by J. W. Lolite
“Girl.”
I almost knocked myself over spinning towards the voice. Looking for the source, I saw a woman standing on the porch of one of the smaller buildings. Her dark brown eyes flashed with amusement as she blew smoke from a cigarette. She was an older woman, perhaps in her fifties. Her long black hair streaked with gray, and her tanned skin was starting to crease with wrinkles. Glancing at her frame, I noticed she was quite short. It looked like I had caught her at leisure time, for the only clothes she wore was a light green robe. I looked up at her face again and waved. She didn’t respond; her attention focused on two things.
“You must be Ingrid Fairheit,” she said, her eyes piercing into mine.
“That’s right. And who are you? Did you send me this?” I asked, holding up the envelope.
“So many questions,” she commented, tapping her cigarette against a wooden beam. “So impatient. I’ll start with the first, and we can continue from there. My name is Meissa, and I am the master of the Orion Temple.”
Chapter 8
Sky Priestess
“What the hell is the Orion Temple?”
“You’re an impertinent one, aren’t you?” Meissa asked, a smirk forming on her ruby painted lips. “Reminds me of someone I know.”
“Well?”
“Yes?”
“You said you’d answer my questions,” I huffed in annoyance. “So start answering!”
She tilted her head, looking at me with half lidded eyes. Clucking her tongue, she then turned to walk into the door behind her.
“Hey, wait!” I shouted. There was no way I was going to let her go without telling me anything. Especially after I hiked all the way up that damn hill. I dug my toes into the path prepared to run after her.
“Aren’t you coming? I thought you wanted me to ‘start answering,’” she mocked, not even turning to look back at me. I glared at her back, wishing she would spontaneously combust. Wait. Tell me what I wanted to know and then combust. I seriously debated leaving then. I didn’t need her. I could find another all-knowing old hag to tell me about my attackers, or better yet, find out on my own. I just needed to find a lead or a clue or something somewhere . . . anywhere . . . that didn’t exist. Swallowing my pride, I started walking after her. The sooner I got this over with, the better.
Coming into the building, I noticed it was some kind of living quarters. In the center of the room stood a large wooden table. It was beautifully crafted with animals carved into the legs: dogs, birds, snakes, large cats and such creatures from what I could make out from my position. Four chairs surrounded the table, each with light green cushions in the seats and similar animal carvings along the legs and backs. Looking past the table, I noticed the far wall across from me appeared rugged and uneven. Small lettering decorated the wall, and I realized what it was: books spanning the whole length of the wall, jam packed onto shelves. A personal library it seemed. To my right, an old wood-burning stove and a set of cabinets laid against the wall. From the smell, Meissa could only be cooking dinner. The last wall on my left was adorned with a simple doorway, which I assumed led to a bedroom. The sound of some guy saying something about the waves being just right and the roar of a crowd drifted in from the doorway. There must have been a television or radio in the room, though which I could only guess.
“When you’re done being nosey, you can take a seat,” she said, walking over to the stove and checking on her meal. I shot her back another dirty look as I dropped into one of the chairs at the table. I hadn’t noticed when I entered the room, but the surface was decorated, too. The same stick figure on my envelope had been cut into the top. I reached forward and traced the image with my finger. The Orion constellation. I heard a clanking noise and saw Meissa dishing out her food. My stomach unleashed a loud growl, and I hoped she hadn’t heard it. A low chuckle dashed that dream, and I settled for crossing my arms and sulking. I didn’t look up when Meissa came to the table.
“You stomach makes almost as much noise as your mouth,” she teased. “Here.” My eyes widen with surprise as a plate was placed in front of me. Meissa took the seat across from me and set her own plate down. The dish consisted of chicken, peas, and rice. Nothing dramatic, but I eyed the plate so wistfully you’d think it was covered with fairies.
“I can’t accept this.”
“I invited you here, did I not? You should take advantage of your host’s generosity,” Meissa curtly pointed out, “instead of disturbing the peaceful atmosphere with your bellyaching.”
For a fleeting moment, I convinced myself the food in front of me would be better served on her face than in my stomach. Another rumble persuaded me otherwise, however, and I didn’t waste any time in shoveling the nourishment into my mouth. “Hag,” I muttered in-between mouthfuls.
“Careful now,” she warned with a sharp look, “you still haven’t gotten what you came for.” We eyed each other with the intensity of a raging fire before returning to the meal. I hated to admit it, but for a hateful old bitch, she sure could cook. I devoured the last of my share and leaned back, waiting for her to finish. The content feeling of a full stomach washed over me, and for the first time in two days, I allowed myself to relax.
“Ursa tells me,” Meissa began, standing with her now empty plate, “that you don’t get much care at home.” I lowered my eyes to the table when she stood beside me and grabbed my plate. I bit the inside of my cheek debating whether to answer or not. I didn’t know how I felt about my principal sharing my life woes with a stranger.
“It’s just me and my aunt,” I responded at last. “She’s the one with the money.” The sound of running water filled the air.
“Surely you have some inheritance,” I heard over the stream.
“Well, I do, but it’s in a trust. I’m only sixteen.”
“I see.” The sound of water stopped and a dull clang soon followed. Looking up, I watched Meissa close one of the cabinets before returning to her seat across from me.
“How do you know Ursa?” I spit out as soon as her rear hit the cushion.
“An old, dear friend,” Meissa said with an oddly nostalgic look on her face. “She always kept me out of trouble.” I watched with mild fascination as the woman’s eyes momentarily lost focus. Fond memories, perhaps? Who knew the old witch had it in her. The edge returning to her gaze, she smirked at me. “Now, the endless questions.”
“Who were those guys that attacked me?” There was no doubt in mind that she knew all about the previous night.
“Somehow, I knew that was going to be the first thing out of your mouth. The Ankida.”
“The Echidna?”
“An-ki-da,” she spaced out each syllable. I stared at her, waiting for her to continue. She stared right back at me, that insufferable smirk still heavy on her lips. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“And?”
“Yes?”
“What are they? Where did they come from?”
“I don’t know,” she stated. I let out an exasperated sigh and buried my head into my hands. I knew this was a waste of time.
“Nobody knows. They just came from the north one night.” I looked up from my hands and saw her eyes move up as though she was remembering something. “Millennia ago.” She had my full attention now. This time, I knew there was more to come.
“Thousands of years ago, a large group of nomads came to a grand human city. Though the travelers possessed human form, their language was strange and clothes foreign. But what eclipsed all other aspects of the strangers,” she paused, her sharp eyes piercing into mine, “were their inhumanly bright, glowing eyes.” I sat in shock, my mind struggling to register what all this could mean.
“The ‘Ankida,’ they called themselves, had traveled for many years looking for a place to finally settle, but the humans of the city were wary. Frightened and mistrustful of the visitors’ cursed appearances, the humans tried to force the Ankida to leave. Words turned into threats, threats turned into conflicts, and eventually, the co
nflicts turned into war.
“The Ankida were strong and fierce, some even wielding strange abilities the humans had never seen before. Desperate for help, the humans of the city sent messages all over the globe asking for the best warriors the world had to offer. The messages were answered.
“With skill and new resolve, the humans began to strike back against the Ankida. Taking advantage of the Ankida’s aversion to light, the humans would wield bright torches and weapons that produced blinding sparks. They would even douse the battlefield in oil while the Ankida retreated during the day, waiting patiently for night to fall and their chance to light it on the unaware enemy. The war raged on, neither side willing to surrender to the other despite the carnage and bloodshed that continued to spread across the land,” Meissa paused in her story, clearing her throat and licking her dry lips.
“So what happened?” I was completely enthralled.
Meissa smiled. “She happened.” At my confused look, she continued. “The beautiful and powerful priestess Ourania. Unable to bear the pain of watching her people be ravaged, Ourania prayed and prayed to the gods until one night a magnificent sphere of fire descended from the heavens onto the battlefield. While both sides retreated in fear, Ourania rushed onto the field and collected the rock that had fallen from the sky.”
“A meteorite?”
“Yes, a meteorite. Ourania took her gift from the gods and from it forged five statues, each a representative of a great legend eternally painted in the night sky. The temporary halt in battle didn’t last long. Ourania descended on the battlefield with the five meteor stones, and with every last drop of her great power, she formed a gate to seal the Ankida. With the majority of the Ankida locked in another realm, the war ended, but only five mighty human warriors remained. The dying priestess gave each of the warriors a stone statue, making them promise to forever guard the keys to the Gateway.”
Meissa stopped there, waiting patiently for me to say something. I sat in the hush, letting the story sink into my mind. That was a lot to absorb, and I was finding it difficult to process. The whole thing just seemed way to fantastical to be real. If there really had been some huge war like she said, surely there would be some record somewhere.
“Okay, I’m no pro at staying awake in History class, but I think I would remember something about an ancient super war. I’ve never heard anything about this before,” I pushed in doubt. I may have to add “senile” to the list of words to describe this woman after all.
“Of course not, you silly girl,” Meissa snapped. “Can you even image what kind of disaster that would create?” I raised my eyebrow and she continued. “Image what would happen if all the self-proclaimed adventurers and collectors in the world set out to find and gather all the keystones – not to mention the Gateway. How many would seek out the Ankida? No,” she stressed. “In order to protect humanity, all knowledge of the stones and the Ankida must be erased from history. Ensuring the secret is kept has long been a duty of the five lines.”
“The five lines?”
“The descendents of the five warriors,” Meissa clarified. “You asked me what the Orion Temple was. We are the last of the great line entrusted with the protection of the Orion Keystone. For thousands of years, we have lived in secrecy, vigorously training our bodies in combat in order to protect the stone from all who would come to possess it.” Her dark eyes bore into mine. “Killing any Ankida that should dare enter our midst.”
My mouth felt like it was lined with cotton as I gaped at her. More than anything, I wanted to find an escape route, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from hers. It was like she had me paralyzed in an invisible hold. My throat constricted, but I forced myself to speak.
“Is that,” I whispered with a dry crack, “why you asked me here? To . . . to . . .” I couldn’t get the words out. Struggling, I made myself say it. “Kill me.”
Her lips curled, the most awful, cold smile marring her face. She tilted her head and surveyed me with intensity. I couldn’t believe this was happening. What had I gotten myself into this time?
Chapter 9
Fragment
I stared at the woman across from me, my eyes wide with fear. This woman, who had so casually invited me into her home, was going to kill me. All because she thought I was one of those Ankida things. I’d let my guard down, become too complacent with this stranger. Stupid, stupid! I scolded myself. There must be some way out of here. She may be a martial arts master, but I was a hell of a lot younger. I can outrun her! I thought with confidence.
She continued to study me, that cool smirk never leaving her face. I was so busy preparing myself for her strike that I almost jumped out of my skin when she spoke instead.
“Of course not, you silly girl,” Meissa denied with a light air, mimicking her earlier statement. “I’m not some barbarian that attacks people I invite over to my home. Tell me, why would I have gone to all the trouble to feed you and tell you about the Ankida?” she asked, waving her hand in my direction. “Besides, there’d be no point in it now.”
My mind calmed a tiny bit at her statement, but my body was still tense with anticipation. Curiosity overwhelmed my fear, and I couldn’t help but ask, “What do you mean?”
“Hmm, that? Remember when I said we lived in secrecy and protected the stone for thousands of years? Truthfully, we have been the only line to successfully do so,” she paused, pursing her lips, “until yesterday.”
I frowned. “What? So you mean – ”
“It was stolen,” she stated.
“And the others?”
“Stolen, discarded, lost through the passage of time, and spread between the realms. It’s no easy task protecting something so sought out. Throughout the ages, the Orion Clan traveled all over China, building new temples in secret and moving when the location was no longer safe. Eventually, we migrated here. The other lines were not so fortunate.”
“But weren’t the Ankida sealed away?” Confusion swept over me. “And how can they be ‘spread between the realms?’ Don’t you need all of the keystones and the Gateway?”
“Not all of the Ankida were transported, only those that were on the battlefield at the time. Some of those that remained did try to seek out the stones. Others settled in obscurity far from human civilizations. As for moving between the realms,” she continued, “the keystones are quite special on their own.” Sensing what my next question would be, she went on. “It is true you need all five to unlock the Gate, but you don’t necessarily need the Gate to travel between the worlds. A single keystone can transport you. That is one reason they have become lost. Either by Ankida moving between the worlds or by clueless humans accidentally activating them, the stones have been spread out.”
“And there’s no way to find them?” I inquired, looking at the Orion carved into the table. Meissa didn’t respond, instead standing and walking over to one of the cabinets. After reaching in, she pulled out a box of matches. Producing another cigarette from the folds of her robe, she leaned against cabinet, lighting it and inhaling deeply.
“Markus tells me you’re quite swift,” she commented completely out of the blue. My mind blanked at the sudden change in topic before trying to place the name in question. I had a flash of the teens that came to my aid last night, and the image of a tall soldier filled my mind. I’d thought his style of dress was strange, but after coming here . . .
“You know that guy?” I questioned her. Though I tried not to dwell on it, I also wondered if he had said anything else about me.
“Yes, he is an apprentice here. It is as I said: we are the only remaining temple left to protect the keystones. As a result, we are the ones who continue to train those who must fight to defend and seek out the stones.” She looked at me with narrowed eyes, a thoughtful look on her face. “Wait here,” she commanded, moving from her place against the cabinet. “I have something for you.”
I watched as she crossed the room and entered the doorway along the l
eft wall. What in the world could she possibly have for me? Allowed a peaceful moment to myself, I let my mind replay all that Meissa told me. There was no way all of that was true. Meteorite pieces that could transport you around? A secret race of people that were banished to another realm? Come on. Even with a bunch of families sneaking around and erasing history, there was no way all traces of these beings had been kept from the entire world. Hell, I had glowing eyes and I didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. It was just too extreme, too absurd – too amazing.
Rubbing my eyes, I could feel the beginnings of a huge headache. After a short internal debate on the pros and cons of being here, I decided it was best to just leave while she was in the other room. This fairytale pow-wow had come to an end. I’d just have to find out the truth on my own. Having made up my mind, I stood up and started towards the exit.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Meissa stopped me, returning with something sticking out of her clenched hand. “I’m not finished with you yet, and I certainly don’t remember giving you permission to leave,” she said with that insufferable smirk.
I ground my teeth, trying to be as polite as possible. “Thank you for the meal and everything, but I’ve heard enough. I’ll be going home now.”
“Very well,” she replied with a bored look, waving me off. “But since I went to all the trouble to find this,” she said, raising her clenched hand, “the least you could do is take a look at it for me. After that, you are free to leave.”