Chapter 28
The Battle
It was an hour before the dark indigo sky would turn gold again. All in the land had been quiet. The Sea of Amethyst was still, and a cool breeze cascaded through the city. The green leaves rippled with each stroke of wind and the twinkling of the stars above made Ash City shimmer like a crystal ball. A faint buzzing came from the Siamese Twin Dragons gate.
Two streaks of blood tracks zoomed up to the gates and stopped. The streaks soon transformed into Carmine and Crimson, Yoser’s Red Angels. They were dressed differently than before. They were now wearing red leotards and red sandals, and their hair tied up in bright red ponytails. They looked up at the massive white dragons gating the land. Then they looked at each other and began to speak, again with sounds that sounded more like whale speak. They studied the gate, their red glass-like eyes holding the dragons still reflection in it. They looked at each other again and then they teleported to the other side of the gate, without ever disturbing the dragons. Once on the other side, Carmine and Crimson turned to make sure that the dragons were in their rightful position. The Red Angels looked around at the main beach land. They checked the bushes and the woods, zipping through each section by teleporting along the way. They could see Ash City from afar. They both turned their heads slowly to the left as they watched the city, which was still and calm. After watching it for a moment, they made their way toward Ash City.
Meanwhile Kalos and the others waited quietly in full armor with an army of soldiers in front of the Twin Dragon gate. The Ferocities troops were ready and had been increased in size. Whereas only 50 soldiers had remained in Ferocities, Yoser’s magic made them into 500. Five hundred men, both real and man-made, waited. They were armed and ready for action. The Red Angels had teleported back to the gate.
“Well, girls, what did you see?” Yoser asked excitedly. They began to speak the unique language that only Yoser could understand.
“What are they saying?’ Kalos asked patiently.
“We can attack” Yoser answered with a jagged-tooth smile. Kalos smiled underneath his mask and waved his men to do their job. Two soldiers quietly stepped to the twin gate. At the count of three they took out their long sharp swords and jammed them deep inside the dragons’ stomachs. The dragons ripped apart from each other, screeching in anger and pain as blood spilled out of them. A glow emanated from their wounded bellies as they blasted fire toward their attackers. They scorched and killed many of the men in front.
“Do something! They’re going to kill us!” Zodner cried out.
“Not today they won’t.” Yoser said reassuringly. Yoser threw a green dust upon them which extinguished the fire and caused the dragons to choke. While they were gasping for air, the armed men stormed past them and into the land.
While taking their morning flight, Adley and Elai were the first to see the chaos. They circled the sky and squawked loudly. Their alarm startled Ariyah out of her sleep. Her heart was pounding fervently as metal footsteps made their way to her door. Palace guards swung her door open in panic. The first guard through the door made the announcement.
“Queen Ariyah, we are being attacked!”
“I know” Ariyah said calmly. She got out of bed with a tired yet prepared look on her face. She motioned for the guards to take the next step. As they ran out of the room to follow orders, Ariyah grabbed her robe and slippers and looked for her keys to the Empire. Outside, the horns began to blare loudly, signaling that Grandelyn was under attack. Ariyah rushed out of her room and out of the Crystaria Palace. She headed to the Empire to get into her armor. Many of the other warriors were rushing from Ash City to get there as well.
Meanwhile the Ferocities attackers had infiltrated the land. They came in horse-ridden and rode around the main beach land looking for a way into Ash City. Kalos, who came in last, saw the Crystaria Palace and grew confident.
“There. Make sure we get in there. I’ve got a Queen I need to greet.” He said slyly.
“Charge!” Zodner yelled and, with that, the army ran past the Sea of Amethyst and toward Ash City. They were stopped in their tracks when they saw an army of rhinoceros-ridden Grandenites armed and ready for war. The Ferocities soldiers looked to each other as they were intimidated by the massive beasts facing them. Both sides eyed each other down. The sun was now coming up and the golden sky cascaded above the enemies. Orraco saw Phyliscia next to Kalos. He shook his head in disgust at her betrayal; in return she blew a red-lipped kiss to him.
Ariyah was front and center; sided by Orraco, Sheevar, Vanka, Mr. Crowesh and Michal. She pulled out her shiny gold mace and began to spin it above her head. Kalos lifted his sword and commanded his men forward. They eagerly complied. Ariyah swung harder and let out a deafening war cry, “Grandenites, GO!” They charged in, rhinos running ferociously toward the enemy. Both sides crashed into each other; swords swinging and rhinos stomping many. Ariyah’s mace struck many Ferocities soldiers in their heads, knocking them to the ground. But she knew she couldn’t properly defend herself or her people if she stayed on top of the rhinoceros.
“Grandenites, get down!” She yelled through her mask, swiftly kicking a soldier from off his horse. They obeyed their queen. The Grandenites pulled the Ferocities soldiers down, besting all those they met. Quickly the 500 attackers were going down in number.
Kalos backed away and watched the battle from a distance. He looked over to Vysera, whom was waiting with the other Torrids by the woods.
“Do what you came to do” Kalos said impatiently.
“Yes, Master” Vysera bowed and hissed. Vysera waved the other Torrids on and they ran forward. The Torrids grabbed the rhinoceroses and burned them. Most of the animals were killed.
“What are they?” Mr. Crowesh yelled, jabbing a soldier in the throat.
“I don’t know, but they look demonic!” Rashad yelled, swiping his sword at them. Two of the biggest Torrids approached from behind, burning his arms to the bone. Rashad screamed out in agony. They threw him to the ground, then grabbed two more Grandenites and did the same to them. Dalia saw what the Torrids were doing. She also saw her brothers fighting within a close distance to her.
“Demetrius, Damian, look over there!” She yelled out. The two twin-smashed their adversary and ran to their sister. “Look at those bloody ratchet beings. Look what they’re doing to us.” She said.
“I’ve never seen those abominations. We’ve never been trained to fight such creatures.” Damien doubted.
“I think we can do it” Dalia encouraged.
“You want to try that now? But we haven’t perfected it.” Demetrius said, looking around the chaotic surroundings.
“The Queen taught it to us for a reason. I know we can do it.” Dalia said enthusiastically. The brothers looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.
“Alright. Let’s see what we’re made of.” Demetrius and Damien ran quickly behind the big Torrids and got on all fours, one on top of the other. Damien used his sword as stilts just as Ariyah had taught them. Dalia braced herself checking all of her surroundings, making sure she was clear. She took in a deep breath and zoomed full speed. She jumped on Demetrius’ back and then on top of Damien and leapt off, coming down onto the big Torrids and severing both of their heads. They had successfully executed the maneuver that had come to be called “The Steps”. The big Torrids disintegrated, black ash whisking into the air.
The Red Angels had teleported into the middle of the mayhem and began to attack as well. They zoomed through the battle, striking the Grandenites and tearing at their chest armor. The Grandenite warriors tried to attack them but soon realized they could not because the Red Angels were able to teleport out of the way.
Zodner spotted Mr. Crowesh in the action. He crept behind him and put him into a choke hold. He began to drag him backwards and they accidentally fell into the Sea of Amethyst. Instantly energy left their bodies. Zodner began to cough and he felt a bit dizzy. Mr. Crowesh
, though used to being submerged in the Sea of Amethyst, panicked because he knew he was too weak to fight. Semp saw Zodner and he ran over to them.
“There is no time to frolic in the water. Get up and fight!” he yelled gullibly.
“Semp, you idiot! It’s this water. It seems to have severely drained me.”
Yoser, overheard this and also noticed Mr. Crowesh drained and lying tired in the water. He realized the disadvantage of the Sea of Amethyst.
“The water! The water! Push them into the water. It depletes them of energy!” Some of the soldiers began to do just that. The Ferocities soldiers began to overwhelm the Grandenites, and their force knocked them into the Sea of Amethyst. Mr. Crowesh was trying to free himself out of the water. He kept trying to pull himself up to the white sand surrounding the water. A Ferocities soldier came along and helped pull Mr. Crowesh out. Mr. Crowesh was confused but thankful. The soldier turned him on his back.
“I don’t know why you’re helping me but thank you” Mr. Crowesh said, trying to sit up. The soldier kicked him in the chest, throwing him to the ground, and then he thrust his sword into Mr. Crowesh’s stomach. He let out a loud groan as blood spurt from his mouth. The soldier repeatedly stabbed him with the sword until Mr. Crowesh was bloodied and lifeless. Vanka cried out in horror. She ran over to him. Orraco had seen her running in that direction and realized that Mr. Crowesh was hurt badly. He ran over to him, barging into the soldier and knocking him to the ground. He grabbed the soldier by the head, twisted it and broke his neck. Orraco ran to be next to Vanka. She was weeping loudly as she looked over his lifeless bloodied body. Orraco was crushed because Mr. Crowesh was like a father to him. He and Vanka had both taken him and helped raise him into the man he had become. But there was no time to mourn.
It was harder to fight Ferocities because they had become familiar with the moves they knew. They also had a sorcerer working with them. This was truly a fight to the death. Orraco rose to continue the fight when suddenly he felt a hot painful jab in the back of his shoulder. He let out a cry of pain. He felt someone heavy on his back. It was Phyliscia. She had stabbed Orraco deep in his back with a kitana knife and jumped on his back.
“Hello, darling. I guess you had forgotten all about me.” She dug the knife deeper into his shoulder. Her dark black hair hung in front of his face. He grabbed hold of it and with all his might he pulled and slammed her to the ground. Infuriated, she let out a scream. He tried to stomp on her but she avoided all his attacks. She struck him repeatedly and continued to jab her long red fingernails into the stab wound in his shoulder.
“I could’ve been your everything, Orraco. There’s no way she could’ve ever loved you the way that I did. I bet she doesn’t even realize how you feel about her. All she cares about is this forsaken land.” She dug her fingers deep into his wound. He fell to his knees in agony, swiping at her but missing.
“Is it queens that you like, Orraco? Well I’m a queen now, and Ferocities will rise again. As you can see we are clearly beating you. We are one sword fight away from killing your beloved Ariyah and getting our medallion back. Then you will see the destruction of Grandelyn and all its inhabitants.” She chuckled, digging deeper. Orraco could see Ariyah from afar fighting off some soldiers. He knew Phyliscia was right, that if they got that medallion all of the world that they knew would be destroyed. He could not picture life without Ariyah in it – no matter how rejected he felt. Orraco slowly reached for his sword.
“You know, Phyliscia, I was going to propose to you. I wanted to marry you.” Phyliscia was stunned by his words and she released her grip.
“You’re just saying that” she replied.
“No. I’m serious. You’re right. Ariyah didn’t want me and I didn’t realize what I had in you. But you had left and now you’re a traitor. You are Kalos’ queen and not the woman I fell for.” Phyliscia considered his words but didn’t want to be played for a fool. She thought about all the times he had left her to be at Ariyah’s side. How every conversation turned to Ariyah and her beauty, intelligence and humility. Angered, she again dug her fingers deep into his shoulder. This time Orraco head-butted her, elbowed her in the face, and slammed her to the ground. He pulled out his sword and jammed it deep into her chest. Her face grew pale and blood poured from her mouth.
“All this chaos for your precious queen” she said with her last breath. Then her skin became cold and her icy blue eyes went blank. A part of Orraco felt guilty, but the warrior in him could not feel for a traitor.
Two sword wielding soldiers on horses had Sheevar and Cori cornered between four other soldiers. The soldiers were trying to back the women into the water. They were smashed tightly together and Sheevar couldn’t reach for her sword without cutting Cori. She screamed out in anger and frustration. The soldier on the horse began to laugh and taunt her. She could feel that they were going to fall back into the water and she knew that was going to be the death them.
“How do you like this, you piggly wench?” The soldier laughed. Suddenly a dagger landed in his eye. He stopped right in his tracks and his blood spurted on Sheevar and Cori. The soldier fell off the horse. The other soldiers behind the women were hit and they fell to the ground as well. Sheevar looked over and saw that it was Michal using the letal. She gave him a smile of relief. He ran over and helped pull her and Cori out of the chaos, then got back into position.
He saw another group of Ferocities soldiers trying to push more Grandenites into the water. Michal got down low and threw three letals with deadly accuracy. His targets fell before him.
While the Grandenites in the water were tired and weak, they were not completely over taken by Ferocities. Kalos, angered by this fact, stormed over to Yoser.
“We are losing! Where is all your magic when we need it?” Kalos scoffed.
“No worries, my boy. Watch and see.” Yoser yanked a running soldier to him. He made the soldier drink a black liquid out of a red potion bottle. The soldier began to cough viciously and fell to the ground convulsing. Black smoke escaped from his writhing body. The black smoke formed into more armed and suited Ferocities soldiers. Soon one hundred new soldiers appeared. The potion army went into the battle immediately, and one hundred more would keep coming every 10 minutes.
“Queen, this is more than what we can handle. They’re using magic.” Orraco said, fighting alongside Ariyah.
“Remember, Orraco, we’ve been trained to take on all situations.” Ariyah said, hitting a soldier with her mace. Orraco shook his head in disbelief of Ariyah’s unshaken confidence. “Besides we’re doing great!” she exclaimed confidently.
“There she is!” Semp yelled in anger, pointing at Ariyah. Zodner limped to the other side of her, still weak but ready to attack.
“You have no clue what your escape has put us through. Your army is failing and I want to take pleasure in ripping your heart out!” Semp began running full speed toward Ariyah with a spiked metal claw. Zodner jogged to attack her as well. Ariyah pushed Orraco back, dropped her mace, withdrew two swords and timed her next move As Semp and Zodner ran to overtake her, she spun around quickly using her swords like propellers. Her attackers were decapitated. Ariyah took pride in knowing that she had finally perfected Crystaline’s complex fighting move. Orraco stood in shock as he watched his queen once again show her magnificence.
“I told you we were doing great.” She smiled.
Yoser stood behind the chaos and yelled to four Ferocities soldiers. “Empty your containers!” With that, the soldiers took out five black canteens with fan propellers at the bottom. They opened the canteens and dispensed the ugari pollen into the air. The reddish-green pollen filled the air, falling onto the warriors. The Grandenites fell to the ground immediately. They coughed and writhed, becoming weaker than the Sea of Amethyst could ever make them.
“Queen, what has happened to us?” Orraco asked.
“I don’t know, but I can’t move. I’m paralyzed.” Ariyah struggl
ed to breathe. Then she felt her legs being pulled.
“Ariyah!” Sheevar screamed. Some Ferocities soldiers were dragging Ariyah away from her people and off to the side where Kalos could see her. No one could move to help their queen. The majority of the Grandenites were slumped over on the ground; those not compromised by the magic were busy fighting off the Torrids and The Red Angels.
White sand filled Ariyah’s nostrils. She coughed and struggled to breathe. The rough terrain caused her tremendous pain as she was dragged along. Finally the journey came to an end. They dropped her legs. She groaned in pain and weariness.
“I want you to hurt her” a voice from above her said. It was Kalos. He wanted to see her break; something he was never able to get Crystaline to do. The soldiers began to viciously kick every part of her body. They dragged her around even more and flung her around like a rag doll. The soldiers were disrespecting the Grandenites queen right before their eyes and it was nothing they could do about it.
“Alright enough. Play time is over. Kill her so that I can get my medallion and we can be done with this place.” Kalos said. Adley and Elai flew down and began to peck the soldiers’ heads. The men swiped at the birds with their swords, striking Adley in the wing and slicing Elai’s foot. Adley fell and Elai flew down, picked her up with his beak and flew her to safety.
“Hurry and kill her so we can go!” Kalos barked. The soldiers turned her on her back, and one of them lifted his sword to strike. Suddenly a thunderous rumble interrupted the action. Everyone froze, in fear and confusion. Thick trees thrashed violently and mighty dust crowded the horizon. The ground began to rumble and crack. More trees thrashed as the shadow grew closer and the monstrous thuds came quicker and faster. Now not only were trees thrashing in the air, but a few horses and soldiers as well. The sweat of the enemies began to drip like a faucet as they did not know what was approaching.
Running at full speed, running through and over the Ferocities soldiers, the Ig came storming onto the battlefield. He jumped up and tumbled over the army, stopping with a fierce roar that sounded like 10,000 angry lions; exposing all of his spit lined teeth. Many soldiers fainted, while others were crushed to death by the Ig’s mighty hands.
“What is that?” Vanka cried. The Ig was wreaking havoc on the soldiers who had tried to hurt his friend. He was fast, strong and killed many of the Ferocities’ soldiers with his bare hands. He bit into some of them, causing many human limbs to be scattered all over the main beach land. Kalos backed far away from the ogre. He had never seen anything like it, and he was petrified.
Yoser went off to the side where a field of trees was. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle filled with pink dust. He kissed it, put it inside the black canteen bottle and he dispensed the dust into the air. The pink dust fell onto the fighters as the pollen had. The Grandenites began to get their strength and energy back. They stood to their feet and were able to fight again. Afraid of the gigantic Ig at first, they could see that he was there to help them. But with 100 new soldiers appearing every 10 minutes, the Grandenites were once again overcome, even though the Ig was killing them as quickly as they developed. Kalos became furious. He stormed over to Yoser, whom was fumbling through his pockets for more potion bottles.
“What’s happening? Why are they getting up? That damned ugari plant doesn’t work!” Kalos furiously yelled at him.
“I don’t know, Sire. I guess I didn’t mix the contents well enough.” Yoser said humbly with a smirk.
“Oh forget it. I will end this myself!” Kalos yelled, pushing Yoser to the side by his face. Kalos sought out Ariyah. He pulled out his sword and began stabbing anyone and anything in his way, even his own soldiers. He was tired of being made a fool. He was tired of empty promises. He was tired of being defeated. He was going to get that medallion and kill Ariyah even if it killed him.
The Torrids gathered around the Ig and began to burn him. He roared as they each took turns jumping on his massive body and burning his exposed skin. They got him to the ground, singeing him until his body became dark red and blistery. Soon some of his bones were exposed as flesh was burned away. From a short distance, Ariyah could see what the Torrids were doing. Angered, she head-butted a soldier and broke his neck. Then she ran towards the Torrids and the Ig. She swung her bloody mace viciously and knocked the Torrids off of him. She ran to the Ig. He was slumped over on the white sand, blood oozing from all over his gigantic body. She wasn’t strong enough to lay him on his back, so she used her whole body to push his arm away from his face. He was still breathing, though faintly.
“Ig, I’m so sorry” she said, using the sign language they had developed. Her eyes were welling up. The Ig was going lifeless right before her eyes. He gave a weak smile. He raised his hand weakly, giving her the peace sign and a cradle rocking motion and he pointed towards the Idle Forest. Ariyah smiled as a tear dropped from her eye. The Ig let out one last mighty roar and then his eyes rolled to the back of his head. Ariyah placed her hand over her heart, looked toward the Idle Forest and kissed his hand. She got up and ran toward Ash City where she could see soldiers trying to get inside.
Kalos was still going on a manic rampage, slaughtering all in his path. He didn’t even care when he saw Physlicia’s dead body off to the side. He was on a mission. He saw Ariyah near the city, fighting his men. He ran through quickly to get to her. Ariyah was macing three soldiers; she then put her mace handle back into her armor belt to push them away from the gate. Kalos pushed her from behind and she fell face first into the brick road leading to the city. She got up quickly to see who had pushed her. And there it was Kalos and Ariyah, face to mask now. All the chaos going on behind them didn’t matter at this point. It was a single battle now, against a man she hadn’t seen since she was 8 years old. A man who took her mother away from her. All the pain and anger over the years consumed her as she watched Kalos towering over her. Though his eyes were shielded, the two locked glares in a vicious stare down. They moved around in a circle, carefully waiting for the other to make the first move.
Kalos sprung into action, leaping forward to attack her. Instead of backing away, Ariyah flung herself into him, knocking his sword out of his hand. Kalos began swinging his fists, trying to punch Ariyah with all the force in his body. She blocked, ducked and countered all of his attacks, then threw him harshly to the ground. Frustrated, Kalos pulled out another weapon. Ariyah was ready, though she didn’t know what he was holding. She kept her hands up and close to her face and sides.
“You’re just like your mother…and now you will die like her!” Kalos zipped around, flinging Noire forward and hitting Ariyah in the face. Her head flung back as Noire’s fangs struck her in her forehead. Blood began to pour down the middle of her face. She was dazed and shocked. No one had ever been able to hit her in the face. Kalos swung Noire again. She leaped backwards avoiding the snake attack. She got back into her fighting stance, waiting for him to fling Noire again. Kalos was stroking Noire’s to make sure he was ok. The snake slithered around his arm calmly. Ariyah tried to grab her mace, but the handle was stuck in her armor belt. Kalos seized the opportunity to overtake her. He ran to her and kicked her in the stomach. As she fell backwards, Kalos flung Noire. The snake wrapped himself around her neck. Kalos pulled Ariyah back to him. As she fell to her knees, Ariyah began to panic. He was strangling her. He began to laugh heartedly as he watched her brown face turn beet red. As she struggled to hit him in the face, she grabbed his mask and ripped it off.
Kalos’ face was exposed. She had never seen his face before. He was beautiful, but had tremendous scarring in the corners of his eyes and across his thick lips. Ariyah looked at him as his amber eyes stared intensely into hers, waiting for them to go blank as he used Noire to strangle her. Ariyah couldn’t get free and she could feel her body getting weak.
“Queen!” Orraco yelled in desperation as he ran to her aid. Two Torrids jumped in front of him and attacked him.
“Ariyah!” Sheevar cried trying to run to her. Carmine teleported in front of her and they began to fight. The Red Angels had multiplied and created a protective circle around Kalos and Ariyah and no one could get past them. Kalos laughed so hard and loud that he was becoming hoarse. The Grandenites were trying desperately to reach their queen, but were helpless. Defeated, Ariyah’s eyes began to roll in the back of her head and her arms became limp. Kalos knew she was gone and he flung her body to the side on the ground. She laid there lifeless as Kalos hovered over her body searching for what took so long to obtain.
Ariyah had very little pulse as the medallion slid down to her lifeless hand. Suddenly the medallion began to vibrate, tremble, and then shake violently. “What in the…” Kalos looked puzzled at the quaking locket. As he went to reach for it a massive force of light busted the medallion open. There was Crystaline, on top of a woolly-mammoth, roaring and rearing gloriously in the air. The light blinded many people, and fear swept the onlookers.
Kalos stood back, his eyes and jaw wide with fear and amazement. Before him stood the woman he killed years ago. The woolly-mammoth came down and the illuminating light faded away. All was quiet as Crystaline jumped down from the massive beast. The people were mesmerized.
She was amazing to look at, as she had long bronze-colored hair and she was dressed in a flowing bronze colored gown. Her skin tone had even changed to copper-tone. She resembled a big bronze statue. Standing before the huge land of people, she looked around Grandelyn and remembered it. She loved what her people had done with the land. She gazed around and saw many people she recognized. She saw Vanka, whom was badly injured, and Sheevar and Orraco. Then she looked around and saw that Ariyah was lifeless on the ground behind her. She ran to her fallen daughter. She could see her cracked forehead and the rough strangulation marks around her neck. She put her hand on Ariyah’s neck to feel for a pulse and it was extremely faint. She looked up to Kalos, still standing there gazing in astonishment. She placed her hand on her neck again and could no longer feel a pulse. Crystaline began to shake with anger.
“ARIYAH!” She screamed from the pit of her gut. The land shook and trembled with her booming voice. Trees fell to the ground, the waters rippled, the ground cracked as Crystaline created an earthquake. She stood to her feet, staring straight into Kalos. He remained frozen, unsure of what to do.
Crystaline’s eyes turned completely grey and wind began to pick up fast. She clinched her jaw hard, targeting her prey. The winds picked up harder as white sand swirled aimlessly throughout the land. The people tried to scurry away. She let out a deep scream and ran at full speed towards Kalos. He leapt out of the way. She pulled energy from her mouth and threw a forceful mist ball at him. She missed and it exploded to the ground. She began to wreak havoc as she went on a rampage. She attacked all who wore black, using both her ball of energy and the stagitto moves she’d taught. She was faster and more powerful than she had ever been before. If the soldiers tried to get away she would raise her hand, causing the woolly-mammoth to shoot a liquid from its trunk that disintegrated their bodies. She used her force to pick up many soldiers, turning them upside down, slamming them on their heads; cracking their skulls and necks. Grandelyn was shaking and cracking from the Earth. The Red Angels had multiplied around Crystaline. Teleporting and zooming all around her, they tried to stop her rampage. But Crystaline was able to run just as fast as they could teleport.
She slowed down and studied the red apparitions. She looked for the real Carmine and Crimson because to kill the main ones is to kill all of them. They were rushing toward her. She’d fought them off just as she had battled years ago. The Red Angels were falling everywhere. The Grandenites were enamored by Crystaline’s being. To watch the dead legend come alive and in action amazed them.
Crystaline could see the darker red beings and could tell they were the real Red Angels. She ran to them at sonic speed, grabbing Crimson by her ponytail. Carmine tried to attack her only to get a swift back kick to the throat. Crystaline held Crimson in a tight choke hold and then grabbed the skin of her skinny red neck and ripped her head off. The rest of Crimson’s body fell to the ground and melted into a puddle of blood. Crystaline whipped around and grabbed Carmine by the face and ripped her head off; her body thus becoming a blood puddle too.
The Torrids ran to Crystaline but were cautious to attack. Vysera and the others hissed at her and made their deafening buzzing noises. The Grandenites and the soldiers all held their ears in pain and fell to the ground. Crystaline, unfazed by the noise, threw the Red Angels heads at them. Then she pulled energy from the sky and blasted the Torrids, turning them all into thick coats of black ash. Puddles of blood and charcoal substance ruined the white sand of Grandelyn.
The chaos was settling down as by now; Kalos was out of sight and all the attacking enemies were either dead or had escaped Crystaline’s rampage. The Grandenites were able to get back on their feet. They watched as Crystaline calmed down. She could see no more attackers, and her glowing gray eyes became normal and brown again. She ran back to Ariyah, who was now in Orraco’s arms.
Orraco was devastated. He was crying hard as he held Ariyah close to his chest; rocking her back and forth.
“She’s dead” he cried, looking to Crystaline. Crystaline moved him out of the way and put Ariyah in her arms. She watched her lying still, looking peaceful as if she were sleeping. She had a flashback of the first time she cradled Ariyah in her arms in the middle of the marigold terrain after giving birth. She began to weep.
“Baby, wake up.” She whimpered quietly. All the Grandenites put their heads down to mourn the loss of their queen. Crystaline looked at all of them and knew Ariyah couldn’t leave them like this.
“Wake up.” She demanded sternly. She said it again. Then Crystaline put her hands on Ariyah’s chest and screamed with all her might. “Ariyah, WAKE UP!” Energy flew into Ariyah’s body as the Earth quaked again. More trees fell onto the ground, the pavement in the city cracked even more and the golden sky turned gray and cloudy as the winds whipped like a hurricane. Ariyah’s body jolted as life was brought back to her. She began to cough violently as she opened her eyes. She saw her mother standing over her.
“Mother?” She asked stunned and afraid. “Am I dead?”
“Not anymore.”Orraco chuckled wiping his eyes. He helped her stand to her weary feet. Now looking face to face at her mother, Ariyah couldn’t contain her happiness.
“Mother, is this really you?” Ariyah asked, tears welling up in her eyes. Crystaline gave her a dazzling smile as she fought back tears of her own.
“Yes, cherub.” Ariyah looked to the ground at the opened medallion locket and knew that it was. She went to hug her but Crystaline’s thick energy would not allow Ariyah to grasp her body. “You rescued me. How?”
“You have people to lead. These people need you, sweetheart. I’ve watched you grow and live by all that I have taught you and you have done so well. All the times I was silent with you, I was making you become the woman that I see standing before me now and I’m so proud of you.” Ariyah was filled with pure joy. “It’s so great to have you back again, Mother. We have so much catching up to do. Maybe now I can step down my throne to you and you can be the true Queen of Grandelyn.” Crystaline’s face became grim.
“No, cherub. I cannot stay. I came back to help you through, but you’ve done so well by yourself that you truly don’t need me anymore.” Ariyah’s heart was broken. She had lost her mother at such a young age that she couldn’t take seeing her go away again.
“But I do need you, Mother.” Ariyah said as if she were a young child.
“I can no longer guide you or give you warnings or even visions. The heavens need me now. But know that I’ll always be with you in here.” Crystaline placed her strong touch on Ariyah’s chest. Ariyah had no choice but to accept fate. But she knew that there was still a possibility the enemy would be back.
“But what about the medallion
and the Soul Realm? Adversaries will just continue to fight us for it, whether it is from Ferocities or someplace else.”
“No. The heavens will destroy it when I take it back with me. There will be no more Soul Realm.” Though saddened, she had to go, Crystaline kept gazing over Ariyah with pride on her face. The light from the sky began to shine again as the woolly-mammoth began to roar and rear again.
“I must go now, Ariyah. But remember I’ll always be with you…right here.” She again stroked Ariyah’s chest. Rhythmic horns began to play as the sky opened up. Crystaline climbed back on top of the woolly-mammoth and they began to float up. The Grandenites began waving goodbye to her as they shouted words of love and admiration.
“Goodbye, Mother” Ariyah whispered silently and her tears began to flow. Orraco took her into his arms and let her cry into his bloodied chest. “Remember, Ariyah. Look to your heart and there you will find me. I love you…” Crystaline and the mammoth were zipped into the sky and the sky closed. It began to rain, but it wasn’t regular water raindrops. It was crystals. Everyone was amazed and overjoyed by this lovely sight. The children came running down to the main beach land from the safety of Ash City. They all began to rejoice. The battle was over. The battle was won.
Sheevar and Vanka ran to Ariyah and embraced her tightly. All the surviving warriors and citizens cheered and hugged each other. The slain were gathered into a pile and put next to the woods. Ariyah took off her zitheranium chest plate and bowed on one knee.
“To those whom we’ve lost today, I want to say thank you for fighting for what was yours. It was an honor being your queen and you will always be remembered. Let us all bow down and salute the fallen.” All the Grandenites kneeled down and closed their eyes in mourning. Ariyah stood and held her hands out.
“To the survivors, we have done it! Everything we’ve worked hard for has been accomplished. Pat yourselves on the backs, my people and know that you have done a good deed.”
The Grandenites stood and began to chant repeatedly, “All hail, Ariyah! Queen of the Grandenites!” holding their bloodied swords and shields in the air, they chanted in salute to their beloved queen. Ariyah looked to the sky and smiled; holding her chest. The chants became louder as they became drunk with victory. Ariyah turned around to face Orraco, whom was slouched over holding his side. She stood him up straight and gazed into his swollen eyes.
“Queen?” he asked, puzzled by her. She grabbed his face and began to passionately kiss him. The Grandenites began to cheer more and the chanting continued. Ariyah whipped around to face her people, holding her arm in the air in victory.
“Ok now let’s get patched up!” Ariyah laughed. They picked her up and carried her above their shoulders toward Ash City. Orraco stayed behind, now blushing and caressing his lips. He was unconsciously smiling. Sheevar came behind him.
“Don’t get excited. You’re still a waste.” She laughed as she put her arm around his waist and helped walk him to the city.
There was a huge yell throughout the halls of the Savage Kingdom. Kalos was infuriated. He had ripped apart his own clothing and he began to kill all the snakes that were slithering around. He paced back and forth across the wet molded carpet in the throne room, while Yoser sat at his work table studying his leaves. “We’ve lost. We’ve LOST!” He shouted kicking objects in his way.
“Did you really think we wouldn’t?” Yoser said calmly.
“How can you be so calm?”
“I already knew the outcome. I knew everything that was going to happen.” “What do you mean? You told me I’d get my medallion back. I’ve lost all my men, all my staff. Now there is no Soul Realm, no medallion. Nothing!”
“I lost my Red Angels. You win some, you lose some” Yoser said, shrugging his shoulders.
“How dare you? You promised to help me. You’ve done nothing!” Kalos barked.
“I gave you opportunity. Do you honestly think you could’ve made it into Grandelyn without my help?” Yoser said, getting into Kalos face.
“But we lost, you old gizzard imbecile!” Yoser placed his hand in the air, consequently shutting Kalos mouth with force. Kalos struggled to open his mouth and breathe.
“You watch your mouth with me. Without me you could not have done anything. You got your chance to kill the queen. It’s not my fault her ghostly mother saved her.” Yoser squeezed his fist tighter making it more painful for Kalos, as his teeth were digging into his lips. “Yes you lost but you’re still alive, meaning you still have a chance to attack. You still seek revenge, just as I do.” He then released his fist and Kalos could breathe and open his mouth again. “But now you leave that up to me.” Yoser continued, straightening Kalos torn clothes. “This time she will come to us and we will get our revenge.”
“She’ll never come here. Never.” Kalos doubted, walking out of the throne room.
“Oh she will, and when she does we will be ready.” Yoser promised as he looked at his demented reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall.
Epilogue
Grandelyn looked like it had been through hell. The ground was still cracked, the trees were still down, and blood soaked sand lined the main beach land. The slain were buried with golden metals placed on their coffins to show their duty was recognized. There would be no repairs anytime soon because most of the citizens were still in recovery. This included Ariyah.
Ariyah sat up straight in her bed, propped up by many pillows. Her arms and legs were wrapped with bandages and her forehead was stitched up and bandaged as well. Her servants were in the room helping to massage her body. Adley and Elai were even bandaged up and lying in special bird cages in Ariyah’s room. As the servants took turns massaging hot vanilla oil onto Ariyah’s body, there was a knock at the door. One of the servants answered to find a guard.
“Queen, you have mail. It was received a few hours ago.” He said standing at attention.
“Thank you.” Ariyah said humbly as she struggled to reach for the envelope. The envelope was crinkled like it had been wet and dried that way. She studied the peach colored envelope.
“Ladies, can you leave me for awhile?” she asked politely. They bowed and left the room. She slowly opened the letter with her free fingers and a glossy piece of paper fell out. Ariyah opened the note and read:
Dear Queen of Grandelyn, I have many answers that I know you have questions to. Let’s start with this picture. See you on the other side.
Ariyah was baffled. She lifted the glossy paper and saw that it was a photo. Her mouth dropped in shock. In the photo was the same king from the picture she found years ago. But in it beside him was a thin Crystaline standing lovely and happy in his arms, with Kalos in black knight armor behind them. The banner in the photo read: King Marquisa and his new bride-to-be. You are invited to the special day. Ariyah gasped and dropped the photo into her lap. She looked out the window past the balcony, past the Sea of Amethyst, and over the Siamese Twin Dragon gate; she could see a dark cloud looming in the sky. Her heart began to beat with unease for she knew trouble was ahead.
Dionne Lee Nelson is the author of The Mafia Princess Diaries and The Mafia Princess Diaries: The Takeover series. Her first attempt with fantasy writing is with Grandelyn. She is currently working on the sequel. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her fiancé, daughter and their new Shih Tzu puppy, Oscar. To learn more about this author, visit www.dionneleenelson.com
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