(SCRAPPED VERSION) The Other Side of The Planet

Chapter IX

The group climbs to the top of the boat, using the grooves in between the curved planks to latch onto its surface. Once they reach the top, they grip the towering, oaken rod. "So," Biff says, "the first step is to activate the spell. I don't think you'll be able to understand me if I say the incantation, but luckily, Cal told me about another way of saying it that you'll be able to pronounce." She retrieves a folded note from the sleeve of her robe and hands it to Ogden. "Something to note, once you stop pushing, you'll have to reactivate the spell."

Ogden unfolds the note, which reads, "COMMUO VETU CHISU," in bold, slightly shoddy handwriting. Ogden asks, "So, we read this aloud and then...?"

"Well, remember the aristone I mentioned?"

The two nod.

"What you have to do is focus on moving the aristone at the top and bottom of the boat forward. Kinda like you're using telekinesis. Once you activate the spell, you'll be able to sense the aristone when you focus on it. However, when you push, try not to push too hard. When you push, you use visyō, and if you use too much, you'll feel like you lost a lot of blood."

"Got it," Ogden says. Just before reading the incantation on the note, he looks up at Biff and asks, "Wait, which one of us is pushing?"

"Oh!" Biff says. "That reminds me of another spell you should know. For this one, we have to hold hands."

Ackely looks fearfully at the ocean. "We won't fall, will we?"

"Trust me, you won't. If either of you guys start to fall, I'll hang on for you."

"Thank you. I'm not exactly the best swimmer."

Biff smiles, amused. "Don't worry. You're staying right there. Now, everyone grab hands."

Ackley and Ogden's legs and talons tense as they reluctantly let go of the pole and the three hold each other's hands. "Repeat after me. Kaligo..."

"Kaligo..." The two speak in unison.

"Paritiu."

"Paritiu."

As they utter the last of the phrase, the two feel a slight bit of their strength leave them, just as they had felt when they signed the strange illustration in the presence of Calabash.

"Now, when we're holding hands and using the same spell, our forces will be combined," Biff says.

"Can we hold onto the pole again?" Ackely asks.

"Mhm."

The two grip the pole as Biff continues to explain the first spell. "Now that we've done that, you two can push the boat together. I'll hold the note in front of you so you can read it."

Ogden hands the note to Biff and she holds it in front of them.

"Ready?" Ogden asks as the two lock hands.

"Ready," Ackely replies.

The two both breathe deeply and read the note aloud together.

"Commuo veto chisu!"

Just after, they attempt to sense the aristone above and below them, which they immediately succeed with. They sense the sphere at the top of the pole and a curved disk shape below them. They look to each other and nod, then attempt to push the points above and below with their focus alone.

They feel their strength drain significantly as the boat accelerates slightly. Realizing what they had accomplished, they look to each other, panting. They chuckle slightly from pure amazement, then laugh loudly from excitement and joy.