The Chronicles Of Rival; The Lost Ones.

Chapter Thirteen; The Return

It was something new this time.   I actually had a dream instead of a nightmare.   I was wandering through a beautiful castle, made of Black Crystenzilite.   The halls and corridors were flawlessly polished.   There was little chandeliers hanging above me,  everywhere I went.   As I turned a corner there was a Grand painting, of someone, it was too blurry to make out, however.  As if my brain wouldn't let me see  it.   I did notice at the bottom of the painting there was a title.   Lio, Elemental Being Of The Trench.   Again those letters, Lio.    Suddenly I heard soft music playing in the distance.  I followed it throughout the castle, until I found the source.   A huge, extravagant ballroom.   It was decorated, and well lit.   As if a party were to begin.   But know no one was around.  

Actually, I lied.   There was one person.  They were clothed in a dark, unrevealing cloak.   Playing the violin, with their back to me.   I didn't want to disturb them, so I stood behind, the doorframe, and simply watched.   The more passionately they played, the more I felt connected to them.   I had no idea who it was, but I was certain that I knew them.  They turned around, and I slipped farther behind the doorframe.   They had a strange mask on, it resembled a bird, perhaps.  I wasn't quite sure.   I must have done something to alert them that I was there.   Because they stopped playing.   And faced me.   I thought, I would die and the dream would end.  But instead they held their hand out to me.   I wasn't sure if it was an invitation, or not.  Still, I walked towards them.   I noticed I was barefoot, and wearing a white flowing dress.   

I cautiously stopped a few feet away.   All of it seemed too good to be true.  Maybe I had been around Damion too long.  I was losing my sense.   This was probably a trap.   They hadn't moved, just waited patiently for me to take their hand.   It was just a dream, surely I would be fine, I had reasoned.   I walked the distance between us and reached for their hand.   Within an instant, I was pulled into a waltz.   I had never danced before, thank the spirits It was just a dream.  I wasn't sure If I should've said something.   I probably should've at least asked their name.  But I was enjoying being twirled, and gliding elegantly.   There wasn't music, and I still was finding comfort in this calm dance.   I found myself glancing at the stranger's mask.   

Did I really know them? Or were they truly an enigma? I felt something strong shake the castle, and the waltz came to an abrupt halt.    The person looked around, frantically.  Finally they squeezed my hand gently.  "Find me, my dear.  And free me, so we can dance together forever," echoed a soft voice across the room.   The voice was familiar, I knew it well.  But I couldn't remember who it belonged to.  I was confused, and worried for the person.   So I nodded.  And I was pulled back to reality, suddenly.   I sat up and rubbed my temples.   "Are you okay, dearie?" Tara asked, as she sat on the edge of the bed, beside me.  I glanced up at her.  "Who is The Elemental Being, Lio?"I asked remembering the painting.  I wasn't sure If that was who I danced with, but I knew he was important.   

Tara's expression immediately changed to sorrow.   "I knew the moment I met you that, you were similar to him, Lio I mean.  He was a mortal for the longest time,  a human type Hybrid, just like you.  He had a very strong connection to Dark magic, ever since he was born.   He never planned on using it, however.   He wanted to be a musician.  And he was greatly known across all of Rival.   Sadly, as all of us, who hold a special connection to Dark magic, are threats to this planet.   He was sent by Lord Sage to dwell, within the darkest realm of them all.   The Trench," Tara explained.   "And he didn't do anything wrong?"  I asked in utter disbelief.   Tara shook her head, sadly.   "It's the same reason why I am stuck down here.  And If I ever escape from this wretched realm, I swear Lord Sage will pay," she added, angrily.  And her anger made complete sense to me.   Why should the innocent be cursed, simply because they are a possible threat.   

"Wait, why was I allowed to live on Rival for so long?" I wondered out loud.  I had a connection to dark magic, I was cursed just like Tara, and Lio.   "Someone, don't ask me who, must have been hiding you somehow.  Did you do anything that might have been noticed by Lord Sage?" She replied, raising an eyebrow skeptically.   It reminded me of Damion.  The kiss.   "Yeah, something comes to mind," I answered, carefully.   She didn't press further.   "What is with this sudden interest in Lio, anyway?" Tara redirected, changing the subject.  " He was in my dream, he asked me to find him, and free him.  Someone or something is coming for him, soon," I remembered, hastily.   Tara didn't appear shocked.   "The Trench is known for being the realm of cursed things.  Monsters, demons, hybrids, anything that is too dangerous for this world.  If Lio is in danger, there is no time to spare," She informed me.   

"Can I even get to The Trench from here," I asked, hesitantly.   Tara smiled, mischievously.  "I know you've already had a thousand thoughts to process, but If you plan on helping Lio, perhaps you should first understand your destiny," she challenged.