The Island on the Edge of Forever (The Epic of Aravinda Book 2)

by Andrew M. Crusoe

  “No, and don’t call me that, either.” Asha said. “Someone told me it would be wise to come here…” Her voice trailed off, and she sighed.

  “Honey, is everything okay?” Lakshmi floated toward the steps. “You sound full of sorrow. You should join us. The warm pond will help you release that sorrow.”

  “I don’t know, Lakshmi.” Now that her eyes had adjusted more to the low light, Asha studied the warm pond wall and the dark mass of ocean beyond. She wasn’t anywhere near where the Kiss of Life could be.

  “To be honest,” Asha said, “I’m starting to feel like I don’t even know why I’m here. I came to this island for a reason, and now my friend is sick, and, and—”

  “Hey now. Asha, it’s going to be okay.” Tiika walked out of the pool, revealing that she was completely naked. Asha tried to ignore her nakedness, but had to admit it wasn’t an entirely horrible sight.

  Tiika walked up to her, held her shoulders, and looked directly into her warm, brown eyes.

  “Come join us.” Tiika gazed at her intensely, freezing Asha’s thinking. “We will help you.”

  Asha blinked and looked away. “I don’t think so. There are other things I should do. I need to find out where the power source of this island is.”

  “My dear,” Lakshmi called from the pond. “I’d love to help you again, but Tiika and I find that conversations flow much better when we all share the same water. And the water of this pond is indeed blessed.”

  Asha furrowed her eyebrows.

  “She’s right, you know.” Tiika smirked at her. “And why would an adorable woman like you need to know about the power of this island? That is special knowledge.”

  Asha’s expression darkened at her words. “Because my friend is going to die unless I find it, Tiika!”

  Tiika sighed. “I’m getting cold. I may be able to help you, but if you want to talk, you’ll need to join us in the warm pond.” She folded her arms. “Just remember,” she added, “it’s a disgrace to our ancestors to enter the pond with any clothing.”

  “Anything?”

  “Anything whatsoever, moops.”

  Tiika turned around and walked back down into the water. For a few moments, they just stared at her.

  Asha stared back, resisting the urge to yell at Tiika for calling her a pet name yet again.

  “Sorry,” Asha replied. “Maybe I took a wrong turn back there. Have a good evening.”

  Asha waved and walked back into the forest.

  “As you wish,” Tiika called back. “But before you leave, I have one final question for you.”

  Asha stopped and turned around, letting her curiosity get the better of her. “What?”

  “Where else are you going to find two generations of cave hunters that are open to hearing your questions? We know this island inside and out.” Tiika nodded her head in a slow, almost hypnotizing rhythm.

  Asha took a deep breath and stared out onto the pond. Lakshmi was floating on her back now, in what appeared to be a state of wonderful relaxation.

  “Okay,” Asha finally said, “but please realize that if you so much as lay a finger on me, I will not hesitate to defend myself. I am armed, and not afraid to use it. I hope you can understand.”

  “Of course, my dear.” Lakshmi floated back over to the edge of the pond. “But I want you to know that you are safe here, Asha, despite present company.” She glanced over to Tiika. “It’s important to us for you to feel at home on our island, especially at this pond.” Lakshmi tilted her head. “What ever happened to cause you to be so slow to trust?”

  Asha walked to the edge of the pond, noticing for the first time two small piles of clothes, one orange and one in earth tones, on the edge.

  “Perhaps someday I’ll tell you.” Asha removed her boots. “But I don’t know. It’s a long story.” Asha folded her jacket and slipped off her pants, placing both on the ground beside a nearby tree. She looked back up to Tiika and Lakshmi who were watching her, and stopped.

  “Excuse me, do you either of you know what modesty is?”

  “Whatever do you mean?” Tiika said.

  I guess the wristcomm can’t translate everything. Then again, what if they don’t have a word for ‘modesty’, at all?

  “Do you mind averting your eyes for a moment? Where I’m from, this is rather awkward.”

  “Is that so? Yet why should it be?” Lakshmi said. “Do you have fear surrounding your appearance?”

  “Seriously, Asha.” Tiika laughed. “Have you become blind? Don’t you see that you’re a paragon of majesty? You are powerful. You have no need to be afraid.”

  Asha gasped as a feeling of déjà vu struck her.

  “Blind?” Her expression fell. “Wait, what did you call me?”

  “You heard me,” Tiika said, still floating near the edge.

  “That’s… kind of you to say, Tiika, but that’s putting me on a pedestal. I’m just a healer. I didn’t ask to be admired.”

  “Yet admired you are,” Tiika said. “Why do you have difficulty receiving such admiration?”

  Asha glared back at her. “Keep talking, Tiika, and watch the thing you admire disappear.”

  “Tiika!” Lakshmi said. “Please be patient with her.” Lakshmi looked up to Asha who was now wearing only a thin shirt and underwear. “My dear, we will turn our backs until you are ready. Is that better?”

  “Yes,” Asha said. “Thank you.”

  They both turned, and as they waited, Tiika hummed a playful tune.

  Asha slipped off her thin shirt and took some time to admire the sky, which was growing clearer by the minute. Even though the constellations were foreign to her, they still comforted her somehow. And once she had removed the last of her clothes and placed her wristcomm safely under them, she noticed how comforting the warm breeze was. She had never been to a world where the air itself caressed her in a loving embrace, even in the middle of the night.

  She dipped her toe into the water and found it to be remarkably warm. With each step, her body went deeper into the womb-like environment of the warm pond, and soon the water was up to her shoulders. She wiped some dirt off of her wrist and hugged herself.

  She dove under and swam toward them, right up to Lakshmi.

  “You were right.” Asha smiled. “I do feel better now.”

  Lakshmi turned around and smiled back. “See, honey? I thought so.”

  Asha looked around. The construction of the pool was more obvious to her now. There was an underwater ledge that ran along the edge that was perfect for sitting.

  Tiika turned around and floated over to her. “So, how do you feel? Isn’t it lovely?”

  “It’s really warm! I can see why you both like it here.”

  “Yes,” Lakshmi said. “On especially lovely nights, we even have village meetings here.”

  Asha ducked her head under the surface again, submerging her long hair completely before pushing it back.

  “I’m sorry to say I can’t stay long,” Asha said. “I’m only here because I have questions. My friend is counting on me, and I don’t know how much time she has left.”

  “Sounds like drama,” Tiika said. “What happened to her?”

  “Well, do you know those big, bubbly sea creatures?”

  “Ah.” Lakshmi nodded. “Yes, I know them.”

  “My friend has spoken to everyone, but no one can cure her. We came here for a specific mission that concerns the safety of this entire world, not to mention many others. And now that she is sick, it’s up to me,” Asha said, her eyes darting back and forth between the two women, “which is why I need your help. If you both really are cave explorers, then I need your help getting closer to the energy source under the island. If I can’t find it, my friend Mira is going to die.”

  As she said this, Tiika studied the curves of Asha’s body that rose above the water. She found her every movement alluring and felt even more drawn to her, swimming within her eyes as she spoke. “Everyone dies, shmoops.”

/>   “Stop calling me that!” Asha burst out. “I’ve told you to stop calling me that for what feels like days now. Stop it!”

  Tiika’s mouth twisted. “My goodness, such a temper! I’m sorry,” Tiika paused. “Asha. I choose a name for everyone I like. You should take it as an honor.”

  “Well, I don’t like it. So stop.”

  Tiika squinted. “Of course, Asha. I suppose I was so taken aback by your beauty that my old habit resurfaced. Please, accept my deepest apology.” Tiika bowed her head. “I am sorry.”

  “Stop saying sorry,” Asha said. “Can you help me or not?”

  Lakshmi’s eyes narrowed on Asha as Tiika continued. “I wish I could, but even if I did know the way to the energy source of the island, it would be forbidden for me to take you. Think about it, Asha. Even if I could reach it, do you really expect me to take you, a foreigner, to such a sacred place? Such a journey would have deep spiritual significance. If I were to do something like that for a foreigner, I would be disgracing our traditions.” Tiika flashed a saccharine smile. “I hope you can understand.”

  Asha glanced over to Lakshmi for support, but found her expression unusually stoic.

  “But don’t you see? I am on a spiritual journey!” Asha’s eyes widened. “This island has already opened me up so much and revealed evidence for theories I’d only suspected before.” Asha’s voice became hushed as she peered into both of their eyes. “Like when Oonak told me his world was related to Avani. I wasn’t sure if I could believe it. How could planets be related? Planets! But this world has changed that. The more I experience your world and the people here, the more I see that what Oonak said was true. There is no separation. We really are galactic brothers and sisters. Don’t you see that?”

  Both women were stunned to silence.

  “My dear, your heart is opening!” Lakshmi said. “For only through the heart do we learn truth, and you have grasped upon an eternal truth that many on other worlds may never accept. If you apply that knowledge, it will make you wise.”

  “Thank you,” Asha said. “Hey, wait! How do you know about other worlds? I haven’t seen any advanced technology on this island at all.”

  “We dream of them,” Lakshmi said. “Such vivid dreams, every day. And those from other worlds, such as yourself, have come before. As long as they are civilized, we show them the same hospitality that we have shown you.”

  “I see. Then you must have met some pretty interesting people over the years.” Asha was about to mention the ship she saw under the water, but stopped herself. “Thanks for considering me civilized. I do what I can.”

  “But,” Tiika added, “that doesn’t change our traditions. I still cannot take you, Asha, and if you try to convince me, I suspect I shall become quite unpleasant.”

  Tiika’s gaze drifted over to her clothes lying in a silly pile beside a tree.

  “All right,” Asha said. “I understand.”

  To her surprise, Tiika swam away and walked up the steps, picking up her tunic and sash from the ground.

  Still nude, she turned to Asha with a smirk on her face. “I’ve just remembered there is something I need to do.” She bowed briefly. “I’m sure our paths will cross again.”

  Asha watched as she walked down the path, still clutching her clothes in one hand.

  “I wasn’t interested in walking anywhere with you, anyway,” Asha whispered, and her gaze drifted back over to Lakshmi, who was floating on her back in the middle of the pond.

  “So,” Asha said. “You’re still here.”

  “Shh,” she said. “I am meditating over the waters to open myself up to a possibility. Do not leave. I’d like to speak with you in a few minutes.”

  “Oh,” Asha said. “Okay, I’ll just swim a bit, then.”

  She rolled over onto her back and kicked her feet, drifting over to the narrow channel that let ocean water in. The chill of the ocean water shocked her at first.

  Stretched across the channel was a tightly woven rope, and she grabbed onto it and let the current push her back. It was so strong that she stretched out onto her stomach, and felt as if she were flying through the water, even though she wasn’t moving at all. The feeling of the current over her bare skin felt wonderful.

  Just as Asha was about to hook her feet under the rope and lie on her back, she heard Lakshmi’s voice.

  “Having fun?” she said. “Come over here when you’re ready.”

  Asha almost felt embarrassed. She’d completely lost track of time playing in the water, lost track of herself, even.

  “Yes!” Asha called back. “I’ll be right over.” And she turned around and swam back over to the steps.

  When she arrived, Lakshmi was already dressed and handed Asha her thin shirt and a small towel.

  “Thanks.” Asha floated over to the edge of the pool.

  “Get dressed and follow me.” Lakshmi’s voice took on a charged tone. “We may not have much time.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  After quickly drying off and putting her clothes back on, she reflexively felt for the resonator Mira had given her. It was still there, safe in her pocket.

  Asha caught up to Lakshmi, and with a silent wave of her hand, she led Asha down a new path that followed the coast, lined on both sides with small white flowers.

  They walked for some time as the pebbled path weaved around rock formations and over a short bridge spanning a rushing stream. Asha tried to examine where it led, but the forest canopy shaded the moonlight, making it difficult to see. Lakshmi urged her on, through the forest and between low stone walls that only reached up to her knees, until they came to a small wooden hut perched on a stone slab overlooking the ocean.

  Abruptly, Lakshmi stopped and looked over to Asha with a spark in her eyes.

  “I believe I know of where you seek, my dear. A holy place. But I must speak with you further before I can share with you the mystery of the Rift.” She paused, smiling warmly. “So, Ashakirta, will you join me inside for chaya?”

  CHAPTER 22

  THE STEAMING TEA

  Asha searched the eyes of the woman. Before, Lakshmi seemed only nurturing and warm, but now Asha saw a new side of her, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. Still, she felt Lakshmi truly did want to help.

  “What is chaya?” Asha asked.

  “An ancient drink of my people. I find it most helpful during stimulating conversation. Don’t worry; it has only positive effects. Follow me.”

  She walked up the carved stone steps to the wooden hut and opened a narrow door framed in palm leaves, which made a familiar rustle as they brushed against the ground.

  As she stood in the doorway, Asha could barely make out the silhouette of a table and some chairs.

  “Oh, I suppose I should create some light. I almost forgot that you do not have the Sight as we do.” Lakshmi disappeared into the darkness of the far end, until a pale orange glow splashed across the room. Lakshmi waved her inside, and when Asha looked over, she noticed a small hearth at the far wall. Within a minute, Lakshmi had stoked the fire so that she could clearly see her face.

  “So, how do you know Tiika?” Asha asked.

  “One moment, my dear.”

  Asha watched as she placed a small kettle on a hook over the fire. The woman, who still appeared regal wrapped in an orange sari, sat down at the square table and gestured for Asha to sit across from her. Asha did so, pausing only to brush some crumbs off of the chair.

  “Now I am going to ask you a question, and I am only going to ask it once.” Lakshmi paused. “I don’t believe you are a liar, Asha, but you should know that if I detect even the faintest hint of a lie, your life on this island will rapidly become quite difficult. Do I make myself clear?”

  There was a sternness in Lakshmi’s face that she hadn’t seen before. Still, Asha didn’t feel that she meant to be unkind. She got the feeling that Lakshmi knew from experience the importance of clarity and honesty.

  Her eyes glanced at the growing fire
. “Yes, I understand.”

  “Good.” Lakshmi closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

  “So,” Asha said, “what did you want to ask me?”

  Lakshmi’s eyes shot open, and a charge reached out of them and touched Asha’s heart. “I have two concerns. I am concerned for my people, yet I am also concerned for you. When we first met, you asked me if a person from our island would ever leave for someone they cared about.” Lakshmi’s gaze softened. “You are struggling with this personally, aren’t you?”

  Asha looked down at the table’s chiseled surface. “Yes,” she whispered. “How did you know?”

  Lakshmi smiled, yet in a sad way. “When one learns to quiet their mind, one can perceive many nuances in another, such as the turmoil inside of your heart at this time. If you want to share, I’d like to offer an open ear and an open heart.”

  Asha took a deep breath and puffed it out. “Well, let’s say, hypothetically, that I met someone from an island really far away, like, the other side of the world.”

  Lakshmi stopped her. “Your metaphors are no longer necessary, Asha. I know about life on other worlds, remember?”

  “That’s right; sorry! So, he’s from a world thousands of light-years from mine. And we have this charge between us. In my heart, I know there could be a loving future for us. But, I also feel a duty to stay where I am. What should I do, Lakshmi?”

  The woman closed her eyes and meditated on the question for a few moments.

  “There are various ways to gain clarity, but I am not sure you’re ready for some of them. How long have you known him, if I may ask?”

  Asha pursed her lips. “I don’t see how that matters. We’ve been through some incredible adventures, and I’ve seen what he’s made of. He’s cocky sometimes, but he’s also brave and selfless and smart and—”

  Lakshmi laughed. “Then why are you in such conflict? Why not live in his world for a while and see how you like it?”

  Asha sighed. “I wish it were that easy. My home is under threat by some pretty nasty creatures, and I’ve lived there so long that I feel it’s my responsibility to keep it safe.”