The Ankulen

by Kendra E. Ardnek

Soon the big dog came lumbering over the hill, the wind rustling through her indigo fur.

  “That's a big dog,” said Derek.

  “And she's all heart,” I assured him as Blue stuck her nose down for me to rub. “You want to carry the soup and my brother and me back to the Playground for supper, girl?”

  Blue barked in affirmation.

  Grinning, I ordered her to “Lie down,” then, once she had down so, climbed onto her back. “Coming, Derek?” I asked, as I settled myself into the fur on the back of her neck.

  “I … uh … sure!” He soon joined me on Blue's back. The offer of riding on the back of a giant dog was apparently too appealing for even him to turn down.

  “Hang on,” I warned, as Blue climbed to her feet.

  Blue then took the pot's handle in her mouth and we were off. Personally, I would have liked to have that ride last a lot longer than it did, but all too soon, Blue had to slow down and pick her way through the playground equipment.

  “Oh!” cried Tisha, when we arrived at the fort, “Blue!” She looked confused. “Where's Sir Steve?”

  I shook my head as I tapped my Ankulen and levitated the pot into the fort. “Sir Steve got too close to the Polystoikhedron.”

  Pain washed over Tisha's features. “Oh, poor Sir Steve – and I was looking forward to seeing him again.”

  “Who's Sir Steve?” asked Megan.

  “One of my favorite knights,” I explained. “Chris's best friend. I liked putting him in battles since he could keep fighting even after he lost his head.”

  Derek turned to me with raised eyebrow. “Even after he lost his head?”

  I nodded as I inspected the fruit. “He could put it back on when the battle was over. Tisha, you outdid yourself – this fruit salad looks positively scrumptious. You too, Megan.”

  They glowed.

  Soon Chris arrived with the dragon steak. As I expected, the loss of Sir Steve hit him hard, and supper had a subdued air. I didn't have the heart to raise the spirits, since I knew that I was very soon going to face the Polystoikhedron myself.

  When Tisha and Chris were full, we put away the food. We tried to make conversation for a while, but our hearts weren't in it. Eventually, I just sent my imaginary friends downstairs to sleep.

  Megan, Derek and I sat in silence for some time, but I soon became restless and started pacing. Around and around I went, back and forth and even upside down.

  “Can't you just sit still?” Derek was at last compelled to complain.

  I stopped in my tracks and spun around to face him. “If I sit still, I start thinking, and I don't want to think right now.”

  “Why not?” asked Megan, her voice soft.

  “Because if I start thinking, I remember that I'll probably die trying to fight the Polystoikhedron.”

  Megan gasped, but Derek rolled his eyes. “Then why don't you find a safer way?”

  I sighed, clenching my hands into fists. “Because the only other option is to just toss my Ankulen to it for it to eat and give up.” I closed my eyes. “And I can't do that. I can't give up.”

  Megan scrambled to her feet, ran over and threw her arms around me. “You can't die, Jen – you just can't!”

  “But I can't just sit around letting the Polystoikhedron eat my friends, either.”

  “But what would happen to them if you die – wouldn't that be just as bad?”

  “Everything would vanish instantly – since I have left no written record,” I explained. “Unless …”

  “Unless what?” Megan looked up at me with a questioning look on her face.

  I lowered the two of us to the ground and folded my hands solemnly in my lap. “If an Anka or Anku fears themselves close to death, they have the option of giving their Ankulen to a close friend or family member who is well acquainted with their world. The new owner would be called a Len.” I took a deep breath. “If I could find someone to be my Len, then my imagination would survive, even in my death.”

  The line appeared between Megan's eyes again for a moment as she tilted her head to the side. “Could I be your Len?”

  Closing my eyes, I nodded. “You would be perfect, since you've spent the last eight years here. Even though you were asleep, my world knows you – it'll accept you.” I leaned forward and placed my arms around her neck. “You don't know how much of a weight you have taken off of my mind.”

  Chapter 19

  In Which I Have a Building Project

  WHAT little remained of the night passed in amiable silence. When I noticed that Chris and Tisha were waking back up, I pulled out the leftover fruit salad and five bowls, and breakfast was ready by the time they joined us in the fort.

  “Blue and I are going to Green Valley today,” I announced while we ate. “I won't be pushy, but anyone who wishes to come with me would be welcome company.”

  “The Green Valley?” said Chris. “Why? The place is mostly – well, you saw it. It was the first place we were in when we got here.”

  I took a deep breath as I spooned some pineapple into my mouth. (Yes, in my imagination, pineapples grow on trees.) “The Old Woman told me that I need to build my new Dreams Castle there, so there I will build it,” I explained.

  “A new Dreams Castle?” said Derek. “Isn't one enough?”

  “Ideally, yes,” I affirmed. “But the door isn't big enough for the Polystoikhedron to get through on the Swinging Castle, so I need a new one.”

  “The Polystoikhedron – in your Dreams Castle?” Tisha was horrified at the thought.

  I sighed. “It's the only way.” I pushed my bowl away from me and stood up. “Anyways, I'm going to Green Valley today. If anyone wants to go with me, I would appreciate the company. If not, well, I can go alone as easily as with friends. You guys can play more hide and go seek.”

  “Tisha and I would not turn down the opportunity for anything,” Chris declared. “It's been too long since we've traveled together properly.” Tisha nodded in agreement.

  “I'd love to come.” Megan's eyes sparkled.

  “Well, Derek,” said I, turning to my brother. “Are you coming or will you stay behind and play hide and go seek by yourself?” I gave him my best persuasive smile. “You can ride Blue again if you come.”

  Derek scowled. “It appears I have no choice.”

  So, as soon as breakfast was finished and cleaned up after, the five of us mounted Blue and we began our journey.

  “It's so good to be able to travel together like we used to,” said Tisha, who sat closest to me.

  “It is, isn't it?” I agreed, taking a deep breath.

  “If only the Polystoikhedron weren't here – then things would be just like old times!” she added.

  I gave Tisha a small smile and shook my head. “No, it wouldn't.”

  She looked at me in surprise, a frown forming. “What do you mean?”

  I took a deep breath. “Well, firstly, I now have a brother and sister to tag along and demand my attention. And, secondly, I'm not seven anymore. I'm fifteen.”

  Tisha's frown was now full-fledged and the tilt of her head was pure question. I couldn't bear to look back at her.

  “I'm not part of my imagination – not like I used to be,” I explained, holding tighter to Blue's fur, even though I knew I wouldn't fall off.

  “Is – is it because of the last eight years?” asked Tisha, her voice panicked.

  I shook my head. “Not really. Every Anka and Anku has to transition from childhood to adulthood sooner or later. That I spent the last eight years without my imagination only meant that I was denied the transition time.”

  “Transition time?”

  “Sometime between the age of nine and twelve, an Anka or Anku will decide that they're ready to begin using their Ankulen for what it was meant for – for making the world a brighter place. They usually begin writing stories or scripts, some draw or paint. Many do both. They stop going to their imaginations as often as the used to, and by the time they're my age … well, they may v
isit, talk, set up adventures, sometimes participate … but they mostly just watch and write.”

  “Oh, but Jen – I don't know how we'll stand not having you here!” Tisha cried, throwing her arms around my waist, and clinging as if she wouldn't let go.

  “Then sit,” I instructed, patting her arm. “Hey, my world survived well enough the last eight years – the big problem's been the Polystoikhedron, and I'm about to take care of that. I promise you, this time I won't hide my Ankulen in the stream. I'll still be connected to my imagination. If you need me, just call. I'll answer.”

  “But it won't be the same.” Tisha sighed deeply.

  “No, it won't,” I agreed. “But it's how it's going to be.” I pressed my lips together for a moment before I added, “That is, if I don't die. Then you would have Len Megan.”

  “Die Jen?” Tisha's voice was fully panicked again, her eyes wild. “How? Why?”

  “Fighting a Polystoikhedron isn't easy, even for a real person,” I explained. “To my Ankulen's knowledge, none have ever survived such a foolish endeavor. It may be wrong of course, but …”

  “Then don't do it Jen!” Tisha cried, her voice rising another octave. “We're not worth it. You go right back out with Derek and Megan and get rid of the Ankulen. Hide it where you'll never find it. Don't die because of us!” Tears were now streaming down her face. I wanted to turn around and comfort her, but …

  “No Tisha!” I rebuked, sharply. “I'm not running. I might save my life, but part of me would still die. You know how miserable I've been the last eight years. No. I was given my Ankulen for a reason, I won't turn my back on it again.”

  Tisha looked up in fright, then nodded jerkily. “Y-yes, Jen. Y-you know best.”

  I sighed and pulled her arms back around my waist, reaching one hand back to pat her on the shoulder. “No, I don't. I just know what I have to do.” A half-smile quirked one corner of my mouth. “If it's all the same to you, I'd rather live, personally.”

  At that moment, Blue came to a stop. We had arrived in the Green Valley.

  “Still looks like a meteor struck,” I commented, sighing.

  “But you can fix it now, can't you?” asked Tisha, smiling bravely.

  “I can,” I confirmed. “But I won't. Not right now.” I slid down Blue's back and motioned for the others to do the same. They stood awkwardly between Blue's paws while I walked up and down the crater. Even though I knew the remains of the Green Valley like the back of my hand – it was part of my imagination, after all – I still wanted to examine it with my eyes and feet. Every rock, every hole, every minute shred of grass that had somehow survived the Polystoikhedron's appetite.

  At last I trudged back to the others and, turning to face the scenery, placed a finger on the center gem. I didn't close my eyes though. Instead, I pursed my lips.

  “What's wrong?” asked Megan, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  A wry half-grin quirked the corner of my mouth. “Oh nothing's wrong,” I assured her. “It's just … I can't decide how to build it.” I laughed self-consciously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, there aren't any trees here like there are in Glitter Forest,” I explained, indicating the landscape. “So I need to come up with a new way to make it rock – since it can't put me to sleep if it's not rocking.”

  “Just stick rockers on the bottom and make it a big cradle,” said Derek, his tone annoyed. “Then we can leave this place, right?”

  “Sounds good!” I declared, flashing him a grateful smile which probably earned me another eye roll. “I knew you came along for a reason.” I then closed my eyes and started building.

  I selected Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany as a basic shape for my new Dreams Castle. It's a dreamy enough place, so I thought it very inspiring. I gave it a large front door/gate that would allow the Polystoikhedron to squeeze in, and a much smaller door in the back, through which I could easily slip in and out. To stabilize it for when I didn't want to sleep, I added two ramps that could easily be withdrawn when I did.

  Opening my eyes, I pressed my hands together and stared at my newest creation. “Isn't it just perfect?” I asked, turning to look at my friends.

  “It's gorgeous!” breathed Megan.

  “I think it's prettier than your old one,” added Tisha.

  “Brilliant as ever,” complimented Chris.

  “It looks like a castle.” Derek, of course, wasn't impressed. “Let's go home.”

  “Not so fast,” said I, shaking my head. “I still need to add the dreams part. It's only imagination right now.”

  Derek rolled his eyes.

  “How do you add dreams?” asked Megan.

  “By sleeping in it of course,” I explained, as I started walking towards the Rocking Castle. “And no, Derek, you can't come with me. Your dreams added at this moment would make the place unstable.”

  Derek muttered something under his breath that I didn't quite catch. Louder, he added, “How long is this going to take?”

  I shrugged. “However long it takes. We'll see.” I lowered the ramps and entered the small door. Taking a deep breath, I shut the door behind me and withdrew the stabilizers.

  Closing my eyes, I placed my hand on my Ankulen's gems. “I will sleep here,” I whispered. “Here, I will dream.”

  When I opened my eyes, I was in the field of flowers again. I grinned and shouted, “IT WORKED!”

  For some time, I just ran and danced around, shrieking with joy. In this dream, the Polystoikhedron didn't matter. All was perfect.

  Soon I found myself on my back, eyes closed as I breathed in deep drafts of the flowers' lovely perfume. I knew that Derek wanted me back as soon as possible, but I wasn't ready to return to the not-so-green Green Valley yet. Besides, I hoped to talk with The Giver first.

  “You are doing well, Anka Jenifer.” The powerful, yet gentle voice caused my eyes to pop open. I smiled.

  “Hello, sir,” I said, scrambling to my feet. My smile fell. “I just wish that I hadn't let this mess get made in the first place.”

  “Do not be sorry about the past,” said The Giver. “It cannot be changed, only learned from, forgiven and forgotten.”

  I looked down at my toes. “But how am I going to explain Tisha's loss and the addition of Derek and Megan to my parents?”

  “Watch and see,” said The Giver. “You need only do your part, Anka Jenifer. You don't have to worry about what the LORD will take care of.”

  I took a deep breath. “I know … it's just so hard not knowing.”

  “The most difficult lessons for humans are patience and humility – and waiting for the LORD requires both.”

  “You know that stuff you had me drink, the stuff that took away my memories?” I asked, eager to get off of this topic.

  “Of course, Anka Jenifer. It pained me to give it to you.”

  “Do – do you think, I mean, is it possible …” I stammered out. “Derek doesn't like the fact that he spent eight years asleep in my imagination. Will you have to give it to him to? It might make him like me more.”

  “Your brother's problem is deeper than the eight years spent in your Dreams Castle,” said The Giver, gravely. “If he does not like your true self, your facade of reality won't impress him either.”

  I knew he spoke the truth, but I couldn't bear to drop the subject. “But Derek isn't happy with his memories,” I protested.

  “Anka Jenifer, did drinking away your memories make you happy?”

  Rebuked, my eyes sought the ground again. “No. I was more miserable than before.”

  The Giver placed one hand on my shoulder and other under my chin. He pulled up my head so that our eyes met. “It is good that you love your brother – especially since the time you have known him has been short and his attitude towards you unfavorable. If it is necessary, I will remove his memories. It will not fix all of his problems, however.”

  I nodded, then closed my eyes, unable to respond. I was about to wake myself up whe
n The Giver spoke again. “Anka Jenifer, are you willing to die?”

  My eyes flew open. “If I must,” I answered without hesitation.

  “And yet you would prefer to live?”

  “Who wouldn't?” said I. “I mean, heaven sounds like an amazing place and all that, but if it's all the same to you, I'd like to have a chance to make a difference before I go.”

  “If your death brings the destruction of the Polystoikhedron, then it will not be in vain,” The Giver said, solemnly. “You are not its first victim, and if you can break its power, then you will restore many lost Anka and Anku.”

  “Then I will not even think about the risk!” I declared, lifting my chin resolutely. “I will fight the Polystoikhedron to my last breath. Only … how will I die? In the real world I mean.”

  “If it will give you peace, I will tell you. The Polystoikhedra are servants of the great Serpent. It will be arranged for a venomous snake to bite you in the real world.”

  “Oh.”

  “It might not be necessary, though. Two Anku and one Anka have survived victorious before. You may follow in their footsteps. Now, it is time for you to wake up.”

  Nodding numbly, I did so.

  Chapter 20

  In Which We Party

  EMERGING from the Rocking Castle, I made my way over to the others. “It is now fully operable and ready for the Polystoikhedron to meet its demise tomorrow.” I announced. “Did I take too long, Derek?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Ah, well,” I said, shrugging. “You can't please everyone. That reminds me, I'm in such a good mood, I'd like to throw a party on the last day of my life.”

  “A party?” Derek's eyebrows were up again.

  “Of course,” said I, mounting Blue and settling into my place behind her neck. “Anyone coming with me?”

  My friends and siblings joined me on the dog's back and we were off. It wasn't long before we arrived at Rushing River – which is one of the best places for partying, believe it or not. You see, Rushing River is a very narrow location, since it's a straight river. I can easily invite the inhabitants of two other locations as well when I use Rushing River.