by Jen McConnel
“You cannot stop the quake, for the first rumbles have already subsided. But you must stop the Black magic at work in my land!”
“But I don’t understand!”
“Earthquakes are a part of life to my people. They do not expect to live without seeing a dozen. They have learned, though, to build homes that are strong. They have many systems in place to ensure the safety of as many people as possible, no matter what the rolling earth may do to them. But,” she wailed, her eyes brimming with tears, “some Black force has been at work in my land. The houses that should withstand a century of abuse are falling like children’s toys at the first tremor.”
Could this possibly be the work of Rochelle? I shuddered, thinking about the damage a normal earthquake could cause. How much worse would it be if magic played a role?
“You are the only one who can abate the chaos. The quake will happen, for it has already begun, but what magnitude it will be rests in your hands. Without you, I fear this disaster will topple my nation into the sea once and for all.”
Shaking, I drew a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can do anything. But I’ll try.”
A sad smile filled Amaterasu’s face before she faded from the mirror. It was empty for a moment, and then I was once again staring at my own reflection.
“So,” I said to myself, “Rochelle thinks she can control chaos. She’s not a Red Witch yet, and she won’t be. Not if I can help it.” Closing my eyes, I opened myself to the anger I felt at Rochelle’s betrayal. How dare she meddle with the lands under my control? Even though I’d never thought about Japan before, I was filled with a fierce protectiveness at the thought of Rochelle harming anyone within my third of the world. I felt my hands tingling with power, and Red sparks filled the air.
I lifted my hands in front of me and began to shape the power into a sphere between my hands. Swirling Red sparks became visible as I moved my hands faster and faster. When I could clearly see the red ball, I stilled for a moment, just holding it and feeling it pulse with energy. The energy was angry, vengeful, and dangerous, and I suddenly knew that this would only make the quake worse. What was I thinking?
I looked around the room, searching for a place to dispose of the energy ball I had created, but I realized I was stuck with it. Exhaling in frustration, I held the ball, trying to shift my focus from Rochelle. I thought of my parents, and Justin, and slowly the ball began to grow warm. It wasn’t sparking anymore, but it was glowing with a steady light. Now it looked more like a pink flower. Had I calmed it down? It certainly looked less dangerous, and I hoped it was strong enough to do what I wanted.
I didn’t have time to try and figure out if I was doing this right. Cupping the sphere gently in my hands, I lowered it to the earth floor of the cave. I hesitated for a moment, trying to fill my mind with the image of the Japanese goddess, hoping that focusing on her would help me direct the energy to her island. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the glowing ball into the ground until it disappeared completely. I held my hands there, pressed to the ground, counting slowly. I didn’t know how long the spell might take, so I stayed there until my count reached three hundred.
Hesitantly, I lifted my hands. The room was absolutely still. I glanced once more at the mirror, but all I saw was my own tired face. Whatever I had done, I hoped it wouldn’t bring more harm. I was trying so hard to use Red magic for good, but I felt lost. There was no one to guide me, and I knew that guessing in magic could sometimes be as dangerous as malicious intent.
“Please, let it be enough,” I whispered to my ragged reflection.
I didn’t know how long I’d have to wait to see if my spell had any effect, but I didn’t want to wait locked in Persephone’s rooms. Nervously, I headed into the corridor and turned in the direction opposite the throne room. The passage soon widened and I found myself once again walking along the River Styx, but this time I was far from alone.
Across the water, I could make out the forms of hundreds of people—but just barely. I squinted, but they looked wispy. They reminded me of the figure I’d seen with the wheelbarrow, and, up close, my thoughts were confirmed: I was looking at the dead. I stood for a moment, staring at them in shock. Is this what happens after death? We just become wispy spirits, like smoke? I shuddered at the thought.
While I stood there, some of the dead noticed me and began to move closer to the bank of the river. Not all of them came forward, but two dozen or so did. Entranced, I moved closer, too, ending with my feet just inches away from the river. We studied each other. I saw old faces and young faces, and as I peered at the dead, my heart dropped out of my chest.
Directly across the river from me was a young boy. His features were blurry, but I was absolutely certain that it was Dennis.
“Dennis!” I called, waving frantically. The boy glanced at me and drifted away. I started to follow him, but a rough hand on my arm pulled me back. I spun around, angry.
“Don’t step in the water, little Witch.” Hades spoke softly, but his words were firm. “The living do not cross that river twice.”
“But I think I know that boy!” I pointed across the river, where Dennis had vanished.
Hades looked at me in pity. “All of the living know someone among the dead. That doesn’t mean that they come here, trying to converse with the ones on the other side.” He pulled on my arm, forcing me to come a few feet away from the river, but I dug in my heels.
“But that boy was alive before I came here!” What had happened to him after he saw me destroy the kettle?
“Death comes suddenly, sometimes. Have you not seen this with your Red magic?”
I paused, swallowing a lump in my throat as I remembered the car accident. “Yes. But that boy helped me.”
Hades looked moderately interested. “And you say you saw him just before coming here?”
I nodded. “His name is Dennis, and he helped Persephone and her mother with the harvest.” Had he died because of me?
Hades brooded for a moment. “I do not usually inquire about the fate of the souls in my keeping, but I will make an exception in his case, if you like.” His eyes searched my face. “Are you worried that his death is in some way connected to you?”
His words echoed my own fears, and I nodded.
Hades tilted my chin up with his hand and looked at me. “You are a magic worker, and a Red Witch. There will be many souls in my realm as a result of your actions.” I tried to jerk my face away, not wanting to listen to him, but he held me firmly. “These things you will have to bear. Magic never comes without a price.”
Finally he released me and I rubbed my arms, suddenly cold.
“Come,” he said, “there has been food delivered from above, and I am sure you are hungry.”
I looked back once at the river, searching the bank for Dennis. I hoped it wasn’t him, but the more I thought about it, the more sure I became. My stomach felt hollow when Hades put his hand on my elbow and led me away.
“I will inquire about the boy. Now come with me.”
The food Hades presented me with could have fed an army. I didn’t think I could eat, but as soon as I smelled the food, I felt my stomach grumble in response. I realized that the last meal I remembered was breakfast in Demeter’s cottage. It had been at least a day, if not more. I’d lost track of time since I got to the Underworld.
Hungrily, I tore into a loaf of bread and offered a chunk to Hades. He recoiled as if I’d offered him poison.
“I cannot partake of mortal fare. Eat your fill.”
“But there’s so much! I can’t possibly eat all this.” I spoke with my mouth full of bread, and Hades cocked an eyebrow.
“And I cannot possibly eat any of it. Eat, Witch. Then I would suggest that you return to my wife’s chambers; it would not do well for you to fall into the river when I have offered you safety.”
“Will you tell me as soon as you know anything about Dennis?”
He nodded. “I will.”
I grabbed an apple, chewin
g thoughtfully. “I guess I’ll go back and practice some more.”
Hades hesitated. “Have you already been working with magic?”
I nodded. “I think I figured out what you meant earlier, about the land of the red sun. I tried to do what I could to slow the disaster.”
He held up his hand and I fell silent. “I do not need to know too much about you, Witch. It is enough that I know your name and your magic.”
I understood. Even my own mother hadn’t wanted to know the details of Red magic. “How will I know if I’ve done any good? Do you get news reports from the outside world?”
Hades laughed harshly. “If you have done anything lasting, I am sure we will hear of it.”
***
When I returned to Persephone’s chambers, I slept again in the gold room. I woke feeling refreshed, and the outer cavern was dimly lit, as before, so I decided to assume it was another day.
My stomach agreed with me, growling loudly as soon as I sat up. Smoothing my hair and rumpled clothes, I headed toward the throne room to ask Hades for some breakfast. I also hoped he’d found out something about Dennis. As I drew near, however, a screeching voice echoing around the cavern made me freeze in the tunnel.
“I know you have her, you old fool. Hand her over now or suffer my wrath.”
Hecate’s words sent chills up my spine, and I crept along the corridor, hoping to catch a glimpse of the angry goddess. Hades, however, didn’t sound at all fazed by her threat.
“Hecate, you know that your words have no force here. I allow you to enter my realm at will, but once here, you are as powerless as those dead souls across the river.” Hades chuckled. “And you must think I’m a complete idiot if you believe I’d ever face you aboveground. No, Witch, you can do me no harm.”
“She’s mine! Red magic is of no interest to you. Give her to me!”
I peeked around the wall. Hecate stood before Hades, her robes seething around her like mist. Hades was seated casually on his throne, his face the expressionless mask he had worn when I first met him. I gulped, hoping Hecate wouldn’t turn around. Despite the danger, I kept listening. I had to know what they said to each other.
“Magic is of no interest to me, be it Red, Black, or White.” Hades steepled his fingers under his chin and leaned forward. “However, as you well know, my wife is a patron of Red magic. So for her sake, I think I will take an interest in this girl.”
Hecate laughed harshly. “Then you and your wife are both fools. This girl has already chosen her patron, and she didn’t choose Persephone.”
Hades stared at her impassively. “Perhaps. And perhaps you have been misinformed.”
The goddess fumed. “She’s weak, and foolish, and thinks she has more power than she really does. You would be doing the gods a great favor if you just surrendered her now.”
“She must not be that weak; it’s obvious that the girl frightens you, Hecate. Why would you be afraid of a weak little Witch?”
Speechless, Hecate glared at him for a moment. Then she turned and stalked toward the corridor where I was spying. I jerked back quickly, trying not to breathe. Even though Hades had said he would protect me, would he really do anything to stop Hecate if I were stupid enough to let her catch me?
“I know she’s here. If you won’t help me, I’ll find her myself.”
Quickly, I backed away from the throne room. As I moved up the corridor, I heard Hades’ voice ring out in command.
“You have entered here as a guest, but you are now abusing my hospitality. You will leave now, or I will fetch Cerberus.”
I paused, barely daring to breathe, listening for Hecate’s response.
“Fine, Hades. Let it be that way. I’ll leave. But it would be wise to tell your little pet,” she spat, “that the longer she hides here, the more harm she will cause. And,” she said, raising her voice to carry to where I stood, “if she attempts to meddle in the chaos of the world again, those she loves will very shortly be joining the ranks of your subjects across the river. Like the little boy your wife took such a liking to.”
Her words hung in the air unanswered, and I recognized the foul smell of sulfur burning, the scent I had learned to associate with the Queen of Witches. Was she gone? I hesitated a moment, then stepped into the throne room, my fists clenched. The goddess was nowhere in sight.
Hades looked at me, unsurprised. “You have your answer about the boy.”
I nodded. “That’s what I was afraid of.” I was sad to know that he had died, but I wasn’t really surprised. I only hoped she hadn’t done anything to my family yet.
Hades rose from the throne and crossed to me. “And you heard most of that conversation?”
I nodded again.
“What are you planning to do, little Witch?”
It was an easy choice. I looked him in the eye, unflinching. “I have to go back. I have to protect my family.”
He frowned slightly. “That might not be possible.”
Squaring my shoulders, I said, “I know.” I had a good idea of what I was up against with Hecate, but I wouldn’t hide in the Underworld, letting her do whatever she wanted on earth. I had to try to balance chaos, and I needed to keep my family safe. They would always be in danger now because of me, but at least if I were home, I could do something to protect them. Here, I was powerless.
Hades put his hand on my shoulder. “I offered you sanctuary, and that offer still stands, for as long as you desire it.”
“But you can’t protect them from Hecate. And you can’t work Red magic. I’m the only one who can do that.”
Hades raised his hand warningly. “No. Never think so much of yourself that you believe that you alone possess any powers. Remember that there is balance, even within Red magic.”
I sighed. “You’re right. There are three of us. But right now, I’m the only one I know who can do anything to stop Hecate.”
“It might be wise of you to seek the others like you and win their support.”
I nodded. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to find the other Reds, but there wasn’t time for that right now. Hecate had threatened my parents. “First, I have to go home.”
The house was still standing, but the flowers along the front walk were dead and the yard looked like it hadn’t been mowed in weeks. I used my key and entered through the kitchen, bracing myself to face my parents. I had a lot of explaining to do.
“Mom? Dad?” I called. “I’m home. I need to talk to you.”
The house answered me with stillness. I moved through the kitchen into the living room, turning on the lights as I went.
Heading up the stairs, I felt my stomach spinning around in circles. The house felt empty; was I too late? Had Hecate already made good on her threat?
“Mom? Are you in here?” I opened the door to my parents’ bedroom. The bed was made and a basket of neatly folded laundry sat on it, but there was no sign of my parents. I entered the room and looked under the bed.
“Xerxes, buddy, where are you hiding?” No green eyes glowed up at me, and no sound greeted my voice. Everything was eerily still.
Truly frightened now, I opened the door to my bedroom. The desk lamp was already on, illuminating my large volume of Shakespeare open on the desk. I crossed to it, looking down. The book was opened to the last scene of King Lear, when Lear discovers that his daughter has been killed trying to save him. There was a red sticky note in the middle of the page.
Swallowing hard, I picked it up. “You or them,” it read, “your choice. Meet me at Trin.”
I recognized Rochelle’s handwriting from the countless notes we’d passed in class. I should have expected her to do something like this, but I’d been so focused on Hecate that I’d almost forgotten about Rochelle’s betrayal. But Hecate couldn’t act alone, I reminded myself, and Rochelle was more than willing to be her pawn. I crumpled up the note and sat on the edge of my bed, trying to think.
Rochelle had my parents, and I knew now that she wouldn’t hesitate to harm th
em. But what tricks did I still have up my sleeve? I pulled the athame and the mirror from the bag at my waist and laid them out beside me. Then I removed the polished crystal sphere that Hades had given me when I left the Underworld.
“Use this to see clearly,” he had told me when he handed me the crystal. He had hesitated a moment, then leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently. When he pulled back, there were tears in his eyes.
“And if you see Persephone, please tell her that I dealt fairly with you. Ask her—ask her when she will be coming home.”
Rolling the sphere over in my palm now, I felt a pang of regret. I had hoped that Persephone might still be here, and I had planned to tell her how much her husband had helped me. But I was alone. I couldn’t talk to the goddess or rely on her for help, I realized. I had to deal with this myself.
I held the crystal ball cupped in my hands and I looked deep into it. For a moment, all I saw were the whorls in the stone itself, but eventually, an image began to appear. Justin’s face became clearer, and I almost dropped the ball in shock. How could Justin help me now? Annoyed, I shook the crystal, and the image faded away to nothingness. I kept looking into the stone, but no other image appeared.
I thought for a moment. Even if he hated me, I decided, it would be nice to tell someone where I was going. I didn’t know if I’d survive another confrontation with Rochelle, but I had to rescue my parents, even if it was the last thing I did. I turned on my cell phone and sent a quick text to Justin before I left the house: “SO sorry. Rochelle has Mom & Dad. Going to Trinity. <3.”
***
The school was dark and deserted when I approached. Dusk was falling, and I knew that soon it would be even darker. Moving silently, I opened the large iron gate with a quick spell and slipped inside. It had always surprised me that a magical school wasn’t better defended, but then again, I guess none of the teachers ever expected any trouble they couldn’t handle. They only taught us enough magic to get by, never enough to be any kind of threat. I laughed silently to myself. They sure screwed up with me and Rochelle!