Chapter/Part 8- Waking Nightmares
Past and Future
"So far we have walked for three months. Honed our skills, and kicked butt..."
Derrick looked across at the other older children with depressed crystal
blue eyes. "We... I have sores and pains. I never worked this hard for ANYTHING.
We don't know if Joy and the boys were real. I mean... maybe they just LOOKED
like them. They could have been other people... No I guess not..."
"But what about Caro? Is she a friend or foe? I mean she didn't quite chose
sides at that fight. And that was two months BEFORE we started traveling.
And between the demons, monsters and asorted villagers with the brains the
sizes of peas... I'm tired of it all. I'm willing to go back to boring ole
mich and forget the whole damn mess." Matt looked over at Suzi, his eyes
full of corcern fir his love.
"What do we do? We don't even really know were HERE is... And HOW could we
get back to Mich? I mean it Matt. WHat would we do? For all our wandering
and fighting. It has been a challenge, and fun." Suzi sighed and tossed her
blond hair over one shoulder. If she were back in michigan it would have
been layered and hairstyled. AS it was it was tied back in a servre pony
tail and out of the way.
"WE are stuck here. I tend to find out more about here.. And Caro. For all
we know, we could be pawns in a war with no ending..." Kitty shifted
uncomofortably. "We need answers. Not more questions..."
"I agree. Answers would be most welcome." Jim quietly added his opnion. "After
all 'Harpea' is most intresting place. I would like to see more before I
end up on some monsters dinner plate."
"Pardon me..." came a voice. "I could tell you something about Harpea..."
Whisper sat up a bit straighter. and started spinning a tale. (See The Day
Heaven Fell Part 1, Two Worlds Collide.)
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"That doesn't explain ANYTHING." complained Matt. Kitty sniffled a yawn as
Matt went on and on about how it didn't help one bit. "It still doesn't explain
why we're here and why caro left..."
"Oh hush." said Suzi kissing Matt. "IT explains everything. Caroline, was
Merlins wife. She want's her OLDER children back. Starlight was me, you were
matthew. And it seems that name stuck though the generations." Suzi smiled
at Matt.
"So that means Derrick was Endymion. I was Katherine. JIm was Ocrus..." Kitty
trailed off looking at Whisper. "We are five of her children... Though out
the years anyway... But what does she want with Joy and the boys.... Oh no..."
WHisper nodded her head gravly. "Yes, my father, Danny, was the youngest
child of Caroline. Legon..." Whisper's face puckered up into tears. "My curse
is to bring you to Caroline. For she want's her children to rule at her side...
One way or...
"That's enough Whisper..." came a voice. "Caroline doesn't want everything
to be reveiled..." Black hair and blue grey eyes appeared in a flash, holding
Whisper by the throat.
"MAYRA!' cried out Kitty. "Stop this! Whisper is our friend!"
MAyra looked up. Realiseion striking her face.
"Mommy..." Mayra dropped WHisper and ran into a very startled kitty's arms.
Mayra's small frame shook with tears. "When she took me away I never thuoght
I'd see you again. And with me and whispers curses we couldn't see you as
you... Oh mommy..." Kitty looked over at Derrick.
"Well Kitty... It seems we got more answers then we wanted.. and more
questions..." Jim looked over at Kitty and the crying eleven year old in
her arms.
"Mayra..." Derrick came over and put a hand on the little girl's head. Kitty
looked up at Derrick, tears sparkling in her own eyes. "Kitty, we better
take them up to their rooms..." Deirick picked up Mayra. And Kitty took up
Whisper. With a smile they disapeared down a hall way. Leaving Suzi, MAtt
and Jim to puzzle out what just happened.
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"My goodness Derrick... We had a child... IN THE FUTURE. I mean..." Kitty
voice rose as she realised what had happened. "Caroline must have time traveled
into the future, and thought Mayra and Whisper were both her children...
WE must be so worried..."
"Time travel... Kitty of all the crazied ideas you've had... You're right.
She does have your hair and small build."
"She has your eyes." Kitty grinned at Derrick's startled face. "But if she
came and took OUR child... Could she have taken more? How many others are
there?" Kitty leaned againest Derrick's tall body and whispered "How many
children grew up here without our knowing? Are there more besides Mayra?"
Derrick kissed Kitty's forehead and gently lead her out to the others to
tell them what they had figured out. Mayra and Whisper stayed up into the
night discussing whispered plans.
Mushroom Circle
Derrick tossed a look over at his 'daughter'. I'm only 23. Jesh I already
have a daughter to a woman who I love and yet.. I don't know, Kitty, just
grates againest me sometimes. Derrick thought as Kitty lifted the eleven
year old onto her hip. She's lucky she takes after Kitty is big enough to
carry her. Damn Caroline. I must be worried sick..."
Derrick smiled over his girlfriends head as Kitty past him. I suppose now
I have to propose... Derrick grimiced. But then again.. Kitty is only eighteen.
Not to metion, these past few days have been chaos. I mean it's not every
day you learn you will have a daughter. And marry, and have Kitty find out
she has a twin brother...
Kitty hugged her future daughter around the waist, before putting her on
the ground. They had a purpose now. To go home. And save their family. NO
matter how many generations past them, they were still bonded. Derrick chuckled
as he placed a finger down one edge of his battle axe. Next time he meet
his Ôlittle brotherÕ, he wouldn't fight him.
Suzi tossed a look over her shoulder at Matt. Matt smiled back grimmly. He
was in wolf form, had been for the past few hours. The curses were starting
to take place longer and few spaces of peace imbetween. Suzi bent down and
touched the waist high wolf on the shoulder.
"Lets stop here tonight." said Kitty looking over at Suzi. "The children
are tired..." Kitty's hand fell toward Mayra's head as Kitty metioned the
children.
"Yes... How about in the clearing?" Matt called from the rear. Jim shifted
Whisper to his other side. "'sides, I got this bottle of rum from that
innkeeper..." Jim picked up speed as the bottle of rum was mentioned.
Whisper smiled brightly from under Jim's arm. Her bright face was what Jim
remembered most as they settled down to that evenings camp. Matt and Jim
smield drunkly over their MANY bottles of rum. Suzi herself joined them.
Kitty and Derrick just smiled and entertained Mayra and Whisper.
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Derrick, Jim and Matt awoke, naked, in a damp and COLD cave. Thier heads
pounding with the rum. All but Derrick who just looked hummbled. "Well...
That's the last time I asume that old fairy tales don't happen in Harpea..."
Derrick grimaced as he fought his way to his feet.
"This just plain sucks... We should be GLAD the girls aren't here to tease
us!" Matt said looking for a door. "What we need is a light."
"Donn't look at me. The girls were the mages. Not me." Jim grimmly looked
around for a lantern.
"Well if they can do it why can't we? I saw a mage in the last town use magic.
He was a guy.So," Matt said stepping on a sharp bone. "DAMN IT, you do it
Derrick!"
"Why me?"
"Cause you are the oldest!"
"You never let me use that excuse on Earth."
"I never had a good reason to let you do anything before me."
"Okay, okay, stand back baby matt." Derrick grinned and closed his eyes.
After a few moments he opened them again to the pitch blackness. "See? it
didn't work, just like I said."
Jim grunted and a light burst into flame. "There, now hush up and move. It
will be a miricle if nothing knows we are awake."
How the hell you do that?" Derrick stumbled over a crack on the floor.
"I wanted a light, so I just thought there was one there." Jim looked over
his shoulder. "Lets go. The girls are going to need us if that bag of bones
in the corner is any sign of whats in here."
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ÒI never knew how good clothes feel.Ó Derrick smirked as he
dnaced around in older leather clothes he hand found on a skeleton. ÒMore
monsters and I should get a complete outfit WITH assirarys!Ó
Matts laughter echoed down the hall ÒIf you like them so much you
can come here and help me deal with a few more!Ó Derrick walked over
a clubbed a rat on the head. ÒThanks.Ó Matt whipped his forehead
and tugged on his short vest. ÒI just wish these things had been a
big bigger.
ÒHA! At least you have a vest.Ó Jim smiled and hit his bare
chest like Tarzan. ÒAll I need is Whisper to play Jane and I got all
ten yards.Ó
ÒSpeaking of the girls. I would like Kitty and Mayra back. I
miss...Ó Derrick looked into yet another empety door way. ÒEven
if Mayra is a little pain in the rear when I want time alone with Kitty.Ó
Matt put a hand on Derricks arm. ÒWeÕll find them.Ó
Matt looked over at Jim. ÒWeÕll find all of Ôem. But
this place is just a mess...Ó Matt kicked a pile of bones and grinned.
Derrick smiled back, looking down the hall he saw three doors. He groaned.
ÒThis doesnÕt look good. I remember so many stories with the
three door thing.Ó Derrick looked over at Matt. ÒYOU chose
one. You havenÕt done anything yet.Ó
ÒWhat do you call those huge rats I killed?Ó
ÒYea what about the magic?Ó
ÒThe Skeleton that tried to eat you.Ó
ÒWhat about..Ó
ÒENOUGH!Ó Jim screamed at Matt and Derrick. He strode forward
and grabbed the first door handle. Inside 5 pairs of red eyes stared out.
Jim slammed the door on a pink rats tail.
ÒLet me guess. Not that one?Ó Derrick smirked over JimÕs
shoulder. ÒLet me get the next one.Ó Derrick shook the door
latch. ÒMatt, come over here and help me.Ó
Matt walked over to Derrick and kicked the door in. ÒHappy?Ó
asked Matt peeking into the door frame. The dust settled as a mini hurricane,
with black hair, blew though the door and latched onto DerrickÕs waist.
ÒDADDY!Ó MayraÕs small frame shook with tears as Derrick
gathered her in his arms. Òdaddy, daddy, daddy.Ó
ÒCalm down sweetie. WhereÕs your ma?Ó Derrick looked
at Mayra as she latched on to his neck. ÒAnd why are you alone?Ó
ÒMommy, Aunt Suzi and Whisper were taken by a mean man. He thought
Whisper was his daughter. But I donÕt think so. DannyÕs her
papa. Oh Daddy I missed you...Ó Mayra smiled though the tears.
ÒItÕs okay munchkin, weÕll find mommy and Aunt Suzi.Ó
Derrick mouthed over her shoulder. ÔWe got problems...Õ
ÒWell, one more door to try. Who wants it?Ó Jim pointed at
Matt. Derrick smirked and shouldered Mayra.
ÒMy hands are full.Ó
ÒYou and your dumb ecxuses!Ó Matt said as he stalked toward
the door in mock anger. Matt kicked in this door too. ÒWhat in the
hell?Ó Matt looked into the large throne room. Suzi sat at a guys
feet. Kitty hovered over a King and Whisper sat curled up in the KingÕs
lap. ÒNOw we got problems...Ó
ÒNo shit...Ó said Derrick, walking into the room. Jim and Matt
right behind him. Mayra slipped out of his arms and walked toward Kitty.
Promblems? No way. Okay maybe...
ÒSuzi! Whisper! Come here!Ó Matt called out to Suzi and Whisper.
They in turn looked over at Matt, then at the King who shook his head no.
ÒUmmm that wasnÕt a muiltiple choice question.Ó Matt
looked over at Jim. Who, as always, had a sword in hand and was ready to
pry the girls away from the King. Derrick had locked his gaze on MayraÕs
back.
ÒMommy. Mommy, are you mad at me and daddy? Why wonÕt you come
with us?Ó Mayras plainitive cries floated over to kitty, who stood
as still as a statue then crumpled in front of her future daughter.
ÒMOMMY!Ó Mayra cried out running the last few steps. Kitty
was on her feet in an instant, sword in hand. Mayra whimppered and stepped
back. ÒMommy...Ó
Derrick found his feet moving before he even thought to come between his
lady love and a daughter he may or may not have. ÒKathrine! No!
ThatÕs our little girl!Ó Derrick reached his daughter, just
in time to catch KittyÕs sword in a grip of iron. Three drops of blood
hit the floor ringing out in hallow tones. Mayra trembled behind his body.
He wretched the sword from KittyÕs grip. ÒI donÕt know
what the hell is wrong with you Kathrine. But this has got to stop!Ó
ÒEndymion... Help me, The king controls my body. Starlight and Whisper
are also stuck in his trap. Beware the childs spells.Ó KittyÕs
voice sounded younger then her eighteen years, as she spoke to Derrick. JIm
and Matt exchanged one freaked out look. ÒPlease...Ó Kitty
clolasped onto the tiled floor, Derrick looked at the king. His body shinning
brightly, a split second later Derrick was dressed in green and brown armor,
a axe with deadly spikes held in a grip of ease.
ÒUmm Matt, is it me or is Derrick acting REAL funny?Ó Jim looked
over at Matt. Matt kept his eyes on Suzi. Then he to started going with a
bluish glow. Soon he to was dressed in armor of blue tints. ÒGreat,
am I the only sane one around here?Ó Jim looked over at Suzi.
ÒStarlight, I know you can hear me. Please MÕlove you must
help us break the spell. I know youÕre in there...Ó Matt crept
toward Suzi on silent feet. Suzi made to rush into his arms. But at the last
moment clawed MattÕs face and arms. MAtt grabbed her arms as Suzi
tried to lick the blood starting to ozze out of his wounds.
The King stood and motioned Whisper of his lap. Then turned toward Jim. ÒOh
shit...Ó Jim glupped and lost himself in the kings black pupils of
eyes. Whisper silthered up behind Jim and hit him over the head with a crude
club. AS Jim sank to the floor he felt something take control of his mind
and body.
ÒOrcus! Are thee alight?Ó Derrick, no Endymion, the spirit
reborn as Derrick, asked. Jim, no Orcus, smiled and took his brotherÕs
arm.
ÒÕYe Nothing a little blood shed wonÕt cure! ÔTis
good to be back...Ó JimÕs body was engulfed into light. When
he came out he was dressed in armor as dark and as cold as Ice.
Endymion and Orcus smiled at each other and walked over to Matt. ÒNeed
some help brother Matthew?Ó Matt smirked and held a struggling Suzi
a arm way. ÒYou did have to pick a wildcat for a woman.Ó chuckled
Orcus. ÒNow, let us see to the King...Ó
Whisper and the King looked at the men. The King gestered and both Suzi and
Whisper dropped wimp to the floor. Matthew looked at the King. ÒFlee
is it?Ó
The King nodded and a big sort of black hand picked up the group and tossed
them down some steps. MayraÕs last thought was ÔFather is one
of the older siblings of Caroline...Ó The blackness claimed her.
Laughter filled the hall of the fairy king. ÒYOu shouldnÕt
have let them go.Ó Joy emerged laughing at the king. Her eyes narrowed
and the laughter abrubtly stopped. ÒYou have displeased me...Ó
The king grabbed his thoat and disapeared.
ÒNow... My older siblings, have you started to reawaken? I will exact
motherÕs revenge...Ó Joy smiled and looked down the tunel where
they had been thrown into. ÒElizabeth...Ó Liz emerged looking
a bit worse for wear, her silver hair was in disary.
ÒYes MÕlady?Ó
ÒI want you to watch my brothers. They could become trouble. And Liz...
If needed, join them. Give Whisper and Mayra as much help as possible.Ó
Liz bowed and disapeared. Joy smiled and walked slowy down the steps, to
wait for morning.
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