A Crimson Tale

by K. L. O Johnson

  I wonder down the dark winding corridors only to stop at a dead-end; this is the third dead-end I’ve run into. At this moment, I wish that my PCP (Portable Computer PAC) is with me but I had left all of my automated and electronic gadgets in my room back at the Order. They didn’t die but the battery span was at 50%, I figured to shut down all my gadgets down since; one: in Zylaria there’s no electricity and I couldn’t be bothered gathering a bunch of potatoes, wires and other electrical generating necessities, two: I had a feeling I would be here for a while—and I know I would need them later. I hate it when I’m right!

  “There seems to be no end to these halls,” I mutter to myself.

  “What about down here?” I hear a male voice chime. I spin around eying the dark corridor, with wariness.

  “There’s probably going to be nothing,” says another man whose voice is new to me. My ears count their steps, they aren’t marching with speed but they aren’t slow to dawdle. Looks like I’m going to have to fight my way out. By the time I plan out my attack, they stand before me.

  I root my feet firmly apart and my arms are stable but relaxed before me. “There’s the intruder!” cries the one before. They race towards me, spears and swords thrust towards me. I knock the spear away from me, after I side-step, with one hand, clenching my other it comes in contact with something strong and prickly. I hear a groan. A sword clashes with my forearm guard and I slip out of the impact and elbow him hard, in the face with the same arm.

  I sprint down the way I came knowing that those men won’t stay down for long but I didn’t see the need in killing them. I sharply turn around a corner and stop, there are guards approaching me and I glance left and right, nothing. Here we go again. Out of the blue, I hear the voice, ”Up.” it whispers and I look up. I see an opening in the ceiling. A way out!

  The ground is thick, dry and dark. I tear down the halls unsure of which way to turn and which way is out. I feel like a mouse, trapped in a maze the problem was that this maze didn’t have just dead-ends it had trained guards after me. I flatten my back up against the stone walls, and wait; the presence that I feel is fast on approach. I inhale waiting…there the footsteps approach and I tense. I feel the beads of sweat slide down my face and I fight the urge to wipe them away.

  I don’t need them to know where I am. I wait a few more seconds, it felt like a full hour of waiting and at last a man—alone he is and I see him glide past me as if nothing is there, to avoid any more confrontation, I wait until he’s out of sight and continue further down another corridor before I stop. The ground seems so uneven under my feet and I can’t help but look down—there I notice it, there, I see the ground is slowly shifting from firm stone flooring to spacious stones filled with soil and green grass. Why is there green grass it’s winter!

  “This way…” calls the same voice and I freeze. Where did it come from and more importantly who does it belong to? “Please don’t hesitate…I wish you no harm,” it says and I contemplate whether or not to follow a voice that makes me feel almost like I’ve lost my head. Maybe I have but then how is it that I’m still able to differ between reality and what’s not. In my lifetime I’ve seen things normal beings such as Humans have yet to believe in let alone see, from magic to demons, from ghosts to the vampires. If that’s not a crazy experience than what about hearing voices-I’ve been told that craziness, when someone in your head tells you to do something. I step along the corridor—wary—expecting danger or carnivorous plants. This is crazy and it’s official, I’m crazy.

  The corridor slowly begins to widen and I kneel down and trace my fingers along the ground, I feel the soil and I feel the dry smooth stone, I smell the moisture in the air and the fresh mint of newly bloomed leaves, the same scent used to lure out animals from their dens of hibernation. I regard the stone-tiled steps as it gently creates a path against a lush green grass—that’s well-kept and well-tended to—I reach the edge of the path and stop. I turn back over my shoulder and the corridor that I was in is no more. Instead, I see lush green hills, thick green healthy canopies and a pale blue sky with fluffy clouds above the distant gray mountains, there are birds flying overhead. Animals surround a nearby waterhole, deer’s, rabbits, horses and many other animals. I’m captivated by the purity of the air—the fresh scent—the energizing atmosphere and the crystal clear waters that glisten under a healthy bright yellow sun.

  “That was a close one.” a voice came, I glance at it and I’m taken back. A woman in a white gown stands before me she looks exactly like me; with light coffee colored skin, silver hair, bright blue eyes lined in wide-almond shaped eyes and long black lashes, small red plump lips, an oval face with complementing high cheek bones. Two blue marks on either side of her face and I stare. “What? Aren’t you surprised?”

  I step towards her, slowly. In shock!

  “How?” I ask, my voice trembles as I hold out my hand, it shakes and is hesitant as I fear that I will pass right through her. “You’re dead.” I say.

  “Just because someone is gone doesn’t always mean they’re dead, big sister.”

  I stare; Galataia is now standing before me…but how?

  “Galataia? Is that really you?” I ask unsure. Her name, she’s named after our grandmother who is still alive to this day on Nephelia.

  “It is I. What’s the matter not happy to see me?” I glare.

  “Of course I’m happy to see you, don’t every think otherwise!” I snap and embrace her. I hold her close and squeeze my eyes shut, hoping, praying that I’m not dreaming, I don’t know what I would do if that was the case. I know for a fact if something is playing a trick on me—I’ll skin the monster alive, slowly, making him an example to the next one who dares to toy with my emotions. There’s only a few in this world that truly cherish me for me and they are the ones I aim to never let down, to never leave unprotected and to never leave them alone.

  “I missed you,” she whispers and my face feels damp. “And I forgive you.” That was it and I silently cry into her slender shoulder. She’s alive and she forgives me! How can she forgive me, I wasn’t there to protect her? I was too late and because of that they took her from me, took the only thing in this world that wasn’t evil or violent and loved me for me that’s all I’ve ever wanted. She was as pure as the lotus plant she loved so much.

  “You can’t forgive me.” I say and that’s the only thing I say until I’ve calm down. Around her and Dante, I let down my guard. I feel emotionally safe with them but I’m supposed to be strong for her. And what am I doing? Crying! “I’m rather pathetic now, aren’t I?” I mock sarcastically and she stretches her coffee colored arm out to me and places her hand upon my cheek, wiping away the last tear that streaks down my cheek.

  We sit by the crystal clear waters and I’ve removed my helmet. “There’s nothing wrong with showing emotion, there’s a problem if you didn’t. That’s the same thing I would tell father, you know.” I nod, I remember that, she would often cook his favorite meals just to see him smile after a long day of work.

  “Where have you been? Was it you talking to me this whole time? I honestly thought I was crazy.” I say with a little laugh, she giggles with me.

  “It was me that was talking to you and I can only talk to you because were identical twins.” I smile, she’s my other half.

  “Where have you been?” I ask once more and her smile drops, she turns from me and glances at the lake with a rather sad expression. “Galataia?” I ask.

  “I’ve been here…” she says after some time. What?

  “Here!” I say and stand. “In Midra!” I growl.

  “I’m not in Midas, Kalverya.” she says quietly, “I’m in the Dome.” I give her a side-look. The Dome? As in a Prison? If so than who put her here?

  “A Dome?”

  She nods; her eyes are locked onto the crystal glowing waters.

  “And you can’t leave.”

  She shakes her head. “I can never leave, neither can the others.” I’m shocked
. Others? There are more here with friends, families or people who are probably missing them. “We can’t leave because were bound.” She pulls back her long-loose white sleeves and reveals a silver band; ancient characters are inscribed on it. I know what to say, but, I don’t know if it will be enough to quell the pain she’s in. She is the only one of us that shows emotion in our family she’s the only one I want to keep smiling and someone has wiped it from her.

  When I find her captor I’ll make sure to wipe more than just a smile from his/her face!

  “How…” I can’t begin to put the sentence together, I take a deep breath, “long have you been here?”

  She glares at me with pain.

  “How long do you think?” she snaps and I gulp at her intensity.

  “For a hundred years.”

  I drop back down on the ground beside her, my arms are trembling, she was alive all this time and I gave up! I clench my fist and begin pounding the ground with tremendous force until my scales begin to crack, gradually they begin to bleed and I hear Galataia gasp but I don’t stop until I’ve completely worn out myself. “Kal…” she whispers with sympathy. Why is she giving me sympathy? I have up on her! I didn’t protect her! Our father told me to protect her and I gave up! I’m such a horrible sister…what I wouldn’t have given to repeat that day differently.

  “Is it a man?” I ask. She doesn’t answer and I look up. Her face is pulled into a confused expression. “Was. It. A. Man?” I ask slowly, grinding my teeth in the process, I feel my gums ache under the force but I don’t care. I know exactly what I’m going to do when I see him. Her eyes register and she shakes her head. “A woman?” I ask.

  She shakes her head.

  “A Per,” I stare at her in shock ‘Per’ an individual who is both male and female, some say they had their bodies altered to appear as such while others are born like that due to the confusion in the chromosome numbers. There once long ago was a species known as: ‘Pers’ but I thought they were extinct, long ago; there atmosphere was poisoned resulting in the inhabitants becoming infertile but that was over four thousand years ago, they too were both male and female. ’They’re still alive?’ I think and she nods. Of all my years have I never run into a Per and I honestly never thought I would.

  I growl—my dragon claws seeping through my teeth—my inner dragon threatens to rise and tear out per throat.

  “Galataia!” I hear a male voice call and I turn to the sound, placing a protective hand over before my sister. Per won’t touch her. Galataia stands and places a hand on my arm, gesturing for me to relax, she gives me a small smile and I glance up at the man before me. I regard his chest and hips—narrow and flat—how it should be. He’s male.

  “That’s not per…Is it?” She shakes her head and giggles. I smile.

  “Who are you?” the man asks. I turn back to him.

  “Who are you?” I ask.

  “Kalverya!” growls Galataia.

  “What?” I ask. The man continues to stare at me and I glare at him. “What are you looking at?” He’s shocked for a second before, glaring back at me. Galataia steps between me and him. I’m surprised by her actions—her back to me. What does she think she’s doing? I’m trying not to make the same mistake, here, Sis doesn’t that count?

  “Stephan? What brings you here?” she asks gently. He smiles sheepishly and I cross my arms, still, I continue glaring at him. She’s way out of your league, buddy! I think and Galataia glares at me over her shoulder.

  ‘Don’t make me push you in that pond!’

  “You wouldn’t dare!” I snarl at her and she holds my gaze, firmly. She has enough bravery to pin an argument with Dante, Father and I. Even though she’s not a Knight but a Teacher, still she has the heart of one.

  “I wouldn’t dare what?” asks Stephan. I glare at him.

  “Was I talking to you?” I snap.

  He glances at Galataia, “Rude much?” She nods.

  “You have no idea. She can be a handful.” Galataia comments, she just…she just agreed with him. Why? Who is he anyway? And why the hell are they talking as if I’m not here!

  “I’m still here you know!” I bark, they continue converse. Unbelievable!

  ‘Don’t complain, you were rude first,’ I scoff at her remark.

  “Who is she anyway? She appears like some horrible cross-dresser.” states Stephan and I step forward only to be held into place by my sister’s iron fist. She has our heritages’ strength and at this moment she could crush my armor if she wanted to. Instead, she smiles at me forcibly. I knew that smile and I knew she’s telling me: “hurt him and I’ll hurt you”, why is she taking his side? Didn’t she hear what he said?

  “This…Stephan is my protective, big sister.” says Galataia and I still glare at her as she turns from me to him; still her grip is around my wrist—firmly. Just like father she feels like she needs to keep me in line. Am I really that much of a trouble maker? Last time I checked trouble always found me!

  “So I see…” he trails off. Something snaps within me.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Nothing, I just expected Galataia’s sister to be pretty.” I grind my teeth. I’m not pretty like her! It’s not my fault I can’t return to my Nephalem form—what I wouldn’t give to turn into my true form—being a dragon is relaxing in a way. Everything and everyone leaves you alone. He has some nerve!

  “Anyway…” my sister cuts in, “what brings you here?” She smiles sweetly at him. This is odd…why is she being nice to him? My curiosity peeks. She couldn’t…could she? There are something’s in this world I cannot begin to comprehend and one of which is displayed before me. I glance at Stephan and Galataia and back again. My mind turning through possibilities but it all seems clear in the way they look at each other. I leave it at that—he’s still got a long way before he attains my approval that’s for sure and until than I’ll continue to patronize him. This is going to be fun. I glance around; the place appears to be calm, clear and beautiful.

  “Where are we?” I ask.

  “The Dome.” repeats my sister.

  “I know that…but where in the Nexus is it?” I ask. She shakes her head and I glance at Stephan, his face is sad and Galataia lifts his chin with her slender yet elegant fingers lightly before smiling. He smiles back—a smile stretches across his face—his face fades a crimson color and my sister becomes slightly shy but smiles. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stride past them and enter the lush green forest.

  “Where are you going?” calls Galataia.

  “If you’re not going to give me answers, I’ll find them elsewhere.” I say and continue to walk.

  ‘Is that really the case?’ she asks me through our telepathic link. I continue to look ahead.

  ‘It is.’

  ‘Alright, I’ll join you.’ After some time of aimlessly wondering through the lush green forest, my sister would tell me without uttering a single word verbally that I’m going the wrong way or that I’ll fall into a trench or run into a bear. I would instead just ignore her and because I didn’t take heed in her words, I ended up falling victim to everything she said would happen until, Stephan decided to announce “maybe someone who knows where they’re going should lead” luckily for me I had enough modesty to allow that to happen and he was shocked by me easily stepping down. His expression was hilarious. My sister remained quiet while I showed up her boyfriend even though I didn’t like him at all one bit and if I found out he didn’t like my sister the way she liked him I would enjoy making him sorry for breaking her heart. Though, I kept that to myself and followed without question as Stephan led the way to what appears like small cluster of cottages.

  Men and women would stop and stare. I glare instead and instantly they turned their heads away. What’s wrong with these people? I think. There’s no need to stare.

  ‘They haven’t seen a new person and whenever they do it’s normally not good.’ thinks my sister as she smiles at me apologetically. Stephan regard
s me with confusion before turning his gaze to my sister who stood beside him with her hand in his. The cottages weren’t well done but they were done to protect its inhabitants from the change in weather.

  I glance around and ask, “How many people live here?”

  “Twenty-one, including Stephan and I.” says my sister.

  “Though we don’t often get a lot of visitors,” says Stephan as he gives me a blank expression.

  “Is there a problem with that?” I ask with venom.

  “Kal!” warns my sister and I cross my arms and turn my attention to an old woman whose black and grey streaked hair glows under the sunlight that lightly filters through the canopy. The forest floor was weaved in low grass, ponds with wheat like vegetation and moss. Thick, large, old trees surround the clearing as I notice not a single child is to be seen other than the one hiding behind the woman at the far end of the clearing, her hand protectively placed on her sons shoulder as he peers out at me with wide eyes.

  “Galataia, Stephan who is this?” asks the old woman and she smiles at me the lines on her face becoming more evident, I smile back.

  “This is my sister Padmay.” says Galataia as she gestures to me with free hand.

  “You are dear?” she asks.

  “Kalverya,” I say.

  “What an odd name?” I shrug. She wasn’t the first and she isn’t going to be the last. “You know that means a part of a skull right?” I nod. “And you’re okay with it?” she continues to ask and I nod. “You don’t talk much…do you?”

  “No.” My sister’s arm wraps around me and she pulls me into her. I glance down at her, what is she up to now?