Above Reality

THE REVEAL (PART-3)

'Loyalty.' Jinni and Andy repeated, dazzled.

'Yes, to the last royal dragon.'

'That aggressive dragon. I should prove loyalty to that monster.' Shannon asked unable to believe her ears.

'This is not a dream but a nightmare.' Shannon said to herself.

'But that dragon isn't like others.' Arjun said, with a worried look. 'It's really difficult to control it.'

'It does make sense. Since the dragon is connected to the prophecy.' Alen added.

'It definitely makes sense.' Mrs Winson repeated. 'You are supposed to kill Veronica with the help of the royal dragon. So, this task is of vital importance and you only have time till the next full moon. This means only twenty-eight days.

The conclusion is this- you will have to pay a short visit to the Dragon Valley.' Mrs Winson.

'Mam, that's way dangerous.' Jinni said worried.

'Dragon Valley is filled with all kinds of animals.' Ron added. 'You can't let her go alone there.'

'I am going with her.' Andy stated. 'Same here.' Arjun added. 'I am not going to let her venture into the Dragon Valley, all alone. No way! She has only seen the city. Nothing beyond that. And you are talking about sending her to the most dangerous place.'

'It's not a place for a thirteen-year-old.' Flare said.

'We are going with her.' All of them said together.

'No way!' Shannon shouted. 'All of you will stay here, in the academy premises. I am not going to let any of you, put your life at risk. For me or that pathetic prophecy, I am supposed to fulfill.'

'Mrs Winson,' Alen called. 'Mam, she is completely out of her mind. And has pretty much no idea, what Dragon Valley is. Please don't listen to her.'

'Yes Mrs Winson, if you won't allow. We will sneak out of the academy.' Farrah added.

'Yes, I stand by her.' Rachel said supportively.

'Come down.' Mrs Winson said. 'I knew this situation would arise. That is why I made sure you all attended extra classes.

The special classes were to train you. Because when you come to know Shannon will have out venture out into such danger. Where returning is rare. Andy will never let her go alone and so will Arjun. And if Arjun is going- then Ron and Alen won't sit back. And when Shannon is going to face her death. The rest of you girls, won't listen to me.

And to help your friend, you all will find counter spells and potions for any kind of protective layer of magic.

This is exactly why I made sure, you all had some practice. Because I didn't want you all to enter into a death-war, without any training of course.'

'So, you trained us. Because you were aware, of this situation beforehand.' Ron asked, surprised.

'How did you know that.' Flare asked.

'I have been in this profession for forty years. I have been handling children for a long time. I think I have enough experience to know what is going to happen later.' Mrs Winson said, then with a crooked smile added. 'You did understand, my plan-right Arjun? '

Arjun raked his hands through his dark hair, in reply.

'So, can we- Andy started

'Andy, if all of you venture inside the valley. You will be easily spotted.' Mrs Winson explained.

'So, what will we do.' Arjun questioned.

'In my suggestion Shannon, Farrah, and Alen should go and the rest of you should stay here. Farrah is an all-element fairy and, in Dragon Valley, you need to have good ties with Mother Nature. Alen your camouflage skills will also come in handy.

Rest of you, if you stay here. You will be of more help. We need to stay in touch with these three. That will require a team effort. Then if the techno-magic isn't helping then we will have to use Mother Nature. Like wind, water, etc. For this, I need your presence.'

After intense discussion, everyone agreed on Mrs Winson's plan. Shannon was very stubborn, about traveling alone. But Mrs Winson's non-stopping request was for which she finally gave in.

'Okay, now all of you head back to your apartments. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.'

Everyone walked back to their apartment. 'I will be back now.' Shannon said and rushed back to the principal's office.

She slightly knocked and the door opened on its own. Mrs. Winson was standing near the window and looking at the clear sky.

'Mrs. Winson.' Shannon called.

'Shannon.' Mrs. Winson said seating herself in her chair. 'Have a seat.'

As soon as Shannon settled down. Mrs. Winson said. 'Mam, I am sorry to disturb you. But-

'I am always there to help you, Shannon.' Mrs Winson said supportively.

'Everyone says- destiny chose you. So, you must have something in you to fight Veronica. Mam, it might be true but I led a normal life. Frankly speaking, I am not the type who is strong, or brave. I am sensitive, fragile, and have poor endurance. I am not meant for this rough and tough, death war.'

'In reality, you believe- you are a damsel in distress.' Mrs Winson stated. 'Your answer isn't something I can give you today. But remember, who you are and what you will be. you are going to decide that.'

''Shannon, this will be of help to you.' Mrs. Winson said giving her the book she took from the drawer earlier. It was as if she expected Shannon to come back later.

'Read it and then the rest you can decide yourself.' Mrs. Winson said. 'You can go now. If you need any help, please let me know.'

Shannon was about to leave the room when she remembered Mrs. Nigel's words. 'It was something about loyalty.' Shannon said.

'Excuse me, dear.' Mrs. Winson said.

'Mam is there by any chance you know a person called Mrs. Nigel.' Shannon asked, remembering Mrs. Nigel stating that Mrs. Winson was a very good friend of hers.

Mrs. Winson started turning uncomfortable with the mention of the name. She panickily asked her. 'Why did you ask.'

'Mam, I would like to meet her. I need her help on a matter.'

'On what matter.' Mrs. Winson asked, standing up.

'On-on.' Shannon said stammering. She didn't want to tell why she wanted to meet Mrs. Nigel to anyone now. Anyway, not until she figures out why she gave the talk on loyalty to her.

'Do you know where I can meet her?' Shannon asked.

'She was a friend of mine. But sadly, she disappeared a few days ago. With the Darks around there is nothing you can do.' Mrs. Winson said with her eyes lowered to the table.

'Okay, I understand.' Shannon said uncertainly.

She stared at Mrs. Winson with an odd look. It looked like she got unwell all of a sudden.

'But why do you want to meet her.' Mrs. Winson asked, in a confident voice.

'I needed her help in something, regarding fighting that foul-heartless-wicked-cruel sorceress Veronica.'

'She is not heartless.' Mrs. Winson said in a very angry voice.

'What.' Shannon asked, in shock.

'Well................ I meant Mrs. Nigel, not Veronica.'

'You meant Mrs. Nigel is not heartless.' Shannon said. 'Mrs. Winson, you made me scared for a moment.'

'Shannon, go back to your class.' Mrs. Winson said in a fragile voice. 'I need to take some rest.'

Shannon replied. 'Okay, mam and thank you for the book.' after stepping out of the room Shannon wondered in her mind. 'Was Mrs. Winson alright or was she unwell.'