King

CHAPTER IX

I was trembling because of what I heard. I snapped my fingers to teleport us to the fairy realm but it didn’t work. I tried to calm myself by taking a deep breath before trying for a second time. I snapped my fingers again but it still didn’t work.

“Keep calm,” I thought and tried for the third time. When it didn’t work I started to feel frustrated.

“Focus,” I heard Al say behind me. I snapped my head towards him and glared at him.

“I am focused,” I responded but he just scoffed at me.

“If you were then we wouldn’t still be here. Instead, we would be in the fairy realm now.” He said making me grit my teeth in annoyance.

“Shut up, you can’t even use magic. You have no say on this matter.” I said and called myself again. I took another deep breath before I attempt to try again but my attention was caught when Al spoke again.

“If you fail for the fourth time then I guess the things we read about you were false. You probably aren’t the most powerful witch back in the days.” He said making me squint my eyes at him.

“Are you challenging me?” I asked even though it was obvious.

He shrugged and gave me a belittling look. I took a step towards him and said, “You better watch what comes out of your mouth,”

After saying that I snapped my fingers and we were teleported to the fairy realm. I looked at Al and raised an eyebrow at him but he said, “I know you want to flex and tell me how wrong I was for challenging you but now isn’t the time for that.”

I looked around and saw that the forest was dead. The trees that were once a beautiful shade of green turned into brown. The flowers that once swayed when the wind blows were withered. I walked around aimlessly as they followed me. I touched the withered flowers and I couldn’t help but feel mad and sad at the same time. How can someone do this?

“Al, do you anything about what could have happened?” I asked while looking around.

“I was told that the AMF was able to destroy your barrier.” He answered while scanning the place as well.

“How could they have had detected the barrier? Aside from mine, I’m sure Yuriko was able to set up their barrier as well.” I said and he nodded.

“I think they were allowed access to the forbidden book,” He answered and proceeded to walk. Zynrick and I immediately followed behind him.

“What forbidden book?” I asked because as far as I could remember I don’t think I ever encountered a forbidden book.

“How could you not know about it?” He asked with genuine confusion written all over his face.

“What do you mean by that? I did come from a different era but that doesn’t mean that I know everything about my time.” I answered but he just furrowed his eyebrows.

“Is there a way to quickly bring back your memories?” He asked and I shrugged.

“You tell me. You were the one who successfully released me from the seal,” I answered. He released a sigh and shook his head before massaging his temple.

“Right,” He whispered before adding, “The book was found in Athaeas’ possession. We don’t know why he has the book with him when it’s a book about spells that weren’t allowed for the witches to use specifically the dark witches.”

I stared at him after what he said. Neither of us talked. I was still processing what he had said when Zynrick suddenly spoke, “Guys,” Al and I looked at him and he seemed like he was being aware of something.

“What is it?” Al asked while looking around. Even I was getting nervous about the way Zynrick was acting.

“I think someone’s been following us. I’ve been sensing a faint presence of magic trailing behind us ever since we arrived.” Zynrick said and when I focused I did feel it.

“You’re right. I was too focused on what Al was saying that I didn’t notice it before,” I agreed and looked around as well. I created arrows and made a circle that surrounded us. The sharp tips were the point at the outside.

“Whoever you are showing yourself or I’ll pierce right through you,” I threatened but no one came out. I waited for a minute to pass before releasing the arrows in the areas that surrounded us but no one was hit.

“Are you sure you’re not being paranoid?” Al asked with his eyebrow raised and his arms crossed.

“No,” Zynrick answered but he shook his head before saying, “I don’t know I’m not sure,”

“Let’s proceed then,” Al said and decided to walk. Zynrick and I trailed behind him.

“I’m not being paranoid, am I?” Zynrick asked and I nodded.

“You’re not. I felt it too.” I answered and I could see the wash of relief in his face when I confirmed that he wasn’t just imagining things.

“What do we do if it attacks?” He asked. I looked at his hands and he was fidgeting. He seemed to be nervous but I wouldn’t blame him. It must be difficult for him to be in a situation where he might end up using his powers. For someone who couldn’t even control it the thought of having to use it must be scary.

“It’s fine. You have me,” I said. Zynrick nodded while I heard Al scoff.

“Yeah, having you sure is reassuring. I’m sure you’ll be able to defend us from an attack coming from the AMF.” Al said sarcastically making roll my eyes.

“What about you? What can you do?” I asked.

“Nothing,” My jaw dropped at what he said. I didn’t expect him to admit that he’s useless during battle.

“I’m a doctor and a scientist, not a warrior,” He said and I scoffed.

“I know that,” I said instead.

We continued walking around the area but we couldn’t seem to find any signs of life. We didn’t see any corpses either which was weird.

“We’re being going around in circles,” Zynrick replied after an hour of walking around. I looked at him and I could see beads of sweat forming on his head.

“Why don’t we rest?” I asked because I could see Al sweating as well. They looked at me and nodded. I thought Al would open his again but I’m glad that he agreed.

“I want to drink water,” Zynrick said after sitting under the tree. I looked around and hoped to see a stream or a lake. My eyes were scanning the area when I caught a glimpse of little blue flames.

They were popping up in a line so I followed them. As I follow them I tried to catch up to them and catch one but as I try to get closer the farther they got. I was so focused on catching one that I didn’t notice I was already running.

“Stop,” I heard a voice say. That’s when I noticed that I was at a different place.

“We didn’t see this before,” I whispered.

Everything was sparkling and it looked like glitters were thrown everywhere. The trees were beautiful. The flowers were blooming and they looked like they were dancing. There were butterflies, dragonflies and other insects flying around. Animals were running everywhere and I couldn’t help but feel mesmerized by what I was seeing. Aside from all of those, I saw a beautiful lake in the middle. I walked towards it and thought of getting some for Zynrick and Al to drink but when I saw my reflection on the lake I saw someone behind me. I quickly turned around and formed a lance in my hand.

“Who are you?” I asked the man who was standing a few meters away from me.

“You must be Ellesmiere,” He said and I squinted my eyes.

“How did you know?” I asked but instead of answering me he made a gesture as if he was motioning someone to come out. I furrowed my eyebrows at what he was doing but I soon understood when fairies came out.

“You’re fairies,” I whispered after seeing all of them.

“What happened?” I asked but no one spoke. I looked at them one by one and I felt sorry for them. They were all wounded and scared that’s probably the reason why they wouldn’t want to talk.

“Lady Ellesmiere, I am sorry for the lack of response. These people were traumatized by what happened. They don’t have the heart to go back to that time.” The man apologized and I nodded, “I understand,”

“Tell me, what happened to your wings?” I asked instead. I know that it was a more difficult question to answer but I needed to know.

“They were pulled out of us, my lady,” He answered. My eyes grew wide at what he said.

“What about Yuriko? Where is she? Is she alright?” I asked but he just avoided his gaze. He bowed down his head and I saw how his hands were balled into a fist.

“She was killed,” He answered and I saw tears coming from his eyes.

“What?” I asked because I couldn’t believe what he just said.

“Please, don’t let me say it again,” He said and I could feel my eyes tearing up.

“How could that happen?” I asked but he didn’t answer. I waited for a few minutes but it seems like he has no plan of answering me.

“My lady, if I may speak,” A different fairy said so I turned to look at her.

“Yes you may,” I said while looking at her intently.

“Lady Yuriko was killed while she was protecting us.” She said. I saw how the tears in her eyes started to build but she continues, “We were having a dance when the people from the AMF broke the barrier you and Lady Yuriko had created. Their head said that he wanted to talk to Lady Yuriko. We advised her that she should bring someone with her after agreeing with but she refused. She went alone and when they had gone far from where we were all gathered the people who were only watching started to capture us one by one. They had ripped our wings from our back before killing us.”

She stopped when she couldn’t speak anymore. Her voice was cracking while telling me the story and it made me feel the pain they had gone through.

“Lady Ellesmiere, Lady Yuriko had left a message for you in the lake. She ordered me to deliver it to you no matter what happens.” The man from earlier said. I looked at him and he’s eyes were bloodshot.

“Alright, what do I do?” I asked and approached the lake. I stood at the edge and looked at the water. I could see my reflection on it. I sat down and took a closer look. That’s when I noticed that I had a tear streak on my face. I immediately wiped it with the back of the hand.

I can’t be weak in front of these people. They’ve gone through a lot and I don’t want to make them feel gloomier by crying.

“I was instructed to tell you to place your hand on the water. Please dip it in as far as your hands could reach.” He said so I did as I was told.

Once my hands were already deep inside the water he told me to release my magic so I did. After doing so I felt myself being dragged into the lake. I tried my best to fight and swim to the top because I couldn’t breathe. I was trying not to let the air escape my mouth but after a minute had passed I could feel myself drifting into unconsciousness.

I opened my eyes and I saw Yuriko following Tyrone. They were both silent as they walk into the middle of the forest. “What do you want?” Yuriko asked with her eyebrows furrowed at him.

Tyrone turned around and smiled at Yuriko. “Tell me how to remove the seal of Ellesmiere’s familiars,” He said but Yuriko scoffed.

“Do you think I’d tell you?” She asked instead of answering. I saw Tyrone’s face turn into s frown at what she said.

“If you won’t then I’ll kill your people,” He said. Yuriko clenched her jaws and her hands formed fists.

Tyrone scoffed upon seeing Yuriko’s reaction. “It’s either Ellesmiere or your people,” He said and Yuriko smirked.

“My people won’t lose to you,” She said with confidence. “They can just fly up and leave before your people could even touch them.” She added.

“Have you forgotten what age you’re in?” Tyrone asked.

“I know,” Yuriko answered and looked down on the ground. I could see her contemplating whether to say anything or not.

“Time’s ticking, Yuriko,” Tyrone said making Yuriko raise her head.

She opened her mouth to say something but she wasn’t able to when she heard the cries of fairies.

“Oops, it seems that my people started early,” He said with a victorious grin on his face.

“If you won’t tell me how to break the seal then tell me how to kill Athaeas,” Tyrone said.

“The barrier you’ve put up is replaced by magic canceling barrier. That means all of the magic in this place is gone. The trees are withering the flowers are dying. The animals will die but most of all the fairies can’t fly.” He added when Yuriko didn’t say a thing. I saw Yuriko’s conflicted expression as she weighted what was heavier.

“I don’t know,” She answered and ran to where her people were.

She arrived there and saw that more than a handful of fairies died. There were blood and bodies on the ground. She saw how Tyrone’s people plucked the fairies’ wings. She raised her hand in an attempt to use her magic but nothing was happening. I saw how she tried and release even the tiniest bit of magic but nothing happened.

“Christian!” I heard her yell as she tried to fight off the people who were plucking off the fairies’ wings. She was fighting on the ground. She was pulling fairies away from the people who were members of the AMF and she would end up being pushed aside, punched or wounded by their weapons.

As Ellesmiere tried to save as much as she can her efforts were futile. Every time she’d pull someone successfully another person will take the fairy and continue the torture.

I could see the pain in her eyes as she watched her people suffer.

“Were you looking for this?” Tyrone asked and showed Yuriko the halberd.

Yuriko’s eyes grew wide when she saw her Halberd in Tyrone’s hands. She ran towards him and attempted to get it from him. She tried to punch, kick and bite but it was futile.

“Tell me how to break the seals,” Tyrone threatened as he stepped on Yuriko’s shoulder.

“Just kill me,” Yuriko said and Tyrone pointed the Halberd above her neck.

“Tell me or I’ll follow through with your request.” He said but instead of answering Yuriko started muttering.

I saw how her green eyes turned black. The ground started to tremble and she was starting to float in the air. Tyrone watched her rise from the ground. She had her hands spread wide as she continued to mutter what seemed to be a spell. The wind started to blow harshly and everyone stopped what they were doing.

The people and fairies started to run away. I understood why the people ran away but I couldn’t understand why the fairies cowered in fear instead of rejoicing. As I watch what was happening I understood why.

The sky turned dark and thunder came roaring. The wind became harsher and the ground started to break. Tornadoes were coming from different directions and hail started to fall from the sky.

I ran as fast as I could. I was running along with the people and I could feel myself trembling from fear. I looked behind me and saw Tyrone running as well. As I look forward I saw a car waiting for him.

“Hurry up you f*****g piece of s**t! Let’s get out of here!” He yelled when he was finally able to get in.

I looked behind me once more and saw that there were more of his people left behind. I ran to him and attempted to attack him with my powers but everything just went through. I could feel my frustration growing when they were able to escape.

I raised my head and saw Yuriko instill the air when a fairy approached her. He held his hand in front of her and a white light appeared. I covered my eyes from the blinding brightness and when it was gone I looked in front of me and saw Yuriko on the ground. She was lying on someone’s lap. She was covered in blood and I could tell that she was half dead. I clenched my hands at what I saw. My tears started to roll down my cheeks as I watch her slowly die.

“If I die to bury my body somewhere far from here,” She said before coughing blood.

“No, you’re not going to die. We’ll call Ellesmiere. Let’s ask her for help,” The man said as he tries to cover Yuriko’s wounds. “We can’t let her see this,” Yuriko said making me furrow my eyebrows.

“Why? She’s your childhood friend,” He said but Yuriko shook her head.

“I know but I don’t want her to see me like this. She’s currently vulnerable and she won’t be able to win against Tyrone if she chooses to follow him.” She said making me clench my jaw.

“What made you say that? I watched the battle between the two of you and she was able to hold herself.” He said as tears rushed out of his eyes.

Yuriko wiped his tears away and cupped his cheek, “She doesn’t have her memories. She also doesn’t have her familiars. You’ve seen Ellesmiere during the feudal era. You know how strong she can be but right now it’s the opposite. Her powers are sealed along with her memories.” The man looked at her nodded.

“What am I going to do now?” He asked and Yuriko forced herself to stand up.

“Help me cast a spell. The forest is still relying on me so it’s using all of its powers to keep me alive. If we can cast this spell then the fairies would be safe while you look for a place to bury me.” She said and started to walk. She held her bloodied hand out and used it to write something on the ground.

The fairy with her gathered all of the fairies left as Yuriko finished the spell. I watched her do it and when she was done she fell on the ground. I walked towards her lifeless body and reached out. I knew that I would just past through her but I still tried.

I was thinking that I wouldn’t be able to touch her but I was surprised when I was able to. I cried while letting her lay on my lap. I waited until the fairies came back and when I heart chattering I decided to stand up.

I saw how her body vanished and all that was left was a seed. The male fairy she was with earlier took it and held it close to him.

The symbols she drew on the ground started gleaming and that’s when I was able to rise from the water. I was coughing when I was able to raise my head about the lake.

I looked around and they all looked sad. I swam to the surface and saw the fairy I first saw when I arrived. “You tell me your name,” I commanded as I point towards the man who was in front of me.

“I am Ambrose, my lady,” He answered and curtsied. I nodded and looked around. I felt sorry for them but at the same time, I was proud that Yuriko was able to save these people.

“Alright, Ambrose, where’s Yuriko’s body?” I asked.

“Master Xavier looked for a place to bury her, my lady,” He answered and I nodded.

“From now on tell me if something happens in here,” I said while looking straight at his eyes. It seems like he respects me so I did everything I could to sound authoritative.

He looked at me and he seemed like he was hesitating for I glared at him. He gulped and said, “Yes, my lady,” After a few seconds of hesitation.

“That’s good to know,” I said and walked towards him.

“Now, tell me how I can get out of here. I have people waiting for me outside.” I said and looked around.

“Please close your eyes, my lady,” He said but I furrowed my eyebrows instead.

“Why?” I asked because even though it seems like he’s a loyal servant I still don’t know anything about him.

“Trust me, my lady,” He said while looking straight into my eyes. We were both staring at each other and it made me wish that I had Yuriko’s mind-reading abilities.

“Fine,” I said when after a full minute of staring at him. He smiled when I finally gave in.

“But don’t you dare do anything fishy,” I said and squint my eyes at him.

“Yes, my lady,” He answered before I closed my eyes.

“I’ll ask you more questions soon,” I said after opening them again.

“You can ask me as many questions as you want, my lady,” He said before chuckling.

I closed my eyes and waited. At first, it was silent but I immediately opened my eyes when I heard loud sounds.

“What’s happening?!” I asked when I saw Alystair on the ground.

“I don’t know but Zynrick suddenly went berserk,” He answered making my eyes grow wide.