The wave came over her again, She looked across the way, And there she found the darkness.

The clouds rushed over her again, This time she looked within, And there she found the darkness.

Out with it, she’d cry familiar tears, When the dark took over her mind, And there she found the darkness.

Nothing but the same, she never changed, Not until the end did she see her life, And there she found, The whole time, She was talking with the devil.

Mosley stepped forward to catch himself fully in the mirror, rubbing his jaw to see if it was time for a shave. Not yet. Then it was off to work for him. Another uneventful day at the airport but he must show concern lest he appear as an unmotivated employee.

He saw his friend Anton across the way speaking with an old woman, her hair turned fully white and her cane barely providing any support. Probably another one whose gotten lost. "Thank you young man." Was all her heard as she walked off towards the gate. No bag so she must be picking up someone.

"Another day another dollar eh Mosley?"

Anton repeated that same damn phrase every morning. "Yup. Gotta get that dollar." And every day Mosley had to come up with a new way of responding. He was running especially low on social patience today. "What was that woman looking for?"

"Gate number 2, all the way on the other side of the terminal. I felt kind of bad I couldn't go with her. Hope she finds it alright." A few moments later an alarm went off and a radio call came in. Apparently another celebrity thought themselves above the rest of us and is now making a scene. So much for an uneventful day. Even though he's just an idiot with an ego, they are instructed to keep to protocol, which meant one of them had to leave and the other stay. Before Mosley could volunteer, "I got it, you stay here!" Damn.

A few more people had their bags checked in before Mosley saw someone he recognized. It was the old woman from that morning, and she was waiting just inside, Gate number 8. Anton still wasn't back yet, and he's not supposed to leave that post unattended, but if he didn't go that old lady would be waiting for the rest of whatever was left of her life.

Mosley did his best jog over to her, "Ma'am? You're looking for Gate 2? Is that right?"

She turned to him, her eyes barely showing through her loose skin, she smiled, "Oh no dear, I'm just the distraction." And then she turned back to what Mosley now realized was reading the arriving flights on screen.

His heart began to hit hard. He held his radio tightly in his shaking hands, "Anton, come in." Nothing. "Anyone, what's going on with the code?" Still nothing. He ran out to the sound of police sirens and in the distance could make out a thick of black smoke on the road, like a car accident had just occurred.

"Mosley! There you are!" His boss was shouting, his face burning with color. "You don't leave your post here, ever! What the hell were you thinking? Where did you go?"

Mosley almost explained about the old lady, but knew that's not what the boss what really asking. He wasn't asking anything at all. "What happened?"

"Someone was killed, they think it was a targeted attack." He wiped his sweat with the radio antenna, "Tell me you at least saw something so I don't have to fire your ass." When Mosley didn't respond, they both knew he was done for. His boss held out his hand. "Radio and badge. Return your uniform tomorrow."

Just as I woke, the chill of the air hit the nape of my neck and I immediately knew where I was. In my numbed state from the frosted air of the night, I willed myself to open my eyes and accept it. I gazed up at the leaves not four inches from my face as I lay with my back flat on the grass. Every night I wake up under the same crooked tree. The trunk started off as a massive, even piece of bark but halfway up, something willed it to contort to the right and start heading back down only it hadn’t made it all the way. Forever to be taunted by how close it had come to victory. As I lay there still staring up at the massive piece it almost felt like it was staring back at me.

~Dominus…~ I heard whispered in my head.

My breath ran cold. I charged out from under the crooked tree as fast as my body would move. I was just about used to the sleepwalking to the tree by now, but never had that happened before. Whatever that was. The weather finally hit me when my teeth chattered against my will. I would catch pneumonia and die if I stayed out here barefoot, in nothing but my pajamas. Time to hitchhike another ride home.

“Anita? Is that you again, what are you doing here?” Jason drove up along the rode, slowing down beside me to keep my pace. I considered asking him for a ride but our history told me it was a bad idea. “Get in loser.”

“Leave me alone.” I could see my breath escaping as I spoke reminding me just how cold it was and what an idiot I was being.

“You’re going to freeze to death. Get in!”

Dammit. I got in the damn car. Skewer me. I’m freezing in my pj’s, disoriented, exhausted, and now in the car with the school bully and professional jackass. How ever could this get any worse?

I turned to take a last look at the crooked tree. “So what are you doing here so early?” I asked him. If I was going to be subjected to spend a car ride with this idiot, then I wasn’t going to play defense. I looked at him and he made no attempt to answer. He didn’t even take his eyes off the road. It was like I wasn’t even there. “I’m talking to you.”

My demands seemed to work because he blinked away from the road. The gears spinning in his head. “I don’t really…” Yes? “You know, I asked you first.”

“Sleepwalking. Your turn.”

He looked nervous. Like someone was listening. He breathed out a shaky breath. “I’m not sure exactly.” What did that mean? “Sometimes when I’m driving, my mind…it’s like it goes to sleep and then wakes up and I’m driving on this street.” It was almost like he didn’t realize who he was talking to because the next thing I knew, he was defensive as hell. “You tell anyone about this and you’re dead. I’ll deny it so don’t even bother.”

“That’s a very convincing threat. I think I even got chills from that…oh wait no that’s just the cold seeping in from outside.”

“I’m serious!”

“Relax I’m not gonna tell anyone. Believe me I’d like to forget this whole morning.”

It felt like we had been driving for 10 minutes or so which meant we should be approaching my house. I took a look outside and my heart dropped into my stomach. We were on the same street with that crooked tree. But that didn’t make any sense. We were moving the whole time. Surely we must have left. Thinking back I couldn’t remember us turning out to another street. Was it just me or did Jason notice too. I turned to ask him, “Jason—“ I jumped hard with my back against the window. Jason’s expressionless face turned towards me as the car kept its same speed. His eyes were glazed over in cloudy white. “JASON!” I screamed. I turned over to open the door but it was locked. Jason let go of the steering wheel and lunged at me as the car swerved out of control. “Jason! Stop it! Get off me!”

I fought him for as long as I could, finally getting in one good punch and sending him back into his seat. He shook his head like a wet dog. “Ouch! Dammit Ani what the fuck?” He looked at my face as I tried hard not to cry. “What? What’s wrong?”

“The fuck you mean what’s wrong? You just attacked me you jackass!”

Dumbfounded, he wanted to know more but I demanded he let me out of the car. After some arguing he pulled over and I jumped out and stomped away. “Ani wait! I’m sorry, just tell me what I did.”

Everything went silent after that. I turned around to see where he had gone, but he was just gone. I didn’t think it was possible to get any colder but something just didn’t feel right. I just needed to get home, go to sleep and wake up. Then everything will go back to normal. How wrong I was. I turned to continue my walk and crashed hard into a wall with scarp edges. “Dammit!” I held my nose so it wouldn’t bleed. Little did I know that was the least of my problems. I opened my eyes and I was standing in front of that crooked tree once again. Only this time, Jason was laid unconscious same as I was earlier that morning. My legs lost what little strength they had left. “Jason! Jason wake up!” My nose was pounding but i tried not to focus on the pain. Something was really wrong.

~Master. You have returned.~

“Who said that!” I screamed. Just about had enough.

~It’s me, the crooked tree~

I guess i should’ve known it was a bad idea, but i did it anyway. I put on a tough, self-important exterior, but to be honest, i really wish i hadn’t done it. To whoever is reading this, i have either ended up in prison or writing to you from the ‘great beyond.’ Unfortunately those are my only two choices i can see while writing this. Hopefully it’s the latter because God i really don’t want to know what prison is like.

Anyway i guess i should start from the beginning. Once upon a time there was a messed up girl living a lavish life in a grand old house with everything she could possible want or need. Then i came along and dropped a tiny, yet very effective and very metaphorical, bomb in her lap.

To do this i simply put pen to paper and went at it. Telling daddy’s girl that everything she knew about her precious father was a lie. I wrote on that parchment that her father was, in fact, NOT an investment banker as he led everyone on the believe. No in fact, he was selling company secrets to the highest bidder and getting a huge paycheck by the end of it.

I still remember her face when she opened the note. I hid behind a pillar at the school and watched her eyes widen, then her brows crease together in anger and disbelief. She jumped when her friend came by with a big ‘welcome back’ hug. And that’s when i left. Didn’t want to be getting too comfortable now. Someone may have noticed i was there. I don’t even go to that stuck up rich-person school. If you can’t tell by my attitude, its because i wouldn’t be able to afford it.

I don’t hate rich people. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not putting myself on a pedestal either. No, i can say, without hesitation, that I’m a pretty messed up little lady myself. Who else would be so cruel then someone who had their own fair share of issues. Anyway, therapy time is over, back to the story.

The next day i really ate it. Turns out, all that bs i wrote in the note was actually true. Well, not all of it but…enough. Oh yeah, did i forget to mention that. Silly me. I only wrote the letter to make stuff happen. I was bored and alone and in need if some decent entertainment. So i wrote some mysterious cryptic letter expecting some blow back that would blow over after a few days. But i guess in rich society you can just point to someone and SOMEONE in there family is bound to be doing something shady. Their…for any grammar freaks out there. No offense intended of course.

So anyway, yata yata, all that stuff was true and the police actually started looking for the person who wrote the note. You’d think they’d focus more on the guilty party then the good samaritan just doing their duty. Right? So I’m no Jason Bourne and they found me pretty quick. Needless to say i was in a lot of trouble and for good reason. But if they’re trying to catch me I’m not going down without a fight. Like i said earlier, i REALLY don’t want to go to prison.

So long story short, if you’re reading this, could you do me a favor? Attached is the directions to the alley where i used to live. Could you go there and make sure my cat Dixie is okay? There’s plenty of food for her to eat but I’m sure she’d like the company.

Thank you 🙏🏼 and bye bye 👋

As the hazy light filtered through the trees I felt myself grow anxious for what’s next The stiffness grew heavier in my knees As I forced a row of those last few feet.

It was perfectly laying there, unaffected By the world that ate away at the good It was not at all what I expected This feeling of home grow inside my chest.

I forced my aching knees and feet to stand And took the much awaited step into it The hidden sanctuary, sacred land That all man had only a dream to know.

The trees were green, the water so majestic As clear as crystal and as cold as ice My jaw opened wide. The sights, eclectic Never before seen so many colors

I knew now, this is what I would call home.

Fifteen years after the incident and I’m still here in the hospital tending to the old people who just won’t quit. Things were supposed to be different after the revolution. They promised change and yet everything has remained as it has been since I can remember.

I stripped the soiled sheets of room 216 and laid out new ones just as Mrs. Myers was finishing her walk around the hospital floor.

“Good afternoon Mrs. Myers. How are we feeling today?” I cracked open a smile. She only mumbled something under her breath and walked over to the fresh linen. If only she had a room mate. Maybe she’d lighten up a bit. The bed next to her had been empty for weeks. A good sign I supposed when considering the fact that no one has become sick enough to occupy it.

I backed out through the doorway giving my farewells. Knowing now that I should have watched where I was going because the next thing I remember, I was on the floor and a doctor was telling me something about a concussion and a sprained wrist.

As luck would have it, I ended up being the ‘sick enough’ person to occupy the bed beside Mrs. Myers. Fantastic. May as well make the most of it.

“It’s just you and me Mrs. Myers. Feel like swapping stories” I looked over to her side of the room to find her only half lucid. “Sleeping aids,huh.” I guess she won’t be telling any stories tonight.

“The revolution failed,” she managed to say.

My gaze shot to hers immediately to find her eyes staring straight into mine. “WHAT?” My brain told me it was just the ramblings of a delirious old woman, but a part of me felt like there was more to know. “Mrs. M—“

“They faked the whole thing. They have us right where they want us.” She lowered her head and dosed right off.

It was a fake? Was she telling the truth? Or should I just shrug it off?

We were connected by nothing more than our words. No matter what separated us, we would always be together. Our bond was stronger than ever, and misunderstood by many. Something as simple as a gleeful act could be misconstrued as an exhilarated act of somber. So we keep to ourselves in hopes of being reunited again my nothing more that the word that bound us.

The plane kicked off the ground and in a matter of moments, we were soaring through the air. Out of my window I studied the buildings as they became smaller, and suddenly, there was a sickening feeling in my chest.

Every part of me wanted to scream out until my lungs gave out. The sweat on my brow burned as it became visible. I couldn’t understand what was happening until it hit me like a carry-on falling out of the overhead. It was because he had come back. It was then that I realized I was missing time.

How did I get in this plane? I don’t remember boarding it? Where was I going? These were all questions I needed answers to. I collected myself as best as I could and turned to the woman sitting in the next row.

“Pardon me, ma’am. Where are we going?” Idiot. I could have at least covered with something like ‘do you know where the layover will be?’ Whether there was one or not, at least I wouldn’t look so suspicious.

“You know we can’t talk about that here,” she muttered under her breath. “Just stay quiet and we’ll be there before you know it.”

What?

What kind of response was that? Is she in on it too? Dammit, i need to find out what he did and undo it. Immediately. Now the question was, will excusing myself draw suspicion? I had to try.

“I’m just going to the boys room.” The woman didn’t seem to care, only focused hard on the book in her lap. Maybe she wasn’t in on it.

In the tiny bathroom I splashed myself with the freezing cold water. I’d been in worse situations before, I just needed to think of a way to get off this plane without drawing too much attention. Best option is to go up to a flight attendant, tell them I’m having some kind of medical emergency. They’d have to land the plane for that.

I exhaled my hesitations of this plan and opened the door to find an attendant. To my surprise, that same woman was waiting for me right at the threshold, grinning to show all her teeth. I opened my mouth to speak but she beat me to it.

“You told me if you ever left your seat…” and that’s when I saw the pocketknife in her hand aimed straight for my chest.

Angela jumped up and down like a little girl, “I did it. I ran the whole mile, Vince. I’m ready for the marathon I can feel it.”

His expression was a less enthusiastic, “let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I still don’t think it’s a good idea. You only recovered two months ago, you don’t want to jump in and hurt yourself again.”

“I don’t want to wait anymore. If I mis this marathon then I have to wait another four years, and I can’t wait that long.” She was just about ready to fire Vince, having had this conversation for the third time.

“Don’t be so stubborn! Any other trainer or PT would tell you the same thing. For the last time, I’m looking out for you—“

“Fine. This conversation is done.”

Vince knew she still had every intention of going behind his back and signing up for the marathon anyway. Anytime he tried to talk her out of it was met with unsuccessful results. The hopelessness began to set in as he watched her turn her back and head for the lockers. He had to stop her. Somehow.

(To Be Continued...)

3 May 1374 - One week following the incident:

It wasn’t my best moment. Although it broke my heart, it opened my eyes to the truth. And that fact is more invaluable than I would have ever imagined.

3 years ago:

Arkayda walked through the door and the glimmer in his ocean blue eyes was enough to make may heart skip a beat in my chest. “Early as usual, Delya. Hope you’re ready to get started. We have much to go over today.”

My name was like silk coming from his lips. “Y-yes. Of course! Always!” He’s been my spells instructor for 6 months now and I’ve been in love with him from the moment he caught my fall. I would’ve broken several bones if he hadn’t been such a powerful magician. He’s always in such high spirits, and he’s always so nice to me. After every lesson we sit on the balcony of the classroom and watch as the emerald skies turn black. A symbol that we’ve reached the end of our time together.

“You did very well today. You’re growing stronger with every new spell you learn.” I stared at his arms, and watched as the muscles shifted as they pushed off the balcony railing. “Same time next week?” He side-smiled at me and I braved a glance into his eyes. They were beautiful. They starred back at me and that’s when I knew what he was trying to say. He enjoyed our lessons the same way I did.

“Yes! I’ll practice twice as hard!” He laughed and gave me a salute goodbye. Cursed to act as though we had nothing between us. He was my teacher. Nothing could ever happen between us, not until I graduated.

One week ago - Day of the incident:

It was graduation day, and the speech I had practiced dozens of times rested in my pocket. Not my graduation speech. No. The one that I had prepared for Arkayda. The one that would unite us.

Finally found him, “Arkayda!” I rushed over and took his wrist. I’d never been so forward in my life. “I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere? Private?” He looked concerned, but I didn’t address it. He’d understand soon enough. Behind the potions building, he waited as I breathed deep to put myself out there, hoping not to pass out in the process. Suddenly, I found myself unable so speak the words I had written down on that parchment.

Arkayda sensed my resistance. He knew me so well. “Delya?” He touched my shoulder with an uncertain desire. “Are you feeling alright? You look uneasy. I’ll get you some water.”

“No!” He stopped in his tracks. My gaze retreated to the grass below us. “I-I mean…thank you, but I’m just…I’m trying to…” He came closer, and there was only one thing I could bring myself to do. I took him by the nape of his neck and brought his lips to meet mine.

It was pure euphoria. Everything I had dreamed it would be. We had only been like that for a moment until he pushed me away. His eyes had changed. They no longer looked me in the eyes. Instead they focused on the gargoyle beside me. “Delya, I…” my brows twitched, and I felt my heart freeze in my chest. “I don’t…I’m sorry, but I—“

“No, I’m sorry,” horrified, I turned to run into the forest before he grabbed my shoulder with his magic. “Please let me go, I understand. Just please let me go.”

“No! You don’t understand!” This caught me by surprise. “I just can’t…allow myself to lose focus.”

I starred back at him now, resisting the urge to release my embarrassed tears. I asked with an unsteady tone, “Focus from what?”

A beat. “Have you heard of the resistance?” He waited while I said nothing. “I’m one of their leaders. I’ve actually wanted to tell you for a while now. Can I trust you?” I was still silent. “Please, Delya, I need to know. Tell me I can trust you.”

I nodded once. And then he told me everything. He told me about the corruption that lay inside the Magical Cabinet. Everything they’ve been doing without the people knowing. It was horrifying. I almost asked him to stop. But I needed to know. And then I needed to do something. And as he spoke, the emerald skies began to turn black again.