Earth Bound

by Serenity Williams

  I continued walking. The room seemed divided into different sections, all of which had rows and sub-sections of their own. As I traveled down one of the many walkways, I began to see items that were completely different from anything Malcolms people had used. Things in all different shapes, different colors, different sizes and materials. There were big white things that were big enough to lay in and rounded on all four sides. They had two knobs that, when turned, would make water flow from a spout in the center of the knobs. There was a large machine that resembled a strange wagon with four large wheels and four doors almost like the ones that Malcolms people had on their houses. Only the inside was just big enough for four or five people to sit in.

  There were even full buildings down some of the walkways. So many different kinds of buildings that the rows for them seemed to go on forever. Small flat buildings, tall skinny buildings with tiered roofs, and even buildings so high their tips scraped against the starry sky. I found one of those that towered high into the sky and ended in a sharp point too but it's base divided into four different sections. But the really cool thing, the thing that drew me to this particular building, was… it was glowing. The entire thing glowed a soft warm yellow. Like the flame on a candle or the light from a fireplace.

  I walked over to it and ran my hand along it’s base. Cold metal touched my palm and I gazed up to get a closer look at the structure. It's body was mostly created from steel but there was glass and other materials used in its creation as well. It must have taken forever to dig this much metal out of the earth.

  How do I get inside…

  I found a staircase and climbed it. When I got as far as I could go I found a little door that lead into the glass tower windows. Stunned I walked to the windows and gazed out. From up here I could see everything better. Above me the endless night blue sky stretched on for miles. Only a handful of stars still decorated her gown.

  Where did all the stars go? There used to be too many to count. Down below me, stretched out as far as the eye could see was a wasteland of rotting materials. Meaningless, empty, deselent.

  “What is this place?” I whispered.

  “This is us,” said a familiar voice, my voice. It came out of nowhere and made me jump two feet in the air.

  I turned to my right and gaped at the image of me...only not me. This me was covered in silver and gold scars. Her expression sad and battle weary.

  “Us? What do you mean?” I whispered.

  “I mean us. I am you from the future. You, we, are tied to the earth. That out there is what the earth has become and this,” she motioned over her body, “this is us.”

  I peered at her more closely, then I scent my energy out towards her and felt...myself.

  “You are me,” I could barely speak. “So is this…” I glanced out the window then quickly back at her, “is this the future?”

  “It will be, if things don’t change. But if you want to be technical, I had to meet you in the dream dimension,” she explained. “ Right now you’re not powerful enough to time travel. So I used your dream to give you a visualization into your future, my present.” As she spoke she walked up to the window and gazed out.

  “Look…” she demanded and I followed the direction my future self indicated. My gaze drifted back over the bluish-white wasteland.

  “What happened here? What is all this?” I asked as I walked up to stand beside her.

  “Mankind, Malcolm as you call him now, uses us not only to further his people but to further himself too. He uses our gifts to keep himself young forever as he gives our precious materials over to his children. He becomes so powerful, he controls everything, and everyone address him as Mankind. Like he some sort of a hero.” I looked up at her, shocked, but she continued to speak, unfazed by my reaction.

  “His people have flourished to the point that they have completely taken over the earth. They have run over and gained control over every other species. They have no respect for life. They waste our resources and pollute our lands. Do you see these?” future me indicated the gold and silver scars dug into her skin.”These are where Mankind and his people dug holes into the earth to find gold and other precious metals. Metals they use to create more junk that clutters our lands with useless debris.” She waved her hand out towards the world. “And there's too many of them. Earth is running out of space, but they never stop! They build big towers like this one and others and just stack themselves on top of eachother. They're like mindless drones with no purpose but to destroy everything they touch.”

  Future me turned to me and placed her hands firmly on my shoulders. Our gazes locked. Tears misted in the corners of both our eyes.

  “I don't know how much more we can take,” she whispered brokenly. “The earth is dying Raina. We are dying. You can't let this happen.” Her gaze leaded with mine and I could hear the desperation in her voice. My voice. “Things have to be different this time. Only you can stop him Raina. Only you can save the earth…”

  Her words hit me like a punch in the gut.

  Why does this have to be my responsibility? I didn’t ask for this. I don’t even know how I could possible stop him.

  “But how?” I urged my future self. Maybe she has some knowledge that could help us fight him. “He's so strong and I don't know how to fight…”

  But the image of my future self was starting to glitch and fade away.

  “Wait! I don't know what to do!” I pleaded and I could hear the panicked words streaming from my own mouth as I grabbed for her hand. I had to stop her from disappearing, but I went right through her.

  “Look inside yourself…” I could barely hear her voice anymore, “you're...stronger than...you know…”

  And that was it, she was gone.

  I turned from where she had been and looked out at the desolate world.

  Father where are you? I need you right now. What am I going to do? How am I going to stop him from doing all this?

  I waited but his answer never came.

  Maybe he can’t hear me in the dream dimension right now. I need to wake up. I have to figure this out. Come on Raina, wake up!

  Oh that’s right… he drugged me. This may be more difficult than I thought. Ok...maybe if I pinch myself. Maybe that will wake me up.

  I pinched my upper arm as hard as I could.

  “Ow!” but nothing happened.

  Ok. Come on Raina. Wake up. Wake Up!

  I rambed myself against the wall, hoping to jar myself awake, and ended up sprawled on my backside. Heaving a sigh of frustration, I got back up to try again. This time I took a running start from the very back wall and aimed for the window. I hit it with so much force the glass shattered around me into a million pieces and my body went flying into the air. For the briefest of moments I felt like I would just fly away. Then I arched downward, free falling face first. The checkered floor come up to meet me at lightning speed.

  I wonder if you can die in your dreams…

  My body hit the floor like a sledgehammer.

  Chapter Ten

  Captive Hearts

  I woke up with a splitting headache. My eyes felt dry and red. My stomach was rolling, pitching back and forth in a wild fit of nausea. Every muscle in my body ached.

  I can't believe he drugged me. I have to get out of here.

  I slowly opened my eyes. Even the soft yellow glow of the lantern on the wall beside me felt like tiny daggers were being lit on fire and stuck behind my eyes.

  Oh...I feel like crap… I moaned softly.

  Doesn't matter you need to get moving…

  Jade? I sat up a little. My mind more alert.

  Yeah, it’s me, and that little annoying dove is here too.

  Little bird?

  Yes! We! I am here too madame. I could hear Jock’s voice in my head now too. You saved my life! And now, Jock is here to save you! I saw the evil misour take you in here and so I go, I fly very very fast, and I find Jade. And Jade she know you so she come. And now we are going to rescu
e you!

  Oh thank you Jock, Jade. I glanced around the empty two bed bedroom I found myself in. But where are you guys?

  We're outside the village. Jade answered. I heard the men talking. They are taking you somewhere tonight. I'm not sure where but we're going to follow and find an opening of attack. Be ready.

  Wait. Isn’t there a way we can do this without attacking anyone? There are women and children here.

  And what would you suggest?

  I don’t know, but father will.

  “Father,” I whispered knowing he could hear me. But no answer came. “Father,” I tried a little louder. Still nothing. “Father!” I yelled as loud as I dared.

  Raina quiet. I think I see someone coming.

  I closed my mouth and sat frozen. My heart beating wildly in my chest. Why isn’t he answering me? I wondered to myself.

  Be careful Raina.

  I will be. I heard someone at the door. He's here… I sat up straighter in bed and froze. My hands were bound together with rope. My hands flew to my neck and came in contact with a thick cloth cuff embroidered. Attached to the cuff was a long shimmering gold chain that ran to a similar cloth on my right wrist.

  “I see you're awake.” Malcolm said as he sauntered into the room.

  “What have you done to me?” I demanded pulling on the choker. It wouldn't come off. Malcolms hand reached down and lifted my chin so our eyes held. A smirk lit his face.

  “Nothing, yet.” his voice was deep and smoky. His eyes filled with lust. “Do you know what this is?” he ran his fingers lightly over the choker and my throat. “It's a magical band. Created from some of the most magical items on earth. Gold fleece woven by dwarves creates the durable cloth. The thread is unicorn hair. Put that together with the magic potion you downed last night, makes you pretty much mine Raina.” he sneered as he wrapped his fist around the gold chain and tugged me hard against him.

  “What do you mean?” I whispered, my voice trembling.

  “That choker/ cuff combo, and that mead you drank last night, have created a sealant over your powers. Muting them basically. Making you powerless against me.”

  “Let me go,” I pleaded.

  “I don’t think so Raina,” Malcolms eyes darkened with that same look I had seen only a few times before, but it always had the same affect. My stomach coiled into knots.

  “You are so beautiful.” he breathed huskily. “Your skin is as blue as the sky.” He ran his free hand caressingly across my cheek and I shuddered. “You're lips do look like rose petals,” he whispered, “I remember they feel like petals too.” He pressed his lips firmly against mine in a passionate kiss that left me reeling. Then he trailed hot slow kisses down my chin all the way to the side of my neck.

  “But your most important asset, the reason your so special,” his warm breath fanned my skin as he whispered against my ear. The feeling made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. “The reason I want you so badly...is your tie to the earth.” He let me go abruptly and took a step back. His gaze raked me up and down and let me know exactly what he was thinking. “You're nothing more than a fountain of gold,” he sneered, “and I intend to steal every drop.” He reached down and yanked me to my feet and pushed me towards the door.

  “Father help me!” I cried.

  Malcolm paused only briefly and looked back at me like I was crazy.

  “Your father can’t hear you Raina. He’s not here.”

  “You’re not going to get away with this,” I warned.

  Father where are you?

  I don’t think you can communicate with him right now. I heard Jades voice again. Whatever that human put on you is holding your power in. the only reason we can hear you is because we’re close enough to you. He can’t help you right now Raina.

  “Just take me to the gold Raina,” Malcolm ordered pulling me around by my arm. He lead me out of the house and out into the courtyard.

  There was a team of horses hitched up to a wagon. The wagon was stacked half full with wooden baskets and steel pickaxes. He forced me into the back of the it. Then he swung himself effortlessly onto the saddle of a black stallion that stood obediently next to the wagon. His firm hands gripped the reigns that lead the animal where ever he wanted.

  That’s how he wants me to be… an animal he can lead around at his every whim. I looked down at my bound wrists. Felt the weight of the choker around my neck. The gold chain that connected them glittered in the fire light. Well, I won’t do it. I'm not going to show him where the gold is.

  At first it was just us, then slowly, the entire village began to gather around. They brought their wagons laden with household goods. Food, cooking pots, knives, clothing, toys, and anything they could pile on without weighing down the horses. Scanning the crowd, I saw the hope that shined on all their faces. They didn’t see anything wrong with their village guest tied up in the back of a wagon. That was their king’s business, not theirs. They were too focused on following the promise of something better, something bigger than what they were leaving behind.

  “Point the way,” Malcolm barked and the sudden loudness of it caused me to jump.

  I shook my head.

  His brown eyes flashed with anger.

  “Point the way Raina,” he growled.

  “No.”

  His jaw clenched and he looked like he wanted to hit something.

  “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to do this,” he said, then he turned to a small group of about four men that stood near the forest to the left. “Bring her out,” he ordered.

  Her?

  Two of the men began pulling on ropes. The other two held out deadly looking spears. Their tips gleamed silver in the moonlight. A feral growl shattered the silence. The sound, both familiar and shocking, scent tingles down my spine.

  No. it couldn’t be.

  It was a struggle but after a second my worst fear was realized as the ment forced Jade from the tree line. Her yellow eyes glazed with fear and loathing the humans around her. She hissed and clawed but the spears kept her docile. They had her completely under control, she couldn’t escape.

  “Jade!” I screamed trying to crawl from the wagon. Malcolm quickly maneuvered his horse between me and the ground.

  “Tell me where the gold is Raina,” Malcolm said, his voice low and menacing. “Or I kill your friend.”

  I gasped and my frightened gaze swung to his.

  “You wouldn’t,” I whispered. I searched his eyes, but I found no remorse. Only cool resolve.

  “Sure I would.” He shrugged. “Her pelt will look good on my bedroom floor.”

  I knew, as surely as I knew how to breathe, that he would kill her if I didn’t tell him.

  Don’t do it! Don’t tell him Raina. Jade’s voice screamed in my head. Don’t let him win. I can take them. I’ll kill them all.

  I can’t let you die over gold. It’s not worth it. I’ll take him to a mountain of gold. Then maybe he’ll release both of us.

  No he won’t. He’ll never let you go. He needs you. Whatever gold you take him to will never be enough. Just let me kill him and we won’t have to worry about it anymore.

  She hissed and lunged toward one of the her guards.

  “Decide now Raina!” Malcolm barked. “Are you going to take me to the gold?”

  He raised his hand the both spears rose to aim at Jade’s heart.

  “Yes!” I cried. “Yes, I will take you to the gold.”

  “Hold!” Malcolm ordered the men, his gaze focused in on me. “Which way Raina?”

  Tears glistened on my cheeks but I ignored them. Forced my head high, and pointed to the west.

  “There. The gold is that way.”

  “Bring the panther, but don’t hurt it.” Malcolm ordered. Then he smiled down at me. “See Raina, that wasn’t so hard. Let’s move out!” Malcolm called.

  I was knocked over onto my side as the wagon started moving. I struggled to my knees and looked back at Jade.

  Where’s Jock
?

  I made him away when the men surrounded me. The little guy was so brave, he was going to fight them all to save me. Ah! I hate this! How could I have been so foolish? We were so focused on talking with you, that we didn’t even hear them coming.

  I'm so sorry.

  Me too… Jade answered. She still fought the men that forced her to follow behind. Her freedom too precious to give up without a fight. But we both knew it was pointless.

  As we moved once again into the forest, I swung my gaze back towards the once lively village. I remembered how it had looked when Malcolm had first shown it to me. It was difficult to believe it was just earlier that day. Now, the village lay deserted against the midnight blue sky. It's windows no longer flickered warm inviting light. No more laughter filled the village square. Delicious scents no longer wafted into the air. Everyone was quiet as we marched onward. No one even glanced back as they left the past behind…

  Chapter Eleven

  Escape!

  We travelled for days, only stopping to eat and sleep. I could feel Jade’s presence from the back of the caravan. Even though we couldn’t see each other, we kept each other company during the long drawn out days. Our voices in each other’s heads was a constant reassurance that we weren’t alone. We were facing the same turmoil together.

  I wonder what my cubs are doing now…

  I could hear the longing in her mind and feel the echoes of it in her heart.

  I'm so sorry Jade. I never wanted this to happen. Part of me wishes you and Jock had never found me. Then you would still be with your cubs.

  Nonsense! We’re friends, remember? I wouldn’t change a thing.

  But what will happen to your cubs if you don’t make it home?

  Jade’s voice was silent inside my head for a long time.

  I don’t know…. Her voice was barely a whisper, tickling the back of my neck. But I still felt all the pain those three little words held.