Legend of the Seven Lights

47. The World of Guertena

Did I mention Mary comes from Ib? 'Cause that's kind of important. Also, an Atbash.

Chapter 47: The World of Guertena

Goldenweek Residence

The sun rose over the lush grassland where the Goldenweek mansion stood. Few white clouds were in the sky, so the day would be bright and clear today. Mary was still asleep in her soft, warm bed, her yellow hair a mess after rolling around all night. When she stretched her arms to either side, she hugged only dolls. It took her an hour to realize that none of them were body-size. She lazily sat up, looking around. She looked at her doorway when April walked in, fully dressed except her shoes and hat. "Good morning, Mary! Did you have any nightmares?"

"Mmmm... mm-mm." Mary shook 'no.'

"That's good. Do you wanna sleep in or eat breakfast first?"

"No, I'm hungry." She smiled. "I wanna eat cereal! It tastes like tiny tasty sand dancing in my mouth!" She smacked her lips and tongue up and down like she were chewing.

"Ha ha ha! Be down, soon! The gallery opens at 11, so your mom and dad wanna go at 12:30. Plenty of time to play around!"

"Okay. I can't wait!" After April left the room, Mary kicked off her bed and entered her bathroom. She doused her hands with hot water under the sink and splashed it on her face. She looked up at the mirror, her tired eyes squinted as water dripped from her face. For some reason, her face seemed darker in the reflection. She stared at herself close, like an image in a canvas. Today, they might learn the secret behind her nightmares. But Mary felt like she already knew.

Outside

"TAG!" Aisa exclaimed, pushing Chimney. "You're it!" The Nimbi laughed as she ran away, the feel of the grass under her bare feet giving her energy. After they had breakfast, the friends went outside to engage in an energetic game of Tag.

Chimney chased Aisa, her teeth gritted furiously, until the leader stopped and noticed Mary to her left. Chimney smirked, dashing over to push Mary forcefully. "TAG!! You're it, Mary-chan!" She ran away.

"Yaaaaay! I'm it, I'm it!" Mary jumped.

"Mary, you don't want to be 'it'." April chuckled, painting a canvas.

"Why not?"

"Because the one who's 'it' dies! That's how I always interpreted it."

"Oh. I don't want to die." Mary frowned.

"Actually, since Chimney tagged you, that makes you our new Sector Leader!" Apis grinned.

"WHAT?!" Chimney freaked. "NO I DIDN'T! YOU TAG ME BACK RIGHT NOW, YOU SNEAKY..." She tackled Mary, angrily slapping her face as the others laughed.

Aeincha and Mini Mocha climbed up April's long legs, eventually resting on her shoulders to view her painting. "Whatcha doin'?" Aeincha asked.

"Oh! It's Sector V!" Mocha pointed. The painting depicted Sector V standing on Candied Island's shore, with Sheila grinning, winking, and raising a 'peace' sign.

"I know. I'm making pictures of all the places the Lights went to." April explained. "There's the others." Aeincha and Mocha dropped to the ground and walked around a tree, viewing the four paintings leaned against it. Sector IC with Arendelle Castle at the top, Sector W flying through Birka's storm, Team Gallagher fighting in the Battle of Washington... then Sector W7, happily exploring an art gallery.

"Ours isn't very exciting, huh." Aeincha sweatdropped. "But does this mean you think one of us will be awakened there?"

"Kind of. I met Sheila in a dream last night, and she told me about the other people she visited. A few chapters later, a new Light."