Secret Discoveries Part 15

Secret Discoveries Part 15

By: SEP

Surprisingly, the castle itself was quiet as Michiko slowly walked along the long, empty, corridors. In fact, the only sound to be heard was the soft rustling of her silk dress upon the marble floor. Interestingly, the castle seemed very similar to her home castle in Avalon. The architecture was the same, the layout was the same, and even the tapestries were alike. But her home castle had never been so empty and void of life.

Feeling apprehensive, Michiko approached the grand ballroom. She felt tense and unsure of herself. Today is my birthday, and I should be attending my birthday masquerade were I not wandering around some unknown realm of reality. The thought made her sad and increased her agitation. She averted her eyes from the passageway that led to the tapestry of the ridiculous Dragon Tutu, but as she came closer to the ballroom, she became aware of a different tension. This had nothing to do with her mixed emotions, but rather felt like a coil of unused energy within her. It was an uncomfortable feeling. The castle was dead, unused, abandoned, but in perfect condition. What was going on? What secrets lie in store here? Michiko wondered to herself.

Opening the doors to the grand ball room was a chore in and of itself. At home, servants opened the doors with seeming ease, but Michiko strained and heaved at the heavy gilded doors until they opened enough for her to slide through. Here, the tension seemed to tauten, as though an archer were pulling a bowstring which in turn contracted her heart. The tension pulled her, lured her, towards the high throne which sat magnificently upon a dais. I probably should not approach the throne. It was a futile thought, and Michiko knew it.

She was already ascending the dais to stare in wonder at the throne which was covered in gold carvings depicting the four elements of land, fire, earth, and water mixing to create and destroy the world simultaneously. This was her family's throne, and on her birthday she would have sat upon it modestly while looking beautiful. The water, air, and fire burst into life before her eyes in a hypnotic dance, and suddenly, the tension within Michiko reached a pitch. She spun on the spot in a half circle full of new found understanding. NO! her intuition screamed, this is no invisible tension. This is magic! But the realization had come too late, the sight which met her eyes consequently stole the breath from Michiko's lungs.

Not a moment ago the castle had been quiet, dead in all appearances. Now that was no longer the case. Michiko staggered as music struck her ears, and she overbalanced. She would have fallen had a young man not gently steadied her. "Careful Princess. It would not due to injure yourself."

Michiko was in shock, and she knew it. Before her stood a young man dressed in a strange outfit made of black cloth in a style that had no similarities to the the fashions of the times. Behind him a riot of color, costumes, and masques met her eyes as hundreds of courtiers danced on the ballroom floor or partook of refreshments while simply enjoying the music of the musicians who were performing on a smaller dais to the left of the throne. All were dressed in finery and magnificent masks, which marked the event as masquerade.

Michiko was also aware of the outfit she now wore. No wonder she had overbalanced! Her mask was heavy and awkward. Turning to the right she caught a glance of herself in a mirror and stared. Never had she worn such an outfit as this, one of such elegance and grace. Her mask was exquisite, made of enamel and a sparkling blue substance that seemed to sparkle and glow with a brilliance of its own. What looked like blue flames rose above the her head in all its crowning glory, and large chandelier earrings hung at the side of her face, while small stars accented the entire mask. Looking closely she saw a second mask upon the blue enamel that surrounded the eye area as a regular mask might. This part was made of a painted shiny metal substance, and the unusual mask combined with the magnificent, iridescent, blue gown she wore left her speechless for a moment. This was the outfit she had designed in honor of her birthday ball. Was this the ball she had meant to attend?

The morning when she and Crystal had still been one seemed so long ago. Could I be back in Avalon now? Her heart had begun pounding uncontrollably, the possibility that she was suddenly back in Avalon seemed almost too shocking to absorb, indeed the possibility weighed more heavily upon her than the mask she wore. Oh my, what has happened now?

Next --> Part 16

Update 10-29-07

- "Thank you for your patience."


Okey dokey. Sorry folks, but life got really busy all of a sudden. Yes, so, it looks like I'll have to work on this update later today. (Oh my! How did it get so late?!?) However, have no fear! My mind is working in strange ways, so I'm hoping that the next update will satiate the curiosity that I'm sure is burning within you...

- SEP

P.S. My physics test went just fine. :D

Secret Discoveries Part 14

Secret Discoveries Part 14
By: SEP

***

The tears had dried hours ago, and perhaps the most recent events were odder even than everything else that had occurred until now. Michiko shook her head trying to dispel the heavy, fog-like weariness that now pervaded her senses. It was only then that Michiko realized she was horizontal on the floor. What happened now? she thought wearily.

Slowly everything started to come back... I had been talking to Aunt Morgana. Yes, that sounded right. Oh yes; Aunt Morgana shocked me into returning to the black void of my soul! Michiko physically shuddered at the memory, but refused to run away again from the terror within. Now it was all coming back.

In the black void Aunt Morgana had left Michiko alone, crying, but the crystal ball had come to life moments later, and Michiko had watched herself, no, Crystal - she must remember that she and Crystal were different. Anyhow, she had watched Crystal approach serious dangers. She had felt the magic coursing through her veins as Crystal almost destroyed herself in her attempt to open that door. But Michiko had felt herself fight that burning power. In fact, she had taken that pain away from Crystal so that Crystal could continue her quest. The effort had caused her to cling to the crystal ball's podium as her body trembled from pain and exertion.

Yet, that had not been all. Next, Crystal had faced a wolf beast, and in her impetuous youth she had almost attacked it! Of course, Michiko had immediately yelled out in frustration and pain at the sphere, "Don't you dare princess! Do nothing foolish or rash. Assess the situation. Be courteous and fight only to defend yourself!" To Michiko's surprise, Crystal had stopped and reconsidered her actions. In the end, as Crystal walked away with the strange beast in a tired trance, Michiko had lost consciousness.

Yes, now it all was clear. It seemed that Michiko was still connected to Crystal after all, and that her innate wisdom of many arts, including magic and diplomacy, had saved Crystal's life, for now at least. Michiko nodded her head to herself as her new understanding gave her strength. "Indeed I am a daughter of wisdom dear Aunt." Her voice sounded loud in the quiet room, and suddenly she was aware of her surroundings.

Michiko realized that she was in the small sitting room where she and Morgana had last spoken. Could it be that the black void is truly within me and exists separately from this dimension that I am now in? It must be, for it would explain a great many things, such as my connection with Crystal and the glass ball that allows me to connect to an influence her. Standing slowly, and steadying herself against an ornate chair, Michiko decided it was time for action. If Crystal has a mission within the physical realm, than I must have my own mission here. But, how will I watch over my sister? Because it is clear to me that without my help she would be dead twice over.

Michiko took a deep breath and looked within herself. The black void was easy to find, and its darkness not half as menacing as before. She understood now that the darkness was a part of her, a part of her loss. Glancing at the orb, she saw Crystal sleeping and decided that for now, she had nothing to fear and time for her own adventure. Without another glance, Michiko left that void to explore the castle around her.

Next -->Part 15

Update 10-22-07

Hello loyal fans and readers. So, just for a little update... at this point I am in the process of getting an update up. My day yesterday took a few unexpected turns, so I wasn't able to post anything, but hopefully my upcoming physics test wont keep me from getting a story update up, like, asap. Thanks for your patience!

Sara

Secret Discoveries (Part 13)

By: SRS.

I know that's it's been a while since the last part of the story, so here's a link to part 12

Still feeling dizzy, Crystal continued to use the door frame for support as she opened her eyes. The scene around her wasn't as bright as she had thought when she first opened the door. In fact, it was actually quite dark out. Worst of all, the creature she had seen through the door was nowhere in sight.

The pain had subsided and Crystal was seeing clearly, despite the obscured light, as she began to walk out of the doorway, slowly, very slowly, into the world before her. She was outside, in some sort of meadow, or field, though the grass was cut short. It wasn't flaming grass, like the kind from outside Merlin's hut, but normal grass and she knew it from Camelot. There wee trees and shrubs alike, and the scene seemed very familiar to Crystal, though she couldn't place her wear-abouts.

Despite the familiarity of her surroundings, Crystal was wary of putting down her guard. All her nerves were on end and there was still a slow circulation of magic active in her limbs. This reassured her. She had used the magic to open the door and had not suffered too strongly from the action. Maybe she could use it once again against this 'thing' she was looking for and come out alive as well?

Still walking slowly forward, Crystal continued to scan her surroundings with all her senses, searching for the creature she had seen through the door. After many minutes of silence, just as Crystal was starting to think that the creature had disappeared, or that she had imagined it, she started heard a rustling in the bushes 3 feet away from her position and turned around at once, fingers raised.

What appeared from within the bush was exactly the creature which she had seen through the door, a large gray wolf whose back came up to Crystals shoulder. Not only was his size frightening, but protruding from his forehead where two horns the length of Crystal's forearm, which were now directed precisely at her head. Additionally, his eyes had no pupils, and therefore looked completely white with a silvery shine, and around his neck hung a tooth necklace. Furthermore, on his right front leg was a bald spot, which revealed an odd tattoo of a half moon. He stood there, still, head slightly turned down, eyes glaring. *

With all her might, Crystal willed herself not to move, either in defense or offense. She tried to think before acting, not advance on instinct alone, to think of a plan. Suddenly, the thought occurred to her that she might try speaking, just as one would with any human, before jumping to conclusions and attacking. At first, she laughed to herself within her mind, thinking, this is a wolf, not a man - obviously no animal speaks English.

But the thought would not go away, it was as if there was a wiser self inside her that was giving her advice and would not stop ringing in her head until she listened. Finally, she obeyed, realizing that the worst thing that could happen is that she would receive no answer.

And so, without moving and inch further or backward, Crystal opened her mouth and spoke, "Greetings sir. May I ask, whom is the ruler of this land? I am a stranger here and apologize for trespassing on this land. Indeed, I am in great need of direction, and, if you would be so kind as to offer it, I would greatly appreciate your help." As she finished speaking, Crystal bowed formally to the wolf, experiencing a prickle of fear as she extended her exposed neck to the creature.

To her surprise, the wolf seemed to smile, and opened his mouth to respond. The voice that poured forth was rich and deep, the most beautiful Crystal had ever heard. It seemed melodic, and it entered her very body, chiming softly within her bones. "Well done Princess Crystal. My name is Flugentius, and I am the King of this land in which you are most welcome. You have done well with your speech and actions. I am impressed. Merlin has led you here for a purpose and I intend to help you as much as I can. If you are well to walk, I will lead you to my fortress where you can rest and refresh yourself. You are safe with me, for no night will catch you here. Within my fortress, once you have been tended to, we will adjourn. Does that suit you well princess?"

With much relief, Crystal nodded, as she realized how tired she was. Yes, well, she had not eaten or slept since leaving Camelot, however long ago that was. Grateful for the hospitality the was receiving, Crystal thanked the King, bowed deeply once more, and followed the wolf to his fortress.

Events were unfolding in ways Crystal had never expected. In a short span of time she had learned many important lessons. In this encounter alone she had learned to speak before acting and not to act without thinking. The possible results from rash actions spun dizzyingly within her head, and the knowledge brought sudden exhaustion with it, causing Crystal to follow her host in a half stupor.

NEXT --> Part 14

Message Board Upadate 10-13-07

ATTENTION!!!

Sara Rutti has updated Secret Discoveries! Yes, that means we are getting back on track. Here is the link to update 13. Next update to come: October 21st! Build up that enthusiasm, because here we come!
Have a good one!

- SEP

Coming soon!

I really don't want to jinx myself, but I want to let you all know that I HOPE to write my next part of the story for Sunday the 14th of Oct. I should be able to get my act together and post it by 12 am that day.

So please don't lose faith, it will come. I won't be able to do it next week because of all my exams and quizzes, see my Back 2 Reality blog for that post.

Thank you for your check ups and continued readership, even if we don't know that you're there.