A young girl approximately 17 walked into the Ravenswood Lodging house carrying a large leather bound book. A bunch of kids sat around a table playing a game of cards. One of them rose to greet the new comer. "Hey, da names Rebel. Whadda dey call you?" The young girl looked at Rebel. "I am Rehla Loreh Mangini. But please call me Mysteria." Mysteria offered no hand, she kept them both wrapped tightly around the book. Rebel could not make out what the cover said. It was in some weird language. Maybe Chinese. "I am looking for a place to stay. I will probably be around only to sleep and study. I won't bother you much."
Just then an elderly lady stepped into the room carrying a tray full of treats for the card players. "Molly," Rebel said addressing the woman, "dis goyl's lookin' fer a place ta stay."
"Well, come over here," Molly Corcoran said putting the tray down and walking over to a desk. "Fill this out and we will see about your moving in."
Mysteria looked at the paper that the old lady had given her. some of the questions Mysteria was not sure how to answer, others she just didn't want to. When she had finished she handed it back to Molly. Mrs. Corcoran looked over the application and the girl. She was wearing a hooded robe that was reddish-brown. More red than brown. After a while she spoke. "Come, I will show you to your bunk. Where are the rest of your things?"
"This is all I have and all I need." Mysteria replied gesturing to the large book.
"Alright, this way."
"Mrs. Corcoran, I'll show 'er where ta sleep." offered Rebel.
"I wouldn't want you to interrupt your card game."
"Nah, don't worry 'bout it. I'se loosin' anyways." Rebel said as she bounded upstairs. Mysteria quietly followed.
"So where ya from Mysteria"
"Far away."
"How'd ya get yer nick?"
"My uncle gave it to me. Along with this book."
"Here we are." Rebel said as she opened a door. She turned and started to head beck down stairs when Mysteria spoke.
"Rebel, I have a few requests."
"Yeah?"
"When I am studying do not interrupt me, no one should touch this book without permission, and I would rather that you don't use cuss words around me."
"Sure, I'se can do dat."
"Will you tell the others for me?"
"Yeah." Rebel went back down stairs and left Mysteria alone. She opened her book and began to recite the strange words.
--
The next morning Mysteria was gone before the others even got up. By 11 a.m. she had sold all her papers and Rebel had found her. "Hey Mysteria! You were up early this morning. Did you have somewhere to go?"
Mysteria looked down at her feet. She hated her shoes. Sandals were so much more comfortable. She hated the color of her brown pants an felt so confined in the yellowing shirt and pin striped vest. She wanted her old clothes but she had to fit in. "Every morning I preform a ritual. The same time every morning except on Friday the thirteenth. Then there is a special ritual I preform." Her voice was calm and controlling. But what was she trying to control?
"Why Friday the thirteenth? Such an unlucky day."
"I pray for the safety of my friends and family that day. It is the day I lost someone I loved very much. He was Missing in action."
"I'm sorry. You wanna join me an some a da oters fer lunch?"
"No thank you. I prefer to avoid people."
"Okay well I'll catch ya later den." Rebel headed off towards a cafe and Mysteria went back to the lodging house. When she got there she began to study her book. After a while she put her book aside. She reached under her bed for the robe she wore when she had first arrived. Wrapped safely inside was the belt with small pouches tied to it. She reached into one pouch and drew out some sparkling white sand. Mysteria whispered a few mystical words, brought her hand up to her lips and blew the sand form the palm of her hand. It fluttered into the air and formed the shape of a graceful dragon before falling to the ground. A slight smile touched Mysteria's lips. The only time she was truly happy was in preforming or studying the magic her uncle had taught her. The book was a highly treasured gift she received after passing The Test. The Test was given to all aspiring mages. It took much mental, physical and magical energy. Mysteria had done unusually well. Better than most of the top mages when they had taken it their first time. This had given her the title of Red Mage instead of Blue Mage which is where most mages start. It also earned her her mage name, Mysteria. Only she and her Uncle Raistalas knew why she had done so well. It was the same reason her uncle had done so well. She not only had a strong magical sense but also has the power of God behind her. Very few Mages were Christians. Most thought they themselves were gods.
Mysteria stuffed her belongings back under her bed and headed to Central Park, She needed to go for a walk. "Hey, ain't you da new goyl at Ravenswood?" asked a boy sitting on a bench with a sketch book in hand.
"Yes." Mysteria replied quietly.
"Mysteria right?"
"yes."
"I'm Art." He offered a hand. She didn't take it.
"Ave a seat." He scooted down to make room for her on the bench. She sat down and put her hands in her lap. She didn't look at all relaxed, or happy. "What s'matter?"
"Nothing."
"You look sad."
"I always look sad."
"Why?"
"Because I don't smile."
"Why not?"
"There is nothing here for me to smile about."
"What made you smile where you used to live?"
"My friend Tassandra, my uncle Raistalas, Heero. Heero could always cheer me up but I was hardly ever sad back home."
"Why'd ya leave then?"
"I had to"
"Why? Yer parents die? Did dey kick you out?"
"No, my parents loved me very much. They still do. That is why I was sent away."
"Do you always ask so many Questions?"
"I'se sorry. I'se jist tryin' ta get ta know ya better." He paused. "Why don't ya like ta talk much?"
"People tend to ask questions I don't want to answer."
"Well if I start askin' questions you don't want ta answer tell me an' I'll stop."
"Okay."
"What's it like at your old home?"
"I grew up in a loving christian home and was schooled by my uncle who lived next door. We didn't have an elegant house but it was better than most. I have one older brother, Paithan, and a cousin, Diaze. We got along great. My best friend Tass, was in love with Paithan."
Art inquired about the relationship between Paithan and Tass.
"The will probably be married when Tass turns eighteen." The sun was beginning to go down. "Do you want to join me and some of the others for supper?"
"Mysteria nodded and quietly followed Art to a small cafe where the others waited.
"Well hello, Mysteria. We didn't expect to see you here." Rebel said as they entered. Mysteria said nothing. She sat down at the only empty chair left at the table which happened to be by Remedy and Rhapsody. A waitress came and sat a glass of water in front of everyone.
"What'll ya have?" she asked. Every one ordered. Mysteria was last. She quickly ordered a plain hamburger with only hot water to drink. She took some crushed, dried, leaves out of a pouch from her pocket and put them in the water.
"So where do ya come from?" Rebel asked initiating conversation.
"Far away." answered Mysteria distantly.
"Come on you can tell us I mean we're all friends here right?" WiseGuy chimed in. "Where ya from?"
"Not here."
"no kidding?"
Mysteria was already half done with her hamburger.
"How did ya end up here?" Remedy asked.
"I was forced to leave my home."
"Why?"
Mysteria didn't answer. "Well?" still nothing. "Hey, come on, talk, be friendly."
"I do not want friends." Mysteria put some money on the table and left.
"I think you made her mad, Remedy." Painter said.
--
"Hey, Mysteria?" Remedy knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"Hey, I didn't mean to upset you."
"I'm not upset. I just don't get along with people very well."
"if ya don't mind me askin', why did ya leave home? Did yer parents kick ya out?"
"No. My life was in danger."
"Someone wanted to kill you?"
"yes?"
"Who?"
"An enemy of my Uncle's."
"Why?"
"To hurt my Uncle."
"Then why go after you? Why not your uncle?"
"Killing my uncle would not cause my uncle enough pain for him to be satisfied. He had to kill the one my uncle cares most about."
"Oh." Remedy sat on Mysteria's bed for a moment while Mysteria got out her book and began to study it.
"Well, good nite." Remedy said as she left Mysteria. "Good night."
--
"Heero," Rehla smiled. "You shouldn't have! It, It's the most beautiful angel I've ever seen!" Rehla jumped up off her chair and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I have one more surprise for you!" he said when she let go. "I'm taking you to Dire's for Supper."
"Heero! You shouldn't! Just because I passed the Mage's Guild Test..."
He took the angel necklace from her. "Turn around," She did. He put the necklace around her neck she turned back around and kissed him.
"Reh," Heero said as he finished his main course. "What? What is it?" She asked scared.
"We go to battle tomorrow. I just got the message today. I have to leave."
"No. No." Rehla began to sob. Heero got up to comfort her. "They say it is going to be short. We have a good chance of winning." He attempted to cheer her up.
"They said that when Diaze went to war and look what happened to him! And he was a mage! He had magic to protect him! You can't go! I won't let you!"
"Reh, please, I am a knight. I must fight. I love to fight. It was how I was raised. You know I love it more than anything."
"Yes, not even I can compare to your passion for fighting."
--
Many knights were suited up in their armor ready to march to battle. The were all saying good-bye to loved ones. Rehla took Heero's hand and closed her eyes. "Ki rah ta net kee saro." She whispered the spell of loving protection, kissed him and then he went off to join his father and the other knights. Rehla turned to see her uncle standing in his black robes. He was one of the most powerful Mages. Rehla fell sobbing into his arms.
--
"Rehla," Caramon Mangini, Rehla's father, knocked on her door. "Mrs. Lia wants to talk to you sometime today. She said you could go over whenever you wanted."
Rehla got up threw on her blue mage's robe and went to see Heero's mother. On the way she met up with her uncle. "Rehla, you did so well on your test last month that the council has decided to give you the title of red mage and your mage name! The ceremony is tomorrow.
"That's Great!! I can't wait!" She ran on towards Mrs. Lia's.
"Mrs. Lia!! Guess what!!" Rehla exclaimed as she ran through the door. Mrs. Lia's eyes were red and puffy from crying.
"Mrs. Lia, what's wrong?"
"They," She took a deep breath and tried again. "They are gone."
Rehla sat down on the floor. "Why, but, I, I. . ." Rehla stuttered. "No!" She fell weeping to the floor.
"Deamon and Heero were both reported dead three days ago. But they haven't found Heero's body."
"Then he isn't dead!! If there is no body then he is still alive. He has to be, he. . ." She choked on her tears. The two of them sat and cried for hours. Rehla spent the might there. They wanted to stay together to mourn their losses.
"No! No! NOOO!" Mysteria cried out in her sleep. Rebel was by her side. "Mysteria, wake up! You'se dreamin'. Wake up!" Mysteria opened her eyes and fell crying into Rebel's arms "Hey, shh, it's ovah now." Rebel said soothingly. All the others that had been woken up by Mysteria's screams had returned to their bunks. "You wanna tell me 'bout yer dream?"
Mysteria looked at Rebel and shook her head. A few moments later she looked as though nothing had happened. "I'm fine. You can go now. I am sorry I woke you."
"Are ya sure? Cause if ya want ta talk about it . . ."
"No, I'm perfectly fine. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Mysteria reached under her bed and flipped through the pages near the end. She began to whisper the words written there, reading by candlelight.
--
The next day, Friday the thirteenth, Mysteria spent the whole day in prayer and meditation. She was glad it was Friday the thirteenth. She didn't feel like being around people anyway. "God protect me, keep me safe from the Dark One." She prayed. "Lord watch over the ones who have tried to become my friends. Let them know I will never betray them but I do not want them to be too close to me." Mysteria began to cry softly, "Please let him be alive, please Lord! Send Heero back to me! I need him!" She began crying so hard that she could no longer speak aloud. She took up her Bible and began to read. Through out the whole day she studied her Bible, Cried for Heero, and prayed that she would not loose any more friends. It was on Friday the thirteenth, two years ago that Heero disappeared. Mysteria would never believe that he was dead.
"Lord be with all those that live at Ravenswood. Help me not to get to close. I am afraid they will get hurt if . . . " She could not even think about it, the reason she had to leave her home. "I know I should open up to someone but . . . Rebel is very nice and strong. Maybe I will be able to tell her, but to admit that I have a weakness such as this?" Mysteria closed her Bible and headed back to Ravenswood. The sun was just beginning to make its way behind the buildings of the city.
--
"Hey, you wanna join us in a game of poker?" Remedy asked Mysteria as she entered the Lodging House.
"No Thanks. I can't play card games. I can only do card tricks."
"Could ya show us a couple?"
"Alright." Mysteria's face brightened but she didn't smile. Remedy handed her a deck of cards that she had just finished shuffling.
"I bet you one dollar that all four ace's are on top of the deck." Mysteria said taking the cards.
"I'll take dat bet!" Rebel said. A couple of the others put a dollar on the table as well.
Mysteria showed the top card, it was the two of spades. She replaced the card on the top of the deck and tapped it twice. She then proceeded to lay the top four cards on the table face down. Rebel turned them over and all four aces were there. Mysteria took the money and put it in her pocket.
"Can you pull the seven of clubs off the top?" Rebel asked.
"I can for another dollar."
Rebel looked at the top card, 4 of hearts. She put another dollar on the table.
Mysteria rolled up her sleeves and showed her hands to be empty. She then placed her right hand on the top of the deck. She closed her eyes and whispered a few strange words and then lifted the card. Seven of clubs. She spent most of the night showing card tricks and predicting the next card on the top of the deck. She also made them disappear and reappear in a different place, and many other tricks. At Midnight she went up to her room eight dollars richer.
--
Raistalas came to get Rehla from Mrs. Lia's house Saturday morning. Rehla dried her eyes and donned her blue robes.
"Rehla Loreh Mangini, as the Chair of the Council of Seven, and your uncle, I present to you the status of Red Mage." Raistalas pointed at Rehla's robes and in a burst of red light they turned blood red. "As a mage of the Red Robes, you are entitled to your mage name. What do you wish to be called?"
"Mysteria"
"Why Mysteria?"
"A mage is to keep his or her powers a secret from those who are not believers. They are required to use them around unbelievers only in emergencies. This makes them seem very mysterious to unbelievers."
"Very well, Mysteria. I now entrust you with the Magic Book of Magine. We as a council choose this book because of your creative imagination.
Raistalas handed her a beautifully decorated Leather bound book. She took it and held it close. "I will guard it with my life and study it every day."
After the ceremony many member of the council congratulated her on her promotion. Very few mages earned the title of Red Robes before the age of 18. Several of the members also gave her their condolences for her loss.
Heero had been a highly respected knight, much like his father had been. He and Rehla had been inseparable since they were 2 years old. They had always been there for each other. It was not unusual to find a knight with a mage by his side at all times, especially in battle. Rehla had been too weak in the arts to go to battle with Heero or she would have never left his side.
The following week many mages were called to battle. Rehla again was left behind. Her uncle, however was one of the first to be called.
"Sinistro! I should have known. Raistalas glared at his nemesis the reason for the war. Sinistro had been refused entry into the council because he played too much with the black arts of magic and was never one to help.
"Raist, such angry words for an old friend." Sinistro replied innocently.
The war was long and many mages and knights from both sides died. In the end however, good won over evil. The council was able to defeat Sinistro and his dark followers. Raistalas had given the final blow that ended it all.
"You had better watch your family, Raistalas. I will not come after you that would be too easy for you. No, I will first kill the one you care most about. That pathetic little niece of yours. I hear she is a red robe mage. Do you think she is powerful enough to stop me?" Sinistro disappeared with these last threatening words.
"NO! I won't go!! I loose Heero and now I have to loose everything? It's not fair!!"
"You must leave. Go to a place where Sinistro can't find you. A place he doesn't know about. You must go to Earth."
"I won't leave. I won't go!"
--
"NO! I CAN'T LOOSE EVERYTHING!!! I WON'T DO IT! I WON'T GO!!"
"Shh, Mysteria, you're dreaming again. Mysteria." Rebel was once again trying to calm Mysteria. Mysteria opened her eyes, this time with no tears.
"I'm fine now. Go back to sleep." she said.
"Why don't you tell me about your dreams. Maybe it will help."
"No, nothing can help these dreams. They are dreams of my past and I see them even when I am awake. They never go away."
"I wish you would tell me about them."
"I can't."
"Well, goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The next day Mysteria met Rebel selling papers. "Rebel," Mysteria began quietly. Rebel almost didn't hear her.
"Yeah?"
"Can we talk?"
"Yeah, of course. You can always talk to me. I'll meet ya in Central Park in 'bout an hour?"
"Okay."
An hour and a half later, Mysteria had not shown up. Rebel headed back to the lodging house to see if Mysteria was there. "Hey Mysteria, you here?" Rebel asked walking up the stairs. Her only reply was a soft sobbing coming from the bunkroom. Slowly she opened the door. Mysteria was lying on her bed crying. "Hey, What s'matter?" Rebel inquired.
Mysteria glared at her. "Get out."
Rebel moved closer. "What'd ya wanna talk about?"
"GET OUT!! GET THE HELL OUT! LEAVE ME ALONE, DAMN IT!!" Mysteria screamed not giving Rebel a chance to do anything.
"I can see you are upset. I'll come back later."
Mysteria took out a letter that was hidden under her pillow. She reread what it said.
--
My Dearest Mysteria,
I am glad we sent you away! Not that I don't miss you, but, I don't know how to tell you this. When Sinistro heard that you had fled, he came after your brother. Paithan didn't have a chance. His death was quick and painless. Please, whatever you do, do not come home. I have lost my son in battle and now my nephew. I will not loose you.
Love always,
Raistalas Mangini
She folded the letter back up and got out a clean sheet of paper and a pen.
--
Rebel returned laughing with a few of the others. They all got ready to go to bed when Rebel noticed a note on her pillow.
Meet me on the roof --Mysteria
"Hey, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"My dreams, my past." Mysteria sat on the edge of the roof looking out over the city. The full moon shone brightly silhouetting her thin body. She was dressed in her red robe and the belt with the various pouches. Rebel sat beside her.
"I was forced to leave because my life was in danger. I got a letter from my uncle today. He couldn't find me so the bastard went after my brother. My brother had no way of fighting back. It wasn't fair. It's not fair." She paused to wrap her robe tighter around her. "I had the perfect life. My parents loved me; my brother and I never fought. I had very few enemies. My uncle lived next door and was my tutor. He taught my cousin and my brother also. He taught us everything we know, or knew in their case. Our land was ripped apart two years ago. I wish they had let me fight. I would rather have died them be without my friend. He . . ." she paused not knowing what to say. "He disappeared a month after the war started. I loved him. We were going to be married on my 18th birthday. They never found his body. He was such a brave knight! The best there ever was. Well, with the exception of his father. But even his father wasn't good enough. They are both dead. They died the same day although miles apart. No, that's wrong. He can't be dead. My love can't be dead! There was no body! He isn't dead! He can't be dead unless there is a body to bury."
"What happened to the man who is looking for you. Where is he?"
"Back home I suppose. They sent me here to keep me safe. He didn't say anything about killing Paithan! He just wanted me! I never should have left! Paithan would still be alive if I would have stayed!"
"Paithan? Your brother?"
"Yes. He was two years older than me."
They sat in the silence for a while listening to the drunks whistle and stumble down the street.
"Don't tell the others please. I, I don't want them to know."
"Okay. I won't tell. You have me woid." Rebel crossed her heart and they went inside.
--
"Hey, can I'se help you?" Rebel asked the boy who walked into the Lodging House. He was dressed entirely in black and had thick brown hair.
"Maybe. I am looking for a young girl around seventeen. She carries a large leather book with her." His voice was unemotional as he spoke.
"No one round here like that." Rebel said.
"If she does show up, I cam be reached at this address." He handed Rebel a card from a nearby Motel.
"Who should I say I want to talk to?"
"Protector." He turned and walked out. Not long after Mysteria came down the stairs.
"Hey Mysteria, you know any one named Protector?" Rebel asked.
"No, why?"
"He's lookin' fer ya. He never actually said yer name but he knew about yer big book."
"What did he look like?"
"Dressed in all black, brown hair, kinda cold."
"You didn't tell him I was here did you?"
"No, course not."
"Thank you." Mysteria began to walk off.
"He left this address." Rebel handed Mysteria the card. Mysteria looked at it. It was a small Motel down the street. It didn't seem the kind of place Sinistro would stay at. Still, she should be careful.
--
Mysteria walked down the street hawking the morning headlines.
"Hey ain't you from Ravenswood?" A red headed boy asked. He was much taller and probably much stronger than Mysteria.
"Yes. Why so you ask?"
"'Cause Ravenswood is full of morons."
"That has to be one of the most pathetic attempts at an insult I have ever heard. Can't you come up with something better than that?"
"Yeah, Rebel's a bitch."
"Oh really? I don't believe she would be happy to hear that you think that and I must say I am sorry you feel that way." Mysteria said as she began to walk away. The boy grabbed her arm. "Something else? I though the conversation was over."
"Nah, I want ya ta give 'er a message for me."
"And what would that be?"
The boy pulled back his arm and bunched Mysteria in the stomach almost knocking the wind out of her.
"Listen," she breathed, "I don't know what you have against Rebel, but maybe you should take it up with her!"
He punched her again only this time he hit her face. The third time she caught his fist before it hit. "I wouldn't do that if I were you!" She warned half-heartedly.
"Yeah, but yer not me." He swung his leg behind her and she fell back hitting her head on the sidewalk knocking her unconscious.
When she came to, the boy was gone and so was the sight in her right eye. It had swelled shut and she couldn't open it. Every move she made shot pain though her whole body. She slowly staggered back to the lodging house.
--
Mysteria staggered in the door looking like she had just jumped out of a tree and hit every branch on the way down. She fell into Gambit's arms a few feet from the door.
"Hey what happened to you?" Rebel asked.
"I ran into a friend of yours. He doesn't seem to like you very much."
"You look like you should be in a hospital."
"I'll be fine. I heal quickly. Just help me get to my bed." Gambit and Rebel helped Mysteria upstairs. After Mysteria finished describing her attacker Rebel had a pretty good idea of who it was. Unfortunately he skipped town right after attacking Mysteria. 'It's a good thing too.' Rebel thought as she headed back down stairs with Gambit. 'I'da killed 'im fer dis."
"Hello," The boy in black was back. "Any word from her?" He asked.
"Nah, we ain't seen 'er." Rebel said.
"What happen?" The boy asked referring to the blood on Rebel and Gambit's clothes.
"None of yer business."
The boy nodded. "Are you sure she's not here? Her name is Rehla Mangini. She will want to see me."
"Yeah, sure."
The boy nodded and left. Rebel went back upstairs. "Yer friend was back. He told us yer name. Said you would want to see him." Rebel noticed that Mysteria was already looking better. She had cleaned up and her right eye was open.
"Do you think it could be my knight? Do you think he has found me?" She asked hopefully.
"I dunno, what was his name?"
"Heero, Heero Lia."
"Why would he be so secretive about who he was if it was him?"
"Heero doesn't like people to know much about him. He is a very private person. Next time you see him ask for his real name." The next day Mysteria was able to move around without trouble. She still had some nasty bruises but other than that she was fine. 'She wasn't kidding, she does heal fast' Rebel thought.
--
A month went by with nothing-special happening. Mysteria kept to herself continually studying her book and Bible. Once in a while she would join the others in the occasional card game and show off some legerdemain for everyone at Ravenswood.
One particular day while Mysteria was upstairs studying the stranger came back.
"Why do you keep coming here?" Remedy asked him. He didn't answer.
"What's yer real name?" Rebel asked.
"She is here, isn't she?"
"No."
"Then why ask me real name?"
"Because Protector isn't something many people name their kids." Rebel moved closer to him. "Why are you so hooked on finding this girl?"
"If she isn't here you won't mind my looking around." The boy said as he began flipping through the book that held the names of all the kids staying at Ravenswood. Rebel shut it almost smashing his hand.
"Why don't you leave before I have to throw you out."
The boy headed for the stairs but was blocked by Gambit. "She is here. Let me speak to her."
Gambit didn't move. The boy shoved Gambit aside knocking him to the floor and ran upstairs. Half the occupants of the room below followed him. He stopped in front of a closed door. A soft song floated through the door.
"Don't go in there!" Rebel warned but the boy pushed open the door and then quickly shut it behind him and leaned against it locking the others out.
"Hello Rehla."
Mysteria looked up from her spell book. Her heart jumped to her throat. She smiled as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Heero!"
Fini
Fanfic
Fanfic stuff
Home