“And Peace to you.”
Sister Isa-Hahlia turned to go, and called over her shoulder.
“Oh, and Sister, you can talk and sing to the plants too. Every little bit of love is welcome.”
I smiled, imagining myself going around, hugging and singing to the trees. It made me giggle, but I knew that if I wanted to, I could do it and not get any curious looks about it
I walked down close to the edge of the water, staring out into the serenity of the gentle blue pool.
Wisps of wind blew across the water, making soft patterns ripple across the surface.
“Yaya!”
I turned around at the sound of my name being called, but found no one there. The sound had been faint, but could have been the wind.
I ran my hand across a soft green bed of clover, and there it was again, louder this time, “Yaya!”
I jerked my hand back instinctively, looking to the left and to the right. Still no one.
What the heck, I muttered to myself.
I sat up on my feet, readying myself for anything. What ever it was, I wasn't going down without a fight.
Then it was silent. It lasted so long that I nearly relaxed. But just at the muscles in my neck began to ease out of their tensed position, I glanced at the surface of the water.
There were the two eyes from my vision. Piercing, glowing pupils, locked onto my face, staring into my eyes. The glowing white pupils turned burning red and the voice shouted “Yaya!” Those same eyes, terrifying, haunting and angry. The voice rang out loud and clear. “Remember!”
Follow thou the inspiration
Sent unto thee, and be
Patient and constant, till God
Do decide: for He
Is the Best to decide.
The Holy Qur'an Surah 10, Ayah 109
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
The Holy Bible, KJV, The New Testament,
James 3:17-18
BOOK THREE: MANIFEST
Excerpt from The Earth/Mercia Chronicles:
Entry #934
Recorded by Sister Vivian Muizz
New beginnings should be quiet. They should make you think...and then think some more. Times of devastation, hurt, challenge, difficulty and change are always full of lessons if you are humble enough to see them.
Those with faith know that whatever comes, there is one Greater whose presence can ease any hardship. Those with wisdom know that the most important thing to do is not to lose hope. Not to give up. And those with courage know that if there is pain to be endured....that it won't last always. They know that although the pain may hurt, answered prayer can heal any and all wounds.
Chapter 1
“He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day Overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (To His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power—He Who forgives again and again?”
The Holy Qur’an,
Surah 39, Ayah 5
I could stay, or I could run. The eyes were dark and menacing....and yet....behind the anger, I felt something more...a longing...a question...a hurt......and a fear. I whispered the words without thinking. “What? What do you want me to remember?”
The eyes in the pond searched mine, tense. The air around me was still, but the surface of the water began to ripple. In the midst of the gently rolling water, a hand began to emerge. First the fingertips, then the knuckles. Before I knew it, I was perched at the water's edge, reaching my hand towards it, my gaze still locked with the pair of eyes.
“Yaya!” My head snapped to the right and saw Aziz a little ways off, his face incredulous. I looked back at my position over the water and understood his bewildered look. The eyes had disappeared and my body was hovering dangerously over the water's surface.
I felt myself begin to slip and threw Aziz a panicked look. Aziz was there in an instant, grabbing a section of my jacket in his fist. He reeled me in easily.
“Yaya! What were you doing?” Aziz's face was a mixture of confusion and relief.
“The eyes! Aziz, I saw them again in the water. And a hand reached out to me!”
“And you were just going to grab onto some phantom hand sticking out of the water? What were you thinking!”
I took a breath. Aziz was obviously shaken. I hadn't meant to alarm him. “I'm sorry...I...I don't know. It was the eyes and they were terrifying...but I felt something more this time.” I searched his eyes, trying to make him understand.
Aziz took a breath. “Ok, Ok, at least you're Ok. But next time, no more phantom lake jumping. I don't want you getting hurt.”
I wanted to explain further, but then stopped. I didn't even know what had just happened. I knew there was a puzzle that needed to be solved. I just couldn't quite put my finger on it yet.
“I know, Bro. Thanks for saving me. I'm glad you were here.”
Aziz half smiled, hugging me. 'C'mon, lets go. We've got a big night of dreaming ahead of us.”
I laughed, partly to shake off some of the nervousness. Mother Joy and Sister San-Iyah had said we would receive dreams that night. Each one of us was supposed to see something and report it. If we didn't report the correct thing, there was a chance that we could be left behind.
A thought came to me and I chuckled out loud. “I think I've done more dreaming in the past couple of weeks than I have done in my entire lifetime.”
Aziz laughed too, “Yeah, we are a real 'Dream Team alright.” He laughed at his own joke again.
I shook my head, but couldn't keep my lips from smiling, “Terrible joke, Aziz.” I said while nudging his arm. We walked for a few moments in silence. I knew despite the light mood we were trying to maintain, we were both really apprehensive about that what lay ahead.
We reached town and Aziz and I hugged before heading to our host tents. I headed for Mother Kathleen's tent while Aziz headed for Brother Vasyl's place. Hantaywee, Joelle, Sister Josephine and Mother Kathleen were all there, preparing for bed.
“Yaya!! Oh good, Aziz found you. Peace of the Most High to you Sis!” Greetings and hugs went all around. Mother Kathleen had prepared her common area with pillows and blankets for us to sleep on.
“Come on in Daughter Yaya. We were all just about to turn in for the night. Join us for a cup of tea? I'm making my special cranberry green-tea chai.”
“I'd love to.” I said, removing my shoes and scarf. I unbraided my soft cottony mane and gave it a tousle, loving he way the tight springy coils felt against my fingertips.
“Your hair is so beautiful, Yaya. I love the texture of it,” Joelle scooted behind me and gathered my hair into a ponytail. “Remember when we used to do each others hair when we were younger?”
Hantaywee chimed in, “Oh! I do. We used to have so much fun. What did we call it?”
“Salon Sha-say!” Joelle giggled. “And remember our slogan? Salon Sha-say, come in and get your hair done up right today!”
The memory started us all laughing. Thinking back to those times almost made me tear. It was such a special time for us. The friendship we had developed had been filled with us supporting each other through our accomplishments, tests, fears and doubts. It was a true blessing to be on this path with them.
We all stayed up a little longer, sipping our tea, laughing, recounting the past days of our trip. It had been an eventful last couple of days. Eventful and memorable.
“Well, ladies, no matter what happens tomorrow, it really has been such a blessing to go through it with you guys,” I said, giving each sister a heartfelt smile.
Hantaywee clasped her hands together. “I know. Can you imagine if one of us gets left behind? I mean, I really want to see this thing through.”
“Well, it certainly has bee
n my honor to be along with you all as well. Who would have thought a little thing like me would be called to such a great task. Pray for the best and try not to worry.” Sister Josephine gave us all a motherly look.
It was easier said than done. But she was right. It wasn't going to help to get stressed out about it. The most we could do now was wait and have faith.
“The most sincere thing you can do is to let the Creator know your intentions. What does it mean to you to be a part of this journey. What do you hope to accomplish. Speak from your heart. The Creator will hear you. The answer to your request may be a yes....or it may be a no. Continue to live your life, and do right. No matter what, know that you are secure and good will come your way.
We gave each other hugs goodnight and did our last prayers before bed. I sat in silence after I completed my prayer. Sis Josephine's words has struck me. My intention. I whispered the words that came to my heart.
My intention is to be a peacemaker. To always use the gifts You have given me the right way. I pray just to fulfill the purpose you have called me to. Amin.
I laid my head down on the pillow, and sleep came within minutes.
~~~
The next morning, I awoke not sure if I should be concerned. I had dreamt of 3 particular objects, but they hadn't seemed like anything significant that would help me on my journey. I tried to wrap my mind around what I had seen. I sat up, closed my eyes and took a slow and steady breath. It is what it is, I said to myself. Either I was ready or I wasn't. There was nothing to do but report what I saw and pray it all lined up.
~~~
That afternoon, we sat in the Training Pavillion waiting to go and see Mother Joy and Sister San-Iyah. Before I knew it, I was seated before them.
“Daughter Yaya. Are you ready?”
I took a breath and smiled. “Yes.” I replied.
“Ok, my dear Sister, you have been called to a blessed mission. We live in a time of deep injustice. There will be times where a situation may provoke you to respond with anger. But at all costs, remember to use your gift with wisdom. With great gifts comes very great responsibility. It is imperative that you know that if your gift is activated and motivated by anger or malice, your gift will become your downfall. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” I answered. I felt a flutter in the pit of my stomach. Sister Nonkululeko had warned me of the same thing.
By nature, I wasn't given to anger. But certain things I knew upon reflection were emotional triggers. My family definitely topped the list. The presence of a real threat to my family was something I knew could effect my emotions. O Allah, let me stay level headed at all times.
“Ok, then. Tell me,” Sister San-Iyah said, “What did you dream of?”
My voice caught in my throat for a moment. I swallowed. This was it.
“A piece of paper, a marble, and a necklace.”
Both women smiled, and Mother Joy produced a small navy pouch made of velvet. She unwound the leather string and all three items were there, resting neatly inside.
I let out a huge sigh of relief, and the Sisters began to laugh.
“Oh my gosh! You guys don't know how happy I am to see those items in that pouch!” I broke into a giddy, relieved laughter, and so did the Sisters.
“Well, at lease I got the items right! But what do they mean? How should I use them?”
Mother Joy spread the items out. The piece of paper was square, about four inches on each side, and was a beautiful shade of grass green. The marble was clear and was about as big as my thumbnail. And the necklace was very simple: a thin oval disk with no engravings on either side. It hung from a silver box chain with a lobster clasp closure. I was baffled by all three, and had no idea as to how they could help me.
Mother Joy passed the pouch across the table and folded it in my hands.
“You will know when the time comes. Just trust and believe. God didn't bring you this far to forsake you now. Keep your items safe in this pouch, and to yourself. Don't over think it. You will know. You will know.”
“Ok, Sister! You can go into the Pavillion to see the others.”
“Then everyone else passed!” I held my breath. I wanted to be sure.
“Yes, they all did. You have all done very well, Gifted 5.”
An overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude washed over me. I gave Mother Joy and Sister San-Iyah a hug and then ran as fast as my legs would take me back to the training Pavillion.
The first person I saw was Aziz and we gave each other a big hug. I then embraced Hantaywee and Joelle, and gave Teo the greeting. I looked at all of them, Their faces were radiant. I knew there was a big task ahead of us, but the giddy feeling was numbing the apprehension for the moment.
“Congratulations, Gifted 5!” Sigvard said as he and Nonkululeko joined us. “Let us be the first to say that we, your community, your family, are very, very proud of you. Since you all have passed your tests, you may now receive your uniforms.”
The reactions were varied. This could be a good thing, or it could be bad.
Teo spoke right up. “As long as it's not underwear over tights, I'm good!”
Sigvard chuckled. “No, no! Your uniforms, to the general public, will look like regular clothes. But each has been tailored not only to fit your body, but to your specialized gift as well.
Aziz, because you have super strength, your uniform as well will in effect become an incredibly strong second layer of 'skin' to protect you. Upon impact, it hardens. The fibers are actually thin bio-threads which have been infused with cornstarch, water and some other plant resins, including Baltic Amber. This allows the suit to be both very comfortable to wear as well as a strong protection for you.
I shook my head in awe. I was familiar with the substance that came from mixing cornstarch and water from a science project I had done in 7th level. When you got the proportions right, the mixture was both a liquid and a solid. Stick your finger in it slowly, and it was like dipping your finger in pancake mix. But take a spoon and strike it quickly, and it behaved as if you had hit a hard wooden desk.
Baltic Amber also sounded familiar. “There are healing properties in Baltic Amber, isn't that right?” I asked.
Nonkululeko nodded her head approvingly. “You are absolutely right. Aziz's body will be subjected to extreme stress and pressures. The Baltic Amber will counter balance this and allow his body to heal quickly.
The component that does this is it's high content of Succinic Acid. It was used in ancient times to boost the immune system, boost energy and heal the body. The Baltic Amber in his suit has been cured with Obsidian II and so it's healing properties are elevated. Once the amber is activated, it will act to heal any damaged tissue in Aziz's body and give him more energy.
Aziz was just nodding away. He was thrilled. “That's right, that's right. Y'all better watch out. Sounds like they did my suit up right!”
Chuckles and grunts went around the room. I had to laugh. Aziz was just soaking it all in, and it made me giggle inside.
Hantaywee spoke up. “What about my uniform? I can't wait to hear why my suit can do.”
“Yes, and with good reason.” Sigvard replied, “Your power is with fire. The heat you project will be able to reach unbelievable temperatures, so the fibers of your suit have been treated accordingly.
Plants in the desert have the amazing ability to thrive despite the crippling heat. The plant most successful in this mission is the cactus. It draws in water and circulates it to all of its leaves. This natural technology was used in the making of your uniform.
The fibers of this fabric are constructed of small tubes which circulate water throughout, keeping your body cool. As the temperature increases from any fire you produce, the uniform will respond by lowering it's temperature to keep your skin hydrated and safe.
“That's pretty awesome.” Hantaywee said with a satisfied smile.
“Teo,” Nonkululeko began, “Your gift is super speed. Traveling at high speed increases your body w
eight and can damage capillaries and make your heart work extra hard. That amount of extra stress on your heart can be deadly. To counter-effect this, the fibers of your uniform have been infused with tiny air pressure regulators. This will keep all of your vitals and organs at safe operating levels, no matter how fast you travel.
“That's great,” Teo began with a mischievous grin. “'Because failing organs aren't cool...”
That got a laugh out of everyone. This was amazing. You could feel the anticipation in the air. It was all becoming very real.
“Next,” Sigvard continued, “is Joelle. Your power is with water.
With that, you can bring water from boiling to freezing temperatures. The fibers in your suit have been treated with the small regulator tubes as in Hantaywee's suit, as well as carbon powder molecules to bring your body temperature up when needed.”
“Oh, yeah! Now that's what I'm talkin' about!” Joelle nodded with an excited smile.
“And now for you, Yaya.” Nonkululeko walked over to me, holding up a wheat colored outfit. “You are able to manipulate molecules so that you are able to move them without physical touch. You may have noticed that you also have some telepathic powers as well. You can communicate with other sensitive beings.”
I shot a glance over to Aziz, who gave a small nod. “Actually,” I began, “Aziz and I are able to communicate.”
Sigvard and Nonkululeko raised their eyebrows and nodded approvingly. “Excellent!” Nonkululeko said. “That will certainly come in handy.”
She picked up my uniform and turned it in her hands. “Your gift requires a tremendous amount of energy. The more energy you expend, the greater the effects will be. All of your senses will be extremely heightened. To prevent sensory overload, your hijab has been infused with beta blockers and a combination of herbs that are beneficial to brain health and strength. Among them are Ginko Biloba, Gotu Kola, Siberian Ginseng and Passion Flower extract.”
Nonkululeko passed the garments over to me. I couldn't wait to put them on.
The Azurean Trilogy (All Three Books: 1, 2 & 3): Essentia, Burgeor & Manifest Page 16
