Secret Discoveries #17

Part 17, by: SEP



Crystal was exhausted, but not too exhausted to dream it would seem. While the day's activities seemed too much to bear, the dream that came to her as she slept was both comforting and familiar.

Crystal dreamed that she was at a grand ball. The gown she wore was a magnificent blue that shimmered and sparkled in the light of the chandelier, which adorned the grand ballroom of her ancestral castle. Indeed, as she righted herself, perhaps regaining her balance, her head felt heavy, for she was wearing the special mask that had been designed for her eighteenth birthday party. However, most reassuring of all was the face of her cousin, Jonathan, that smiled at her mischievously from under a dark hood. Yet, for some reason, she was surprised and anxious. Now why would that be? She was finally attending her birthday ball! What greater delight could there be?

Jonathan, being the joker that he was, addressed her formally. "Careful Princess. It would not do to injure yourself."

Crystal experienced a layering of emotions. On the one hand, she was overwrought and confused, and yet, she was also joyous and bemused. Jonathan, her first cousin, was always one to make a joke, and even his attire was ridiculous. Here he was, a descendant of the royal family itself, and he had dressed as a thief, for Crystal recognized the strange outfit immediately. Oh the upset it must have caused when he arrived, or had anyone noticed yet?

As though her thoughts were words for another to hear, a small voice spoke within her head. Crystal, is that you?

Crystal was taken aback by the strange question. Time slowed around her. Jonathan stood unmoving before her, the dancers were frozen, poised to take their next step, and the musicians of the orchestra stopped, each ready to play the next note. A small bubble of anxiety arose within Crystal and she answered the query within her mind. Of course it is me. I am I. This is my dream. Whom are you?

Crystal's heart pounded faster, and she heard the excitement and anxiety emanating from the small voice. Crystal! I am Michiko, your sister.

My sister? I have no sister. Now Crystal felt the despair of the other individual, for it was not only a voice that she now discerned. The world around her had stopped, and she became aware of a strange sensation, as though she were not within her own body but that of another. Yes, she saw the ballroom, yes she felt the weight of her dress and mask, but the emotions she felt were not fully hers. No, these sensations were another's, Michiko she had called herself. What is this?!? I demand to know what is going on. Crystal tried to keep the panic from her voice, but knew she had not succeeded.

Crystal was surprised to hear a small giggle. I see you have not changed as much as I had hoped. Listen now, and listen well my sister. Do you remember running through the mist as the sun descended, searching for sanctuary? The vision mentioned seemed to surface within Crystal's mind. Yes, that is what I was referring to. Remember how the mist seemed to pursue you?

Yes, now Crystal could see the memory clearly within her mind. She had just slipped upon the steps leading to the family dining room, due to the fact that she had been staring at the dragon tapestry above the stairway, and she had awoken to find herself in a strange land. The sun was setting and the grass around her seemed to be afire. She had deemed it necessary to find shelter. Yet, even as she had searched frantically for sanctuary, the evening shadows had stalked her, but she had made it to safety in the end, had she not?

No, we did not make it safely to Merlin's humble abode. Somehow, the mist took me, and you were safe to continue your journey while I have been sent from one realm to another. Crystal was about to retort when she was cut short by the voice. No, don't interrupt me. Time is short, I believe you will awake momentarily. Listen to me. Aunt Morgana has explained this to me, and now I explain it to you. I do not know why, I do not know how, but we are sisters. Once one, we are now separate, and yet we fulfill two parts of one journey. We have one destiny, two parts of one whole. I suspect that we can communicate when one, or both, are sleeping. Yet, this is of little import. Hear me well for you must be careful! Think on my words, and I look forward to working with you on our journey.

Crystal felt the small voice fading. In fact, the whole ballroom scene faded before her eyes, even as the world swung back into dizzying motion. The dancers were dancing, the music playing, and she, no, her sister Michiko, curtsied to Jonathan and made a retort that set him laughing. But the scene was fading and all she could think, the only word that came to mind in the form of a question was, Sister?

The word seemed to float about her, and yet, the scene of the ballroom and the strange conversation were clear in her mind as she awoke. Indeed, this was no dream. But the portents of the vision did not bode well, and Crystal felt little comfort in the night's sleep she had so desperately desired and gained.

Part 18