A thunderous roar pierced the room. The Ancient thrashed in its chains. Huge gashes and scars bubbled over its wrists, legs, and waist.
Spike cracked his whip against the wall in a lame attempt to silence it, but he only made it worse. The Ancient thrashed around more vigorously than before. “Shut up, you stupid beast,” Spike said as he made to snap the whip again, but it caught on something behind him. Spike stumbled backward.
Oliver stepped on the end of the tassels. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Spike’s pale skin flared. He dropped the whip. “I’ll teach you to mess with me.”
“Child, I will not hurt you,” said the Ancient, locking eyes on Anni. But that voice!
Anni moved toward the magnificent chained beast and said, “Whiffle?”
“Anni, who are you talking to? Don’t get close,” said Lexi, who followed behind.
“Yes and no,” said Whiffle, even though the Ancient creature’s lips weren’t moving, Whiffle’s voice was coming from it. “Your friends cannot hear me.”
Anni turned back and looked at Lexi’s puzzled expression. She was distracted by Spike, who was rushing at Oliver. Just in the nick of time, Oliver dodged him. Spike was now careening toward Lexi, ready to push her into the Ancient or, even worse, right into one of the Griffin’s barbed chains.
Anni dove in front of Lexi with her arms thrust out. Spike’s cheek grazed her arm.
THUD. BOOM.
Time froze. Face to face, Anni saw a realization in Spike’s eyes; he knew she was the one who had touched the lava stone two days ago. A yellow current engulfed the cell. Lexi, Oliver, and Spike collapsed at the Ancient creature’s feet. Anni stood there, dumbstruck.
“Your friends are well. Make haste and pull the thorn from the beast’s brow,” said Whiffle.
“But…you’re—”
“No! You mustn’t tarry. Remember our contract. You must pull the thorn.”
Anni rushed over, taking no heed to her own safety. “I don’t see it.” She scanned the Ancient’s face, a ghostly blue shade mangled in pain. “There’s nothing here!”
“Wait for it…Calm your mind. You must.”
Anni took a deep breath, close her eyes and opened them. A transparent net made of the finest threads appeared over every inch of the Ancient’s flesh. A thorn, the size of a mallet’s head, materialized, wedged between the creature’s brows.
Repulsed by the oozing liquid dripping from the barb, Anni gulped. “Oh, no.”
“You must do it, now…”
Militant footsteps echoed outside the cellblock. She edged closer to the beast.
“Child, pull it now…”
Anni gripped the thorn and pulled. Her right hand slipped, but her left found purchase. Her muscles felt weak. At last, she freed the thorn. It fell to the ground with a thud and vanished.
The glowing orb on the pedestal surged blasting light onto the creature. The Griffin looked as if two different entities were separating out of it. A second shape emerged from behind. It was even larger: with a long, serpent-like neck, a massive body with wings too huge to unfurl, and rings of sharp, gleaming white teeth that were accompanied by two phosphorescent golden eyes the size of basketballs. Anni shivered when she saw smoke pour from its long snout.
Anni backed away in fright. “Whiffle?”
Meanwhile, the Ancient Griffin’s body started to grow transparent, less physical. The orb’s light was a reparative; the Griffin’s wounds healed as the orb’s light coursed down the creature’s body, melting the iron shackles, which one by one turned to dust.
“There is no time for that. Mind your feelings. I am exactly what you think. Now, Child, before the bindings dissolve, you must join your companion’s hands. Departure is imminent. Quickly, grab the Griffin’s Opus Stone. Grab it to complete your escape.”
“What Opus Stone? Where is it?”
“On the pedestal, but do not touch the orb with your own hands. Use the scarf from the red boy’s neck. Do this now before the leg chains incinerate!”
Spike lay alongside Lexi and Oliver. She pulled the red scarf away from his neck and there she saw it: the Golden Bee Elemental Artifact that had been stolen from the Brazilian Museum. She grabbed it and shoved it into her pocket.
There wasn’t enough time. The Ancient’s chest and wrist chains had vanished. As the Griffin started to heal, a light pulsed over its heart center, amplifying and quickening the rate at which the light spread across its body, only its waist and leg shackles to go. Anni covered her hand with Spike’s red scarf. Her fingertips hovered over the sphere’s surface. A powerful energy radiated from it, dulling her mind and calming her senses.
“Don’t dawdle, Child! Take it now. Place it in the boy’s hand. He alone shall receive the accolades. You shall not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.”
The cell doors blasted open behind her.
“Stop! Stop her!” Spike’s guards bellowed as they charged inside.
Anni connected Lexi’s and Oliver’s hands with hers, and she released the sphere into Oliver’s open palm. His eyes blazed open on contact. The look of recognition that flashed across his face made the tiny hairs on Anni’s neck bristle.
A rumbling, buzzing sound shook the ground beneath them. The cell’s floor, walls and ceiling started to crack. A blast of millions of tiny electric blue lights surged through the prison doors, walls, and floors, knocking all of Spike’s guards aside. As more and more buzzing blue lights entered the room, they started to swirl around the Griffin, Anni, and her friends. A vortex started to open and form above the cell’s ceiling. The Griffin started to dematerialize with the lights, followed by Oliver and Lexi. All Anni could see now were Whiffle’s huge shimmering eyes, mere inches from her own.
“Whiffle, you’re a Dragon.”
“Yes, Child, that is exactly what I am, but you knew that somewhere in the recesses of your mind. I am the last of my kind, and my soul is tied to every Ancient creature left on this planet. Their pain is mine, by creation and punishment, and one by one, I must free them all before I can rest and join my kin. Now, do as I say, and allow the boy to take the credit for saving the Ancient; that is part of our agreement.”
“I don’t understand. Why Oliver?”
“Because Child, I have knowledge you do not. A prophecy, made long ago foretold by the Auguriums, stated that he would have a hand in aiding and restoring Elementalkind’s greatest dream. You may interpret that as you please, but I’ve read your memory, and Mabel told you something similar a long time ago. There are no coincidences in life or death, Anni Moon; everything is interconnected within the tapestry of all that is.” Anni could barely hold her tongue; she had a million questions, but Whiffle’s voice grew fainter and she could scarcely hear what he said next. “Now, I have bestowed upon you a gift, one you will learn to use in time, but know this: your guardian Mabel would be proud, and you honor her. Remember: Our work has only just begun.”
Whiffle’s glittering eyes faded into the void.
HOME
A cold, swirling vortex whipped her hair and face. Anni caught glimpses of Oliver and Lexi’s lulled bodies, floating unaware in the fog. Bright rays of sunlight dissolved the mist, and the fresh smell of crisp wood materialized beneath her body, glowing, renewed with life. Anni lifted her head. They were back in the treetop village.
Oliver and Lexi lay next to her. Oliver rose as Lexi stirred.
“Lexi,” said Anni. “We’re safe.”
Lexi opened her eyes and smiled. “How did we get here?”
“Anni! Anni!” yelled Squirt as he raced toward her and pulled her into a giant hug.
“Moppins, you’re alive,” said Brat, fluttering over Squirt’s head until he landed and kissed Anni on both cheeks. “I’m so relieved. Lexi!” Brat flew to Lexi, wiping his eyes before landing beside her, where they had a brief, private conversation.
Daphne’s face was streaming with tears as she hugged Anni next. “I’m sorry I wasn’t ther
e to help. Thank goodness you’re alive. I have a million questions.” Then she turned to Lexi and said, “I’m Daphne,” and offered her hand as her way of introduction.
Jaguar people crowded the platform. Excitement grew thick and contagious as adulations and cheers were directed at Oliver. Anni couldn’t help but enjoy the look of shock on Oliver’s face when he realized he was holding the Griffin’s Opus Stone and what it meant; that he alone saved their Ancient. However, truthfully, Anni was briefly annoyed that she wasn’t receiving any thanks or praise―after all she did most of the work―but when she saw the crowd of Jaguar people surrounding Oliver she was glad she wasn’t in his shoes. Finding Lexi was reward enough, even if Oliver got the credit. Unfortunately, she smiled a little too broadly at Oliver’s confusion and he noticed her amusement, but she was saved from explaining as more Elementals surrounded him, hoping to congratulate him.
“Squirt, Brat,” said Daphne. “Help me get Lexi to a cot. She’ll be trampled here.”
The sea of bodies divided. Before Anni could blink, Squirt, Daphne, and Lexi were caught up in the crowd. The Jaguar people cleared a path for the shamans to approach, followed by Chief Vidar and Kuar. Hemmed in, Anni ended up beside Oliver.
“My people, today is a glorious day, indeed,” declared Chief Vidar. “The freeing of the Ancient was not the only life that was saved. Millions of Beings were set free after imprisonment for so many years.” He looked up at the stream of lights zipping through the sky, which looked exactly like the tiny electric blue lights from the Griffin’s cell. “Rejoice, our loved ones suffer no more, and pass freely into the void that we all must join. As the warriors among us strengthen with vitality, we will free others from their shackles below!”
The crowd erupted into cheers. Oliver appeared relieved to hand over the Opus Stone to Vidar. Then Chief Vidar removed a brooch from his cloak and pinned it to Oliver’s jacket. “Oh, no, I can’t Great—,” said Oliver, his face reddening.
“Please, son, you must,” said Vidar kindly. “Your actions have saved us. The Auguriums were correct, and you honor them, regardless of what others believe.”
This, Anni supposed, was what Whiffle said about Oliver and his prophecy. She couldn’t believe the massive gathering, as more and more Jaguar people clamored up to the top levels of the decks. They chanted Oliver’s name while others sang sacred hymns and threw flower petals at his feet. She had to admit that the look on Oliver’s face was priceless, especially after all the smirks and smug expressions she had previously endured. He was certainly drawing attention, and clearly more than he liked. Anni thought of Oliver’s uncle, Ignacio, and how angry he would be once he discovered his nephew had fallen into the trappings of fate; made a hero, by prophecy. For a brief moment, she felt sorry for him.
Above, Anni spotted the ghostly form of the Griffin she had freed; it circled the air before its semi-translucent body gracefully lowered itself to the deck. The crowd grew silent as Chief Vidar bowed before the Ancient; his hand reverently extended, holding the Griffin’s Opus Stone. With gentle precision, the Ancient used its talons and placed the mighty Stone upon its brow. It slid beautifully into place like a jewel in a crown, exactly in the spot where Anni had removed the thorn.
The silence was broken as medicine men rejoiced inside Chief Vidar’s throne room; they pulled back the silken curtains as the physical Griffin emerged; all its burned scars and oozing vicious marks were repaired and healed. The deck heaved under its mighty weight as it moved slowly across the platform to meet its ether-like twin beside Vidar. A muted cry escaped the weighty one’s lips as luminescent tears rolled from its eyes; flowers bloomed from its salty waters.
The two Ancients advanced toward one another until their foreheads met, the Stone connecting them. Together they levitated off the deck. Ruby red rose petals showered the crowd as they spiraled up, higher and higher until, finally, they merged, making the two one.
Like a shooting star, the Ancient soared across the sky and vanished.
The villagers applauded, wept, and cheered. Rainbows of vermillion, saffron, and gold saturated the firmament. The ether buzzed with electricity. Silence reigned as a cerulean orb gently descended from above. A gift from the Ancients, the crystalline globe floated down toward Chief Vidar and landed in his palm.
Upon impact, the charred Tree of Death pulsed with verdant hues and the scarred bark healed. Sickbeds emptied as the injured were cured. New life sprouted up all around the jungle. Again, Jaguar people chanted Oliver’s name in praise.
Anni finally spotted Daphne, Squirt, and Lexi. She moved toward them when Oliver took her hand and said through a gritted smile, “Anni… can you help me…” This was the first time he had ever said her name. “I’m being congratulated for something I don’t remember,” whispered Oliver. “But I saw your face… what happened?”
“Uh…” Anni mumbled. For a second, she forgot she was bound by contract, making it physically impossible for her to utter one true word about what had happened inside the cave without discussing Whiffle. “I have no idea.” The lie rolled off her tongue like honey. “How did you find us?”
“Jay. He told me where you were headed. I tracked Miranda through the Opus Stone Network. Chief Vidar is my grandfather thrice removed; he explained everything when I arrived….I’ve been inside the Fectus underground many times before….it was brave of you to go down there all alone.”
“I don’t leave my friends behind,” Anni said defiantly. “Are you going to tell me why you’ve been following me? Or who told you to do that?”
Oliver smiled. “You’re a really good friend. But I’m afraid that you’ll have to wait a little while longer to get that answer. You, Brat, Lexi, and I have some business to attend to after this. Oh, and make sure you bring the doll.”
Taken aback, Anni wondered how he knew about Lexi’s doll. Straining her neck over the crowds, she spotted Lexi, Brat, Daphne, and Squirt making their way over. She caught a glimpse of Miranda, who looked excessively twitchy like she couldn’t leave the Jaguar village fast enough, standing beside Mackenzie in front of an open Treeport. Miranda’s pale white skin flushed beet red, which Anni took as an admission of guilt for the way she spoke to Kuar, and the fact that she didn’t procure the Golden Bee Artifact.
“Diana sent a message with Mac,” said Daphne, tugging her collar up and giggling. “He’s escorting us to LimBough. Yugi and Diana are waiting for Miranda, Squirt, and me. I guess I’ll see the rest of you back on the Zephyr, okay?”
“You mean Lexi and I are going back there?” asked Anni.
“Of course,” said Daphne. “Even—”
“Moppins, what about me?” Brat wrung his paws. “The Elofficium won’t arrest me the second I cross TreeTransport, will they?”
“Yes, Brat. Diana got you a full pardon,” said Daphne. “Your Fleet badge is safe.”
“You’re not getting rid of us that easy,” said Squirt, who then handed Anni her backpack she’d left behind. His eyes sparkled as he gave Brat a mini high-five. Squirt then pulled a surprised Lexi into a hug, and finally squeezed Anni, which he didn’t pull away from until Daphne tugged on his arm.
“Actually,” Daphne giggled, “Diana’s message said that Squirt and I are going be very busy when we get back. We’ve been assigned to some of your old jobs.” Daphne smiled and shrugged. “But you know what…it was worth it! See you soon.”
Daphne hugged Anni again, then Lexi, nuzzled Brat, and walked over to Mackenzie and followed him through the portal. Squirt shook hands with Kuar one last time before he embarked with Miranda, who remained uncommonly quiet.
Anni waved goodbye, missing them already.
“Don’t fret,” said Brat, flying loops overhead as if the weight of the world was finally off his wings. “We’ll see them soon. Moppins, smile for snoz’ sakes. We’re in the clear!”
Anni turned to him and smiled.
“I like your friends,” said Lexi, squeezing Anni’s hand. “They’re nice…”
After the girls bathed and changed into fresh clothes, they joined Brat in a resting area as the sounds of adulations continued into the early evening. When Chief Vidar, followed by Kuar and Oliver, approached, he asked them to join him for dinner. A vast feast awaited them inside the now-cleaned throne room, where Vidar ushered them to sit and eat. Everything they consumed was served on banana leaf plates, platters, and wooden box cups; the crisp scents of wood tickled Anni’s nose and a sensation of lightness tingled up from her toes and out the crown of her head. Once they had finished dinner, he requested they stay the night before traveling through LimBough, so the restorative powers of the trees would draw out the impurities and toxins from the poisonous Funk they had absorbed inside the Fectus’s lair. Anni hadn’t thought about that until she glanced at Lexi and realized she had been exposed to nearly twenty days of Funk, which was probably why many of Vidar’s assistants had been administering a constant supply of healing elixirs from the moment they sat down in the resting area.
“Lexi,” said Vidar. “Although I can vouch for Oliver and my son Kuar, what I have to say is very important. May I proceed in your friend’s presence?”
Lexi looked at Anni, Brat, and Oliver. “Yes, I trust them with my life.”
“I assumed as much. Anni, please remove the patchwork doll from your carry bag and hand it to me.” At Lexi’s nod, Anni did as he said. Vidar placed the doll facedown and used a blade to unstitch a seam hidden under the doll’s hair. Within the stuffing rested a small, green gem. “Please,” said Vidar, offering it to Lexi.
The moment Lexi’s skin touched the green crystal an undulating pulse filled the room, followed by the sweet aroma of spring flowers and ocean air. Anni swore she saw a hundred lights sparkle around Lexi’s body, and the energy within the room became electric, as everyone sat straighter, less relaxed, and more focused.
“Your Opus Stone, Alexa dear,” said Vidar with a kind smile.
Anni Moon & The Elemental Artifact: An Elemental Fantasy Adventure Series: Book For Kids Ages 9-12 (Anni Moon Series) Page 29
