by Eric Black
“But there are things that happened there. Things that used to haunt your father’s dreams. He never described them to me, he would always say that they were too awful to talk about. I never pressed him.” She looked at Babel seriously. “Whatever is over there, they thought it was important to bring your father back. I can only lead you to the waters. After that, it is up to you.”
“Why are you letting me do this? My whole life you’ve always tried to shelter and protect me.”
“I knew that when your father came up missing, you would do everything you could to find him. And if I didn’t tell you the truth, you would spend the rest of your life looking but not finding because you’d be looking in the wrong world. Besides, you’ve never let me shelter you from anything. Babel, you’re the only one who can save your father. I can’t bear the thought of losing both of you but I also can’t bear the thought of you living the rest of your life being deceived by me.”
Babel nodded in understanding. “I’ll find him. You don’t have any idea where he would be over there do you?” Alicia shook her head. He would be going in blind.
He called for the waitress, paid their bill, and they returned to the hotel. It was mid-day in Amsterdam but they were exhausted. Their flight to India would leave the following morning.
Babel had never been to Amsterdam before and hated the idea of not seeing a few sights while he was there but knew that once they landed in India, everything would change. He didn’t know how many nights of restful sleep he would have going forward and he wanted to take advantage. He told his mother good night and retired to his bed.
The next morning, they arrived at the airport early, boarded their plane, and lifted off to India. Babel watched the early morning skyline of Amsterdam disappear beneath the clouds as they continued east.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“You sure you’re okay with this?”
Babel nodded at his mother. “I’ll be okay. I didn’t come all the way to India to back down at the last minute.”
“But you can…if you want. Your father will understand.”
Babel was tempted to become angry at his mother’s words but he knew that she was still just trying to protect her little boy. He shook his head. “I’m going to get Dad and I’ll bring him back.”
They had arrived the previous day and had spent the day viewing the sights of Agra. The tour ended at the Taj Mahal and Babel was mesmerized. He had been wrong. He had thought the Taj Mahal just another ancient building but it was so much more. The energy that came from the building reached into his soul and told him he belonged there.
He became lost in his own thoughts on what the Taj Mahal meant to him and his family when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to a view of his smiling mother encompassed by the welcome area of the airport. “Welcome back. I thought I lost you there for a moment.”
Babel grinned sheepishly. “You thought that perhaps, while standing here at the airport, I had been sucked through the portal to another world and my body was left behind?”
“Um, not quite. But it’s interesting that’s what you thought I thought.”
“What?”
“Never mind. Look, you be careful and come back to me. I love you, Babel.” It was time for her to leave him and return back to America for the first of many worrisome days.
“I will. I love you too.” Babel gave his mother a hug and she kissed him on the cheek. Then, she turned and entered airport security.
He waited until his mother disappeared from view and then followed her airline’s progress on the board. When his mother’s plane hit the air, he left the airport and began to the journey to his father’s world.
The journey back to the Taj Mahal was chaotic but the sight of the building made it worth the stress of being pulled helpless through the streets of Agra. “It’s no wonder rickshaws haven’t caught on back home.” Babel said to himself as he exited the tricycle-drawn contraption.
He made his way to the waters that reflected the magnificent structure. He wasn’t sure what to do next but for the moment was content to be consumed by the ambiance. He stood next to the reflecting pool on the south lawn and waited for something to happen. Nothing did. He walked around the pool and still nothing happened. Worse, he didn’t feel the expected draw.
On the flight over, he had read much on the Taj Mahal, including the mysticism of the structure. He recalled a myth associated with the Taj Mahal’s finial, the decorative feature that crowned the summit of the main dome. A water pot was a part of the design of the finial. It was said that by beating the silhouette of the finial, the waters of the finial would be brought forth. Babel walked to the shadow and saw many broken bangles on the ground – traditional arm ornaments worn by women – that had been used to clout the silhouette, proof that the myth still lived. He looked for any clues that this might trigger but found none.
He walked around the grounds for some time and frustration began to seep in. “What am I looking for?” he screamed to himself. The day was winding towards noon. Out of habit, he glanced at his watch. He had plenty of time left; the grounds did not close until that evening. But he couldn’t help but feel as though he was wasting time. The sun moved to directly overhead and the morning shadows changed to afternoon shadows. It was then that he noticed a new shadow on the ground. He looked up and saw the sun shone through the finial of the Mihmankhana or the guesthouse of the Taj Mahal. Little was known about this building including its original purpose. Babel noticed the finial also included a water pot.
Out of curiosity, Babel squatted down next to the silhouette of the guesthouse’s main dome finial and pounded the ground where the shadow was displayed. No one else noticed the change but he did. He looked up at one of the doorways to the structure and something inside – not quite a voice but close – beaconed him to come forward.
He entered the vast building and saw that it was empty (it did not have the same draw or appeal as the other structures). He plodded deeper and heard the faint trickling of water. He suspected a fountain but was unsure.
Inside was large chamber and to his right, he could hear the water. It took him a few minutes to locate the exact sound until he noticed water slowly dribbling down the wall, following the intricate inlaid designs before disappearing in an unseen opening in the floor. Babel reached out and touched the water with this right hand; and that is when his world expanded. A sequence opened in his mind and all he had to do was follow.
He inhaled deeply. It wasn’t every day that one traveled to another world. The sequence had been long locked away in his mind would now take him to his father. He held onto the fear of the unknown a moment longer before letting go, taking one final deep breath and then allowing his mind to initiate what came next.
At first there was nothing. Then, the colors came and next, the sounds. He could feel heat coming from that world and the smells of that world followed, carried on foreign winds. He closed his eyes and he could feel the world he had known his entire life start to slip away, becoming less real. The world within the water called to him.
The pressure begin to build – slowly at first but then increasing to the point of anguish. He was suffocating. Pain overwhelmed him and he knew his head would split.
Everything around him seemed real and yet not real. He was caught between two worlds and existed in both and yet did not exist in either. He was not sure how long these feelings lasted, perhaps only a moment, but they seemed endless. Time stopped and he felt no forward or backward. His only existence was in the moment that currently made up his being.
The pain stopped and the surprising relief pitched open his eyes. The pressure lessened and the world around him once again grew real.
His eyes gained focus and he saw he had left his old world behind. He was now in the world of his father. And what he saw filled him with horror.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The scene before Babel was lined with trees. And those trees were occupied with bodies of the dead.
There were monsters that danced around the trees, creatures that Babel could not have dreamed. These monsters licked their lips and grinned, showing teeth the color of which Babel had not seen before. Their grins caused their faces to shrink upwards until all that could be seen was their teeth.
These monsters pulled the dead bodies one-by-one from the trees and devoured them as Babel watched. And just as the corpses were removed, more dead bodies fell from the sky, landing to be tangled in the trees.
Babel had to leave before he was seen.
He looked around, moving his head slowly. He saw nowhere to his right or left that he could escape undetected. He risked a slight turn and behind him saw a stone wall with a gate: that was where he would need to go.
He began to back up slowly and took a few steps. He risked another look behind him and saw that the gate was about fifty feet from where he was. He turned back to look at the monsters among the trees and noticed that they had stopped moving. He could not see their eyes, but knew they had seen him and were watching him.
Babel took a few more steps backwards and watched the creatures before him. The creature that was closest to him raised up on what Babel assumed was its legs as if listening and thinking. Then, the nearest monster spit and it was in full charge. Babel had no choice but to turn and run.
The monster behind him repeated a high-pitched chirp. Soon other chirps joined in and Babel knew that all the monsters were coming for him. He had disturbed them and now he would join the other dead bodies in the trees.
Babel ran and the distance between the gate and he closed but he the chips grew nearer and more intense. He wouldn’t make it.
He was ten feet from the gate when he heard the chirping to his immediate right. Instinct kicked in and Babel did the only thing of which he could think – he started a fire.
Behind him the flames ignited the air. He could feel the tremendous heat and the chirping turned to a great quiver that drove into his skull. He put his hands to his ears while he ran and the pain nearly caused him to stop and double over.
Because of the pain, he did not notice that he had run right through the gate. He fell on the ground holding his head and waited for the monsters to consume him. He screamed as he waited for the teeth to enter his flesh but those teeth never approached. Then, the siren stopped and the pain subsided. Babel let go of his head and opened his eyes. For the first time, he realized he was through the gate.
Beyond the gate, a wall of flames filled the air. Babel could not see the creatures but he knew they were there. He looked at the gate and saw that the gate was still closed so the gate couldn’t have opened. Yet, here he was on the other side of the gate. He couldn’t explain what had just happened.
He started to sit up when he heard a voice. At first he thought it was the monsters. “Are you alright?”
Babel looked up towards the voice and expected another horror. Instead he saw the opposite. Before him was a beautiful woman. Her skin seemed to be many colors and yet none. Red hair framed her face and grey eyes illuminated her being. The life that came from her eyes reached into him and stirred his soul. “Are you alright?” she asked again.
Babel wasn’t sure but he felt himself nodding his head. He tried to stand and although his legs were wobbly from fear, he managed to stand upright. “I’m okay. Thank you.”
The woman looked at him strangely. “What were you doing in the cemetery?”
“I’m not sure. It seems like I ended up the wrong place.”
“Well, you’re lucky. That is definitely not the right place to be.” She looked at him closely. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Why do you keep asking me that?”
She gave a half-smile before she answered. The smile had the effect she hoped. Babel was disarmed and could listen to her. “It’s just that…and this may sound strange…you don’t look like you’re from around here.”
“No, I’m not from around here.”
“Really? That’s hard to tell by looking at you.” Babel smiled at her sarcasm. “Are you from the Outerlands?”
Babel smiled. “I’m not really sure what you’re talking about.”
“Okay...well anyways, I’m glad you’re okay. I entered a cemetery once when I was younger over a stupid bet.”
Babel returned her sarcasm. “Well, it looks like you made it out.”
She looked at him seriously. “I did, but my friend did not. As I said, you’re lucky to make it out of there.”
“Sorry to hear about your friend. By the way, I’m Babel.” He rose and stuck out his hand to shake.
She looked at him strangely. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean why do you have your hand out?”
“I was trying to introduce myself.”
“So you introduce yourself by putting your hand forward? That’s very strange. Interesting but strange. Anyways, I’m Triana.” She stuck out her hand also and laughed. “There, now we’ve introduced ourselves.”
“Not yet.” said Babel. He took a step forward and grabbed her hand. She started to pull back but then relaxed. Babel couldn’t explain it but when their hands touched he could feel what she was feeling. He could feel that she was taken aback by him grabbing her hand but she must have felt through him that he meant her no harm. Babel shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Triana.”
Triana shook Babel’s hand back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Babel.” She started to let go of his hand but something came across her face and she gasped.
Babel looked at her concerned. “What is it?”
“You’re Chokka.” Triana said amazed.
“Chokka? What are you talking about? Isn’t that some kind of fish in Africa?”
“Africa? I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. What do you mean Chokka?”
“You don’t know? Chokka is your family. The Chokka were killed many years ago.”
Babel thought back to what his mother had told about his father and what she knew of this world. His grandparents had been important people of some sort and his father had escaped. “They are all dead? Are you sure? A member of my family came here only a few days ago, my father. Have you seen him?”
Triana grew quiet and still. “What is it?” Babel asked.
“A Chokka was discovered a few days ago. People were amazed to see a Chokka after so many years.”
“What do you mean discovered?”
“He was captured by the Klopph.”
“Who are the Klopph? What do you mean captured?”
“The Klopph are those who keep order. They report to the Keeper. He has ruled since the Chokka were killed.”
Babel considered what she was saying. He would catch up on the ruling order of this world later. “After the Klopph captured my father, what happened to him?”
Babel could tell that Triana did not want to answer but he pressed her. She did not answer, instead she looked at the gate behind them and nodded. Babel was not sure what she meant at first but then he looked at where she stared: the cemetery.
“My father…”
“Was killed by the Klopph.” Triana finished reluctantly.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Babel looked at Triana for a moment. “You’re lying.” His anger grew. How could she say such a thing? Why would his father be dead? How could anyone know who he was?
“I wish I was.” Triana answered.
Babel studied her for a moment. “She knew who I was. If she knew that, others could have known who my father was. Why would she lie? She has no reason.” Babel knew she was telling the truth. His father was dead.
His rage flared and flames ignited the air behind him. Triana stepped back in surprise and fear. Finally, the rage peaked and sorrow began to set in. Then, grief. He fell to his knees and the flames died out. His father was dead. He was alone.
The grief consumed him and he fell forward and wept at Triana’s feet.
When he finishe
d, he looked up at her. He was embarrassed but his rage had returned to overrule his shame. He expected her run. After all, she had just met him. Babel looked up at Triana through tear-stained eyes and saw compassion. “You’re not afraid?”
“Am I afraid of you?”
“Not me, the fire that came from me. Does it not scare you?”
“We all have our own ability. I have never seen someone with your ability but it appears to be a good one. Should I be afraid? Do you plan to use your ability on me?”
Guilt crossed Babel’s face. “No, I would never… Look, I’m sorry. You took me off guard.”
“It is I who should be sorry. Forgive me for intruding on you in such a private moment.”
“It’s okay.” Babel replied as he stood.
“I’m sorry for the loss of your father.”
“Thank you.” He inhaled and let his breath out slowly until he had control of himself. “Well, now that I know where things stand, I’m not exactly sure what I should do next. I came here to find my father.”
“You should come with me.”
Babel was not sure he understood her correctly. “Did you say I should come with you?”
“Yes, people will want to meet you.”
“Are you sure? I mean we just met. I’m a nice guy and all but I just came out of a cemetery…”
Triana smiled. “You’re Chokka. People will want to meet you. It will be my honor to guide you.”
Babel shrugged. “Okay, thanks.” He looked around to see if he could gauge exactly where they were. “So where are we going?”
“We’ll go to my home first. Then, I will take you to meet my family.”
“Okay.” Babel agreed. “How far do you live from here?”
“Not far. I was actually just going to the store to grab something when I saw you. I usually hate walking by the cemetery but today it worked out okay.”
“Do you still need to go to the store?”
“I do but it can wait until tomorrow. We should leave if you’re ready. The Klopph will be here soon to reply to the disturbance at the cemetery. Generally the Pishacha…”
