Nightmares

Chapter 11

Martha's Pov

"You don't have to come." I said. "But it would mean a lot to me if you were there." I had been heading into town as the Town Herald while contemplating whether I should reveal myself to the heroes as Martha now. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts to notice the noise up ahead. If I were Sparklez would it seem strange for me to meet someone who introduces herself as the daughter of Ianite? Yes. Would it seem strange if I introduced myself as his alternate's daughter? Definitely. Should I remain mysterious but assure him that I am an Ianitee? That is probably my best bet. Later he will find out the truth but I want him to at least know I am on his side for now. By this point I heard the noise up ahead. Sparklez and Helgind were talking to a third person hidden behind Sparklez. Then I saw them, the gold wings, the gleaming sword, the bright brown eyes. It was Al. Ever since I was little I had known Al as the older brother Helgrind had never been. He was always there for me, until he wasn't. He joined Mianite after talking to Helgrind one day then left to join the Mianite military abandoning me. One lone tear passed down my cheek as my fist clenched. For a split second our eyes met, and I thought he recognized me (he didn't in case you weren't sure, she was wearing contacts, remember?), so I ran, and ran, and ran. I finally stopped when I passed Steve's house.

"I can't." Steve said. Steve had been good friends with Al.

"Your not the only one with painful memories of him!" I spat in his face. Then I broke down crying. Steve lifted up my chin and looked me in the eyes.

"I'll go." Steve said. "I'm sorry I forgot about that." He kissed my forehead. "It's okay."

So Steve and I walked down the road looking strange considering I was in my Town Herald attire and he was holding my hand, seeing as I was supposed to be a boy I should let go but I'm too dependent on him being with me. Where are we going? To Andor's speech. He's giving a speech at the port and invited everyone. Steve and I hid in between the buildings and waited.

Andor began his speech. "Ahem... I have heard that the greatest persuasion is nothing more than telling the truth. So I speak in the voice given to me by my mother, Freya. I make no grand overtones or guttural whispers for dramatic effect. I am only Andor. My voice trembles. I've come to ask my father a question. Father I know you are listening too. Haven't you noticed? Do these wings look like the product of some frivolous magic? Whom do you suppose the statue at the bridge represents? Not Mianite. I am an Acolyte of the Wounded Goddess. I have always been. WE worship Ianite. While you have governed this trade city and allocated its resources to the glorification of the one true god, I have been chiseling Ianite's likeness into your stones and penning her mantras into your paper. Her teachings have been with me all these years, guiding me toward a day of unity while you have winced at the thought of hope and stooped over the corpses of the lost. If you had but journeyed with me! I am at the threshold. Soon, Ianite will Rise! And Alva and Freya's spirits with her. I hear your voice Father. I hear your anger. Do what you will with me. But first, know this. If your god is just and blameless with flawless integrity, then fear not. Your battle is already won. But if there is the smallest fracture in Mianite's armor then the crevice will widen, the shell will corrode, and Mianite's sins and yours will seep through. Everything you have built will be wiped clean in preparation for Dagrun and Ruxomar's rebirth. I do not know why you begrudge Ianite for our family's death, or why you hide your wounds. But I do know that healing is available to you. It is the greatest gift anyone can receive. Greater than a shield. Greater than a perfect, made-up world. If you wish, see your dream to its end. Do everything in your power to create a the world you crave. I raise no sword. I wear no armor. I have only this boomerang, which a true friend gave me. Want to throw it? Just like old times, with Mom. I INVITE YOU." Sparklez clapped with a steely expression in his eyes. For once I felt like I enjoyed seeing instead of Spark. Spark would have kept his cover instead. I would have ran out and hugged Andor except I saw what was coming next. Al looked murderous, and Helgrind looked confused. An expression of determination was set on Tom's face as he watched from a nearby rooftop. (He was banished) Andor looked as he always did and peered at Helgrind. Andor always had the ability to see through Helgrind to his inner emotions, a skill I never had. Al moved foreword sword raised. Sparklez blocked Al.

"Whoa, whoa calm down Al. It's all fine here." Sparklez said. Thank Ianite she picked a good follower, even if it was her alternate.

"All is not fine here JORDAN! Someone is opposing the one true god. And YOU are helping him. I have as much right to ARREST YOU as him." Al said. I grabbed my wand and Steve pulled out a bow. Tom brandished his weapon, ready to jump onto the ground to protect Andor. Tucker and Sonja looked torn. For once I actually understood their actions. Al pushed Jordan to the side and walked forward. As he got closer to Andor I began speaking a curse and Steve knocked his arrow. Andor looked apron the scene calmly, holding his boomerang like it was a weapon. Andor's eyes flashed from person to person quickly surveying all possible options. His eyes definitely flashed towards Steve and I once. I let the curse fly off my wand at Al the exact moment Steve let his arrow fly.