Species (according to Ursa):
23) Djinns
- Trickster spirits
- Famous in Middle East
o Djinns prefer dry, arid lands
o Known as also as genies
§ Can grant wishes but that isn't their sole purpose
§ Grant wishes to amuse themselves
§ Some were imprisoned but they were imprisoned by either other Djinns or SoulEaters
§ Making wishes does not free them
· Just allusion they use to make the humans that find them feel like they are in control
- Highly cunning, but intelligence levels vary
- Tend to love shiny, valuable things
o sounds like crows and dragons (Ursa doesn't approve of this note)
- Solo creatures
o Highly competitive and distrusting by nature so they don't associate with other djinns
o ? – don't they get lonely?
- Not necessarily evil or bad
Chenoa stayed with the group until dinner was over. There was idle chatter but Chenoa couldn't stop thinking about Kylmä. The woman seemed so sad and lonely, yet full of forgiveness. It made Chenoa wonder about what Kylmä had been trying to tell her for Chenoa was positive that Kylmä had been trying to tell Chenoa something. When it was time to sleep, for the Unos slept during the day, Chenoa said she could not sleep and asked if she could wander around. Hävitty warned her of their perimeters and then they all left her to sleep, including her two friends.
Wandering aimlessly in the Opera house, Chenoa studied the old paintings. They were beautiful and fanciful, depicting singing dragons, dancing bears, and skeletal angels. Normally this would just seem weird but somehow it fit in Taikaa. On either side of the stage were paintings of a man and woman who stood as tall as the roof. They were too tall to see their faces but Chenoa's gut told her that they were gods of Taikaa. The paint had chipped and faded too much to distinguish any details; however, Chenoa could feel the paintings must have been magnificent when created.
Behind the stage Chenoa found a door leading to a small dressing room. Pushing the door ajar, Chenoa peeked inside to see Kylmä sleeping soundly on a plush, but worn, mattress. The room had a few pieces of old furniture from a dressing room, a vanity, full length mirror and clothing rod, but otherwise was bare. Kylmä slept soundly; her body looked more transparent then before as her Firedweller veins flared inside of her. A gentle breeze blew in from a high window. Shivering, Chenoa looked around for a blanket, thinking that Kylmä must be freezing.
"You are very kind, Chenoa," a tender voice said affectionately. "But she does not need a blanket."
Snapping around, Chenoa saw what she could only assume was a relative of Cor's. Standing next to Kylmä was a gigantic wolf with wings. The wolf was slightly smaller than Cor, though her elegance, because it was apparent to Chenoa that it was a female, far out-shown Cor. She was pure white. So white that it dazzled and almost blinded Chenoa. Icy blue fur rolled down her back like an ocean wave over her blazing white fur, beginning behind her perked ears and ending at her tail. Her tail flared out behind her, full and bushy, looking so soft that Chenoa found her fingers twitching to touch it. Matching the blue wave on her back, the female wolf had icy blue eyes that glowed with warmth and an icy blue diamond star on her forehead. Springing from her back were delicate, luscious dove wings, which curled ladylike around her sides.
"Thank you," Chenoa blinked, unsure of how she had been kind. "You must be one of the winds."
"I am," the wolf nodded. "I am Ventus Aquilonia. You may call me Lonia. I know, of course, that you are Chenoa Rose. The winds are all abuzz about you."
"It is nice to meet you, Lonia. Why are the winds buzzing about me?"
"In due time."
Lonia smiled, though Chenoa felt a tug of irritation. Were all the winds so stand-offish and mysterious?
"Why are you here?" Chenoa decided to change the subject.
"I come every daybreak while Kylmä sleeps. Her body needs cooling so that it will not break. You must have noticed her body becoming thinner."
"It did start looking more see through…"
"Yes. Her Firedweller blood melts her Icedweller body. Since she chooses not to live in the artic like her family, she needs cooling and rebuilding of her body every night."
"You do that for her? That is so kind."
"It is the least I can do."
"Why do you say that?"
"I promised Onatah I would take care of the Unos."
"Onatah?"
"You would know her as the Great Goddess. She had a special place in her heart for the children born of opposite couples."
"Why?"
"She felt guilty and responsible since she created all the original species."
"How is it her fault?"
"Because against the belief of some, she decided to make it possible for any one creature to love any other creature."
"That sounds like a good thing. Why would anyone object that?"
"Because, dear Chenoa, you get children like the Unos. Children who were created because their parents didn't think of the consequences."
Lonia's voice became as icy as her fur. The air dropped suddenly, causing Chenoa to shiver involuntarily. The walls started to form splendid ice crystals that glittered, stretched, and spread like fine spider webs across the walls. Finite threads of ice connected the crystals as they spread further and further around the room, while Chenoa's breath came out in thick clouds and her body tightened for warmth. Lonia did not seem to notice and Kylmä's body relaxed as if finally comfortable. Rubbing her hands hard against her biceps, Chenoa clenched her teeth to keep them from chattering.
"Children always suffer for their parents' crimes," Lonia continued, her voice soft and heavy with grief. "These children are created by parents who socially, biologically and ideologically are total opposites and thus their children are shunned and abandoned. They, therefore, suffer greatly in life."
"Lonia…" Chenoa stammered, her body going numb from the plummeting temperature.
"Parents bring these poor children in with a partner they know is the total opposite of them and who their own tribes and groups don't accept. Then when the children are totally different from the other children, the parents abandon or shun or even try to kill them."
Lonia's wings were furling and unfurling with great agitation. Unable to stop her teeth, Chenoa's teeth chattered as the room began to become coated in solid ice. If the temperature kept dropping, Chenoa knew her own body would freeze. Splitting, her lips were dried and chapped. Breath was like a sharp frozen knife in her ribs.
"Lonia…" Chenoa gasped, barely audible now.
Spinning around, Lonia's eyes blazed like a winter storm. As her eyes settled on Chenoa, they became alarmed and immediately the temperature jumped up. Jumping elegantly, Lonia reached Chenoa and wrapped her surprisingly warm wings around her.
"I am so sorry, Chenoa," Lonia said, truly apologetic. "I didn't think about the fact that you're warm blooded."
"I... I…its...s…okay," Chenoa chattered, her body shivering uncontrollably.
"I just have no patience for ignorance."
"I can see."
"Let's get you out of here. This room is cool enough for Kylmä to rebuild her body. For now, we must warm you up."
Lonia led Chenoa out of the room into the stage area. Chenoa sat in one of the old theater seats and allowed Lonia to fan hot air onto her. The air smelled crisp, and had a small cold bite in it under the heat that flowed over her. After about five minutes, Chenoa felt her muscles relax and was able to breathe normally. Lonia didn't stop for another five minutes though. Once Lonia stopped, Chenoa sat quietly observing Lonia carefully. While she looked similar to Cor, there was something fundamentally different about her.
"Lonia, are all the Winds the same? Or are you all different?" she finally inquired.
"What do you mean?" Lonia laughed.
"I mean you and Cor seem similar but there is something very different about you."
"We winds are like just like any other creatures. We are the same on the basic level but we are each unique by our appearances, abilities and personalities."
"I can understand that but something just feels very different about you and Cor."
Becoming quiet and serious, Lonia studied Chenoa, unsure of what to say.
"Cor is and always has been very different from us. That is why he is our Heart. You would consider it like being our King. We all do our own thing but if something major happened we would respond to his command."
"I didn't know that."
"Cor isn't the type to share such information. Winds are by nature loners because we have the constant desire and need to be free and roam. Although we feel we are never really alone because we surround and see all creatures and things. Cor makes the rest of us look social. Yet he has his reasons. He is the oldest of us and has seen more than anyone can imagine."
"Like what?"
"I honestly don't know, but I know he has been around since the beginning."
"The beginning?"
"Of history. Of the worlds. He has seen it all."
"What? He has been alive that long?"
"If not longer."
"Did he know the gods and goddess?"
"Closely."
"Why didn't he tell me?"
"He doesn't like to talk about the past."
"But the past is so important to the present. Isn't that how we are supposed to learn? I mean that's what my history teacher always says."
"I agree, but Cor doesn't. It is not something I would push with him."
Falling silent, Chenoa thought. She never would have guessed that Cor was so old. He had been around with the original gods and goddesses. Did that mean he really know what split the worlds? Had they been his friends? Maybe he knew what happened to them.
Stretching Lonia shook her wings out before looking around. Rolling her shoulders out, Lonia took a deep breath. Staying in one place for too long made her restless. Usually she was only in the Opera house for an hour at most. Chenoa was too deep in thought to notice Lonia's restlessness.
"I must be going, Chenoa," Lonia finally said in a matter of fact tone. "I recommend that you and your friends do the same. Day is here and neither of the gangs do anything during the day."
Without another word, Lonia flipped her large bushy tail around her and she disappeared in a burst of frigid winter air. Biting her lip, Chenoa stood up. Knowing Lonia was right, Chenoa sneaked back into check on Kylmä who appeared a lot better. Once convinced that Kylmä was okay, Chenoa headed to find Chris and Lieben. They were sleeping, curled among the sleeping Unos. Smiling, Chenoa couldn't help but laugh to herself as she saw the boys both clutching the same blanket, having a sleeping tug-a-war over it.
Kneeling between them, she gently shook them both awake. Groggily they looked at her. Yawning they blinked and looked at her confused. Chris rubbed his right eye with his fist. Waving, she beckoned them to follow her quietly. Standing immediately, Lieben trailed after Chenoa as Chris, less smoothly, struggled to get up and follow. Making their way out of the Opera house, the three headed down the street. No one even noticed the three taking their leave, except Pimeä, who silently followed them until they left the room. Sadly, she watched them leave. Though she couldn't explain it, Pimeä found herself drawn to Chris.
Jogging, Chenoa wanted to get through the city as quickly as possible. The Unos had been nice enough but the other side would not be as kind. Chenoa hoped to get through the city before nightfall, yet as the city streets stretched far as Chenoa could see, she knew it wasn't going to happen. Chris and Lieben caught up and jogged next to Chenoa. They had the same desire as she did. Everyone wanted to get out of the city.
"They were really nice," Chris stated as they jogged. "But if they are the nice guys, I would hate to meet the bad guys. Plus, I don't mean to be mean but they made me feel uncomfortable."
"Vhy?" Lieben asked bemused.
"Well, they are all bizarre mixes. They make me think of the land of forgotten toys."
"Excuse me?"
"You know from the Rudolph Christmas movie. The land of forgotten toys. The place where broken or poorly made or just unpopular toys were sent because no one wanted them."
"Excuse me?"
Lieben's eyes narrowed as bright gold sparks climbed up his dreadlocks, making a sharp snapping noise. Chenoa could feel a fight coming and tried to intervene. Chris kept talking oblivious to Lieben's quickly building rage.
"I mean we all have hard lives but they seem just so destitute and lonely. It is kind of depressing."
"So you do not vant to be around them because they depress you?"
"Well, yeah, but its more. It feels wrong somehow."
Lieben stopped, his hair crackling with surges of anger. Chenoa jumped in front of Lieben, trying to talk him down. Yet he was not interested in what she had to say. Still not paying attention, Chris just would not shut up. Unable to believe how idiotic Chris was being, Chenoa held Lieben back, her head turned to look at Chris incredulously. Why the hell wouldn't he shut up?
"I am just saying," Chris sighed as he slowed to a walk. "It just seems like they need to get over it."
"Get over it?" Lieben said slowly.
Knowing it was coming, Chenoa could do nothing to stop it. Lieben leaped over Chenoa, tackling Chris. A strangled yell escaped Chris as he found Lieben overhead. With a whoompf, Lieben landed on Chris and the scrapple began. Lieben didn't bother to use his abilities but rather relied on his fists. Chris did his best to counter, but he mostly ended up defending himself.
"Stop it!" Chenoa hollered above their yells and grunts.
They ignored her and they rolled down the long paved street, blood splattering on the ground from both of them. Fists flew faster and harder as Chris's temper caught up with Lieben's. Chenoa couldn't even tell who was who after a while. Desperation gripped her chest as Chenoa could not see the fight stopping anytime soon. If they didn't stop, one or both of them was going to end up seriously hurt.
"I said stop!" Chenoa screamed, the black power bursting from her in a wave.
Everything, the air, the people, the insects, all frozen as if on pause. The boys found themselves stuck. Lieben was kneeling over Chris, his right arm stuck mid-swing as Chris looked up, his right hand wrapped in Lieben's shirt. They could not even look around. Their bodies seemed as if they had been covered with cement and hardened.
Chenoa held her head in her hands. The burst of power gave her a headache and she felt as if something was stressing in her mind, like a rubber band reaching its limit. When she closed her eyes she saw spots of bright electric blue light, which made her think of Cor. His name rang in her mind. The pressure eased a bit.
"C... ch... en...oa…" Chris managed to wheeze out through his cemented lips.
Taking a deep breath, Chenoa straightened up and walked over to them. Circling them, she analyzed them, taking her time on what she wanted to say. Her feelings were mixed. On one hand she understood how Lieben felt. Chris had said stupid and horrible things. Yet fighting while they had to get out of the damn city was the most asinine thing Chenoa could think of. Opening her mouth, Chenoa tried several times to say what she wanted to say, but couldn't. Finally, she swallowed hard and said the truth.
"Chris, I am one of those misfit toys you are talking about," Chenoa said softly. "Release."
Another flux of power shot out from Chenoa before she turned and headed down the street. Lieben collapsed on top of Chris, who gasped for air. Rolling off Chris, Lieben sat up and looked at Chenoa. He had never even thought of Chenoa as someone like him in that way. Chris felt his cheeks burn.
Walking alone, Chenoa stared around at the city. Underneath the new construction she could somehow see what it must have looked like originally. The city had been built to honor the Great Goddess. At some point this had changed. When the goddess had disappeared, the citizens of city built around the original structures. Had they been trying to make it grand to call her back or had natural greed taken over?
"Goddess?" Chenoa whispered to herself as if the Great Goddess could hear her. "Where did you go? Why did you abandon the misfits?"
A spark of heat fluttered in Chenoa's chest as if in response to her questions. Startled, Chenoa kept walking. Silent for a long moment, Chenoa wondered what had caused the Great Goddess to disappear. Everyone said that her body went to build the new worlds, yet if she was a goddess how could she just disappear? Could gods die? That seemed to contradict what Chenoa knew about gods. And if the goddess had died like in the myths she heard, why did everyone talk about her as if she had just disappeared? It didn't line up.
"Chenoa!" Chris's voice interrupted her thoughts.
His hand suddenly rested on her shoulder, grabbing her attention. He was panting from the sprint to catch up with her. Chenoa glanced at him and then refocused on the city around her. Pained, Chris kept his hand on her shoulder. It had never been his intention to hurt her.
"I wasn't talking about you, Chenoa," Chris said kindly.
"I know, Chris, but you shouldn't talk like that. You are thinking too much like the popular kid I know you as and not as the guy I have gotten to know since we left high school," Chenoa snapped, knowing she was hitting below the belt.
"Look, I know I was being insensitive, but I didn't mean you. I was just talking about the Unos. They aren't like you."
"That is where you are wrong. I am just like them. I am one of two only living Spellbinders. I am mixed heritage. I am only alive because my mother sacrificed her life for me and I was born because Cor helped my mother conceive. I have someone claiming I have a past, most likely a past life, which I don't remember and didn't believe in until now, and there is an unknown person who has a price on my head, aside from the one who took our friends.
"I can also not tell anyone in either Taikaa or Maa-Vallan what I am because people will either want to kill me, capture me or use me. I am exactly what they are. People who were born because others didn't think of the consequences. Yet, that isn't my or their fault."
Chris opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say. No matter what Chenoa said, he couldn't see her like he saw the Unos. They just weren't the same. Chenoa felt somehow relieved by her outburst. It made her feel less lonely. She knew that she wasn't exactly like the Unos because her father loved and wanted her, but she was a misfit. Knowing that they were too though made it feel more comfortable.
"I'm okay with it…I don't feel alone or bad or different. I just think you need to realize that it's not a bad thing. Not everyone and thing fits into normal settings and ideas or families."
"I know that. It's not like I'm normal either."
Rolling her eyes, Chenoa had to suppress her laugh. Frowning, Chris didn't like that Chenoa just thought he was Mr. Prefect. He had lots of things going on his life that weren't "normal." He just couldn't tell her yet.
"I know it may seem perfect, but there is a lot going on," Chris persisted.
"Chris, no one is perfect or normal, but some lives are just a little more different."
"Chenoa…"
Lieben ran up to them and put his arm around Chenoa. He had seen Chris do it several times and decided to try himself. Chenoa looked at him and smiled. The city and Chris had enlightened Chenoa to how much she had in common with Lieben. Wrapping an arm around his waist, Chenoa gave Lieben a small hug. He could see minor stress lines around her eyes and Lieben worried about Chenoa. She was new to being a misfit and he knew it could be hard. Jealously momentarily wiggled in Chris's stomach. Just because he wasn't some Portae mutt didn't mean he couldn't relate to Chenoa.
"Let's just drop the subject. You both look like hell," Chenoa sighed, her fingertips brushing against the faint bruises on Lieben's dark skin. "Let's find something to clean you all up."
They searched for a water source in the buildings around them until they found a sink that had a slow stream of water. The water smelled stale but it worked for cleaning them up. Chenoa decided not to heal their bruises. Her mind still felt like there was something pressing against its seals. She didn't want to risk using her power again, plus she felt the boys deserved their bruises. Once the boys were clean, they worked their way through the city again.
By then they were at least two hours from the Unos. The buildings, if possible, had gotten worse. It started looking like the buildings had been purposefully torn apart. The building had "Kuolema" tagged in small letters as if someone didn't want it to be too noticeable. Tisking his tongue, Lieben examined the tag.
"This is not good for the Unos," he told Chris and Chenoa. "Hävitty said that this whole area was Unos territory until you reached Roque's house. Even though this is small, it is a Kuolema tag, which means they are trying to take over the Unos territory. This won't go unnoticed for long."
"All the more reason to get through quickly," Chenoa nodded, seeing his point. A war would be coming.
After another few hours a large house came into view. It stood out because it was a massive log cabin that sprung up in the middle of the street. The roads made a roundabout around it and led on. The house had only about a five-foot green grass lawn encircling it. There was no question that it was Roque's house. As they drew closer, the door on the house opened and a large figure walked out. Chenoa thought at first he was Quälen from the red of his skin, however it became clear that he wasn't by his size and shape.
"What the hell?" Chris muttered as the figure, a man, became fully distinguishable.
The man was tall, about seven feet, but he could hardly be called a man. While he was stood on two legs and had hands, the man looked like a dragon. His body was covered in rich red scales and nine feet tall wings were folded to his back. A small sharp black horn sprouted from between his nostrils and two more rested where his eyebrows would be. The same small black horns ran down the center of his skull down his spine. Neon yellow eyes with black diagonal pupils peered out of his slim reptilian face. His hands were long and spindly. Holding a hand up to his eyes, the man stared at Chenoa, Chris and Lieben as they approached.
"You think that is Roque?" Chris whispered nervously.
"Big house in the middle of the city…I think that is a safe bet," Chenoa smiled kindly.
"Let's go meet him then."
Picking up the pace, they headed to the house. Once they reached his yard, they waved jovially, trying to seem as friendly and nonthreatening as possible. Studying them, the dragon man didn't say anything for a long moment.
"You must be Chenoa," he finally said, his eyes looking Chenoa up and down.
"Yes, I am Chenoa. Are you Roque?" Chenoa forced a smile.
"I am. Come on in. You are in time for lunch."
The group ran up the small yard into the house so not to be rude as Roque led the way. Inside was a single large room with a table, a full bed, a few chairs, stove and fireplace. Pointing to the table, Roque went to his partial kitchen and started bringing out plates from one of the few cabinets. Sitting quietly, the three looked around. Chenoa's attention was drawn to a small eleven by eight inch painting of a woman in a hand-carved frame. The woman was a MagicTeller with soft lavender skin, thick black curls, calico cat ears, and three beautiful jade green eyes. Her smile was playful and, even in the painting, her eyes danced with amusement. A thick candle sat in front of her painting, though it was melted down to the last few inches. The candle reminded Chenoa of the prayer candles Gabby's mom used for remembering family members who had passed away.
Roque placed tin plates of food in front of each of them. He seemed stoic and gruff as he sat down himself and began to eat. Despite his bestial appearance, Roque ate with a sense of etiquette and refinedness that Chenoa had never seen. Somehow she felt he was better educated than all of them. Awkwardly the three ate in silence, watching Roque. No one wanted to be the first to talk.
"I am guessing you ran into the Unos," he finally said, when his plate was clear.
Pushing it away from him, he looked seriously at them.
"Yes, we did," Chenoa nodded, licking her lips clean.
"They didn't give you any problems?"
"No, they were quite kind."
"Not too surprising. You all didn't fight or insult them so they wouldn't harm you. The Unos are just lonely lost kids, to be honest. But if provoked, they will destroy you."
"I am glad we didn't provoke them then."
"What are your plans now? It is barely past noon, but it will take you a full day to leave the city. If you head out now, you will be walking at night."
"The other side belongs to the Kuolema, correct?"
"Yes."
"And they are not as nice as the Unos?"
"Let's just say they are a different breed of creatures."
"What do you recommend?"
"I recommend you stay for the night and leave in the morning. They do not like to go out during the day. They usually sleep in daylight and play at night."
"Senoa, is das wise? To stay? Ve already are a day or more behind for meeting Cor and Ursa. Should ve not leave now?" Lieben asked, concerned. His whole body had started tingling since the fight he had with Chris and he worried about staying in the city longer than they needed to.
"I don't like having to stay here longer than necessary either, Lieben, but the chances of running into a Kuolema is much greater at night. Plus, in a few hours it will be dark and we will be in the middle of their territory. It doesn't feel safe."
"Ja, das is true, but it is not safe here too. No offense, sir, but I have a bad feeling."
"Chenoa is right, Lieben," Chris shook his head. "Getting stuck in the Kuolema territory at night just makes my skin crawl. We should just chill until we can leave during the day."
"Ja, I understand, but, Senoa, mine gut is saying something bad is coming."
"That is probably nightfall," Roque interrupted. "The closer to nightfall it is, the more bad feelings arise. We are on the borders of the two gangs. It isn't exactly safe and the Kuolema have been sneaking over more and more at night."
"Senoa, I vould really like to keep moving…"
"Lieben, I do get where you are coming from, but I am going to trust Roque just because he lives here. He knows the area. Okay?"
"Vhatever you vish…"
Lieben stood up and excused himself. Leaving to the front yard, Lieben looked around. His whole body felt on edge. He didn't want to stay in the city much longer, yet he would not disobey Chenoa's wishes. Chenoa trailed after him. She hoped he didn't think she didn't trust him or his instincts. It was just that Roque, while a stranger, had been recommended by Ursa and Cor; plus, he knew the city.
"Lieben…are you mad at me?" Chenoa asked softly.
Turning Lieben stared at Chenoa in surprise.
"No, mine friend. I just am feeling antsy."
"You know I am not choosing to stay because I don't trust you."
"I know, Senoa. Roque is Cor's friend. He knows the city better than me. I understand."
"Okay. You and Chris are very important to me. I don't want you all thinking I don't trust or value your opinions."
"Naw, fraulien. It's okay."
Plopping to the grass, Chenoa sighed. Lieben took a seat next to her and tosseled her hair. He loved the way she grinned when she was embarrassed.
"Lieben, what do you know of the gods and goddesses?" Chenoa asked absentmindedly.
"Only vhat mine mater taught me."
"What was that?"
"The gods vere poverful, imperfect creatures. They served Luoja and most of them loved us. None more so than the Great God and Goddess."
"That sounds pretty traditional. Where did they go?"
"I do not know. Mine mater says they vent home to their vorld. Das the goddess disappeared and the others did not vant to stay vithout her."
"How did she disappear?"
"You have heard the stories. Some say she died. Others das she disappeared. Others das she is the very earth ve valk on. No one knows anymore."
"Why do you think she disappeared?"
"Me? I don't know. I think she left because she was sad and poverless."
"Why do you say that?"
"All the creatures have turned against each other. Ve kill and hate and hurt each other. People like the Unos and me are created then abandoned by our families. She could not destroy all of us because she loves us, so she left. Unable to vatch it anymore."
"Oooh…that's sad."
"Ja…or she left because she vas lonely. I vould hate to be a god. People vould only vant you for your power…not for vho you are."
"That makes sense to me. I would hate to be a god too…"
"Life is hard enough. But do not vorry. Goddess or Spellbinder or human, I am your friend."
Laughing at his cheesiness, Chenoa gave Lieben a small shove. Chuckling, Lieben pushed her back. They got into a short shoving match, which led to a small wrestling match. It made them both feel like they were six years old again. A short distance away a figure watched in amusement before disappearing into the shadows of the buildings.