“What you saw, Kitty is called a split. It’s common among ballet dancers,” Agnes explained.
“Ah, that explains why her movements are dance-like. I used my psychic powers to wield the dagger, and she evaded it with ease. She was able to evade Aster’s attacks as well.”
“Since your grandma was a famous dancer, did you become a dancer too?” Maury asked.
“No, I did only local events,” I said. “However, grandma had connections. And I received coaching offers for ballet or figure skating. But I rejected them because traveling is a must. Grandma was sick, and I couldn’t leave her alone. After she died, I didn’t bother to follow-up anymore.”
“Amazing! You could’ve been a professional athlete,” Maury praised but covers his mouth, “Shoot, I forgot...”
“My sorcery. I was born a reincarnate of Nyx, meaning I was an innate sorceress before my magic training. It would’ve been awful if I hurled a Fireball to the crowd during an event. Even accidental, it would’ve been a scandal. It was hard to deal when the guy got burned. Imagine a crowd on live TV.”
“It would’ve been horrible,” Agnes said.
“I know it would be harsh, but it was a good thing you turned down those offers,” Gwen said, looking downward. She thought I was going to be offended. Quite the opposite, I’m happy. I take her in my arms as I stroke her.
“Don’t apologize. I’m glad you trained me. The spells I’ve learned will not be wasted. I’m a sorceress. I will use every spell you taught me.”
“How long you’ve been practicing?” Aster asked.
“Grandma taught me before my parents divorced. She trained me every day after homeschool. It was awesome! I love training with grandma!”
“Did your parents knew?”
“Yeah, they did. Never cared though.”
“So sad...” Gwen sighed.
“You also mentioned figure skating. What is that?” Oh, Aster is a reporter now? I figure stuff like those didn’t exist in his time, so it’s fair I explain.
“It’s about skating on ice by wearing special blades. Every winter, Grandma took me to the local skating rink. It was a hobby for me, but people were impressed by skills.”
“But she was a dancer, yes? How come you know ice skating?”
“Simple, a friend of hers (who’s a coach) taught me. She even had a program set up for me in case I joined. Ha-ha!” I’m so proud of myself.
Agnes lets out a small chuckle.
“This will be odd to ask, but won’t you mind showing us your moves?” Aster asked. What? Aster is asking me to perform? It is indeed a weird question.
“It’ll be awesome! I wanna see Glen’s moves too. I didn’t know you can use ballet as a fighting style,” Maury said with enthusiasm.
My face turned red. Me using ballet to fight? That’s ridiculous! “Hold on, time out!” I shouted as I nervously wave my arms. “I never said I use ballet as martial arts.” Later I calmed. “Though you have a point.”
“I wanna see Glen’s move too,” Gwen added.
“I want to see them too.” Even Agnes also.
“Well, not here. (I’m a bit drunk.) But we need a place like a studio. I know some, but I must pay a fee to get in. And going to the forest is a bad idea. I need a solid ground.”
“Simona College has a dance studio. If I were to reserve it for private use, would you come?” Wait, what, where? Agnes is going to reserve a studio just for me? Oh my gosh!
I leap off my seat to hug her. “Yay, you’re such a best friend!! Ha-ha!!”
“It’ll be harder to pull, but I hope I can convince the instructor. I’ll let you know as soon as I get the response.”
“You’ll text me, right?” Aw, I shouldn’t get watery eyed.
“Yes!” Agnes agreed.
“You know, Glen. Between that and visiting grandpa, waiting for the full results will be a breeze,” Maury said. I agree. We need to wait for Agnes’ response first.
I know I’ll never perform for a crowd. But acting for my friends will give me the same satisfaction as I were to perform live.
Date: November 12
Time: Morning
Woo! I’m giving a shout out to myself. Today is my birthday! I’m officially 23 years old.
Date: November 16
Time: Afternoon
My friends and I arrived at the Simona College dance studio. It’s enormous! It’s like going into a museum with white walls all over. There’s a long barre to the left and wall-filling mirrors to the right. Piano and sound speakers are at the upper left corner.
“Is this for real?” Maury asked.
“It is,” Agnes replied then shifts to me. “The instructor was nice to rent this for an hour before the dance club comes in. This means you need to start right away.”
“I’m surprised you convinced,” Aster said.
“Being the former president’s daughter with royalty roots has its benefits.” Agnes smiled. Her text this morning threw me off guard. She managed to convince the instructor to rent the studio despite its full booking. I shivered and even now I still shake.
“There’s no place to sit,” Aster said.
“We’d just sit on the floor,” Agnes said.
Agnes sits on the floor, holding the tote with Gwen side. Maury sits on the left while Aster sits on the right. They sit at the front to watch me dance.
“What’s wrong? Why aren’t you starting?” Gwen asked. I daze a little. It’s not due to nervousness of performing for a crowd. I haven’t danced since my grandma’s death.
I removed my jacket and shorts. I’m surprised the black unitard I wore as a teen still fits. The air conditioner is a bit strong, so I’m wearing a pink knit crop top and legwarmers. I search the bag for my pointe shoes. They’re worn from overuse but still fond of them.
“How come you have tape on your feet?” Maury asked, referring to my wrapped feet. They’re bound in leftover athletic tape.
“So I don’t injure myself,” I replied.
“Have you done so during training?” Aster asked. I assume he is referring to my training with Gwen.
“Yes, I did.” When I taped my feet, I did it from memory. I taped so many times before rehearsals and performances that I have it memorized. I put on my pointe shoes afterward.
After testing the shoes, I walk to the barre. I’m hesitant. I don’t want to do this. Gosh! I wanna flake out and run. But my friends are cheering me on.
I have only an hour and already 15 minutes passed. There’s no time to waste so I must put my sadness aside and start stretching. I tied my hair half-up.
“Why is she stretching?” Gwen asked.
“Dancers need to stretch before their act. They do it to prevent injuries,” Agnes said.
“You know a lot about ballet,” Aster chimed.
“My father is a ballet aficionado. He told me stories when I was a girl. I even practiced too, but my bust size grew too big.” She sadly sighed.
“I see...” Aster said with his eyes wide. “Sports like this are suitable for people with a lithe, fay build which Glen is. I comprehend.” He nods in accord.
After 15 minutes of warm-up, I’m ready. I know what I’m going to perform. It’s the routine I used to win my first competition at 16. But also, the one I received offers to become a dance professional.
“Now we need music. The speakers have Bluetooth. Hold on, let me set it up...” Agnes manages to connect her smartphone to the speakers. “How about some classical?” She plays a random classical piece, but I don’t like it. It puts me to sleep.
“No, do this instead.” I borrowed her item to look for the specific tune. Yes, I remember now. The song I used... Upon finding the retro song, I position in the middle of the room.
30 minutes left is all I have.
The song lasts about five.
I should be fine.
“Ready, Glen?” Agnes asked.
“Yes,” I answered.
Agnes hits the play button.
; And so, the music starts.
..........................................
As I dance, I’m happy to do the exact same thing I did at the competition.
And the only reason because my grandma was there that day.
Her being there was my reason to participate.
I’m feeling some pain. Not physically though.
Maybe a little, but I can bear it.
It’s emotional.
My grandma isn’t here anymore.
I lost interest in being a professional.
It was pointless to continue.
But my friends are here.
And I’m performing for them.
They requested, sure.
But in gratitude for saving my life.
This dance is for them.
..........................................
As the music continues midway,
I started moving to allegro.
And I drop to do a split.
I can tell my friends are amazed.
If there is one thing I’m proud of,
Aside from my hair,
Is that I’m flexible as rubber.
This song is sexually suggestive.
It’s just like my dance.
Yes, I did that at 16.
So what?
Anyway, I’m almost done.
I do a pirouette once.
Twice, three times.
Four, five, six, seven,
Eight, nine, ten in a row non-stop.
It was my grandma’s unique move.
One that got me the highest score.
One that made me win.
I stop as the music fades.
I put on a still pose.
My cheeks are red,
My nose is red.
And I’m sweating all over.
I drop to the floor to cough.
I probably pushed myself too hard.
But I don’t care. I’m still satisfied.
My friends rush to see me. I undo my hair tie while I try my hardest to catch my breath. I lay on the floor to calm myself. I place my arms over my eyes to avoid lighting.
“Are you okay, Glen?” Maury asked.
“How was it?” I mumbled. A silent pause flows. That’s okay if they don’t answer. My performance left them speechless, after all.
“Oh my gosh!!!! That’s professional quality ballet!!!” Agnes breaks the silence. She gawked like a die-hard fangirl over a boyband.
“Yes, yes, so much beauty and grace at the same time...” Gwen added as her eyes sparkled stars. “It felt so unreal!”
“It was like watching a swan dance,” Aster said. Comparing me to a swan is praising too much, but I’ll take it.
“I know it’s all well and good, how’s it gonna help fight the God of Darkness?” Maury asked. Way to bring things down fast but he’s right. “Didn’t you say it was huge?” he asked Aster.
“Yes, that is true,” Aster replied.
“Not directly, but with the monsters that come in between,” Gwen said. We perk up at the word monster. What is Gwen saying? Like real monsters or people posing as monsters? I know monsters of RPGs but in real life? Do they really exist?
“Monsters are real. They come into the human world through meta-space. They come more so when the god begins his attack. I’m not saying it will happen now, but it will happen. We need to be on alert when this happens,” Gwen said.
“We did fight some monsters, and more in the Underworld,” Aster added. Gwen and Aster don’t seem to be joking about this. If this true, then I should take their word seriously.
“Look at the time. We’re almost up,” Agnes said.
“People are showing up. We need to leave,” Gwen urged. Students of the dance club are showing up. We pick our things quickly so nobody would notice us as we leave.
Date: November 18
Time: Morning, New Moon
Maury and I are in Izberia visiting grandpa. He lives in an attic of his friend’s bar. It’s sad to see him in this state, and yet he’s happy. Grandpa confirmed many things such as Maury’s mother having a sister, and her mother was a ballet dancer.
Grandpa shows us a photo of Maury’s parents. His mother was blond like my mom was. His father was tall, dark skin with black hair. Maury was so cute as a boy. He appears carried up by his parents, and they were all smiling. So different from my parents that we never had a photo...
The two of us return to Semona in the evening. I tried to get grandpa to live with us, but he didn’t want us to hold back from living. He gave Maury the only family album, which I spend the rest of the trip looking at.
Date: November 23
Time: Evening
Today is Thanksgiving. Aster and Agnes arrive in time for dinner. I order Maury to open the door. After greeting them, I place the oven-cooked turkey on the platter.
Maury helps me by bringing the turkey platter to the living room table. I get to bring the side dishes and plates for us.
For side dishes, I made mashed potatoes, corn, macaroni, and coleslaw salad. Each side dish surrounds the turkey in perfect harmony.
“Smells so good... Gimme meat now!” Gwen demanded. In her cat form, Gwen is tempted to jump towards the turkey. But I stop her by giving a special plate. “You need to eat food suited for cats.” I offer her smashed pumpkin pie with pieces of turkey meat. I removed all bones to avoid piercing her stomach.
We spend an hour eating on the sofa. It’s all delicious, and my friends love it. We drink some soda while we chat everyday stuff. The amount of food on the table is reduced to nothing.
“Glen, aren’t you going to open the letter?” Maury asked. He is referring to the unopened letter I received yesterday. It’s the full results of my DNA testing.
“Let me get it...” I go to my room to pick it up. I bring it as soon as I grabbed it.
“You’re nervous,” Aster said.
“Of course, I am.” I slowly tear the letter open. I pull the report, and the half of it is based on what I already know from my immediate family tree.
The second half of the report is a lengthy one going back to 5,000 years. No way! This was before any country existed. Anyway, I skim directly to medieval times where Gwen came from. I see tons of names, but the majority are anonymous. However, I look at some names. They’re listed in alphabetical order. I look at... Gwen. Her name is there along with her husband, Laurice. Listed downwards are the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren they had. The list loses track after two or three centuries.
“Gwen, what’s going here?” I asked.
“It’s simple. My husband and I kept track of our family. We wrote down every birth to make sure each child belongs to us,” Gwen explained.
“They must’ve found your records somewhere,” Agnes said.
“So, is this for real? You and I are a family?”
“Yes, you are. You’re my descendant. Maury too.”
I should be celebrating. Yet, the silence is painful.
No, I am happy. I don’t have the words to express joy right now.
This report confirmed my thought. It all makes sense now, why my connection to Gwen runs deep. The reason why I’m chosen to represent Nyx... because of her, from the curse placed after the god’s defeat.
“Come here,” Gwen comes into my arms without question. I bury my head as I hug her. Tears stream from my eyes.
“Glen, are you crying?” Maury asked by lifting my hair.
“No, I’m not,” I replied, trying to hold back. I lie. I know I am crying. Maury holds me in his arms. Aster and Agnes look at me with worry. They decide to hug me too.
I’m not crying because of sadness. I’m crying because of gratitude. For the first time ever, I am genuinely thankful. This is what Thanksgiving indeed is: a chance to celebrate with those you care.
My friends have given themselves so much that I’ll forever be grateful from the ends of my heart.
Month Ten - December
Date: Decemb
er 3; Time: Late Night, Full Moon
The night is dark, and the moon is full. More darkness than night is a ritual taking place. Candles serve as the source of light.
White robes surround a magic circle, shouting random chants. The leader stands in the middle of the ring, holding incense in one hand and a metal chalice in another. White robes circle the ring in a clockwise motion.
The leader stands out by wearing a purple robe. Wearing the drape also raises awareness of the gods. Should the gods be pleased, the members will be praised. Straight ahead of the circle leads to a giant statue of Nyx and behind, an enormous black monster.
The members continue circling around. Each of them holding a lit candle. The dark room expands due to the illumination of the supermoon above the opened ceiling.
The ring below flashes a white light like a neon sign. The statue of Nyx glows an aura as if it's about to come to life. Robe members bow on their knees as they continue the chants.
The leader offers many burning incenses to the altar. Like its members, the leader also chants. Yet, its chants are louder than the members.
All members are cloaked, including the leader. The eye holes serve as their only visibility. Yet, none of them can be distinguished.
As the ritual continues, the leader turns to its followers. The leader spreads its arms wide as if preparing to make a statement. "Glorious members, the end of times is fast approaching. We must prepare right now!"
"Hail thy leader!" they shout.
"But first we need the blessings of The Primal One. The one who will bring salvation to us and destruction to all."
The leader shouts more chants as it burns more incenses. Members bow erratically with furor.
"The Primal One needs to know our support," the leader said. "It is She who will shower us with all her glory."
"Ooh!" they shout again.
"The Primal One exists in this world. We must find her. She must be treated like the Goddess she is."
"Yes, yes!" they shout once more.
"This corrupt world cannot exist anymore. We will build our own utopia where those rejected can be accepted. No one will suffer loneliness anymore. And those who continue to reject us shall be crushed by The Primal One!"
The leader turns to the statue to chant some more. Its members get to pitch in this time. Chants are a mixture of summoning, prayer, and forgotten language.
Legacy of Dolyn Page 17