by J. Clarice
“Since you think you’re so funny, I’ll show you how amusing I found it while killing the little bitch.”
“No!” Queen Esma shouted as Nova charged towards the cage holding Cassandra.
Leon watched Nova leave his side before following behind her. Scarlett and Queen Esma jumped into the bowl of the arena and, upon landing, unleashed hell.
Scarlett let webs fly from her palms at Leon while Queen Esma barreled into Nova, knocking her off the path. They slammed into the arena’s wall from Queen Esma's momentum and sent a cloud of dust spiraling from their impact.
Meanwhile, Leon dodged Scarlett’s shots without throwing any of his own.
‘Why wasn’t he hitting back?’
Scarlett noticed Leon getting closer with each dodge when it dawned on her what he was going for. Scarlett ceased her fire and broke left into a sprint towards Cassandra.
His power may not be as strong as hers, but he had a different advantage – his strength.
Scarlett heard his heavy steps behind her as she neared the cage. A few feet away, the pounding stopped, and she glanced back to find a flying Leon throttling his way towards her. Veering to the right, Scarlett narrowly avoided Leon and watched him slam into Cassandra’s cage. It tipped over, and Cassandra jerked awake to see the chaos.
Hearing grunts from behind, Scarlet turned around to find Trevor fighting three Dreammares. About to call out his name, Scarlett was slammed from behind and the wind knocked from her lungs. She struggled to breathe under Leon’s weight.
“Try and fight now you worthless bitch,” Leon sneered into her ear before slamming his fist into the back of her head. Scarlett’s face pounded into the dirt, and the world around faded in and out. Leon turned her around under him and laid sight on her bloodied face. It filled him with triumph as he raised his fist to lay another ending punch. Scarlett saw it coming and closed her eyes when the impact didn’t meet.
“Fuck!” Leon cursed as he disappeared from atop Scarlett.
Even with the weight gone, Scarlett struggled to breathe and open her eyes. Queen Esma and Cassandra met her gaze as they pulled her up by her arms.
“We don’t have much time. We need to get going now!”
Scarlett weakly got to her feet and shuffled along. The blood dripping from her head spread to her eyes, blurring her vision to a pinkish tinge. Turning her head, she groaned from the soreness and pain to find Nova face down on the ground. Leon rose to his feet with a web burn mark in the middle of his chest.
He locked eyes on Nova’s unmoving state before narrowing in on Scarlett. With a strangled yell, he charged and fired up his Dreamer’s wristband. His eyes left her and zeroed on Cassandra. Scarlett planted her foot and unhooked her arm from Queen Esma while throwing her weight over Cassandra. She managed a weak shot to deflect Leon’s fire.
Cassandra grunted while Scarlett cried in pain.
‘We need to get out now.’
Scarlett took in the Dreammares that poured in from where Leon and Nova first stood. Trevor had somehow made it down and fought not far from Queen Esma.
“We need to go… now,” Scarlett weakly huffed as she rolled off Cassandra. Groveling to sit up, Scarlett opened her palm to feel the familiar rush of power fill her veins. The ball within her roared at being opened. A rip of blackness appeared before her, and she sent out a web of tendrils to grab Queen Esma and Trevor while shoving Cassandra and herself through.
They landed on a cold hard floor, followed by the others. Scarlett squeezed her hand shut to close the portal before anyone else could get through.
Stars dotted the space above while rustling and muffled voices filled her ears. And, all Scarlett could do was close her eyes as the rush of her power drained from her body.
Hushed voices filled Scarlett’s ears as she lightly groaned. Her body slowly awakened, and hints of pain appeared on her radar.
The back of her head homed a lingering throb, and her chest filled with a heavy ache. She lightly wiggled her fingers and blinked her eyes open to a dark space. Scarlett was moving and recognized the weightlessness that settled in her bones. They were floating her.
Turning her head, she found Trevor at her left, Jayden on her right, and Jasper at her feet. His eyes were already on her.
“Welcome back to the Realm of the living, Scar.” Jasper gave a lopsided grin.
“What happened?” Scarlett asked as she slowly sat up. Trevor and Jayden grabbed ahold of her arms and helped her back to her feet. Gravity returning itself to her limbs.
“Take it easy,” Trevor ordered. “You created a portal that pulled us out of the prison and threw us outside with the others. Immediately after, you knocked out and have been for an hour.”
Her team stared at her with wonder and worry. Scarlett knew the same question was running through all of their minds.
What was happening to her?
“Queen Scarlett, glad to see you up and doing well.”
Queen Esma’s voice sounded from behind, and Scarlett turned to face her. Beside Queen Esma, were Cassandra and Jude with the remaining guard lingering behind.
“I owe you a big deal for what you’ve done for me.” Queen Esma bowed her head in respect, to which Scarlett returned. “Now that you’ve awoken, we can proceed formerly. You and your people are about to enter my Realm and will have to abide by my only rule.”
Queen Esma met everyone’s eyes before leaving them on Scarlett. “What you see beyond these walls is to stay within these walls. Exiting the Havened Realm means that any knowledge of its people stays behind. Should this be a problem, I suggest you turn around right now.”
“This won’t be a problem, Queen Esma,” Scarlett replied as she struggled to hold the Queen’s gaze. “What is known of the Havened Realm will stay in the Havened Realm.”
The silence following Scarlett’s words stretched thin before Queen Esma was satisfied. She turned and faced the endless fading space of Ever Realm before continuing and disappearing.
“Wh-where’d she go?!” Jasper exclaimed as his eyebrows shot high into his hair.
“Follow.” Jude grabbed ahold of Cassandra and walked forward to disappear in the same manner their Queen did.
Despite the mind injuries Scarlett was recovering from, a spark of a child’s excitement bubbled in her veins. Knowing her people would follow, Scarlett took steps of her own into the Havened Realm.
White flooded Scarlett’s eyes, and she used her arm as a shield. Squinting, her eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness of the Havened Realm.
“Oh, my Realms,” Scarlett gasped as she realized where the light was coming from.
The stars of the Havened Realm were unlike any she’d ever seen, even from when she first arrived in Ever Realm. Nothing compared to the health and beauty of the white orbs that filled the space above. The light from the stars dimmed to a soft glow with adjusted eyes and illuminated the Havened Realm.
Mountains rolled and appeared from the black ground. Unlike Ever Realm, with no distinctive feature aside from the buildings hidden in the stars, the Havened Realm housed flat buildings and actual green. The sight brought pressure to Scarlett’s chest that traveled to the back of her eyes. Her breathing deepened as she took in a view she never thought she’d see again.
“It’s beautiful,” Scarlett whispered as she stood frozen in awe. She heard whispers of agreement from behind and knew they were as astonished as she was.
“This is the Havened Realm?” Jasper questioned as he took in the scenery. If it hadn’t been for the endless black ground, it would’ve seemed like they entered another plane altogether.
Averting her eyes from the mountains, Scarlett suppressed the wave of sadness from memories that rolled through her. Maybe she missed her old home, Earth, and maybe, she wanted to reminisce in those last moments with Cain. Yet, none of it was possible anymore and it’d simply stay that way.
Havened guards were positioned along the edge of the entrance that led to the buildings housing Queen Esm
a’s people. The Havened Queen continued through her guards' parted sea with Jude and Cassandra following not far behind. They were delighted to be back within the comforts of their home.
The Havened Realm was left untouched and secluded from the rest of the dying Realms. At the thought, Scarlett’s stomach churned – her dying Realm. They continued down the path with Queen Esma and neared the beginning of the little town.
As Scarlett was about to speed to walk beside Queen Esma, a single sound filled the air and slowed her to a stop.
A baby’s cry.
Scarlett’s eyes wandered before zeroing on the woman who stood in one of the home’s windows.
She curiously peered at the people parading through her Realm, all the while rocking a bundle in her arms. She’d forgotten her window was open, and her child’s cry touched their ears as she calmly shushed her baby back to sleep. The woman took notice of the fact that Scarlett and the people behind her stopped walking to stare. Disbelief was written all over their faces.
A child.
In the Havened Realm.
How was that possible?
“Queen Scarlett, all will be explained once we reach my quarters. Let’s continue,” informed Queen Esma as she noticed the visitors fell behind. She knew of the risk she took bringing them there. Queen Esma put those worries aside; there were bigger things at play.
Scarlett managed to lift foot after foot through the wonder. They made it through a small shop center and encountered more children that they couldn’t help but stare at. At the sight of the outsiders, the children scrambled inside to watch from the safety of their homes.
Trevor appeared beside Scarlett, his eyes wide and reflecting the amazement in hers.
“Did you know that was possible?” Scarlett asked. Trevor could only shake his head.
The homes and low buildings began to dwindle, revealing a house that reminded Scarlett of her own on Earth. Three stories high; it was wide and flat, with the back half disappearing in the upward curve of a mountain.
The house's exterior was covered in a mossy green that blended with the mountain it sat on. Large clear windows decorated each floor giving a view of the people that walked inside. Guards surrounded the perimeter, and two opened the doors as they passed.
A soft white painted the inside walls with vines and plants in every corner. Gold coated the doorknobs, railings, and anywhere metal was present. Queen Esma continued through the foyer until she reached the end of the large hall. Pushing the double doors open, she entered a large room that housed a circular white table speckled with golden cracks.
A bald man with age showing along the curve of his bent spine stood at the head of the table. His skin, although wrinkled, appeared smooth and tight. He wore a white suit instead of armor, and despite being a different color, the sight of his attire brought a certain someone across Scarlett’s mind.
She quickly dismissed the thought and sent a kind nod his way. He returned it with a shine in his eyes.
“Grandpa Byrne, I’d like you to meet Queen Scarlett of Ever Realm.” Queen Esma bowed her head to her grandfather while gesturing to the group that followed. “They’re the ones we are to aid to restore the balance.”
“Queen Scarlett; the young one that was forced to fill shoes you did not fit yet.” Grandpa Byrne moved his observing eyes to Scarlett’s team. “I am aware of why you’re here and will prepare you for what’s to come. However, having come from Ever Realm, I'm sure that you’ll have questions of your own. Please, stand around and get yourselves situated.”
Scarlett didn’t respond and knew she’d better speak before Jasper burst with the questions he wanted to unload. They gathered around the table, and the doors to the room were closed. Cassandra settled herself in the left corner of the room with Jude on the other side. Queen Esma stood at the head of the table in front of a wide oval window. It gave a view of the mountains and a partial view of the town below. Grandpa Byrne was on her right, and despite being bent, he held himself with a power Scarlett had yet to come across herself.
“Queen Esma and – Grandpa Byrne,” Scarlett paused, trying to put together the words of her questions. “There... There are children here. How is that possible?”
Scarlett glanced to the side with furrowed brows, remembering Cassandra’s youthful appearance, which now made sense.
“To reasons, even unknown to us, The Havened Ones have always been able to reproduce since the beginning of time. The one’s still alive on both Ever Realm and Earth aren’t able to reproduce here. To our researchers, it’s been thought to be since Earth is originally the superior Realm, reproduction can only occur there. But once a Dreamer is Havened, Earth Realm is eliminated, leaving them with only Ever Realm to be able to reproduce on.”
“Why hadn’t it been heard of anywhere else?” Trevor stepped forward and took the question out of Scarlett’s mouth.
“When people pass, they don’t want to continue living through Ever Realm’s wars, so they come to the Havened Realm. The place away from the horrors that seem to constantly wage in every other Realm,” Queen Esma sighed. “That leads me to the problems arising within my people.
“Normally, I wouldn’t bother stepping into Ever Realm’s business. It may sound cruel or cold; name it as you wish, my people came here for peace, and I’ve vowed to keep it that way till the end of my days, as have the past queens.” Queen Esma swept her gaze across Scarlett and her team. “However, your Realm’s current problem is affecting mine. The stars you see here are weakening and dying by the day. It’s something they’ve never done, and as you know, the health of the Realm is the health of its people.”
“You may not see it as you’ve just come,” Grandpa Byrne started. “The stars you see out there aren’t at their fullest, and we feel our weakening power. Before Samsus arrived to deliver the news of the battle and Ever Realm’s state, we had our first child die. It had never occurred before as each one born was as healthy as the last. But this one… the child’s skin clung to his bones and his eyes sunken and fogged. His mother only got to feel his breaths for a minute before he exhaled his life.”
Queen Esma clenched her jaw and kept her gaze off to the side as a chill swept through the room. Jude neared Cassandra and held her hand as they stared at the ground.
“At his death, our Realm shifted. The mountains sunk deeper into the ground while the stars dimmed. Whatever was occurring in your Realm was now affecting ours. Soon after the child’s death, Samsus arrived and caught us up on Ever Realm's ongoings. We have four pregnant mothers, and each is dreading their due date, for they know they’ll only be giving birth to a dead baby.”
The pit of Scarlett’s stomach fell as the realization of their situation hit once again. Everyone’s fate sat comfortably on her shoulders and hadn’t gone anywhere.
“I know what’s at stake, Grandpa Byrne and Queen Esma. My choice to take this mission hadn’t been lightly decided, and I will do what it takes to fulfill it.”
The Havened rulers nodded, accepting the promise in Scarlett’s words. All the while, Scarlett’s heart drummed and her spine tight.
“Very well. My people have gotten together extra weapons and packs for each of you.”
The door to the room opened at Queen Esma’s words, and two soldiers entered, each carrying two duffle bags. They placed them on the table and began unpacking the contents.
“Havened weapons are not your usual metals as they’ve come from the core of our mountains that make our Realm. They are as lethal as the power wielded in your mind and our wristbands.”
A bow was pulled from the bag, followed by a load of ten arrows. They would’ve looked like every other bow and arrow if it hadn’t been for the white string on the bow and the white arrowheads. Three knives were displayed next, two curved like a lion’s claw and one a dagger. Their blades were also pearly white. The sword pulled from the bag caught everyone’s breath – a magnificent beauty that would only bring certain death. With a white sharpened blade and
pitch-black smooth handle, Scarlett could feel the awe emanating from Jasper at the sight of it.
“I was made aware of each of your preferred weapons, and customizations were started as soon as possible. Scarlett, I’d been made aware that you didn’t have one-”
“My hands are enough,” Scarlett interrupted with a tilt of her lips.
“Exactly,” agreed Queen Esma. “As for the others, get accompanied with your new weapons and note that they hold similar power to your mind. Jayden, your arrows won’t need to be refilled hence the reason there are only ten. You will be able to use your mind to retrieve them when they’ve shot from your bow. Trevor and Jasper, the same goes for your knives and sword. Alongside, we have prepared extra armor for you to decorate yourselves with. You, three, will have today to get accompanied with your weapons and fitted before you depart for the Dark Realm tomorrow.”
“The armor and weapons are great, but we need to know more. Where exactly does the entrance to the Nether Realms lie?” asked Jayden.
Scarlett glanced back at her friend and caught her eye.
“You will need to venture through the Dark Realm to reach its entrance. The Nether Realm lies on the edge of where the Dark Realm and Ever Realm meet most,” said Grandpa Byrne. “I have not been there myself but, I knew of one who almost had and came back to tell. Sadly, they are no longer alive to tell you of their journeys.”
“Then how are we supposed to find our way there and reach the edge of the Nether Realm?” Trevor put in.
“If you’d let me finish, I’d continue.” Grandpa Byrne raised a brow before clearing his throat. “You will know when you’re near the Nether Realm’s entrance. Follow the bordering Realms until the very end, and its entrance will appear. As for navigating the Nether Realm, that will be a different story. While crossing the Dark Realm, you will need to enter their archives for the seer map they possess. It is a prized possession and most likely heavily guarded. The archive will be in the heart of their palace, tread with immense caution. Once you’ve found the map, the rest will be a straight line.”