World Of Worlds (Arula: One)

Chapter 17

Those five days, past by slowly, according to Karma. It seemed that every day past slower than others. Every now and then, Karma would let out a grunt of frustration and every time Omar would give her words of encouragement. Which didn't help very much. Entering the Elf Clan looked much like the dwarf clan territory. The only difference are the animals. While deer roam the dwarf clan, elks roam the Elven Clan and much more. When at last the great village of Abaddon came into view, Karma couldn't help but cheer. The village though, was about a half day away still, so the companions set up camp as the sun began to set behind the trees.

On the edge of the hill, Karma looked down at the village below. Lights filled the whole village, it was beautiful. The village was surrounded a huge tree that has been hollowed out so that the Elf Clan's leader King Curlus or any other royals, can live there. It was like a castle Karma had thought when she first came to Abaddon all those years ago, when all was almost right in her world.

Angel was curled up around Karma as she stared down the lone hill. The long-tailed fox eyes seemed to droop ever so slightly, and her mouth opened every now and then making smacking noises. Karma reached over and rubbed one of Angel's large ears. That only made the fox even more sleeper as it slowly drifted off. Karma could only smile. She remembered how her dog Buster would always do that when Karma rubbed his ears. It had been nearly eight months since Karma has been there and her homeland only seemed like a dream.

This is where I belong now, she thought to herself. No one understood me there, no one. I was alone in that world with no friends and a family who only loves me when I'm not drawing in that dumb book. Letting out a deep sigh, Karma laid on her back and stared at the sky as the stars began to appear. As the sky grew darker, the stars grew brighter. And as the stars grew brighter, Karma could make out the constellations that painted the sky. Karma could see the dragon constellation, Drago, and Orion's Belt. She could also see the Big Dipper, but as always, she couldn't find the Little Dipper. Not even on Earth could she ever find it. Staring at the stars, Karma wondered if her brother and sister were staring at the same stars as she was. Little did she know, Dennis was sitting at his bedroom window staring out at those stars as well.

The sound of grass crunching beneath feet snapped her from her daydream. Omar walked over and crouched down beside her. He too, glanced up at the stars. "You know," he said. "My people have stories about those stars." The elf looked down at Karma. "You wish to hear?" Karma nodded as she sat up on her elbows. Omar cleared his throat before he spoke. "There was a time where humans, elves, dwarf, sprites and every other creature didn't live in harmony. War broke out wherever you turned. Villages were burned and lives were lost. Until one day, Asteria, the goddess of the stars, came down from the heavens themselves and brought all the creatures together for one night. There she stood in all her glory. As she stood there, she said,

'My fellow servants, oh how low have you've fallen. All this hatred has divided you, has destroyed you. This great land was meant to be shared, not divided. You no longer know how to love. Greed has taken it from you.' As she said this, she raised her hands up to the starry night. There, she rearranged the stars until each and every one made a shape, made person or creature. Asteria continued to speak. 'As long as these stars stay aglow, there will always be peace between your clans. As long as these stars stay aglow, darkness will never fall. And as long as you let these stars stay aglow, your clans will never have to face disaster.' With those words, she disappeared in a blinding light and was never seen again."

Omar took a deep breath as he finished his story. He looked at the stars as if he were trying see if they would go out. The stars though, just twinkled above him. "Wow," Karma said. "That was powerful."

"Mm, indeed, is was." Behind them, they could hear Dagner's monstrous snore. Immediately Omar and Karma started to laugh.

"Who knew for such a small creature could snore so loudly!" Karma laughed.

"Agreed!" Omar chuckled. As the laughing died down, the quiet of the night returned. The sound of crickets could only be heard. Omar's face turned serious as he looked down at Karma. "You should sleep," he said. "You'll need the energy for when we talk to Curlus. It will be a big day. And you better hope that Curlus will listen to your ridiculous plan."

"Hey!" Karma said, offended. Omar just smiled and patted Karma's shoulder as he stood.

"Good night, Karma." Omar walked backed to the campfire leaving Karma alone with Angel. The long-tailed fox was snoring ever so slightly. Her long blue tongue licking her black lips every now and then. Smiling, Karma laid her head down on the fox's furry stomach and fell asleep with the dragon star, Drago, the last thing she saw.

As Omar sat by the fire, he glanced over at Karma to make sure she was still there, satisfied that she was, he looked up at the stars. Slowly but surely, the star called Orin's Belt started to disappear. Drawling a sharp breath, Omar shook his head. So, it has begun.