We walked around the cavern looking for any more exits other than the one we entered from. It was Silvey who found one. She gave her excited yip. On the opposite side from where we entered was a crack in the wall.
“We can’t really leave the way we came in. I didn’t even drop the rope down for us.” Zoran gave a chuckle. “I guess I didn’t see this coming.”
We started laughing as we continued farther into the tunnel. The light from the rocks kept a constant shimmer. It was hard to tell how long we had been in here. The tunnel steadily lead down. It wound in a spiral sometimes an opening would show up but we just kept heading down. When either of us got tired we stop and rest then continue on.
Time was a lost concept in this tunnel. We talked about the plains of reality we had wound up on. I told Zoran all about mother moon and everything that had happened. Zoran revealed to me that the prophets stone and the stone of beginnings were the same stone. It all depended on what the stone decided to show who.
“Zen we have a mission now. A true goal to complete. The stone, it became a living thing and spoke to is. Shino, I mean Amil, and myself.” Zoran rubbed her nose. “It didn’t say much. It said what it was and explained the plains of existence. It also told us that the one who lives forever is defeated by the bonds of those who choose each other. Those who create the group of the chosen will be the light in a land of hatred.”
“Mother moon told me that we have to defeat the immortal Zoran. She called him Ambrose.” I tripped over one of the rocks while lost in my thoughts. “I wonder if the two have to deal with each other. But for now let’s focus on meeting up with Snell and the others. We have a lot to discuss.”
I could feel my bones saying we were close to the exit. A faint noise was steadily growing louder. We kept walking. The light from the stones were starting to turn to an azure color. It wasn’t long before the tunnel flattened out and a light blinded us.
We emerged from the cave right behind a giant wall of water. The noise was deafening. We walked on the narrow slippery ledge behind the waterfall. The space that we had for walking was dangerously narrow without the water but even much more so with the torrent that was falling right in front of us.
You thought I was just on the other side didn’t you Zen? I heard Padma in my head. Her mirth surprised me. And it seemed to surprise Zoran even more. Don’t worry it’s safe for you to leave. I do hope you find a way to free me from this prison soon enough. I have a lot to reclaim when I return. A justice to deliver.
Just as soon as she had appeared she was gone. But the water from the falls seemed to be temporarily stopped. As if the whole thing had froze. Zoran and I finished crossing the to edge of the falls as quickly as we could. As soon as our feet hit the soggy bank the waterfall crashed into a familiar lake.
“This lake is magic Zoran.” I beamed a smile at her. “I remember when we had camped here just the other day.”
“I told you it was magic didn’t I? But the main question is who was that voice?” Zoran had a distrustful look on her face. “She reminds me of that wretched river.”
“That cause she is the river. That was Padma. The one that I met when I dived in to save Elena.” I gave a silent prayer to mother moon for bringing me together with such great comrades and letting me meet beings as amazing as Padma. “Let’s get back to the others Zoran. They must be worried without us there.”
“We will stay here tonight Zen. The sun is about to set. Look at that horizon. That what life is about, the memories we find today with those we care for.” Zoran laid down on the bank of the lake looking up at the sky. “It’s moment like these that I realize just how lucky I am. People take what they have for granted. Me included. We stress and wish for some amazing change. But the we see this simple sky and find the beauty that we were looking for all along. Let’s enjoy this for tonight then tomorrow we will climb down and find the others. In fact there is an easy trail from here to go down.”
We spent the night by the lake reflecting on all the good we had gained in our time. I found out simple things that I never knew about Zoran. I realized that even though she seemed like she had everything together she was still human. She worried and had plenty of troubles. I also realized that even though she suffered like the rest of us she always looked at life with a kind heart. She was a force that would change the world.
We talked late into the night. We talked about anything and everything. We let the moon wash away all the troubles we had over the past for years for just a night. The moon still had a red tint to it but it seemed to be fading. I realized that I thought of Zoran as my mom. Not as my mother who abandoned me so long ago but as my mom. Just like with everyone else. Amil was my brother not my familiar. Snell and Lucy were like my uncle’s. Tibby was like a cousin. A whole family that I never realized I had.
Only person I could think of as being part of the family yet was Elena. What her part was had me confused. I had known her since we were children. She was always kind to me. But I didn’t actually know her like I knew the others. I could feel in my bones that she was one of us. But what part did she play in our family. Time would only tell. It excited me to see how we would all grow.
The next day we woke up with the sun. I cooked us breakfast as Zoran started a stretching routine that was new to me. After breakfast she walked me through it and had me do a short jog. It had been so long since I last had my morning run. It felt liberating to be running again. Something so simple but yet it brought me peace.
“We can’t let us loose the order we had before your stasis Zen. It does us all good to stay in shape.” Zoran smiled. “Tibby did good when he started this. I miss that little fella.”
After we finished our jog Zoran and I packed our few things and buried our fire. She led me around the lake to a small trail on the other side. We spent the remainder of most of the day following it down. Eventually we reached the base. Yet again covered by the safety from the trees of Eden. At the base of the cliffs waited three familiar faces.
“Been a long time Zen. We missed you while you slept.” Snell gave me a big hug. “Letting us fend for ourselves while you sleep. But we figured we would find you here when the moon turned red. Zoran told us we would.”
After Snell finally released me it was Lucy’s turn. Closely followed by Elena. Everyone had misty eyes by the time all the hellos where said.
“Let’s find a peaceful place to talk. We have a lot to go over.” I folded my arms. “I have a new mission for anyone who wants to join.”
“Then follow me to our new campsite. Eden has went all out for us.” Lucy grinned. “This has truly been a wonderful place to be as you slept Zen.”
We spent the rest of the day following Lucy to our campsite. As dusk was beginning to fall Lucy led us to a large hill. It the middle of the hill was a door. It was halfway open and a warm glow was falling from within. As we approached the door I noticed it had writing on it. It was a list of names.
We walked around the cavern looking for any more exits other than the one we entered from. It was Silvey who found one. She gave her excited yip. On the opposite side from where we entered was a crack in the wall.
“We can’t really leave the way we came in. I didn’t even drop the rope down for us.” Zoran gave a chuckle. “I guess I didn’t see this coming.”
We started laughing as we continued farther into the tunnel. The light from the rocks kept a constant shimmer. It was hard to tell how long we had been in here. The tunnel steadily lead down. It wound in a spiral sometimes an opening would show up but we just kept heading down. When either of us got tired we stop and rest then continue on.
Time was a lost concept in this tunnel. We talked about the plains of reality we had wound up on. I told Zoran all about mother moon and everything that had happened. Zoran revealed to me that the prophets stone and the stone of beginnings were the same stone. It all depended on what the stone decided to show who.
“Zen we have a mission now. A true goal to complete. The stone it became a living thing and spoke to is. Shino, I mean Amil, and myself.” Zoran rubbed her nose. “It didn’t say much. It said what it was and explained the plains of existence. It also told us that the one who lives forever is defeated by the bonds of those who choose each other. Those who create the group of the chosen will be the light in a land of hatred.”
“Mother moon told me that we have to defeat the immortal Zoran. She called him Ambrose.” I tripped over one of the rocks while lost in my thoughts. “I wonder if the two have to deal with each other. But for now let’s focus on meeting up with Snell and the others. We have a lot to discuss.”
I could feel my bones saying we were close to the exit. A faint noise was steadily growing louder. We kept walking. The light from the stones were starting to turn to an azure color. It wasn’t long before the tunnel flattened out and a light blinded us.
We emerged from the cave right behind a giant wall of water. The noise was deafening. We walked on the narrow slippery ledge behind the waterfall. The space that we had for walking was dangerously narrow without the water but even much more so with the torrent that was falling right in front of us.
You thought I was just on the other side didn’t you Zen? I heard Padma in my head. Her mirth surprised me. And it seemed to surprise Zoran even more. Don’t worry it’s safe for you to leave. I do hope you find a way to free me from this prison soon enough. I have a lot to reclaim when I return. A justice to deliver.
Just as soon as she had appeared she was gone. But the water from the falls seemed to be temporarily stopped. As if the whole thing had froze. Zoran and I finished crossing the to edge of the falls as quickly as we could. As soon as our feet hit the soggy bank the waterfall crashed into a familiar lake.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“This lake is magic Zoran.” I beamed a smile at her. “I remember when we had camped here just the other day.”
“I told you it was magic didn’t I? But the main question is who was that voice?” Zoran had a distrustful look on her face. “She reminds me of that wretched river.”
“That cause she is the river. That was Padma. The one that I met when I dived on to save Elena.” I gave a silent prayer to mother moon for bringing me together with such great comrades and letting me meet beings as amazing as Padma. “Let’s get back to the others Zoran. They must be worried without us there.”
“We will stay here tonight Zen. The sun is about to set. Look at that horizon. That what life is about, the memories we find today with those we care for.” Zoran laid down on the bank of the lake looking up at the sky. “It’s moment like these that I realize just how lucky I am. People take what they have for granted. Me included. We stress and wish for some amazing change. But the we see this simple sky and find the beauty that we were looking for all along. Let’s enjoy this for tonight then tomorrow we will climb down and find the others. In fact there is an easy trail from here to go down.”
We spent the night by the lake reflecting on all the good we had gained in our time. I found out simple things that I never knew about Zoran. I realized that even though she seemed like she had everything together she was still human. She worried and had plenty of troubles. I also realized that even though she suffered like the rest of us she always looked at life with a kind heart. She was a force that would change the world.
We talked late into the night. We talked about anything and everything. We let the moon wash away all the troubles we had over the past for years for just a night. The moon still had a red tint to it but it seemed to be fading. I realized that I thought of Zoran as my mom. Not as my mother who abandoned me so long ago but as my mom. Just like with everyone else. Amil was my brother not my familiar. Snell and Lucy were like my uncle’s. Tibby was like a cousin. A whole family that I never realized I had.
Only person I could think of as being part of the family yet was Elena. What her part was had me confused. I had known her since we were children. She was always kind to me. But I didn’t actually know her like I knew the others. I could feel in my bones that she was one of us. But what part did she play in our family. Time would only tell. It excited me to see how we would all grow.
The next day we woke up with the sun. I cooked us breakfast as Zoran was started a stretching routine that was new to me. After breakfast she walked me through it and had me do a short jog. It had been so long since I last had my morning run. It felt liberating to be running again. Something so simple but yet it brought me peace.
“We can’t let us loose the order we had before your stasis Zen. It does us all good to stay in shape.” Zoran smiled. “Tibby did good when he started this. I miss that little fella.”
After we finished our jog Zoran and I packed our few things and buried our fire. She led me around the lake to a small trail on the other side. We spend the remainder of most of the day following it down. Eventually we reached the base. Yet again covered by the safety from the trees of Eden. At the base of the cliffs waited three familiar faces.
“Been a long time Zen. We missed you while you slept.” Snell gave me a big hug. “Letting us fend for ourselves while you sleep. But we figured we would find you here when the moon turned red. Zoran told us we would.”
After Snell finally released me it was Lucy’s turn. Closely followed by Elena. Everyone had misty eyes by the time all the hellos where said.
“Let’s find a peaceful place to talk. We have a lot to go over.” I folded my arms. “I have a new mission for anyone who wants to join.”
“Then follow me to our new campsite. Eden has went all out for us.” Lucy grinned. “This has truly been a wonderful place to be as you slept Zen.”
We spent the rest of the day following Lucy to our campsite. As dusk was beginning to fall Lucy led us to a large hill. It the middle of the hill was a door. It was halfway open and a warm glow was falling from within. As we approached the door I noticed it had writing on it. It was a list of names.
PADMA
AMBROSE
ZEN
WELCOME TO THE MOON CHILDREN AND FRIENDS. MAY THE MOTHER MOON GUIDE YOU TO HAPPINESS.
I noticed that Ambrose was marked through. It seemed like the hill was here for all of the moon children and their companions. The comfort on the hill was unlike any other. As if I had been destined to be here ever since I was fist born. It almost felt like home. Not quite but almost.
“We will sleep here tonight. Tomorrow we will talk about the future and what it will hold.” Snell stretched. “It’s quite cozy Zen you will love it. Now let's all get some rest.”
The next day we all woke up did our own morning routine. The only similarity we all had was the ritualistic jog that Tibby started. It was a part of who we were. After the jog everyone went their own ways for their own morning routine. I on the other hand sat and collected all my thoughts together.
“Well as we eat we will talk about where we go from here.” Elena sat down beside me. It startled me back to reality. I felt Amil get restless on my arm. He finally unwrapped himself and gave a chirp as everyone came and sat around in a circle.
“Zen did you get a familiar? I knew you would.” Snell clapped me on the back. It was at that exact moment that Amil turned from a snake into a bat. The sun reflected off his silver skin giving him a look of being born anew.
“Snell I don’t think snakes should change animals like that.” Elena jumped from her skin.
“No Elena. That not a snake though. That’s a shifter. I have never seen one in all my years of travels. I’ve only ever heard stories.” Snell gazed in awe at Amil.
“Everyone this is Amil. He is my brother. Not just my familiar. Please be kind to him he is still young but he is just as much one of us as the other familiars. They are l family.” I stroked Amil for a little as he turned into a kitten and curled up in my lap.
“What a wonderful familiar Zen.” Maybe now Shadow will have a friend the same way Hansi and Baby are friends.” Elena seemed overjoyed. “Although shadow and Silvey could be friends.”
We spent the afternoon talking about what happened in the tomb of the enchantress and about the stone. It was near dark when we finally had everything figured out.
“So it’s decided then.” Zoran let out a yawn. “I forgot how tiring this could all be.”
“It is Zoran. But it’s needed.” Lucy looked me up and down. “Zen you are truly remarkable. I wish I could spare the time to go with you and the others. I will find support here for us. I have a feeling we might need it later.”
“Does it really have to be this way though. Can’t you come with us Lucy? Or what about you Zoran? You sure you have to go too?” I looked at the both of them pleadingly.
“I can’t just leave Heather, Zen. But if things go well I will meet up with all of you. And Heather will be with me.” Zoran let out a small sigh. “We have a lot that's about to start now.”
“Don’t worry Zen. If all goes well it won’t just be us three. We have a lot of time. Eleven months to be exact before we meet up with Ezog.” Snell smiled gently. “And even if it’s just us you will finally get to meet Drakon. I know how long you have wanted to.”
“But I’m not ready to say goodbye to Zoran or Lucy either.” Elena gave a small sigh. “If I can’t stop you then I will be fine. I just hope everyone is okay while we are gone.”
“So it’s decided. Tomorrow we will let Zoran and Lucy leave. If all goes well we will all meet back up at Shino’s shrine in eleven months.” Snell gave a big smile. “I’m hoping we get to see each other again soon. May the sun and moon guide you safely back to us.”
We all went to bed that night with heavy hearts. It wasn’t going to be easy for anyone. But Snell was going to train Elena and I in the forest for the next eleven months. Hopefully Zoran and Lucy would be able to meet us back at the shrine for Shino. It was going to feel like a lifetime without them.
We all woke up the next morning. The air was a lighter more somber mood than it had been for a long time. The morning was filled with goodbyes and see you soon. Farewells and misty eyes had us all looking forward to a time not so far in the future. The day continued on like this until both Lucy and Zoran had both left.
“Well now. Time for some serious training. I hope you will all be prepared for times to come.” Snell gave us a small sad smile. “I’m afraid things won’t be easy. But we have each other. We will make it through all of this.”
I noticed that Ambrose was marked through. It seemed like the hill was here for all of the moon children and their companions. The comfort on the hill was unlike any other. As if I had been destined to be here ever since I was fist born. It almost felt like home. Not quite but almost.
“We will sleep here tonight. Tomorrow we will talk about the future and what it will hold.” Snell stretched. “It’s quite cozy Zen you will love it. Now let all get some rest.”
The next day we all woke up did our own morning routine. The only similarity we all had was the ritualistic jog that Tibby started. It was a part of who we were. After the jog everyone went their own ways for their own morning routine. I on the other hand sat and collected all my thoughts together.
“Well as we eat we will talk about where we go from here.” Elena sat down beside me. It startled me back to reality. I felt Amil get restless on my arm. He finally unwrapped himself and gave a chirp as everyone came and sat around in a circle.
“Zen did you get a familiar? I knew you would.” Snell clapped me on the back. It was at that exact moment that Amil turned from a snake into a bat. The sun reflected off his silver skin giving him a look of being born anew.
“Snell I don’t think snakes should change animals like that.” Elena jumped from her skin.
“No Elena. That not a snake though. That’s a shifter. I have never seen one in all my years of travels. I’ve only have ever heard stories.” Snell gazed in awe at Amil.
“Everyone this is Amil. He is my brother. Not just my familiar. Please be kind to him he is still young but he is just as much one of us as the other familiars. They are l family.” I stroked Amil for a little as he turned into a kitten and curled up in my lap.
“What a wonderful familiar Zen.” Maybe now Shadow will have a friend the same way Hansi and Baby are friends.” Elena seemed overjoyed. “Although shadow and Silvey could be friends.”
We spent the afternoon talking about what happened in the tomb of the enchantress and about the stone. It was near dark when we finally had everything figured out.
“So it’s decided then.” Zoran let out a yawn. “I forgot how tiring this could all be.”
“It is Zoran. But it’s needed.” Lucy looked me up and down. “Zen you are truly remarkable. I wish I could spare the time to go with you and the others. I will find support here for us. I have a feeling we might need it later.”
“Does it really have to be this way though. Can’t you come with us Lucy? Or what about you Zoran? You sure you have to go too?” I looked at the both of them pleadingly.
“I can’t just leave Heather, Zen. But if things go well I will meet up with all of you. And Heather will be with me.” Zoran let out a small sigh. “We have a lot that about to start now.”
“Don’t worry Zen. If all goes well it won’t just be us three. We have a lot of time. Eleven months to be exact before we meet up with Ezog.” Snell smiled gently. “And even if it’s just us you will finally get to meet Drakon. I know how long you have wanted to.”
“But I’m not ready to say goodbye to Zoran or Lucy either.” Elena gave a small sigh. “If I can’t stop you then I will be fine. I just hope everyone is okay while we are gone.”
“So it’s decided. Tomorrow we will let Zoran and Lucy leave. If all goes well we will all meet back up at Shino’s shrine in eleven months.” Snell gave a big smile. “I’m hoping we get to see each other again soon. May the sun and moon guide you safely back to us.”
We all went to bed that night with heavy hearts. It wasn’t going to be easy for anyone. But Snell was going to train Elena and I in the forest for the next eleven months. Hopefully Zoran and Lucy would be able to meet us back at the shrine for Shino. It was going to feel like a lifetime without them.
We all woke up the next morning. The air was a lighter more somber mood than it had been for a long time. The morning was filled with goodbyes and see you soon. Farewells and misty eyes had us all looking forward to a time not so far in the future. The day continued on like this until both Lucy and Zoran had both left.
“Well now. Time for some serious training. I hope you will all be prepared for times to come.” Snell gave us a small sad smile. “I’m afraid things won’t be easy. But we have each other. We will make it through all of this.”