by Yajat Sharma
The children ran towards the doorway.
Suddenly, a warrior, dressed in red garbs and carrying a sword, appeared and blocked their way.
“Halt!” he said, raising a hand. “I am the guardian. Who are you?”
“Oh, please.” Archer stepped forward, his hands raised calmly. “We just don’t have time.”
Before the guardian could react, Archer shot fire towards the warrior, setting flame to his armour. Matt punched him hard on the face, and he fell unconscious.
The children quickly darted through the doorway, which led them into a hall. There were thousands of bookshelves. Archer, Matt and Daniel had to make a constant effort to ensure that James did not stop and look around in awe.
At the centre of the hall, there was a circular table with a glass casing containing a scroll.
“That’s the scroll!” James exclaimed and ran towards it.
“Duh,” Archer muttered, following him.
A warrior dressed in black armour appeared from nowhere. He swirled his strange weapon and sent the children sprawling out of the way. “I am the Head Guardian of the scroll. You have defeated the other guardians, but can you defeat -”
Before he could even complete his sentence, Matt walked forward and summoned strong gusts of wind that sent the guardian sprawling to the right.
The guardian put his staff to the ground and a blue dome appeared around him, repelling the air towards Matt. Matt went flying into the wall.
James intelligently changed tactics. He snuck around the guardian and snatched the scroll from out of the glass casing. As soon as he did that, the blue dome and the guardian disappeared.
“That was easy,” James said, opening the scroll. He gasped. “But… it’s blank, nothing’s written in it!”
The Scavenger raced towards the pyramid, the Plague Warriors right on his tail. He didn’t know how much time the children would take.
Just as he neared the entrance, the children burst out of it. They collided and went spiralling to the ground.
The Scavenger quickly stood up and helped the children. He examined the scroll and appeared satisfied.
“But it’s empty,” Matt said, panting from the long run.
The Scavenger nodded. “Yes. I will explain later. Right now, we don’t have time. Let’s g -”
The Scavenger ducked mid-sentence and dodged his sword into a Plague Warrior who had reached them. He ran at once, the children right beside him. “Run fast! Don’t allow them to touch you!” shouted the Scavenger.
They raced away, weaving between huts and cottages, dodging obstacles, their legs screaming in pain. The Plague Warriors were following them.
The Scavenger shouted, “We can’t fight so many of them. If any of them touch us, we are doomed. Speed up!”
The children tried to run as fast as they could. They couldn’t look back, or else they would trip and fall. The Plague Warriors were fast closing in on them.
As they reached the spot, the Scavenger slammed to a stop and parted the air wide apart. The Plague Warriors were almost upon them. But, before any of the Plague Warriors could touch them, the Scavenger and the children jumped into the portal, closing the air gap behind them.
They emerged back at the place from where they had entered the portal.
“Uff! That was close. But all that for nothing. The scroll’s empty,” Matt said. “It’s useless.”
The Scavenger shook his head. “No. It was all very worthwhile. The scroll’s knowledge is hidden. Otherwise, anyone could look upon its secrets.”
“So how do we look upon its secrets?” Archer asked.
“Let me show you,” the Scavenger said, examining the scroll.
The Scavenger slowly turned the scroll at an angle. Suddenly, the scroll started to move. It first rotated all around, before stopping, and then moved forward into the air.
The Scavenger said, grinning, “The scroll will lead us to the Warhead’s lair. Let’s go.”
“You are not as dumbo as we think you are,” remarked James. The others snickered.
“What? Did you say something?” asked the Scavenger.
“Nothing. I was just murmuring to myself,” James said. The Scavenger was amused and the children had a good laugh. They continued following the scroll.
The scroll led them into a lush green valley. The sky was bright blue and birds flew around.
When they were about to enter a village, James stopped suddenly with a look of realization on his face.
“What is it?” the Scavenger asked him.
James pointed around. “Look... it’s the Isle of the Beast, where our Elemental Powers were awakened!”
The others looked around and suddenly realized that James was right and they were in the Isle, where the leader of the village, Aronicle, had awakened their powers. The Isle of the Beast had been one of their first destinations when they had come to the Dark World before.
The Scavenger started up a light jog. “Yes, guys! Welcome again to the Isle of Beast.”
They entered the village. The Scavenger located the scroll, which was still moving forward in the air. He caught the scroll and quickly pocketed it.
Surprisingly, the cottages were empty and the streets were deserted. A dusty wind blew through the streets as the children stopped to catch their breath.
“Where are all of them?” the Scavenger said, perplexed. It was unlikely for such a busy village to be quiet at this time of the afternoon.
“Let’s check the village square.” James offered suddenly. “They must be having a meeting or something.”
They set off towards the square. But it was empty too; there were no signs of anyone.
The children were now directly facing the raised stage where their Elemental Powers had been awakened. They walked to it and explored around.
“Don’t go too far.” The Scavenger began. “It could be -”
Dangerous. A cold and evil voice spoke up behind the Scavenger. Then the hilt of a sword struck hard against the Scavenger’s skull, and he was unconscious even before he hit the ground.
The children were still exploring when they heard a thud from behind and turned to see the Scavenger falling to the ground. They thought they saw a white figure behind him, but it was hard to be sure because even as they blinked, it had disappeared.
The children rushed towards the Scavenger and shook him. However, he didn’t wake up. He was knocked out cold.
Daniel looked at the others. “Who did that?”
Your friend. The voice resonated all around, sending shivers of fear up the children’s spines.
“Who are you?” James said in a shaky voice.
You know me. You have met me before.
Suddenly, a swish of air alerted Matt. He instinctively ducked and heard a swishing sound as something flew through the air where, a second ago, Matt’s head was.
That was fast. Wasn’t it? You just saved your head, my dear.
Matt stood up. “Reveal yourself, coward.”
A figure appeared about twenty feet in front of the children.
It was dressed in white robes, which reflected light from the suns, making it difficult to see him. The figure wore a hood, and he slowly pulled it off.
The face that was there sent the children reeling back in shock. It had changed – the white beard, monstrous expression and elongated chin weren’t there before – but the children could easily recognize him as the wise man who had awakened their Elemental Powers.
Aronicle.
Aronicle walked forward calmly, his hands held in front of him. His eyes were red. Don’t run. Let me do my job...
“What’s your job?” James asked. He summoned water into his hands and felt its coolness. He raised his hands and pointed his fingers at Aronicle. Sharp and deadly bursts of water shot out from them, but Aronicle appeared to feel nothing.
You cannot hurt me. I was after all the one who awakened your Elemental Powers... And now I will be the one who will take it away.
Before any
one could understand what was happening, Aronicle swiftly moved and placed his hand on Matt’s head, who was standing nearest to him.
At once, searing pain shot through Matt’s body. He crumpled to the ground, dizzy, his vision blurred.
The very next moment, Aronicle moved and placed his hand over Archer’s head, and Archer crumpled too.
James and Daniel backed away.
Now, don’t run. Make my job easier.
Aronicle lunged in the blink of an eye and touched James on his head. James fell to the ground.
Daniel tried to run, but Aronicle reached him and put his hand on his head. Daniel felt himself fainting...
... And then, all of a sudden, Aronicle dropped to the ground, unconscious. The Scavenger was standing behind Aronicle with a wooden log in his hand.
“Thanks,” Daniel said.
The Scavenger kneeled beside the others and waved a hand. “No mention.”
5
It didn’t take long for the other children to regain consciousness.
“I’m feeling empty,” James said at once.
“What do you mean by empty?” the Scavenger asked.
James said falteringly, “Like something is missing from my body. I feel like something has been taken away from me, something without which my body feels incomplete.”
Daniel snorted. “What do you mean by that? Do you mean to say that some organ is missing?”
Archer laughed. “Yeah!” He mocked James’ voice. “Somebody help! My brain is missing!”
The Scavenger scratched his head. “I don’t understand.”
James rolled his eyes and looked to the sky. “Ugggggghhhhh... Stupid people...” He groaned. “Never mind.”
“But why did Aronicle attack us like that?” Daniel asked.
“That’s obvious,” James said. “Someone was controlling Aronicle; that’s why his eyes were red.”
“You’re right,” the Scavenger said. “I am not sure if Aronicle is still under the control of someone. Before he regains consciousness, it will be a good idea if we all move out from here.”
The Scavenger released the scroll, and it started moving. They all followed. After a few miles, they entered a large village bustling with activity. Demons and monsters scuttled around. Their eyes fluttered here and there, examining their surroundings suspiciously.
The Scavenger stopped behind some bushes and turned to the children. “We need to devise a plan. If we follow the scroll, then the enemy will see us. We need a plan that -”
“I think your plan has already failed,” James said, pointing at the scroll.
The Scavenger turned to see that the scroll was already amid the creatures. Some demons had already begun snatching and running after it. The scroll was waving about in the air to escape the jumping demons.
The Scavenger pulled out his sword. “Forget the plan! Let’s go!”
He burst out from the bushes and ran after the scroll, the children following him.
The five of them passed unnoticed for barely a few seconds before a demon pointed at them and yelled, “Intruders!”
There was commotion all over. The Scavenger kept his focus on the scroll, trying to catch it.
The scroll suddenly turned around a corner and went out of view.
The Scavenger followed and halted around the corner. There was a wall up ahead.
And a demon too.
It was just a child, about four feet tall, with a tail. It had long blue hair hanging down to his ankles. Dressed in black rags, he clutched the scroll in his hand.
The Scavenger walked towards him, sword slashing around.
The demon cried and backed away as the blade almost cut him. He raised his hand. “Wait! I am here to help you.”
The Scavenger stopped. “What do you mean by that?”
“Please... there is no time. You have to trust me. Come on. Here.”
The demon placed his hand on the sidewall, and a doorway appeared on it. He gestured towards it. “Go.”
The Scavenger was about to say something when the children barged past him and followed the demon into the doorway.
The Scavenger sighed and followed them, whispering to himself, “How many times have I told them not to trust anyone like that?”
They emerged on a quiet street. The demon quickly closed the door and turned to the others. “My name is Urrax. Don’t worry. You are now in a safe place. Demons can’t come here.”
“Thanks, but why did you help us?” the Scavenger asked.
Urrax shook his head. “I will tell you later. I had a vision. Trust me. I am your friend. For now, please take your scroll.” The Scavenger tried to take the scroll from Urrax, but it didn’t budge.
“Urrax,” the Scavenger said, “leave the scroll.”
Urrax was sweating. “I am trying,” he said nervously. “It is not leaving my hand!”
The Scavenger pulled it hard again, but the scroll did not move.
Urrax was in tears. “OW! That hurts.”
The Scavenger glanced at the scroll. “It’s strange. It looks like some kind of magic is at work. I am sure Lynx can help. Let’s go to him.”
The Scavenger plunged his sword into the ground below his feet. A blue portal appeared.
The Scavenger ordered everyone to jump into the portal.
The portal opened in Lynx’s cave.
“Please remove the scroll from my hand,” Urrax pleaded. “I don’t want this to stick to my hand forever.”
“Don’t worry; it won’t,” the Scavenger assured him. “I am sure Lynx will know what to do.”
As if on cue, a voice spoke behind them. “Oh! Yes, I do. But the method is risky. It can kill the demon child.”
“Oh! Isn’t there any other way by which we can save the demon child and free the scroll as well?” the Scavenger asked.
“I am afraid not. The risk that the demon child might die in the process of removing the scroll is high.” Lynx nodded.
“Would you stop discussing me as if I am not here?” Urrax said. “And please don’t call me demon child.”
“Sorry, demon child,” the Scavenger said.
Lynx continued, “The scroll is a dangerous thing. It would not only lead you to the Warhead, but it will be beneficial in tackling him as well. You do not know that the Warhead is not a human but a monster, an entity of darkness, a subduer of light. He would be impossible to defeat... unless...”
“Unless what?” the Scavenger asked.
“The scroll’s energy is harnessed,” Lynx explained.
“I do not understand,” Scavenger said, puzzled.
“Don’t worry. I will tell you how to harness the scroll’s energy but first, let us free the scroll from Urrax. I know a method, but that could be risky.”
“How risky?” Urrax asked tentatively.
“You might be badly hurt or may die. Best case scenario – you live, but unconscious for a few months. Worst case scenario – you die.”
“Excuse me?” Urrax squeaked out. “You have got to be joking.”
“This spell is no joke,” Lynx said, while perusing a dusty book. “The risk has to be taken.”
“There has to be another way,” Daniel said.
Lynx shook his head. “I don’t think so. Only a few people know this spell. Separating a scroll that has a lot of power requires too much energy. I will try my best to avoid an overflow of energy during the spell. It is the first time I am doing this.”
“I won’t allow you to do this,” Urrax said, backing away.
“No choice,” Lynx said. “There is no other way.”
“Wait!” James said. “I know what to do!”
He folded his sleeves. “I will use my Elemental Powers to blast the scroll off.”
Urrax nodded. “It’s better than a high risk of death.”
James closed his eyes and concentrated. He raised his hands and threw them forward.
Nothing happened.
“James, please let me!” Daniel said, stepp
ing ahead. He too tried to summon some sharp branches but in vain.
“What is happening?” he said, starting to panic.
“Oh, please,” Matt said. “You all are useless.” He tried to call upon a gust of wind, but again, nothing happened.
“I think the scroll is providing some counter magic,” James said. “Yes, that must be it.”
“Then, if water doesn’t work,” Archer said, “fire has to. The scroll can’t block both at the same time.”
But his words proved in vain, as any fire refused to appear from Archer’s hands.
Before anyone could say anything, Lynx raised his hands, summoning the spell. Urrax realized what he was trying to do and quickly put his hand forward to block him.
Sparks flew from the scroll, and everyone ducked behind the tables.
There was a blast, and Urrax went flying. The scroll went in the opposite direction, falling on the table.
“I am sorry, I lost my patience,” Lynx said, getting up. He felt Urrax’s pulse. “He’s fine, just unconscious.” Then he said in a confused tone, “I don’t understand one thing. The spell was not even finished. I was only halfway through it. Maybe there was an overload of power or something due to my spell -”
The Scavenger frowned. “Urrax could have died.”
“Well, he didn’t,” Lynx shot back.
“Whatever, the risk was too high to be taken,” the Scavenger said.
“It’s no use crying over spilt milk.”
“What is happening?” Daniel broke into the conversation. “I was feeling somewhat empty not long ago, and now my Elemental Powers are not working? Are they somehow related?”
“Wait a minute,” Lynx said suddenly. “Did you meet the man who helped you discover your Elemental Powers?”
“Yes,” the Scavenger said. “We met Aronicle.”
“Did he place his hand on the children’s brains?” Lynx directed his question towards the Scavenger.
The Scavenger frowned. “No, the children’s skulls are unbroken.”
“Fool, I am talking about their heads!” Lynx said
“Oh, then yes, Aronicle did touch their heads. But then what?”
“By placing his hand on their heads, he took back their powers.” Lynx’s face wore an expression of pity. “I feel sorry, but their Elemental Powers are no more with them.”
