Without Joy

by Calista Brace

  The horses walked next to us. We didn't ride them because it would have been too much weight for them. The only one who rode the horses was Rowan. She was small enough to carry only a little wait and was slow enough walking that it was faster this way.

  I remembered the times after it rained how my sister brother and I would stomp around in the mud around the lakes. They were better than puddles.

  A smile lit my face at the memory. I started to stomp. I forgot about being scared of sinking mud. I laughed as mud splattered against the trees, and the joy of a child filled me.

  I looked over at Nate to see him staring at me with a strange expression. I laughed at him with pure joy.

  I grabbed a handful of mud and threw it at him purposefully missing. He looked shocked. He gathered a handful of dirt and looked down at it. He set it back on the ground and kept walking.

  I huffed and grabbed more mud and hit him.

  He kept walking. I turned around to get more mud, and I felt mud splatter against my back. I looked up with a smile. I rounded up my ball of mud and hit him smack in the back. I ran for cover as he aimed for his target. We kept running and throwing mud until we were caked with it and two cheesy grins plastered on our face. The foxes had ran around us like playful puppies throughout the entire ambush of mud.

  I realized the trees had disappeared in the distance. I looked at Nate, he was staring at something behind me with his mouth open little. I turned around to see what he saw, and I let out a gasp. My mouth dropped open as I stood next to him.

  In front of me stood buildings, not just any buildings, the most beautiful buildings I had ever seen. A lot of them were super strange too.

  They were all shaped like an incredibly weird structure. One house looked average, but it was upside down.

  One was swirly, and a lot of them were shapes based off of things you saw in real life. It was architect art. One building looked like it was split in half and in the middle was a tropical garden and restaurant.

  Another looked like a giant snake had slithered around it and planned to stay. I could see it was a staircase.

  It was a strange but a beautiful place. The weird structures were so unusual, maybe that's why they call it Structane.

  People rushed by and didn't even notice the buildings. You could see a lot of them were wearing construction gear. Others were wearing simple clothing they would want.

  The children built toys on the street and then played with them. Some buildings were taller than the trees and as wide as an average house.

  Usually, buildings this tall were castles, and it was always broader than this. I thought buildings this thin would topple over.

  They had glass as windows. Those were very rare other than in jails and Lumine training centers. Kingdoms also had glass windows.

  The other houses simply had wooden shutters. It was cheaper to pay for and not as painful to make.

  A woman spotted us and looked us up and down.

  The woman headed towards us. “You two are quite a mess, did you fall down a mountain on the way here?” She asked. She looked behind us seeing Rowan clean and tidy sitting on one of the horses.

  She laughed. “At least one of you knows how to take care of yourself,” She said with a big grin on her face.

  Rowan got off the horse and patted any dust off her pants. Spirit stuck to her side like glue and the other Fantome foxes stayed a little farther away so not to frighten anyone.

  I walked up to the lady who was talking to us. “Hello I am Amaryllis, This is my friend Nate and my little sister, Rowan.” Rowan beamed when she heard what I called her.

  “I'm Mother Roxie, I noticed your strange appearance and thought you had traveled a long way, it must be something of great importance,” She said.

  I could tell she was wise and intelligent; she was a beautiful young lady. Her skin was dark, and her hair was puffy and as dark as the night sky.

  She was older than me but still looked quite young.

  “Why do they call you Mother Roxie?” I asked her.

  Her smile brightened. “I take care of all those who don't have anyone.” She said. “I help them find their families.” I nodded instantly thinking about Rowan and her sister.

  “That doesn't matter, come all of you, I will take you to the kingdom. The guards don't just let anyone in” Mother Roxie said with a laugh.

  I wondered how she knew where we were going but I didn't question it.

  Rowan grabbed my hand, and we moseyed in between the rushing streets. Everything looked so beautiful.

  “If we're lucky we'll get there before dark.” Mother Roxie said.

  People stayed away from us because we were swarmed by Fantome foxes and they were a danger to everyone else.

  Finally, I saw the kingdom. We had gotten there well before the sun came down.

  “Stay here,” Mother Roxie said, she walked up to the gates and talked to the guards and pointed back at us. They nodded and the gates opened.

  Mother Roxie walked back to us. “I can keep your pets with me so they are safe.” She said.

  I nodded before Nate could say anything. He grabbed his satchel, and we headed towards the kingdom.

  Rowan's hand was warm in mine, and it reminded me of when I used to hold Maggie's hand.

  I smiled down at Rowan. I knew once this war was over I would take her back home with me and raise her as my little sister. She deserved the best. I know Elm will love her.

  We walked up to the castle doors. They opened for us by the two hidden guards I didn't see. A guard led us to the way. There were so many twists and turns I couldn't keep track.

  “The Queen has a meeting soon so hurry up with what you need to tell her.” He said. I could tell he wasn't a Lumine Guard.

  He opened a large door, and we saw a strange woman sitting on the seat. Her face was quite plump, but her body was like a pencil.

  Her hair was wild, and her smile looked strained.

  “I don't have much time so stop your staring and get to what you need, you're lucky I will even talk to you, it’s only because Mother Roxie is my friend and I owe her a favor,” She said.

  I nodded and sat down next to Nate.

  “So what are you here for?” She asked Nate when he didn't speak.

  “I am here to warn you about the Queen of Lumine. The dark ages are coming.” He said. That was all he had to say before the Queen got up.

  Her outfit was everything but simple. She walked over to a counter and opened up a large box. She sighed and walked over to Nate.

  “I guess you will need this,” She said sliding it in front of him.

  He looked in the box and pulled out a crown. It was beautiful and looked like it was a delicate wrap of gold. In the middle was a purple gem heart. The entire top looked like a small building for your head.

  “Thank you, what does it do, what's its evil?” Nate asked. The Queen smiled knowingly.

  “Good, if you didn't ask me that I would know you weren't really the person who will save us,” She said. “When you place this upon your head it takes away all your pain. Physical pain,” She said.

  Nate nodded, “Any conditions?” He asked. Her sly smile appeared.

  “Of course, once you take it off you feel all the pain you would have felt with it on all at once. It can cause death real quickly.” She said.

  He nodded and put the crown in his satchel. “Get anyone ready for war, Meet us at the Whispering Willow in 10 days and be ready. The dark ages are coming.” Nate said.

  She smiled at him innocently, “Of course, it is, I have been expecting it,” She said.

  XXX Finding Joy

  Petunia

  I wandered through the thick and glowing purple vines from the Whispering Willow. The nasty purple goo stuck to my skin.

  Then I felt another memory come to me.

  I was in a dark building, The walls were thick, and there was no sign of daylight around. I felt the walls and the darkness that surrounded me comforted me in
its presence. I held something in my hand; I was trying to hide it from any prying eyes. It was only a chunk of wood.

  I felt someone grab my arm, “Get back to your room girl” They said. I wandered back down the hall still holding the item hidden in my hand. The memory faded away, but a new one arose in my head.

  I ran down the dark halls. They were so familiar I didn't have to see. I felt panicked, sweat pooled on my forehead. I had heard the people talking about me. They were going to do something horrible. I felt for the handle of a door. My sweaty palms finally got a good grasp of the cold metal. I let out a sigh and bit my bottom lip.

  I pulled out a little metal tool and stuck it into the keyhole and felt for the spot until I could twist and the lock broke free.

  It was the only day I could do this if I waited any longer I would be gone. I slowly turned the doorknob and pulled on it slightly. I inched it open quietly so it wouldn't squeak. I tiptoed into the room and shut the door behind me trying not to make a sound. My hands shook, and I could barely keep myself from crying.

  I moved my feet around the dark room, and they shook as I felt for the post of wood. Finally, I got there. My eyes were wide, and finally, my tears started to pool.

  I shook the sleeping boy on the bed, tears dripped from my eyes. Then I remembered something that I shouldn't have forgotten. I put my shaky hand to my mouth, and a small squeak escaped.

  The boy sat up in the bed, “What's wrong” He said.

  He was my best friend; I could feel it in my heart. I whispered rapidly “I-I Forgot” I put my head in my hands and put my knees to my chest. My entire body shook now. “I can't be-believe I actually for-forgot,” I said. I repeated this now.

  “What did you forget,” He asked. He stroked my hair, and it calmed me a bit. He always made me feel better. I put my head on his chest soaking his shirt with tears.

  “I will tell you, but not now, not until I feel better,” I said wiping away my tears and sitting up.

  “Okay,” He said.

  I nodded and looked up at him. I could barely see his face in the dark and through all my tears.

  “Thank you, you're always so kind and understanding, and well I just wanted you to know that I love you no matter what happens.” fresh tears shone in my eyes.

  “I love you too,” He said back. He sounded slightly confused and a little anxious.

  I cried a little while more but then he lifted my face to stare up into his. I gave him a small, sad smile as I searched his face for feelings.

  He put his forehead on mine, and I whispered under my breath, “You will make it out of here; I will be stuck with evil. I'm so sorry” I knew he didn't hear my mumble because his blank expression didn't change.

  He kissed my forehead, and more tears started to flow. I would miss my best friend.

  I stood up when he tried to comfort me again setting a small wooden key on the bed. I waited a year to give it to him.

  “What's this?” He asked. I looked him in his eyes and told him the truth. I hoped he understood.

  “A way out” I whispered in his ear. Tears threatened to spill, and I saw him try to get up and comfort me. I took a step back before he could stand.

  “Goodbye Nate,” I said.

  My hands shook as I twisted the doorknob and opened the door. I could see the dark shadows of people waiting for me in the hallway. I let out a sigh but turned and wandered back to my room pretending I didn't see them. I heard them follow me for a few seconds.

  That was all the time it took for them to pounce. The guards grabbed my arms, and I screamed. I flailed as they dragged me down the hall. I saw my best friend and shouted his name.

  They dragged me to the weapons room and stood me on my knees. The primary guard stood over me with an eerie smile. I hated him. I hoped my death would be quick.

  I could feel the tears drip down my cheeks, but I didn't care. I didn't feel anything. I stared into my best friends eyes. Two guards held him back away from me.

  “This girl has broken all the codes of conduct, so she will be punished by death.” The first guard said smiling a crude smile at Nate.

  “You two are fools! You think we haven’t been watching? We know about all the sneaking around, and friendship is forbidden! I’m going to teach all of you a lesson you will never forget! This is what rule breaking will get you!” he said before he yanked my head up by my hair and the knife came and stabbed me in the stomach. I opened my mouth wanting to scream, but no sound came out.

  My ears rang, and The pain went away, and the only thing I could feel is the warm blood running down to the floor. I went numb, and my head hung low.

  Then everything went black.

  I heard my best friend calling out my name in my head. “Joy” he screamed.

  The purple vines came back but one hand grabbed my stomach, and the other grabbed my head. I fell to the floor and cried. I didn't move for a long time. I don't know where my best friend is.

  I know who I am now. I know my name.

  My name is…

  Joy

  XXXI The Whispering Willow

  Amaryllis

  9 days later

  We had made it to the Whispering Willow. It was strange I heard it call my name. We never went into its boundaries. It took 9 days to get the kingdoms here. Our warriors surrounded every side of the big Tree. There were so many from every kingdom. Only the kingdom of Ozeana and Structane haven't shown up yet.

  Nate was worried that the Lumine were going to sneak up on us and attack when our backs are turned so he always held the globe close just in case.

  Nate walked up to me, “Look” He said. He pointed down at the globe. I smiled, my feelings had grown for him, but I promised to put them aside until the war was over.

  I looked down at the globe and saw it was pointing straight towards the Willow tree.

  “Maybe it's pointing behind the tree?” I said. He nodded, but I could tell he didn't really quite believe it.

  Most of our warriors were just people from the village with supplies they could whack someone in the head with. Though they were probably outnumbered, we were way outnumbered by skills. At this rate, there was no way we could win. The few Lumine on our side walked around teaching people how to fight better. Rowan was one of them.

  It was fun to watch the little girl walk around and show people what she was good at without being forced too.

  The sky grew dark, and people from all the kingdoms gathered together. Most of them fell asleep by the time the fires dimmed out. Others sat in silence watching the surroundings around them. Nobody had been this close to the border.

  We had told all of them that we didn't want to kill the Lumine if we had to, just knock them out or make them not be able to fight.

  My eyes were starting to close. There was too much on my mind. I don't need to sleep I told myself.

  But it was already too late; I was asleep before I could stop myself.

  . . . . .

  Everything around me was white. I didn't see anything other than white.

  “Hello?” I said. My words echoed around me. I looked around and started to walk. I had nowhere to go.

  “Hello,” someone said behind me. I turned around to see a girl wearing a flower print dress. Her hair went down to her hips. She had a purple glow around her that was strange.

  I walked closer. Even her eyes were purple.

  “Who are you?” I asked.

  A small smile spread across her face, “I'm just a dream, and don't go asking for my name because it doesn't matter when I'm dead,” She said with a vibrant smile.

  Her words surprised me, and it took me a while before I could say anything.

  “Why are you in my dream, what do you want then?” I said crossing my arms.

  She laughed. She was probably a couple year younger than me.

  “Because you asked for me, I don't want anything; it is what you want, what you need.” She said. She grabbed my hands and rocked them back and forth.

/>   “I didn't ask for you, I don't even know who you are. I don't even know what I need.” I said.

  She smiled at me again. “Oh you will know what you need soon sister,” She said.

  “Sister? Are you Maggie?” I asked my eyes full.

  She laughed a delicate laugh. It almost bothered me. “Oh no, Maggie is still alive, she just doesn't know who she is anymore.”

  I nodded.

  Her eyes widened, “Concentrate on what you need, When you find out what you need come to me but bring the 6 gifts and the hero please” She said.

  “How can I look for you if you're dead?” I asked.

  She laughed. “Smart girl, don't find me, get to the place where all the secrets lie,” She said.

  I nod still quite confused, but I could tell that was all I was going to get from her.

  “I will see you quite soon Amaryllis,” She said and then winked. She skipped away, disappearing in the distance.

  . . . . .

  I woke up to see the night was almost gone. Only a couple people had woken. They looked quite tired too. I got up and decided to walk around, what was that dream even about. The wind was chilly as it blew against my back.

  The leaves crunched under my feet. I kept walking. I saw Spirit walk up to my side. I put my hand on the fox's head. I sat down when I got to the top of the hill.

  I watched as the sun started to rise up. Vibrant colors took up the sky. Spirit snuggled up to my side. I enjoyed the view. The air was fresh and peaceful. It was a beautiful day to be alive.

  I heard a rustle in the leaves next to me. I pretended not to notice while my hand gripped my knife next to me. Spirits ears perked up. He started to growl. I could see the green venom drip from his teeth.

  I smiled but kept my face turned towards the sunrise.

  I got up and pulled Spirit away from whatever was in the bushes. By the time I got back, Nate was awake and alert.

  “I think they are hiding out in Devils hill so they can get us when we're not looking,” He said.