The Planet of Darkness

Chapter 5

"What? No! That's a lie." I say quickly, making everyone look at me for my sudden outburst. 

Ariel looks down at her tail and replies, "but it is true. If it isn't true, then why have everyone on the planet look exactly the same?" 

"We just age slowly so we will look the same for a long time." Adolf answers and I nod in agreement. 

"She's right, though." Gracelynn says, surprising us all. 

"How can you say that, Gracelynn?" I ask her. 

She looks at me with eyes full of care, "I have been alive much longer than you and let me tell you that nothing on this planet has changed in a long time. It used to change but then one day, it stopped. I know it sounds weird and false, but believe when I tell you that it is the truth. This planet has stopped changing. It is why none of us grow anymore, why the landscape look the same, and why no one new has been born yet." 

"My father would have said something about this if it were true." I tell them, "I am the princess, I would know if it was true." 

"Maybe your father doesn't want you to know..." Ariel guesses. 

"No." I snap. "My father would not hide anything. He wants me to be the best princess I could possibly be. And to be that, I have to know everything I can learn." 

"Then I guess he doesn't know." Gracelynn says. "Maybe you should ask him?" 

"Maybe..." I say, uncertain if I should go ask my father something really crazy. 

"Well, in any case, what would cause the time to stop?" Adolf asks. 

Ariel shrugs, "I wish I know." She looks at Gracelynn and asks, "do you have an idea?" 

"I'm not sure. I do remember of the day when the magic has increased across the land. I explored everywhere to decide what caused it but I never found anything. The magic level hasn't changed since then. It might be the reason behind why nothing has aged." 

"The magic level increased? I don't remember that." I tell her. 

"Of course you don't." Gracelynn says, "it happened so long ago. Even I barely remember." 

"After a while, your brain will delete some memory so that new memory can be stored. No one can remember every little detail for life. Not even the witches." Ariel informs us. 

"That is true. There are many things I can't remember at all." Adolf laughs. 

It is true that Adolf has trouble remembering things, half the time he can't remember what happened a week ago. I always figured it was the wolf blood in him but now, it might be because his brain is doing it instead. Brains are quite interesting if you think about it. 

A screeching sound breaks out, interrupting our conversation. I look up and see three dragons flying through the sky, breathing fire every ten seconds. They were chasing each other as if playing tag. In the distant, one dragon that I know quite well, flies towards us. His long red wings stretch far and wide. Flap, flap. He comes and lands right next to me. 

"Hey, boy! How are you, Max?" I say, excitedly as I pet his scaly face. His skin is rough underneath my touch. He closes his eyes and slightly smiles. He must have really missed me lately.

 I notice that there was something tied around his neck. "Oh? What is this?" It is a letter. "A letter? From who?" I untie the letter from his neck and unroll the paper. "It's from my parents. They want me to come home straight away. They say it is time for me to practice my powers." 

"I guess you have to leave then." Adolf says, sounding quite sad. 

"I must. I'll see you guys later, okay?" I wave goodbye and jump onto Max's back. 

Max starts flapping his wings and jumps into the sky. I wave goodbye to my friends once more before being carried off back to the castle. I look around and see the village, waving at the people I pass. They all wave back with smiles on their faces. The wind feels good on my skin. I hold on strongly as Max does circles and flips in the air. At the castle, he soars down and lands softly. I jump off his back and pet him, kissing him on his nose. He has been a family pet for many centuries. I couldn't help but notice how he has always looked the same. I shake my head at the thought. There is no way that time does not exist anymore. It is impossible. 

I enter the castle and go towards the kitchen. I see Mother Goose setting up the tea kettle. She lights the fireplace and hang the pot of water over the flames. When she sees me, she jumps a little in surprise. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." I say. 

Mother Goose bows to me and says, "it is my fault. I should have been more observant to my surroundings. Are you hungry, Princess Carol?" 

"Starving. I shall be at the table waiting for food." I exit the kitchen to the dining area. I sit in my usual spot and wait for Mother Goose to bring me some food. 

In no time at all, Mother Goose appears carrying a big bowl of fruit and juice. I eat it all, ignoring the fact that I had similar food earlier. The juice eases my tiredness and makes me more alert and focus to my senses. I can smell the cleaning supplies she has used earlier and I can smell the fire from the kitchen. I guess I must have been needing that juice. 

My mother and father walks in and my mother already scowls at me, "Carol, do you not realize we told you to hurry home so that we can practice your powers? Now let us begin your training."