Ellipsis - Creators of Six #1

by Jacob White

  “If I can save one person, the risk is worth it. Let's do it.” Without stopping to take in the room, I reached for Laila’s hand and Instantly a flash of pain came. My vision darkened.

  “Brother, Welcome!” A deep voice pronounced. With a loud snap, a bedroom appeared with the princess on the bed, wrists tied, no clothing on and bleeding from several cuts. Liam only had pants on and a smile that was so inviting it sent fear into me. His hair was black and short. They matched his black eyes. His had the form that you imagine a god would with a hard stomach of muscle. Liam was half a head taller than me and his arms were toned as they relaxed at his sides.

  “Would you like a go, Weaver? She is quite beautiful.” I couldn’t hold my anger at him, but I know there was a bigger picture and restrained myself.

  “Laila, I know you can't believe me now, but I will save you from him.” A deep laugh echoed through the room. I was then slammed into a wall facing the bed.

  “Well I was going to be generous, but know I think I will break her mind and her body as you sit there and watch. How could you think that you could stop a god?”

  “Not just I. Oh Just thought I should let you that your pants are somewhat tight. Not impressed.” Instantly there was a pain in my right leg as I saw it on the ground spewing blood. I started to scream, and a hand was placed on my chest. My leg was attached again.

  “This isn't your head Weaver, but you still have power here. He can make you think whatever he wants. Just know it is all an imagination. As for you Liam, you will stop this now, or we will destroy what little soul you have left.” Gibi said

  “Ahh, dear Gibi the righteous, loved by all but wants nothing in return. How noble of an entrance for you. I suppose it all makes sense now though. Hmm… So that means your fragmented essence is still robust enough to maintain a connection to the mortal.” I took a step towards Liam, but Gibi walked in front of me. His face in a hard line of anger. “Oh, come now… you're still not upset about her, aren’t you?”

  “Silence! You will not speak of her; you are not worthy even to think of her name.” The anger of a god was nothing to take lightly. I lost the sense of comfort Gibi usually radiated. “Not good, brother, anger doesn’t suit you.”

  “Why are you here, Liam?” Gibi firmly asked.

  “I thought it obvious… no, nothing? Well as a favor to a brother, I’ll tell you. I can't have your little blessings of hope running all around the worlds, can I? That would create so much more hassle than it is worth. Let me kill this one, and I'll consider not killing the boy here. I’ll end her so as she feels nothing… ish.” It was my turn for anger.

  “If you so much as touch her, I will peel the flesh on from your bones, until my dying breath.”

  “This one has spirit, Gibi. I like him. A nice hint of darkness in him, too.”

  “Enough!” Gibi commanded. “This is your final warning, Liam. Leave now.”

  “No… I don’t think I will.” He slid a finger up Laila’s naked thigh. I heard her trying to be strong, but her crying put me over the edge.

  “Weaver, don’t. You’re not—” I was beyond caring at that point.

  “If I had power here, then I must try.” I started to draw magic into my body, but it was different this time. There was no struggle to reach for it or keep it in. The power seemed endless in Laila’s mind. I walked towards Liam and imagined a sword of light into my hand and infused it with all my magic.

  “Weaver, I'm pretty sure you don’t want to do that.” I took another step and saw Laila’s limbs stretching apart. Beyond anger, I swung for Liam. He was fast, but I could match him here. I continued to turn, and Liam was barely dodging my blows with a confused look on his face. He must have forgotten about Laila as her screams had faded. He called on a sword but made from swirling darkness. I could see the frustration on his face as we danced in and out of each other’s reach. Every time our blades hit, a sound emerged that sounded of screeching creatures. It was almost deafening. We moved around each other like master swordsmen. Then finally my sword hit its mark on his left arm. The sword went right through his bicep, but there was no blood, only a brief spray of darkness. The light continued to spread through his body like veins in a hand.

  “Weaver…” Liam breathed hard through his pain “I was going to wait for you to visit me, but I guess now I should make you a priority. I'll be seeing you soon.” Then the light exploded, and Liam was nowhere to be seen. I hesitated and dropped my sword. I remembered Laila and stood next to the bed. When I touched the swirls of darkness around her wrists, they dissipated. I took coverings the off the ground and threw it over her. She grabbed me and cried into my shoulder.

  “Weaver, thank you. Gods… I was so scared… He... Did things… to...”

  “Shhh … It's okay now, remember this is your mind. I know it feels as if he was real, but he wasn’t. Don’t let him win by extinguishing that light I saw in you. The light that radiated beauty and warmth. The light that gives all of man hope.” Gibi had walked over to us with an expression of worry on his face.

  “He is right, my child. You have my blessing of hope. Just as my brother claimed.”

  “But why haven’t I ever seen it?” She asked as she shook in my arms from fear.

  “It isn't something to be seen, it matures naturally into your entire being. Radiates from you to provide strength to those around you. At times, you can push it to another to offer relief. You are my chosen daughter in this generation to care for the people here and ensure their survival. I will not lie to you, you face great peril, and I must ask you to stay with Weaver. Now more than ever, you both must become friends and trust one another. You affect each other’s success beyond what either of you could understand. Know that you cannot use this gift on yourself. The gift is only as strong as your own conviction. If you turn it to yourself, it wouldn’t do anything as it is already coming from you.” Gibi turned his head towards me.

  “Weaver, I must warn you, the magic you used within this state has done you great harm. Even now we are still standing where we once were, but as soon as I release the hold on Laila, you very well might die. The magic you took was from your own.”

  “How is that possible? The power felt endless. It didn’t feel like mine. I can't even use light magic.”

  “You are correct, the magic came from me and the stone, which in turn is powered by your own. You exceeded the power reserved in the stone and then took too much from yourself. I am telling you this because you must fight the lure to of the afterlife. It will try to coerce you, it is beautiful and calming. But Weaver, you must not fall for the lies, I beg of you. All will end if you go there before it is your time.”

  “Before my time?”

  “I can say no more, but I warn you that you will be unconscious and have no protection from the stone. Laila, this is where I will need your help. Upon awaking, call Master Hor and lock yourself inside of your chambers until Weaver can wake. Allow nobody in. It seems my brother has regained enough power to command his followers from within their minds. I am sorry for not expecting this and how much pain he has caused you. Can you do what I have asked?”

  “Of course, my god Gibi, you need only but to ask.”

  “None of that now. Laila, I am truly sorry for what you went through. Know this, I will use more power from Weaver but not too much to ensure his death and place a block on your mind so that none may enter again. This means you as well might have a connection to me, but not nearly strong as Weaver.”

  “Lucky you…” I said to Laila, and she smiled. She sat up, and kissed my cheek as her arms wrapped around my neck. The covering held in her hands followed.

  “Thank you, Weaver. I know this was a significant risk to you and Gibi. I will not forget what you have done.”

  I looked at Gibi who had turned his face away. It might have been my imagination, but I thought I saw him blushing. I looked back, and then I realized why. Laila’s body was now completely clean free of wounds. But her bare breasts had be
en pushing against my own chest without the covering as a barrier. She pulled away and covered herself.

  “Um, Princess, I appreciate… your… um… thanks.” She looked down to avoid my eyes.

  “Well… that was eventful. Laila, are you ready to return? I'm afraid I cannot wipe this from your memory since it is attached to my directions for Weaver's safety.” Softness filled his voice to give calm to the situation.

  “It's fine, truly, and I shall do my best to honor all that you have commanded of me.” Gibi nodded and smiled his thanks.

  “I am glad to see my blessing is not wasted.” He then snapped his fingers, and she was gone.

  “Weaver, it is now your turn. I'm sorry for the vulnerability I now cause you. I will return once my power is back within the stone, but I fear I will have to reestablish a link to myself. That could take time. Be well and continue your training if we survive this.” I nodded and closed my eyes.

  When I opened them, I was no longer in a bedroom but a bright open field, with the light of a sun pouring into me creating such warmth, I couldn’t help but not smile and relax. I took a deep breath and let my shoulders fall, free from all tension.

  I walked for what seemed like hours, but no sign of weariness ever came. I felt so complete and whole. I felt the grass in my hands and often stopped just to lay and look to the sky. There was no stone, no troubles, and no threat of Liam here. I finally saw a small village in the distance and made that my destination. The closer I came, the more the noise of a celebration became more evident. I walked under a massive archway decorated with flowers and saw a big rectangular table in the middle of the town square. There was so much laughter and love. All I wanted was to join them.

  “Hello, there, my young friend, and welcome to Dern.” I had never heard of the city before, but there was no sense of worry or danger. I accepted it as if I had always belonged there. “Come join us!”

  “Not before his mother and father say hello!” I heard a yell coming from the table, and two people stood and walked over.

  “Mama? How, I don’t understand. And father?”

  “Shhh, my sweet, it is us.” I had never seen my Pa before. He had died before I could remember him, or ran off. I couldn’t remember now, but it didn’t seem to matter. My mother had a healthy tint to her skin and looked as more calm and relaxed than I had ever seen. Her wrinkles had almost faded. I could almost see her taking a step back in time.

  “Mama, I've missed you. You were stronger than I ever knew and the stone—” A realization just hit me, and I took a step backward. It matched the warning from Gibi. I felt warm and whole. Nothing but satisfaction in my current state. All the feelings I wish always had “We are all dead, aren't we?”

  “Yes, my boy, but that’s okay. Now we can live here forever with each other and everyone you loved.” My father said. I looked back to the table, and everyone was standing now. The people who were sitting were all from my life. Anna, Les, Laila, Ralph, Dirk, Flo, and the other girls from the Yezmon. I cried tears of joy, and they all rushed over claiming me in an embrace. Anna, Les, and Laila had all kissed me as if I was a long-lost love.

  “Les, you aren't mad that they kissed me?”

  “How could I be mad, my love? We can all have you for eternity now.” She leaned closer. “All of us together, if it pleases you.” She slapped my backside. I laughed as everyone else did around me.

  “Come, join us in our celebration of your arrival!” Anna said. I followed them and sat at the head of the table. The table was filled with delicious meats and cups of wine, ale, and other drinks from all over the world.

  “I’m sorry, Mama, if I had known about the stone I could have taken it sooner. You could still be alive.” My mother claimed my hand.

  “My dearest, Weaver, everything that has happened I’m sure was decided long ago. You needed these situations to make you into who you are now.” I smiled at the warmth and the love at this table. “Now, let us eat and drink until we can start again tomorrow!” Everyone started eating. I reached for a piece of bread, and my father grabbed my arm.

  “I'd like to show you something first, if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course.” He smiled. We both stood and walked to the outskirts of the town. There was a beautiful house not far from the village. Unlike the other houses, this one was built tall with stone walls. A beautiful arched roof and long windows to let the sun in. There were horses and other farm animals grazing in a fenced off area. I felt drawn to it as we walked closer. Then my father stopped me. He looked around to make sure he was out of earshot of everyone in the village.

  “Your mother wished she could be here as well, but we knew it would be noticed if we both came to you.”

  “I don’t understand.” I didn't want to listen to his words.

  “Weaver, this is not your time. Deep down I think you know this. Gibi warned me that you might be coming, and I was to aid you as much as I could.”

  “How do you know Gibi?”

  “Who do you think carried the stone before your mother?”

  “If that’s so, did it kill you? Is that why I don’t remember you?”

  “Yes, it did. However, it was not the stones doing. I was already sick when I took it from my father. Still, I knew the toll the stone took, and I accepted it. However, that is not why we are here. You cannot eat the food or enter that house. Once you do your soul will become bound here with us.”

  “Would that be such a bad thing? I'm tired, Papa. I have only started this journey and I am already tired.”

  “I know, my son but it is not us that you save. It’s those around that table whom you care so much for. There is so much more at risk than you can know. Please, you must resist. Your soul is still anchored to your body. At the time your body is once again able to house it properly, it will return.”

  “How are so you so sure I can do this? I am nothing. I was meant to be the owner of the Yezmon and now on a path to save our existence. Why did this happen to me?” My father looked out into the distance.

  “Weaver, I can't tell you that it is going to be easy or even pretend to understand. You will lose loved ones, lose friends, but you will also gain them as well. As far as the Yezmon is concerned, you were only ever meant to be there if you believed it to be so. I think you already know how powerful hope can be. You offered it to all those women in your care by offering their freedom. I never meant for that to be your life, but sometimes our choices lead us to places we don’t want to be. If you hope and honestly believe that there is more than just the Yezmon, then, son. You can be anything you want if you aspire to work towards that goal.”

  “I wish for nothing more than quiet and to be with those I love.” My shoulders fell. The burden of all this held me down.

  “Do you not think it a coincidence that your afterlife was this, this place, house, and people. You may have noticed there are empty chairs around the table in town. Do you know why?”

  “I have an idea.”

  “Those seats are not filled due to you not meeting them yet. There is still more love for you to give and receive. I dearly wish I could help you with this task, no father would ever wish this on their son. But, Weaver.” He turned back to me. “It has fallen to you and I'm glad it has. You must never forget, even though we are not with you. Weaver, you must know that we will be watching with love, for all of time. When it is your time, we will be here once again.” Hearing those words was like a slap back into myself. The fleeting thought that I must resist burned now in the front of my mind.

  “I will, for everyone. This task will be completed even if I have to go to Liam's tomb myself.”

  “I know you will, my son, let's get back. Remember do not eat.”

  “What about partaking in other pleasures, let's say, oh I don’t know… three beautiful women at once?” He didn’t reply as we laughed and headed back to the town square and once again everyone was laughing and talking. My mother stood and gave me a long embrace.”

  “I'
m sorry for the distance that was placed when I lived Weaver. But know that I have always loved you.”

  “I know, Mama, and I will continue to know as long as I live.” She pulled back with tears in her eye. She had caught my hint or recognition and smiled. We sat back down, and I talked as much as I could to avoid eating. Finally, it became awkward as my plate remained the same.

  “Weaver, do you wish for something else?” Laila asked as I stood.

  “To be honest, I am not very hungry, I do however wish to dance into the evening with those I love.” All In agreement, there were shouts and out of nowhere a band walked in from another adjacent street and began to play music to dance too. This I did not have to fake. I danced and danced, with whomever I could get my hands on. The peace that was here was beyond comprehension. It felt welcomed within my mind and I let myself take everyone in. In was nice not to have Dirk for once fawning over every woman in sight. Finally, the three women in my life pulled me over, now obviously drunk.

  “Weaver, will you please bed us tonight? We have been talking, and we always want all of us together always.” I couldn’t help but have a boyish grin as they pulled me towards the house my father had shown me. The entire way I was distracted as the women kissed each other and then danced around, circling me, then would steal kisses from me. I had almost stepped inside until I noticed where I was.

  “Is something wrong?” Anna asked from inside the house. She looked at me and let her loose dress drop to the ground that she had been wearing. Although not as full as the others, her body was something that could be remembered for all time as a sculpture. The others followed suit and stood shoulder-to-shoulder trying to draw me in. To make it even harder to resist, they began to touch each other, and I groaned at the sight.

  “You, know I always wanted my first time to be under the stars.” I took a step back and looked up.

  “Weaver, I promise you, we can have each other everywhere for the rest of our existence down here. Now however, we all wish to be laid on a bed, so we may entertain you, before you join us.” Les was begging. They saw that I had taken another step back, and their faces lost their smiles. “Weaver, my love, why aren't you coming in? You didn’t eat either?”