

“My Lord? I am no one special,” Guy said with a tone of confusion in his voice.

“You have been sleeping for so long. I feared for the world’s fate,” the man said.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Guy asked.

“Do you not remember? As I was torn apart, I could see you weeping for the death of your beloved,” the man lamented.

“Wait. Are you suggesting—“ Guy began.

“My Lord Frize. Please, you must remember,” the man grabbed Guy’s shoulders and shook them, “you managed to teleport, so you must know!”

Guy scratched his head, “You definitely have the wrong person. Lord Frize is just a myth.

Wait…” Guy paused, “how did you know about that?”

“I know many things, My Lord,” the man said as he let go of Guy. The man held a circular object in his hands. It shimmered a mixture of bright colors and looked as if it was about to burst. The man threw this object and it scattered about the dark room, illuminating every surface. Eventually, the colors began forming into solid land mass and wildlife. Guy could hear the sound of water rolling over the newly formed lands.

Guy felt something sharp stabbing into his heart. Though no object was present, he felt it cut deeper and deeper. The man clutched his chest as well.

“You can feel that too, My Lord?” the man asked.

“Sophia! Is she—oh Gods!” Guy winced at the invisible pain.

“Please, help me,” the man said, “they are trying to turn me back into that horrible thing to reform your world,” he waved his hand and the brightness disappeared, once again turning the room pitch black.

“I see finding her has awakened your power. Now take my hand,” the man held out his hand, and Guy weakly grabbed it. Guy felt something new stir inside him. The room was shaking and he began absorbing the blackness into himself. The man eventually faded away and everything around Guy disappeared.

“This is a start. You will find the rest in due time,” the man’s voice lingered, “now wake up, My Lord.”

***

September 17, 3015. Guy’s House. Morning.

In Sophia’s mind, she saw a hospital. Everyone in this hospital was screaming or crying.

Each person walked by a body. When Sophia looked closer, she saw that the body was hers.

Sophia woke up with a jolt. She was sweating profusely. She looked around to see that no one else was present. Everything looked like it had before she fell asleep.

“Guy?” Sophia asked. She got up and looked around the house. She stepped over dropped papers and clothing. Several drawers were opened and their contents were scattered on the floor.

On a counter was a shiny badge. She picked it up and saw that it looked like a shield. Under the badge was a folder labeled Dark Shield: Confidential.

Curiously, Sophia picked up the folder and looked inside. On top of the papers was a picture of a smiling woman in a doctor’s coat. She looked at the back of the photo and read: “Dr.

Holly Steinfeld. Taken August 25, 3015.”

Sophia leafed through the papers, most of them frayed or yellowed. As she thumbed her way to the last few pages, her heart almost stopped. Upon one page was her portrait, clear as day.

Sophia was shaking but continued reading.

“Sophia Moreland. Age 22. Fled from HQ and continues to evade capture. Current location unknown.”

Sophia grinned; proud of the fact that they didn’t know where she was. She flipped to the next page and kept reading. A picture of her attacker stared her in the face. Sophia could not resist the urge to spit at the picture, and had to restrain herself from tearing the page apart.

“Val Herrington. Deceased. Aged 32. Attempt to locate Moreland failed.”

Sophia located a vacant bagel on the countertop and began eating it, spilling crumbs on the page as she read. She continued to the next page and saw a picture of the smiling woman.

“Dr. Holly Steinfeld. Deceased. Age 27. Saved Moreland as an infant. Silenced after failing to tell of Moreland’s location.”

Sophia jumped up in surprise. She compared both pictures of Holly and noticed that she was holding something. Upon closer inspection she saw a small red object around Holly’s neck.

“No! There’s no way!” Sophia shouted. She grabbed her red bead necklace and rubbed her finger over the initials H.S. Sophia’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a loud explosion far in the distance. Sophia ran outside to see the morning orange sky covered in smoke. She was distracted by this smoke, and didn’t hear the two people approaching her.

“Gotcha, poppet,” Gunther said. He took out a rope and bound Sophia’s hands before pushing her to the ground.

“Too easy. Do you know how long we’ve been looking for you?” the Matron screeched.

She put her boot on Sophia’s back, preventing her from moving. Gunther took a syringe out of his pocket and stuck it into Sophia’s arm. She winced.

***

September 17, 3015. Trenbough General Hospital. Midday.

“My Lord! My Lord!” an unfamiliar female voice yelled urgently inside Guy’s mind.

Groggily, Guy pushed himself up. The chains that once shackled the shimmering man lay in a shining silver pile on the floor. Around him were ashes and charred remnants of what appeared to be an explosion.

“What the hell is this?” Guy blurted out. He curiously walked down the hallway, noticing that the rest of the building looked charred and blackened.

“My Lord, you must come outside. Hurry!” the female voice urged inside Guy’s mind.

He stepped over a few dead bodies, noticing that they were covered in a slimy substance. He was disappointed to note that Gunther and The Matron were not among the casualties. He finally made his way outside, and the midday sun assaulted his eyes.

“You made it,” the shimmering man said.

“Is this a dream?” Guy asked, looking into the horizon. In the distance, all signs of life in

Trenbough ceased. The streets were littered with bodies of men, women, and children. No other creatures patrolled the area, save for swarms of vultures that flew over the city. The sky smoldered a fiery shade of orange, and smoke surrounded what was left of the city. He thought he could see something shiny in the distance.

“This is not a dream,” the man said, “they abused my power. I should not have come,”

He covered his head with his hands, and Guy could only look at the remnants of Trenbough.

“Can you please tell me what the hell is going on?” Guy said with an irritated voice.

“Can you not fix this, My Lord?” the man asked.

“What the hell are you talking about? I told you, I am not—“ Guy began.

“But you are,” the man sighed, “I forgot how different you must be as a human. Forgive me, My Lord. Allow me to explain…” he paused, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The shimmering colors and transparency of his skin faded away. He stood in front of Guy with visible facial features and normal flesh colored skin. He had several lines in his face, making him appear like an aged veteran. Gradually, his features began softening, and his body took on female features. His body remained in a constant state of flux between being male and female.

“If only I could remain this way,” he sighed, placing his hand on Guy’s shoulder. Though his body was female at the moment, he spoke with a male voice, “you called me Norbert or

Norberta, depending on my form,” he chuckled, “that was not my real name, of course, but I adopted it as my own,” he briefly smiled, pointing at the ruins of Trenbough. Guy blinked at

Norbert’s constantly changing body.

“How should I… address you?” Guy carefully asked.

“However you wish, My Lord,” the hermaphrodite smiled, “I am both male and female, but never fully settle on being one or the other. As I said, I go by Norbert or Norberta.”

“Ok then…what happened to Trenbough?” Guy asked.

“Those chains, My Lord. They seek to remake this world, one city at a time,” Norberta clenched her fist and held it to her chest, “they want to turn me back into that horrible thing.

They are so close,” she lamented.

“To what exactly?” Guy asked.

“I can’t believe they got this far,” Norbert mumbled, “I don’t think you realize what you’ve done,” Guy shot Norbert a confused look.

“You love her, do you not?” Norbert asked.

Guy thought of Sophia sleeping comfortably in his bed. Panic spread at the thought of where she was now.

“No,” Guy said quickly.

“You forget I can read your thoughts, My Lord,” Norberta laughed.

“How could I forget?” Guy sighed.

“You gave them the one thing they were so desperately seeking. I cannot stay in this form for much longer,” Norbert said. Guy couldn’t help but notice that patches of Norbert’s skin were turning back to being transparent.

“I had no choice,” Guy said, thinking back to Sophia.

“My Lord, you must not let her become corrupted again like the last time,” Norbert looked into Guy’s eyes.

“Like the last time? Are you referring to Lady Frey?” Guy asked, recalling the legend.

“Yes. The evil one corrupted her and led to my demise,” Norberta said.

“The Matron?” Guy asked.

“The dark one. She goes by many names. Most call her The Dark Mother or The

Matron,” Norberta replied.

“Wait. Are you--?” Guy began.

“Yes. I am that terrible orb of power,” Norbert said, “but I was never dead; only sleeping.

Unfortunately, dead legends never sleep.”

Guy gave a nervous laugh, “I still don’t understand why you think I am Lord Frize.”

Norbert, now completely transparent, held out his hand. An orb of light surfaced and it was immediately absorbed by Guy. He felt his body try to reject it, but it instead made his skin glow an angelic hue.

“Aha,” Norbert remarked.

“Why is it not killing me?” Guy gasped.

“You were born in such terrible darkness, My Lord. Normally that would kill you, but you were never meant to die. The light is just as much a part of you as the darkness,” Norbert smiled. The light began fading and Guy returned back to normal.

“I understand now. You are the reason we have magic,” Guy said. Norberta nodded.

“Well, it wouldn’t have been so if she hadn’t stolen my power,” Norberta added.

“Now that we are all caught up, we have to save Sophia,” Guy urged.

“I knew it. You DO love her,” Norberta grinned.

“I do not,” Guy blushed.

“At any rate, they probably have her somewhere in the city,” Norberta said.

“Somewhere where you or I wouldn’t dare to go,” Guy agreed.

“Like the graveyard,” Norberta remarked.

“The catacombs!” Guy exclaimed. “The Matron never let me in there since I didn’t earn her complete trust.”

“That would be a likely place to hide something,” Norbert said.

“We have to find her,” Guy said anxiously, “but how will we get up there?” He looked up at the large cliff nearby. For reasons unknown to him, the hospital placed the graveyard on top of the cliff. He assumed it was to prevent the rest of the city from being haunted by the departed.

“Remember, My Lord?” Norbert asked.

“Remember what?” Guy replied.

“Surely you must remember how to fly?” Norbert pleaded.

“Look, if I knew how, I—“ Guy stammered.

“Fine. Close your eyes,” Norbert interrupted. Guy did so and saw images of Sophia.

However, she no longer looked like skin and bones; she appeared healthy and vibrant. She danced around in the moonlight. Guy approached her from behind. She appeared startled but not annoyed. They grabbed hands.

“I will be a part of you forever,” she said.

Guy opened his eyes, “I will be a part of you forever,” he repeated.

Norberta shed a tear, “Yes. I knew you would remember.”

For reasons he could not understand, Guy began weeping. His tears hit the charred ground and he felt wings growing on his back.

“We have to find her,” Guy sobbed.

“The night is soon upon us. Let us make haste, My Lord,” Norberta said. Guy wiped his eyes, watching as Norberta hovered in the air. Guy closed his eyes, willing his body to take flight. In a ruffle of feathers, he sprung into the air, flapping his newly formed grey wings.

Norberta hovered beside him.

“Together, My Lord,” Norberta said. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, placing her hands on her forehead as she did so.

***

September 17, 3015. Fraylonian Plains. Evening.

“No. She is near. Stop it, make it go away! No!” Chausiku screamed. Her body contorted in several strange positions. The Elder placed a hand on her cheek. It burned hotly, and he quickly withdrew it.

“There is nothing I can do,” he stated, “it is past time.”

He began reading his book, making sure to watch Chausiku out of the corner of his eye.

He traced his finger over the frayed picture. In the picture was a figure kneeling in what appeared to be glass. Something circular took over a majority of the picture.

“With his breaking, the harbinger will come,” the caption under the picture read.

“His breaking…” the Elder mused, “so much is broken already,” the Elder looked at the landscape. The lush greens had been taken over by a dead yellow. The flowers and trees were being invaded by a rotting blackness that drowned out most color within them. The people struggled to find food in a landscape once so full of life. The only remaining elements were the floating islands and the sunshine. Even the water was slowing to a trickle.

The Elder was interrupted by an intensely bright image standing at the entrance to his tent.

“My old friend,” the Elder stated, “your arrival is timely.” An image of Norbert materialized and waved at the Elder.

“He is remembering. Slowly,” Norbert said.

“Yes,” the Elder replied. Behind him, Chausiku ceased her screaming and was now babbling something incoherent.

“She is not well,” Norbert said.

“There is nothing I can do. We must wait,” the Elder replied.

“We are going to her now,” Norberta said. The Elder turned a page in his book. The picture showed a large hill.

“We need to see him,” the Elder said and paused to blink at Norbert’s constantly shifting form, “I see you still haven’t settled.”

“That is not important, my friend,” Norberta stared softly at the Elder, her gaze becoming gradually more serious, “he barely remembers who he is. I think it would be too much for him.”

The Elder grabbed the orb in his lap and shook it. Blackness overtook it and remained still. Specks of white slowly flooded in, and eventually, the black was replaced with pink. The white morphed into grey and the two colors combined.

“I see. This is how it is,” the Elder said as he looked into the orb.

“Though he denies it, he deeply loves her,” Norberta said.

“He is torn. This is not good,” the Elder said.

“Patience. He will find his full strength,” Norberta said. Her eyes scanned the tent, stopping to notice that Chausiku was now sleeping, her arms periodically moving.

“We can’t stop it now,” The Elder replied, “her influence is too strong.”

“What should we do then?” Norbert asked.

“We must bring him here. And her as well,” the Elder said, “they need to be fully awake.”

“That will be difficult,” Norbert said, “she already found her.”

“Yes, but we must try,” the Elder said. He closed the book and kneeled by Chausiku, grabbing her hand.

“Be strong, child,” the Elder whispered, “the world depends on you.” He turned to give

Norbert one last look.

“Go,” he commanded. Norbert blinked a few times and his image faded away.

“Let us hope we are not too late,” the Elder mused.

***

September 17, 3015. Catacombs. Evening.

Sophia opened her eyes, trying to free herself of the various tubes and needles attached to her body.

“You have no idea how long we were looking for you,” the Matron said, “welcome home, Sophia.”

A mixture of fluids entered a tube inserted into Sophia’s nose. Sophia could only cringe as the red and white fluids entered her system. Her breathing turned into a hacking cough, and eventually she began vomiting the liquids out of her mouth.

“So slow. What is the hold up?” the Matron complained. A needle pricked Sophia in the arm and blood dropped to the floor.

“Matron, I did what you asked,” Gunther said, entering the makeshift laboratory. The room skittered with spiders and roaches; the ancient walls were crumbled and decaying. The imported equipment hummed as it worked to power the devices attached to Sophia.

The Matron turned her attention to a monitor. She flicked it on to see the hospital still standing amidst the ruins of the city. The night sky was absent of any lights, save for the ones emitting from the hospital.

“Why am I looking at this? We were just there,” the Matron stated.

“You’ll see,” Gunther said, “look over there,” he pointed to two objects floating in the distance. They slowly moved towards the city and periodically stopped.

“We should have killed him,” Gunther mumbled.

“I have an idea,” the Matron said. She stood up and walked over to a box on the other side of the room.

“Since we got all our stuff here…” she paused and waved her hand at the equipment throughout the room, “we can get them here.”

“Don’t touch me, you filthy witch,” Sophia snarled.

“Oh my. Such an attitude, young lady,” Gunther remarked. He reached into his jacket pocket and grabbed the red bead necklace.

“Give me that!” Sophia shouted. She reached her arms out and tried to grab Gunther. The needles tore into her skin, leaving bright red scrapes behind.

“What if something were to…” he began. He walked over to a vial of colorful liquid and dropped the necklace inside, “happen to this?” he finished. Sophia’s eyes turned glassy and she squirmed uncomfortably. Though the necklace sat in the liquid, it did not shatter.

The Matron typed away at a computer, and she pulled up a picture of Guy and Norbert.

“Bring them here,” the Matron commanded.

“Wait, Matron. I have a better idea,” Gunther replied. He gave her a look.

“I like the way you think,” she responded. Gunther grabbed a pair of tweezers and retrieved the necklace from the vial. He shook off the excess liquid before dropping it to the ground. With a sickening crunch, the bead necklace shattered into millions of tiny glass shards beneath the Matron’s boot. Sophia screamed as she felt her entire body morphing. The machinery binding Sophia shattered as her new transformation took hold. Her skin turned an eerie shade of purple, and leathery wings surfaced on her back. Her fingernails turned into claws, and her hair turned razor sharp.

“Oh bother. It looks like she’s lost her way,” Gunther said sarcastically.

“Too bad your lover boy isn’t here to save you,” the Matron said in a syrupy sweet voice.

The air in the room tore apart with a ripping sound. The Matron’s face lit up as a strange portal surfaced in the center of the room. Sophia’s cries ceased as her transformation finished.

Her breathing stopped and she passed out.

Gunther grabbed The Matron’s hand, “After you,” he said. She stepped through the portal and he followed closely behind.

***

September 17, 3015. Skies of Trenbough. Evening.

“We’re getting close,” Norbert said, “just a little further.”

The color began draining from Guy’s face and he felt his strength fading away. The motivation he once had to find Sophia was replaced with dread.

“My Lord?” Norberta shouted. Guy began falling to the earth below.

“My Lord!” Norberta floated over to where Guy was falling, catching him in her arms.

He was breathing but said nothing.

“Something is wrong,” Norberta said to herself.

“She…it’s over…they…” a look of shock spread across Guy’s face as he babbled this sentence continuously.

“Don’t die on me, My Lord,” Norberta began shaking Guy, but it did no good.

“I…we…go…” Guy babbled.

We need to see him, The Elder’s words echoed in Norberta’s mind.

“I have no choice. We have to go,” Norberta closed her eyes and began singing.

When the way is lost

All paths must lead

To the side which

Cannot be seen

Blessed Mother

Be ever my guide

Be my compass

Lead me to

The place unseen

Norberta wept as she recited the ancient words. A beam of light was emitted from the full moon and was immediately projected onto Norberta and Guy. In a flash of light, they disappeared from the night sky.

***

September 17, 3015. Fraylonian Plains. Late Evening.

“They come,” Chausiku stated.

“So soon.” the Elder replied. It had only been a few hours since they had last talked.

“She is gone,” he sighed.

Chausiku breathed heavily from the bed she was laying on, “Elder, I am not at full strength,” she said. The scar on her side itched, and she fought to resist the urge to scratch it.

“I know, child. Your sleep was all too brief,” he replied.

“How long…will it be?” she asked, “until…she…comes?”

“In a matter of days,” he replied.

“I…cannot…” she stammered. The Elder placed his hand on her forehead. He was interrupted by the sound of a crash outside. He ran outside to find Norbert rubbing his legs. Guy lay motionless on the ground in the middle of a newly formed crater the force of their plummet to the Earth had created.

“I forgot the gravity of this world,” Norbert laughed, “sorry, My Lord.”

“You came back,” the Elder said.

“We had no choice. He suddenly took a turn for the worst,” Norbert said.

“I can’t feel her anywhere,” the Elder said.

“What happened to her?” Norbert asked. The Elder looked confused. This sent a feeling of anxiety through Norbert’s mind. If the Elder was confused, then it did not bode well.

“My book said nothing about this,” the Elder stated. He walked back and forth, mumbling to himself as he paced.

“Elder! Elder! Come quick!” Chausiku shouted from inside the tent. Norbert and the

Elder ran inside the tent to find the Elder’s newly carved staff glowing.

“It must be reacting to his presence,” Norbert said. The Elder picked up his staff and walked over to the newly formed crater. Norbert and Chausiku watched from inside the tent with curiosity.

The Elder held the staff over his head, and as he did so, shards of glass began to fill the crater. At first the glass appeared ordinary, but eventually it all turned red. The unconscious Guy began drowning in the sea of red glass.

“My Lord!” Norberta shouted. She dove into the crater, disappearing in the sea of tinted red. The Elder heard shattering glass and a bunch of unintelligible words from below.

Eventually, a transparent fist broke through the glass and the two landed safely on the other side of the crater. Guy had several scars on his face and hands, but sustained no permanent damage.

Chausiku emerged from the tent carrying a small cup.

“He should drink this,” she said as she bent down beside Guy. She pried open his mouth and forced the liquid down his throat. Guy began coughing, some color returning to his face. He sat up to see the three sets of eyes staring at him.

“What the hell is this?” he asked, nearly jumping back out of fright.

“My Lord, I had to bring you here instead,” Norberta said.

“But Sophia!” Guy replied.

“He is awake. Good,” the Elder walked over to them and placed a hand on Guy’s shoulder.

“Where am I?” Guy asked.

“The Fraylonian Plains,” Chausiku replied.

“But that’s where the world was first created,” Guy stated.

“Very good,” Norberta said.

The Elder nodded, “Now that you have awakened, you must find your power,” he said.

Norberta grabbed Guy’s hand and forced him to his feet. Chausiku stepped back, giving the three some room.

“I am sorry for what I am about to do,” the Elder said. With blinding speed, the Elder shoved a shard of glass into Guy’s leg. He then stepped back, walking next to Chausiku. Guy wasted no time in removing the shard of glass. The wound began bleeding at first, but eventually, a light poured from it and covered his entire leg. The cut rapidly repaired itself, and within moments it looked as if nothing had happened. Guy touched his leg where the wound once was. Norbert clapped his hands and the Elder smiled.

“Good,” the Elder said. He looked at Chausiku now.

“Are you well enough?” he asked her.

“I…I think so?” Chausiku replied, “I can try.”

“Please do,” Norbert urged. Chausiku nodded and stumbled over to Guy. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes before disappearing. In an instant, she was behind Guy. She grabbed his arms, twisting them with all her might. She collapsed from the intense effort, her strength nearly gone. He yelled out in pain and kneeled on the ground. In mere seconds, the bones and muscles in his arms began reforming, clicking back together in their usual positions.

Guy flexed his now fully functional arms.

“What is this?” Guy gawked.

“Your power,” Norbert replied.

“But that is not all…” Chausiku said, “Elder, please show him. I am too weak,” the Elder nodded. He grabbed Guy’s hands and projected them outward.

“Channel your energy into your hands,” the Elder instructed.

Guy closed his eyes, struggling to make sense of everything around him. He felt himself being pulled into his core. He fell ever so gently and landed in a swirling circle of color. He reached out to touch it and felt a surge of new energy.

As he opened his eyes, he felt fire forming in his hands. He willed it to land on the other side of the crater.

“Go,” he said. A large fireball traveled from his hands to the other side. It landed with a bang, and the embers burned away the grass.

“Good. Very good,” the Elder said.

“We are running out of time,” Norbert stated. The Elder nodded.

“There is one more thing you should know,” the Elder placed his hands on Guy’s chest.

This stirred up feelings of Sophia and of his love for her, “this is the source of your power,” the

Elder added. Guy could not deny it; his fate was tied to hers. Chausiku smiled.

“We have to go now,” Norberta insisted.

“Yes, yes,” the Elder said, “you know what to do,” he looked at Guy. Guy nodded.

Norberta walked over to him and they both closed their eyes. He conjured an image of Sophia in his mind.

“Let me find her. We will be a part of each other forever,” Guy declared. The two disappeared in a flash of light.

“You must go too, child,” the Elder said.

“But what about you, Elder?” Chausiku asked.

“I am not as old as I look. I can guard myself if I have to,” he said.

“I couldn’t even protect myself,” Chausiku mused, “I don’t know how I will do this.”

“You are strong, child. She will guide you,” he responded.

“But what if she—“ Chausiku pleaded.

“She will not. You forget how strong their light is,” the Elder smiled, which took

Chausiku by surprise. She grabbed the Elder’s arm to support her weak body.

“I wasn’t supposed to survive either,” Chausiku whispered.

“I made sure you did,” the Elder replied, “but not because you are needed for the prophecy to be fulfilled.”

“Oh?” Chausiku squawked.

“I filled you with just enough light to make sure you would never die,” the Elder answered, “you survived because my light magnified the light inside of you.”

Chausiku looked confused, so the Elder elaborated: “It was only two and a half days ago that you were dancing in the meadows. Your devotion to Mother saved your life, child.”

“I am not worthy of your praise, Elder,” Chausiku said, “how did you know about that?”

The Elder smiled, “I am not as heartless as you make me out to be.”

Chausiku proudly stood up and let go of the Elder. The wound she sustained during the ritual was beginning to heal and the scarring was barely noticeable. The Elder handed her the jar of healing salve.

“Thank you, Elder,” Chausiku replied.

“Now please, child, you must go,” the Elder said, “you will be fine,” he leaned over towards her and whispered, “remember what I have taught you.”

Chausiku nodded, “I hope you are right.” She closed her eyes and breathed heavily. He shoved her away. She laughed as she felt her body float to an unknown place.

“Be well, child,” he calmly stated after her.

***

Inverse Trenbough: A Place Where Time Does Not Pass

Inside the portal, an inverse version of Trenbough appeared. People that were not people roamed and no magic or magical beings existed. The freakish black and white city had no color; no light dwelled here at all.

“Strange. No magic?” Gunther asked.

“No magic,” the Matron smiled, “that makes it easier. Now it’s all mine.”

“Let’s get started, then,” Gunther waved his hand around, and the black and white city began crumbling away. The steel and stone of the buildings sank silently into the watery ground.

After some time, the city ceased to have any buildings at all. The people that were not people wandered the streets, all reaching towards the center of the morphed city.

“Where is it?” the Matron asked. She began peeling away layers of air, but only blank whiteness lay underneath.

The sound of a beating heart eventually filled the air. The Matron peeled back a final layer to find a human baby.

“What is this?” she shrieked. The baby lay motionless and a woman wept over it. Several people walked by this body. A woman placed an object on top of the baby. Several colors flooded into it, which caused it to cough and cry. The people that were not people all moaned and began morphing into humans. A light emitted from the baby and caused the Matron to shield her eyes. Gunther stood stupefied, watching as a man walked next to the baby.

“Incredible,” Gunther exclaimed, “she had all the magic inside of her all along.”

The man next to the baby gently cradled it. The object on top of the baby was glowing pink. As soon as he put the baby down, the object ceased glowing at all.

“Ha. Look at that, Matron,” Gunther said, “she didn’t want to die after all.”

The Matron grumbled and turned to face Gunther, “It doesn’t matter,” a streak of light surfaced in the empty sky, “her pathetic band of friends is on the way.”

“Good. That makes it easy then,” Gunther replied.

“I can’t wait to end this!” Norbert’s voice filled the air as the three landed on the ground with a splash. Guy stood up first and walked over to the Matron.

“What do you want, boy?” she sneered.

“I want her back,” Guy declared.

“Wait. Please,” Chausiku said and walked next to Guy, “I was born for this. Let me handle her.”

Norbert looked anxiously at her, “Are you sure you can?”

“I have no choice,” she replied. She took a mirror out of her robes and projected it in front of her.

“Release!” Chausiku yelled. She felt her soul drifting away towards the body of the

Matron.

“You little witch! You won’t! You can’t…You can’t resist me!” the Matron yelled. A cloud of black smoke erupted from The Matron. She began moaning as her features began rotting away. The newly formed people all shambled towards her.

“What is this light?” she shrieked as her body fell lifeless to the watery ground.

“The light of Fraylonia and the millions you’ve slain,” Norberta said.

Norberta caught the body of Chausiku as it fell. The ball of light enclosed the black smoke, and eventually engulfed it completely.

Norbert grabbed the mirror and placed it back in Chausiku’s motionless hands. The ball of light grew bigger before returning to Chausiku’s body. She sat up slowly.

“I did it, Elder,” Chausiku smiled. Norberta helped her to her feet.

“I must find her!” Guy ran backwards and jumped into the portal. Gunther closed his eyes and the portal began shutting. It ripped and tore away at the air as Guy disappeared from view.

“He will be fine,” Norberta remarked.

“I can feel her returning to us,” Chausiku replied.

“My wish, it is not yet granted,” Gunther yelled, looking at Chausiku, “I thought I had planned so well…” he paused and cleared his throat, “I thought you would be the perfect candidate to succumb to her corruption. But somehow that decrepit idiot gave you just enough light,” he growled.

Chausiku smiled, “You cannot fool the Elder.”

“It doesn’t matter. He cannot return here,” Gunther said. The entire world began crumbling apart, “if I cannot have my wish, then I will have to kill all of you instead.”

***

September 17, 3015. Catacombs. Late Evening.

Guy landed in a pile of red glass. A wretched creature lay at his feet. Though it was not moving, it breathed very softly. Shattered lab equipment lay in a heap under the creature.

Cautiously, Guy bent over to check its pulse. A black fire seared his fingers as he touched it, which caused him to quickly pull away. Light poured from his hand and healed the burns. The creature snarled something incoherent.

“What are you?” Guy asked. His inquiry caused the creature to snarl even more. He stood by this creature and contemplated his next actions.

Through the creature’s incoherence, he heard one word: “Help,” it said.

Guy looked at it in surprise, “Wait. Did you just say ‘help’?”

The creature nodded to the best of its ability. The creature opened its hand and reached for something, “Red,” it yelled.

Guy pointed to the glass. This caused the creature to claw helplessly at the floor.

“Red!” it shouted forcefully. Guy swept most of the glass into a pile. Before he could finish the creature grabbed his hand and put it over its chest.

“Bead,” it said. Before Guy could react, pink light poured out of his chest. The broken glass slowly reformed into the red bead necklace. The hellish features of the creature began receding, and Sophia now stood in its place. The pink light ceased and Guy gently picked up the necklace. He hugged Sophia tightly as she stood up.

“What was that?” Guy asked.

“I don’t know,” Sophia smiled, “but it was wonderful,” they grabbed hands and walked over to the portal.

“Let’s finish this,” Guy said. They stepped through the portal into the world of black and white.

***

Inverse Trenbough

“She’s back!” Chausiku exclaimed with excitement.

“I knew you would pull through, My Lady,” Norbert said.

Sophia emerged first. A beautiful melody arose in the air as she surfaced.

Bring me home

To the place man never roams

It is not my wish

To be dealt Death’s kiss

But instead

All I needed

Was my friend

To guide me to Land’s End

Inside

The dark

“What?” Gunther shouted. “How is she—“

“We are a part of each other. Always,” she smiled. Guy floated onto the watery ground beside her. They both had a pink aura surrounding them.

“My Lord, My Lady, you must finish it,” Norberta urged. Sophia danced around. Her dancing created a distorted image of the moon in the sky. The power of the moonlight was being absorbed into her skin and she shone a luminous white.

Norberta chanted and moved her hands around furiously. Inside her hands, an aquatic sphere took form.

“Catch, My Lord!” she giggled and threw the sphere to Guy. He caught it in both hands.

He noticed that the sphere was packed with extra magic.

“It was a sphere that started the world,” Guy mumbled, “and now it’s a sphere that will end this one.”

He drew upon the power of the watery sphere. As he did so, he imagined a figure throwing a similar looking sphere downwards. A second figure dove after it but exploded in the process.

“You must do it again!” Norbert replied.

“I understand now,” Guy replied. He used all of his strength to project a tidal wave upon

Gunther. The water was infused with their pink aura. Sophia waved her hand and moved

Chausiku and Norbert out of the way. The water hit Gunther and he began drowning.

Feelings of guilt and remorse flooded through Gunther, “Gods, I was such a fool,” he gasped as the pink water pushed him under completely, “she was never mine.”

The wave of water went on into the endless horizons carrying Gunther’s motionless body and the remnants of the world with it.

“We have to go!” Guy said and closed his eyes.

“Don’t,” Norbert said, “let her handle this,” he put his hands on Chausiku’s shoulders.

Chausiku took her mirror and captured the image of the four of them inside. She threw it into the air and they all disappeared.

***

September 18, 3015. Trenbough Streets. Early Morning.

With a thud, they all landed inside the original Trenbough.

“Yeaaaa. Sunny daysh ahead!” a drunken angel lifted a mug of beer into the air and swigged it down. Sophia rolled her eyes.

“Well, looks like everything’s back to normal,” Guy laughed.

Chausiku tightly hugged Sophia, “Thank you, Mother,” tears streamed down her face,

“you have been so kind to me.”

“Let’s take a walk,” Norbert suggested.

“That would be lovely,” Chausiku agreed. She let go of Sophia and wiped the tears from her eyes.

As they all walked, they noticed the charred remnants of Trenbough’s assault receding.

The buildings shone with a hearty luster. The magical beings patrolled the skies with extra vigor.

Inside Chausiku’s mirror, images of the Fraylonian Plains appeared. The vibrant flowers and flowing waterfalls she knew and loved returned. She noticed the Elder giving a rousing speech to his people. The people cheered and began giving prayers of thanks to Mother.

Their prayers were all swirling inside Sophia’s mind. She closed her eyes and let the wave of serenity wash over her.

Eventually, they all reached the place where Sophia was attacked. She stopped abruptly.

“What’s wrong, My Lady?” Norberta asked. Sophia’s feelings quickly morphed into ones of unease. Guy pulled her away.

“Good morning Trenbough! Wake up and smell the coffee!” the loud speaker blared.

Sophia’s stomach growled.

“Déjà vu,” Guy said, “hey, let’s go to my place and get you some food.”

“I can’t say no to that,” Sophia said excitedly. She leaned over to give Guy an affectionate kiss.

Norbert and Chausiku looked at each other, “I think that’s our cue,” Norbert said.

Chausiku threw her mirror into the air. They both disappeared amidst her giggling.

“Shall we?” Guy asked Sophia. He held her tightly and chanted the ancient spell. The two vanished in a flash of light.