Entwined

Entwined Ch. 13

~13~

~Krystel’s POV~

“It’s harder than it looks,” Gustav explained as he motioned across the table to his body. “You can’t just close your eyes and wish. It takes a considerable amount of effort, time, and focus. I also have to mention that the first time is slightly painful and exhausting.”

“That’s what she said,” Tom smirked and snickered. 

Bill punched his arm, “Halt die Klappe.”

Gustav continued, “On average, it takes about an hour to successfully separate yourself. This is because OBEs can happen unintentionally. Some people are naturally gifted, and can leave their bodies just by having a thought. It usually takes me about ten minutes-”

“Don’t you dare.” Bill suddenly snapped at his brother, who nearly jumped out of his seat.

“And you’re calling me explicit?” Mickee inquired.

“There’s a fine line between ‘explicit’ and 'perverted’.” Samantha said in an understanding tone.

Tom looked at her in fake anger and whined, “I thought you were on my side!”

“Gustav,” I said quickly to snuff out the argument, “Do you have to meditate?”

“Sometimes if an area is too noisy,” he replied, “Then it’ll take 20 minutes.”

“How do you know how long it takes?” 

“I time him every now and then,” Georg said with a small smile.

“How do you get back into your body?” Kenickie asked.

“The same way you leave it. It feels a little colder.”

Mickee added worriedly, “Does it hurt?”

“Like I said, it hurts the first time. It feels like your soul is being stabbed with an icicle, and your blood is the Artic Ocean.” He lightly touched his chest, “It fades away gradually-”

“I want to try.” The words left my lips before I had time to think.

All eyes were on me now.

Gustav slowly made his way to me and laid an icy hand on my shoulder, “There is one sure fire way to do it without meditation.”

“How?” I felt my eagerness spill over.

“Watch carefully.” Gustav walked through the table to Georg, “Do you mind?”

“Not at all.” Georg smirked and stood up.

“Are you sure you want to stand?”

“It’ll give a better example.”

“Whatever you say.” Gustav lightly placed his hand in the center of Georg’s chest. After a few seconds, he shoved him harshly. The brunette’s body fell back into the chair, completely motionless. A gentle smog soon solidified and Georg was floating next to Kenickie. “See?”

I felt myself start to giggle. This was beyond awesome.

“Ready, Krystel?” Gustav looked at me. I could see a slight hint of anxiety in his eyes.

“Yeah,” My voice shook a little.

“Okay, just relax. It’ll hurt, but just for a few seconds.” He drifted behind me and I felt a chill in the center of my back. I took a deep breath as he muttered, “1…2…3.”

My senses were gone in an instant; it was like turning off a TV. I was numb, but I could feel my whole body start to tingle, which turned into a low hum. Something sharp and icy shot through my body and I felt myself gasp, but I couldn’t feel the air in my lungs. My excitement bled away into panic. Just relax…just relax… I grew lighter and lighter, then I was still, like I was wading in water. When I opened my eyes, everything was as it should’ve been, but a little brighter. My mind felt a little fogged up, so I shook my head. I looked around the table, meeting everyone’s gazes. They looked freaked out, especially Georg. No, they looked beyond freaked out. “Uhm…did it work?” My voice echoed a little.

“Dude…” Kenickie sounded awestruck.

“What is it?”

“You look…you look like…” Bill trailed off.

“Like who?”

“I’ve never seen something like this…” Gustav muttered.

“Wait, is my body still…?” I turned around and saw myself hunched over the table edge. I looked pale, but my face looked peaceful, my auburn hair swept gently over my eyes. When I returned my attention to Bill, he was standing on the other side of me. He looked almost…entranced. “Bill? Is something wrong?”

“Look at yourself!” Samantha’s voice cracked.

“But I am.” I pointed to my resting body, “See? I’m right here-” I cut myself off when I realized what she was really talking about.

Deep amethyst tribal Marks laced my entire hand and framed the incomprehensible symbols that appeared on my knuckles. There was a precise pentacle in the middle of each of my palms, the star points holding a different symbol which I suddenly knew were the elements. I curiously rolled up the sleeves of my shirt; the Marks and symbols continued up my wrists and ended near my elbows. “Wow…” I breathed.

Mickee rummaged through her purse, brought out a small hand mirror, and shoved it in my face, “Look!”

It was as if history was repeating itself. Here I was, staring at the beautiful girl that was staring back at me, but she was much different. Her irises were pure, glowing silver, and her face was framed with fragile Marks that spilled down her neck and shoulders. The simple Mark on her forehead had transformed into the Triple Goddess: A circle flanked by two crescents. More swirls danced around it.

This time, looking at her, I didn’t feel sick. Not at all.

I felt horrified.