by SF Mazhar
20
Planes Of Existence
The next morning, when Aaron, his parents and friends stepped out of the cottage, breakfast was already being served at the table in the middle of the street. Aaron looked around at the mages – ones he had befriended, ones he had hunted with. They were all sitting at the table amongst many new faces. It was easy to tell who the Hunters were. They were all kitted out in the usual attire of hooded tops, long coats and jeans. Tattoos were visible on the sides of their necks or wrists. Further down the table there was a large gathering of men and women in various coloured robes – Lurkers, Aaron realised.
Aaron felt strangely comforted by the familiar walk down the cobbled street to go and sit at the wooden table. He was surprised at how much he’d missed being in Salvador.
Jason Burns gave him his yellow-toothed smile as Aaron passed him. “Good tae see yeh, lil Adams,” he greeted him.
“Good to see you too,” Aaron smiled back.
Zhi-Jiya and Ryan looked up at him as Aaron approached. They went quiet, looking to Skyler for his reaction. Skyler kept his head down and worked through his plate of eggs and toast, ignoring Aaron. Ella kicked out a chair across from her, for Aaron to sit. Sam and Rose sat next to him. Kate and Chris found seats a little further down the table. Ryan waited another minute before giving in. He leant across the table.
“Good to see you’re back,” he said to Aaron with a grin.
Aaron wished he had come with the Blade of Adams in hand, instead of being rushed to the city while unconscious. He smiled at Ryan anyway and nodded his thanks. He caught sight of the blond-haired Mary, carrying platters of food from the Stove. Behind her were Alan and Ava, her kitchen helpers. Mary beamed at Aaron.
“How you feeling?” she asked as soon as she reached the table.
“Fine, thanks,” Aaron replied.
Alan didn’t say anything but he did give him a tight nod as he passed. Ava stopped beside him and reached over to put down the platter of toast and eggs on the table. “I’m glad you’re okay,” she whispered in his ear.
Aaron smiled and ducked his head. “Thanks.”
After breakfast, the table was cleared. Alan was taking his time, gathering the dishes, giving Aaron an opportunity to come up to him.
“Hey,” Aaron called.
“Hey,” Alan replied quietly. He had always been friendly to Aaron, but when Aaron left Salvador, Alan hadn’t been able to watch. He had walked away angrily. Now, he was struggling to meet Aaron’s eyes. “I heard you got badly hurt,” he said, talking to the edge of the table.
“I’m okay,” Aaron said. “How are you?”
Alan shrugged. “Same old,” he replied.
“You still mad at me?” Aaron asked.
Alan paused and turned to look at Aaron. “No,” he said. “And I’m sorry, I didn’t have any right to get angry. You can do what you like. Fight or not, it’s your decision.”
Aaron smiled. “That’s not what you really believe, is it?”
Alan hesitated before replying, “It’s what Ava’s been telling me.”
Aaron chuckled. “Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’m going to fight.”
Aaron had decided he wasn’t leaving Salvador until he found a way to awaken his legacy. Even if that meant he had to use the forbidden Influence, then that’s what he was prepared to do. Aaron would pay whatever penalty the Influence decided. It was worth it to have his legacy awake and active. Aaron had next to no idea how to actually go about contacting the Influence but he figured if it came down to it, he would find a way.
Alan looked surprised before smiling his usual wide grin. “Good to hear it,” he said. He reached behind him and pulled out a small silver pistol. He showed it to Aaron. “So am I.”
Aaron was stunned. “I thought you said you couldn’t handle guns?”
“I’m learning,” Alan replied. “But this isn’t for hunting.” His eyes were grim and determined. “The battle is about to start, Aaron. Every mage, Hunter or not, is needed if we’re going to put up a decent defence against Hadrian.”
Aaron didn’t say anything. He looked back at the gun. “Have you been training with it?”
“Ryan’s been teaching me,” Alan replied.
“Whoa!”
Aaron turned to see Sam with Rose. Sam’s eyes were on the gun. He looked up at Alan. “Is that in case someone burns the bread?”
Alan chuckled. “It does have to be baked to perfection.”
“I thought you didn’t want to be a Hunter?” Rose asked as she walked closer.
“He’s not a Hunter,” Aaron replied. He took the gun from Alan, feeling its slight weight in his hand. “He’s training so he can fight against Hadrian.”
Sam moved closer, staring at the pistol with curiosity. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing to the intricate silver TK engraved in the side of the grip.
“It stands for Thomas Kings,” Alan said. “This was my dad’s gun.”
“I thought you said your dad was a Lurker?” Rose asked.
“He was,” Alan replied. “But Lurkers carry weapons too.” He stared at the gun in Aaron’s hand. “My mum kept this, after my dad...After he passed.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I never thought I would use it, but after what happened, after finding out that Kyran–” He stopped abruptly. “I figured, now’s the time.”
Sam smiled. “Couldn’t agree more,” he said. He turned to Aaron. “Let me have a look.”
Sam took the gun from Aaron and every mage in the vicinity stopped what they were doing.
“Sam, no,” Alan said quickly. He had paled horribly, his eyes wide and fearful. He held out his hand. “Give it to me. Sam, give it to me!”
“What?” Sam asked, stunned. “What is it?”
“Put the gun down!” Alan cried.
“What is it?” Aaron asked. “What’s wrong? He’s only having a look.”
“What are you doing?” Zhi-Jiya yelled from behind them. “Sam, put the gun down, now!”
“Easy, Sam,” Ryan said, holding out both hands, as if Sam was about to shoot him. “Aim at the ground.”
Sam stood as he was – stunned, staring from Zhi-Jiya to Alan.
From the crowd, Ella stormed forward, looking beyond furious. She strode up to Sam and swiped the gun from his weak grip. She held up a finger. “Never touch another gun, you understand me?”
“I wasn’t going to fire it,” Sam protested. “I was only having a look.”
“Yeah?” Ella stepped forward so she was in his face. “A slip of yours would have killed one of us.”
Sam blinked at her. “What?”
“You’re human. We’re mages,” Ella said.
Understanding filled Aaron. Mages could be killed by any non-mage, humans included. Aaron looked to the gun gripped in Ella’s hand. If Sam had accidentally set it off, he could have killed whoever he hit, providing it was a solid shot.
“If I see a gun anywhere near you again, Sam Mason, I swear on Aric’s honour, I’ll break both your hands.” Ella glowered. “You hear me?”
Sam nodded. “Loud and clear.”
Ella turned and flung the gun at Alan. “Keep your familiars on you, got it?” she snapped.
“Yes,” Alan answered quickly.
Ella looked to Aaron. “Neriah wants to see you,” she said, her voice still rough. She gave Sam another harsh look before turning to walk away.
Sam slowly turned to face Aaron before his face broke out in a smile.
“Did you see it?” he asked.
“Ella tearing you a new one?” Rose said. “Yeah, Sammy. We all saw it.”
Sam shook his head, still grinning. “Her wrist. Did you see her wrist when she had her finger in my face?”
Aaron and Rose shared a look before shaking their heads.
Sam beamed. “She’s still wearing the Waiting Bloom.”
***
Aaron held up the small vial filled with a clear liquid. He studied it closely before looking over at Ne
riah. “What is it?”
“A helping hand,” Neriah replied, setting a small clock onto the table by Aaron’s bed. “It’s nothing to worry about,” he assured him. “This just helps you get to where you’re going.”
“And that’s a higher plane of existence, right?” Aaron asked. “The thing is, I still don’t understand what that means.”
“You don’t have to understand it,” Neriah replied. “You just have to trust me.”
Aaron didn’t say anything. He glanced to Armana, who was already seated by the chair next to his bed.
“My mum and dad still out there?” Aaron asked, gesturing to the door.
“They never left,” Armana replied. “They’re insisting on coming inside to stay with you.”
“Let them,” Aaron said, “but only once I’m on my way. If they see me now they’ll try to talk me out of doing this.”
“If you want to awaken your legacy, then this is the only way,” Neriah said, coming to stand at the foot of the bed. “Naina is the only one that can help you. She will tell you what you need to do.”
“And just to confirm, this Naina isn’t part of the Influence, right?” Aaron asked.
Neriah looked like he had been hit by lightning. “What?” he growled. “No! Why would you...? How do you even know what the Influence is?”
“I’m picking up on all things mage,” Aaron replied coolly, hoping Armana would stay quiet and didn’t look too guilty. “And I’m sorry if I insulted you, but I just wanted to see how desperate you are for me to use my Blade.”
“I’ll never be that desperate,” Neriah said quietly, his eyes dark and furious. “Nothing good comes from the Influence, Aaron. Remember that.”
Aaron nodded. After a moment or two he asked, “So, Naina? Who is she? Or should I be asking, what is she?”
“A different being,” Neriah replied. “That’s all you need to know.” He held Aaron’s eyes. “Are you ready?”
Aaron played with the vial in his hand. “Go through it once more.”
Neriah let out a sigh and reached forward to hold on to the footrest of the bed. “You’re getting nervous over nothing,” he said. “You’re going to drink what’s in that vial and go to sleep. Armana is going to guide your spirit to another plane of existence, and no–” he held up a hand as Aaron opened his mouth– “that doesn’t mean that you’re – how did you put it? – oh yes, technically dead.” He gave Aaron an annoyed look. “Really, Aaron, how could you think I was suggesting to kill you?”
Aaron shrugged. “You said spirit.”
Neriah scowled at him and shook his head, before straightening up. “Once you get there, you have to look for Naina. She can help you with a way to awaken your legacy before your core matures. Hopefully she can tell you all you need to know before your time with her runs out and you wake up back here.”
“How long did you say I had?” Aaron asked.
“Exactly one hour.”
“That’s not too bad,” Aaron said.
“Time moves differently where you’re going,” Neriah explained. “It’s going to feel mere minutes to you, so act fast.”
Aaron nodded. He looked down at the vial in his hand. “Did you send Skyler to see Naina too?”
Neriah looked surprised. He stared at Aaron for a full minute before asking, “You know about his rejection?”
“He told me,” Aaron said.
Neriah took a moment to reply. “No. Skyler didn’t go to Naina.”
“Why not?” Aaron asked.
“Naina chooses who to meet,” Neriah said. He nodded to the vial. “So don’t keep her waiting.”
Aaron’s palms felt sweaty as he uncapped the small bottle and lifted it up. He sniffed it first but it was odourless.
“What is this?” he asked.
“It’s dewdrops taken from the petals of a special flower,” Neriah said. “It’ll help you fall asleep.”
Aaron looked around at Armana who stood up and came to his side. She sat beside him on the bed, her soft fingertips brushed his arm as she searched for his hand. Aaron reached for her and held tight. He gave Neriah a last look before taking in a breath and bringing the vial to his lips. He downed the liquid. It tasted bitter and burned his throat. Grimacing, Aaron put the empty bottle onto the table next to his bed.
“Lie down,” Armana instructed.
Aaron slid to lie flat on the soft mattress. His head felt fuzzy. His eyelids were already heavy. A tingle ran through his body, calming him. His hand was still in Armana’s gentle grip.
“A word of warning,” Neriah said quietly.
Aaron turned his head to look at him. “Now?” he asked incredulously. “You’re warning me now?”
Neriah smiled. “Naina can be a little difficult,” he said. “Be patient with her and no matter what, don’t–”
Whatever it was Neriah didn’t want Aaron to do or say, Aaron never got to find out, as his eyes slid shut and his mind went blank.
***
Aaron stood staring at the house at the end of the path. It looked exactly like he had last left it. His house. His home. The place he’d lived for fourteen years. Aaron reached out and pushed the small gate open and walked up the pathway. He looked over the fence to see Rebecca’s garden, perfectly kept as always. Rebecca wasn’t there, though. He turned to glance up and down the street. It was empty, not a soul in sight. That was odd, for the middle of the day.
Aaron reached the back door and turned the handle. It clicked open. He stepped into the empty kitchen. Everything was in its place, the worktops spotless, appliances gleaming. His mum kept a tidy house, but it had never been this pristine. Aaron closed the door behind him and walked across the kitchen and into the hallway.
He looked into the living room to see the frames on the mantelpiece, but they were empty. Not one of the photos his mum loved displaying were inside them. Aaron looked around the house. It was his home, yet it wasn’t at the same time.
The sound of someone humming reached Aaron’s ears. Aaron turned, feeling a flutter of nerves in his stomach. The sound was coming from upstairs. Letting out a slow breath, Aaron climbed the stairs. His bedroom door was partly open, the light on. Steeling himself, Aaron pushed the door wide.
A small girl, no older than five or six, sat in the middle of his room, playing with her doll’s house, singing to herself. Aaron blinked at her, not expecting this. He glanced around the room – it was definitely his. There was his bed in the corner, his books stacked neatly on the bookcase, his collection of cars that he’d started from the age of four displayed proudly on his study desk. Yet amongst all his things sat this little girl in a pink frilly dress, complete with matching ribbons in her blond pigtails, playing with her dolls and doll’s house.
She stopped her humming and looked up at Aaron with big blue eyes. She smiled sweetly.
“Hello,” she greeted him.
“Hi,” Aaron replied. “Um...I think...there’s been a mistake.”
“No mistake,” the girl said as she went back to playing with her toys. “You’ve come to the right place.”
Aaron walked into the room, looking at it with wide eyes. “What is this place?” he asked. Like the rest of the house, the room mimicked his bedroom, yet it clearly wasn’t. His room had never been this tidy.
The little girl shrugged. “It’s your doing,” she said. “You wanted to come home.”
Aaron knew this wasn’t his home. Not really. His house was in the human realm. This place was on another plane of existence. He told himself to snap out of it. Neriah had warned him to act fast.
“I’m looking for Naina,” Aaron said. “I was told to ask for her.”
“By Neriah,” the girl said. She turned to look at Aaron. “You’ve come to see what you can do to awaken your legacy.”
Aaron stared at her with disbelief. “How did you...?” He narrowed his eyes. “You’re...Naina?”
The girl smiled. “I am,” she said. “And you’re Aaron Adams.” She gave Aaron a sl
ow head-to-toe look before meeting his eyes. “But you’re not who everyone thinks you are.”
That snapped Aaron out of his shock. “What do you mean?”
The girl – Naina – went back to playing. “What do you think I mean?”
“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking,” he said, irritated.
Naina sighed and put down her dolls. “You are a web,” she said.
“A what?” Aaron asked.
“A web,” Naina repeated, as if that was a perfectly normal thing to say and Aaron was playing dumb.
Aaron stared at her. The miracle that could help him awaken his legacy, the being that lived on a higher plane of existence, the one Neriah was going on about, that Naina – was a little girl? Not only that, she was an annoying little girl who talked complete nonsense.
“Okay, look, I don’t know what’s going on,” Aaron said, taking a step closer, “but I was sent here to find out how to awaken my legacy, so I can use my family’s Blade to fight the war–”
“Do you want to fight the war?”
Aaron paused at the question. No one had asked him that. No one had asked if he wanted to fight. They were too busy arguing if he should or shouldn’t.
Naina waited patiently for his answer, looking up at him with big, innocent blue eyes.
Aaron let out a breath and shook his head. “Honestly...I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t particularly want to fight, but I can’t sit back and not do anything either.”
“Like your parents want you to,” Naina said.
Aaron stilled. “How did you know that?”
The little girl giggled. “I know everything, Aaron. Your parents want you to stay away from the war, so you don’t get hurt, like your brother did.”
Aaron felt a shiver run through him.
“You want to fight,” she continued. “You want to feel like a part of something, but you don’t want to kill.” She tilted her head, looking intently at him. “You want to help secure the realms, both the one you belong to and the one that was your home all your life.”
Aaron nodded. “I do.”
Naina stared at him before slowly shaking her head. “You shouldn’t do it.”
Aaron frowned. “What?”