The Dark One

SIX: JADE

Upon the forest floor laid trees, fallen in storms long forgotten. The seasons had been harsh, stripping away the bark and outer layers, yet rendering them all the more beautiful. They had the appearance of driftwood, twisting in patterns that reminded me of seaside waves; even the color of the moss was kelp-like. They were soft, damp, yet my fingers came away dry. I tilted my head upward, feeling my hair tumble further down my back; the pines were several houses tall, reaching toward the golden rays of spring. Birdsong came in lulls and bursts, the silence and the singing working together as well as any improvised melody. A new smile painted itself upon my face, rose-pink lips semi-illuminated by the dappled light. I stood with Tissaia in front of me, "So. Let your emotions control the magic."
"That goes against everything I've been taught though." I replied as Tissaia chuckled.
"Try."
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't."
I exhaled shakily and sighed before concentrating. I could feel the energy coursing through my veins, my heart began to race and my breathing came fast and shallow. As I channeled the energy into the spell my arms began to shake from the force of containing and directing that much raw power. The heat seemed to rise off my body in waves as my cheeks flushed and sweat poured down my face and back in sheets. Completing the last incantation I released the built-up magic. As the magic poured out of my body the heat dropped away, and my teeth began to chatter uncontrollably like I had taken a dip in a near-frozen lake during a blizzard. My vision began to pinwheel, lights dancing erratically, then the blackness began crowding in. I closed my eyes and felt exhaustion crash on me like a tidal wave. Dimly I was aware that I had fallen to my knees, but I didn't care anymore. I looked up at Tissaia, "You didn't see that coming." I whispered as unconsciousness claimed me.

I woke in a bed, not my normal hard mattress with its rough sheets. I cried out as bright illumination wormed its way through my eyes and into my brain, eating away at my nerves, and biting them raw. Blistering scabs were ripped open inside my head as the parasitic rays of light feasted upon my flesh, flaying me bloody from the inside. I writhed on the bed like an animal that had been trapped for a while until a hand rested on my arm, "Shhh. It's just me. Take your time."
"How long have I been out?"
"A day. You drained your energy."
"What happened?"
"What can you remember?"
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, "We were in the forest and I was going to use dark magic."
"Going to? You did. The forest looks like it's been in a wildfire."
"Really?" I asked, timidly.
"Mmm. The Brotherhood is aware of your potential and wants another meeting but this one is different. You and me in the room only, probe your thoughts of memories and see what happens."
"You'll see me killing Ma and my sister."
"Mmm. It's a chance we have to take."
"Okay. When?"
"When you're strong enough."

A week later, I walked through the corridors that had become my home over the past ten years. I stopped at a wooden door. The sound of heeled shoes on the stone floor echoed through the hall as Tissaia stopped by my side. "Remember, maintain your emotions and for the love of the God's don't forget the bottle." She whispered, pulling me into a hug before tugging her dress down and opening the door.
The room was sparse. All the walls were stone and a single wooden table was sat in the room with two chairs behind the desk and a single chair half a meter from the table. I walked in after Tissaia and slowed when I saw Stregobor.
"How was your forest session?" Stregobor asked, looking to Tissaia.
"Uncomfortable." I muttered as I took a seat on the chair opposite from them. "You didn't tell me he was going to be here." I stated, turning to Tissaia.
"The Brotherhood want a look first hand. So they sent me here, and The Rectress is here to make sure you don't loose control." I looked at Tissaia and Stregobor before settling back into the seat.
"Let's begin. How many have you killed with you powers?" Stregobor asked as Tissaia tensed.
"We agreed to let me do the talking."
"I changed my mind."
The man turned to face me properly, "Tell us about your life before Aretuza. Have you killed anyone?"
"No." I calmly replied to Stregobor.
"Mmmm. I don't believe you."
"Ask Tissaia. She'll tell you if I'm lying or not."
"No. I'll do this myself." Stregobor stated, rising from the chair and moving to behind me. "Just relax, it will only hurt if you resist."
"Resist or submit. It makes no difference. It still hurts." Tissaia muttered, as I felt Stregobor's fingers resting on my scalp. 
"I will take your knowledge...your memories, your very being, and leave you cold and helpless, trapped in the eternal darkness of your own mind." I felt a warmth that began to get hotter the further his fingers moved. "I know. I know you want to scream. But it's too soon. It's too soon, because I haven't even started yet." He growled, wrenching my head back as there was a crunch as his fingers probed my mind. "If evolution has traced any groove at all in your brain, I will plough it somewhat deeper. And then you will know what a scream can really be!" He shouted as I howled in ungodly agony. All I could do was scream from the unbelievable pain as my mind was invaded with Stregobor; his fingers plucking my memories to the forefront of my mind.
"Enough! Stop!" Tissaia shouted, casting a spell that pushed Stregobor against the far wall.
He groaned as he rose to his feet, I fell forwards to the floor panting. I hissed as Tissaia helped me to my feet; "You will answer to this."
Tissaia helped me to her chambers, once through the door with it safely locked behind us she scooped me up in her arms and laid me on her bed. Once my head hit the pillows I felt my consciousness slipping but still felt the bed dip by my side, "I need to alert The Brotherhood to this abuse of power from Stregobor. Please take your time to rest and maybe sleep. I'll be back in a bit." She whispered, placing a delicate kiss on my forehead.
"Mmm, stay." I muttered, holding her arm as she ran her hand over my hair.
"I can't. I need to protect you. I'll see you in a little bit." I felt her arm withdraw and the bed right itself, the click of the door made me painfully aware I was now alone in Tissaia's office; more specifically lying on her bed. 

I awoke to the sound of bird chirping; I felt that my midsection was hot and when I forced my eyes to open fully I noticed I was wrapped in Tissaia's arms, my face resting on her chest. Tissaia's chin gently rested in the top of my head. I didn't want to move. The feeling was too incredible. I only wished I could stay in her arms forever.
But like all good things, they must often come to an end, and the moment was short lived when the door opened, making Tissaia jerk at the sudden sound. She, however, didn't remove her arms from around me. The noise had not made me move. She must have concluded I was still fast asleep, taking this as my advantage I nuzzled deeper into her. Her hand gently moved from my shoulders to my hair, running her fingers through it; "I'll take care of you, dear. I'll be by your side forever. This I promise you."