Return to Revein'sev, page 9
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Gate Corridor
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Ruki carefully held Chipper as she and Race entered the corridor. The fog covered the ground up to their ankles.
Race looked down at the ground and said, “This is very strange that this fog is still here. I thought this was the Ela’voo?”
“So did I, my Race,” answered Ruki.
“So, maybe we can bring balance to the realm, after all?”
“It would appear that some of the Kron’Shulooka has bled over and remained here in the gate corridor.”
The two quickly made their way to the cement gate where the cross-way had been installed.
“Fire it up, my Race,” Ruki advised, “Chipper’s not doing so well. We better get her back to Revein’sev, now.”
Race pressed buttons and flipped switches on the cross-way device, “Setting up the fixer now. We should begin to see the realm appear anytime.”
The image on the cement gate shimmied and shimmered. Static fluxed across the opening as an image began forming.
“Watch out for the gate dragon!” Ruki reminded as she stepped aside from the opening, now showing the realm on the opposite side.
Race stood in front of the opening as the fire dragon’s head appeared. Holding Gor’con’s staff in both hands, he shouted with confidence, “I ain’t afraid of this ol’ fire-breathing creature! This thing can’t hurt us!”
The dragon head passed through the gate and came nose to nose with Race. Opening its large flaming jaws, the creature took in a deep breath.
“No Race!” Ruki shouted, “Look out!”
Race shook as the beast exhaled, sending a plume of fire and smoke from the creature. The flames surrounded Race, scorching the fur on his arms as he held the staff, slightly protecting his face and chest, but he stood his ground. Race’s hands gripped the staff, turning his knuckles white as he held it out in front of him. The staff blocked the fire beast’s flames, but began smoldering his fur-covered body as Ruki looked on in horror.
Then, the fire dragon began stepping across the gate, its large claw grabbed the lower gate, crushing the cement as he began pushing itself further through the cross-way gate.
Ruki screamed as she saw Race become enveloped by a second discharge of flames and smoke.
“Go now!” Race shouted, “Go through the gate, Ruki!”
Ruki jumped through, careful to not allow the sick Chipper to come in contact with the fiery discharge. The beast pushed more on the gate, causing several chunks of cement to crumble the more it tried pushing through. Then, the large beast opened its jaw to consume Race as he jumped though the fire beast, angering the creature, the staff glowed as he crossed through, still clutching the rod.
The cross-way flickered the realm image before the beast became solid, cemented into the gate, but not before the damage to the gate was already done.
Race got off the ground and stood next to Ruki, who continued holding Chipper. His blackened and scorched fur gave off a burnt smell as he dusted himself off.
“See? I told you not to worry.”
“Oh, Race, you’re burnt! Are you alright?”
“Ah, it’s just a little scorching,” said Race as he wiped his arms, and inspected the staff, “I’m alright.”
Ruki turned to the realm gate and pointed, “But the gate’s not alright, look.”
Race turned to face the gate, exclaiming, “Oh no! The dragon is stuck between the realm and our world!”
“It may not work again!” Ruki added.
“I’m not sure how Danielle and Darnash will enter now.”
“Better yet, how will we exit?”
“Well, we will figure that all out when the time comes,” Race assured, “C’mon. We have to find Gor’con and give him his staff.”
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Earth
Across-Lands
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Mor’relock stood at the shimmering cross-way before kneeling as Darnash and Danielle exited into the red glowing cavern, “Welcome to the Crimson Guild, my Queen.”
“Mor’relock,” Danielle smiled, “It is good to see you, once again.”
“Yes, my Queen. It is good to see you and Darnash, as well,” Mor’relock answered, “I know what it is you seek.”
“We need to bring Gor’con the Blood Scroll to the realm of Revein’sev.”
“Yes, I am aware of your need. I foresaw this.”
“Can you take us to where the scroll is?” Darnash asked, “Time is of the essence.”
“Yes, Darnash,” Mor’relock smiled, his crooked fangs poking through his smile. “I have provisions as well as the method of carrying the scroll. It is very important that the ancient texts remain intact.”
“I am very concerned that even opening the case will corrupt the writings,” Danielle said, showing apprehension across her face.
“Do not worry, my Queen. The carnelian crystals will preserve the scroll.”
“What will we carry it in?”
“I have a special box that will contain the crystals. Their energy will keep the scroll safe for transport.”
“How did you know we needed the scroll?” Darnash asked.
“I am a seer. That is all you should be concerned with, this Ma’Nuta’Dii.”
“So, that’s how you knew we were coming through the cross-way,” Danielle surmised.
“Yes, my Queen,” Mor’relock nodded. Then, motioned down the path, “We must go to the scroll now.”
“I remember the way,” Darnash added, “It’s a long journey.”
“Yes, it will take a few Ma’Nuta’Hii, you are correct.”
Danielle followed Mor’relock down the path with Darnash close behind.
“However, care must be taken.”
“Care? From what?” Danielle asked.
“From the Mu’Dooth, my Queen—”
“Mu’Dooth!?” Darnash exclaimed. “How did an Antarian creature from Serintin come to Earth?”
“It was Race Jennings’ infection of the Myesa Nagiomi’ parasite when last you visited.”
“I thought we killed all those worm parasites?” Danielle quizzed.
“It only took one worm to survive. Now under-land is infected with the Mu’Dooth.”
“Only under-land?” Darnash asked.
“So far, yes. However, it could spread to the surface. But it has not, thus far.”
“Are you certain of this, Mor’relock?” Danielle asked.
“Fairly certain, yes—I know you are going to ask me why I cannot see this.”
“Yes, I was about to ask that very question,” Danielle nodded.
“Being a seer does not always mean a seer will see all that there is to see.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Danielle added, “Can we eradicate this infection? We cannot allow this creature to continue here on Earth.”
“You are quite correct, my Queen. However, we of under-land will not move to the above-land. If we remain down here, we will continue to remove this snake parasite from inhabiting there. Many a death will this creature cause if it is allowed to migrate to above-lands.”
“I’m sure if you asked for help from our people, they will help.”
“No! We will not ask the humans of above-lands for their help. They will not be allowed down here where we live. It is forbidden!”
“Forbidden or not, this creature must not be allowed to remain here,” Danielle urged.
Along the path, Mor’relock stopped, holding his fist up, “Quiet! I hear rustling in the brush.”
“What is it?” Danielle asked.
“There is only one thing it could be down here,” answered Mor’relock.
“A Mu-Dooth!” Darnash shouted, then stepped back from the snake creature.
The black and red colored creature slithered down from the canopy of trees with opened mouth, ready to swallow prey.
“Kill it!” Danielle shouted.
“No, my Queen. I cannot kill this beast!”
Darnash stepped away from the descending creature, “Neither can I.”
“It’s the Bron Vis’Ka that prevents this!” Mor’relock added.
“Then I shall dispatch this creature,” Danielle shouted.
Pulling her dagger from her waist, she sliced at the creature, cutting it’s head off. The Mu-Dooth fell from the tree and lay limp on the ground.
Using her dagger, Danielle carved the Mu-Dooth, harvesting the meat from the creature. Ensuring there were no worm sacs, she dug a hole and buried the remains.
“We shall dine on Mu-Dooth meat, this Ma’Nuta’Dii, Mor’relock”
“Very well done, my Queen. Very well done.”
“Yes, Danielle,” Darnash added, his eyebrows raised, “Skilled with your knife you are. We shall enjoy this feast when we hunger.”
“We must make haste and reach the temple to retrieve the scrolls,” Danielle insisted, “I fear the longer we wait to deliver balance to the realm, the harder it will become to obtain.”
“You are most correct,” Darnash nodded in agreement, “I can see the temple. It is not far from us now.”
“Yes, we shall arrive in a few ma’na’ta,” Mor’relock added.
Reaching the first steps after exiting the foliage of across-lands, Danielle fixed her eyes on the lower steps and worked them to the top, “I do remember this climb. However, easier it will be now that I am half Antarian.”
The three began their climb to the top of the temple where the Blood Scroll remained encased behind the protective glass.
Chapter Ten
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The Ream of Revein’sev
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Race and Ruki stood at Rantuarie, noticing there weren’t any mist or fog. Ruki held Chipper up in her palm, “Look Race, she’s coming around already!”
“That’s great news, my Ruki,” said Race as he held Gor’con’s soft glowing staff. “You startin’ ta’ feel better, little Chipper?”
Chipper rose to her feet, stretched out her small arms before rubbing her eyes. Then, she looked up at Ruki and Race before smiling wide. Running up Ruki’s arm, she planted a hug around Ruki’s neck before running down and across to Race and perched on his shoulder.
“Now, that’s more like it, little Chipper,” Race smiled.
The little critter chattered and then pointed across the way.
“What’s that?”
“I think she’s telling us that the Norlock is greeting us.”
Turning, Race saw the smartly dressed Norlock in a green blazer and sported a tall purple hat.
“Ahh, Mister Norlock,” Race addressed the realm humanoid, “How do you do?”
The Norlock smiled wide and stepped out from behind the large boulder and greeted the two.
Chipper ran down Race and bounded over to the Norlock before rushing up to his shoulder. The Norlock nodded his acceptance of Chipper’s return. Then, Chipper began chattering as she returned to perch on his shoulder.
“I think Chipper’s happy to be home,” Ruki smiled at the little creature’s antics.
“Say, Mister Norlock. Do you know where we can find Gor’con?”
The Norlock faced Race and pointed as Chipper pointed in the same direction.
“I think he’s telling us to head into the Woods of Shavana’ka.”
“Is that what you mean, Mister Norlock?”
The Norlock slowly nodded yes.
“Thank you,” Ruki smiled, “We shall head that direction.”
After turning back to where the Norlock stood, they discovered he had vanished.
“Where’d he go?”
“I don’t know, my Race. But he did indicate to head into the woods.”
“Well, how are we gonna know when Danielle makes it to the realm?”
“I don’t know,” Ruki answered, “But I have a feeling, we’ll know it.”
“Yeah, this realm is mighty strange, alright and I think you’re right; we’ll know it. That is if this gate will even work.”
“C’mon, let’s see if we can find Gor’con.”
The two followed the path toward the woods with Chipper pointing the direction and chattering.
“It’s good to see Chipper feeling better,” said Race.
“Yes, it is. She’s returning to her old self, that’s certain.”
The two came to the edge of the woods and looked back across the valley toward Rantuarie.
“It sure looks different than the last time we were here,” Race added.
“Yes, my Race; it looks healthy.”
“Very healthy, in fact. There’s no fog. Not even a trace.”
“You are correct, my Race. The Ela’voo has vanished.
“Completely.”
Chipper tugged on Race’s collar before chattering and pointed down the path.
Race chuckled, then said, “Oh, okay, little one. I guess Chipper says we better keep moving.”
The two turned and continued down the path, further into the woods of Shavana’ka.
Coming to a fork in the path, Ruki pointed one way, “This is the way to the In’gula.”
“From there, we can go to any place within the realm using the looking-glass room,” Race offered.
“It’s not far,” Ruki surmised, “Let’s go.”
A few minutes later, they came to the laurels, the full foliage were green and in full bloom. Pressing through the thickness of the laurels, they came to the sandy clearing at the edge of the In’gula lake. Now, instead of appearing black from sickness, the lake was crystal clear. They came to the edge of the lake and peered down, deep to the bottom where they could see the crystal dome structures where the looking-glass room was.
“This is amazing, Ruki.”
“Yes, the Bron Vis’Ka has removed the darkness of the Kron’Shulooka. The city beneath the lake is so beautiful.”
Chipper poked Race’s neck, tugged on his collar and pointed back toward the laurels, “What’s that, little one? Oh, you must want to remain here in the safety of the laurels, huh.”
The little alien squirrel creature shook her head in disagreement and continued pointing at the greenery. Then, the Norlock appeared after blending in with the foliage.
“Ahh, it’s Mister Norlock,” Race smiled, “You’ve been following us, haven’t you?”
The green suited creature stepped closer to the two with Chipper perching on his shoulder. Another two steps and the Norlock stood right in front of Race.
“Wow, Mister Norlock. You’ve never wanted to be so close—”
Before Race could finish, the Norlock reached up his hand and placed three crooked fingers on Race’s temple. The images took Race by surprise as the Norlock communicated telepathically.
Then, the Norlock vanished, leaving Race wavering from the creature’s touch.
“Are you alright, my Race?”
“Umm, yeah. I think so. Wow, what an experience!”
“What happened?” Ruki begged.
“The Norlock told me some very important things,” Race answered. Then, lowered and sat on the sandy beach of In’gula with his legs crossed in front of him.
“What things, my Race?”
“Yeah, I gotta, like, compile everything. It came at me so fast. Even stronger than the Eridonian’s poking around inside my head.”
“Wow, Race. That’s never happened before.”
“I know! The Norlock barely even made eye contact before, let alone getting close enough to touch us.”
“I’m eager to learn what this Norlock told you.”
“Well, it’s all starting to come together.”
Chipper tugged on Race’s collar, telling him to hurry it up.
“Okay, okay, little one. I get it, already.”
“Chipper’s right, my Race. Tell us what the Norlock said!”
“Yeah, well, it’s like this. We have to wake the sleeping giant.”
“We have to awaken the Shabe’Tu?!”
“Well, that’s what Queen Danielle has to do. But first, we have to find Gor’con and give him his staff. And you’re right, we can get to all these places we have to go using the mirror room in the In’gula’s crystal city. We’ll be able to find Danielle at Rantuarie when she enters—”
“—if she can enter, that is,” Ruki interjected.
“Well, I have a feeling Danielle and Darnash will figure it out.”
“What are we waiting for, then?” Ruki said, tugging Race to his feet.
“I thought we had to wait for our Kaparo?”
“I don’t think so, my Race.”
“What makes you think that?”
“They were the Vis’Ka protector. Now that the Kron’Shulooka has been completely removed, there’s no need for the Kaparo to protect us.”
“You make a good point,” Race said, dusting the sand off his pants. “Well, little Chipper. Are you coming with us or staying here?”
Chipper pointed to the lake and nodded her acceptance.
“I think she didn’t want to go last time because of the sickness of the lake,” Ruki surmised.
“Okay then. Hold on tight,” advised Race. Then, he turned to face the lake and began wading up to his waste.
Ruki quickly followed him. Then the two dove under the water and swam down toward the crystal city beneath In’gula lake.
Race exhaled, remembering how they could breathe under the water within the realm. Their air bubbles floated up to the surface as they began taking in the water.
Chipper continued holding her breath. Then the two floated down and stood upright in the water before the dome city wall. The walls glistened in the shimmering light of the sun beaming down through the clearness of the water.
The sight took Race and Ruki by surprise, then Chipper, not wanting to breath the water, poked at Race, once more.
Race nodded his understanding and held Gor’con’s staff up to the wall. Planting the base of the staff against the city wall shot sparks as he inserted it. Shoving deeper the staff opened a hole that Ruki slipped through, followed by Race and Chipper, who took in a large breath of the fresh air within the city. Pulling the staff the rest of the way through continued showering them with sparks. Then, the sparks ceased, returning the soft glow around the staff.
