Beware the Violet

by Maria Vermisoglou

  “Are you out of your mind? You can’t just jump at people like that!” I chided, and he gave me a resigned look.

  “I couldn’t catch up with you,” he admitted, and I shook my head incomprehensibly. A deep frown scrunched his forehead. “You shouldn’t use the bridge of time for unimportant matters.”

  “I wouldn’t have to use it at all but you are tap-dancing on my last nerve and it’s brought me to the edge!” I spat, pointing at him and he backed down like I had hit him. “You should be ashamed! You humiliated me in front of everyone and you made me run like I was being chased by hellhounds.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

  “Doesn’t matter what you meant to or not, you have brought me to my wits end with your competitions. I’m not a prize to be won or a piece of cake to be shared!” My anger was spilling in waves and involuntarily, my powers reacted, creating a thunderstorm. Composing myself, I calmed down enough and put a stop on the meterological show outside. “I think it’s best if you left.”

  “Please, hear me out first,” Jacques said and before I had the chance to respond, he continued, his words pouring in an unstoppable stream out of his mouth. “Don’t trust him. I know I’m not on your good side either, but he’s evil and bad news for you and everyone around him. Maybe he seems great and attractive, but beneath all the seemingly kind behavior, evil resides and will destroy what you love the most without caring.”

  How did he know? Shapeshifters couldn’t sense anything beyond their ability to recognize other creatures. Whatever the case was, he was right, but I was so angry, my words rolled involuntarily from my tongue. “It’s not your job to approve who I hang out with or date!” As soon as I uttered them, I regretted it, but it was too late to take them back. His face turned whiter than his rabbit’s fur and only his eyes marked him as alive. “I would be able to focus better if I didn’t have to look behind my back for anyone chasing me or trying to kill each other over me. Like this is chivalry.” I sniffed and blinked to remove that tears that had gathered in my eyes.

  Jacques’ lips trembled, and he tried to say something, but he didn’t seem able to.

  “It’s best if we part ways now. Leave me alone. I have other problems without dealing with the supernatural mumbo jumbo. I have a life in the human world too, and as hard as it might be, I want to focus my attention on that. It’s my last year at school. Let me enjoy it in peace.”

  Seeing he didn’t object to that and was truly incapable of saying anything, I turned my back to him and walked away with tears spilling down my eyelids.

  I thought I heard a voice call my name, but I didn’t turn. Hating myself, I entered through the back door and went straight to the bathroom and locked myself in, making myself presentable, when I finally emerged I ate a snack and did my homework quickly. It was more difficult because our conversation was still pounding in my ears.

  Lying on my bed, I tried to find some peace but his shocked face refused to leave my thoughts. What have I done? I was so harsh and I took it out on the wrong person. He drove me to the edge and now he paid the price of my temper. Tears ran down my cheeks and I was glad no one else was in the room.

  Or so I thought. A caress on my cheek made me look and under the dim light, I watched as a red butterfly flew in my room. Its red wings glowed in the dark and I rose from my bed. Getting close, I felt hypnotized by its beauty and wondered if I was dreaming.

  A heart will break, a voice echoed and staring at the butterfly, I shook my head. A heart will break, the voice repeated and this time, I was certain it came from the butterfly.

  “You talk?” I asked in a hoarse voice. “The bloody woman, it’s from the warning.” I recognized the passage from her warning and shivers trailed their icy fingers up my spine.

  “Collect the butterflies, Believer. Each time you collect one, you are a step closer to saving the world.”

  Wonderful. “Where can I find the next butterfly?”

  “You shall find out,” the voice said, and the butterfly flew at my headboard and stayed, flapping its glowing wings. Seeing it so still, it resembled droplets of blood.

  Chapter 7: Shadows

  “Do you all know the answer to this?” a loud voice cut through my musings.

  Raising my head, I landed back in the mundane reality of our classroom and the stern glance of our language arts teacher. It had been several weeks since my meeting with Jacques. I pretended it was a meeting and not a fight, but this did not make the fact that he had completely disappeared any better. I hadn’t seen the butterflies anywhere else or heard the bloody woman’s voice and I was glad. I never knew what heartache was but the recent falling out had taken away a piece of my heart forever. Whatever the situation between us was before, I shouldn’t have treated him like that. I spent countless days thinking about what I could have told him instead and I wanted to apologize, but he seemed to have gone for good this time. Blaming myself, I was in a midair state of mind and I didn’t notice anything around me, going from place to place mechanically. I didn’t care or feel anything.

  “Violet?” I lifted my gaze and saw we were on the way to the Blessed Realm with Kristy and snow had covered the bushes. The canyon was painted white and when some daring sunrays cast their light down on it, it glowed. Mist swirled soundlessly, surrounding everything. I liked how the scene was depicted and I wished I could stay and admire it all day, instead of dwelling on thoughts of impossible situations that would only lead to heartache.

  “Are you all right?”

  I nodded, but Kristy stopped and grabbed my arm.

  “You haven’t said anything for days and you have that numb expression and no smile. Something is very wrong. Talk to me,” Kristy said with worry reflecting in her eyes.

  Trying to smile was unsuccessful as it turned into a grimace. I couldn’t even remember how it was to smile or the warm feeling of happiness. The icy cold weather matched my sadness and I no longer felt the jolly mood of Christmas that was coming at a fast pace.

  “Your powers are spilling,” Kristy said and when I didn’t understand, she pointed to my hands. A concentrated purple oil had gathered in my hands and was dropping to the ground, leaving dark, viscous paths. “How long has this been happening?”

  “A while,” I said in a hoarse voice.

  “When did it start? We might be able to figure out why this is happening,” Kristy said and something in her words made me snap.

  “I know why this is happening, but I don’t want to fix it!”

  Kristy looked at me carefully before saying, “Why?”

  “Because it’s my fault he left!” When I heard my words aloud, realization hit me hard. I made him leave. It was my fault and he would never return. The weight of blame was too much for me to bear and it punched me hard to the already open wound of my heart. I fell on the ground while the pool in my eyes grew.

  I didn’t know how much time had passed, but when I opened my swollen eyes, I saw I was still next to the gate and Kristy was holding me. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled and she let out a soft laugh.

  “It’s okay. I don’t really know why you’re so unhappy, but we’re going to get to the bottom of it.” I took some small breaths and composed myself as best as I could. “And you owe me a skirt and tights.”

  I pulled away and raised my eyebrows. “From when?”

  “From now. You made a pretty mess,” Kristy said and pointed to the ground where the purple substance had grown into a puddle the size of a lake. Her pretty green skirt had been soaked on the edges while her yellow tights had turned black.

  “Oops!” I blushed and scratched my head. “Can’t you clean it up with a spell?”

  “It’s magic that has been spilled from unhappiness. I doubt it.” She crossed her arms. “Now, tell me everything, and don’t leave anything out.”

  I swallowed, and I talked about what happened that awful day. Throughout my explanation, Kristy was silent and her serious demeanor didn’t change in the slightest. When I
finished, I felt a bit better, but the blame was still wedged deep inside me, refusing to leave.

  “Oh, Violet,” Kristy said, clasping my hands, “it’s not your fault.”

  “But he left, and it’s my fault!” I objected while tears threatened to start pouring again.

  “It’s not,” Kristy’s steady voice corrected. “Ever since the Evil Master was defeated, he has changed. We don’t see him as much as we did before. He up and leaves for long periods of time, but he always comes back. That’s what he does now and maybe he is giving you space, too. Besides, I thought you didn’t want him around.” Her eyes twinkled and I frowned.

  “Sure but I didn’t want him to to feel forced to disappear completely from his home.”

  She patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll come back, but I would have slapped him if I were you.” She flew to a standing position and held her hand. “Come on, you’ll be late for your lessons.”

  I took her hand and as we walked, Kristy continued, “And I would have fairy dusted him. They put too much pressure on you with their fights and their shows!”

  I managed a small smile. “Fairy dusted him?”

  “Oh, yes! Fairydust is good but like all things, extreme dosage can cause harm. You could walk naked under the moonlight or think you’re in love with the person you hate or—”

  “Kristy!” She gave me an innocent look and I cringed at the thought of what she would do if we were enemies.

  Before entering the gate, I said quietly, “Are you sure he’ll come back?”

  Kristy let an exasperated breath. “Yes! I thought you were mad at him and now you are concerned.” She shook her head while she pushed the gate. “Mood swings are hard to keep up with I tell you. ” She threw her arms out to the sides. “Believers! Go figure!” which brought a laugh out of me.

  “It’s not Believer stuff, I’m just concerned that it’s my fault he left.”

  “You are too kind. You must girl up!” Kristy said when we were on our way to Madelena’s house with no disturbances. Madelena had talked to Khalid, putting an order out so that now, I could go to the Blessed Realm without the fear of having to witness a fight or become an embarrassment. And certainly, not fly with lightning speed while my insides turned into writhing pasta.

  “So, when are we using Hope’s dreamcatcher?” Kristy said when we were some footsteps away from Madelena’s.

  “I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it.”

  “Well, think about it. The sooner you do it, the sooner you’ll have the answer you seek.” Kristy held her finger up. “And do not ask that question again! He’ll come back and you’ll start complaining again.”

  “I wasn’t going to ask about that.” I scowled as much as my sadness allowed me but my croaked voice betrayed me.

  “But you were going to ask about that, too. If you mention it again, I’m going to fairy dust you.”

  “Is that bad?”

  “You might lose your memory for a while and wear excessive amounts of pink,” Kristy said with a glowing smile and I backed away toward the door.

  “No, thank you.” I opened the door and a small smile lit my gray mood.

  “You owe me a skirt and tights,” Kristy yelled, and I waved.

  Shutting the door, I took a breath before heading to the living room.

  “So, you’re back,” Madelena said, pouring me some tea, and I raised my eyebrows while I sipped it. It had a lemon taste mixed with cinnamon which happened to be one of my favorite flavors.

  “You have not been yourself these past weeks,” Madelena said concerned. “Do you need help?”

  “I think I just got it.” I relished the tea’s smell, feeling its warmth removing the cold etched on my skin and Madelena laughed.

  “Fairies are the fastest way to cheer you up.” Placing her cup on the table, she waved her hand, making the cup, spoon, and plate to hover in the air in a different position. “Let’s try some ordinary magic.”

  I tried to mimic her movements which only resulted in making them fall. Snapping her fingers, Madelena put them back on the air. “It’s easy for me, but I do not know what triggers the Believer’s powers to cast an ordinary spell.

  “I usually dig deep for the friendship and love I have in my memories…” I stopped.

  “But you have been going through a rough time and it shows.” Following her gaze, I noted the purple sticky substance still glued in my hands. “Our hearts aren’t set in good and evil, but while we are taught to do good things, sadness and pain will result in casting a little bit of darkness in our days. If we allow it to spread, then our powers will get tainted and with time, our heart will turn dark as well.”

  “I was sad,” I confessed, “and I thought it was my fault.” I didn’t tell her but I had the sense she already knew. Madelena claimed she didn’t read minds, but she always knew what happened in the Blessed Realm.

  “This is your sadness and like your tears, it manifests in that way. If you are healed, then it will leave and take its rightful place only in your memories, but if you start seeing destruction, then it will spread like a wildfire.” Madelena cleared her throat and placed the objects on the table again. “I do not think you can’t do it but in your heart’s current state, it’s impossible.” The door opened, and I looked at her. “Until you are healed, farewell.”

  I stirred in my seat, sad to have disappointed one more person. I lowered my head. “I’m sorry.”

  “Do not worry. You can’t be happy all the time and even if you hide it, it will eventually catch up with you. Get well and take care of yourself.” Her eyes swirled, and I wondered if that was a manifestation of her concern. “The human world is a place of peace so I suggest you take advantage of it.”

  I nodded and left. On the way, I thought I could spend the day with Diane since we hadn’t hung out for a while, but of course, the universe had other plans for me. Blocking the path to the gate was Khalid who was wearing just a black tee and jeans. On his chest, the snake engulfed in flames with a sword penetrating its head was the engraved symbol of his red medallion and from afar, it looked like blood which reminded me of the red butterflies. I had to collect five butterflies in order to prevent the Evilship from taking over the world with darkness.

  “Hey!” he said, giving me a huge smile, but I didn’t return the gesture.

  “What happened to you?” I pointed at his tattoo. His normal black ink was now outlined with a red shadow around the edges.

  “Oh, nothing. Just a bruise,” he said dismissively, but I saw his discomfort displayed in the lines of his smile and from the way he frowned. I narrowed my eyes and wondered if that was the result of his meeting with the witch. Could my discovery of the first butterfly have to do something with it? He was dark after all and I was working against him. Whatever the cause was, I shrugged and noticed his shoulders relaxed.

  Quickly, he gave me a glowing smile, but I didn’t fall for it. Something happened that made that tattoo red, but what? “The witch let you out sooner?”

  “Yes,” I said carefully while my mind tried to find an escape route. I didn’t want to deal with him today, but I needed to watch out for his moves.

  “Cool! Then, you’re free tonight,” he said casually. Then, when he cast his gaze down, his expression changed. It turned hungry and a cold smile appeared which sent shivers throughout my entire body. Looking down, I couldn’t see what caused the sudden change except…my fingers were still saturated in that sticky substance.

  “The entire battle of good and evil.” Khalid slowly breathed without pulling his gaze from my fingers. It almost felt like he was drugged. “Evil shall prevail against good and yet, good always finds a way to push it back. Such a gentle balance.” Raising his head, his eyes had turned black and a weird glow flared to life in his eyes.

  Evil? Did he think I was turning dark? Was that it? Just because something appears to be dark doesn’t mean it is. Very well. I’ll show you darkness and you’ll bite off more than you
can handle, I thought as a plan suddenly took form in my mind. If Khalid thought I was dark, and he was too, then things just became too easy.

  I gave him a wicked smile, and he glowed and for the first time, his aura seemed to make an appearance. I could only make out, slight glimpses of colors fighting to surface and my suspicions about him being the motobiker guy, became more prominent. Who was he and how could he be two completely different people? Did he have a dual personality? Two forms? Khalid was the kind form, fooling everyone into trusting him and the motorbike guy was his evil counterpart? But why?

  “You’re dark and you know it,” Khalid said in a captivating voice and I wanted to laugh or cry. This vampire was drugged on darkness.

  Fluttering my eyelids playfully, I put some charm in my voice I didn’t know I possessed and said, “So are you.”

  His teeth took a dangerous gleam. “This is going to be fun!” Then, he laughed and showed me the door.

  Not as much fun as I will have when you’re trapped inside my net and wither like a fly in honey.

  Chapter 8: The Cost of Truth

  “So, you’re together now?” Kristy sitting on the windowsill, and swung her legs impatiently. She didn’t appear particularly happy, but masked her feelings. She gave me a slight smile, but the sadness in her eyes defied it.

  Khalid could not keep the news to himself and if you told a ghost, it’s like you told a journalist. Everyone knew it.

  I had carefully laid the stones that would make my plan a success and Khalid seemed to be naïve to believe I had turned dark and I hadn’t corrected his impression. Giving him dark smiles and using my charm and asking about his plans for destruction, he was too easy to persuade and didn’t seem to suspect that I had ulterior motives. Of course, I had learned nothing of value about the Evilship whose name hadn’t come up yet, but I couldn’t build a relationship in one moment’s notice. Fake or real.