by Tacori Bean
“So what happened with your father and mother?” I asked.
“Well, my father was still human. His mind went back and forth between it and the beast. He was relentless and wouldn't let his soul be taken by the beast. Once that happened he would forever remain a beast, forgetting any human morals he had. My mother decided instead of destroying him, she would try to help him control it. She was a peacekeeper after all.” He took a breath, “Rage, frustration, and hardship faced them head on, but they never lost hope. And slowly, over time, my father began to learn to control the beast within him, though physically his body was still contorted and tainted. She tried to convince the town he was no threat anymore, but they did not believe her and were furious that she didn't do what they asked. They ended up banishing her from the town for siding with my father.” He paused, “I'm just going to warn you. This story sounds like the ones we were told when we were children but I swear it's real.” He gave me a goofy smile.
I nodded at him, a small smile coming to my face.
“Soon my mother began learning more about my father, who at the time was very protective of her. He finally told her his actual name, Finnegan. After a while my parents fell in love. They never officially got married, because they feared the townspeople would kill them if they entered the town. Eventually my mother had me. We were as happy as any family…”
“But?”
“But my mother never told him of Milku's father. They had a relationship that was intended to be restored after she returned. One day, he came looking for her. I don't remember much, but I can remember my father yelling, my mother crying and screaming for him to stop. But, he didn't stop. That day two men were lost. Milku's father lost his life to my father, and my father lost his soul to his beast. Needless to say, after that my mother took me away, but that didn't satisfy my father. He was angry, and he tried to take that anger out on me. My mother tried to hide it, but I knew the truth. No matter how many times she told me he was a good man under that beast, every time she saw him she came home with bruises and almost dead from her magic being depleted. Every time she tried to convince me that it wasn't my father's fault, it was. He did that to us, to her. He took Milku's father away from her. For that, I could never forgive him.”
“What happened to your mother?”
He cleared his throat, clearly trying to choke back tears, “She fell ill a few years ago. I tried to go to the town for help, but they all said my mother deserved to die, and I deserved to be killed by my father. They were always cruel people. Eventually my mother passed, and as sad as I was, I was glad she no longer had to live that life. Soon I had to start protecting myself from my father. It was a battle that took physical, mental, emotional, and magical strength. All of which I didn't have, yet after three years I still am not strong. My magic is overwhelming, but I can handle it… usually. When I met Milku in the mountains, her magic reminded me so much of our mother's, but Milku is far more powerful. She has her perks, but she was the first person besides my mother to look past my history and see me for who I really am. Around her I was no longer a beast hybrid, I was just me.” He finished.
“I couldn’t even imagine.” I whispered partly to myself and partly to Tristan.
“Being a hybrid isn't the hard part. Hybrids are slowly becoming more common. I only have these problems from the townspeople, because I am a descendant of a peacekeeper and my blood is tainted with the chaos of a beast. They think I'm a monster; a beast in disguise living on the mountain just waiting to kill every one of them. That is why they say those things. My mind just chooses to listen.” His voice strained.
“So now you live with the words the townspeople and your father have told you. Do you really think you are a monster?”
He nodded and a unsound smile came to his face, “My mother always said underneath it all, he was a good man, but she lied.”
There was a heavy silence between us.
It seems both of us have been wronged by those closest to us.
“What about you? Being a Mystic must be exciting.” He inquired, pulling me from my thoughts.
I shook my head, “To be honest, you and I are a lot alike; but I didn't even know who the Mystics were until I came here. And now, all of these strange things have been happening. I just... don't know how to feel about it.”
“We were sent to find Althea? Are you not her?”
I looked up at his curious eyes and something in them comforted me, but left me broken. So full of remorse, strain, and hurt. Yet they were bright, as if none of the mistrust in his life seeped into and tainted his innocent soul.
I started to play with the clip on my cloak. Clasping and unclasping until the words escaped my mouth.
“I don't know who or… what... I am anymore.”
~~~
Piper and August left with Tristan and Milku to set up a temporary camp in the archive after it was decided that I would go with them tomorrow. Even though Damon disagreed, I felt like I could trust them. Well… Tristan at least.
Damon spoke when it was only the two of us left, “I don't think you should go with them tomorrow.”
From across the room, I watched him, half of his face shadowed from the setting sun. I looked into his eyes, before letting my eyes wander away at the amount of concern in them.
“Your people deserve to know if their beliefs are true.” I stated.
He paused, “Y-You're doing it for them?”
I nodded, “You can see it in their eyes, the ones who were alive at the time of the Mystics’ deaths...” My voice trailed off, “T-They feel like they were abandoned.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
I sighed, “They don’t need protectors or warriors anymore. They just need their hope back. That’s all the Mystics were. A symbol of hope. If I could give them that then maybe this would all be worth the pain.”
“While I am happy that you are hopeful, it could be dangerous.” He warned.
“I don’t care.”
“Then I’m going to go with you. To protect you.”
I shook my head, “You can’t protect me from myself.”
He seemed hurt yet confused by my words.
“I'm afraid I'm going to learn the truth... and be unhappy with it. That maybe I'm not who I thought I wa-”
“I can try.” He mumbled.
My eyes landed in him, “What?”
“You may not think I will be able to protect you from yourself, but I can try.”
My heart physically ached. After everything I’ve put him through, he still cared enough to give me another chance.
Why can’t you just let me protect you this time...
“No. I don’t need you to protect me. I don’t want you to protect me.”
He tried to take a step towards me.
“Don’t… come near me. I’m too dangerous.”
He froze almost laughing, “Dangerous?”
I almost gave in trying to say what I needed to say, “You should have listened to August when you brought me here. You should have just thrown me out in the woods.”
“What are you talking about?” His smile dropped and his face became sober.
“My magic!” I yelled, “That is why I want to go talk to Nola. I want to believe I’m not dangerous.”
“You aren’t dangerous.” His tone held so much confidence.
“I hurt you!”
He stopped.
“I knew my magic was undeveloped and it started surfacing... I couldn’t stop it! I couldn’t control it!” My voice cracked. “ Just like August said...”
“What if I did it to someone else? Someone not as forgiving as you.” I paused, tears coming to my eyes, even though they wouldn’t fall, “I don’t want to have to leave Secret Hollow because of something I can’t control.”
Before I knew what was happening, Damon wrapped me in a strong embrace, “No one is telling you that you have to leave.”
My eyes wandered before landing on his lapis eyes,
“I...hurt... you. That is unforgivable”
“But I forgive you. You made a mistake, that doesn’t mean you’re dangerous.” He smiled down at me pushing a stray piece of hair from my face, “Everyone has to learn to control their magic.”
But I can’t learn yet...
As if he read my mind Damon spoke, “Don’t let your thoughts get to you. Nor the words of others. You belong right here with us.”
We stood there, Damon trying to convince me that I was welcome in Secret Hollow no matter what. I wasn’t sure if I believed him or not, but something about being there in his arms made me feel comforted and protected.
What is it that you see in me that makes you fight so hard for me? I thought searching his face for the answers.
“Damon.”
“Hm.” He responded, still looking out at the setting sun.
“I want you to go with us tomorrow. I want you there to protect me.” I gave in.
He chuckled lightly and looked down at me with a smile, “I was already planning on it.”
I smiled shakily, “And another thing.” I paused, my voice full of hurt, “I’m sorry for what happened today.”
“I’m not.”
~10~
LEAVING US BLIND and helpless to our surroundings, the darkness of the forest crowded around us. Milku led the way to Nola’s hideout, the rest of us following in close pursuit behind her.
“Could we not have lit a torch?” Damon called from the back of the group.
I heard Milku sigh, “It would be more dangerous to light a torch than not. The creatures are used to the dark and are weary of man-made light.” She explained.
“So, where does Nola live anyway?” I asked from behind Tristan.
“There are three clearings in the Dark Forest. Nola lives in the one closest to the middle. That way her magic, that protects the forest and its creatures, reaches to all points of the forest.”
“What would happen if she didn't protect it?” I asked.
“Mankind would do to it what they do to everything… destroy it.
Everyone went silent for the remainder of the trek.
“We should be almost there.” Milku called to the group.
“Already?” Tristan asked.
Milku nodded, “The forest is not as big as it seems. It only looks large because the trick is that you can never find your way through the darkness.”
She stepped forward and we followed her into a large clearing, “That is unless you have an amazing guide.”
The trees still towered above us, their leaves casting shadows on the plush grass. Smaller trees of autumn colors dotted the area. A cottage sat in the middle of the clearing, it's second floor roof pointing up to the uncloaked sky. The cherry wood beams and posts were surrounded by vines and lights that weaved together around them. A stone walkway faded into the dirt at its end.
The place felt warm, safe. As if the world did not exist around us.
“Nola should meet us any minute.” Milku theorized.
“How does she know we're here?” Damon asked stepping up beside me.
“Her magic protects the forest, therefore she can sense when something enters or exits the forest, and where they are located.”
Just as she finished speaking a woman, appearing to be in her sixties or seventies, ran out of the house. Her white dress flowed around her ankles, making her look like a young queen running through the field, forgetting about the worries of her kingdom. Revealing her long graying hair, the hood on her lavender cloak flew back.
When she reached us, she threw her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight embrace.
Damon went to take a step towards me, but Milku stopped him.
“Everyone, this is Nola.” Milku motioned to the woman.
Nola pulled away from me and held my hands in her cold, wrinkled ones. More wrinkles creasing under her sparkling dark brown eyes, she smiled. Her eyes showed she was happy, overjoyed even. That's what appeared in her eyes, but further down she was sad, abandoned like the rest of them.
She went over and hugged Milku, “Thank you, My Dear. You have brought Althea back to me after all these years!” She praised.
She hugged Tristan and whispered something in his ear. Moving over to Damon, she smiled, “You are in a guards uniform. A good, strong guard for Althea. And handsome too.” She patted his flustered cheek.
“Well don't just stand out here in the cold. Please, come inside.” She ushered us.
We all tried to squeeze into the tight confines of the cottage living space.
The inside walls were a medium wood and the floors a light birch. A large animal rug covered the floor. Fire crackled in the stone belly of the fireplace at the back of the room. The staircase led to a second story, and an archway leading to the kitchen opened behind it.
Milku sat on a large chest against the side wall, a chair sat opposite of it. Herbs and other plants hung from the ceiling, the scent burning through the air like incense.
“Plant mage?” I asked.
Nola turned to me, almost pushing Tristan over, and shook her head, “I just mix them together, all of my magic is in the forest.” She winked.
She turned back around and tried to maneuver around Tristan, but his bulky stature seemed to pose a problem.
“Oh! Just sit down!” Nola yelled at Tristan.
He flushed, “Y-Yes ma'am.” He sat down on the large chest beside Milku.
Nola sat in the chair.
I looked up at Damon.
“Please, sit.” He said.
“Are you sure?” I questioned, knowing he would have to stand the entire time, which at the moment we didn’t know how long that would be.
He chuckled slightly and leaned towards me, “What kind of guard would I be if I didn't let M’Lady sit.” He whispered, motioning to the seat with his bandaged hand.
He stood straight, a kind smile pulling at his lips, his eyes sparkling with laughter at the mention of Nola’s earlier comment.
I rolled my eyes, a blush coming to my cheeks at the way he paused on M’Lady.
He’s enjoying this too much.
I sat on the straw cushion, letting Damon bask in his fun.
“So how much have you told her?” Nola asked, directing the question to Milku.
“Nothing.”
She smiled and turned to me, “The forest could sense your fear since you entered it.”
It is no secret I am afraid to learn the truth, but I am more afraid that I already know it.
I looked back at Nola, “I have to say I'm a bit nervous to discover the truth, or at least what I think is the truth. I'm afraid to find out who I really am. Who people want me to be.”
Nola’s brow creased, “What have you been told, Dear?” She inquired.
“The stories of the Mystics. Bits and pieces about Althea being responsible for Azguard’s death-”
“Hogs wash!” She spat, suddenly losing her calm temper, “You ought to listen, because you are about to hear the truth about Althea and Azguard. I will not allow these people who moved into our homes speak ill of the Mystics.”
I sat up and prepared to listen intently.
She sat silent for a moment in deep thought, “It was many years ago. More than I can remember. I was probably your age. Maybe a little older when I found Althea and the other Mystics. I remember how you could look in each of their eyes and look past the hurt to see the pure longing of good in their souls.” She made sure she had my attention, “I, soon, on the gracious favor of Althea, became a scholar for the Mystics. The first one they accepted. At the time I had not mastered any magic, but my words would just seem to flow onto paper every time I witnessed their good, selfless, and generous deeds. I had to capture every detail in hopes I would never forget these magnificent creatures. I followed them everywhere they went. The only scholar ever allowed to travel so intently with them. And…” Tears glistened in her brown eyes, “The only one to make friends with Althea. She entrusted me with her greate
st secrets. Anyhow, after some time it became evident that relationships were forming in the Mystics’ group. Althea had always taken a liking to Azguard. But none of us really knew how close until it was too late.”
“Too late?” Tristan interrupted.
Nola glared at him and he quickly went silent.
“Back to what I was saying. Azguard's magic was very unique, then again each of the Mystics’ magics were, but that is besides my point. Azguard had a special type of creation magic. One that, when he used it, gave life to anything. He could touch a sapling and watch it grow into a mighty oak! His magic was beautiful...silver like his eyes. How-”
“S-silver?” Milku questioned, before I had the chance to speak.
I was glad I didn't speak.
“Would you hush and let me finish my story!” She yelled.
I never thought I would see Milku blush, but there she was face reddened with embarrassment, looking down at her hands.
“While out on a mission, the Mystics did not want me to attend, they encountered a match like no other. They were hardly recognizable beaten, bloodied, and bruised, when they appeared at our gates. We thought they only suffered from physical injuries and a bit of trauma, but Azguard… he suffered more than bruises.”
A haunted expression crossed her face, “From what Althea told me, there was a beast, one who had created a spell by combining outlawed magics that would reverse the magic of any creature. Althea was fighting. It never came to her until after the fight, she was the leader, the strongest of them all, of course the beast would use it on her, but Azguard... pushed her out of the way.”
Someone gasped.
“It took days for him to heal. None of Althea's healing magic could touch the dark spell. She sat at his bedside for days, not sleeping. Just waiting, watching, holding onto his lifeless hand like she held onto her last sliver of hope. It is hard to watch someone you care for be so broken.”