Legacy of Dolyn

by Amelia Guillem

  “Hey, Aster! How—What are YOU doing here?”

  “Lets us in. We need your help,” Aster pleaded.

  I glanced at her. She looks messed up. She’s wearing a portly size souvenir shop T-shirt with her shoes and purse. No pants? Oh, wait! She wears long skirts. Her face shows sadness with watery eyes. This looks serious, so I decided to let them in because I need to know what happened.

  After greeting each other, I lead them to the sofa. Aster and the gal are the only ones seated, though. Maury and I remain standing. Gwen stands on Maury’s shoulders. The silence between us is so uncomfortable that I feel like screaming.

  “Have you seen the news? About the college?” Aster asked, gazing at my direction.

  “No, what about it?” I replied.

  “You never saw the news?!”

  “I don’t watch unless there’s a breakout.”

  “It’s about... Let me tell you the story from the beginning, which will also explain our reason to be here.” Aster proceeds to tell the story. She remains silent while the rest of us listened. Alejandro, the university president, (and her cousin) was a demon. But Alejandro is dead. His father, Juan, took his image. The devil wanted to go berserk, so Juan ended up killing himself along with the demon to save the school. Aster and the gal escaped to his shack in the forest and remain hidden for two weeks. They did this to prevent the police intervention.

  “Sorry to hear that happen. Since you saw him as a demon, didn’t you let Liz out? Aster said he saw you on the floor when he came. But did you do anything on your own?” I asked, expecting an answer. Knowing Liz, I bet she would’ve kicked his ass right away.

  “I...” she uttered. I can barely hear, so I inclined.

  “I did not!” she exclaimed.

  “Why not?! I demanded.

  “I didn’t want to hurt him!”

  I smack her hard. The others are held back by my sudden action. Yeah, I know. But it was the first thing on my mind. I couldn’t accept the answer she gave. It’s so half-assed!

  “How can you be so goddam stupid?!”

  I expected her to retaliate with her bitchy attitude. But she lifted her legs and buried her head between them without a word.

  And no one will eat dinner tonight.

  Date: September 20

  Time: Late Night, New Moon

  The gal quietly wakes up to use the bathroom. Liz appears in the mirror as she washes her face. The unexpected appearance caused her to react.

  “Why you didn’t let me out?” Liz asked.

  “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t...” gal muttered. She sits on the toilet seat lid with her head lowered between her hands.

  “The one you call ‘Alejandro’ once existed. He was replaced by a demon who took his guise,” she paused. “Agnes, open your eyes and accept reality: you and I are two sides of the same person. Light and shadow. Both need to exist.”

  “But you are your own person—”

  “I once was. You reminded me of myself when I was still alive. That’s why I’ve chosen you. You prayed how you were lonely, how you needed friends, and how you admired me.”

  “I did because I’m your descendant. When my father announced it as a kid, I was so excited. I figured if I prayed, a miracle would happen.”

  “And it did! Three years ago.”

  “But I never expected you to have powers.” She stopped a bit. “Hey, are you responsible for the enemy’s death back then?” she asked, referring to the fundraising event past summer.

  “Yes,” Liz said without hesitation.

  “That’s inexcusable!” she shouted but lowers her voice as we’re still sleeping. “That’s why my hands had blood! The rumors..." she gasped. "This was never mentioned in history books!”

  “History lied! Father forced me to never speak of my powers. My husband had to stay quiet. Thus, my children and grandchildren never knew. And now that I’m here, you have a choice. We can continue or separate forever.”

  “What happens if I refuse?”

  “Then I’ll find another vessel.”

  “But to do so means pain! If anything were to go wrong, I die,” she lamented, sinking her head.

  “The incident with the demon isn’t the last. Similar incidents are going to happen in the future, and you’re going to need me sooner or later. But you need to have absolute faith in me! There is no other way around this.”

  The gal hesitates to accept the deal. She knows it’s risky but gathers the courage to speak up. Her resolve is felt even in a low, whispery tone.

  “I don’t want us to separate. If you mean by what you’re saying, then I accept you,” the gal said, raising her gaze towards the mirror.

  “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

  When I woke to use the bathroom, it’s locked. I knocked assuming to be Maury because sometimes he wakes up to use it. The door opened, and to my surprise, it’s the professor who locked herself inside.

  “Sorry I took so long. I forgot to tell you Aster and I will stay here for a few weeks. I was told not to return because the police will continue their investigation.”

  I shrug. “Whatever! Help yourself.” Just as she’s about to leave, I stop her. “Hey, sorry for smacking you earlier. I hope you’re not angry.”

  “That’s okay. You’re a sorceress, yes? If there is anything you need help, call me. Liz will take care of it,” she said timid wise but confident.

  She exits the bathroom with grace. Wow! I never saw her smile before. Maybe she made a resolution with Liz. Alright! Time to step up, too!

  Date: September 27

  Time: Afternoon, Half Moon

  Fall has finally started. I’m outside the Moulin City PD to get my job back. It’s been a good six and half months, but I need to start earning some money. I left Maury and Gwen to look over.

  I checked to see if the clothes fit right. They suit me, but also for the professionalism the job required. I take a deep breath and climb up the stairs to the entrance.

  “Hey, girl! How’ve you been?” I greeted the secretary as soon as I walked in. She still remembers me. I remember the days we hung out together at bars and dance clubs.

  “I’m okay. What brings you here?” she asked.

  “I want to see him because I need my job back,” I replied. She called, advising him of my arrival. Next, she gestured me to his office. I greeted a lot of the officers and co-workers along the way. But I can’t afford to make small talk with any of them. I gotta meet him right now. I arrived at my destination.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Detective! It’s been a while.” That was corny, but I had to start greeting something. He sits there with his stern face as usual. I figure I should sit without him telling me. “I received your voicemail yesterday. I didn’t expect you to ask me to come to your office. Well, I’m here! What do you want from me? Are you going to give me my job back? Because honestly, I need a job right now.” I’m so nervous...

  Suddenly, I hear heavy footsteps. Tons of soldiers burst through the door, and they circle around me. I’m getting nervous. The detective stands like nothing happened.

  “So, we had a sorceress working for us all these years, and we never noticed...”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked in a neutral tone. I try not to freak out.

  “Someone filed a report against you. That person claimed you launched fire out your palm towards a car that exploded 10 feet away. The person also suffered minor injuries. I thought it was a joke. But I remember a similar incident happened a long time ago. Three years to be exact. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes.”

  “Oh, dear god...” I shiver.

  “Unlike this incident, the previous one ended in death. And yet the judges declared you innocent because no hard evidence was found. I wonder how that got overlooked during your background check before hire.

  “It doesn’t matter. You will not be arrested. Instead, you’ll be under military surveillance. You’ll be investigated, and once the government
has its answers, they’ll decide the next steps.”

  “Did the chief approve this?” I demanded.

  “The chief approved this a long time ago. I was authorized by the chief to call the military. Now collaborate quietly."

  I couldn’t believe this! It was him! He reported me, dammit! I can’t let myself be taken like this!! So, I shoot up from my chair and throw a fireball. The soldiers back off, but I get caught when they place orichalcum cuffs on me. Anyone who plays RPG knows orichalcum is a metal that seals magic. How they know?

  “Detective, why are you doing this?! The case closed! It’s been three years! You can't do this to me!!!” I cried, but my pleas fall on deaf ears.

  I’m lifted into a soldier’s arms. I flail but another soldier placed a tranquilizer, and I fall asleep. Honestly, I don’t know what happens after that. My eyelids are shut tight.

  Date: September 28

  Time: Afternoon

  Aw, man! I’m out of the story again! This time I got kidnapped. Lame. Oh well, let’s continue.

  “Maury, we should call again,” Gwen ordered. Maury has been calling since yesterday. His fingers sweat as he dials over and over.

  RING, RING!

  Nothing. Just voicemail. Maury braced himself, “Glen, why won’t you answer?”

  “She can’t take forever to find work. Try again!” Gwen badgered as she nudges.

  “We did like 50 times today! And 20 yesterday. Let’s keep waiting.” Gwen and Maury have been so anxious that they didn’t eat, even though they’re still hungry.

  The door opens. Aster and Agnes return with bags of groceries. “It isn’t much, but we bought what we could,” she said, placing the bags on the kitchen table.

  “Aw, microwave food?” Maury whined with a letdown after peeking the bags.

  “Well, who else can cook?” she raised. She’s got the point. I’m the only one who can cook.

  “I guess we took her cooking for granted and now we have to eat this. I’ve read these things are unhealthy,” Aster said.

  “We bought some fruits and vegetables too. But we need our protein fix, so we bought some energy bars. I didn’t know they’re expensive.”

  After putting the groceries away, the three of them sit on the sofa. Gwen sits on Maury’s lap. “Guys, we need to do something!”

  “How? We called, and she’s not picking up,” said Aster, glancing at his phone.

  “How about going to the police and file a report?” asked Maury with impatience.

  “It’s not too simple,” Agnes replied. “There’s a waiting period, and they also need complete information to search.”

  “But it can’t be this way!” Maury cried.

  “Guys, I’m a psychic. I don’t know the place she’s at, but she’s still safe,” Gwen said in a confident tone to ensure they hear loud and clear. “Let’s eat and rest. Tomorrow, we’ll come up with ways to save her. Deal?”

  They hesitate but agree. The guys are going to plan my rescue tomorrow. I hope they do.

  -Glen, please be safe. We need you.

  Date: September 28

  Time: Late Night

  Glen meets with Moros on the rooftop. “This is horrible! Glen’s been kidnapped!”

  “This isn’t good,” Moros said. “It won’t be long before she’s transferred out.”

  “Say what?!” Gwen asked.

  “She’s prisoned in a large facility right now, but she’ll be taken elsewhere. Once that happens, going there to rescue her would be impossible.”

  “When’s the deadline?”

  “By the next full moon,” he replied.

  Gwen gasped. “That’s a week from today!”

  Date: September 29

  Time: Afternoon

  Maury, Aster, and Agnes are sitting on the floor in my room. I don’t know why they’re in my place, but I guess they need some variety.

  “Alright, we’re here now,” Gwen said.

  “I don’t get why we have to sit here,” Agnes said as she shifts seating positions. The others move up, so they don’t end up with a narrow leg.

  “Being here feels like we’re at a hideout. You know, like a hero base in the movies.” Maury replied. Agnes doesn’t have the need to comment on this nonsense.

  The three of them sit in a circle as Gwen comes in the middle. “We must save Glen by the next full moon.” The others remain silent, staring at what Gwen will say next. “October 5th will be our first and last chance to save her.”

  “That’s not enough time,” Aster said.

  “So, should we go right now?” Maury asked.

  “Wait! We should be prepared. Besides, we don’t know where she is. All I know she’s at a facility somewhere. But she can’t be too far!”

  “How do we prepare?”

  “First, we need the location. And well... I hate to say this, but there’s going to be combat involved.” They stare at Gwen in disbelief. “Don’t ask me why! I just... feel... Yup!”

  “That’s expected since they won’t give her back without a fight,” Aster agreed. I expected a peaceful rescue but looks like it won’t happen.

  “But we shouldn’t be alarmed. We have each other. Aster has his magic. I have my psychic powers—” Maury interrupts Gwen before she says another word. “Hey! Don’t leave me behind! I’m definitely going.”

  “But you don’t use magic. What can you do?”

  “I know martial arts,” he replied.

  “I don’t know. You’re going to need a weapon, like a sword. Maybe? Hmm?” she hinted.

  “Who carries a sword around these days?” Maury asked as he scratches his head.

  “You never know!” Gwen retorted.

  “Whatever the method, it’s illegal. Leave me out,” Agnes said, crossing her arms in contempt.

  “Hold on! You’re coming!” Gwen shouted, pointing her finger at her. People say it’s rude to point fingers, but Gwen does it anyway. Wait, what fingers? She has a cone-shape hand.

  “Why her? Does she—”

  “How come you never told me about Liz all these years? Never mind that! If you claim to have her inside you, then you must summon her right now,” Aster demanded. Gwen and Maury are shocked at Aster’s sudden outburst.

  “Wait! It’s not that simple...” Agnes said. “Sorry for not telling you. It wasn’t a big deal back then. Besides, I didn’t know you knew her...” Aster stares. “Wasn’t?”

  “Hold on! Let’s test it out,” Gwen said.

  “Shouldn’t we hire a medium?” Maury asked.

  “We can do it ourselves!” she hollered. Then Gwen shifts towards Agnes. “Hey, Liz! Can you hear me? It’s me, Gwen.” Gwen leans towards her as if leaning on a door. Since Agnes is sitting with her back to my closet door, this annoys her. “Stop it, Kitty!”

  “Agnes, help us out! It’s the only way to test.”

  “The thing is she only appears when I’m in danger. I don’t know how to call her.”

  “There’s an easy way: close your eyes and focus. Think of it as meditation.”

  After hesitation, Agnes takes a deep breath and closes her eyes at Gwen’s request.

  “Is this really going to work?”

  “Quiet! She needs to focus.”

  My room has become a mystic chamber. Lights are dimmed and curtains closed. While there’s noise outside, inside feels like all sound has tuned out. It’s as if a real channeling is taking place.

  “I’m going to do this one more time: Liz, can you hear me? It’s me, Gwen.”

  That silence again and then...

  “...Gwen?” said a familiar voice.

  Everyone gasps.

  “That voice!” Gwen exclaimed.

  “It’s definitely her voice!” Aster cried.

  “S-She sounds so different,” Maury said.

  That deeper voice, alright. It’s Liz, just like the day I’ve heard her back in May. She groans as she opens her eyes. “Gwen, is it you?”

  “Yes, it’s me.” Gwen starts to sniff. �
��It’s been... forever.” The two of them hug. Aw, man! I wish I were there to see such a reunion.

  “Where am I?” Liz asked.

  “Here, in the real world. Of course, this world is different from where we used to live. Though this country is still the same, but different.”

  “Different?”

  “Yeah! Um, how do I put it?” Gwen falters while Aster and Maury remain speechless. “Hey, you’ve been with Agnes for a long time. Did you learn about the modern world?”

  “So, this world is...” Liz finally awakes. “She called me, and before I knew it, I’m here.” She stares at her hands (though they’re Agnes’), then shifts towards Gwen. “How come you’re a cat?”

  “The reason is obvious, isn’t?”

  Liz takes notice of Aster. She leans towards him, not bothering to notice his appearance. Aster tilts a bit backward as Liz extends her hand to his face, gently stroking it. “Sartre...” she whispered, placing her palm on his cheek. “Yes, it’s me,” he replied. Both hug.

  “She found out from the get-go,” Maury said.

  “Yeah! The bonds between us have always been this strong.” Gwen admitted with a smile.

  Liz turns to Maury next. “You are...”

  “That’s not him anymore. Not my husband...”

  Liz gasps. “Gwen, you married?”

  “I did. I married my husband, Laurice.”

  “That was expected.” Liz chuckled a bit.

  “Well, it’s no secret what happened to you.”

  “It’s obvious considering the history books. Although, details of my magic were left out. I couldn’t have it recorded out of fear of scandal my kingdom would’ve suffered.”

  “That’s understandable. Nobody ever accepted us, sorcerers.” Gwen sighed but shifts back before going off-topic. “Anyway, now that Liz is here, let’s talk about the ways to save...”

  “Wait! Someone is missing here,” Liz paused. “Now I remember! The young girl who looks like Gwen, ‘Glen’ was it? Where is she?”

  “You’ve met her before?! Since when?!”

  “A few months ago. She was training, and I tested her skill. You trained her, right? I can tell. She has potential but needs to improve her timing.” The others are shocked to hear this, but what Liz said is true. She knew exactly what she was doing when she duked me out.