OCEANIA

XXI

“Heather wait!” I shouted as soon as I saw her. She was halfway through the door. “I need to go”. She said quickly. “I’ll be quick”, I said trying to catch my breath. “Thanks for bringing my Aunt here”, I started, “was it Algris?” She sighed, “yes. I didn’t get there on time to stop him”, she said, “I’m sorry about her”. “I get it and thanks again”, I was almost done when I remembered Shamita, “do you have any idea how I can find Shamita in Oceania?” “Find who?” She asked totally confused. “Shamita. You know the other half of you”, I tried to explain, “she called herself your split personality”.

Immediately, Heather held her head and she started screaming. She was mind screaming; soundless on the outside but loud in my head. She fell to her kneels slowly until she finally slumped. “Heather?” I shook her body, “Heather!” She wasn’t answering and her body felt like ice. “You can’t wake her just yet”. I knew that voice all too well. “What did you do to her?” I asked before turning around to face Shamita. “You did this to her”, she answered plainly, “we might be one but she cannot know I exist”. “Why?” I moved closer to her. “I am the curse she was born with”, she explained, “her dark magic powers are locked in me. If she ever finds out about me so will Algris and he would do anything to merge us together”.

I looked at Heather's body. She looks like Shamita; pale and less of a person but Shamita looked normal. “So you locked her memories away?” I asked facing Shamita again. “Not exactly. When someone tries to tell her about me like you did”, she said, “Heather takes my form for a while. It was the only way to ensure that Algris never suspects a thing”. “So what about your evil powers, don’t you use it?” “That’s the thing. When Heather is Heather, she uses both our strengths in our powers”, she smiled a bit, “anyways, you need to read that note from your Mom. You’ll know the best choice to make and don’t worry, Shelly is fine”.

Shamita vanished like before. Heather gasped for air as she shot up. “Heather” I helped her stand up, “you okay?” “Yeah, I’m good”. She gained her balance. “I need your help before you go”, I said, “I know you can't give answers but a clue would be nice”. I opened the note and it read:

My daughter,

Don’t think the mystery is over. You need to get help from the water serpent. He can help you find your Dad’s staff. The staff will lead you to the ancient ‘Clear Spring’. There you can find out the present enemy. I know it sounds like a long shot but only a bloodline instrument can help tell the truth.

With love,

Mommy and Daddy

I folded the paper once I was done reading. “So…how do I find the water serpent?” I asked first. “All I can tell you is go back home. The answer lies there”. With that, she runs out of my sight. Why can’t this new life be normal complicated? It's abnormally complicated and it’s ruining my life. I thought before walking back to Uncle Martin. He stood up from the chair once heslient saw me, “I’ve been waiting for you”, he said relieved, “she got out of surgery some minutes ago. The doctors say she’s gonna be fine”. “That’s great!” I cheered, “where is she?” “In ward 005, just past the second hallway”, he explained, “I knew you were more worried so I decided to wait”.

I hugged him before pulling him with me. I knocked lightly on the opened door. Her head snapped in our direction in worry but she relaxed when she saw it was us. “It would be dumb to ask if you’re okay”, I started, “feeling better?” “First time in surgery didn’t go as bad as I thought”. She tried to chuckle with her words. “There wouldn’t be a first if it wasn’t for me”, but I quickly added, “and I know you want to say it's not my fault but it is. I'm just…I’m glad you’re gonna be fine”. “Me too sweetie. I hate the smell of this place”. It was my turn to chuckle.

The place fell slient for a moment. “I just wanted to tell you guys that I’ll…I’ll be gone for a while”. I announced slowly. Shelly forced herself into a sitting position, “why? What’s wrong?” She asked still with a confused look, “where? I don’t get it”. “I need to clear up some things about my parents and it’ll take a while”. “How long will you be gone?” Martin asked. “I’m not sure but it might be long”. “Are you agreeing to this?” Shelly was shocked and hurt. “She’s an adult. I can't stop her even if I wanted to”. Martin shrugged. “It’s not about being an adult. Things are just too complicated to explain”, I cut in, “but when I find answers that make a little bit of sense, I’ll tell you”.

Shelly turned her face away. I sat down beside her, “hey! I'm not going away for good. I’ll be back”, I held her hands carefully, “I love you guys and that’s why I need to do this. If I wasn’t somewhere close by they wouldn’t hurt you guys and I’m going to get answers that’ll keep us safe”. She finally looked at me, “just be safe, okay?” she hugged me, “I’ll never forgive myself if something bad happens to you”. I nodded before pecking her right cheek. I waved at them before walking out of the ward. I could hear Shelly’s sobs but I have to be strong and walk away.

I didn’t bother about anything. I drove my car safely to the house and took a cab to the beach. With every step I took closer to the water, the more aware I become of my situation. I put a foot first. The water was cold which means peaceful. At least for now. I took a deep breath then I dived inside. I swam deeper and deeper. Unlike the last time that I was angry, I felt in control. On cue, the dark hole showed its head. I didn’t swim away rather, I charged towards. The moment I collide with it, the darkness overpowers me.

I wanted to fall into a dream but that grumpy voice won't let me. “I knew she'd be back soon”. The voice said. I still waited in the soft garden for a while. “She had better wake up before I feed her to the sharks”. He threatened. I jerked up said, “you wouldn’t dare” with a smile on my face. “I just replanted those”. He complained. I dusted my outfit and said, “I guess I have to work on my landing then” before I walked away from him.