Saturday 23 June 2007
The Infinidex - Part 10
The thunderous applause of the thousands of guests shook the four elephants big golden chandelier forty meters above as the King and his soon to be Queen entered the Grand Hall and stood at the foot of the crimson carpet.
The hall was humongous, 100 long magnificently crafted wooden benches which sat 1400 anxious yet excited guests lined the hall’s left and right. In between the left and right rows of benches was a vast empty space with a beautiful mosaic pattern right in the middle of it. The path of the carpet split at the entrance to the left and the right, going around the mosaic pattern at the center of the hall. It joined back after the pattern ended. And at end of it, a smiling elderly wizard wearing a golden robe and a weird golden cap was waiting on the upper platform. Just behind the wizard was a matching black velvet curtain which spanned the width and height of the Great Hall, blocking the whole back from everyone’s view.
The wizard’s already golden clothes, coupled with the strong sunlight which shone through five huge windows on both sides of the hall made him glow as if fairylight were present.
“I present you! The Sillian Royal Orchestra!” He spoke loudly when the Bride and Groom were ready.
After a while, the slick curtains started to rise and the Wizard hurried himself to the side of the hall. A plump man in a brown dress coat standing in the middle was the first to appear behind it. As the curtains rose, it revealed something more; 100 people holding various instruments sat on a long bench like platform,- another 100 people on the row above it, - and another 100 people above it and so on totaling 5 rows.
The plump conductor raised his ‘stick’ and the musicians of the Silian Royal Orchestra prepared their instruments…
A man in white wearing a huge wig appeared and started the song by singing in a mix of Silian and common tongue…
(Play the song)
(Use earphones if you have lousy speakers)
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The sweet melody of the orchestra accompanied the vocals and spread throughout the hall like the scent of Jasmine in the fields.
The King grasp the tiny hand of ‘his Queen’ and both of them strolled towards the left path of the carpet with the brilliant violet train following, dragging some littered flowers with it. All eyes were on them, but both their eyes were in each other’s.
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“My Love… Finally…” the Bride thought, grinning shyly at him.
“My Dear… This song is for you…” The Groom grabbed her hand even tighter.
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As they reached the end of the crimson carpet, the music softened and slowed down. The gold draped Wizard was already back where he was on the upper platform, and the man in white disappeared into one of the doors behind the orchestra.
He smiled and gave a slight bow.
“My King, My Lady”
“Shall we begin?”
“…”
“The Royal Magandus Family! Honourable Lords, Ladies and Guests!”
“Today we have gathered, to witness the joining together of our beloved King Benedict the Third, and our much-loved Mistress of the ‘Cruser Knights’ Lady Hazeline.”
*Squeeze hand*
“The Marriage Vows…”
“My King…” The Glowing Wizard gestured towards King Benedict.
Staring into Lady Hazeline’s gleaming brown pupils, King Benedict took a breath and said aloud:
“I, King Benedict the Third, take you Lady Hazeline of Kuupi, to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish you and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust and respect you, laugh and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we meet. I give my hand, my heart, my love, my all to you from this day onwards, for as long as we both shall live!”
Lady Hazeline’s face turned scarlet and she tried to look away.
“Don’t you want us to be together?” King Benedict teased her whisperingly.
“I Do!” Lady Hazeline whispered a protest back as she looked up towards him.
“Lady Hazeline…” The Wizard grinned at Lady Hazeline.
“It’s your turn”
“I, Lady Hazeline of Kuupi, take you King Benedict the Third, to be my friend, my husband, my lover, the father of my children. I promise to always be by your side, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. You will always be in my heart, whether separated or together, now or in the future. I promise to cherish you, to encourage you, comfort you, care for you, and stay with you for eternity.”
The shy Lady Hazeline looked bashfully to the ground for a moment and looked back up again.
“Both King Benedict and Lady Hazeline have said their vows!” The Wizard shouted excitedly as the hall erupted into another thunder of applause.
“Can we have the gifts now?” The Wizard asked when the applause died down.
A petite lady wearing a frilly red dress stood up from one of the front rows and walked towards them holding out a mid-sized red box with both her arms. This box had no keyhole, just the box, and its lid on hinges.
When she reached them, King Benedict gestured at her and she brought the box up to her lips and whispered something to it. There was a faint click sound and the lid slowly opened around its hinges.
King Benedict slid his hand into the cushioned insides of the box and took out a strange ball like thing. Sounds of muffled gasps and chatter could be heard from around the hall, and some guests even stood up trying to get a clearer view.
“Thanks Mary…” He whispered to the red lady.
Now facing Lady Hazeline, he said:
“Hazeline, this is the Key of Aperito. I want to give you this, not because it is valuable. But because I want you, Hazeline, to always be able to return to Magandus safely. I will never forget that incident… Magandus is your home… our home. Lady Hazeline was speechless, all she did was to stare at the metallic thing embedded in the ball. And her face turned red again.
“Well then, it is my turn to speak now.” The Wizard said joyfully.
“With the power given to me, I hereby declare you King Benedict and Queen Hazeline of Magandus, Man and Wife!”
A soft but sweet melody of the music came from the Orchestra again and the King took the hand of his future queen and led her to the mosaic pattern at center of the hall.
As was the custom of Magandus, King Benedict and Queen Hazeline had both apples of their eyes tightly fixed on to each other’s and danced to the slow and romantic ballad in each other’s arms.
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The dance ended with a kiss. A small firework of romantic red exploded above them, dazzling everyone.
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1 YEAR LATER
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“This is a disaster! Summon all the Knight Masters and Mistresses to me at once!” King Benedict Yelled at Lord Joseph as he tugged his cloak loose.
“Yes, my King! Right away!” Lord Joseph hurried himself from the Military Room to the adjacent room.
He paced to and fro by the fireplace, with the portrait of his father watching him.
Lord Joseph arrived at a wooden desk by the window. There was a sky blue staff which looked like a long piece of stick on it.
“Accio cniht eh Magister, Migula!” Lord Joseph muttered as he raise a sky blue staff toward the skies.
“It is done my King…” Reported Lord Joseph when he came back.
“Where are they, what’s taking them so long?!” Bellowed the King.
After a few moments, the scuttling of footsteps could be heard from the lit stairway behind them.
King Benedict turned to face the stairway and went over to meet them.
“Master of the Talon Knights! My King.” A flustered looking tall and thin man said.
“Finally!” The King snapped impatiently.
“Mistress of the Heart Knights! My King.” The small lady who was the giftbearer at King Benedict’s wedding said out loud.
“Yes yes, I know!” The King was trying to get everyone’s attention so that he could speak.
“Mistress of the Vi-…“
“Ok already!” The King interrupted before the Mistress of the Violet Knights could continue.
The rest who came behind them kept silent and waited when they heard him.
“This is a disaster!” The King yelled again.
“Those foul Homunculus are attacking our border forts!”
“But aren’t we at peace with them?” The master of the Talon Knights asked curiously.
“PEACE? We were NEVER at peace with them!” King Benedict retorted.
“The war 20 years ago was the biggest we had. Both sides sustained a lot of losses and when these were too great, the fighting ceased suddenly.”
“We never made peace with them! It was an unspoken truce!” The King declared.
“They were extremely lucky that WE let them live! And now they grow arrogant and plan to wipe us out!”
“What shall we do my king?” Lord Joseph asked.
“The town of Gaido lies near the border. We must protect it!
“Send two-thirds of our forces out! 35000 of them to the front line! 5000 to Gaido. The rest shall remain in the town.” The King replied.
“Your Mithril Knights will be in the palace under my command. You shall command the 40000 knights to war!”
“Is everyone clear!”
“Yes my King!” Everyone replied.
“We will shield our lands from the filth. We cannot let them befoul our ground! We shall drive them out and keep our lands!”
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The palace garden was a place of tranquility, away from the central square. A cute little stream flowing through the little forest provided the peaceful tune as the waters rolled toward the other end. The trees provided a lot of shade and the scent of flowers felt crispy and cool. Two squirrels were jerk-moving on a tree.
“Oh, Hunny. Look at the little squirrels! They are looking for food!” Hazeline gasps as she held her Lhasa Apso dog up for it to have a better view.
“Woof!”
“Aren’t they cute little things?” Hazeline said with a smile.
“Woof! Woof!” Hunny barked and the two squirrels jolted and fled.
“Bad boy! Hmph!” Hazeline frowned.
Something moved out of the corner of Hazeline’s eye.
“What was that?” Hazeline thought as she looked behind her to the back of the garden. Her eyes watching for movement as they scanned the suspicious trees.
“Hazeline!” A voice called from the entrance.
Hazeline forgot about the movement and looked to the entrance gate. Benedict came running down the path towards to.
“Have you been here all day? I’m sorry I neglected you all these while.” Benedict said as he hugged her.
“It’s alright, matters of the country are much more important. And I have Hunny here to keep me company.” Hazeline replied.
“Sigh… I wish I wasn’t King. Then you wouldn’t be so lonely. I want to be with you. But I can’t.” There was a tear in Benedict’s eye.
“A husband is for his wife, and his wife is for his husband. I will cherish you and love you more each day than I did the day before…”
“I will trust and respect you, laugh and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we meet…”
“I give my hand, my heart, my love, my all to you from this day onwards, for as long as we both shall live…”
“I still remember the vow I made Hazeline.” Benedict said earnestly.
“I am glad that I have a husband of love, and not an ungrateful king.” Hazeline said and smiled.
“Hazeline… This… this might be the last time we are together.” Benedict broke the news to her unexpectedly.
“HUH? WHY?” Hazeline burst out.
“I don’t want you to leave!” She continued and cried, holding on to Benedict ever tighter.
“Hazeline, I am really sorry!” Benedict said as he stroked her Jet black hair.
“I have to do this for Magandus. I have to lead a legion to battle. I can’t watch my men die while I enjoy the defenses of the palace!”
“Waaa! Aren’t you supposed to stay in the castle? The council forbids you from engaging directly with fighting a war!” Hazeline wailed.
“I am the King and I see the need. So I must go!”
A black thing swooped down upon them from somewhere above and its feet collided with Benedict’s head. The force detached his tiara like crown from his head and it flew into the stream.
“BENEDICT!” Hazeline screamed.
Still feeling groggy, Benedict picked himself up and looked up. There was Hazeline, wriggling like a worm in the talons of the big black flying thing with a huge jaw.
He drew his scepter from his girdle and took aim at the black flying thing.
“Orastiga-…” Benedict broke off his chant when he realized that his spell is going to hit Hazeline.
“Use the Aperito, Hazeline! The key!” Benedict shouted.
Hazeline fumbled around her dress and drew a glass orb.
“Dragonp-…” The black flying thing slapped Hazeline’s cheek with its tail and Hazeline was seen trying to pry open her lips.
“Oh no… the muting spell…” Benedict said in dismay.
The black flying creature seemed like it was going to fly towards the skies and away. But it looked back at Benedict and torpedoed towards him.
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“Fire at will!” Lord Joseph shouted as he released a yellow signal to the sky.
Tens of Thousands of trails of various spells bore through the air and rained on the black enemies on the other side. Some burned with a white flame, others had their limbs flying all over the place, spewing black liquid following it. High pitch screams were heard all over the battlefield.
Thousands of Homunculus soldiers began to fall one by one, their weapons clanged as they hit the ground sounding as if thousands of pots and pans were being hit at the same time.
“Charge!” Lord Joseph shouted as he released another signaling spell to the sky.
Ten thousand knights cried out loud and drew their weapons; a mix of lances, large shields, short and long swords and advanced upon the black creatures.
As they neared the Homunculus, the scene was horrifying. Hideous roars came out of creatures which as no face, just a huge jaw where the face should be. They have arm-like things without fingers coming out of their chests. Some holding axes, some unarmed, the monstrous jaws were enough. However horrifying the scene was, the Knights were sure of one thing.
To eliminate, or be eliminated.
Human heads were bitten of by the jaws of the Homunculus and spat all over the place. Black stuff too, were strewed all over the battlefield; black flesh was sliced off by swords and black goo oozed from the wounds penetrated by lances.
A little woman was seen struggling in the claws of a black flying monster high above the air, flying towards the evil lands.
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“Valin, lock them in the Lair of the Shadows… Muhwahwa” A gleeful booming voice said.
“Yes my lord.”
A black man wearing a black coat from stood up from his kneeling position and walked out the door, his tentacle like limbs wriggling from his back.
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Ben
It was raining, the air was cool. The perfect time for sleep.
“Ahhh…” Thought Ben relaxingly.
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
*Tick*
“Wake up! Ben” A voice called from outside.
“You have a café to run!”
“You don’t want to be late!”
“Yes, Oz…”
“Our first day...” Ben thought with a dreamy grin.
She had told him it was her favorite song after she saw the way he played it on the piano. “Your fingers tell a story,” she said, with a genuine sincere smile. Her bright smile shone through his heart and melted it then. Ever since then, her jet black hair, her soft brown eyes continued to mesmerize him. They would meet everyday at the same jazz bar and then they would spend the day talking and laughing. He marveled at her vast knowledge and intelligence, even though she was only eighteen. With that she had replied, “Oh yes, they said I am gifted... but well, I have my flaws too...” She said it with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, of which he must have overlooked then, because he was more interested in how beautiful her eyes were. But now, he understood what she had meant.
She tried to escape again the other day. I almost lost her for good. There was a thunderstorm and so after I collected Hazel's favourite lunch at the usual time of 1pm, I hurried back. I found the main door to the shop left ajar and immediately took off to look for her. Luckily I found her at the field just up ahead. Poor girl, she fell on the muddy ground and got so dirty. I almost yelled at her, angry at her for trying to escape when I am already trying so hard to cope for our sake. But that's when I saw the glass ball rolling out of her hand. Warmth overwhelmed me then and the tears that rolled down from my eyes were camouflaged by the rain that had already drenched us. That glass ball was my first gift to her. The fact that she still held on to it showed that I am still in her heart, despite everything else....
When did I give the ball to her anyway? I can’t really remember…
“Whats with that lousy smile you have on your face? I am doing you a favor by getting you out of bed” Ben’s roommate said feeling a little annoyed.
Valin
“Make sure they don’t meet. It may break the spell” Valin said to the black prison guards.
“Yes my lord” They replied.
“Where shall we put them?”
“Special treatment for royalties, a fully human illusion, make them feel comfortable so that they wouldn’t want to leave.” Valin said smiling.
“Our Lord wants them” Valin Continued.
Hazel
It was after my lectures. I was walking home when I saw this café which recently opened. I went in and bought some Willhamson Tea and two slices of raspberry chocolate cake. When I sat down on an empty sit, someone went over to the piano at the corner of the café and started playing a beautiful piece of something. I took a few bites off the cakes, sipped on the Tea and went over to the piano. It was a man who was playing the piano. He had ear-length silky yet wavy black hair and fingers which moved like the waves of the sea. The way he played this song made my heart quiver. After he finished, I told him that it was my favorite song after I saw the way he played. I will never forget when he tried to reply me; all that came out was blabbering. “I…I… you…you…hehe….” He was so adorable that I smiled at him after a while. His personality had unintentionally charmed her.
I don’t know why I keep seeing things recently. There was once when I ran out of a burning house and jumped into a nearby pool of water to douse my burning skirt. Ben came running to me pulling me out of the muddy pool and back into the ‘burning’ house.
It wasn’t burning I guess…
Valin
“You FOOLS!”
“How did they get together?” The councilman roared.
“We…we… d…d…d…don’t know s...s…sir…”
“Prepare another layer of illusion for the Queen!”
“Yes sir!”
Ben
Hazel has been acting strangely recently.
Who is this Locks guy?
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"How long will she have to be sedated?"
"As long as it takes to find a cure for her"
"What if you never do?"
"Then she might have to stay this way all her life"
"You can't keep her sleeping forever! ... What difference is that from killing her? Just let me talk to her!"
"Stop kidding yourself! You know that won't work. How long have you been doing that? A year? And the result? She's back here again, worse then ever"
"At least she is herself some of the time"
"And when was the last time that happened?"
"... three months ago"
"There you have it, the period of her dementia has been getting longer. That only proves you should have listened to us and let her get treated here"
"A whole world of good that's doing her! At least she can still be happy dreaming her life away when she's awake. Now she can't even dream with that drug you're giving her."
"Would you rather have her confined to an asylum then ... as you said it yourself, what would be the difference?"
I left Hazel to wonder in her own world as I sadly took care of her everyday.
Missy
The moth and flame embrace and exploded in a bright flash. The object curled up in a fetal position opens her eyes.
Who am I?
The silence rang in my ears. A spherical object went in and out of focus, as my eyes adjusted to the surrounding. The blurry images slowly sharpen and I see it is a ball, a transparent ball lying in the shadows that extended in front and to both sides of it.
After staring at it for a long time, the silence got unbearable, as did the silence in my head with regards to what I was doing on the floor.
I don't think you'll get an answer just waiting here and not moving. I thought. I uncurled myself from the fetal position I was in and was pushing myself up when I dropped back to the floor, reached underneath the table and grabbed the ball. I sat up, propped my hands against the table and looked at what I was holding.
It was a transparent glass ball with a golden star sealed within. The star however didn't look solid, but rather it was more like a star-shaped hollow in the ball holding some golden liquid that shone like the sun when light reflected off it. It looked really pretty and expensive. Instinctively, I slid it into the front pocket of my dress.
I looked around and I saw a door, a painting, a weird window, and a mirror.
I did not recognize the girl in the mirror, I know it’s me, but it’s not me.
When I was outside, I realized that I was actually in a cottage. There I met this ugly and disgusting fellow named Locks. He kept stopping me from leaving this cottage. I think he is keeping me a prisoner here. I will find a way out.
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A talking table told me of a way to escape. I followed his instructions to a waterfall and used my key.
Valin
Valin: I'd assume that you know why we are here for at this point of the millenia?
Voice 2: Yes indeed... We are aware of the situation.
Valin: As you might have heard, one of them has 'awoken' from slumber, causing a ripple in the space-reality continuum.
Voice 2: I am aware of it. And I've initially tried taking the appropriate measures in an attempt to control the situation. But I cannot comprehend how she could have done so by herself. And for what reason?
Voice 4: I concur... No way any one of them could have woken up... Unless, the cycle were to be broken.
Valin: I am aware of that. But unfortunately, that is exactly what had happened. There has been some tampering in the cycle.
Voice 3: Now that's a bummer...
Voice 2: What??? How could that have happened? Or... who could've done it?
(Jonah: It’s Love hehehe The power of love brought Benedict and Hazeline back)
Voice 4: So, do we stop her at all costs? Do we have to resort to erasing her existence?
Valin: No! We must not kill her. We cannot! Lest we worsen the situation. We need to make sure she follows the right path to fix this predicament. As Zardak has mentioned, she alone is the key to solve it. Speaking of which, she also has the key which can open most doors in both realities. I shall charge the three of you to try and stall her. But be careful of any ploys by whoever started this in the first place. I shall try and get to the bottom of this, and find out who is responsible for this cataclysm.
Valin: Non of this must be spoken of. If our Lord hears about this lax in security, we face death.
Valin: This meeting finishes here, my councilmen. I have a plan and I will be going to 'her' to test this Muhwahwa.
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“You two, come with me.” Valin commanded two rookie guards.
“Attack Queen Hazeline in her cell”
"Errararrrrrrrr". A hideous roar issues forth from a pair of jaws blocking the doorway. Hazel jumps back and lands on the floor, just as the jaws clamp down with a sickening clash.
Hazel stares in horror at the the monstrosity in front of her. They have no face, just a huge mouth where the head should be, but from the chest down they are dressed in the nurses' uniform and look completely human. However, before Hazel can react to the bizarre sight, what looks like a pair of black spear punctures the two creatures from behind, the point of the spears protruding from the monsters mouth.
"Eeeeeeeee". The monsters emit a high pitched scream as their bodies crumble into a black dust that is absorbed into the open mouth of a man all dressed in black and standing just behind where the creatures stood. The spears are actually wriggly tentacles that seem to originate from his black coat.
"Tsk, Tsk, Dark Homunculus', is there nothing more powerful? Well their loss, my gain." The man says as he walks over to Hazel. The tentacular appendages have disappeared back into his clothes. He kneels down on one knee in front of Hazel and leans forward with a hand on the other.
"Come with me. The darkness have taken over this place. You are no longer safe." He says, his steely green eyes fixed on Hazel waiting for her reply.
"No. I have to get to Ben, I have to warn him if there're more of these things around" Hazel replies in spite of her shock.
The man cocks up his head and says "Listen, do you hear anything?".
"No, there is nothing" Hazel says straining to pick up whatever it is the man wanted her to hear.
"Precisely. It is too late for your friend Ben, but it is not too late for you ... IF you come with me." the man says.
"That's not it. The song's ended, that is all." rebuts Hazel "What's more, you .. you are like them, those creatures .. you even ate them" Hazel says in disgust.
"Yes, I am from the darkness, but I am not of them. I am, as the expression goes ... one of the good guys." The man continues saying with a flourish of his hand.
"How do I know you are not lying?" Hazel asks, directing the mistrust she had for Ben/Locks at the man.
"and how do you know your dear Ben is not lying too?" The man asks, throwing the question back at her.
"Because I finally remember who I am and who he is" replies Hazel defiantly.
The man makes a little sigh and continues saying "You are mistaken. Those memories are a level two cipher. You have just been implanted with yet another layer of deception, in order that you never see the truth."
"What?" says Hazel, shocked at the suggestion that what she just remembered is yet another illusion.
"But if you come with me, I will show you the truth, and when you do, many will be saved." The man says, and stretches out a gloved hand to Hazel.
"I am Destiny. Take the red pill and together we shall see how deep the rabbit hole goes."
Meanwhile, Ben is attacked by an elongated tongue Homuculumous
Hazel/Missy
Should I take the red pill? Should I? That…that man says that if I were to follow him, I’d see the truth. But Ben has told me the truth! There’s no other story…is there…? Hazel’s consciousness drifted off for some moments, drowning in her ocean of thought.
Ahhhh! I must not be swayed so easily! I must trust in Ben and in myself! Her elfin frame gave a little shiver, as if she had just snapped out of hypnosis. She stole a deep breath discreetly, willing herself to be calm and rational.
“Destiny? Pfft. Oh puh-lease, that whole “Destiny” is really quite overused. Try something new, would you?” Hazel rolled her eyes with vigour, feeling a new-found sense of courage creeping in.
“Ah?” blurted the man in black, his eyes wide in disbelief at Hazel’s speedy recovery from shock.
“Anyway, there’s no way I’m going to eat anything from a thing,” mocked Hazel.
The man became noticeably blue upon hearing that. He looked uncomfortable and agitated, as if he was suppressing some desire within him. His eyes were no longer cocky but shifty, and he started mumbling incoherently under his breath.
“What? Our Mr. Destiny is actually at a loss for words? Wow, why am I not surprised!” Hazel dismissed the man with obvious, intentional disdain.
That touched his raw spot and he burst with rage, purple in the face. “YOU… YOU LITTLE CRETIN! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! I, VALIN OF THE COUNCIL OF FOUR, WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE SO IMPUDENT!” screeched the man in an inhumanely high-pitched voice.
“Oh my, Va-lin? What a horribly old-fashioned name! Probably very apt for an obsolete, old thing like you,” provoked Hazel even further. Valin…Valin…haven’t I heard this name somewhere before? She thought to herself.
Valin, now shaking uncontrollably with furor, raised his hand in mid-air, preparing to strike his provocateur. “I don’t care what he says anymore. I cannot allow such audacity in my presence. You shall die for your…” A very flustered Mary burst opened the door, interrupting Valin’s curse in time.
Fel
“Lord Milifen, I am ready to save my mistress” Heart Knight Fel said
“I must do it right this time.”
The golden wizard gave a slight smile and pointed his staff toward an empty circular section on the ground.
“You must save her this time, be thankful that you have a second chance. Haiz… I am getting old and it takes a lot of energy to open a portal without the Key of Aperito. Since we now know where your mistress is, we might as well save her before she gets lost.” The wizard replied.
“Forgive me my King and Queen” Lord Milifen whispered to himself.
Pzzzzt! A beam of blue light shot out of the wizard’s staff.
The room was filled with a blinding white light. A loud whirling noise emitted from the circular section.
The blinding light made both of them shut their eyes and shield them with their arms. Knight Fel managed to peek out and saw an indefinitely shaped thing floating in the air above the circular section.
“Step in there!” The wizard yelled.
Fel cautiously inched nearer to the weird thing and stepped into it.
He felt as if he was being pulled through a pipe as well as being stretched and compressed.
When he materialized, he saw a Homunculus plunging his tentacles toward two women. Decisively, he drew his lance and drove it into the Homunculus. He fell down and lay motionless at his feet.
“Hail fair Mary, Mistress of the Heart! Is there anything which your heart desires of me to do?” bellowed Fel who was clearly trying to hide his joy.
“Can you see that?” Mary asked Hazel in a hasty whisper, unable to believe the sight in front of her. Hazel gave a cautious nod in reply.
“Okaaay…Erm…Get us out of here safely,” said Mary uncertainly, pushing up her spectacles with one hand.
“Don’t forget Ben. He’s still here, I know he is,” interrupted Hazel with vehemence.
“Well, yes, yes. Get all three of us from this place quickly!” urged Mary.
“Forgive me, my Mistress. For me to do that, I’m afraid you’ll have to say the magic word”, said Fel with his head bowed.
“The magic word? Erm… ‘Please’?” whimpered Mary.
“Dragoneptra,” said Hazel, taking the Heart from Fel, and holding it tightly in her hands. With that, it grew to be an even more brilliant shade of crimson, and the star spun faster and faster.
“I apologise for sounding so much like a genie, but your wish is my command, my Lady,” said Fel with deference, taking note of Hazel’s presence for the first time. “We will need the key on your neck to escape this place of peril though.”
Hazel’s hand instinctively went to her neck, and she felt the key which she had been acquainted with. So it was still there. Ben was a significant part of her life, and so was that key. She had yet to reconcile all her memories into one single quilt, but there was no doubt that the key had once opened a door to a place of enigma. Yes, it was there where she overheard a secret conversation, one which she was not supposed to hear. It was there where she first knew of someone called “Valin”. Yes, that key was real, and it was hers. She knew its grooves all too well, and she loved the fact that the ruby was soothingly cool to her skin.
“It’s a pleasure to render the services of my key. Now what’s next?”
“I know that girl from somewhere. That girl… she knows me too.” Fel’s thoughts raced inside of him. But Mary is my Mistress, so why does the other girl know the magic word? Could she be the one instead? And she has that powerful key on her neck…
They reached the entrance of the hospital, and unsurprisingly, it was locked.
“My Lady, please open the door with your key,” said Fel.
Hazel took the key from the necklace around her neck, and proceeded to open the door with an overpowering sense of curiosity. This key led me to a mysterious place the last time. Where will it lead me this time, I wonder?
She turned the key, and the door opened wide. Both Mary and Hazel gasped in astonishment, but Ben was still too weak to react. None of them realized that Fel had already disappeared into thin air, because what greeted them was a sight that was too inconceivable to behold. It was totally another world of its own, and they could not believe their eyes.
"Welcome home, My Mistress!" Knight Fel exclaimed as they flew through the morning sky of Goshen, bright green grass carpeted most of the ground here. Rivers flowed through the land like patterns through a piece of garment. The Palace of Magandus could be seen just ahead.
"That place... I think I've been there before." Ben awoke suddenly and said as he gazed at the magnificent structure.
"Of course you have my friend" Fel replied.
"This is the capital of Goshen. We'll find out who exactly you are in our records and send you back to your family." Fel continued.
"Oz... The cafe... Hazel! Will I get to see them again" Ben asked sadly.
"That was a prison you were in just now. An illusion prison. It places you in another world so that you will feel comfortable in prison would not want to leave and escape or something." Fel explained.
"Hazel... She's gone..." Ben cried.
"Ben, I'm right here." A voice said matter of factly from behind him.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Ben tried to push himself toward her.
"You can't do that now! You are halfway-..." Fel suddenly stopped and glared at Ben and Hazel.
"WAIT A MINUTE. BEN AND HAZEL! KING BENEDICT AND QUEEN HAZELINE! AND THAT KEY IS THE KEY OF APERITO! YOUR SERVANT IS EXTREMELY DUMB YOUR MAJESTIES!" Knight Fel shouted as he tried to kneel in midair.
"You can't do that now! You said we are halfway in midair isn't it?" Ben replied almost as loud as Fel.
"Besides, I don't remember anything about being a King. All I remember is that I am an average guy with a talented girlfriend." Ben said now smiling.
…
...
The hall was humongous, 100 long magnificently crafted wooden benches which sat 1400 anxious yet excited guests lined the hall’s left and right. In between the left and right rows of benches was a vast empty space with a beautiful mosaic pattern right in the middle of it. The path of the carpet split at the entrance to the left and the right, going around the mosaic pattern at the center of the hall. It joined back after the pattern ended. And at end of it, a smiling elderly wizard wearing a golden robe and a weird golden cap was waiting on the upper platform. Just behind the wizard was a matching black velvet curtain which spanned the width and height of the Great Hall, blocking the whole back from everyone’s view.
The wizard’s already golden clothes, coupled with the strong sunlight which shone through five huge windows on both sides of the hall made him glow as if fairylight were present.
“I present you! The Sillian Royal Orchestra!” He spoke loudly when the Bride and Groom were ready.
After a while, the slick curtains started to rise and the Wizard hurried himself to the side of the hall. A plump man in a brown dress coat standing in the middle was the first to appear behind it. As the curtains rose, it revealed something more; 100 people holding various instruments sat on a long bench like platform,- another 100 people on the row above it, - and another 100 people above it and so on totaling 5 rows.
The plump conductor raised his ‘stick’ and the musicians of the Silian Royal Orchestra prepared their instruments…
A man in white wearing a huge wig appeared and started the song by singing in a mix of Silian and common tongue…
(Play the song)
(Use earphones if you have lousy speakers)
…
…
…
The sweet melody of the orchestra accompanied the vocals and spread throughout the hall like the scent of Jasmine in the fields.
The King grasp the tiny hand of ‘his Queen’ and both of them strolled towards the left path of the carpet with the brilliant violet train following, dragging some littered flowers with it. All eyes were on them, but both their eyes were in each other’s.
…
…
…
…
…
…
“My Love… Finally…” the Bride thought, grinning shyly at him.
“My Dear… This song is for you…” The Groom grabbed her hand even tighter.
…
…
…
…
…
…
As they reached the end of the crimson carpet, the music softened and slowed down. The gold draped Wizard was already back where he was on the upper platform, and the man in white disappeared into one of the doors behind the orchestra.
He smiled and gave a slight bow.
“My King, My Lady”
“Shall we begin?”
“…”
“The Royal Magandus Family! Honourable Lords, Ladies and Guests!”
“Today we have gathered, to witness the joining together of our beloved King Benedict the Third, and our much-loved Mistress of the ‘Cruser Knights’ Lady Hazeline.”
*Squeeze hand*
“The Marriage Vows…”
“My King…” The Glowing Wizard gestured towards King Benedict.
Staring into Lady Hazeline’s gleaming brown pupils, King Benedict took a breath and said aloud:
“I, King Benedict the Third, take you Lady Hazeline of Kuupi, to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish you and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust and respect you, laugh and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we meet. I give my hand, my heart, my love, my all to you from this day onwards, for as long as we both shall live!”
Lady Hazeline’s face turned scarlet and she tried to look away.
“Don’t you want us to be together?” King Benedict teased her whisperingly.
“I Do!” Lady Hazeline whispered a protest back as she looked up towards him.
“Lady Hazeline…” The Wizard grinned at Lady Hazeline.
“It’s your turn”
“I, Lady Hazeline of Kuupi, take you King Benedict the Third, to be my friend, my husband, my lover, the father of my children. I promise to always be by your side, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. You will always be in my heart, whether separated or together, now or in the future. I promise to cherish you, to encourage you, comfort you, care for you, and stay with you for eternity.”
The shy Lady Hazeline looked bashfully to the ground for a moment and looked back up again.
“Both King Benedict and Lady Hazeline have said their vows!” The Wizard shouted excitedly as the hall erupted into another thunder of applause.
“Can we have the gifts now?” The Wizard asked when the applause died down.
A petite lady wearing a frilly red dress stood up from one of the front rows and walked towards them holding out a mid-sized red box with both her arms. This box had no keyhole, just the box, and its lid on hinges.
When she reached them, King Benedict gestured at her and she brought the box up to her lips and whispered something to it. There was a faint click sound and the lid slowly opened around its hinges.
King Benedict slid his hand into the cushioned insides of the box and took out a strange ball like thing. Sounds of muffled gasps and chatter could be heard from around the hall, and some guests even stood up trying to get a clearer view.
“Thanks Mary…” He whispered to the red lady.
Now facing Lady Hazeline, he said:
“Hazeline, this is the Key of Aperito. I want to give you this, not because it is valuable. But because I want you, Hazeline, to always be able to return to Magandus safely. I will never forget that incident… Magandus is your home… our home. Lady Hazeline was speechless, all she did was to stare at the metallic thing embedded in the ball. And her face turned red again.
“Well then, it is my turn to speak now.” The Wizard said joyfully.
“With the power given to me, I hereby declare you King Benedict and Queen Hazeline of Magandus, Man and Wife!”
A soft but sweet melody of the music came from the Orchestra again and the King took the hand of his future queen and led her to the mosaic pattern at center of the hall.
As was the custom of Magandus, King Benedict and Queen Hazeline had both apples of their eyes tightly fixed on to each other’s and danced to the slow and romantic ballad in each other’s arms.
…
…
…
…
…
…
The dance ended with a kiss. A small firework of romantic red exploded above them, dazzling everyone.
------------------------------
1 YEAR LATER
------------------------------
“This is a disaster! Summon all the Knight Masters and Mistresses to me at once!” King Benedict Yelled at Lord Joseph as he tugged his cloak loose.
“Yes, my King! Right away!” Lord Joseph hurried himself from the Military Room to the adjacent room.
He paced to and fro by the fireplace, with the portrait of his father watching him.
Lord Joseph arrived at a wooden desk by the window. There was a sky blue staff which looked like a long piece of stick on it.
“Accio cniht eh Magister, Migula!” Lord Joseph muttered as he raise a sky blue staff toward the skies.
“It is done my King…” Reported Lord Joseph when he came back.
“Where are they, what’s taking them so long?!” Bellowed the King.
After a few moments, the scuttling of footsteps could be heard from the lit stairway behind them.
King Benedict turned to face the stairway and went over to meet them.
“Master of the Talon Knights! My King.” A flustered looking tall and thin man said.
“Finally!” The King snapped impatiently.
“Mistress of the Heart Knights! My King.” The small lady who was the giftbearer at King Benedict’s wedding said out loud.
“Yes yes, I know!” The King was trying to get everyone’s attention so that he could speak.
“Mistress of the Vi-…“
“Ok already!” The King interrupted before the Mistress of the Violet Knights could continue.
The rest who came behind them kept silent and waited when they heard him.
“This is a disaster!” The King yelled again.
“Those foul Homunculus are attacking our border forts!”
“But aren’t we at peace with them?” The master of the Talon Knights asked curiously.
“PEACE? We were NEVER at peace with them!” King Benedict retorted.
“The war 20 years ago was the biggest we had. Both sides sustained a lot of losses and when these were too great, the fighting ceased suddenly.”
“We never made peace with them! It was an unspoken truce!” The King declared.
“They were extremely lucky that WE let them live! And now they grow arrogant and plan to wipe us out!”
“What shall we do my king?” Lord Joseph asked.
“The town of Gaido lies near the border. We must protect it!
“Send two-thirds of our forces out! 35000 of them to the front line! 5000 to Gaido. The rest shall remain in the town.” The King replied.
“Your Mithril Knights will be in the palace under my command. You shall command the 40000 knights to war!”
“Is everyone clear!”
“Yes my King!” Everyone replied.
“We will shield our lands from the filth. We cannot let them befoul our ground! We shall drive them out and keep our lands!”
------------------------------
The palace garden was a place of tranquility, away from the central square. A cute little stream flowing through the little forest provided the peaceful tune as the waters rolled toward the other end. The trees provided a lot of shade and the scent of flowers felt crispy and cool. Two squirrels were jerk-moving on a tree.
“Oh, Hunny. Look at the little squirrels! They are looking for food!” Hazeline gasps as she held her Lhasa Apso dog up for it to have a better view.
“Woof!”
“Aren’t they cute little things?” Hazeline said with a smile.
“Woof! Woof!” Hunny barked and the two squirrels jolted and fled.
“Bad boy! Hmph!” Hazeline frowned.
Something moved out of the corner of Hazeline’s eye.
“What was that?” Hazeline thought as she looked behind her to the back of the garden. Her eyes watching for movement as they scanned the suspicious trees.
“Hazeline!” A voice called from the entrance.
Hazeline forgot about the movement and looked to the entrance gate. Benedict came running down the path towards to.
“Have you been here all day? I’m sorry I neglected you all these while.” Benedict said as he hugged her.
“It’s alright, matters of the country are much more important. And I have Hunny here to keep me company.” Hazeline replied.
“Sigh… I wish I wasn’t King. Then you wouldn’t be so lonely. I want to be with you. But I can’t.” There was a tear in Benedict’s eye.
“A husband is for his wife, and his wife is for his husband. I will cherish you and love you more each day than I did the day before…”
“I will trust and respect you, laugh and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we meet…”
“I give my hand, my heart, my love, my all to you from this day onwards, for as long as we both shall live…”
“I still remember the vow I made Hazeline.” Benedict said earnestly.
“I am glad that I have a husband of love, and not an ungrateful king.” Hazeline said and smiled.
“Hazeline… This… this might be the last time we are together.” Benedict broke the news to her unexpectedly.
“HUH? WHY?” Hazeline burst out.
“I don’t want you to leave!” She continued and cried, holding on to Benedict ever tighter.
“Hazeline, I am really sorry!” Benedict said as he stroked her Jet black hair.
“I have to do this for Magandus. I have to lead a legion to battle. I can’t watch my men die while I enjoy the defenses of the palace!”
“Waaa! Aren’t you supposed to stay in the castle? The council forbids you from engaging directly with fighting a war!” Hazeline wailed.
“I am the King and I see the need. So I must go!”
A black thing swooped down upon them from somewhere above and its feet collided with Benedict’s head. The force detached his tiara like crown from his head and it flew into the stream.
“BENEDICT!” Hazeline screamed.
Still feeling groggy, Benedict picked himself up and looked up. There was Hazeline, wriggling like a worm in the talons of the big black flying thing with a huge jaw.
He drew his scepter from his girdle and took aim at the black flying thing.
“Orastiga-…” Benedict broke off his chant when he realized that his spell is going to hit Hazeline.
“Use the Aperito, Hazeline! The key!” Benedict shouted.
Hazeline fumbled around her dress and drew a glass orb.
“Dragonp-…” The black flying thing slapped Hazeline’s cheek with its tail and Hazeline was seen trying to pry open her lips.
“Oh no… the muting spell…” Benedict said in dismay.
The black flying creature seemed like it was going to fly towards the skies and away. But it looked back at Benedict and torpedoed towards him.
------------------------------
“Fire at will!” Lord Joseph shouted as he released a yellow signal to the sky.
Tens of Thousands of trails of various spells bore through the air and rained on the black enemies on the other side. Some burned with a white flame, others had their limbs flying all over the place, spewing black liquid following it. High pitch screams were heard all over the battlefield.
Thousands of Homunculus soldiers began to fall one by one, their weapons clanged as they hit the ground sounding as if thousands of pots and pans were being hit at the same time.
“Charge!” Lord Joseph shouted as he released another signaling spell to the sky.
Ten thousand knights cried out loud and drew their weapons; a mix of lances, large shields, short and long swords and advanced upon the black creatures.
As they neared the Homunculus, the scene was horrifying. Hideous roars came out of creatures which as no face, just a huge jaw where the face should be. They have arm-like things without fingers coming out of their chests. Some holding axes, some unarmed, the monstrous jaws were enough. However horrifying the scene was, the Knights were sure of one thing.
To eliminate, or be eliminated.
Human heads were bitten of by the jaws of the Homunculus and spat all over the place. Black stuff too, were strewed all over the battlefield; black flesh was sliced off by swords and black goo oozed from the wounds penetrated by lances.
A little woman was seen struggling in the claws of a black flying monster high above the air, flying towards the evil lands.
------------------------------
“Valin, lock them in the Lair of the Shadows… Muhwahwa” A gleeful booming voice said.
“Yes my lord.”
A black man wearing a black coat from stood up from his kneeling position and walked out the door, his tentacle like limbs wriggling from his back.
------------------------------
Ben
It was raining, the air was cool. The perfect time for sleep.
“Ahhh…” Thought Ben relaxingly.
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
“RRrrriiinnggg!!!!”
*Slam*
*Tick*
“Wake up! Ben” A voice called from outside.
“You have a café to run!”
“You don’t want to be late!”
“Yes, Oz…”
“Our first day...” Ben thought with a dreamy grin.
She had told him it was her favorite song after she saw the way he played it on the piano. “Your fingers tell a story,” she said, with a genuine sincere smile. Her bright smile shone through his heart and melted it then. Ever since then, her jet black hair, her soft brown eyes continued to mesmerize him. They would meet everyday at the same jazz bar and then they would spend the day talking and laughing. He marveled at her vast knowledge and intelligence, even though she was only eighteen. With that she had replied, “Oh yes, they said I am gifted... but well, I have my flaws too...” She said it with a tinge of sadness in her eyes, of which he must have overlooked then, because he was more interested in how beautiful her eyes were. But now, he understood what she had meant.
She tried to escape again the other day. I almost lost her for good. There was a thunderstorm and so after I collected Hazel's favourite lunch at the usual time of 1pm, I hurried back. I found the main door to the shop left ajar and immediately took off to look for her. Luckily I found her at the field just up ahead. Poor girl, she fell on the muddy ground and got so dirty. I almost yelled at her, angry at her for trying to escape when I am already trying so hard to cope for our sake. But that's when I saw the glass ball rolling out of her hand. Warmth overwhelmed me then and the tears that rolled down from my eyes were camouflaged by the rain that had already drenched us. That glass ball was my first gift to her. The fact that she still held on to it showed that I am still in her heart, despite everything else....
When did I give the ball to her anyway? I can’t really remember…
“Whats with that lousy smile you have on your face? I am doing you a favor by getting you out of bed” Ben’s roommate said feeling a little annoyed.
Valin
“Make sure they don’t meet. It may break the spell” Valin said to the black prison guards.
“Yes my lord” They replied.
“Where shall we put them?”
“Special treatment for royalties, a fully human illusion, make them feel comfortable so that they wouldn’t want to leave.” Valin said smiling.
“Our Lord wants them” Valin Continued.
Hazel
It was after my lectures. I was walking home when I saw this café which recently opened. I went in and bought some Willhamson Tea and two slices of raspberry chocolate cake. When I sat down on an empty sit, someone went over to the piano at the corner of the café and started playing a beautiful piece of something. I took a few bites off the cakes, sipped on the Tea and went over to the piano. It was a man who was playing the piano. He had ear-length silky yet wavy black hair and fingers which moved like the waves of the sea. The way he played this song made my heart quiver. After he finished, I told him that it was my favorite song after I saw the way he played. I will never forget when he tried to reply me; all that came out was blabbering. “I…I… you…you…hehe….” He was so adorable that I smiled at him after a while. His personality had unintentionally charmed her.
I don’t know why I keep seeing things recently. There was once when I ran out of a burning house and jumped into a nearby pool of water to douse my burning skirt. Ben came running to me pulling me out of the muddy pool and back into the ‘burning’ house.
It wasn’t burning I guess…
Valin
“You FOOLS!”
“How did they get together?” The councilman roared.
“We…we… d…d…d…don’t know s...s…sir…”
“Prepare another layer of illusion for the Queen!”
“Yes sir!”
Ben
Hazel has been acting strangely recently.
Who is this Locks guy?
----------------------
"How long will she have to be sedated?"
"As long as it takes to find a cure for her"
"What if you never do?"
"Then she might have to stay this way all her life"
"You can't keep her sleeping forever! ... What difference is that from killing her? Just let me talk to her!"
"Stop kidding yourself! You know that won't work. How long have you been doing that? A year? And the result? She's back here again, worse then ever"
"At least she is herself some of the time"
"And when was the last time that happened?"
"... three months ago"
"There you have it, the period of her dementia has been getting longer. That only proves you should have listened to us and let her get treated here"
"A whole world of good that's doing her! At least she can still be happy dreaming her life away when she's awake. Now she can't even dream with that drug you're giving her."
"Would you rather have her confined to an asylum then ... as you said it yourself, what would be the difference?"
I left Hazel to wonder in her own world as I sadly took care of her everyday.
Missy
The moth and flame embrace and exploded in a bright flash. The object curled up in a fetal position opens her eyes.
Who am I?
The silence rang in my ears. A spherical object went in and out of focus, as my eyes adjusted to the surrounding. The blurry images slowly sharpen and I see it is a ball, a transparent ball lying in the shadows that extended in front and to both sides of it.
After staring at it for a long time, the silence got unbearable, as did the silence in my head with regards to what I was doing on the floor.
I don't think you'll get an answer just waiting here and not moving. I thought. I uncurled myself from the fetal position I was in and was pushing myself up when I dropped back to the floor, reached underneath the table and grabbed the ball. I sat up, propped my hands against the table and looked at what I was holding.
It was a transparent glass ball with a golden star sealed within. The star however didn't look solid, but rather it was more like a star-shaped hollow in the ball holding some golden liquid that shone like the sun when light reflected off it. It looked really pretty and expensive. Instinctively, I slid it into the front pocket of my dress.
I looked around and I saw a door, a painting, a weird window, and a mirror.
I did not recognize the girl in the mirror, I know it’s me, but it’s not me.
When I was outside, I realized that I was actually in a cottage. There I met this ugly and disgusting fellow named Locks. He kept stopping me from leaving this cottage. I think he is keeping me a prisoner here. I will find a way out.
--------------------------
A talking table told me of a way to escape. I followed his instructions to a waterfall and used my key.
Valin
Valin: I'd assume that you know why we are here for at this point of the millenia?
Voice 2: Yes indeed... We are aware of the situation.
Valin: As you might have heard, one of them has 'awoken' from slumber, causing a ripple in the space-reality continuum.
Voice 2: I am aware of it. And I've initially tried taking the appropriate measures in an attempt to control the situation. But I cannot comprehend how she could have done so by herself. And for what reason?
Voice 4: I concur... No way any one of them could have woken up... Unless, the cycle were to be broken.
Valin: I am aware of that. But unfortunately, that is exactly what had happened. There has been some tampering in the cycle.
Voice 3: Now that's a bummer...
Voice 2: What??? How could that have happened? Or... who could've done it?
(Jonah: It’s Love hehehe The power of love brought Benedict and Hazeline back)
Voice 4: So, do we stop her at all costs? Do we have to resort to erasing her existence?
Valin: No! We must not kill her. We cannot! Lest we worsen the situation. We need to make sure she follows the right path to fix this predicament. As Zardak has mentioned, she alone is the key to solve it. Speaking of which, she also has the key which can open most doors in both realities. I shall charge the three of you to try and stall her. But be careful of any ploys by whoever started this in the first place. I shall try and get to the bottom of this, and find out who is responsible for this cataclysm.
Valin: Non of this must be spoken of. If our Lord hears about this lax in security, we face death.
Valin: This meeting finishes here, my councilmen. I have a plan and I will be going to 'her' to test this Muhwahwa.
-----------------------------
“You two, come with me.” Valin commanded two rookie guards.
“Attack Queen Hazeline in her cell”
"Errararrrrrrrr". A hideous roar issues forth from a pair of jaws blocking the doorway. Hazel jumps back and lands on the floor, just as the jaws clamp down with a sickening clash.
Hazel stares in horror at the the monstrosity in front of her. They have no face, just a huge mouth where the head should be, but from the chest down they are dressed in the nurses' uniform and look completely human. However, before Hazel can react to the bizarre sight, what looks like a pair of black spear punctures the two creatures from behind, the point of the spears protruding from the monsters mouth.
"Eeeeeeeee". The monsters emit a high pitched scream as their bodies crumble into a black dust that is absorbed into the open mouth of a man all dressed in black and standing just behind where the creatures stood. The spears are actually wriggly tentacles that seem to originate from his black coat.
"Tsk, Tsk, Dark Homunculus', is there nothing more powerful? Well their loss, my gain." The man says as he walks over to Hazel. The tentacular appendages have disappeared back into his clothes. He kneels down on one knee in front of Hazel and leans forward with a hand on the other.
"Come with me. The darkness have taken over this place. You are no longer safe." He says, his steely green eyes fixed on Hazel waiting for her reply.
"No. I have to get to Ben, I have to warn him if there're more of these things around" Hazel replies in spite of her shock.
The man cocks up his head and says "Listen, do you hear anything?".
"No, there is nothing" Hazel says straining to pick up whatever it is the man wanted her to hear.
"Precisely. It is too late for your friend Ben, but it is not too late for you ... IF you come with me." the man says.
"That's not it. The song's ended, that is all." rebuts Hazel "What's more, you .. you are like them, those creatures .. you even ate them" Hazel says in disgust.
"Yes, I am from the darkness, but I am not of them. I am, as the expression goes ... one of the good guys." The man continues saying with a flourish of his hand.
"How do I know you are not lying?" Hazel asks, directing the mistrust she had for Ben/Locks at the man.
"and how do you know your dear Ben is not lying too?" The man asks, throwing the question back at her.
"Because I finally remember who I am and who he is" replies Hazel defiantly.
The man makes a little sigh and continues saying "You are mistaken. Those memories are a level two cipher. You have just been implanted with yet another layer of deception, in order that you never see the truth."
"What?" says Hazel, shocked at the suggestion that what she just remembered is yet another illusion.
"But if you come with me, I will show you the truth, and when you do, many will be saved." The man says, and stretches out a gloved hand to Hazel.
"I am Destiny. Take the red pill and together we shall see how deep the rabbit hole goes."
Meanwhile, Ben is attacked by an elongated tongue Homuculumous
Hazel/Missy
Should I take the red pill? Should I? That…that man says that if I were to follow him, I’d see the truth. But Ben has told me the truth! There’s no other story…is there…? Hazel’s consciousness drifted off for some moments, drowning in her ocean of thought.
Ahhhh! I must not be swayed so easily! I must trust in Ben and in myself! Her elfin frame gave a little shiver, as if she had just snapped out of hypnosis. She stole a deep breath discreetly, willing herself to be calm and rational.
“Destiny? Pfft. Oh puh-lease, that whole “Destiny” is really quite overused. Try something new, would you?” Hazel rolled her eyes with vigour, feeling a new-found sense of courage creeping in.
“Ah?” blurted the man in black, his eyes wide in disbelief at Hazel’s speedy recovery from shock.
“Anyway, there’s no way I’m going to eat anything from a thing,” mocked Hazel.
The man became noticeably blue upon hearing that. He looked uncomfortable and agitated, as if he was suppressing some desire within him. His eyes were no longer cocky but shifty, and he started mumbling incoherently under his breath.
“What? Our Mr. Destiny is actually at a loss for words? Wow, why am I not surprised!” Hazel dismissed the man with obvious, intentional disdain.
That touched his raw spot and he burst with rage, purple in the face. “YOU… YOU LITTLE CRETIN! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! I, VALIN OF THE COUNCIL OF FOUR, WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE SO IMPUDENT!” screeched the man in an inhumanely high-pitched voice.
“Oh my, Va-lin? What a horribly old-fashioned name! Probably very apt for an obsolete, old thing like you,” provoked Hazel even further. Valin…Valin…haven’t I heard this name somewhere before? She thought to herself.
Valin, now shaking uncontrollably with furor, raised his hand in mid-air, preparing to strike his provocateur. “I don’t care what he says anymore. I cannot allow such audacity in my presence. You shall die for your…” A very flustered Mary burst opened the door, interrupting Valin’s curse in time.
Fel
“Lord Milifen, I am ready to save my mistress” Heart Knight Fel said
“I must do it right this time.”
The golden wizard gave a slight smile and pointed his staff toward an empty circular section on the ground.
“You must save her this time, be thankful that you have a second chance. Haiz… I am getting old and it takes a lot of energy to open a portal without the Key of Aperito. Since we now know where your mistress is, we might as well save her before she gets lost.” The wizard replied.
“Forgive me my King and Queen” Lord Milifen whispered to himself.
Pzzzzt! A beam of blue light shot out of the wizard’s staff.
The room was filled with a blinding white light. A loud whirling noise emitted from the circular section.
The blinding light made both of them shut their eyes and shield them with their arms. Knight Fel managed to peek out and saw an indefinitely shaped thing floating in the air above the circular section.
“Step in there!” The wizard yelled.
Fel cautiously inched nearer to the weird thing and stepped into it.
He felt as if he was being pulled through a pipe as well as being stretched and compressed.
When he materialized, he saw a Homunculus plunging his tentacles toward two women. Decisively, he drew his lance and drove it into the Homunculus. He fell down and lay motionless at his feet.
“Hail fair Mary, Mistress of the Heart! Is there anything which your heart desires of me to do?” bellowed Fel who was clearly trying to hide his joy.
“Can you see that?” Mary asked Hazel in a hasty whisper, unable to believe the sight in front of her. Hazel gave a cautious nod in reply.
“Okaaay…Erm…Get us out of here safely,” said Mary uncertainly, pushing up her spectacles with one hand.
“Don’t forget Ben. He’s still here, I know he is,” interrupted Hazel with vehemence.
“Well, yes, yes. Get all three of us from this place quickly!” urged Mary.
“Forgive me, my Mistress. For me to do that, I’m afraid you’ll have to say the magic word”, said Fel with his head bowed.
“The magic word? Erm… ‘Please’?” whimpered Mary.
“Dragoneptra,” said Hazel, taking the Heart from Fel, and holding it tightly in her hands. With that, it grew to be an even more brilliant shade of crimson, and the star spun faster and faster.
“I apologise for sounding so much like a genie, but your wish is my command, my Lady,” said Fel with deference, taking note of Hazel’s presence for the first time. “We will need the key on your neck to escape this place of peril though.”
Hazel’s hand instinctively went to her neck, and she felt the key which she had been acquainted with. So it was still there. Ben was a significant part of her life, and so was that key. She had yet to reconcile all her memories into one single quilt, but there was no doubt that the key had once opened a door to a place of enigma. Yes, it was there where she overheard a secret conversation, one which she was not supposed to hear. It was there where she first knew of someone called “Valin”. Yes, that key was real, and it was hers. She knew its grooves all too well, and she loved the fact that the ruby was soothingly cool to her skin.
“It’s a pleasure to render the services of my key. Now what’s next?”
“I know that girl from somewhere. That girl… she knows me too.” Fel’s thoughts raced inside of him. But Mary is my Mistress, so why does the other girl know the magic word? Could she be the one instead? And she has that powerful key on her neck…
They reached the entrance of the hospital, and unsurprisingly, it was locked.
“My Lady, please open the door with your key,” said Fel.
Hazel took the key from the necklace around her neck, and proceeded to open the door with an overpowering sense of curiosity. This key led me to a mysterious place the last time. Where will it lead me this time, I wonder?
She turned the key, and the door opened wide. Both Mary and Hazel gasped in astonishment, but Ben was still too weak to react. None of them realized that Fel had already disappeared into thin air, because what greeted them was a sight that was too inconceivable to behold. It was totally another world of its own, and they could not believe their eyes.
"Welcome home, My Mistress!" Knight Fel exclaimed as they flew through the morning sky of Goshen, bright green grass carpeted most of the ground here. Rivers flowed through the land like patterns through a piece of garment. The Palace of Magandus could be seen just ahead.
"That place... I think I've been there before." Ben awoke suddenly and said as he gazed at the magnificent structure.
"Of course you have my friend" Fel replied.
"This is the capital of Goshen. We'll find out who exactly you are in our records and send you back to your family." Fel continued.
"Oz... The cafe... Hazel! Will I get to see them again" Ben asked sadly.
"That was a prison you were in just now. An illusion prison. It places you in another world so that you will feel comfortable in prison would not want to leave and escape or something." Fel explained.
"Hazel... She's gone..." Ben cried.
"Ben, I'm right here." A voice said matter of factly from behind him.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Ben tried to push himself toward her.
"You can't do that now! You are halfway-..." Fel suddenly stopped and glared at Ben and Hazel.
"WAIT A MINUTE. BEN AND HAZEL! KING BENEDICT AND QUEEN HAZELINE! AND THAT KEY IS THE KEY OF APERITO! YOUR SERVANT IS EXTREMELY DUMB YOUR MAJESTIES!" Knight Fel shouted as he tried to kneel in midair.
"You can't do that now! You said we are halfway in midair isn't it?" Ben replied almost as loud as Fel.
"Besides, I don't remember anything about being a King. All I remember is that I am an average guy with a talented girlfriend." Ben said now smiling.
…
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