I hope you like this story. It’s longer than I thought it would be, but, eh. It starts out in Rapids, Alaska, in a world where the countries match those in this world, but not the cities. Sound strange? Interesting? Whatever you wish. Seasons mark the passing of time in Rapids, and the planets mark the seasons. The colder the planet, the colder the season. Our story starts in the season of pluto. When later on, I refer to them as winter, summer, fall, and spring, I repeat, this is NOT a mistake. Only the people in Rapids and Dakota call them after the planets. There are 5 seasons in all. Also, each person has two special abilities, which are as follows:
Light-The power to sustain an alignment of good.
Dark-The ability to be able to control the side of darkness.
Fire-The magic to summon heat and fire.
Water-The creation of wave and flood of water.
Grass-The ability of grass and flowers, objects coming from ground.
Wind-The power to control the aero of the atmosphere.
Ground-The magic to ripple the earth.
Rock-The creation of the strong rock.
Lightning-The ability to summon the static in the skies.
Psychic-Rarest of all, the magic of telekinesis and other mind-wave powers.
Nature-Perhaps the strongest of all, the ability to control the very essence of life.
Ice-The creation of frozen water into snow and ice.
Refresh-The abilities of healing and curing.
Enjoy the story!
Once a Hero, Always a Hero
The wind blew cold with the screams of unshown anger at nothing in particular, but simply the showing of how powerful dear Mother Nature was. The blizzard had encoved Rapids, Alaska for the past eight days now, and people inside the houses of the small, 3,000 person town were feeling the boredom. One house in particular, however, always held a cheerful young lad, who rather took advantage of the blizzard to write as much as he pleased. He was only about 19, but what made him special was his incredible ability of the rarest form of magic, Psychic. His other power half, Nature, was rather common. Psychic-users were born approximately once every hundred years, sometimes more, sometimes less. The young adult was a writer, but not overly good at it-out of the 18 books he had ever produced, only one, Interwined, had ever really made an impact on the town. But he’d never go back to his old profession, of doctoring, which was strange because all of his ancestors as far back as history would tell were all in the nursing business. In fact, it was quite a surprise when he was born without any Refreshing abilities. But it was all the same. He hated doctoring.
As you can probably guess, doctors and nurses in the town made a lot of money. People were always sick from the cold air. The boy himself was a very good doctor (if you can really call an 11 year old a doctor), but he wasn’t pleased from what he did. So he became an author, something he was simply terrible at, and had been living thus so for the past 8 years. Of course, an 11 year old’s book can’t make a great impact when writing, but time passes...
And thus begins the story.
Peppy blinked open his eyes, and scratched his head. He had been staring out the window at the falling flakes for as long as he could remember for that day, but he guessed he had nodded off to sleep. The snow was still falling. For the past 9 days, it had been a blizzard-why should it stop now? It was a surprise that he could still see out the window.. but then again, why not, if one of the villagers had been kind enough to waist his time using Fire magic to at least reduce the snow on the ground. Then again, what better did anyone have to use?
Psychic and Nature powers, of course, can’t very well help with the snow. Peppy began to think what would happen after the storm.-. People would be sick, and the current village doctor wasn’t very skilled in his profession. Maybe he should have stayed a clinic... it would certainly pay more then his writing job. Buildings would be weak, and the village lumberjack, F. J. McCloud, would be rich, too.
F.J. McCloud was always a half-serious, half-joking person. His full name was Fox James McCloud-the name alone seemed to command a respect-but most everyone called him F.J. He had the magic powers of Grass and Nature. He always was a sort of wilderness boy. He was a couple years older than the 19 year old Peppy, but not so old as that the village laws state to be married.
In Rapids, Alaska, those not married by the age of 25 were forced upon marriage to another person also not married. If no one else of the opposing gender was available, then he or she remains a widow or a bachelor until someone is there. This could be obnoxious-Peppy had a 27 year old friend who was married to a 45 year old woman!
His thoughts were broken by a knocking at the door, causing Peppy to fall out of his chair. He regained his posture and strode towards the door. Placing his hand on the doorknob-cold as it was-he opened it, to see his girlfriend, Moses, standing there.
Moses was a very beautiful girl, both in spirit and in looks. It was rather fortunate that a “failure” like Peppy had a friend like Moses. She was able in her skills of Grass and Water. Moses was an author also, and she liked Peppy’s work. At least, that was what she claimed. Whether or not that was only to make him feel better or not, it was still a nice gesture whenever she said, “This is a nice book, Peppy.” He never charged her for the books-why should he? Write the story, get a little paper, use the ethid to copy all the story onto it, and voila. You’ve got the book. It costed approximately 3 gil per book, and sold for about 200 gil. Not bad, enough to keep him alive at least.
“Moses, what a surprise to see you here!” Peppy was cheerful to see actual human life after a long week in custody. “What’s happening?”
Moses, on the other hand, was not happy at all. “Peppy, I really need your help.”
Peppy nodded. “Whatever I can do..”
She cut him off. “The storm.. my house has been completely knocked over.”
Peppy blinked. “A house fell on you, and you escaped without a scratch? Did you actually venture out into this blizzard dressed like THAT, and come back to see your house in ruins?”
Moses was very scantily clathed. Her clothes consisted of only a lightly padded shirt and a pair of jeans. Why should she dress up? The fire burning on the ethid-it was multi-purpose-kept the house warm 24 hours a day.
Moses shook her head. “I was sitting there on my bed, reading one of your books..” Peppy smiled at that. “..when I heard a crack in the wall. I’m used to listening to everything that happens in my house. As soon as I heard that crack, although it was very quiet, I knew the house would crumble.”
Peppy raised an eyebrow. “My house cracks all the time, and it’s never fallen over before..”
Moses bit her lip. “Well, I suppose I never take a chance. Besides, by the time I got up, there was a much larger crack. I barely got out of the house before the whole stupid thing collapsed behind me.”
There was something suspicious about that, but on a closer look, Peppy realized she was covered in dust. Couldn’t deny that. He then looked over to the right. He could see a very small gray outline of a mound that he assumed was her house, but it was a very bad image. Snow blew into his face, and he spit it out.
“We must be idiots to be talking out here. Come inside, I’ve got a large fire roaring.” What a stupid thing to say-of course he did.
“Thanks.” she said gratefully, and stepped inside.
Already, there was a tiny puddle on the floor from melted snow. Peppy didn’t mind-water evaporated fast in his house, thanks to the Medio that formed the roof. Sturdy it was, indeed!
“‘dunno how I’m gonna earn back enough money to afford a new house.” She chuckled coldly. “F.J.’s gonna get rich off of me.”
Peppy held his breath. Was she hinting it? Finally, was she hinting that he ask?
“I-I-err..” Peppy’s words rolled out of his mouth like a sack of bricks.
Moses ignored it. “It’s a wreck. I suppose I could sell some of the lumber.. but I’d need an entire new job.. and writing is something I don’t want to leave.”
That was it! That was the hinting.
“I think I can probably save you a lot of time and work.” he said, hoping what he was saying wasn’t inappropriate.
Moses smiled. “And how is that?”
She knew. Whether she’d turn down his offer or not, Peppy didn’t know, but..
“Moses, will you marry me?”
Moses expected those words, but they were still a surprise coming out. Before she could say anything, Peppy blurted out, “I’ve got a house, and we could work together. I don’t have enough money to work alone, but..” Oh boy, he should have shut up right then and there. He seemed to be hinting that she declined-which he wasn’t trying to do.
Moses smiled. “I’ve been waiting for that for a really long time.”
Peppy blinked at her. She expected him to ask her that?
“Ever since we were 8 years old, I expected to marry you,” she continued, “I really did sort of expect you to ask that one night when we were 12. Remember Bismark Ridge?”
Peppy smiled as he remember that night.. everything was so romantic and perfect..
“But I guess I had to wait another 7 years. Yes, Peppy, I’ll marry you.”
Peppy’s heart filled up. Had he been declined.. he wouldn’t know what he would have done. He reach forward to hug and kiss her, but hardly moved before she was already doing to same to him.
And he swore the room doubled in heat at that moment.
Humming as he brushed snow off of his booth in Town Square, everything was looking up. A couple books were ruined (everyone in Town Square left their stuff overnight-those with Light powers could tell who stole items or not, so no one ever tried it), but what was 6 gil? Life was great. To just think, yesterday, he was sitting alone in his room, and just 14 hours later, he was engaged to the most beautiful girl in the village. Pluto was approaching the end, and was turning slowly into Venus, but it decided to go out with a bang. A 9 day bang, really.
Peppy removed the cloth from the last plate of books, and wiped the dust off them. Imagine, dust in a storm like that. He happily strode over to the purchasing booth, and awaited customers.
“Did you make it through the storm okay?”
Peppy gasped and spun around to the direction of the low voice. He was relieved to see it was only Cinder, his best friend since he was 4 years old.
Cinder thought himself a tough guy, but he was actually sort of a softy on the inside. His Rock and Ground powers sort of hinted he lived to fight. He was a knight of the town, though Knights weren’t of much use. 65 seasons ago, there was a huge war in which a town from afar fought Rapids for their valuables, and Rapids was unprepared. Only a huge blizzard, which the citizens of Rapids were used to, saved the city from destruction. The warring opponent from a warmer place down south, and had, in fact, never seen snow, and didn’t know how to act in it, giving the town a real advantage.. ever since that war, there was always a knight’s academy.
Cinder got his money, however, forging metallic items. Swords were among the most common decorations in the village. Other things, like forks, knives, and spoons, were also made by him. Cinder, obviously, preferred creating a sword, but whatever brought in a profit.
“Hey, Cinder.” Peppy said with a mock salute. “Yeah, I made it through the storm okay.”
Cinder grinned. “The storm actually turned out pretty good for you, huh? You and Moses... great couple. Saw it all along.”
Peppy chuckled. “She’s already passing that rumor around?”
Cinder shook his head. “Nah, V told me.”
V was Moses’ best friend. Her real name was Venus, the season of rain and flowers, but she hated that named, and requested people call her V. Moses liked V more than she liked even Peppy, much to Peppy’s jealousy. Fire and Grass were V’s special powers, and she used them all the time to creature a beautiful house-her Grass powers lured in flowers, which she kept happy with Water specially formulated for plants. Cinder loved V, but V only showed a mild interest in Cinder. Peppy wished Cinder would just give it up, but....
“Oh, yeah, those two tell each other everything.” Peppy stuck out his tongue at nothing in particular.
Cinder chuckled. “V told me Moses was really happy,” he said.
“Yes, she’s an enthusiastic person, ya know.”
The conversation paused for a moment when a young girl of about 13 years of age purchased a book. He took the 150 gil, handed her the book, and thanked her.
“13 year old girls read your books? That girl must be incredible.”
“Hmm? Oh.. that book I wrote when I was only 12 years old.”
“Which one? That Lost in the Garden one?”
“Yeah.”
Cinder chuckled. “Hey man, if you can take criticism.. that one really stunk.”
Instead of taking offense, Peppy laughed. “Better than what you can do, I’m sure.”
The 20 year old just laughed, and said, “Mark my words, I will write a book someday!”
“Yeah, What Not to Say to a Lady.” Peppy mumbled, and they chuckled.
“Well, I’d best be going now.” Cinder said.
“Yeah, see you tonight. You’re going to the picnic, right?”
Cinder smiled. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Great. See you.”
A girl, about 19 years of age, walked up to Peppy.
“Excuse me, sir, this book looks interesting. I had a friend recommend it to me. How much does it cost?”
Peppy looked at it. It was called Perrier, a book he personally really enjoyed. Moses liked it too.
“Ah, that’s 175 gil.” He smiled.
“Oh, really? It’s a large book. You should charge at least 250.”
Peppy blinked. She was telling him how much to charge for his books? Ah well.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” He smiled.
“I’ll purchase this, thank you.” She reached into her wallet to pull out the gil, but
dropped the purse. “Oh, drat..” she muttered. Peppy bent down to pick it up, and noticed a small note fall out. He couldn’t help but glance at it. It was signed by Moses!
He stood up, staring at the note. “You know Moses?”
The girl nodded. “She’s one of my best friends. It’s sort of funny.. she’s engaged to a guy I don’t even know.”
Peppy blinked. “Is his name Peppy?”
The girl nodded. “Yeah. You know him?”
“That’s me.”
Patch threw the purse over her shoulder, and looked Peppy in the eye. “Really? You’re engaged to Moses?”
Peppy smiled. “Yeah.. I wonder why she’s never introduced me to you?”
He knew the answer. She was scared that Peppy might fall in love with this girl instead of her. After all, she was a very pretty girl, and...
“Well, my name is Patch. I guess I already know your name.” She smiled brightly.
“Yeah.” Peppy grinned.
They conversed for a while. He learned that Patch had Wind and Lightning powers-neither of which he had ever seen performed before by any of his friends. Interesting! They said they’d meet that night at the picnic, before she bid him farewell, and left.
Peppy smiled. Had he not already been engaged to Moses, Patch would have been a great second choice..
The day went slowly. Few sales, low conversation, and Peppy had already read most of the books. The excitement and anticipation of the picnic didn’t help at all. Finally, what seemed like years later, it was time.
“C’mon, Peppy, the picnic’s not gonna last forever,” Moses’s voice echoed through the house.
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Peppy shouted back, throwing on some casual jeans and brushing his teeth at the same time. Moses used this as an excuse to fix her hair, which was slightly ruffled from the heat of the house. That fire sometimes worked too well..
Peppy stumbled out of his room, pants too high and his shirt on sideways. Moses paid no attention. Peppy was always a last minute person anyway.
“I’m ready,” he muttered, half lying, hoping that they didn’t already miss the beginning of the speech. That had always been such good motivation...
As they strode out the door, arm in arm, Peppy made sure to lock it up to keep the fire inside nice and warm.
“I hear there’s going to be some flute playing at this one, by Light,” Moses said, chuckling. “He’s very good at it, you know. I hope he’ll do Moon and Stars.
Light was the village scientist, in a way. He never experimented or examined, rather, but his interests in scientific stuff sold him off as a scientist. He read books from ancestors of the village, and so many that whenever someone was curious, they went to him for answers. Light was strong in his powers of Light (of course!) and Ground, for his knowledge helped him in meditation-related ways. When he wasn’t busy reading, he was playing the flute-and that was the other half of the time.
“Yeah,” Peppy said, “But I also hear they’re going to have a singing contest. And Cinder’s going to sing it.”
Moses gasped. “Oh, no!” And they shared a laugh. Cinder, though he meant well, was completely tone deaf. “Well, he won’t be much competition for me.” Moses posed unmodestly. She was competing, too.
Peppy smiled. “I’m so glad you decided to do our song.” He then stumbled over a rock, but Moses grabbed him on time.
Moses hoisted Peppy back up, and they continued walking. “Well, Green is a very pretty song.”
“Quite. Cinder’s doing Island Water.”
Moses frowned. “What a way to kill such a beautiful song!” and they chuckled once more.
They strode on, conversing, until they reach the Fairgrounds, where the picnic had already commenced. It was free, and held as a celebration for both the end of the pluto season and the marking of the discovery of Rapids. It was a fortunate thing that the settlers had a full year to build the village before the first pluto blizzard!
Peppy greeted Cinder and V, who were talking, and secretly looked out for Patch. No luck, she hadn’t arrived yet. Moses got involved in a conversation, and Peppy remained searching for her. Maybe Moses knew.. but then again, maybe Moses would get mad that he was caring more about Patch than he was about her. He stayed quiet.
The singing contest was being introduced by F.J., so Moses dismissed herself to go behind stage.. She was looking very gorgeous, Peppy noticed. Cinder followed behind her.
V said, “My, what a nice dress-up she’s got. You should take lessons from her.”
Peppy looked down. He did have on raggedy clothes... “If I let Moses dress me, I’d be walking around in a dress.”
V grinned. Moses was always sort of a feminist.
Food was plentiful at the tables. 200 tables of food should have been plenty! Everyone donated some food, except those who couldn’t afford it. Peppy didn’t feel like it, and Moses was too busy rehearsing. V brought some egg rolls, and Cinder brought a jel-ish mountain. He called it a “Jello Mold”. Whatever that meant.
The first singer went out. It was-to everyone’s horror-Cinder.
He sung his song, badly, but not as harshly as Peppy might have expected. Cinder’s low pitched voice just wasn’t a good match for the song. However, the townsfolk were enthusiastic and clapped for his effort.
4 more performers came out, before, finally, Moses. Her voice was beautiful-a really great soprano. Peppy wished he had a better singing voice, for a baritone and a soprano sound perfect together. Moses even had a few slow, meek dance moves, but she did them sparingly so as not to concentrate too much on them instead of the music. She made Peppy very, very proud. He looked forward to having her sing every day.
The last singer was Moses’ big rival. She was gorgeous-her hair perfectly framed her head. Her eyes were a delicate brown, and her gown was a sparkling red which perfectly matched her body. Her voice was so beautiful, so tender, that Peppy wondered if Moses had actually performed twice. It was one of his favorite songs, too, Encryptia, a tale of a girl who fought bravely for her best friend, and was later taken by shock that he had died of a disease a year later. It was tragic.
F.J. came out, smiling as the girl went off the stage. “Our five judges have came upon a winner, though not unanimously.” F.J. should have known-he was one of them. Light, Lunar, Thraxon, and Jessica made up the other 4.
Lunar was the kind of person who half of the time was your best friend, and the other half, a mean son of a jackal that nobody wanted to mess with. He was Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde in every way. His powers of Fire and Water showed that-complete opposites of each other.
Thraxon was known as the village nice guy. He was nice to strangers, friends, and even enemies. Some admired him for his ability to stay cool, but many others thought he was trying to be modest. Whatever the case, Thraxon still had few enemies. He had Dark and Wind powers, which matched him quite little. Peppy had never met Thraxon personally, although many a time Thraxon had bid him a good day when he saw Peppy walking in town.
Jessica was a girl of average looks, average intelligence, average charm-and very, very above average humor. She could never stay serious. She was always joking around, though not in a prankster way, and she never sat still. She was friends with males and females alike, which was pretty much not true about most others in the village.
“Our winner is,” F.J. said, grinning. “Patch Mani.”
Peppy blinked. Patch? She performed?
He suddenly jumped when he saw it-the gorgeous girl who performed last was Patch? She looked different, very different in make-up. Moses came back to Peppy and V, and said, “What a rivalry. Have you met Patch, Peppy?”
Peppy nodded. “For a moment. She looks so different up on stage..”
Moses stared at Peppy, then at Patch, who was happily holding her trophy, then at Peppy again. “Not really,” she said.
Cinder came back. “I was so terrible!” Peppy knew he was begging for pity, but he wouldn’t get it from him.....
V, however, comforted Cinder. “That’s okay, you tried very hard.” She said, smiling.
“Ease up-you can’t win ‘em all.”
That was the precise way, Peppy thought. V was comforting, yet tough-just what Cinder craved.
Ten minutes later, as Light played the flute, Moses beckoned a swarmed Patch over to her group. Patch bounced over.
“Geez, Patch, you could’ve saved it for me!” Moses chuckled.
Patch laughed. “Life’s full of second chances. Use ‘em.”
Peppy smiled. “Hi, Patch.”
Patch looked at Peppy. “Oh, hi, Peppy! I didn’t see you here. You blend in very well with the crowd.”
Peppy bit his lower lip. “Uh, thanks, I guess.” Was that a compliment?
Light had just barely finished his song before already, wild plaudits of praise emerged from the audience, and many of them stood in ovation. Light could only stand on stage, and smile, tears nearly in his eyes. Good for him, Peppy thought.
After the clapping died down, a few people walked by for a moment to congratulate Patch on winning.
Patch said, “I’m hungry.. anyone want anything while I’m up?”
Peppy said, “I’ll go with you.”
Moses, not trusting Peppy with Patch, jumped up. “I’ll come with you.”
Cinder said, “Nothing for me, thanks.” And V requested a ham sandwich.
At the smorgasbord, Peppy stroke up a conversation.
“Both of you did very nice tonight, with your singing and all.”
“Thanks,” Moses smiled, and Patch just chuckled.
Peppy served himself a nice salad. “You two should do a duet. Moses has a lovely soprano, and Patch has a beautiful alto.”
Moses got some pork. “Well, our tastes in music really differ.”
Patch nodded, merely looking at the food. “I prefer classical.”
Peppy shrugged. “I like all music, as long as it’s good.” he hummed a tune and took a bread roll.
Patch chuckled. “How about that Cinder fellow? He was great, huh?” she laughed sarcastically.
Peppy grinned. “Yes, lovely.”
Moses mumbled, “He’s so tone deaf it’s not even fair.”
Peppy put a couple crutons on the salad. “But he’s got some other good points. And besides, he puts his heart into the music, no?”
Patch smiled. “I guess. He did seem to enjoy being up there.”
Moses shrugged.
Patch snatched up a ham sandwich for V, and after returning to their blanket, they ate their fill. V slurped her sandwich down in four bites, and said, “Mm, hmm! This is great. Who’s the pork producer around here?”
Peppy swallowed the bread roll he was eating. “Warren, I believe.”
Warren was the meat dealer in the village. He always raised animals very well, but in the same respect, demanded a lot. His farm took up a good seventh of the entire town! However, it always paid up. His hamburgers were out of this world. His Water and Wind specials never seemed to turn up handy for him, though. He had wished for Fire.
Hours and hours later, after more talking, music, dancing, jokes, speeches, praise, and even a light drizzle, it was time to go. Patch and V both lived on opposite sides of the town from Peppy, but Cinder and, of course, Moses, walked with him most of the way. Cinder’s house was even closer than Moses’ old, now crumbled house, to the left.
“So.. what did you think of this year’s picnic, Peppy?” Moses asked her fiancé.
“Not bad, I guess. The food was a little cold.. and the rain..” Peppy grinned. “But all my friends were there, so yeah, I had a really great time.”
Cinder stayed silent. He was still mad about his singing failure.
Moses grinned also. “I did too-it was fun. The mayor’s speech could have been longer.”
“Eh,” Peppy shrugged. “Mayor Aniterra’s not too much of a speaker anyway.”
“Granted, but she’s the best we’ve ever had.” Cinder finally said.
Aniterra was among the smartest people in the town, but what really grabbed people’s attention was her love for debate and to make everything better. She was always trying to improve the town, improve the people, and this greatly helped her to become the first female mayor in all of Rapids’s history. It was nearly an unanimous vote, since her rivalry was quite dull compared to her. Her Dark and Wind skills confused some, for she was really a cheery person-only those who knew her well could tell that her happy outlook was only half the time!
Moses said, “I guess Cinder’s right. I’ve never seen the town looking so beautiful!”
Peppy looked around as she said that. She was right-even when freezing cold, only three days after a huge blizzard, it was lovely. Snow was all over the place, sloppy, muddy on the ground, and what wasn’t snow was melted, wet, and soggy. Yet, the town still had a kind of homliness, a kind of beauty that only Aniterra could create.
“Even when covered in snow,” Moses continued, eyes sparkling, “Rapids must be the greatest town on Earth.”
The only other town ever heard of was Dakota, a friendly town to the south. Rapids was a larger place, but Dakota’s usefulness was great, as animals were much more common even just the 10 miles to the south. Dakota and Rapids rarely kept in touch, but whenever trouble struck either of the two, the other was there to help. They were like brother cities, neither being the older or the younger. When Moses claimed that it must be the greatest town in the world, she was actually saying that Rapids was merely a lovely place, for no one knew what happened in the large plot of land to the southeast, about 300 miles east and south. Some called it, America, but others didn’t care enough to call it anything. Where there cities there? Treasures? Monsters? Maybe even the mythological dragons..
Peppy nodded emphatheticly. “Who could be better than Rapids, anyway?”
What could be better, indeed..
Staring out into the water upon the grassy hill, he watched the sunset. It was hot-too hot, for it had not even reach California’s summer yet. Ragnor’s sword lay face down in the ground, like an Excalibur, it’s metal handle sticking into the air, wanting to be free from the blade which held on. The water crashed against the beach, with a sound only beautiful in a special way. The sand was pushed into the water, keeping the salt in the Pacific intact. Across the horizon, far, far out, which only Ragnor’s eagle eyes could spot, was the island. No one knew what was on it, but no one had the guts to find out. Thinking of this, Ragnor wished he had the guts to tell his commander up front to let him stay. But, he could not.
A young girl of about 20 years of age came up behind him.
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Sophia’s voice was a huge relief to Ragnor’s tensed body.
“Yeah.” Ragnor said, pushing his jacket up.
“It’s surprisingly humid, though. Just the middle of spring and already, we’re roasting.” she said, trying to make conversation.
“Mmhmm.” Ragnor muttered, without much interest.
Silence went on for a minute or two. The sky was getting darker every second, and the dark in Arrow, California was not a good time. Monsters lurked inside the forest..or so, tales told. Still, Sophia could not drag herself to leave.
“Ragnor..” She said, and cleared her throat. “Ragnor, you’re not the same person you used to be.”
Waiting for a reply, and receiving none, she continued. “You used to be vibrant.. so full of life, so joyous. What’s gotten into you?”
“Sophia..” Ragnor paused. It was another ten seconds before he replied. He kicked himself into another position and stared into her eyes.
“I’m going to be gone for a while.” He said, turning around and staring at his sword, the Emerald Blade. “It’s in two weeks. The master has some of us having to go north to get something. There will be a war.. a war against the town of Rapids. The Master’s magic tells us where his requested item is, and he’s made the path to it on the map. If I return..” Sophia cringed on the word if. “If I return, I will be rich.. and..”
“And?” Sophia rushed him.
“And I’d like for you to marry me when I get back.”
Sophia didn’t reply. She stared out at the water.. reflecting the last bit of light.. waves crashing upon the shore. Birds flew overhead. They didn’t know anything about love, only how to build a next, eat, and start a family. Why was her life so much more complicated?
She looked at Ragnor. Such a strong man, yet peaceful and kind at heart. He never had a sense of humor, but Sophia was in his heart, he had almost received one. She smiled faintly, though Ragnor’s head was turned.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline.” She said. Ragnor didn’t move. “After all, once we get back from Rapids, many people will be sick and injured. It’ll have to be a good month after our return that we become married.”
Ragnor did move and that, and he spun around on his side at an incredible pace.
“What do you mean, girl? You’re crazy!!” Ragnor was getting enthusiastic, but not in a way Sophia liked. “Only those trained for years have even a small chance of going.”
Sohpia grinned. “You need the moral support. I shall request it to the master. And trust me..” She grinned again. “He shall not turn me down.”
“But...but.. a war..” Ragnor stuttered.
Sophia put her finger to his mouth. “I always said I’d go through a fire for you. I said I’d swim across the ocean for you. I said I’d go across the world for you.. what makes a war any different? Trust me, Ragnor.” She stood up. “Trust me. I know you better than you know you.” And with that, she walked off into the forest, knowing monsters would not strike for another ten minutes, leaving Ragnor alone to comprehend it.
Pulling out the flute, Peppy played Love’s Last Strings pretty well, although to no one at all. It was only 8 o’ clock in the morning, yet Moses was still not in the house. She had left a note, but it had been dark, and the letter was barely noticable.
It was a goregeous Saturday in Venus, two days after the end of Pluto, and it was Peppy’s one day off of the week. He walked outside playing All the Time, and, looking around and seeing no one, decided to walk into the forest to his spot where the apple tree grew.
Following the path that only he knew, the only footprints being his own, he knew that sooner or later he’d have to bring Moses here. He had known this place ever since he was 6. The tree grew only the most perfect apples.. they were like magic. About thirty yards past the tree lied the end of the forest, where old farmer Korts lived. He was a peaceful, 47-year old person, who didn’t look it, raising a low-crop, high-livestock farm, and because he was always busy brushing cows, he rarely went to town. When he did, though, he always took the longest path, because he loved the forest. Thus, he had never found Peppy’s tree. He wasn’t very skilled in his abilities of Lightning and Refresh, since he never really needed to use them.
The farm was well kept. Korts was not married, though he had had girlfriends in the past. Trees were perfectly covering it. The tall trees allowed so much sunlight in as for it to be almost as light as a field, but when it rained, the ground never got muddy, and snow was rarely over an inch high through the whole season. There were two sides to the twenty yard long, 200 yard-wide farm-one was Korts’s house and his crops, and the other were the stables where the cows and chickens were. Korts never, ever killed animals unless he greatly needed food, since they were strictly milk-and-eggs animals. A large part of his farm was dedicated so perfectly that he had enough room for a special perserving cellar that stored two years worth of food. Indeed, Korts worked hard, and he lived the life he wanted. Peppy would go crazy alone like that...
While Korts hardly ever went to town, there was a shipper, RingShadow, who came every day to take his food back to town.
RingShadow was a busy, beautiful, hard-working 16 year old girl. Her father died when she was young, so she had to do much work to make up for her mother and herself. Her mother was sick with such a disease that not even the best Refresh-magic wielders in the town could help. It would not kill her in the near future, but it rather made her unbearably sloth and tired. RingShadow, who had Fire and Light magic, had three jobs. One was to take Korts’s stuff to town every two days-it took an hour and a half every two days, and she got a fair amount of money. Her second job was as an inventor. She had invented many items, and though none sold poorly, none sold enough to make her incredibly wealthy. Her third job was a fellow writer, like Peppy. She never really cared for Peppy’s work much, although she and he had often got together to talk about writing. She was a little more skilled than he, and Peppy owned many of her books. Indeed, RingShadow was a tireless-and skilled-girl.
About twenty five yards from the farm was a cliff. But it was not just any cliff. It overlooked the most beautiful part of Alaska, the mountains. Trees grew upon the mountains, adding a green love to the side, and snow at the top was plentiful even in Saturn. The two mountains were many miles away, yet they were so huge that it would take weeks for anyone to scale it. Korts went there every night, but not to watch the sun go down, but rather, to see the mountain’s different colors. Peppy knew Moses didn’t know Korts-he would have to show her to this. The cliff was known as the End of the Road, since it really was, because the path starting from Rapids leading through the forest, and into the farm (the two sides were seperated) ended at the cliff. A beautiful name, Peppy thought, for a beautiful place.
Peppy snatched an apple off the tree, and bit down on it without even checking for worms first. Smiling at the taste, he rubbed the un-bitten side on his shirt, grabbed another one, and proceeded towards Korts’s ranch.
Korts was outside, sweeping the leaves from the path, and he looked up when he heard Peppy coming.
“Hello, Peppy!” he said cheerfully, the sun shining on him. “What brings you here today?”
Peppy smiled. Korts’s attitude was always so sweet.
“Nothing, really.” He replied. “Just wanted to see how well you made it through Pluto.”
Korts grimaced. “Not so hot,” he sighed. “Three of the cows got sick, including one of the pregnant ones.”
“That’s too bad.. what about the bulls?”
“Oh, the bulls are fine. They’re strong enough.”
Peppy nodded. “That’s good. Need a hand with anything? I’m bored today.”
Korts leaned upon the broom, scratching his chin. “I could use a little help cleaning my house, if you don’t mind. I’ll give ya a carton of milk for it.”
Peppy chuckled. A carton of milk was a small gift, but it was fresh, and few things were better than fresh milk.
“That sounds fine.” Peppy said, crunching into the apple.
Korts nodded. “I’m almost done here.” He resumed sweeping. “You just head into my house and start in the living room, if you will.”
“All right.”
Peppy stepped into the house. He smiled, as he knew that RingShadow must’ve decorated the place-it had a woman’s touch. He began at once, sweeping, vacuuming, and organizing. Right as he finished, Korts stepped inside.
“Lemme give ya a hand. I’m done getting the milk-not much today. There’s still enough from yesterday for me to still make a profit after giving you a carton, and I still have the eggs to get.”
“That’s good.” Peppy said, smiling. “Where next?”
Korts said, “How’s about my bedroom? I’ll work on the guest room. It’s a mess after having my brother stop by.”
Peppy never met Korts’s brother, so he assumed that Korts’s sibling lived out of town. Peppy went up the dusty, small stairs, and into Korts’s room.
Korts’s room was a real pigsty, and Peppy cringed as he saw it. Dirty clothes laid across the floor, along with half the bookshelf and other miscellaneous things, like the clock. It would be a good hour before he was done with this room.
Thirty minutes later, Peppy picked the last pair of jeans off the floor. Geez, he thought, Korts must be really busy. After making the bed, Peppy stared at the small table next to it. Upon it lied Korts’s second clock-he was a collector of them, and a picture. Peppy squinted to read the writing on it. He held it up to the light. It was a yellowed and dusty picture of a woman, not ugly, but not incredibly beautiful. The writing-Peppy barely made out-spelled, “To the only one I’ll ever love. My heart fills..” the rest was illegible.
Korts stepped in. “How’s it going?” he asked. Peppy spun around, and Korts saw the picture. He instantly fell silent.
“Korts, who is this?”
Korts frowned. “Oh.. no one.”
“Korts..”
“It was my wife.” Korts said, blinking back tears. So Korts had been married before! “Her name was Apache.. she had no magical powers, and that might have been what drew me to her in the first place. She was so beautiful.. both in spirit and in looks. She was like a wolf.. majestic, beautiful, intellegent.. I loved her so much.” Korts paused for a moment to wipe away his tears. “We were married for 11 years. She loved to help me on the farm, and one day, while milking the cows, she tripped over the stool.. she went face-first into the wall and slumped to the floor. I went back to town holding her, running as fast as I could, screaming for a doctor, but it was too late. The moment she crashed..” Korts bit his lower lip. “She was bleeding like crazy, and after she was analyzed, we found out that her legs can been broken and her neck almost snapped off. I don’t know how she could break her neck from only a fall, but as soon as I heard the bucket swing against the wall.. I ran to her... and.. and I..”
“Korts..” Peppy didn’t know what to do. Did he need comforting? Perhaps that was why he wanted to be alone, so he could cry himself out. With another girl, he’d only be reminded of Apache..
Korts sniffed. “I still don’t think that’s what killed her. To tell the truth, I never saw the accident, of course, but it’s the most logical explanation.”
Peppy knew Korts was gaining control over his crying, and he said, “So you don’t think that Apache died that way? You think someone killed her?”
Korts bit his lip. “Yes.... she was always nice, but she had many enemies..” He sighed. “I’m still looking for the killer..”
Peppy knew Korts must’ve been very assured that someone killed her, for it was a farfetched story. For a moment, he thouht maybe Korts did it, but he snapped that out of his head-he wouldn’t have her picture if he had done it.
Korts said, “I think maybe it’s time you left.. I can handle the rest. I hope you understand.. don’t feel I hate you, but..”
“I understand, Korts. It’s gotta be hard.”
Peppy walked down the stairs, hard in thought. He finally knew why Korts wasn’t married, when he could be...how sad.
Korts waved him goodbye, and Peppy wandered back into the forest. Peppy didn’t get his carton of milk, but that was all right. His hands were empty-he couldn’t remember what he did with the cores of the apples. Peppy grabbed another apple at his tree, sat down, and pondered.
“Sir, there’s a visitor here to see you.”
The room had a light eerie glow, thanks to two small skull-shaped candles near the master’s throne. The servant to the master was dressed in black robes, and only his face, ugly from age, was visable. The master himself was dressed in the same attire, as was traditional for the castle.
The servant’s official name was Garath, though he greatly preferred his name anonymous. Garath lived to serve-he had very little social life outside or inside of the castle. He had Dark and Rock magic, which he practiced often, alone, upon the tops of Larken Heights to the west of the castle, near the ocean named Pacific.
“Tell him off. I’m busy in my meditation.”
“S-sir, it’s a girl.”
The master raised an eyebrow. “A girl, eh? Did she give you a name?”
“Yes sir, Sophia, if I remember correctly.”
The master’s eyes instantly sparked. “Ah, yes, Sophia! Of course she may come in. Tell her that she must come quick-Davias has organized the troops, and I’m about to give them the map I made.”
“Yes, master.” Garath bowed and backed out. A moment later, beautiful blonde Sophia stepped in.
“Good day, father.” she kneeled down.
“Yes, Sophia, what is it?”
Sophia cleared her throat. “For the sake of inspiration and morality, I would like to assist the troops to Alaska, master, with your permission.”
The master strained to not laugh. “My dear, this is practically a suicide mission. I have ordered Davias to steal the book while they fight. More likely than not, our troops will fight and win, but barely make it back.”
“They won’t win at all without any perserverance. I resolve to give them.. a higher morality.” she grinned, trying to ease her father’s tension.
“Sophia, I..I don’t allow it. A mere girl among all those soldiers..”
Sophia began to get slightly angered. “You invited Rebekkah, didn’t you?”
The master scratched his chin. “That’s different. She’s a skilled nurse.”
Sophia didn’t surrender. “You’re taking along Ellis too! And she doesn’t even have Refresh powers!”
“Daughter, Rebekkah refused to come without Ellis’s assistance.”
“I assure you, Ragnor will refuse to come if I do not too.”
The master sighed. “I don’t feel like arguing. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt as long as you don’t get involved in the war. Tell Davias I allowed you.”
“Oh, thank you father!!” And Sophia kissed him on the cheek. The master turned away, self-embarrassed at his daughter’s actions.
And Sophia almost floated out the room.
“It’s a little further, love.”
“Peppy, my feet are killing me, and these branches are tangling in my hair. Where are you taking me?”
“Oh, you’ll see love. Someplace..special.”
Peppy enunciated on the word “special”, because in truth, the End of the Road was a special place.
Moses almost slipped over a branch, but regained herself. “I sure hope it is,” She said bitterly. “I’ve got mosquito bites all over.”
Peppy grinned. “Almost there..aha!” And Peppy moved a branch that led to sunlight, allowing Moses to scramble out of the forest.
“Thank God, we made it!” Moses panted.
Peppy looked around at the farm he brought Moses to. Korts was not outside, but he had always allowed visitors by.
“This is the place.”
Moses blinked. “A FARM? Peppy, I’m sorry, but..”
“No, not yet. Follow me.”
Peppy led Moses through the farm. The light was immense, almost glowing, and it was a warm day. So perfect...
Moses was grumbling, until Peppy finally finished at the End of the Road. She took a step forward, oblivious to everything else, mouth dropped, in awe. She came back into reality.
“Peppy.. it’s...beautiful..”
Peppy grinned knowingly. “I knew you’d like it. That’s why I dragged you away from home.”
Moses laughed. “Only proving how perfect we are for each other.”
Still standing, they embraced, kissed, and looked out over the edge. The green trees, the high mountains, and a stream Peppy had never noticed before. Perhaps it was new, he thought to himself. After a good 5 minutes, Peppy said, “So, how do you like this place?” and he let go of Moses and sat down. Moses did the same.
She pulled her hair back. “It’s beautiful, Peppy..how long have you known?”
Peppy shrugged. “10, 15 years. I’ve been coming here since I was about 4.”
Moses smiled warmly. “Well, I don’t know why you didn’t show me then, but whatever possessed you to show me today...” she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks.”
After a good 30 minutes, they got up and brushed the dirt off thier pants, and proceeded back through the farm. Korts was leaning against the side of the house, grinning. Peppy was first to notice him, and growled jokingly.
“How long have you been there, Korts? Did you see us over there?”
Moses leaned a little behind Peppy as Korts said, “I didn’t mean to see anything.”
“But you did, huh?”
Korts grinned. “Can’t argue with that. Hey, I could use your help for a moment, Moses-my house is looking like a disaster, and after hearing RingShadow tell me time after time about how Peppy’s house is looking all lovely ever since he got a wife, I decided it was about time I got some feminine help here.”
Peppy was about to mention that they weren’t husband and wife yet, but Moses didn’t give him a chance. “What’s wrong with RingShadow, Korts?” Moses asked.
Korts scratched his chin. “Nothin’ really. She’s just a little too busy to do it.”
They nodded, and Peppy and Moses walked inside. Korts showed them upstairs.
“The downstairs looks nice enough,” Peppy said unneccesarily.
“Mmhmm,” Korts muttered. “Aha,” He said as he reached his room at the top. “Moses, could you and Peppy do some work in here?”
Peppy nodded. The room was a mess again, but not half as bad as when Peppy first came a few weeks ago.
They got instantly to work, making the room spotless. Five minutes later, Peppy was finishing making the bed while Moses was organizing the table with the picture of Apache on it. Moses held up the picture. “Who’s this, Peppy? Do you know?”
Peppy spun around to look, a little too quickly, for he slipped, knocking Moses onto the bed and sending the picture across the room. It shattered on the wall.
Peppy reacted first. “Oh, Lord, what..” He spun over the bed, pushing pillows out of the way, and Moses quickly followed.
He picked the picture out of the glassy mess. “Oh dear.. Korts is gonna kill us for this..”
Moses began picking up glass. “Who is it?”
“His wife, who died a while ago. 7 years..”
Moses grinned, though Peppy didn’t see it. “That’s not a while. Hey, what’s that?”
Moses blinked and picked up a withered, yellow sheet of paper. “That wasn’t on the floor a moment ago.”
“Do you think it was between the picture and the frame?” Peppy asked.
Moses nodded. “Yeah. Here, hold it.”
Moses handed Peppy the note, and while she picked up the glass, he read it.
She grumbled. “I could use some help here, Peppy.”
Peppy blinked, leaning forward a bit, and said, “Moses.. I think I’m in trouble.”
Moses shrugged. “Korts is a good guy, he’ll understand it if we broke it on accident.” She finished picking up the glass, and emptied it into a bag Korts gave them to pick up papers and such with.
“No, it’s not that.. it’s..well.. read the note.”
Moses leaned over his shoulder. “It’s a blank sheet.”
Peppy blinked. “Is it?”
Moses said, “Yeah.”
Peppy bit his lower lip. “I see writing..it... it reads,”
Korts,
This is Apache. I knew you’d keep this picture of me where we always held it, so I felt it would be safe. This note contains very serious information-Honey, please read it well. Do you remember when you saw me running through the forest? I claimed I was lost, but you were nice enough to give me shelter, food, and water. I told you I came from Dakota, but in truth, I had only seen a sign that told me which way led to Dakota. I don’t come from Alaska, at all. I was born and raised in a place down south, called California, where there is little snow, and it is often hot. Seasons are called Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter there. I was exiled from California because I overheard the information I am about to tell you. You are in danger-for the past 12 years, California has been creating a strong army, bred from children aged 10 to 12, so they would be about 23 by this time, and battle ready, raised on nothing but training. I fear that in about 7 or 8 years, they are going to attack, in search of what they call the Book of Toria, but what we call the Book of Legends. This book holds more magical power than the entire village’s magic abilities combined. It will allow a man-the master of California, to control all of North America, which is the continent that California and Alaska reside upon. It will unleash so much power, so much, that it should reduce the continent to zombies, only under his superior powers. They will seem to themselves to live a normal life, but they would not even realize they’re being controlled.
Korts, I’ve had magical powers this whole time. I am the master’s sister, and have seen the master’s magical ability, which is only rivaled by the Book of Toria, the Book of Legends. Being of his bloodline, I possess similar magic potentials, and I have knowledge of all spells, which is unheard of in either California or Alaska. Anyway, I have been watching a young boy for the past 11 years, named Peppy, and his radiance is strong. Korts, it is up to you to convince this boy to travel across Alaska to what I have sensed is the Cross of Alida, the only thing that will enable Rapids to repel the fighters of California back. Tell him he may not go alone-he must get any who believe in him to come, although a band of 5, including himself, should be sufficient. Only he may touch the cross.
Korts, I can only hope you saw this note before the people attacked. You have only 7 or 8 years to tell this boy. If you’re reading this.. I must be dead. A nameless person knows of my past, and I fear he may try to kill me. His name.. I cannot mention, for sake that he will find this note and destroy it. This note is enclosed with special powers, for only those who I have written upon this sheet may read it. Thus, only you and the boy, Peppy, will be able to view this letter.
Honey, I love you, please, believe me. I pray my death is quick, and.. Korts, I love you.
Love,
Apache
Moses scratched her head. “You couldn’t think that up, could you? Do you really see something?”
“Like she said, only those who’s names are written can see it.”
Moses shook her head. “I don’t get it. What’s going on?”
“An army is going to attack, to get the Book of Legends, and if we don’t get the Cross of Alida, they will destroy us. The person who wrote this is from California.”
Moses bit her tongue. “And you’re the only one who can get it?”
Peppy nodded gravely. “Yes. But we have seven years.”
Korts then entered, and rolled back his shoulders. “What’s that you’re readin’, guys?”
Peppy frowned, and handed Korts the note. “You should be able to read it. Your name is on it.”
Korts blinked. “Huh?”
Peppy said, “Just read it.”
A few minutes passed, and Korts slowly put down the paper.
“...this is serious.”
Moses sighed. “I know. Only a few years to cross Alaska.. we don’t know how long it.”
Korts shook his head. “No.”
Peppy and his love stared at him. “What?” Peppy blinked.
Korts put a hand through his hair. “She said she wrote this before she died, and that the army would attack 7 to 8 years later. Meaning..”
Korts gulped. “This IS 7 years later.”
Peppy’s mouth dropped in shock, and Moses fainted onto the bed.
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