Dance Of Fireflies: Action Adventure Mystery Visionary Apocalyptic Series Inspires Hope For Teens and Adults (Taming The Impostor Saga Book 1)
Page 1
Contents
Dance Of Fireflies
Copyright
Special Dedication
Gifts For You
1. Coming Of Age
2. SOS
3. Royal Utopian Family Bonds
4. Intergalactic Space Explorer
5. Crossing Over
6. Royal Confidence Boost
7. Beaming To Apocalyptic Planet Earth
8. Mystery Adventure
9. Visionary Pure Ones
10. Third Eye Superpowers
11. Survival Of The Fittest
12. The Dragons
13. Giant's Castle
14. The Cat Alliance
15. Princess Reena
16. The Portal
17. Ghosts From The Past
18. Alien Language
19. The GIFT Of Life
Just For You
About Dr. Sheri Vie
Characters on Utopian Planet Zooka
Characters on Apocalyptic Planet Earth
World on Utopian Planet
World on Apocalyptic Planet
Discovering New Languages
Remember Your Gifts
Dance of Fireflies
Taming The Impostor Saga Book I
Action Adventure Mystery Visionary Apocalyptic Series Inspires Hope For Teens and Adults
Sheri Vie
Doctor Vie Publications
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Dance of Fireflies version 1.0 Copyright © 2017 by Dr. Sheri Vie
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, organizations, places, brands, media, events and incidents in this book are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
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The Impostor® is trademarked by Dr. Vie -Publications
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Dance of Fireflies may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:
Doctor Vie Publications https://www.DrVie.com/contact
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All rights reserved. Neither this book, nor any parts within it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, printed, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, or sold in any form without the prior written permission of the author.
First printing January 2017 in the USA
eISBN: 978-1-988705-03-3 ISBN Paperback: 978-1-988705-00-2 ISBN Audiobook: 978-1-988705-06-4
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SPECIAL DEDICATION
Dance of Fireflies honors my dearest Mom, who supports and accompanies me on many of the “back-routes” featured in Taming the Impostor Saga.
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And in reverence to:
The memory of my dearest Dad, who piqued my love for adventure, which catalyzed the characters,
and to
the memory of my dearest Grandma, and her fascinating stories of superpowers and Utopian legends, sprinkled throughout the Saga.
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And recently
In memory of my dear friend Michael-Sean O’Connell, passed at age 29 on 7 January 2017, who at my side in 2016, encountered a young boy in South Africa, who inspired the character of Siya
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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU
As a natural health scientist who loves for you to enjoy lifelong health, Dr. Vie is giving away books and guidance to fortify your body and mind so you can continue reading and living your life to its fullest. The titles are exclusive to her VIP readers group. Go to her site to receive your free library of books and extra goodies. https://www.DrVie.com/VIPfreebooks
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She hopes you enjoy Dance of Fireflies Τaming Тhe Imрόsţor Saga Book i
Be sure to Leave Your Review and share the goodwill with fellow readers.
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After you leave your review, if you would like to join Dr. Vie’s VIP ARC Team of Readers for upcoming books, go to the link below and get special trinkets
https://www.DrVie.com/ARC-Team
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Read more in the Τaming Тhe Imрostor Saga
Book i: Dance of Fireflies Book ii: Aikona Book iii: Wџnamangaz
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CHAPTER ONE
COMING OF AGE
Day Zero
“BIRTHDAY CAKE!”
A highway of excitement zoomed over Jali to an excited hub in the colorful summer park. An hour’s worth of carefully piled rocks collapsed into the sparkling pond as everyone rushed, like bees to honey, to the Royal Garden.
“Wait, I am not finished,” Jali said. Tottering on the stepping stones he toppled into the shrubs.
Purple swallows swooped past his head. He skillfully ducked and stretched as tall as his frame allowed, balanced himself on two boulders, placed his hands on his narrow hips, and grinned boyishly. Youngsters laughed, giggled, and shrieked with delight, ready for a taste of indulgence.
Brela tugged at his arm. “Come on, you’ve perfected the act! Everyone’s waiting.” She rolled her eyes, ran down his hand, and hopped over the water. Her furry gray paws halted for a moment. Motioning to him, she ran to the party.
Jali’s pulse raced, his breathing quickened, and he nodded repeatedly.
I can do this, I can do this.
A movement in the bush caught his attention.
I almost forgot!
He surveyed the surroundings, and extending his open palm, he quelled a commotion in the flickering shrubs, and winked.
His nimble feet skipped over the stones, and he took long strides across the lush green lawn, his slender chest pushed out, stiff like a plate of armor, thin arms swinging in warrior rhythm, head held high.
Grandma floated slightly above the bopping heads. “Prince Jaaali, all of Zooka awaits your preeesence. Come light the caaandles,” she sang, and parted the animated throng with a wave of her Lotus Wand.
He caught his breath before he strode through the pathway of Zookians. Their thunderous applause instinctively clamped shut his pointed ears and shielded his super-sense. Relieved, he approached, unaffected by the muffled claps, dulled whistles, and blunted shrieks.
Brela bowed and winked as he passed, her tiny tail strung between Green Tortoise and Elder Lion, who held gift pots of roses.
Beside his Grandma, beautiful, majestic Reena, as usual, ignored the handsome admirers around her, smiled across the audience near the feast, and with her Third Eye swirled twenty berries over her head.
Young tongues salivated at the cacao cake spread on Jali’s favorite white stone table.
His tummy tied in a hundred tight knots as he neared the royal duo and locked his gaze onto Reena’s; his heart skipped a beat.
She misses them, too! He blinked incessantly and dug his heels into the sand patch. I wish Mama and Papa were here with us today.
“Watch out, Prince Jali,” Brela screamed.
He sidestepped. “Sorry.” Sighing, he bit his lower lip, and even though the Royal Garden buzzed with activity, he felt utterly alone.
Reena reached to him, and he ran and nestled in her protective embrace. At his side, Grandma ruffled his unruly reddish-brown curls, her scent of fresh roses calmed his racing heart.
Time stood still as Grandma, Reena, and Jali hugged each other; a sigh of contentment echoed through planet Zooka.
Grandma guided him to the delicious birthday cake with eighteen patient twigs. They stared at him,
as did the anxious masses of eyes. In front stood little Brela, an expectant grin on her squirrel face.
Jali had practiced every day for six Zookian-months. I am ready.
He rested his gaze on the candles, and closing his eyes, took a deep breath, focusing every ounce of energy between his eyebrows.
The chatter melted into nothingness; his ears tingled, face tightened, forehead stiffened, and a warmth flowed through his body. He spread his fingers wide and waited.
Everyone waited.
He waited.
And waited.
And waited.
Nothing.
Stretching his tense body on tiptoes, he took another breath, squeezed his face, and focused.
Nothing.
He swallowed hard.
His Third Eye did not open.
He pressed his lips together and opened his two eyes to a slit. Knitting his eyebrows, he glared at the dry candlesticks, and pouted.
He could not use his superpowers to light the candles.
Without warning, the twigs blazed bright; the flames danced with delight.
His heart pounded. How did it happen? Confused, he scrutinized the faces left and right, and pinched his eyebrows.
Yet the gathering cheered. “You did it, Prince Jali!”
He squinted and frowned, exasperated, searching for a prankster, but the familiar faces shone with relief. A reluctant smile half-filled his tan-colored face, and his lower lip quivered.
Reena chuckled and snatched him. They spiraled over the multitude of heads and landed in a flash. Everyone roared. She closed her eyes, made her wish, and blew out the eighteen red-flamed sticks.
“Happy birthday, Princess Reena!”
She aimed her Third Eye at the spread of cake, and within a Z-second, sliced it into hundreds of generous portions. The party clapped. All their hands quickly paused, eager for the special Zookian moment.
In keeping with tradition, and not to disappoint them, Reena selected the first and daintiest slice, smiled, and turned to Grandma, who opened her petite mouth.
Jali’s ears stiffened. What was that?
But the crowd cheered.
One thousand years of Zookian custom was being honored for the last eighteen years, together with the celebration of Reena’s birth.
Jali smiled. When I turn eighteen, I shall protect Reena, Grandma, and all of planet Zooka and our Cosmos.
Grandma floated and twirled her hand amid glorious cheers from below, sharing nibbles of cake crumbs with the chirping feathered gallery hovering above.
“Thanks, Queen Vraka,” the birds chirped.
Reena soared to usher her down.
Out of nowhere, an eerie swell surged through the Royal Garden and the visible expanse around Zooka, jerking Grandma in the air.
She staggered; her body lurched high into the atmosphere and plummeted.
“Grandmaaaa!” Jali shouted.
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CHAPTER TWO
SOS
JALI’S HAIR STOOD ON END. Above him, Reena swooped as Grandma fell into her arms and they descended, surrounded by terrified Zookians.
The ground around them trembled. With lightning speed, Reena carried Grandma’s limp figure to the nearby grass couch; the Zookians and Jali in attention.
“Grandma, Reena, what’s wrong?” he screamed. His gaze darted between them, his face wet, and he flung his arms around the unconscious form. “Grandma, I am so sorry! My Third Eye will work next time. Please come back, please!”
Sobs wrenched his body. “Do not leave me, Grandma,” he cried. “Noooo, please do not leave me, please, Grandma, please, please.”
He wrapped his arms around her. I must protect her. Feeling Reena’s hands on his shoulders, he turned and pleaded, “Do something. Recharge her—you must recharge her.”
Reena’s grip tightened. Energy radiated through him, spreading down his arms and into his hands. He felt a stirring below his fingers.
“Grandma! Grandma!”
She opened her eyes, smiled at him, and shared thoughts with Reena.
An echo reverberated through the legion. “Queen Vraka is awake! Queen Vraka is awake!”
Reena’s strong arms encircled Grandma’s hips, and Jali held his body taut as she leaned on him and rose with determination.
The Zookians roared. “Long live Queen Vraka!”
She smiled and nodded with the regal grace that they knew so well.
Jali held onto her, afraid to let go. “I want you to be well, Grandma.”
“I am recovered, little one.” She tousled his tuft of wet curls, and with immense tenderness cupped his stained face with both her hands, kissing his damp forehead.
“I love you, Grandma,” he whispered. Her rose scent bathed his nostrils, and his heart stabilized.
Next to him, Reena frowned, looking intently at Grandma.
They shared another thought. He noticed that the Magnificent ZW7 warriors circled them and formed a barrier against the masses.
What is going on?
Reading his mind, Grandma squeezed his hand and reached for Reena. “Come, there is something you must know.”
Reena marched at her side, nodding at the Magnificent ZW7 who cleared a path to the Royal Cave, positioning themselves at the three openings and on top of the roof.
Inside the Royal Cave, Reena’s Force-1 Shield was still up, this time around the three of them. Jali felt safe, yet something was amiss. “Reena and Grandma, you are again sharing thoughts.” He tugged at Grandma’s pale hand and his eyes searched her enchanting face for answers.
“A planet far away needs our help, my dearest.” She clasped his hands and pressed her soft lips on them. “The beings must be rescued as soon as possible.”
A series of memories flashed through his mind.
Commander ZW1 had led countless missions on Zooble to distant planets ever since Jali could remember. After her fourteenth birthday, Reena had observed their missions from the space explorer as part of her internship training, and two years ago, she joined the Magnificent ZW7 on the field. This time she would intern to lead them.
“But today, something is different.”
“Yes, little one, there is a difference,” Grandma responded. “This time I received an SOS from a distant galaxy. The beings must be rescued before their kind is terminated. Time is at stake.”
“Why is this different?”
“You have your mother’s quick mind, little one.” She smiled and for a moment was lost in thought. “The SOS I received was an unusual one. If we fail to rescue the beings timeously, the disaster will create an undulation throughout our own galaxy and change all life and time as we know it.” Her voice trembled. She meandered to the large opening on the left side of the cave.
A murmur of chatter spread among the species gathered around the Royal Cave. Summer, one of the best times on planet Zooka, now threatened by an unknown cry for help, harbored anxiety.
“Listen wisely, my dearests. We must hold secret this information. The peace that you see around us today emanated from centuries of communal work, and we cannot afford to create worry in our Zookians. Agreed?”
Reena and Jali nodded.
“Come, I must apprise our citizens,” Grandma continued. The Magnificent ZW7 cleared their path to the stone patio and the Queen gestured to them to join Reena.
Queen Vraka addressed the worried assembly. “All is well, Zookians.”
The garden buzzed and quieted.
“I have instructed Princess Reena to accompany the Peace-Keeping Force to rescue a planet that is in need of our help.”
The apprehensive group applauded.
Reena stepped closer to Queen Vraka, her Force-1 Shield held high. The Zookians cheered, and her Sword of Khadga materialized in her left hand, as did the Magical Arrows of Power on her back. The gathering waited with bated breath. Princess Reena’s Third Eye opened wide; she raised her right hand to the Cosmos and her Spear of V dawned into existence.
P
lanet Zooka cheered as the eighteenth birthday mark of maturity fully bestowed itself on Reena.
Queen Vraka floated. “Prepare for a celebration once Princess Reena returns, for more life forms will be blissful around our Cosmos.”
Cheers resonated through the air.
“Happy birthday, Princess Reena! Long live Queen Vraka! We love you, Prince Jali!” they sang.
The trio waved and retreated into the Royal Chamber. Reena winked at Jali, inserted the Sword of Khadga into her scabbard, and clicked her heels. “Grandmother, I shall prepare the Magnificent ZW7 and Zooble with Commander ZW1.”
She kissed the queen’s Lotus Ring and left the Royal Chamber.
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CHAPTER THREE
ROYAL UTOPIAN FAMILY BONDS
JALI SKIPPED AND HOPPED, and his arms swung fast as he struggled to keep up with Reena’s pace across the Royal Garden.
“What is going on? Why this rapid sequence of events? Why not go after the birthday celebration?”
Reena ground to a halt, raising dust around her pointed battle shoes. She pierced the ground with the Spear of V, pulled him firmly to the red bush hedge, and stared deeply into his eyes.
Her Third Eye opened. “Jali, I know what you are thinking. Remember what Grandma said? Time is at stake.”
He fidgeted and moped.
She tilted his face toward her. “Before you know it, I will return for your Level-4 graduation. You need to focus on your training with Guardian 1. Surprise me with the new applications. I know you have been working on them.” She pulled him close and tousled his hair. “Promise?”
Hugging her tightly, he nibbled his lower lip.
“Jali, listen, I miss Mama and Papa, too.” Her face grew sad. “We cannot turn back time. We cannot bring them back.”
His eyes welled. “But I want to be strong and protect you and Grandma. I want to protect all of Zooka.” His attempt to control his emotions failed, as his chest heaved, his breathing quickened, and his skin flushed.
Reena reached for his hands and a calmness rushed through his body, lowering his heartbeat and cooling his skin.
“The reason you were unable to light the birthday candles was because you did not entirely focus on the present moment.”