Circle of Time: An urban fantasy (The Kazi Chronicles Book 1)

by Riverr Ravenswood

  That draws a laugh out of me and she follows me too.

  This girl.

  ‘Your girl,’ Auxerio emphasises.

  Yes. Yes. My girl.

  Always.

  ‘Attaboy! Now let’s race!’

  With that he picks up speed and pumps his wings faster.

  There is a flurry of wings around as I see all Zielaaths pumping hard.

  Oh they can communicate with each other! That’s how he gave me Ada’s message.

  ‘You do have some brains afterall.’

  He pumps faster and Ada’s and Lexie’s laughters echo in the skies.

  Thank God for these blessings.

  ====

  Ada

  We fly over the pitons, across the forests. I take it all in. What must it feel like to be able to fly like this. Unencumbered. Free. Wild. I always thought I was a wild one. But I was so wrong. I have only been living within the frameworks everyone had set. True, I am freer than most others could ever be. But wild?

  At last, Jobian starts his descent. It is somewhere between the two pitons, the lava lumps. Jobian lowers enough for me to touch the trees, then he drops even further. In between the trees and vegetation, we go. Much deeper into the forest.

  After about fifteen more minutes, I can hear the water form the ocean. Jobian enters a clearing. And a tingling envelops me.

  The forcefield?

  ‘Yes, the forcefield. From there, Kailamat starts. And ends at the edge of cliffs. We will leave you here,’ Jobian tells me.

  With that, he lowers to the ground. Ian slides down and holds out his hand. I roll my eyes and decline.

  “I am going to speak to Jobian for a bit here. Thank you though,” I tell Ian.

  He smiles at me, thanks Jobian, and walks a little further to wait for everyone to get down. I take in the surroundings perched on top of Jobian, contemplating the next move.

  ‘Thank you Jobian. To all of you, guys. Thank you. Will we meet again?’ I ask him.

  ‘Yes, Ada. We will. You will know when the time is right on how to call us. You can feel us now, with your magic, and your senses. All you have to do is feel and call.’

  ‘Thank you.’ I slide down and go to stand in front of him. Wrapping my arms around his face, as much as I can, I let my tears fall. Alone for so many years, without interacting with others, without leaving this place, waiting that one day I will come.

  ‘We didn’t mind Ada. This place is our home and there is no other place we’d rather be. But I have a feeling that we will be with you more often than not.’

  I nod, face still hidden in his fur.

  ‘Thank you my friend. Be safe and stay healthy. Till we meet again.’

  With that I move back and wave. He dips his head, and looks at the other Zielaaths. I hear echoes of bye in my mind. And then, as one, they take off.

  “What now?” Lexie asks.

  “Now, we look for Vyhdir,” Baba announces. “Ada, any other signs?”

  “No Baba.”

  “Let’s move forward. I can feel something,” he tells us and starts moving towards the trail on the right.

  We follow him, silently.

  I can feel it in my bones. Deep, deep, within me. I can sense something monumental is about to happen. I feel that we will get answers that not all of us are ready for.

  I walk into Ry who was walking ahead of me, and Vee stumbles to a stop behind me.

  “Why are we stopping?” I ask.

  I move beside Ry and see that Baba has come to a stop. Dead in the middle. Because of the thick vegetation around, I don’t see what he is looking at. So I make my way towards him.

  As I reach his side, I see what has caught his attention.

  In the smaller clearing in front of us, is a man suspended mid air. Without any strings or rope. And around him is a ring of fire. I gasp realising that this is Vyhdir. He looks almost dead. Shit.

  I start walking towards him, Baba follows. I can hear gasps and curses ringing behind me.

  As we reach close to him I see that that ring of fire, isn’t fire at all. It is a multicoloured thing. With blue, red, white, and green streaks. The most shocking thing? Is that it is all seeming to come out from Vyhdir’s stomach.

  Bile rises in my throat. What is this monstrosity? Why would they do that? How different are the Gods from human beings if they are resorting to such things as well.

  “Baba, what is this?” I ask him, voice quivering.

  Baba keeps on looking at Vyhdir. His fists are clenched tight. He is taking laboured breaths. Baba has never ever breathed laboriously. This itself is a testament to the shitshow of this is.

  He releases a breath and then takes a few deep breaths. As his fists unclench, he pulls me to him and says to me, “you are going to stay safe. You are not going to take unnecessary risks, alright?”

  What?

  “It is too late for that Baba,” I smile up at him. Seeing the worry in his eyes, I turn to face him and grip his hands in mine.

  “Baba, we all are in this together. We will figure out a way. First tell me, do you know what this is?”

  “Yes. He has been suspended using his own spirit element, and the four elements are being drained from his body. These elements are then being reinforced to trap him. He cannot move. And because his elements are no longer in his control, the days are on a repeat. Vyhdir is being drained to the point of weakness where all his magic will be taken from him. Then he is as good as dead.” He says in a grim voice, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Well, we can’t have that, now can we?” I ask him. A determination fills me. I will not let those bastards get away with one more murder. “I will see if the land can tell me something.”

  I sit on the ground and open my senses, hoping to find answers.

  Chapter 53

  Cael

  This is what all the preparation has been for. Shakti’s words still echo in my head - Do not let them take our baby girl. Protect her fiercely, should anything ever happen to me. A lot will be expected of her. Support her. Build her. Free her. Always, always keep her free. And let her know that if she doesn’t want, then you both will walk away. Destiny will choose something else. But under no circumstances, let them take her.

  My heart beats a mile a minute. I wish she was still next to me. They did a number of Vyhdir, alright. I hear every word Sensei tells Ada. I can hear his concern for her as well as see it in his eyes. If anything, I can breathe easy that he will not let anything happen to her.

  I have always suspected that Sensei is much more powerful than every Gifted put together. But I have never had a chance to witness it. Maybe that time is now.

  Ada sits on the ground, convening with the land. My baby girl. My little baby girl has come a long way. Shakti would be so proud. Tears sting my eyes at the thought. We have come a long way. My baby girl and I. But everything feels incomplete without her.

  Enzo and Ry place themselves around Ada, flanking her. Both of them concentrating. Ry is definitely trying to convene with the wildlife around. While I have no doubt that Enzo is ready to unleash his powers should anyone even take a wrong step towards her. Maybe I have been too hard on them. What they all feel for Ada is clear for everybody to see. It was clear from the moment they met each other all these years ago. But now? Now, it is much more potent. As if a living energy breathes amongst them. Well, the more protectors she has, the better.

  “Shit!” Enzo’s whisper reaches me.

  I find him looking at Ada. My heart clenches as my eyes find her face. She has the look of utmost despair, tears run down her face. She is gripping the earth hard, fingers digging in the soft mud. What is she seeing? My heart hasn't breathed easy for a single second ever since we rode with the Zielaaths. The wildflowers spread all across the lands gave me some relief, as those were what Shakti always loved. Free and wild like them. They just are. But even they fail to calm me completely.

  A cackling sound pulls my attention away from Ada towards Vyhdir. Se
nsei is still standing in front of him. But the blaze of the elements around Vyhdir has become stronger.

  “Baba!” Ada’s sweet voice calls out.

  If I ever had a doubt on anyone’s intention towards her, it is cleared now. Because, as one, everyone leaves whatever they are doing and rush to her. Not asking details. But checking her for mental and physical injuries. My heart swells with pride. A little of the vice eases.

  A blur of black and golden, and Ada is throwing herself in my arms. And of course, I catch her. I will always catch my baby girl. I hold her close as he breathes me in. She smells, surprisingly, of wildflowers. I know wildflowers don’t usually have a distinct scent. But for me, they do. A divine, wild scent.

  She steps back, smiles at me through watery eyes and turns to look at Sensei.

  “Baba, they told me what needs to be done. A weapon forged by The Four was used to weaken Vyhdir and drain him. Because only The Four’s power can do that. And it is only they who can help restore the balance. They had been trying to find the place. But as you know, Kailamat didn’t really allow them to enter. They suspect something like this could be happening here, but they have no proof, and their attention has been called on other clues left around for them to find. Long story. But they need to come here and restore the balance.” She looks down nervously. “I asked them what about spirit and how can we call them. The Land said to ask you. That you would know what to do. And that is the only way.”

  Sensei looks at her for a long moment, going pale with every second that passes. As if he is afraid. Shit, can he not do it?

  He steps forward and holds her shoulders. He looks at her, pleading for something. Then he finally says, “Whatever happens, whatever I have to do, I will do. But that doesn't change anything. And I can only hope it doesn't change anything for you too.”

  What is he talking about?

  Ada gives him a beatific smile. “You always swore about my open mindedness, right?” Sensei gulps and nods. “So trust and have faith that whatever it is that you think will happen, my mind has already thought of that.”

  I see it as clear as day when Sensei’s eyes widen. But he controls it. “Somehow I don’t think that is the case… but as long as we are clear on nothing changing, I can work with that,” he says this as he turns towards the rest of us. “For all of you as well. Nothing changes.”

  “One more thing,” Ada says, eyes on me. I stiffen. I don’t know why, but I do. Her eyes fill with tears and she takes a measured breath in, as if mentally preparing herself to say whatever she is about to say.

  “Ma loved wildflowers,” she starts, and I find Ash and Enzo holding me. I realise, my knees were wobbling. “So wherever the wildflowers are, we can connect with her. Unless something changes. I don't know what that means though. She wanted you to know that she is proud of you. That she still loves you as fiercely as she did then. She told me that she has been watching over me and watching how far I have come, and that she couldn’t be more proud. And Baba,” she turns to Sensei, who has tears running down his face. “She says that you have nothing to worry about. That she thanks you for everything you have done for both Dad and me. And that you will always be like the father she never had. That she loves you.” Ada is sobbing but I cannot move. Ash and Enzo do a good job of holding me back. Vee has wrapped his arms around Sensei’s shoulder and is holding him strong.

  Lexie holds Ada and is crying too.

  Shakti. If you can hear, then know that I love you too. Fiercely, as strongly and deeply as ever. Thank you for giving me our baby girl.

  I don’t know if she can hear. But if it means that with training I can get to the point that I can feel her and talk to her, then I will train every bloody night and day until I can do that.

  The elements around Vyhdir blaze again, making him chalky white. He is beginning to look like a husk.

  “Baba, hurry,” Ada beseeches.

  He nods, rubs his hand over his face, and steps forward. He closes his eyes, raises his palms, and starts chanting.

  ====

  Lexie

  I am worried about Sensei. How will he do what needs to be done? Just the thought has me holding Ada’s hand tighter.

  Sensei’s chants grow loud. His hair fly around his face. White cackling mist settles over him. He opens his eyes, just in time as the lightening strikes. His eyes are made of white electric currents, swirling around in circles. Then he thrusts his hands forward and a huge column to mist appears right behind Vyhdir, going all the way up to the skies. The white mist starts swirling, looking like a tornado, but lit with white light and bubbles. It is beautiful and peaceful beyond comprehension.

  “Holy shit! How did he do that?” Ian whispers from next to me.

  “Is he a God?” I whisper. I am sure my eyes are going to come out of my face any minute.

  Ada shrugs, focussing on the column of white light. “Has to be. What else could be the reason? Or maybe he is just super powerful…”

  The white mist swirls around him, as if wrapping him in a protective embrace. His hair is still flying like wild. There is a boom in the sky, the point where Sesnei’s mist column is connecting. And I hold my breath as I see four boulders drop via that column.

  “Fuck he is a God!” Ian whisper-squeals.

  Instinctively, we take a few steps back.

  The Four, I am assuming they are The Four, crouch on the ground as they land. The white mist column dissipates and flies back to Sensei. One by one, they straighten and stand to their full height. Two males and two females. Wow!

  Tall is an understatement. They are huge. Ethereal. Godly. Their skin has a light sheen on it making it glow. All of them look so similar, despite being different genders. Shoulder length hair. A weird kind of angelic beauty. The two females have blue and brown eyes, the males have green and gray. Respectively. But, with a glow like quality. They fucking glow! The females are a seductive kind of beauty. While the men are a strong kind of sexy. All four of them are walking orgasms on stick.

  I watch in amazement as their expressions change from smiling to furious when they take in the hung figure of Vyhdir.

  Their eyes sweep over all of us standing together, seeming to stop for a few seconds more on Pa and Ada. I feel my brothers tilt their bodies towards her. The Four’s eyes make their way to Sensei.

  I am feeling what they feel. On my skin. Holy Shit! I can feel the Gods!

  Recognition. Happiness. Familiarity.

  They make their way to where Sensei is standing. The worry for Vyhdir is palpable in their very auras, and on my skin. The Four look at Ada again. Pa takes a not-so-subtle-half-a-step in front of her, trying to cover her from their line of sight. They smirk, continuing to walk towards Sensei. When they stop in front of him, all five of their energies cackle. They each hug Sensei, and by the time they are done, all of their eyes are moist.

  I am aware that I have Ada’s hand in a death grip. Everyone is confused as to what is happening. Who is Sensei? Is he really a God? Like the actual God from the original power structure? Has to be, right? That is what he meant that whatever happens doesn’t change anything. Right?

  Sensei turns slightly so that he can see all of us and The Four.

  “I will make introductions later on. We are running out of time. They are The Four,” he says gesturing towards them. “And this,” he sweeps his hand towards us, “is my family. We need to restore Vyhdir’s energies back to his body. And once that is done, you will tell us how Betin found your weapon and was able to use it against Vyhdir. Gudiya?”

  “Ji Baba?” she responds. Not a quiver in her voice. I would be a wobbling chicken if asked to talk in front of the Gods.

  “Anything else we need to keep in mind?” Sensei asks her, as The Four cast confused looks her way.

  What? Gods don’t know what is happening? Or that she is the Kazi?

  “No, Baba. Just restore his elements back. It might require a lot of your energy though. Can we do anything to help?” she asks.


  Urmmm? What can we even do to help the Gods?

  The Four must have had the same question as they let out a laugh. It is not a mocking laugh. More like a we are Gods what can you do to help us laugh.

  I look at Ada, and she is eyeing them with steely eyes.

  “Something funny?” she asks, raising one eyebrow.

  The Four cast a look at Sensei, who is smirking at them. The green eyed male says, “nothing funny. Just that you would think that something can help The Four. No offence,” he says raising his hands in surrender. Again, he is not mocking. But it is clear how little they think of someone’s offer of help.

  “Then why, pray, tell me you were not able to find out that someone took The Four blessed weapon without your permission, managed to weaken Vyhdir to this extent, and also made it impossible for you to find a way to Kailamat? Or maybe you didn’t even know that Vyhdir might be here?” she asks, steel in her voice, spine straight, eyes glowing golden. The Four gasp and take a step towards her. As if pulled to her by a tether. Sensei growls, yes actually growls, in warning. But Ada continues, “and I was not talking to you. I have no doubt, or faith, in your abilities. No offence. I was asking Baba. You may want to start focussing on how to help him,” she ends with a raised eyebrow again.

  Sensei chuckles at the I-am-so-lost-I-am-a-headless-chicken expression on their faces. “I cannot think of anything Gudiya. If I need help, you will know. Listen to your feelings, as always.”

  “Okay Baba. Hurry,” she emphasises, the worry in her eyes not betraying her voice.

  Sensei turns to look at The Four, and upon seeing that their unwavering attention is fixed on Ada, he snaps his fingers, his lip curling back. But nothing can bring The Four out of whatever trance they are in.

  Pa doesn’t like this. Not one bit. Because the next thing I know, Pa has stepped forward, his height and width increasing slightly, and his molten lava magic is flowing through his limbs. His eyes are liquid fire, that he directs at The Four. Within a blink of an eye he has a lava whip in his right hand. The same whip that is said to be Kshitara’s blessed celestial weapon.