The Sky Realm

Chapter 13:

“All right, ladies, this is as far as I go,” Charlie said to them. “You go on and deal with your business, and I will be right here waiting for you.”

    Aaliyah and Mika jumped off the wagon, each carrying a bag of supplies with them in case they were delayed.

    “Bye Charlie,” Aaliyah waved cheerfully at the man and his horse. “See you soon.”

    Charlie tipped his hat at the two girls and started the other way. Mika didn’t waste any time in her good-byes and started walking speedily ahead.

    “Let’s move; we have a lot of ground to cover,” Mika announced as she marched ahead of Aaliyah.

    “Which way are we going?” Aaliyah asked as she used her free hand to shield her eyes from the sun. “All I see is a large, clear field.”

    “We have to cross the field,” Mika pointed out. “Where the field finishes, the lake starts and that is where we will find the Lady of the Lake.”

    The field stretched out in front of them as far as the eye could see. It was clear of any trees, water bodies, or animals, and a sudden hush descended over the landscape. There was something odd about it; it was too perfect. The sun was shining just right, and the blades of grass were all trimmed to the same, perfect length. The landscape felt more artificial than natural in every sense.

    Aaliyah felt like an intruder. It was as if she was about to walk into another person’s hut without asking for their permission or even without having the decency to knock. She stood right outside the field, as Mika walked on, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. The place felt forbidden; it felt wrong for her to enter the perfect landscape that stretched out in front of her so casually.

    “Are you coming?” Mika called out over her a shoulder.

    “Isn’t there another way?” Aaliyah whispered.

    “I beg your pardon?”

    “Isn’t there another way?” she said, a little louder. “I mean, to get to the Lady of the Lake?”

    “Not really.” Mika turned around to observe the hesitant girl in front of her. “Why? Are you afraid?”

    “No, I just can’t shake this feeling off, like we’re not supposed to be here. I have goose bumps on my arms and my stomach feels queasy.” She pushed her arm out for Mika to see.

    Mika shrugged. “If you are too afraid, then you can stay here. I’ll go meet with the Lady of the Lake alone.”

    Aaliyah watched Mika turn around and continue her trek deeper into the field. Despite the eerie feeling this place was radiating, Aaliyah felt like she did not have the option to stay back. If she wanted Mika to see her as an Ultimate, she was going to have to act like an Ultimate.

    “Wait for me!” she yelled and ran after the Mazu, her feet pounding into the soft ground.

***

    The sun had been set for a while before the pair reached their destination. Aaliyah’s feet were sore as she dragged them through the field. She was tired, but Mika hadn’t allowed them to take any breaks, insisting that the time they had was limited and that every day they were out in the open was an opportunity for the Raven Mockers to attack. Aaliyah had pointed out that the barrier would protect them from the Raven Mockers, but Mika paid her good sense no heed and walked on.

    After a whole day of nonstop walking, Aaliyah was cranky and tired. She was going to voice her opinions about her aching feet and empty belly to Mika, but the Mazu had stopped her before she could get a single syllable out. Mika lifted her index finger to her lips, signalling Aaliyah to be quiet.