Io's Dream
Io's Dream
Why had her parents named
her Io? it was a stupid name and she was always being teased because of it. If
they had to pick a Greek name why not Ambrosia? 'still then I'd be called rice
pudding all the time' Io thought with sudden rage. She sighed heavily and
rolled onto her side, her face turning very pale as she thought of her dreams,
even in the dark you could just make out the shape of her pale oval face, framed
by bits of draped flaxen hair. Her mind
raced,
'don't be stupid' Io scorned, 'I simply have an overactive imagination, there
only dreams'. She always had mental conversations with herself, even though
people flocked to her; despite her lust for solitude. Still Io was afraid of
them, though; five months and five dreams, all five dreams in sequence.
The first dream had came about on Monday during the first week, Io had thought it was just a dream with no real meaning. The second dream had happened Tuesday during the second week, Io had thought it was just a coincidence, she'd never expected to have the dream again. The third dream had occurred on Wednesday during the third week, by then Io was really freaking out. She was fifteen and afraid to turn off the light and go to sleep, no she hadn't been just afraid, she'd been erratic with fear. So much so she'd considered seeing a shrink. Io had noticed a pattern by then as well, even though it was far from hard to spot. It had gone the 1st of the 1st, the 2nd of the 2nd and now the 3rd of the 3rd. What was happening to her?! She'd asked herself that question many a time. Why was she having these dreams instead of someone else. She was only fifteen after all! It wasn't fair, but then since when was life fair. She hadn't come up with any answers though; and Io had known it would be like trying to find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Only this was not some silly tale made up to keep children occupied; this was real. After the third dream she had balled her eyes out, telling her parents she had fallen out with her best friend, Cathy, when they'd asked what was wrong. On the 4th night of the 4th week since these dreams had started, Io had stayed up late and drank lots of coffee. Every time she'd closed her eyes she wanted to let them remain shut longer than a second, yet she'd known she could not or else she would not be able to bring herself to open them again. She had finally fell asleep at 4 am though, she hadn't been able fight sleep any longer, and that was when the 4th dream had happened, when she'd woken up she was covered in sweat and crying. The 5th dream just happened yesterday, leaving Io feeling drained. She shivered, though it was not from the cold. She didn't even like to think about the dreams, they were just to harrowing, and now there was a definite sequence Io was even more puzzled. Was what happened in them really happening on another planet? or was someone doing this to her, beckoning her. Io didn't care, all he knew was she wanted them to go away, her school life and social life were suffering because of them, not to mention her. She hadn't bothered to see a shrink, for she knew he could not help her. No it felt as though the dreams were physical as well as mental, or were they more than just dreams? the question played over and over again in Io's mind, driving her up the wall. It felt as if each time she had a dream another part of her remained there, perhaps it did.
Usually Io was always on the phone, she was one of the most popular girls in her year, yet recently no one called, not even her grandparents asked to speak to her like they usually did. She couldn't talk to Cathy or anyone else for that matter about the dreams, and besides having to keep the dreams to herself she felt totally empty. She wanted to cry forever yet she did her best to fight back the tears, she had lost weight as well. Normally she would be thrilled to have lost weight but under the circumstances it only made her more miserable.
Io's next dream was the worst, during the night of her 6th dream she had a fever and was fitting. All she could remember about the dream was being beaten badly and fire..... it had been so torrid.... were they burning people alive? she could not remember clearly.... but every time she thought about it, in the pit of her stomach she felt the dread grow. After her 6th dream Io spent the next few days recuperating in hospital, because her little sister had found her fitting and woken her parents, who'd sent for an ambulance.
Her final dream was nothing like the rest, it was remarkably cool and it had been like she was travelling through a portal of some sort. It didn't started out like the other dreams either, it felt as though she had no body and was simply a spirit. Suddenly it changed... Behind a vivid violet screen of energy she saw time going by... saw herself being buried, which left her dumbfounded. She saw worlds be destroyed, this dream was worse than the 6th. 'I should have known it' Io told herself mentally, behind the half transparent scenes all she could see was space. After hours of watching the horrific scenes, scenes that were only ever supposed to happen on TV and turn out alright in the end, there was light at the end of the tunnel.... The nearer Io got to it the more blinding it became, she held up her hands up to shield her eyes, when suddenly a voice startled her.
"Io......." it groaned, the voice sounded very old, "help us!!!!!!!!!!!! we need you!!!!!"
Io's jaw dropped, "how can I help you?" she stammered before blurting out, "are you responsible for my dreams? are they real? what's going to happen to me?"
The light moved further away from Io, yet she'd held back from yelling 'no don't go! How can I help you?'
"Follow" it commanded, then paused. "Yes I am responsible for them, but I can promise they were necessary, your life depended on where they took you and what they showed you, now the rest it up to you. And yes, what you saw was real, we are under siege, innocent people are dying.... and those who are alive depend on you."
Io obediently followed the light, though her knees had grown unsteady due to what the thing had just said, Io wanted to ask what it was but it spoke first. It's soothing voice was now curt and rushed, "find Pyrrha! She will help y..." the voice died and so did the light. Only to be replaced by a harsh voice, a voice that could only belong to an evil being. It cackled slightly, 'no your fate is not up to you Io, you are to die!!!!' With that it burst out laughing, vile laughs, the words die echo throughout Io's mind, causing her to scream, shattering the dream.
Io groaned, her cheeks felt flushed yet the surface of her skin
felt moist. She ran a hand over her face, yet it was wet, but from what? she sat
up abruptly even though it hurt and made her feel dizzy. At first she couldn't
see properly when she
opened her eyes, but then it became clear what she was looking at. Io tried to
scream but nothing came out, it was an electric blue centaur! She simply smiled
at Io and told her to remain still, telling her she'd came a long way. No....
she should be in her bed at home, but she knew she wasn't, because in her world
centaurs didn't exist. Anyway how did she know?
"How did you know I'd come along way? what time is it?" Io managed to say is a raspy voice, she was parched from screaming. "Are you...." Io trailed off watching the centaur intently.
The centaur nodded, "yes I'm Pyrrha. I am to guide you through this world, I will tell you about your quest later, but for now you must rest. Oh and it's midday, one of the guards found you asleep under a tree outside the citadel at dawn, and brought you to me, thinking you may be the child who was going to lead us into battle. And he was right, now you really should get some rest."
Pyrrha turned and trotted out of the room, leaving Io to rest, Io wanted her to stay, yet she was to tired to protest. The curtains had been drawn so as little light as possible got in, 'so they have curtains in this realm' Io thought to herself. 'I don't think they had curtains in the olden days, therefore I can't be in a world centuries behind my own... or can I?' It hurt to think so Io pushed all the questions to the back of her mind. Io yawned and dried her face fully using the sheets, her eyes felt hot and puffy as though she'd been crying. She sat had a drink of water, from the glass she'd found on her bedside table, then settled back down and went to sleep.
She awoke to find Pyrrha watching her, Io groaned and struggled to sit up, the whole of her body ached and she didn't know where she was, let alone how she got here.
"How did I get here?"
"Through the portal, you were teleported to the citadel, and no, don't worry it's not the one under siege. The war is not unlike the one Leukosri took part in, only the land has yet to be graced with a Bishen, and it is us misfits that are perishing. Now when I say misfits, I do not mean the the unpopular ones you will have met, I mean the enchanters. The superior beings, if it is fair to call us that. This dimension feeds on the most powerful thing ever known to the universe: energy, life and emotions. These three key factors shape it, and if it is altered those who reside here will continue to die, until there are no more or us."
"What was that... that thing? and what happened to it?"
Pyrrha stroked Io's downy hair and smiled, though it was a sad smile. "His name was Äustræïrumn, he was the leader of our people, everyone looked up to him. Yet he was old.... he sent you the visions, he knew the last dream must be the most powerful.... because that was the day he was going to die. Our enemies have taken over our main citadel, there nothing special but there's millions of them. They've invented a thing that will kill the whole of our race and any others who carry our genes. The truth is Io, you are his daughter, your mother really is your natural mother, yet your father is not. That was why he brought you to us; the oracles foretold of the future, and you are part of that future. Now, we are by nature solitary creatures who value our peace and quiet, but now we must all pull together whether we like it or not. You have great potential Io, and though you may feel like you cannot cope you can. Your fath-"
"His not my father," Io snapped, "so don't you ever call him my father." A tear slid down Io's cheek, she didn't want to hear this, she felt sick and just wanted Pyrrha to go.
"I understand th-"
"You understand nothing," Io retorted.
Pyrrha nodded, "please just let me finish, then I'll leave you alone, I won't bring up your family again I promise. It was important you were brought up among humans, learnt how they thought. Because this was for foretold, and you have powers you never knew you had.... I will teach you how to use them."
"I don't want to learn how to use them!! I want to go home!!" Io screamed. She buried her face in her hands and began to cry uncontrollably, her shoulders rising and falling with each sob. She was trembling with anger and shock, she hated Pyrrha for making her cry and for seeing her cry, she hadn't cried since she was ten and felt like a wimp.
Pyrrha nodded, "I'll leave you be for now, let it all sink in." With that Pyrrha headed for the door.
Pyrrha never mentioned Io going home which fuelled Io's anger, she wanted to throttle Pyrrha and thought about telling her to drop dead, but she knew Pyrrha wouldn't take any notice. She wiped frantically at the tears and struggled to take everything in. How could she go back home and face her family? would she even get back home? probably not.... Io slid beneath the covers again and cried herself to sleep.
Io woke up early that morning, she clambered out of bed and
pulled a curtain aside. It must have been about dawn, she 
searched
in a few draws until she found some clothes, because the ones she had on were beginning
to smell. After she'd dressed she left her room and tip-toed down the corridor,
down a flight of stone steps and down another corridor till she came to an open
door. She peered in and saw the room was like a restaurant, 'wow' Io thought,
'maybe it's not so bad in this world after all'. She saw Pyrrha and the events
of yesterday came flooding back... 'still,' Io thought, 'they always say don't
shoot the messenger'. Io took a deep breath and called out Pyrrha's name.
Pyrrha turned and saw Io, which startled her, "good heavens child what on earth are you doing out of your room?" Then she smiled, "I see you are wearing the clothes I had made for you; god knows why you humans wear such silly outfits, but as long as you feel as comfortable as possible that's fine."
"I'm not a child and why shouldn't I be out of my room? I'm not going to find out I'm really a prisoner am I? And how can I be comfortable! I have been snatched from my home, and my life has been turned up side down." Io riposted.
Pyrrha forced a fake laugh and shook her head, "no of coarse not, I was surprised that's all. As for being a child... Io I know your not a child, your a young women, but your young compared to us. We can live for up to 300 years you see."
"I want you to tell me more about myself and why I'm here." Io said out of the blue.
"Will you get upset again?"
Io shook her head, "I was just tired yesterday, I never cry," Io confessed, a little embarrassed.
Pyrrha nodded and motioned for Io to follow, she lead Io back down the corridor before unlocking a door and pulling her inside.
"Io as you know you are here to fight a war, you may still die, but you'll die anyway. You can either bury your head in the sand or at least try to save yourself and the rest of our race. As for going home Io, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. So are you going to help us?"
Io bowed her head in a nod.
"Right then we will begin training today at 9 am, we'll meet there everyday at the same time for a training session. Today I will teach you the basics such as using a few weapons, and maybe one or two simple spells like heal. Then I will tell you the second part of your quest. This world is called 'Urumar' by the way, it's not that different from yours beside the fact a different race lives on it. Now would you like something to eat?"
"Ok and yes, something to eat would be nice."
After Io had finished breakfast Pyrrha took her to the library and got out a book on crystals and their magical powers, instructing Io to read up about them. So Io wandered back to her room and began reading.
Io met Pyrrha in the training room at 9 am as planned, Io was taught how to use a staff first and then a shield, then they moved on to meditating, just to get Io focused and relaxed. After meditating Io was taught how to make a heal potion and cast a heal spell, then Pyrrha tested Io on gems and their magical powers, telling her to revise some more once she'd finished the test. By the time they had finished training it was just about time for lunch. After lunch Io went back to her room to revise some more.
The next few days consisted of training and more reading, Pyrrha told Io she was progressing quickly. So far Io had learnt how to cast 'heal' and 'water jet', as well as how to make a healing potion and a growing potion. She was now training from 3 pm to 6 pm as well as her morning session, and in between she would study. In the little bit of spare time Io had, Pyrrha had taught her how to ride a horse.
It was a week after Io had arrived and Pyrrha was finally going
to tell her what the second part of her quest was. She had sent
a guard to tell
Io to meet her in her quarters right away, telling him to tell Io it was about
the second part of her quest. Io set off for Pyrrha's quarters immediately, she
was wearing a long sleeved dark red velvet dress which covered her feet, wisps
of her downy hair had fallen out of her bun and billowed in the wind as she
strode. She was feeling apprehensive yet excited. She didn't
bother knocking she simply walked in, life here was very different from that
back home.
"Arr Io, please have a seat."
Io nodded and obediently sat down in a leather armchair. Pyrrha trotted over to the large mahogany bookcase and pulled out a scroll from in between the books, it was a little bit ripped and grubby but the writing was clear enough. She placed it on the table and pushed it towards Io. Io reached out and took the scroll. The title read 'Bishel Dragons', Io looked up surprised, was she going to have to kill a dragon?
Pyrrha trotted towards the window and gazed out. "The scroll contains all the vital information you will need to know about the Bishel dragons, also known as Bishen. They come from the Bishen realm and are about the same size as a dog, despite their size they are remarkably intelligent. You are to go out and search for an egg. If you succeed in finding one it will serve you well and may be the key to us winning the war. For our enemies, the Ömolis, fear magical creatures and magic and have not learnt how to use magic. If you got a Bishel dragon they may even be so awestruck they surrendered! and even if they didn't a lot would abandon their cause. Now go, read the scroll then come to me again once you have finished it."
Io nodded and walked off to her room buzzing, a dragon of her very own! the thought made Io weak at the knees. She hadn't even known dragons existed, let alone that she would go off and try to find one! Or was it too good to be true? what if she didn't get one... everyone would be so disappointed in her.... No. She would find a Bishel dragon even if it killed her. She put the scroll down on her desk and began reading. It consisted of short notes.
Basics: No one knows where the Bishel dragons came from... all anyone knows is that the 3 originals live at the Creature Refuge. Once the Bishel dragons began to reproduce an agency opened.
If only Io knew where the agency was... but alas she did not so she would have to get an egg the hard way. 'If I find an egg will I find out where it is?' Io thought to herself before she read on.
Bishel dragons are friendly and fairly quiet for dragons, make a 'TREEE' sound, which is used as warning signal. They also make whistling and crooning noises. Grow to be the size of a dog. They eat both plants and small animals, often befriend other species. Can communicate telepathically with those they meet. 3 basic colours are red, blue and green, however there are some rare ones. Such as 1 white Bishel dragon which is born every year and is given to the best home at a festival held in the Bishen realm. Each colour has a different attitude and power. Blues like wind and water, can sense danger. Reds like fire and heat, they are the warriors. Greens like earth and sometimes hibernate during winter, are known for their healing and ability to relax others. There are 3 basic types, the 'Terran' which has 4 legs and lives on the land and try to avoid light, they prefer to come out just before dawn. 'Marine', which is like a snake and likes to live around water and eat fish and kelp. And 'Arboreal', the 'Arboreal' has wings and no legs, live in trees or any other high places such as cliffs. Out during day back at nests at dusk. Sometimes Hybrids if different species breed, like a dragon having 2 front legs and wings. Bishen start as eggs, if egg is blue dragon is female, if egg is green dragon is male. Once hatched they become 'wyrms', long and snake like. 'Wyrms' become 'shrapes' next and have fully developed into their type, some growing wings, others remaining long and snake like etc. Next special ceremony, called 'The Shantel', where they develop breath weapon, giving an orb of some sort by oldest Bishel dragon, 'Kailan', then they become full 'Bishen'. Females lay 5-10 eggs.
Io was intrigued and wanted to learn more about this magnificent creature, she wished there had been some pictures of them.... She sighed and rolled up the scroll, thinking about what she had just read. Then she remembered Pyrrha had told her to return once she's read the scroll, so she set off in the direction of Pyrrha's room. Again she didn't bother to knock simply waltzed right in.
"I've read the scroll and I intend to set off tomorrow morning at dawn, can you see that a horse is ready for me? and see that someone wakes me?"
"I'm glad to here it, and yes I'll tell the stable boy to have our finest horse ready by dawn, and don't worry I'll wake you. Now go and pack your things, I'll tell the cook to prepare you a bundle of food. Oh and you'll need a map," Pyrrha pulled out a map from a draw in her desk and handed it to Io.
Io turned to leave but stopped, "I forgot to ask, what year and month are we in?"
"We're in the year 5000 and the month is Alitimar, don't worry though, for us that's the same year and month as Earth."
After her brief meeting with Pyrrha Io ran down the corridor, and down a flight of stairs to her room, feeling as light as a feather, she had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She began packing immediately, she rummaged through her draws and found a blanket and made it into a bundle and stuck it on the end of her staff. She put her bow, shield and sword beside the staff, then she put 2 healing potions, a pen knife, and a rope in the bundle. She got her outfit for tomorrow ready as well, tucking the map and slip of paper, about the Bishel dragons, into her trouser pocket. She sat down upon her bed and hugged her knees, thinking about tomorrow gave her butterflies. It was almost time for bed so Io let her long flaxen hair down and got ready for bed, as her head hit the pillow her gossamer hair splayed. She shut her eyes and forced herself to think about sleeping instead of tomorrow, because she knew if she thought about tomorrow she'd never get to sleep.
Io was woken abruptly by Pyrrha, who shook her vigorously several times, before heading towards the curtains and opening them.
"Rise and shine" Pyrrha commented seeing Io was still in bed.
"Ok, ok," Io mumbled while yawning, she stumbled out of bed and stretched. "Can you wait outside while I get changed please?"
Pyrrha nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind her.
Io dressed in the outfit she'd elected last night then walked with Pyrrha to the kitchen. She had a quick breakfast, then said goodbye to Pyrrha before collecting her sack of goodies, which fitted in her bundle nicely. Then she headed towards the stables, where a strapping stallion was waiting for her. Once she was atop the ebony beast she lead him out of the citadel and eased him in a liquid canter, not quite sure where to search first.
It was a long and arduous trek about the sparsely populated winter wonderland, and Io suffered from many an ailment; on rode the little warrior though. During her trek she continued to practice the sorcery she had been taught to wield, and developed a stylish obsession for poetry. Many a night she would recite the words of poems that had formed like blizzards in the prison of her mind; she would record her favourite poems in her journal.
Trapped
When dark clouds descend,
and give chase to the sun,
trapping me in a bubble of gloom,
you shall keep the fire of hope within me alight.
You shall prevent the virus from eating away at my soul,
and make the hunter the hunted.
And though this adventure may last a lifetime,
or possibly fade and wither in the blink of an eye,
as long as you are my goal,
my faith is sound.
The winter wonderland I cavort in is riddled with danger,
despite it's unending beauty,
it is like a rose; dazzling yet defended by the barbaric thorns that adorn it.
I have yet to pass another living creature,
it is as though everything has been corrupted by Medusa herself.
This is my punishment for all the wrong I have done;
this is exile.
Io left her mount in an abandoned barn she came upon. She searched high and low, waiting to encounter a Bishen, be it big or small; of a rare pigment or common one, she did not care. All she knew was that if she was to play 'bondmate' to it, he/she could not suffer from weakness of the mind or body. One with similar tastes and the previously mentioned qualities would be even better, but then, Io felt that would be pushing her luck though. It would be enough simply to communicate telepathically with another being, and to share a future with a Bishen. She felt they were rather like the demons she had read about in 'Northern Lights'; only the bond between Bishen and carer was unbreakable.
Io found no abandoned abode she wished to adopt, so she took refuge in forests or caves; whatever she found really. Her journey had been fruitless so far, but one day while she was writing she recalled being told the story of the Pied Piper. Perhaps... no, it was too far fetched; a flute would not draw out a Bishen, or would it?
Little did Io know how long her trek would be, and during her journey she had no contact with anyone from the citadel. Not that it bothered her, for in a strange sort of way the pain solitude brought allowed her to adopt a new vista. She grew accustomed to her new life, and though food was scarce, she got by. Admittedly she did not smell or look all that nice, but in reality who did.
Io never returned to the citadel for over two years, and when she did it was nothing more than a ruin. Tears fell from her listless eyes like the water from a fountain, when she set eyes upon what had been home to so many special people. When at last she quelled the sobbing, Io got up and took a look around. No one lived in this barren land, except her. Disillusioned she turned away, her wiry form fading away as she passed from light into dark. A wave of failure washed over her; making every nook and cranny cast in the sunlight, harbouring shadows appear more insipid. In a strange sort of way she took comfort from the stabbing pain, and the cold winds that snatched at her callous hands.
Finally, after over two hundred days Io continued her search; if she was to exist in this vile land, she may as well find a companion. She searched high and low for a likely place she might find an egg, before she upon a mountain. It seemed to dominant half the dimension, and yet she had only just seen it. It were as though it had just sprung up out of nowhere, like a mirage; perhaps it had. The hulking mound did not disappear though, and Io was able to touch it, which indicated it was real. Io, a little too eager to explore, instantly set out; despite the fact the moon and stars gradually began to take possession of the sky. The light held out for no more than what Io thought to be an hour, and Io's progress hadn't been all that great. She was but twenty feet from the ground when she came to a halt; still it the mountain was at it's thickest there.
That night she thought back to her past; she had been born in London, while her parents were on vacation, but they'd returned to Oklahoma as soon as she was released from the hospital. It had been cold that December of 1985; not as brutal as the death of Io's mother's father. Io virtually worshipped him as a child; perhaps it was because he had always managed to find time for her. Even that day when he'd been out golfing, and she'd ran out of school; Io had only been six when that had happened. Still she was very much moved by it though. Her parents hadn't been rich, yet nor had they been on the brink of bankruptcy; they truly were opposites though. Her 'supposed' father had been fond of tradition, and wanting to live like the people in books ninety years olds called ancient did; he had worked as a lawyer, and to that Io still didn't know why. Her mother on the other hand, had been all for 'out with the old and in with the new'. Io suspected this was because she was so stubborn, and didn't appreciate people dictating how she should live her life. She had worked as an actress, however her career had been less than successful. It was a very overrated dream, that almost every female had those days; one Io did not intend to get pulled into. Io didn't care to remember anything else; instead it was as if her mind was a time warp. Re-playing that day she's fled school seeking the comfort of her grandfather.
The next day Io continued moving up the mountain; just like she did the five days following that day. The climate dropped the further up the mountain she was, and on the third day Io thought the squall would knock her over the edge, so she'd took refuge in a cave.
The cave had volunteered little protection though; the icicles which hung like dead corpses had begun bleeding their transparent blood. One had broke off and left a great big gash at the top of Io's left arm; that had started a chain reaction, and Io had found herself running for her life. She had avoided any fatal blows though, and came out on the other side. It was tranquil on the other side though, and Io had uttered words of praise when met with relief. She had still had a long way to go though, and before long her worry was replenished.
When at last she reached the top she came face to face with a mere hut; not the nest she had expected. She uttered a disheartened cry at the sight; she doubted anyone even lived there. Still she went on in though; Io did not knock, like she should have, due to her lack of glee at not finding the egg. Giving up was not on her cards though; for like she had said, she would never return empty-handed. There hut was just one room, and very little furniture could be found in it. All of a sudden a mist descended though, making Io feel claustrophobic, when it diminished an old man stood in the center of the hut. Io could smell and feel his stale breath upon her face, despite it smelling stale Io found herself liking it. He had no weapons and wore a simply black robe with a gold trim and a funny little hat, Io couldn't remember is shamans were supposed to have hats, but he was definitely a shaman. Io wasn't sure how she knew, but she knew; she preferred to think of it as instinct.
The old man bowed slightly before introducing himself to Io. "Greetings child, I am Tneicna; once I was a mortal man, the next an immortal shaman. I drift about from world to world, via the warps in time; I have been here longer than the tales of Jesus, and now I am here to tell you of the white Bishen. Let me begin by telling you the white Bishen is a sacred beast, and a contest is held for a white Bishen every year. You are already, without realising it, taking part in this contest. A white Bishen is a solitary creature, and a creature with good taste." Tneicna paused for breath momentarily, before continuing. "According to the records they like poems and 'decent music', by decent music I presume something by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would do. Something not too loud would be better than a very lively piece; so meaningless gifts such as stuffed toys will be squandered upon a white Bishen-should you be graced with one that is. And though it may be unlikely, we must remain optimistic, or should I say dream; because whites are dreamers, therefore there is no harm in dreaming. You never know, you may touch it's soul with such a sad story." Once again Tneicna stopped to draw breath. "I was most impressed by your theory about the Pied Piper, even if it was a long time ago and you never thought to try it. I am not here to promise it will work, but it may be worth trying. You must choose your own path, just remember that is realm is run by emotions, and there is no emotion greater than the ones created by dreams. I supposed what I'm trying to say is: if you get a Bishen, whatever it's colour, you will connect. Now I know white Bishen are not fond of being crowded," he smiled slightly, because he knew Io despised having people cramping her style. "Therefore perhaps what happened to the others, happened for a reason. Mystical energies are more powerful here, than anywhere else, because this is the pinnacle of it. This mountain boasts many a secret, and I'm sure a white Bishen would find this place to his/her liking as well as being beneficial. After all, in the caves dotted about the mountain there are poems, songs, fables, spell scrolls, paintings of things you could never imagine-things most people wouldn't dare to dream of, and other treasures to keep a Bishen of outstanding intellect occupied. I still haven't gotten to the point have I?" He sighed a sigh that exposed his humble nature before going on, "This world is what you make it-and you make it what you dream. So make it whatever you want; just like an artist does his painting." He smiled beguilingly, before frowning. "I must go now Io, put in the chest over there you will find some old parchments containing more information. Goodbye Io, and good luck; for this quest even you will need luck."
"Goodbye," Io murmured sub-consciously; unsure of what Tneicna had meant when he said she had yet to commit herself. The next thing she knew he was gone, and she was just standing there-motionless. After half an hour the shock had worn off so much so that Io could make her way over to the trunk. She lifted the lid with ease, but it was empty, except for some scrolls which told of the war three hundred years ago between the humans and elves. The scrolls also told of the brave warrior Leukosri (now the Kailan), and what had happened to the clan. As Io turned to leave she suddenly began falling. Falling through the center of the mountain! No, her spirit was, not her body. When she eventually hit rock bottom, she saw the way to an secluded spot near the creature refuge. It was in the center of the mountain though, so how on earth could Io get there with her body... the answer was she couldn't. Or could she get in through 'the back door' so to speak. The enchanted instrument! But where on earth could Io find an enchanted instrument? No sooner had she asked herself the question than it hit her. She could find it in her dreams. So Io settled down on the home-made bed and closed her eyes, beckoning sleep. Sleep did not come to her for hours though, and when it did eventually come Io did not dream. The next day she made her way back down the mountain.
It took Io four days to get to the bottom, or at least almost the bottom. She never made the bottom conscious though, because she feel. Not high enough to kill her, but enough to knock her out; and during her state of unconsciousness, Io dreamt of going back in time and opening the chest again. Only this time the fall would not await her, the magical instrument would; and when Io awoke, that was where she found herself. She had no memory of what happened before when she opened the trunk. This time there was a magical instrument; only it wasn't a flute like the Pied Piper had had, it was a shell; how odd it seemed. Io, puzzled, took the shell and began blowing into it. It played soothing notes, just like a flute, but it played the notes of other instruments to. The melody captured Io's imagination, and coaxed her into the state which one must to talk to spirits of the dead. Io was a hex though, therefore in such a state in such a dimension she could alter reality, and in a mere moment, she was down in the cavern.
Suddenly she snapped out of the state, only to find a portal before her, well it was more like a glass window. It wasn't a colourful blur like most people thought. She extended a had; she received a mild electric shock, like you do if you pass a dish washer and a bit of the paint is missing and you catch the corner of it. Passing through it would be agony though, but Io knew she had to; so she wasted no time. She flung herself through it; it took longer to reach the other side than Io thought though, and the pain was undescribable. Io passed out instantly.
When she woke up at long last, she was certain nothing could be more painful. She had survived to tell the tale though. Io could think of nothing but sleeping, so she got comfortable under a tree and closed her eyes. She drifted into a deep slumber within minutes. It was as though the electricity had drained her or her energy.
The next day Io woke up very early, so early the sky was that pale electric blue, but she went back to sleep again. When she awoke next, it must have been about eight am; or the time that would have been eight am back home. She felt battered yet surprisingly full of energy, like a reusable battery. Io wasted no time waiting to wake up fully, instead she leapt to her feet and began walking, the shell in her right hand. She lifted the shell to her mouth and began blowing into it, and the shell began chiming a beautiful song. It wasn't quite Mozart, but it was just as enticing. The land she was the forest near the mountains of the creature refuge, and Io couldn't help noticing how perfect everything was there. This lifted her spirits a great deal, and because of that she played better.
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