A Book of Myths

Chapter Seven: War

The night air brushed against Melody as she stared up at the open sky. Taking a breath, she closed her eyes and murmured silent words. A silent prayer for one who walked the stars above her.

"Tomorrow is another day," she told herself, turning back toward her current home. She and her sister never fully called the place home, opting instead to help maintain the old Oak Treehouse. Lifting her eyes toward the single lit window, she watched the figure sitting alone, head pressed weakly against the glass. Replaying what she had been told, Melody sighed, thinking about the chaos that was "to come".

"I met this snake.... creature. She stated that she showed up because Chaos was brewing. I don't know what that means, but I think we should keep our guard up. At least a little." The nervousness sounded deep from within Radiant when she spoke.

Melody stepped into the tree, shutting the door quietly behind her. Walking up the twisting stairs, she let out a heavy sigh. Something tugged at her chest, a pain that she hadn't felt for a long time. This chaos is evil.

"Melody, come on. It's getting late." came a soft voice. Glancing at the clock, Melody sighed and followed the voice into the dimly lit bedroom.

"I couldn't sleep. Sorry Jay," she muttered, climbing into the still-warm bed.

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Something clicked inside of her mind as she stared at the notebook. Chaos, she thought. It reminds me of something I read. Leaping up, she snatched the large book from the messy paper-filled desk. Flipping through the pages, she stopped at a ripped and yellowed one.

"Chaos creatures, beings who thrive off the living chaos in life. Most commonly will follow after chaos, but rarely shall one come before." she read, her breathing growing shaky. Something shot through her, bringing her heart to a rapid pulse. The pain she felt doubled like a knife had been driven in her chest and electrified. She looked around, searching for any snakes she didn't recognize.

"Ray, calm down. Nothing is going to happen," called Marina from the doorway. Radiant looked at her, taking shakey shallow breaths. Walking to her, Marina took the book and pulled the older girl close.

"I think... The chaos..." she breathed out, her lungs pricked with needles as she followed the younger female out.

"Come on. Vamos a traerte un poco de té."

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"You really noticed that?" Melody asked, set down the messy plate. Radiant nodded, having not gotten much sleep the previous hours. Marina rubbed her eyes, struggling to stay awake. Watching her sister and friend, Melody thought about the different kinds of chaos that could happen.

"This really means we have to keep our guard up," she muttered, sitting down at the wooden table.

"You don't say."

"We should keep from fighting with each other and focus on training. Something we haven't really done." Marina pipped up, standing up despite sleep trying to drag her back down. Melody looked at her sister before grabbing her arm.

"You are going to sleep. If Ray has enough energy, she and I can practice."

Radiant got up, dropping the blanket onto the chair.

"I'm going for a walk," Radiant muttered, hanging her head as she headed for the door. Leaving the sisters behind, she shut the door and let her feet carry her into the thick willows. Wandering through the orange-lit woods, she let her thoughts reach in every direction. The chirps and whistles surrounded her, leaving soft songs floating in the air.

"Why is my head pounding?" she muttered, settling down on the large rock near her. The sky was darkening around her, anger and fear clinging to the air. Something clicked, the sound echoing across the walls of her skull. She bolted for the city, fear gripping her arms and legs as she huffed.

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The street was empty, most people crowded against the buildings, all staring at the figure turning in circles to watch them. Radiant managed to break through the crowd of officers, taking a breath before warily walking toward him.

"Who are you!?" she called to him, stopping three feet from him. He turned and let his eyes fall onto her, a smile spreading across his face.

"If it isn't a figure of MAJIC!" his voice echoed like they were in a concert hall, not an open New York street. Radiant grimaced, her ears ringing a little.

"What are you talking about?" she asked, unsure of how he even knew of the crafter. Most people didn't. The figure smirked.

"Forgive me for the failed introduction to public limelight! It's been a thousand and 2 years, so I've forgotten how to introduce myself to others. I have returned from a long time wait to bring Majic to her knees!"

Radiant stepped back, realizing the chaos surrounding him. The figure smiled at her and raised his large ax.

"So this is my declaration of war."

He watched her face dance with fear. His grip tightened, but he let his eyes fall onto the advancing police line. She had called for them to deal with me, upon my declaration. He laughed at them and brought his ax down to the ground, watching the world fuzz and fade back into the black he had always known. The image before him gave him everything. She's afraid of me. That's good. I love to see fear. He brought his eyes up to his silver blade, tracing the sharpened edge.

"This is the end, my dears."

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Translation
Vamos a traerte un poco de té. - Let's get you some tea. (Spanish)