BEYOND

Beyond: Daybreak (PART III: Finale)

The following days, Tamashi and Endre continued to get similar jobs as their first one. And like Endre said, two more jobs and Tamashi was finally able to go to a weapons shop. She browsed through the different weapons available. But she only had eyes at a single item. A black bow with red linings.

“You have excellent taste Mam.” The seller said.

Tamashi smiled and bought the bow along with a matching quiver and arrows. She happily returned home with Endre. And when they were back, the first thing she did was give it a test run in the woods.

It was heavier than she was used to. It also had a different feel. But she definitely liked it. She took her position with the same distance as the first time she ever fired an arrow. Forty meters away from the tree she set her target on. After taking a breath, she released the arrow and it went flying straight to the tree she aimed at. It pierced deep in the trunk. It pleased Tamashi.

Her brand new bow was absolutely an upgrade from her very first one. It had more power and accuracy. It sent her arrows flying faster and harder. This was to her liking. With that, she returned to the house and had a good night sleep.

The next morning, Endre was ready to teach Tamashi the very thing she had asked for in the first place. How to open a portal for her to get back home. This lesson was the most exciting one she had so far.

“Alright! I am so ready for this!” she cheered, feeling very pumped.

“During our first training, I taught you the most basic magic of all so that you’ll get used actually practicing magic. But it was also to help you expand your imagination. For you to see in your mind any form that life can take, requires you to have a vast imagination.”

Endre was circling Tamashi as he take and with every step he took, a line appears at his feet until it created a full circle. He stopped in front of Tamashi and looked at her straight in the eyes. Then a line from where he stood, down in between my feet, to the other side of the ring was created.

“To move an object with your mind, you need to mentally, spiritually and physically strong. Hence I made you lift rocks. First with your own bare hands. Then with your body. But this was also for you to break the very reality you live in. For you to realize that not everything is at it seems. To be able to lift the boulder, you needed to believe that an object as heavy as that could be as light as a feather or else it will never move. You had to believe that a box had more than four sides.”

Endre stretched his arms forward, with his palms facing each other. When he did, the circle I was in moved. The ground cracked open and parted away from the circle. Two circles at the tip from both ends of the line was form and another one at the middle of the other two appeared creating an arch. Then parallel to that one appeared on the other side of the line. Two more, much smaller rings formed in between of the circles.

“I let you fall into the water of the mystical waterfall where your potential for magic was revealed. Proving you are capable of great things. Greater than you ever imagined. Greater than you can ever admit to yourself. Your desires can be achieved so long as you are willing to give in and accept them.”

A bright light shined in the inner circle, coming from underneath Tamashi. Blinding her and making her shut her eyes. And when the light vanished, she opened them then saw an oval inside the circle, positioned vertically.

“And when I guided you across the cave, I showed you a world within this world. A world filled with the unexpected and transcendent. The world where the almighty power itself reside. I showed you the world that can be. Where hope is something that is true. The land where truth is the only law. This truth is what helped you understand that life is filled with infinite… possibilities.”

Fire burst from the ground around her. It burned for several seconds before it settled down. When it did, Tamashi saw an arch under the arch of rings from both sides of the line. Two more rings were formed with the first small circles as the center, the ones that are the top of the arch of circles.

“W-What… what is this Endre?”

“That is the spell that will help you tap into your magic. The magic that brought you into this world in the first place. The very magic that draws you, attracts you to any other world that lives in the multiverse.”

“A-Are you telling me I can use this to return home?” Tamashi asked excitedly.

“Yes. But it won’t be easy to use this. I myself have never master this. The furthest I got is opening portals that leads to different places in this island. I can’t cross over oceans, let alone worlds. But the principles are basically the same.”

“Okay… so… how do I do this?”

“We can’t jump to the end, so we’ll first try to create a peak hole into another world.”

“A peak hole? Like the one when I was in the mystical waterfall.”

“Yes. But this time, rather than only hearing from the other side, you’ll see it in your mind.”

“Really?! I’ll get to have a glimpse of another world?!”

“Hopefully. To make it easier, try a world you’ve already been to. Preferably a world where magic also exists. Making an invisible bridge there will be simpler.”

“Alright. Well if it’s like that, then it can’t be my home world. Even if that is my world, magic was never proven to be real there. Luca and Hal’s world definitely has no magic… wait! Luciel! Luciel’s world does have magic! It’s the very first world I visited!”

“Then concentrate on Luciel.”

“Okay.”

Tamashi had a smile on her face that was so wide. She was thrilled to be have an opportunity to see how Luciel was doing. To see Luciel after so long.

“Focus on Luciel. Picture him in your mind. See him standing right in front of you. Feel his very presence. Then take a deep breath. Now, put your hands together. Twist your wrists with your left fingers pointing upwards and your right downwards. Then say this phrase: Shwizhe gahkfe que.”

Tamashi followed Endre’s every instruction. Step by step, she proceeded. And as hard it was to say those words, she did do it. When she did, the three bigger circles carve in the ground shined. Blasting a bright light in the sky.

“Next, let your fingers rest on your wrists. Slide them inward until your fingers touch each other. Then clasps them. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Feel yourself diving in your very soul. Drown yourself in your energy. Release the chains of reality.”

Tamashi could feel herself soul leaving her body and being pulled down into a reality that looked like the universe. Blinking lights that seemed like stars surrounded Tamashi. She was floating in a quiet space that she couldn’t explain. Alone. But she could still hear Endre’s voice in her mind.

“See Luciel. Desire to see Luciel. Even just for a while. Reach out to him. As if you are simply opening a door to his world. Now say these words: Xirei yish kuce.”

Softly, Tamashi did say the exact same word. It was almost a whisper. Then, from the line started to glow and the middle of it, where Tamashi stood opened. Until the light reached the end of the oval. The lights that beamed up was colorful. It had all shades of colors shining out.

Even if Endre was the one instructing Tamashi, he never expected this. He thought Tamashi would make a mistake like before, everything was going smoothly. And Tamashi’s magic was like leaking out and creating a wonderful canvas.

However, Tamashi was unaware of anything Endre was seeing. The only thing she was seeing was a light appearing in front of her. As her eyes adjust, she saw him. Luciel.

Beautiful big wings. The left dyed in the color of ash black and the right white like snow. Skin so pale, eyes beautiful grey, and extra light beige blonde hair. That familiar warm smile and gentle gaze. It was indeed Luciel.

She could see him, sitting at the very same spot under the tree. There at the clearing, overseeing the nostalgic city where tall buildings. She could see the angels and demons flying freely and peacefully through the city. It was all as she remembered. Except this times, demons were smiling and angels were kind to them. They were all living in harmony.

She turned her head to Luciel once more. She was happy. Happy to see her friend at peace. No conflict with others or with himself. The sadness she used to see in his eyes was gone. All that was left was love. Maybe it was love for his world. Love for his fellow demons and angels. Or the love that was passed down from the demon king and angel princess, his ancestors.

“Luciel…” Tamashi quietly called out. “Luciel…” she called out again even if she knew he couldn’t hear her. “Luciel…” she called out one last time. “I’m happy for you… I hope you continue to live in peace. Free of heartbreak and solitude…”

But to her surprise, he turned his head and their eyes met. He didn’t look so surprised. Or frightened. He just smiled at her. The very same smile he always gave her. Her heart was at ease because of that. And tear escaped from her eye.

“Luciel…” she cried out. “I missed you…”

She saw him mouthing words before giving her the best smile she’s ever seen him make.

Suddenly, she felt something pulling her so hard. The image of Luciel grew smaller and smaller until she couldn’t see him anymore.

Tamashi’s eyes opened wide and the light coming from the ground dissimilated. She fell to her knees, to the ground. She was taking deep breaths and her head felt like it was cracking. She felt drained. So drained and exhausted. More exhausted than she ever felt before. Endre rushed to her side and softly stroke her back.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

For the first time, Endre genuinely sounded concern. But Tamashi couldn’t even speak. So, she just shook her head lightly, saying no.

She shut her eyes close, taking deeper breaths. And as the wind blew, she heard his voice. Luciel.

“Don’t cry, Tam. I’m alright. Thanks to you. Smile.”

When Tamashi opened her eyes again, tears dropped on her knees and the ground. But still… she smiled.

“T-Tamashi, what’s wrong?” Endre asked.

“…n-nothing… I-I’m just… happy…”

Endre sighed and carried her like a bride. Tamashi didn’t react or argue. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Endre’s next and continued to sob quietly. She couldn’t help it. And Endre couldn’t do or say anything.

Endre took her back to the house and fortunately, by that time, Tamashi’s tears had all dried up. When Endre walked in the house with Tamashi in his arms, the married couple were immediately concerned but Endre told them not to worry and that Tamashi only sprained her ankle a bit. Meanwhile, Tamashi kept quiet as Endre laid her on her bed.

When her body touched the mattress and her head on the pillow, she quickly turned her back from Endre and shut her eyes. She was tired. Really tired. She slept the whole night, didn’t even bother to eat dinner.

Oddly, even after crying, she didn’t feel sad. She was truly happy to have seen Luciel, be seen by Luciel, and hear his voice. And for the first time, she was sincerely glad to have been blessed with magic. Regardless of not knowing where it came from or why she had such abilities.

Tamashi took a break from training and work. Endre told him that her body needed to rest. Another spell like that and she might break. So, Tamashi took it steady. To entertain herself, she just practiced her archery skills. With a wider and bigger field available for her, she could try to beat her record.

Her previously record was one hundred and eighty meters. She wanted to reach two hundred. So she practiced. But it didn’t prove to be easy. Several times she came short or missed her target. It was only the next day she came close to hitting the bull’s-eye.

“You can never stay still, can you?”

By this time, Tamashi learned to feel a person’s presence and distinguished them. There was no longer a need to turn around to face Endre. Plus his voice is very distinct to Tamashi’s ear.

“I need something to focus on. I don’t do well with doing nothing.” She said and took another arrow from her quiver.

She took her stance and aimed at the target again. While steadying her hand, Endre looked at where she was aiming. He could barely see the mark. It was only when Tamashi released the arrow that he saw what she was marking. He was impressed. Even if she didn’t hit it, he was amazed that she could even see that far and reach that far.

“As entertaining and impressive your archery is, it’s time to resume your training. That is if you are still up for it.”

This time, Tamashi faced him. Her left hand was down with her bow and she extended her right hand to her side. In a blink of an eye, the arrows she previously shot returned to her hands.

“Is that even a question?” she confidently said.

Endre smirked at her composure and pure confidence.

The two headed to their usual training ground and Tamashi positioned herself in the middle of the symbol.

“Because of your previous success, we are moving on to actually opening a portal. But not so big to go through or let anything from the other side through. Think of it as a closed window that only you can look through.”

“Okay. So do I use the same spells and signs?”

“Only the signs but the words would be different. Do the signs first. Remember, calm mind and breathe. Then picture the world you want to see. Oh, and this time, use a world with absolutely no trace of magic so there won’t be any detection from the side. That way we can be certain that no one will attempt to go through.”

Tamashi nodded and started to do the same things with her hands just like before with her eyes close to concentrate. She did it slowly at first, recalling every position in her mind while picturing Luca and Hal’s world, before picking up the pace. Endre watched her very carefully, making sure she was doing it correctly. When she was through, she opened her eyes.

“Good.” Endre nodded approvingly. “Now as you see that world in mind, say these worlds while letting what you see be brought into this world. A window to look through. Baecheu je. Then move your hands in front of you in a square pattern.”

“Baecheu je.” Tamashi said and moved her hands right in front of her into a square pattern.

As her hands moved, she could see light being released from it forming a square. When the square was complete, an image appeared. It was familiar but like a television loosing signal, the image because blurred in a second then it vanished along with the box.

“W-What happened?” she cried.

“You must still be drained from the last time.” Endre said.

“But I feel fine!”

“Even if you do, you can see for yourself that you still need to rest before trying again. This is after all extremely advance magic.”

“…fine.”

Tamashi started walking away and Endre followed. They returned home but Tamashi felt frustrated. After perfectly performing the first one, she felt like a failure for not being able to do the second one. To relax herself, she scanned the untitled book. Half of the spells written there she had already perfected. Some of the spells that she used to require to chant were now a simple thought away.

Not sure which spell to try next, she went to the very back of the book and began flipping the pages from there. Until something caught her attention.

                                                                                ---- 0 ----

                                                                                 PRIMO

Over thousands of years, countless magical beings have walked this planet. But only one in history has ever master the single greatest spell ever created.

For years, it has been believed by many that world other than this exists outside of this reality. However, none has seen any evidence other than the fact that the almighty power itself said so. So many of the most powerful humans to possess magic attempted to create a spell to be able to visit another world. But, try as they may, they didn’t succeed.

Over time, some have been able to hear voices from other worlds, other see through their mind but still, the spell was never accomplished. Until, one did. Only one.

This special being was able to singlehandedly create the perfect spell to be able to hear clearly the voices of those living in other worlds, plainly see their worlds, and flawlessly enter their world. And it was only this person who was capable of casting this spell. Other people tried to reproduce it but some only got as far as to another island, never another earth. They lack the power.

And so, to this day, it is has recorded that only one mastered the greatest spell. Deemed as the most powerful magical being to ever live. A singularity that needs not chant a single word to execute the highest ranking spell of all time. The name was lost in time. Only the initials remained. T.N.

                                                                         ---- 0 ----

“T.N.? That’s the same as my initials. Tamashi Netos.” She wondered to herself.

Is that just a coincidence?

Tamashi didn’t know if that was a sign or a freaky coincidence. But whatever it was, it was something she couldn’t get her mind off.

That night, Tamahsi couldn’t sleep. Feeling restless, she went back to her training ground. She sat in the middle of the symbol and calmed her mind. She took deep breaths and felt the earth, its every movements. She felt the wind blowing so freely and cool. She felt as she inhaled and exhaled.

She started to levitate. Her soul centered and her mind calm. She felt at ease and at peace.

--- Over thousands of years, countless magical beings have walked this planet. But only one in history has ever master the single greatest spell ever created. ---

T.N. Is there a meaning to having the same initials as that Supreme Being?

“For you to see in your mind any form that life can take, requires you to have a vast imagination.”

“…break the very reality you live in. For you to realize that not everything is at it seems.”

Going through extraordinary things is something that made me open my mind to everything. But a reason as to why it had to be me? That is something I never understood.

“Proving you are capable of great things. Greater than you ever imagined. Greater than you can ever admit to yourself. Your desires can be achieved so long as you are willing to give in and accept them.”

Believing in my own abilities is something I was never good at. It was something I struggled to believe in.

--- This special being was able to singlehandedly create the perfect spell to be able to hear clearly the voices of those living in other worlds, plainly see their worlds, and flawlessly enter their world. And it was only this person who was capable of casting this spell. ---

--- The name was lost in time. Only the initials remained. T.N. ---

T.N… but by now I should understand that the things I go through is not an accident… that there is a greater meaning to it… this may be one step closer into finding out…

With her eyes closed and her mind opened, she began to perform the signs with her hands. The very same signs she needed to open window.

“Baecheu je.”

When the box was created, the image became clear. She opened her eyes and there she saw Luca. As if she watching from an actual television. She saw Luca walking the castle. It was the castle they invaded in. He hand the crown on his head as he took a seat on the throne.

“Luca’s the king!” she cried and floated down, landing on her feet. “He did it! He overthrew his cousin!”

Then she saw the kingdom, the city was peaceful. She him negotiating and signing peace treaties with the other islands. She smiled for his friend’s success.

“But wait, where’s Hal?”

As if she was flipping a channel with the remote in her mind, the images changed and it jumped from place to another in that world until it stopped at Hal’s village. She was relieved to see it rebuilt and more prosperous. She scanned each face she saw and there… she saw Hal sitting at the entrance of his hut. Blankly staring at the sky.

“Hal.” A familiar voice called to him.

Hal turned his head and both of them saw Esme standing beside him.

“You look gloomy again. You should at least put a smile on your face. Especially now that things has settled down. The village is back on its feet. The war is gone. There is no more danger to us. The soldiers and other wounded are healed. And King Luca is going to help our people start business tomorrow. It’s finally an era of peace like we always wanted.”

“I know that…” Hal said dryly.

Esme looked at him, wearing a very worried look on her face.

“Are you still thinking about Tamashi?”

Tamashi was taken back after hearing her name. She saw the slight change in Hal’s expression.

“You are, aren’t you? I can tell.” Hal turned away. “I know you haven’t given up on finding her. You’re still looking every night. But Hal, it’s been weeks and even King Luca hasn’t found her. Maybe it’s time to accept that she’s gone.”

“There was no body, Esme…”

“I know it’s hard to believe it. But it is what it is. You and I both know that her appearance is as mysterious as her disappearance. Maybe she went home. Maybe she returned to wherever place she really came from.”

“I won’t believe it until I have actual proof…”

“Hal, come on. King Luca said it himself. Tamashi told him that she came from another world. Its sound ridiculous and impossible but maybe it is true.”

“It’s just… she did so much for us. For this world… and neither Luca nor I ever got to thank her for risking her own life. I just wish I could thank her… and help her…”

Esme rushed to give Hal a hug. He didn’t hug back but Esme continued to embrace him.

“Hal… did I not save you?” Tamashi said softly.

“Tamashi…” she heard Luca’s voice coming from another direction.

The scene changed again and back to Luca who was looking out from his bedroom window. In his hand was a familiar object.

“My bow!” Tamashi cried out.

Luca was grasping it tightly while smiling from his memory with Tamashi.

“I wonder what you’re doing right now?” he asked, pretending to be talking with Tamashi. “Simple minded girl who forcefully pulled me out of my darkness.”

“Luca…”

“I used to cry out for help inside… hoping someone would tell me what to do. I was lost and scared to fight. It hurt to not be able to protect my people. It hurt to see them fight a pointless battle. But Tamashi… you helped me realize that I could do something. That I was capable of making a change. You saved me and in a way… you save this whole world… and for that I will always be thankful to you. I just pray that wherever you are… you’re safe…”

“It was Luca? It was Luca’s voice that I heard? I can’t believe it… I thought it was Hal’s…” Tamashi clasped her hands together, sorting out everything in her mind. “Then I did accomplished what I needed to do there… but then… why am I here now?”

Suddenly, the box disappeared and light beamed out from the symbol again. It was the first time Tamashi was actually seeing it. She raised her arms up to protect her eyes. It was too bright to bare. The multi colored light beamed straight up from the sky. From the tree where Endre was sleeping, he saw the light. He recognized it and rushed towards it, feeling worried of what could be happening.

“W-What now?!” Tamashi cried.

Like the first time, she was pulled into that deep dark space where millions of stars float. She opened her eyes and saw herself surrounded by them.

“Why am I here? I didn’t cast any spell…” she said to herself.

She twist her body and looked at every direction, searching for a hint as to what is happening. Then… from a far… she a door.

Tamashi stretched her arms as far as she could and reached for the doorknob. She wasn’t sure where it would go but it was her only clue. When the door unlocked, she saw a man. He seemed awfully familiar. As if she saw him in a dream. That man was creating the very same symbol that Endre made on the ground. But the way he was creating it was different. He only had his eyes closed and his arms open wide as the ground drew on its own.

“Is he… T.N? The only one who could perform this magic?”

Then, Tamashi saw a boy in front of him. Watching in awe until the symbol was done.

“I need you to understand something Endre…”the man said to the boy.

“Wait what?! Endre?!”

“This magic is not something to be toyed with. It can be the key to either the path of light… or darkness. So as I pass this knowledge to you, I hope you would choose the former. My time is coming to an end. To wield strong magic is a feat that is not for the many. I have lived a fruitful and there are many things I will never think twice of doing all over again… my only regret is that I will never see my little girl grow up and tell her the truth about me…”

“He has a daughter…?”

“Endre… I only have one favor to ask of you.”

“What is it Master?”

“When the time comes that my daughter will inevitably travel here… I ask that you tell her about me… about my doings and her heritage. Please tell her about the great Tero Netos.”

“…what?”

“TAMASHI!”

Tamashi was pulled out of that space once again but this time, it was Endre who forcefully pulled her out.

Like before, she immediately dropped to her knees and was taking deep breaths. Endre was holding her in his arms. Looking both worried and frustrated at her.

“What in the world do you think you’re doing?!” he yelled. “Do you know how dangerous it is to perform this magic without my supervision?! You could have been stuck there forever! You still can’t control this power!”

“… why didn’t you tell me…?”Tamashi asked. Her voice was so low and cracked as her lips tremble.

“What? Tell you what?”

“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME ABOUT MY FATHER?!” she faced Endre and he could see her eyes swelling and burning with rage and heartbreak.

“Your father?”

“YES! My father! You knew! You knew all along and you chose not to tell me! WHY?!” tears ran down to her cheeks and hands shivered.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Ta—“

“LIAR!” she pushed him away and Endre dropped on the ground as well as she but she still stared him down. “JUST STOP IT ENDRE! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME ABOUT HIM! ABOUT TERO NETOS!”

After hearing that name, he froze. Endre was having trouble looking her straight in the eyes. He felt guilty and frighten.

“Where did you hear that name?”

“I saw him… after creating the window to see Luca and Hal, I pulled into that space like the first time… when I saw a door appear I opened it… and I saw him. I saw him creating this symbol. I saw with you. AND HE TOLD YOU… he told you to tell me about him! BUT YOU DIDN’T! WHY?!”

“Because I couldn’t okay?! I didn’t know who were at the start but I suspected it. I did. I suspected that you could be him child. I saw the resemblance in you two. Both physically and magically. But I could tell… I could that you were different. You were much more capable than he ever was, Tamashi. Do you understand that?”

Endre crawled to Tamashi side and held her on the shoulder but she kept pushing him away. She stood up and kept her distance. Endre got up as well, trying his best to calm Tamashi done and listen to him.

“NO! Okay?! How can I understand anything when you never told me a single damn thing! You told me to find out who I was! Where I came from! But you knew about me yet never told me! What game are you playing?!”

“I’m not playing any game! Tamashi you have to understand that not knowing is for your own safety!”

“NO! DROP THE ACT ENDRE! Just tell me the truth! The whole truth!”

“I can’t!”

“Then we’re done here.”

The sun rose and all was as it is in the world. The birds were chipping and sky was as blue as it was. The wind blew cooler and the grass were greener as Endre returned to the house. His parents were waiting at the door looking so worried. They found Tamashi’s bed empty. Endre looked at them and just shook his head lightly before entering what was originally his room. He sat down on the bed, staring at the books on the bedside table and the bow resting on the wall along with the quiver filled with arrows.

Tamashi was gone.

“Ms. Netos did you hear anything yet?”

A boy with curly dark hair, blue eyes and fair skin ask the woman in her late early forties.

“No… sadly. I’m sorry Ray, Gina.”

The two teenagers looked sorrowfully at each other.

“Okay. We’ll call you if we hear anything Ms. Netos…” Gina said then she and Ray left the house.

Ms. Netos was left alone in her quiet house. She sat in the living room with the lights turn off and silence filled the room. Then she heard footsteps. She turned her head and her heart almost dropped when she saw Tamashi standing in the hallway. She ran to her and gave her a big hug.

“Oh my baby Tammy! My Tammy! I was worried sick! I can’t believe you’re back!”

Tamashi’s mom was crying and crying while hugging her long lost daughter so tightly but Tamashi was just still. Her face was blank and her eyes were cold. Her mom pulled away and faced her daughter.

“Young lady, where have you been? I’ve looked for you everywhere! You’ve been gone for two weeks without a word! What happened to you Tammy?”

“Mom… tell me about my Dad. Tell me about Tero Netos.”

                                                                               --- END ---