Fourteen years later
My name is Keliana Iris Larkin, and my family and I are warriors. We are powerful angelic beings called immortals. We've travelled through many dimensions and vast celestial planes battling the darkness that wants to rule all life forms. Through the countless attacks and battles between our kind and the demons, our family has seen its sheer time of great loss and deaths over the past millennium. The powers that govern us, sent my family to another dimension called Earth One as this would be our new home until they say otherwise. We are the last survivors of the Larkin bloodline, the last defence against the demonic stronghold that threatens to take over mankind to rule the earth.
Earth One is very beautiful to behold to the natural eyes, but when you look on with your spiritual eye, you see the darkness that fills the land. This world is covered with portals and gateways that can only be seen by us or any of God's most obedient and faithful servants and higher rank demons. He may even choose to show mortals the many mysteries and wonders that surround us every day, which may be shocking to the earth's inhabitants.
To get a better view of how these portals and gateways are connected, one can view it from high in the sky while hovering like an eagle. These gifts as they are called are given to a chosen few. After all, who wants to see demons, portals, gateways and hell every day? Some called it the never-ending nightmare of hellfire.
Humans are lucky they don't get to see what is around them constantly, as they would either run around screaming all day long or try killing themselves, just to be free. Some may even choose to compromise their souls and use the gift for good or evil. It depends on whose voice they listen to daily.
With the loss of our youngest brother weighing heavily on our hearts, we tried to drown out what we have been doing for centuries and have a few moments to ourselves to grieve. We settled in a large city population of people that had huge shopping malls, nuclear power plants, solar generators, water plants, hotel chains, major businesses and vineyards. We choose one of the hotels to settle in on the outskirts of the main vineyard. We were so out of it that we did not realize something had followed us to our new home and we would be in the middle of a demonic turf war.
Sirens and smoke woke my family and me up, coughing as we watched thick black clouds rising from burning buildings and the landscape surrounding us. From our seventh-floor hotel room, we stepped out to the balcony and saw as the wind rained ashes everywhere like snow blanketing the town while the fire still blazed in the distance.
How could we fight? We have no real weapons that were blessed and passed on from generation to generation. My father managed to make some swords and shields from his travel to Japan in search of some rare metal. He used Japanese carbon steel to make seven new swords and shields for my family. Even though he knew one would never be used as Drako is no more. He still hung it with the rest of our artillery.
He rallied everyone around in the living room and brought the swords from the main bedroom closet that he hid them in. He had engraved our family crest and motto into the sword, "Gloriam Dei" which means 'God's Glory'. The family crest depicted an eagle with a sword, a shield and a golden cross in the background.
"These are not like our own, but wield them as best as you can and strike straight and true. God's glory shall be ours today," he said, as he handed my sister and two brothers their swords and shields. He looked at me and hesitated for a moment, before giving them to me. My mother took her own and Drakos as she said, "This is for Drako, may his soul rest in peace."
After fourteen years, one would think that my family has recovered from the death of my parent's youngest son. I was now the last of my parents' love. When they moved to earth one, my mother did not know I was in her womb and continued as though everything was normal. I believe my family views me as both a blessing and a curse. I could never replace Drako, but he was no longer their last child, I am.
After jumping from the balcony, my family and I walked into what looked like hell on earth, as Mondola, a ruler of dark spirits from the Neither Dimension, seemed to have followed my family to earth and chose to wage war against another malignant spirit that ruled this part of the country and our new home was caught in the middle.
Mondola sent one of his fire-breathing, dragon-like beasts, known as the harbinger of death, to destroy our home. This was the first time I experienced the forces of evil and realized that fiends and dragons were not a figment of my imagination or stories my family told me to scare me. It also confirmed that what I witnessed at birth was real, not a dream. If everything that I have seen is real, then this world is full of horrors that want to devour men's souls. They also wanted to destroy the only home I have known from birth until now. Yes, I was born on Earth One, while my siblings were born in the Neither.
Swords clashed with demon claws and debris flew everywhere as my family and I tried to restore peace to this robust community. As demons flanked on both sides, I managed to fight them off but shortly after, I was surrounded. I tried to call for help, but everyone else had their own battle to contend with so I started to fight them off as best as I could.
Suddenly, I noticed that some of the demons that surrounded me started to run away, foolishly, I smirked to myself, thinking that I was the one to instil their fear. As I continued to fight, a shadow began to loom over my head, I thought it was simply a cloud blocking the sun only to find out that it was the harbinger closing in on me, it was too late. Before I knew it, I was pinned to the ground by its claws and was unable to move. The tip of the claws felt like hot metal searing into my flesh, I wriggled my right arm free from its grasp to wield my sword and with a flick of its tail; my sword slid to the next side of the road. It smiled at me, then growled with the stench of death coming from its mouth. The dragon opened his mouth wider and I saw the fires of hell racing down to consume me. I closed my eyes to cry for help one last time, but this time it was God that I cried out to and immediately I heard a deep guttural roar and my body went limp. I felt as free as the wind that blew my hair over my face. My body felt as light as air, "Is this death?" I wondered as my eyes remained closed to embrace the feeling. After hearing a huge crash, I felt my body floating in the air, peeking through my eyelids. I saw a majestic being resembling what I would imagine an angel to look like. My eyes closed and I awoke to the warm embrace of the ground beneath me. I looked to see if the person was still there, and he was not, and the harbinger was no more. The war ended.
***
A few months later.
After my first battle, my parents moved to a quiet modern community, on a small tropical island called Jamaica. It was one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to, gorgeous, lush and charming. The people were kind, caring and colourful with their art and words at times, but at least life seemed peaceful. The fertile soil sprung forth giant coconut trees and breathtaking views all around, with the white sands and spellbinding sea, looked so inviting, I planned to swim there the first chance I got.
As time passed, the community developed into a large city with schools, shopping malls and everything you crave or wanted was right here in this bustling city. I also noticed everywhere was loaded with demons of all sizes and shapes; each demon vying for a hold of the souls that dwelled or visited Herinac.
The solitude my parents wanted was now nowhere to be found. They enrolled us in various schools due to the age difference, ranging from fourteen to nineteen; at least that was the age on our passports and birth documents. I haven't lived the many lifetimes my older siblings have lived and yet they still could pass for teenagers.
We were blessed with youthful genes; some would say it's a curse to look so young all the time. But I like to view things in a positive light. I shouldn't be looking to visit adult shows or clubs, just for fun. My classmates found me weird and called me "Ms. Goody-goody". It didn't matter to me as I had more important things to deal with, like this tall, hideous, deep black hole for the eyes of a demon, now smiling at me, beckoning me to follow him. Was he really smiling at me or tempting me to find him and send him back to his maker?
The teacher was talking, but I couldn't quite focus as my thoughts were otherwise occupied. Finally, the school bell rang. I grabbed my bag and was ready to go through the door. I was free to find out exactly what was happening.
"Ms. Larking, a word please," she said.
I felt the need to run after the demon and ignore her request, but I can't afford to be sent to the principal's office on the first day of school.
"Yes Ms. Pater," I replied as I walked over to her, trying not to lose sight of the demon, hoping I would still be able to track it if it moved.
"I noticed you were not paying attention in my class, did you already learn this subject at your old school?" she asked.
"Ahm, no…it's just that I got distracted. I am sorry Ms. Pater, it won't happen again," I replied hurriedly.
"Did you hear the part about a pop quiz tomorrow to test your knowledge on what you know about the subject so far?" she asked.
"I did, but I really need to go now Ms. Pater," I said trying not to sound too anxious.
"Oh okay, go." She replied fanning me off.
I ran to the building across from my classroom. I walked cautiously, listening for any sound that might alert me as to where the demon might be hiding. I entered through the white slightly opened door that had a burnt mark on the handle. My right foot immediately started pulsing. He is close, very close. I drew for my sword, which was invisible to the human eye which I wore strapped to my waits.
My eyes felt strange, I rubbed them once and realized I could see more clearly and my sense of smell was much better, it was like I was seeing and smelling everything fresh and brand new. I saw the trail of the demon and fire that circled a portal opening to the back of the long room. The scent of sulphur was hard to miss, it was everywhere. It's like the demons had a party and I was here to clean up their mess.
"Ahhh!" a girl screamed.
I started hearing voices and more screams and followed the sound to the other side of the school. It had a cemetery on its grounds. Why would anyone want to have a cemetery on school grounds, I wondered.
The odour was more pungent now and I looked up, the demon held a student in its black claws.
"Release the girl, or meet your maker," I yelled.
The demon smiled and had the student bouncing from one hand to the other.
I yelled once more, "What do you want?"
"I want your soul for this and in exchange, I will release those other students there."
I followed his black claws and saw he was not alone, six more demons were with him, and each held a student in the air. The air smelled of death and decay, but I still could see they were alive, yet suspended moving as though they were floating in the water.
"I don't make deals with demons," and with that I released my sword and leapt into the air moving fast, to slash the demons with my white flaming sword. I then noticed another figure at the corner of my eye as I cut them down with just one strike. The students I manage to catch with the help of my mother who showed up at the end to help me with them.
"How did you know I needed help?" I asked.
"I always know when my children need help," she replied.
My mind immediately flashed to Drako; if she always knew when we were in trouble, how come she didn't know about him? I dare not ask her now. She was almost back to normal, smiling and singing once in a while. Even Dad started to cheer up and taught me some of the powers that were passed on to him. That is how I was able to produce white flames on my sword. It was one of God's holy fires that were passed on to my family. Not everyone had the white flame as this signified that great powers lie deep within. My father's great, great grandmother's ancestor was the last to have the power of the white flame.
There were three levels of Holy fire, yellow being normally and wielded by almost everyone, then blue flame which was special, then white flame which was very rare and unique, which only happened once every one thousand years, passed on to the next immortal bloodline worthy of such powers.
We rested the students in a safe room and went to close the portals before more demons could follow. Once we finished we took them to the nurse's quarters to be looked after.
We walked outside to the car park and sat for a while just looking at each other for a long moment before either of us spoke.
"We need to find the strongman for this school so we can close all the portals here," Mom said.
I thought for sure one of them was it, but sure enough, more demons started crawling out of the woodwork as we sat, watching them slink around buildings.
"Shall we call the others to help Mother?" I asked.
"No. I'm sure we can manage on our own," she replied.
With that, we searched all night only finding imps and lower-level demons. The strong clarity I had before and the strong tingling in my right ankle faded. It was like he vanished.
"Perhaps he crawled back into the hole he came from," I said.
"Perhaps we should call it a night. Your teacher told me you have a quiz tomorrow. So let's head home so you can study."
***
Early morning
The drive to school was quiet, much too quiet. I wonder what is bothering my mother. She normally talks on the way to school warning me not to get into trouble and not to rush into danger without notifying her.
"Is everything okay Mother?" I asked.
She still looked blank like she didn't hear a word I said. We finally pulled into Adonai High School. She parked the black SUV in the teacher's assigned parking area. I got out and was about to close the door when she grabbed my wrist.
"Be careful Keliana, you don't have to prove how brave you are. We know how brave you are." She was pleased then slowly released her grip.
"Is everything okay Mom?" I asked again, hoping this time she would tell me what was happening.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it. Just listen to what I said," she replied.
***
The classroom was noisy, filled with teenagers constantly chatting and laughing, a paper ball flying through the air and then Ms. Pater walked in, catching the paper ball in mid-air.
"Since you are all having fun, I guess you all studied for your Language and Literature quiz and should pass with flying colours." She said smiling as she closed the classroom door. "Please clear your desk, only a pen and wipeout should be present."
Everyone hurried to their seats, cleared their desk and waited for her to place the dreaded quiz paper before them.
"You have one hour to complete this test. There are two sections, with fifty questions each. You have thirty minutes to complete each section of the quiz. Please turn over your papers and begin." Ms. Pater announced.
I looked at my pink watch and noticed the hour was just about up. I placed my pen down as Ms. Pater said, "Pens down, eyes in front."
She made her way around the class once more, collecting the papers, and then the bell rang signalling for another period.
"You will get your results next week, your homework is to write a short story incorporating your favourite person or persons and themed Angels versus Demons, this I will collect in two weeks' time." She said.
I couldn't help but notice a strange smile lurking on the corner of her lips.
The students groaned at her request, and then she added "I look forward to reading all your stories, including yours Ms. Larkin. I have a feeling it will be a fascinating tale.
This time I watched her leave the classroom with the other students rushing through the door.
I sat in my seat and replayed what my mother said yesterday over and over, "I always know when my children need help". What if the reason she never felt Drako in danger is that he was never in danger? Maybe he is still alive and he survived all these years. He would have been fifteen this year. You're probably saying so what if he is alive, how are you going to find him. Well, I recently found out I have a second gift. The gift of sight allows me to touch things and see where it has been or what happened to them. If Mother or Father could give me something that Drako had, then I could tell what had happened to him. My mother said I should keep this to myself when she found out about the gift from an early age. But warned me not to use it and I haven't till now. But in order for this to work, my family have to be willing to try it.
School ended without any strange incidents, it's like the demons took a holiday. That surely wasn't possible, but I searched the entire school and felt nothing, saw no strange sightings. Is it possible the demons were running scared? I wondered.
Dad picked me up from school as Mom had to leave early to run some errands. It's strange sometimes to watch as my family adopt a new way of life acting like normal human beings. My mom was a teacher and my father was the mechanic, with my older siblings off to university, everything looked normal on the outside, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something big was going to happen.
My father decided to become a mechanic and opened a garage and car wash service. He could fix anything from a bicycle to a tanker and if need be, I believe he could even fix a jet. As I said my parents lived a millennium of a lifetime so they had time to learn every language, and profession and invent new things too. My father also loves technology and is always one step ahead of what humans were coming up with as the latest technological advance finding.
"How was school today kiddo?" he asked ruffling my hair.
"It was good, nothing happened. School seemed pretty normal as a matter of fact," I replied.
"Maybe it's just what God intended to happen, you and your mom closed the portal and got rid of the demons that came out." He said.
"Dad, we saw lots of them last night, but we didn't get rid of the strongman. It is still out in this world," I ranted.
"Honey, look, it's okay to stop and rest. Tomorrow is another day, today we have a guest. My friend Linos is here to visit. You will be meeting him for the first time," he replied.
"Is he the reason why Drako is not with us?" I asked.
He looked at me with a shocked expression on his face.
"No! Linos and I are like brothers, we grew up together as children and we shared everything, well except for your mother. But as children, we were inseparable, always competing against each other and as we got older we got more competitive. We even had a duel over your mother, I won, but most importantly, your mother chose me…" he said.
"But didn't Linos hate you for always winning? It sounds like he was jealous of you all his life." I replied.
"Keliana, please he is not the jealous kind. And please call him Uncle Linos. He says he has brought us back news of the attack on Drako and perhaps he was able to recover our weapons," Dad said.
I saw the hope and gleam in his eyes and rested my case. He was happy to have another immortal to talk to that was not related to him. Who was I to take that away from him?
We eventually pulled up to our seven-bedroom home. Other cars were parked in the driveway so Dad parked on the grass outside. It seems my siblings were home too. It was almost a year since we have been together. We Skyped once or twice a week just to catch up, but everyone was here now. Mom even had a new hairstyle. It wasn't out like it always was, red hair, cascading around her shoulders, almost brushing her hips. She had it in a bun with a few strands of curls here and there. She looked really beautiful.
"Ah Michelle, you look exquisite as usual. I hope Erinic has been taking good care of you," Linos said.
The look he gave my mother was one of lust, how come Dad couldn't see it? I watched from a distance as everyone fawned over him. Was I the only one that sensed he was hiding something? He may not be a demon, but he was not a true friend to my family.
If only I was there to save Drako from those that took him, then maybe Earth One would not have been our home. Maybe we would have closed all portals and moved back to the Nether Dimension.
"Come little one, don't be shy. Uncle Linos has something for you." He said as he walked slowly towards me, as though I was a wounded animal he was trying not to scare away.
"My name is Keliana and I am not little," I said.
Laughing, he said, "You have your mother's fire, little…Keliana. You are much like my son, Dante. He is free-spirited and wild. Every day he makes me proud to be his father.
"You had a son? I didn't know Marri was able to conceive." My father asked.
"Yes, it happened almost right after you left for the earth, we found out she was with a child," Linos explained.
My mother turned away when he started showing baby pictures of Dante. My father held my mother and I saw for the first time, tears escaping my parent's eyes in months.
He brought no happiness to us, only sadness.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
He stopped and smiled, then placed his gift on the table before me.
"My men and I managed to locate your armour recently and brought them back knowing you would rather use these weapons than those forged in this dimension." He replied as he went to a huge black metal trunk that had straps on it. He opened it revealing the weapons I saw being wielded by them in a dream.
Everyone jumped for joy and hugged him. I watched him whisper something to my mother. I couldn't quite make it out. But he took her hand and led her to the veranda. I followed silently and sat by the doorway listening.
"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to make you or your family sad by showing my sons' picture," he said.
"No, please Linos, it's not that, we are happy for you and your wife. It's just that he looks so much like our son," She replied.
"Sometimes I wish you were my wife. But I know that is of the past." He said.
"I knew he still had feelings for my mother," I screamed in my mind.
"I didn't know you still had feelings for me," my mother replied.
I looked around to see if anyone was listening, but they were too busy pretending to fight with their old armour. A loud crash came from the living room. My siblings then decided to take it to the backyard, after breaking one of my mother's vases.
I guess she didn't hear them as she was still talking with Linos.
I decided I didn't need to hear anymore, I already knew Linos was a problem I was just going to have to make him disappear just like the demons that inhabited this world.
I shared out my dinner and made my way to my room, there was nothing for me downstairs and my so-called uncle's gift was left on the table. I was too tired to fake happiness or thankfulness.
The next morning I asked my mother to tell me the story of my birth once more. She told me many times but this time I was going to take in everything and analyse it. We walked out to the garden to our special spot where we lay in the huge hammock, shaded by a giant palm tree and reasoned sometimes.
"You were born for a specific purpose Iris. As I lay on the hospital bed, listening to the doctors telling me to push; I saw demons and angels fighting over you…" She paused as I drew closer to her and she played in my hair, wrapping a lock of my black hair around her fingers. Her eyes then drifted as she went back in time recalling my birth.
"Mrs. Larkin, You need to push, push now." The doctors said.
"But I never pushed as I saw a demon grab your leg and the angels were fighting to release you. I did not want to risk leaving your soul behind and have a dead child."
"Go on Mother," I said hoping she wouldn't stop.
"I heard you scream and watched you thrashing wildly as the demon's grip was burning into your skin. I tried to fight them off you, but I had to stay still and silently prayed for help to arrive with delivering you. Finally, an arc angel came and helped the other angels defeat the demons holding you. The doctors told me to push as your head crowned. I didn't want any wayward birth. Seeing that you were finally free, I pushed with as much strength as was needed and you came forth with a handprint on your right leg."
She paused to look at my right ankle, and then shook her head and continued.
"The doctors thought it was some weird birthmark. But I knew the truth and the truth was the demons never wanted you to be born." She finished, kissing the top of my head.
"I hope you know you are one of the best parts of our lives and don't you ever forget it," she said and got up and went to make breakfast.
You may think that it's impossible for demons to try to stop your birth, but it's true. They know we have a purpose and will do anything in their power to keep you from fulfilling it.
***
Six months later a new semester began.
Getting up early to go to school became the norm once more. We finished eating breakfast, and then Mom drove us to school, maybe I will make friends this time around, but then again, one look at me and people would think I am a freak. I haven't learnt to control my powers yet and sometimes my iris changes when demons are near. My natural colour is hazel, but when supernatural beings or portals are near my eyes change colour from hazel to a light shade of blue, green or red. Sometimes when my eyes change colour, I can't make the demons out clearly but I know they are there.
I have noticed these changes got stronger over the time period Uncle Linos started visiting us more often. I realized my mother had placed his gift in my room. Maybe one day I will look at what's wrapped in the pretty red and gold wrapping paper.
The drive to school was like any other day, but something about the sky seemed a darker shade of grey and the air smelled of burnt flesh. I saw purple-black smoke coming from one of the classrooms around the back.
"Stay right here Iris, I will come back for you when I am sure the danger is over," Mom said after parking the car close to the exit.
"I will try," I said, "As you know me, I can't keep still for too long."
"I waited for what seemed like a lifetime, and cautiously checked out my surroundings; kids were running around screaming, guards trying to keep the students calm.
No sign of my mother anywhere. My right ankle started to tingle a little so I knew a lower demon was at work here. I continued around the back and saw my mother and a fire wielder fighting six half-lizard snake human-size demons. But then out of the corner of my eyes, something dark moved and my right ankle pulsed stronger almost like it had a heartbeat.
My mother yelled at me and I turned and saw the horror in her eyes, I followed her gaze and looked high above me and saw the most hideous demon I ever laid eyes on. He had dragon legs, a bull skull for a head with black eyes that seem to go fathoms deep into an abyss. I felt someone tackle me and then I saw the demon catch on fire and watched it burn and scream then disappeared.
"What was that?" I asked as this new girl helped me up.
"I told you to stay in the car, Iris. You could have been killed," My mother said as she ran over hugging me checking to ensure I was all there, before scolding me about staying in the car again.
"That was holy fire," she replied. "Demons don't like anything holy. So whenever my fire touches them, they burn out and return to whence they came," she finished.
She was my hero and I owe her my life. I was still in awe of this fierce girl.
"Who are you?" I managed to croak.
"My name is Reagan and the person that tackled you there is my cousin Joenell," she said shaking my hand.
"I'm Iris, I mean my name is Keliana," I managed to stumble.
"So is it Iris or Keliana," she asked as she checked my head.
"Iris is my nickname. Keliana is my birth name," I replied.
"Thank you both for helping my daughter," my mother said as she shook both their hands. Her phone started to ring and stepped aside to answer the phone.
"So you like looking at demons, or were you planning to fight it by staring it to death?" Joenell asked.
I still couldn't believe what I just saw. It was one thing to hear the stories of these high-order demons, but having one come at you was just something I was not prepared to see. I guess my parents were right to keep me under their wings.
I need to practice more. I can't fight these demons with what I already have. Seems like child's play.
"Iris, did you hear what I just said?" Joenell asked standing in front of me.
"I'm sorry. What did you say?"
Joenell sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and concern. "I said, staring demons down won't exactly make them tremble in fear. It takes a bit more than that, believe me."
"I know, I know," I replied sheepishly. "I guess I was just caught off guard. I've never encountered a demon up close like that before."
"Well, consider it a wake-up call," she said with a reassuring smile. "Demons are cunning and powerful creatures. If you want to protect yourself and others, you'll need to train, hone your skills, and learn to harness your inner strength."
"You're right," I admitted, determination flickering in my eyes. "I won't let fear paralyze me. I'll embrace this new reality and become the best warrior I can be."
"That's the spirit!" Joenell exclaimed, patting me on the back. "With the right mindset and proper training, you'll be able to face any demon that comes your way."
As we spoke, a vibrant sunset painted the sky with hues of crimson and gold. The world seemed to hold its breath, anticipation hanging in the air.
"By the way," Reagan interjected, her voice filled with excitement. "If you're serious about learning, I can teach you a thing or two. My family has a long history of demon hunters, and we've gathered quite a wealth of knowledge over the years."
"I'd be honoured," I replied, grateful for the opportunity. "To have experienced warriors guide me on this path, it's more than I could have hoped for."
Reagan grinned. "Great! We'll start with the basics, but I promise you, we'll have you wielding weapons and casting spells in no time."
"I can't wait," I said, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through me. "I'm ready to embrace this new chapter and become the hero I was meant to be."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, we embarked on a journey that would test our limits, forge unbreakable bonds, and reveal the depths of our inner strength. The path ahead was treacherous, but with determination in our hearts and the colours of twilight guiding our way, we were ready to face whatever challenges awaited us. Together, we would defy the darkness and emerge victorious.
***
I couldn't sleep and woke up early the next morning and decided to leave the nest for a few minutes to clear my mind. I chose to walk, which turned into a run which turned into my roof-hoping routine. I perched on top of a skyscraper a few blocks from home. I then jumped to a lower rooftop with a pool and balcony. I paused for a moment, looking around to find the source of my feeling that I was being watched or followed. I moved closer to another roof as something caught my eye. I watched in silence as the mortals went about their daily lives, with demons attached to them, invisible to them. This must be blissful to humans. Not knowing or sensing evil spirits.
Hmm, what's this? It seems some of them do talk to these evil beasts. I watched as a woman dressed in a red business pantsuit, held one of the imps in her hand, talking to it as if it were a regular person.
I hopped to the rooftop top closer to her and listened to their conversation.
"Did you fix the office as I asked? And I need John to be fired today, also for Saroci to die before lunchtime," she said to the half-frog, half-lizard wrapped around her hand.
"Yes my queen," it replied in a high pitch reptilian screech. I wondered if no one else heard its response.
Without warning, someone grabbed my shoulder. I grabbed their hand and flipped them over, then drew my sword.
"Hey, take it, easy sis!" Caden said just in time. He then backflipped out of the point of my sword.
"What are you doing up here?" he asked.
"I was watching the mortals going about their day, but then one of them grabbed my attention. It seems some humans communicate with these devils," I replied.
"Where?" he asked.
I turned and tried to locate the woman in red, "it seemed she disappeared," I replied.
"Come on Mom wants us all together," he said before hitting my shoulders and said, "Tag, the last one has to do all the chores for a week, including washing my smelly socks."
"You think I am going to make that bet again? No!" I shouted but it was too late, he had already disappeared. I leapt from rooftop to rooftop before reaching mine.
I stopped and noticed Caden leaning on the wall of the open balcony, smirking at me, with a blue basket at his feet.
"What took you so long?" He asked as he handed me his dirty clothes and armour to clean. "Hey ensure those are spotless, you know how Dad gets when he finds a speck of dust on them.
I smirked right back and was tempted to throw them on him, but then that would disturb the tranquillity my parents wanted. Having four kids in the house was like asking for trouble. But we tried our best to play nice with each other or at least I did. I was the baby and as such everyone treated me like one. The least I could do was try to give my parents the solitude they wanted indoors since it was nowhere to be found outdoors.
I washed his clothes along with my own and cleaned our weapons. They were spotless as Father wanted them to be. I placed his clothes along with his weapons in his room and turned into my room to get some shut-eye.
The gift stared at me, willing me to open it and see what was in it. I finally gave in. I unwrapped the red and gold wrapping paper which revealed a black suede box. I slowly opened the box to reveal a red suede pouch. Wow, it was quite soft to the touch. I lifted it out and realised something was in the pouch. I emptied it in my hand.
I clasped my fingers around the cylindrical crystal. My mind flashed to see Lino's wife giving him the crystal to give me as a gift; their son Dante holding it, smiling. He seemed quite handsome. Then the flashes stopped. I felt so exhausted that I fell asleep with the crystal in my hand. I was out like a light.
***
Next morning…
"Iris, Iris come for breakfast and don't let me come up there for you!!!" Khalisa shouted.
I jumped up. If Khalisa was shouting, then Mom and Dad were not home. What happened last night? Why can't I remember?
To be continued…