April walked to a section of the hut where a small table rested. It was just now Renee noticed the clothing along the hut’s back wall. There were box-like shelves there, very similar to the cubicles she employed at school. Within each compartment, clothes were neatly folded and stacked. Renee noticed small numbers written above each section, and assumed the clothing was organized based on size. “Oh, where did I put that?” April seemed to be talking to herself as she shuffled through items on the table. At last, she produced a small rope with black tic marks lined along its surface. “Ok, my dear, do you mind lifting your arms so I can measure your waist?” Renee complied accordingly, wishing the process would go quickly. It seemed finding the tool was the most time consuming issue. The woman had Renee measured in a matter of seconds and was already handing her a new set of pants. “I’ll go in the back room so you can change in here. You have a wonderful day, my dear.” April then pushed aside a section of bamboo in the wall and crossed into another room. Wow I didn’t even know that was there…oh well…no time for lollygagging…With that intent, Renee changed the pants in a matter of seconds.
“Oh, and you can leave the boy’s pants on that table…” April’s voice rang out from the other room. Renee followed her instructions, and then rushed out of the hut.
As she exited, now dressed in properly fitting attire, she saw Miria standing outside waiting for her. “Now you must feel much better in that outfit.” Miria’s mood had clearly shifted and she seemed to be trying to keep things as light as possible.
“I am. I must admit my curiosity is raging though…can we please talk now?” Renee tried to be as polite as possible with the question.
“Of course my dear, I am certain you want answers. Walk with me.” Miria led them out towards the dock. “Do you remember when the fireballs came down and I explained there was no catch to Neveah, simply an enemy?” Renee nodded her acknowledgment, eager to get to the real kicker. “Well, there is a city not far from here that is much unlike Neveah. Its citizens thrive on greed. They feed off of fear and hate. The majority of them are simply misguided souls, though their leader…..Well, let’s just say she is the definition of evil. She rules the city of Luthania in the cruelest fashion.” Miria paused after this, as though anticipating a question from Renee.
“Please do not misunderstand me, that is horrible…but I don’t understand how this is related to Neveah?” Renee felt rude even asking such a question, but it seemed like necessary information.
“Well, she has been after our city for centuries now. She desires nothing more than to see The Protector forced to bow before her and accept her evil ways. This leads me to the first difficult news….She has once again declared war against Neveah. We must go into battle at first light.” A strange look of deep sorrow crossed Miria’s face. Renee would have expected anger or at the very least determination, but instead Miria seemed truly saddened by this news.
“So citizens of Neveah actually fight....and wait….that is the first difficult news?” Renee lifted a questioning brow...and how can such a lovely peaceful city possibly go into battle? Thus far, the conversation with Miria seemed to be raising more questions instead of providing answers.
A genuine half smile lifted on Miria’s face. “Yes, despite how it may appear, we are quite fierce warriors when necessary. Please do not misunderstand me. We would prefer to solve an issue without violence whenever possible. There are simply some times that leave us no option but to take guard and fight for what we believe in, to fight for what we love.” Here Miria again paused and the half smile vanished from her face. She and Renee just arrived at the dock’s end and she now stopped in place. Turning toward Renee, she looked her directly in the eyes before continuing. “The other news is more direct towards you, Renee. There is a reason you could not understand Ellhion. This is difficult for me to say….but…you are not a citizen of Neveah, not yet at least….”
Anxiety and fear coursed through Renee. She could not possibly understand how Sam was already a citizen and she was not. In the brief time she spent in this place, she felt more happiness than in her entire life combined. “Well what must I do? I will do anything, whatever it takes to become one, simply give me the instructions and I will follow.” Desperation sounded in Renee’s voice. Somehow she knew the answer before Miria even spoke a response.
“Oh my dear….I am afraid it is not that simple….you still have far too much to accomplish back home. Eventually, when the time is right, you just may return.” Miria gently placed her hand on Renee’s shoulder in an obvious attempt to comfort her. Renee shrugged her off and turned away, towards the edge of the dock. She did her best to contain the tears from forming in her eyes. I cannot go back…..this is so unfair….why….just when I have finally found joy…A single tear dripped down her small, youthful check.
“What about Sam? Will he go back with me?” The watery liquid still rested in Renee’s eyes, on the verge of a full waterfall.
“No, my dear, it is his time to stay.” The words seemed to hurt Miria as much as Renee. Renee lost control and the tears began to pour down her face.
“When? How long…till I must…go back?” The words came out through gurgling sobs.
“I do not know….it is not up to me to decide, my dear….may I please hug you again?”
Miria’s request was one of truest concern. Renee nodded as she wiped away the tears from her eyes. As Miria embraced her, Renee once again felt the peace that surpassed her comprehension. Its comfort seemed to dry the remaining tears and allowed Renee to think in a more composed fashion.
“Well….the battle tomorrow…I would like to help.”
“That is not necessary. There are plenty of soldiers here who can fight….and I myself shall stand amongst them.” Miria stood with confident resolution at these words.
“Please? Provided I am allowed to remain in Neveah for at least another day….I want to battle alongside you. These lands, you, and Sam have all brought me more joy in life than anything else….that is something worth fighting for.” Renee spoke the words with a definitive purpose, even if she was oblivious to what she was opting for.
“Very well….my dear, so it shall be…” Miria’s words ceased here and for a long time they both stood in silence. Renee’s attention was drawn to the night sky resting above the watery surface. Stars seemed to crowd the sky, each shining its own level of light. The scene was truly lovely.
“When I do return….I want you to know, I’ll never forget you.” Renee looked Miria directly in the eyes now, a daughterly love expressed in her own.
“Nor shall I ever forget you…..for now, though, we must both get some rest. Follow me and I will show you to your sleeping chambers.” Miria finally smiled once again as she led Renee back away from the dock. Arriving in front of Miria’s own hut, she led the girl inside once again. A second bed with fresh linens seemed to be calling Renee’s name as she approached it. She plopped onto it without the slightest hesitation.
“Goodnight Miria.”
“Goodnight Renee.”
A thought flashed through Renee’s mind. “Oh wait….before the battle, can you translate a message to Little Guy….I mean, Winston, for me?”
“I see you have learned his true name.” A smiled flashed across Miria’s face. “Of course, my dear….for now, rest.”
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27. Face The Fear
Emily continued onward, pulled by the will of the men and Lucy. It was now she more apparently felt the remaining effects of the alcohol. Her steps, influenced by the liquid substance and also weakened by defeat, were sloppy, to say the least. It felt as though half the time, the men were dragging her more than anything else. They approached the tent where Emily first met her destiny and the dreaded Lucy. The horrendous woman leading them was several yards ahead, pushing them swiftly onward. Ethan took advantage of this opportunity and leaned in close to Emily’s ear. “You know it really is a shame. I wanted your innocence for myself so badly….”
He breathed in deeply after this, smelling the tips of her hair. Emily turned her head away from him. “It really is unfortunate you had to ruin it by being such a bitch….now I will thoroughly enjoy watching you die!” He ended the final word with a hissing sound, followed by laughter.
“What is going on back there? Stop joking around, you worthless pigs!” This was the voice of Lucy, who was apparently quite agitated with their slowed pace. They all rushed forward, dragging Emily along, and caught up to their leader within seconds. I don’t get it….why do they put up with her….what power does she possess to control them like this….just one creature can’t possibly be all that’s stopping them from rebelling…Emily kept the thought to herself, certain any attempt against the manipulative Lucy would be futile.
The group passed the tents hastily and continued moving forward for some time. Finally, they came to an opening in the forest and stopped. This area provided far more of a spectacle than Emily could have ever imagined. As she scanned the scene from her left to right, she observed an almost perfect line of warriors of every variety. There were men wearing old fashioned metal plated armor with long swords attached at their hips. Others wore their name brand jeans and shirts. Many of these also had bulletproof jackets as an over layer. The overwhelming majority of them were armed with guns of every variety and size. Further down, a small select group was dressed entirely in black from head to toe, their faces hidden behind masks. Emily barely caught sight of ninja throwing stars on one of their hips.
Further along the line to her left, she saw the horrendous creature from the mall. The thing was pacing from side to side, as though eagerly awaiting something. In front of them all rested a hillside that was completely blank, excluding the sun’s rays shining over it. Oddly enough, the top of the hill captured the attention of most of the warriors. The fighters who were not blatantly staring at it, frequently glanced that direction. Looking back down the line, Emily caught a quick glimpse of a familiar face. Was that?....no it couldn’t be…She continued to stare in the same direction, waiting for the face to be revealed once again.
“Ethan, gather two boards from the storage tent and bring them here…” Lucy chirped out the order with ease.
“But why…”
“Quickly!” Lucy cut him off short. Ethan grumbled something as he walked off. Their conversation momentarily distracted Emily from her observations but she looked back down the line just in time. She caught a clear view of the man’s face now and with the image, her own expression sunk even further. Kyle….no…it can’t be….how did he end up in this horrible place too…Her own predicament instantaneously seemed less relevant. She could not wrap her mind around how the love of her life ended up in this dreadful land. Tears rushed toward the surface in her eyes and began falling, seemingly at their own will.
“Oh dear, are you crying? You poor thing…” Lucy was clearly taunting her. “You know, I can make this all stop, you can be free to fight alongside us….all you have to do is bow before me and pledge your allegiance. It’s simple really.” Lucy smiled, hoping Emily would bow out of weakness.
“Never!” Emily spat on the ground in the direction of Lucy, disgusted by even her presence.
“Very well then, have it your way…” Lucy smirked, still clearly joyful in her victory, one way or another. “I must say, your timing is truly impeccable though….you decide to rebel against us just as things are getting interesting….you will make quite a battle symbol alongside the others. I shall truly enjoy admiring your death.” Lucy smiled viciously, her eyes were now glowing a vibrant red. In the background, Emily could barely make out the sounds of Ethan’s clumsy steps approaching them once again. “Emily, this is your last chance….I will not give you another. Think carefully before you answer. Will you change your ways and bow before me?” Lucy stood up straight. She seemed certain Emily’s mind would transform soon enough.
Ethan approached them now and was laying the two boards down in front of Emily, forming a cross shape with them. He started binding the boards together with a thick rope and Emily’s heart sank further. They’re going to hang me on that….dear God….no…no...Panic filled her and she desperately squirmed for freedom. She attempted to claw the hands of the men holding her and managed a minor scratch.
“Ow! You little bitch!” The man slapped her across the face with his free hand.
“Now that will not be necessary, Baldwin. Ethan, come here.” Lucy’s words were like an auto pilot command. Ethan immediately rose from his current project and approached her hideous side. It was just now Emily noticed something else had changed about Lucy. Though her seemingly perfect figure remained, black lines like veins started to cover her entire body, even stretching across her face. As the brute approached her side, Lucy reached into the bowels of her bosom and manifested a small bottle. She pulled out the cork and whispered something into Ethan’s ear while staring Emily directly in the eyes. Emily immediately knew the contents were intended for her. As the assumed instructions were whispered to him, Ethan smiled brightly.
Emily continued to squirm, desperate to do anything to get out of this situation. She knew whatever was in that bottle was certainly not anything good. Ethan approached her quickly and immediately grabbed her jaw, forcefully tilting her head back. Before Emily could react, she could feel a slimy liquid pouring down her throat. She tried to fight it, attempting to hold the substance within the corridors of her mouth, to later be released. Unfortunately, this was far more difficult than the movies made it appear. The dreadful slime slipped down her throat effortlessly. Emily coughed violently as Ethan released her. Composing herself, her face lifted ferociously toward Lucy. “What have you done to me, you evil witch?”
“A witch?” Lucy chuckled before continuing. “Oh, you wish I was merely a witch….that would be far better for you. Regarding your symptoms though, first your body will start to feel extremely weak….” As Lucy spoke the words, Emily experienced the symptom. Suddenly her arms felt like limp noodles, her mind became fuzzy. Everything around her started to become a blur. “Well, there’s really no point in me explaining it all, since you shall be experiencing every symptom within a few moments. Now it is time for you to answer my question: for the last time, will you bow to me?” Lucy smiled as black lines circulated around her lips.
Emily felt like she was in a daze. Nothing seemed clear to her now, well, almost nothing…She is evil. If that is all you know….you know that….fight this Em….come on…“No…” Emily managed the word, but it was a half whisper.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think I heard you correctly. What did you say?” Lucy was leaning down now, where Emily’s head currently rested in a forward position toward the ground.
At the woman’s question, Emily gathered her strength and lifted her head. The world spun even more. She forced herself to look the dreadful woman directly in the eyes. “I said NO!” She screamed the final word. Several of the warriors alongside them spun to face her direction.
“Very well, then you shall die!” A look of sheer rage crossed Lucy’s face as she waved a signal to the men surrounding them. They followed her direction accordingly and immediately laid Emily on top of the wooden boards, each one holding out one of her arms. Ethan followed behind them, tying Emily’s arms at the wrists, to the wooden cross structure. Finally, he tied her feet to the bottom. It was in this moment Emily’s body started to convulse.
“ETHAN!” Lucy was clearly the one pissed now. “What else did you give her?” As Lucy questioned her brute, she grabbed his face in her hands, allowing her nails to scratch along his cheeks. Blood spilled down the man’s once perfect face.
“Ow….nothing….we only had a few drinks earlier….” Ethan squirmed slightly but did not defend himself by fighting the woman.
Finally, she released her grip. “You fool! Why did you not inform me? Now we will have to wait till she….”
***
Emily no longer heard the voice of Lucy. Everything went black for a moment. Sud
denly she was back in Kyle’s room, lying on his bed. Strangely enough though, she felt like a prisoner here.
Wait…..is this his bed?....what’s happening to me…Emily’s brain was definitely not functioning normally. What was off, she did not know, but everything seemed strange. The scene moments before vanished from her mind entirely. Her focus shifted now to an unexplained fear. An indescribable, intangible presence surrounded her like fog, applying pressure to every part of her. This was not her boyfriend’s bed or even his room at all. It seemed unlike any other ordinary room or bed, yet something was amiss.
Before she could thoroughly investigate her surroundings, she realized someone or something was beside her. Fear rose from the depths of her being, coursing through her body, mind, and soul. Something was very, very wrong. She lay there frozen as a wasteland for a split second that stretched into hours, immobilized by the horrific feeling around her.
Oh God, help me…what’s wrong with me…The thought itself seemed to trigger a reaction and the person or creature shifted beside her, ever so calm in its movements. Mustering all her courage, she slowly rolled toward the unknown being. A slight rush of relief flowed through her as she identified the back of the silhouette as Kyle. Wait, wasn’t he just…Emily tried to regain lost thoughts. She was failing miserably. Nothing about this felt normal, nothing about her felt normal….but why?
Then an all too familiar terror surfaced, knocking at the door of her mind, promising torturous play was about to ensue. The figure, now clearly aware she awoke, crept her way. It did not turn in any ordinary sense, yet was somehow instantly facing her. For a moment, the face of her love was revealed. Emily felt a small wave of relief wash over her. It did not last long.
As Kyle’s eyelids slid away from one another, eerily reptile-like in their movements, they opened to unveil sunken black eyes. The horror returned in full force and Emily felt as though she was scrambling as fast as she could. Her feet and legs squirmed for release; yet she remained immobile. The fear captured her and, in a demented way, grasped her curiosity. What is wrong with me…
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 15
