The Cove

Chapter 7 The Introduction

2005-10-29T10:51:00.000+08:00

Jill

My mother is the Oracle of the Air? Who would have known? After all these years, how is it possible that I did not suspect anything odd about her? Maybe it is because I have always thought of her as strange on her own. She did not need a mysterious title to her name to snag that image. But still, the thought is weird. I am the daughter of an oracle.

What is an oracle anyway? Isn’t it that he is the one who sees things? If so, why are there two of them so far? What’s the point of all the elements to have oracles? Is that even the proper name to call them?

Gosh. So many questions and I can’t even ask them. Where are we going anyway? I feel like I have been up here in the air for hours. Sure, I have a lot of responsibilities now that I know I am supposed to accomplish a mission, but I’m still human. I’m tired and frustrated. I want to sleep and pretend for a moment that none of this has ever happened.

“Stop complaining, Jill,” Mei said. “Consider yourself lucky. You’re better off than the others who lost their lives because of their unawareness.”

“Somehow you fail to comfort me,” I said dryly. “Were you reading my thoughts?”

Mei smiled. “It was hard not to. You were kind of shouting it out loud in your head. Anyway, keep quiet now. We have to be silent the whole way so that we won’t be sensed by whatever is out there. Besides, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want Ken to get angry with me.”

Interesting. I saw how she looked at Ken. She seemed like a child who had just received a warm embrace each time she was with Ken. For the first time, I was happy that Mei was happy. I used to hate her, but now, she wasn’t really that bad.

“Pay attention, Jill,” Ken said. “We’re almost there.”

In a matter of seconds, we were already standing on solid ground. We were at what appeared to be a huge fortress built eons ago that had seemingly witnessed countless battles. On any other day, this sight would have made me excited, but under the circumstances, I’d rather be elsewhere. Somehow, this place seemed to be giving off an aura of caution. I hurried to Jack’s side so I won’t be affected that much by the cold wind.

We went up the never-ending stairs and finally entered a room where we were greeted by what looked like a little fairy. She told us to take our seats. Behind her, a woman wearing blue was silently approaching us. I could see that she was floating on air. Her feet barely touched the floor!

“Jill, honey,” the woman said, coming closer.

“Mom!” I exclaimed, surprised. I rushed to hug her. “I’m so glad you’re alright. Where’s dad?”

“He’s somewhere else now,” my mother said, her blue eyes betrayed her sadness. “It was something unexpected. We were not able to react as quickly as I had hoped.”

“Oh.”

“But the good thing is that you are here now,” she said as cheerfully as she could. “You have to be prepared for the worst to happen. This is not a game, and as much as I would have liked it that you be kept out of this, I can’t do anything to put things back to order. All I can do now is to brief you with who or rather what you are up against before you go.” She smiled her sad smile.

“We are against 5 major bosses here. Four of them represent the four elements of the earth, and the destruction each element brings to mankind. They do not see eye to eye in things so that could be our advantage if we play our cards right. However, I doubt that we would be able to do much damage because they have a powerful being in control. He is the one we should be on the lookout for. He wields a weapon so destructive it can easily disintegrate anything of this world. You have to be extremely careful for there is also a great risk your heart will be devoured by the darkness of his soul, if he had any. He will go to great extents to make sure you will not defeat his minions and reach him.”

“I understand,” I said, nodding. I looked at my three friends. They were counting on me.

“Here, take this.” My mom gave me something silver. “It’s your grandmother’s locket. It will protect you when your heart calls out to it. It has saved a lot of people, and it will save you. Remember that no matter what happens, stick to fulfilling your destiny. Do not be swayed by your fears and doubts. Do not let your emotions take full control, most especially if they are those of anger and of hate.” She paused a while. “I wish you peace and safety.” She bowed. “Now go before it’s too late.”

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 The Attack

2005-08-27T08:57:00.000+08:00

Jill

Our classes were over by three in the afternoon so we decided to begin with the training. We headed to the river just past the bustling streets of the 2nd District. The area was a bit secluded and an old oak tree stood proud and tall on a slightly elevated patch of land close to the water. Everywhere, adults were rushing to their appointments, children were racing home in order not to miss their afternoon cartoons, and teenagers were running to their part time jobs. It was the busiest of afternoons.

I gazed at the crystal clear water before me and took in the freshness of the air around. Jack told me to sit down at the tip of the old oak tree’s shadow, close my eyes, and wait a while before we could begin. I did not understand what exactly was going to happen, but I knew I had no other alternative.

A few seconds after, Jack begun chanting some strange words seeming as if he were a monk of long ago. I did not open my eyes to see what was going on because my auburn-haired friend strictly told me that I should follow every single thing he says or else the consequences would be too great to fix. I was not comfortable with taking orders, but once again, I was resigned to complying, just to get the whole process over and done with.

As I hummed silently to myself, I noticed that Jack’s chanting had stopped. At the same time, I began to feel my surroundings become warmer and colder at once. It was not an uncomfortable feeling, but more of a pleasant sensation that seemed to be awakening every nerve in my body. I felt as if an invisible and powerful Being was gracing me with new powers of some sort. I was now fully aware of my environment and every single live and moving creature within one hundred kilometers. It was amazing.

“You can open your eyes now,” Jack said, sitting down beside me. “It’s done.” He leaned back a bit and ran his hand through his hair. He gazed up at the sky and smiled.

“What are you smiling about?” I asked him, for a moment forgetting about what had happened a minute ago.

“Nothing,” Jack answered. “I just never thought it would be like this.”

I stared at him in confusion. “You have to explain that to me. I can’t seem to understand half of what you’re saying these days.”

“The Oracle of the Earth told me that it would not be easy to unlock your hidden powers. She said that the experience might drain us both, or if not, something bad will happen soon afterwards,” he explained. “You see, the evil that is now among us is attracted to the power that you possess and is determined to take control of it no matter what it takes. Since nothing has happened to the two of us yet, this only means that something is headed our direction right at this moment.”

“That does not sound good,” I said, stating the obvious.

“Yeah, well, there’s really nothing we can do about it,” he shrugged. He stood up and held out his hand to help me up. “Now that your powers have been awakened, I think it’s time we put them into good use. Let’s practice a bit first, and then call it a day.”

“Okay, sure. Just tell me what to do and how to do it,” I said.

As soon as I stood up, I felt as if the sun were setting a little bit too early today. I checked my watch. 4:00.

But before I could turn around and ask Jack what in the world was going on, a strong arm pushed me to the ground facedown. I was too shocked that my mind could not fully grasp the complexity of the situation. Heck, my mind could not even work at that moment. I tried getting out of the firm hold of the person on top of me, but all I ended up doing was using up my energy.

“Jill, stay put. It’s not safe, but don’t worry, I’m here to protect you.”

Jack. That sounded like him. He must have been the one who pushed me down, but why? I strained to look up at the sky so that I might at least get an idea on what was happening. Then it hit me. It hit me like a hammer banging on a nail, crushing it under the immense weight and forcing it to grab hold of the wood underneath. I felt like the nail and the hammer was the sudden realization that the sky had suddenly turned red and the air, dry. It was with this realization that I forced myself to stand up and do something.

I mustered all the strength I had left, but I was only able to push Jack aside. I tried to run, but was abruptly pushed back down. There was some force field shielding us, preventing whatever was outside from harming us. I looked around, and to my horror, I saw something I wish I would never see ever again.

Jack

When I saw the look on Jill’s face, I knew she was having a hard time accepting all that’s happened. I knew that she was in a lot of pain looking at what was once the 2nd District.

It was a devastating sight. There was destruction everywhere. The tall buildings that served as offices and houses were now in rubbles. Cars were overturned and trees uprooted. The roads appeared to be waves, no longer passable. People were lying on the streets everywhere. Their deaths were quick and painless. They probably did not even know what hit them. There was not a single moment spared for them to process what the sudden change of temperature was about. It was an instant death, an instant kill.

The fire spread quickly and was now consuming the last of the great monuments the district was proud of. The air was thick with smoke that even if anyone had survived the earlier blow, he would not be able to live to escape from the gas chamber the city has now become.

Jill’s shoulders began shaking violently as she wept for the lives lost. This was her home. This place was her life, from the very moment of her existence until now even as it withered right before her very eyes. I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do to ease her anguish.

“Come on,” I said as gently as I could. “Let’s get you out of here. We’ll wait until the fire dies down.”

I took her in my arms and slowly took off with the force field still surrounding us. I did not look back for fear that I might break down as well. I had to protect Jill, and I was going to do that no matter what.

Hours later, we returned to the site and began our search for possible survivors. At first, the stench of already decaying bodies was a bit overwhelming for both of us, but we managed to do our duty as carefully as we could.

We were about to give up on the search when someone seemed to be calling for help. We rushed to the place to find a teenage girl stuck in what seemed to be debris. Her lower body was under the tremendous weight of a wall that had fallen on her. She had managed to put aside the table on top of her but she had no strength to move the large block of cement that was crushing her.

“Hang on,” I said. “You’ll be alright.”

I asked Jill to step back a bit. I placed my hands in a sort of praying position with my middle fingers bent so only the remaining eight could be seen. I chanted some words and the wall slowly rose. As soon as I was sure that it was safe to put it down, I dropped the block on a pile of rubble.

Jill rushed to help the girl.

“Mei!” Jill gasped.

“You know her?” I asked.

“She’s that co-worker I was telling you about,” Jill replied. “You’re alive!” she said to Mei.

“Jill, is that you?” Mei asked. “I’m sorry, I can’t see too clearly without my glasses.”

“Here, let me help you,” I said. I put my hands over her eyes.

She blinked a little and let out a little squeal of delight. “I can see again!”

“What happened? Is there anyone else who needs help?” Jill asked, sounding hopeful.

“I’m sorry, Jill,” Mei said, bowing her head. “It was just so fast. It’s as if it only took a few milliseconds to wipe out every single thing in this whole city.”

“How did you manage to survive?” I asked suddenly. “A blast like that should have left no survivors. Even if there were, they would have perished even before the fire could die down. Yet you have survived, and with a wall on top of you that could have killed anyone.” I paused. Mei’s eyes were growing wider each second as if I was exposing her deepest, darkest secret. “And now you can still stand up? Who are you really?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, trying to appear innocent. “I am Mei.”

“You can’t keep your little clandestine from me. I can read minds if I choose to,” I said. Of course that was a bluff. I really had no such power, but she did not have to know that.

“That’s enough.” A familiar voice said.

I spun around to see Ken, that guy from yesterday.

“Mei, we do not have the time to fool around,” he told her. “These people were sent by the Oracle of the Earth to accomplish this mission. I am sure you know that Jill was entrusted the task of eliminating the evil that has come to earth. So it is useless to waste time hiding your true identity.”

Ken had said it with much authority that Jill’s co-worker apologized for her immaturity.

“I was only testing them,” she said. She bowed low. “I am Mei, a mind reader trained under the great Oracle of the Air.” She winked at me when she said that. I could feel my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. “I was assigned to spy on you, Jill, and report everything to the Oracle of the Air, who is in fact your mother.”

I turned to look at Jill’s expression. She was staring at Mei with great disbelief. I felt guilty for not telling her. I took her hand and squeezed it.

“My mother is the Oracle of the Air?” Jill asked. She let go of my hand and quickly sat down on the ground, trying to understand everything once again. “Wow. Then that must mean she’s alright.”

Ken confirmed. “She’s waiting for you. We’ll take you there.”

Chapter 7
Chapter 5

Chapter 5 The Past

2005-08-20T10:13:00.000+08:00

Ken

I did not know how long I had been flying until my muscles began to ache badly. I looked at my watch and was surprised to find out that I have been up in the air for three hours. Normally I would not have allowed myself to waste invaluable time knowing that every moment I become idle is a moment forever lost. When I tried remembering what I had been thinking about that made me forget who I was for a moment, I only had vague images. I have never been this disoriented before. The feeling was strange.

When I reached my apartment, I collapsed on my bed, feeling very exhausted. The night was still young but I was in no mood to continue with my practicing. I sat up after I had given my muscles a bit of rest. There was still much that I needed to do.

I went to the kitchen and fixed myself a snack. The apartment was quiet, just as it had always been. Some of the rooms were still bare since I haven’t gotten around to unpacking yet. I was certain that I would not need to since after all of this is over, I will be heading back home, and, once again, to an empty apartment.

I sat down on the tatami mat in the living room and silently ate my noodles. I look out at the stars shining brightly in the sky and recalled what had happened during our battle earlier this evening.

The creature was a strange one, with eyes of yellow color and skin that was as blue as the waters of the earth and as smooth as marble. His ears were a bit elfish but smaller and he was no taller than me. He was fierce in battle, but I knew he was holding back. I could sense the great power within him, like a dormant volcano. He was odd indeed. And when the girl appeared in the middle of our fight, I knew something was up. I knew that by attacking her, he would have the chance to strike a fatal blow upon me. I was prepared for that and concentrated my power to getting that girl away from him as quickly as I could. However, he was just as surprised as I was when a great amount of energy pushed me aside as if I was some sort of bug, and pinned him down to the ground. We were not anticipating such power to emerge from such a defenseless looking girl. That underestimation proved to be grave for him. Unfortunately, he was able to escape.

I stood up and threw away my trash. I sat down in front of my laptop and began typing away. I was annoyed with the girl who appeared out of nowhere. If she had not stepped in, I would have finished him, preventing him from reporting back to his superior. It is too late for that now. I sat back and stared at the ceiling above me. I had a report to finish and I had no idea what to write down. The night just could not get any worse.

Jill

The day after our encounter with Ken and his peculiar opponent was a complete mess. I could not concentrate on my studies, thus failing my tests for the day. I walked around like a zombie, not sure of where to go. Thankfully, Jack was by my side most of the time.

If it weren’t for him, I would have been in the infirmary right now due to several bumps in the head. I knew that I should not be acting this way, but I cannot seem to take my mind off Ken and how he looked last night. It just wasn’t fair that he had to go so soon.

“What’s up?” Jack asked as he sat down beside me during lunch. “Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about that Ken guy.”

“Shut up,” I told him, throwing a piece of fry towards his direction. “So, when are we going to start with my training?” I asked, changing the topic.

“Later this afternoon hopefully,” he answered between chomps of his burger. “But if the same thing happens today as what had happened yesterday, then we won’t be able to begin.” Jack took a sip from his drink.

I sighed. We were going nowhere. How could I be expected to defeat the evils of this world if I have no idea on how to use these so-called powers of mine.

Jack must have sensed my feeling of dejection for he told me not to worry.

“I’ll tell you a story,” he said. “You probably don’t know this, being a baby back then and all, but I do. I remember it as if it just happened yesterday.”

I listened intently to what he was saying.

“When we were still kids, we lived right next door, right? Then when we were around nine, I think, we had to move. My mom told me it’s because of business, but I knew that wasn’t the whole truth. I knew she was afraid of something, but what, I do not know. I only found out when my brother came home to our new house one day, covered with blood. He had been fighting with someone or possibly something. Before he could take another step forward, he collapsed. I was really surprised since my brother was one of the toughest guys I know. No one would dare pick a fight with him.”

“My mom immediately nursed his wounds and repeatedly pleaded that he drop out of service. She was talking about his commitment to an institution that maintains the cosmic balance of the universe. However, he refused to do such a thing seeing that a lot of people needed his help. After that, my brother never came back. As for my mom, she fell into a depression that even I could not take her out of. She seemed to suffer a lot for the loss of my brother and my father who had been a victim of that same fate years before my brother became one.”

“So they were also fallen angels?” I asked incredulously.

“No,” he replied. “They were mortals who took an active role in the solving universe’s problems. They did not deserve what they got.”

“What happened after?”

“My mom finally told me something the she says she should have told me when I was still young. Just before she breathed her last, she gave me a box that contained our family’s most priceless possessions. She looked at me straight in the eye and made me promise to keep them safe from harm and to dedicate my life doing the same for others. She told me that I was special, that I was a gift from above. She said that one day, I would be able to discover who I really was, and that once I do, I should use my powers to right what was once wronged. I did not understand her, but she told me that I would be all right. She sent me to my aunt and left this world for good.”

I sat there silent. There was nothing I could think of saying to him to show him how much I sympathize with him on his loss. I never knew that the world had been cruel to him. He was always happy.

He smiled at me. “Don’t worry. Everything will be all right.”

I gave him a tight hug. Yes, everything will be okay.

Chapter 6
Chapter 4

Chapter 4 The Encounter

2005-08-13T11:45:00.000+08:00

Jack

It took a while before Jill finally sat up, an hour at least. I could tell that she was still confused. I would feel the same way if I were in her position. Everything has been happening a bit too quickly. If I had known earlier that something evil is already lurking nearby, I would have acted at once. But no, those people up there would prefer that we go in at the last minute, trying to put everything back in order. Have they ever thought that the least they could do is quit with the observing and start with the intervening at the soonest possible moment? I think not.

“Ugh. I feel like that Rip character. I feel like I’ve slept for my whole life,” Jill said. She looked around. It was almost sundown. “Ohnononono. What time is it?”

“It’s almost six in the evening. Why?” I asked, scratching my head. I could not think of anything else that she had to do.

“I have to get home as soon as possible,” Jill said. “My mom’s probably angry that I skipped work again. She usually finds that out from my co-worker at the ice cream parlor. Honestly, that girl needs to get a life. She can’t go on minding other people’s lives just because her own isn’t as exciting.”

Jill went on babbling about how unfair her mom treats her, that it was her choice to get a part-time job, not her mom, which means that her dearest mother has no right whatsoever to lecture her on responsibility. All I could do was nod seeing that my best friend was trying to divert the topic of conversation to something else. I knew she has no intention of bringing up once again her role in this whole cosmic mess. Yep. There was more at stake than anyone would ever know.

“Jill,” I interrupted her. “Are you okay with all that’s happening?”

“What, are you deaf?” she asked. “Didn’t you hear me air my grievances? Of course I’m not okay! I mean, who would be? First of all, there’s this family member of mine who sees me as some 10-year old kid. Then there’s this girl who can’t mind her own business. Not to mention –“

“Not about that,” I interrupted her once again. “I’m talking about the whole you-fulfilling-your-destiny-as-foreseen-by-the-elders thing. You haven’t said much about it. Is it troubling you?”

“Right. That one,” Jill said, looking unsure of what to say. “No, no. I’m fine with it. I guess if it’s for the greater good then it shouldn’t be too bad. I’m just not a hundred percent clear on what I have to do.”

“I understand,” I said. “If you need any help, I’m here.” I smiled at her in assurance. “Come on, we’d better get going.”

As soon as we stood up and walked away from the bench we were sitting on in the park, we heard an explosion. It was coming from the other side of the park, close to the area provided for nature walks. We looked around, but no one seemed to notice it.

I decided to check it out. It may be something serious that my assistance would be needed. I told Jill to stay where she was until I came back. I warned her of coming along with me since we had absolutely no idea of what caused the explosion. But, being the stubborn girl she was, Jill tagged along. There was nothing I could do to make her stay put so I had to be extra careful.

We reached the tree-filled area and approached the site with caution. As soon as we came to a clearing, we hid in the dark among the bushes to keep us from being spotted. There was a guy standing at one side of the empty lot and a strange-looking creature at the other. Each appeared worn out, but neither was giving up.

The sun was gone and the moon hung above us giving little light to make much of the situation. Nothing was happening. However, just when I was about to stand up and show myself in order to end whatever the two guys were doing, the strange one jumped up and with full force shot down directly at the guy standing a few feet away. Amazingly, the guy evaded the attack and was able to counter it with his own.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Jill chewing on her nails. That was a sign that she was nervous and a bit scared. But I know her. She’s a strong girl.

I focused my attention on the fight. It continued. There was nothing we could do. Both sides were strong, stronger than I am right now. I know I could take on one at a time, but the chances of one resting while I beat up the other are pretty slim. I thought that we should let them wear themselves out first. Let them use up their energy on trying to finish the other, and then I’ll go in.

“I can’t stay here and watch,” Jill said suddenly. She looked at me still confused but with a newfound determination in her eyes.

Before I could ask her what she meant, she jumped out from our hiding place. As quickly as she could, she headed to the center of the clearing and positioned herself on the ground in between the two fighters who were now in midair preparing to eliminate the other. Finally, my brain started to function and I darted towards her. She was going to be killed soon. She could not put up a fight. She hardly even knows what she could do.

When I was only a few inches away from her, an invisible force sent me flying towards the opposite direction. I hit the trunk of a nearby tree and could only see with blurred vision what was happening.

The two warriors quickly zoomed down towards her, ready to strike at any moment. But with a quick motion of her hand, Jill defended herself, pushed the guy upwards, sending him sprawling on the ground, grabbed the strange-looking creature by the neck, and pinned him down. I could see that my friend was glowing. There was an odd blue light coming from her. It seemed as if she were possessed by some powerful Being and was suddenly given the supernatural powers to take on evil.

The creature under her mercy started wriggling like crazy, but there was no escape from her surprisingly firm grip. He must have known that it was useless to keep trying. He stopped and smiled. In an instant, a black smoke appeared, and the creature was gone.

I finally got up and ran to help Jill. She appeared weaker now and the glow was gone.

“Are you okay?” I asked, worried. “You shouldn’t have done that,” I said after I received a slight nod from her as an answer. “You could have gotten yourself killed.”

“I know, I know,” she said. “But there was this little voice at the back of my head telling me to go forward. I could not ignore it any longer.”

“Okay, okay,” I said, trying to calm down my nerves. This was the first time in my left I came close to losing someone special to me. I did not even dare to think life without her.

Jill

Jack seemed to be genuinely worried about me, more than he’s ever been before. But before I could contemplate on his actions, I remembered the other guy.

“Stay here,” Jack told me. I obeyed since I did not have the strength to move.

The two guys talked a while. I thought that they might take forever, seeing that the guy was not as hostile as I would have thought him to be so I took this chance to observe.

I could not really hear what they were saying, but I could see them. The new guy was a blond. His hair was a bit long for a guy, reaching his shoulders, but staying neatly in place. His eyes were silver, which, at first, appear to be lifeless but in fact hold a lot of depth. He was of pale complexion, the palest I have ever seen. He seemed to move with grace and confidence that I allowed myself to be in awe of his splendor. He was a being so perfect he could be likened to angels.

I snapped back to reality when Jack walled towards me and introduced me to this angel. It turns out he arrived from Japan a few months ago and is now studying as a foreign exchange student at one of the prominent universities in the state. His name was Ken, which meant "sword" in Japanese. He has heard about the situation and is here to help out although he would rather have it that he work alone. When I asked why, he simply gave me a cold stare, as if the fact that he was telling me all these should be enough to keep me satisfied.

“You’ve got an attitude problem,” I told him.

Ken simply waved his hand and flew off to the opposite direction.

“The nerve of that guy,” I said, trying to sound pissed. But the truth was, I was not at all. I was actually very intrigued. There was this air of mystery around him that I wanted to get to know more about him.

“Don’t mind him,” Jack said. “He was sent by the Oracle of the Air in order to settle things here. I don't really know. I'll tell you another time.”

“But—“ Once again, Jack interrupted me.

“Let’s go home. It’s really late.”

Chapter 5
Chapter 3

Chapter 3 The Angel

2005-07-23T09:32:00.000+08:00

Jack

“What happened?” Jill asked.

“What do you mean?” I asked her, unsure if she was able to understand the whole Oracle thing.

“Look there. The clock reads ten o’clock pm,” she pointed out. “That’s the time I was supposed to sleep. That’s the time we left.”

“The battery of your clock must have run out,” I said.

“No. I just changed the battery,” Jill said. “See, it’s already 10:01 pm. How do you explain that?”

I rushed out of the room and went downstairs. Everything was the same. Nothing had changed. The television was still on and Jill’s dad was watching the same football game that I know had showed before we left. This is strange. Then I remembered something.

“The Oracle of the Earth has the power over time,” I began. “I think she is the one responsible of stopping time for you in order to give way to your discovering of who you really are. I am sure, however, that she will not stop time again if ever you are in trouble. Though you are the one who was destined to accomplish things literally beyond this world, you still have to live your life as a human being and fight your own battles.”

“That’s informative of you,” Jill said. “How will I know when my mission begins?”

“It has already begun, but you will need training,” I stated. “In order to be victorious in the different battles you will encounter, you need to be fit in all aspects. We can’t risk darkness clouding your mind or your heart, so you have to be alert. This means that you have to give up your afternoons to become prepared.”

“I’m supposed to do this all by myself?” she asked, becoming hesitant all over again.

“Of course not. I’ll be by your side through it all.”

We headed back to Jill’s room before her parents heard me. It was time for me to go, anyway. I went towards the window, put down the ladder, and climbed down.

“Wait!” Jill called out. “How do you know all these things?”

I stopped midway. “I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell you, but I will in time.”

Jill

I was not able to get any sleep last night. I know it was because of my craziness. Being the curious person I am, I went downstairs and prepared for myself a big bowl of ice cream. I wanted to have the dreams again so that I might be able to understand what exactly had happened before. I also wanted to know if, somehow, I would be able to find out who Jack really is, besides being my best friend.

My plan backfired, however. I ended up with an extremely painful headache that kept me awake all night.

So here I am, in class, ready to doze off any second now.

“Ms. Burnett!” Thwack! A ruler. I snapped back to reality. I must have closed my eyes too long since Ms. Chare was standing in front of me with an angry expression, holding in her hand the other half of the ruler that had broken earlier. I could see her nostrils flaring in anger similar to that of a bull’s during bullfights.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answered.

“How dare you sleep in my class? You have the guts to come in like that and disturb my class? Who do you think you are? I have zero tolerance for your kind. You must be taught a lesson. Not just any ordinary lesson. You must be given more than just the ordinary punishment for your insolence!”

I nodded and nodded even though I had no idea what she was saying. I was not paying attention partly because I felt like someone was pounding my head and partly because it was a funny picture. A plump teacher wearing absurdly high heels to cover for her being vertically challenged, eyes growing wide each second and face heating up. She did not know when to stop.

“Now look what you’ve done!” Ms. Chare cried out. “The bell has rung and I haven’t finished discussing the lesson!” The students started leaving the classroom. “This is all your fault!”

I decided I had enough. I grabbed my bag and walked out the door, leaving an annoying sadistic woman screaming insanely behind.

“Your day did not go too well, did it?” Jack asked as I grabbed some books from my locker.

“First of all, I have this really bad headache. Secondly, I was blamed for disturbing the class. Lastly, I have tons of homework to do and I don’t have time.”

“I can’t help you with your other problems, but I can do one thing,” Jack said. He looked around. No one else was along the corridors.

He put his right hand above my head. I could feel some kind of power. I felt my head feel lighter and more normal. In a few seconds, my headache was gone.

“Wha-? How--?” I stammered.

“This is only one of the things I can do,” Jack said softly. “This is one of the reasons why I was chosen to be with you.”

He looked straight into my eyes. “Jill, I am a fallen angel.”

Right then and there, I fainted.

Chapter 4
Chapter 2

Chapter 2 The Revelation

2005-07-19T18:55:00.000+08:00

Jill

Strange. One minute we were climbing up the stairs, the next, we were flying by numerous rooms in this large Victorian mansion. I had a nagging feeling of familiarity. It seems as though I had been here once before, that I know the story behind each wall. At the same time though, this environment is so new to me that it amazes me to see many exquisite paintings and sculptures adorning the corridors.

We landed in a room filled with the widest selection of books. I felt my eyes grow wide in awe as they tried to capture the majesty of the room.

It had a 19th century feel to it, with the massive fireplace at the far end of the room, and the big armchairs covered in velvet forming a semicircle at the center. I felt right at home, but I could not help but think about where I fit into all these glamour.

“Take my hand,” she said. “I will show you your destiny.”

At first I was hesitant to do that. Who knows what she might do. Then I saw Jack’s expression. He seems to trust her so I did as she said.

“Close your eyes and listen to the music of the wind. You will find what you are looking for.”

At the moment I did that, I was transported to a different dimension, a different time. I could see mountains of green and seas of blue. I could see life at its peak. I could hear children’s laughter and songs. I could feel the happiness and love each living creature gives off. This was a perfect world. It was beautiful and good. I felt like I was standing on a patch of heaven.

Before I could even take in all the beauty this world possesses, I felt some hand grab me from behind and pull me towards another world, one that I dare not think about. There were anger, sorrow, and pain. There were wars, conflicts, and genocides. Everyone was crying in fright, clamoring for change. Everyone wanted to escape from the abyss that they were falling into. It was torture. It was the world opposite of the one I had seen earlier.

I wanted to go back, to wake up from the nightmare. I wanted to scream or shriek in terror. I had seen too much for a girl my age. This was too much to bear. I could no longer stand the smell of blood or the stench of decaying corpses. I wanted to throw up right then and there.

In my anguish, I caught sight of a spark of green, sort of emerald, light from the rubbles of destroyed buildings. I cautiously walked towards the source, fearing the worst. Then I saw her. She was still a little girl in this time, but no questions asked, the girl is she, the lady in green.

As soon as our eyes met, I was sent back to the library from where I came.

“How was your little trip?” she asked, handing me a beautifully designed teacup filled with the most sweet-smelling tea.

“It was – disturbing,” I answered. “I am confused. I do not know who you are, but I think I do. The little girl, she was you, wasn’t she?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling. “I was that little girl trapped within the walls of a collapsed building. I do not think you remember that encounter, do you?”

“I am not sure.”

“Have you not been there before? Do you not feel as if you are living your life all over again? Do you seem to know some things and not know how you do?”

“Yes.”

“Think about it,” she said. “Listen to your heart and browse through the memories of your soul.”

I closed my eyes once again and tried to recall events of the past. Slowly, I remembered the dreams I had had a number of times before. They were dreams of despair and of agony. I had always awoken sweaty and breathing heavily. I had thought they were the effects of eating ice cream before going to sleep since I had stopped dreaming about them when I stopped eating my before-bed-snack.

Now I know it was a sign. I did not have those dreams by chance. I was meant to do something more, and I was going to do it no matter what it takes.

“I see you remember now,” the lady said. “Now you know you are even more unique. You are even more special. In time, you will come to know what your main purpose is. That time will come soon. Have patience, my child.”

“Wait,” I said. “I am still not clear on who you are. Don’t you have a name?”

The lady in green smiled. “I am known as the Oracle of the Earth. My name is of little importance. However, when it is needed, it will reveal itself to you.”

“Thank you,” Jack said, stopping me from asking more. “We will take our leave now. We wish you safety and peace.”

"I wish you the same."

With a snap of her delicate fingers, we were in another whirlwind, hopefully heading home.

Chapter 3
Chapter 1

Chapter 1 The Beginning

2005-07-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

Jill

The night was silent. It was a good night to get my work done, but it seems that tonight I will not be able to. My thoughts were constantly floating, never on a single idea for so long. I knew because of my state, I would not be able to accomplish anything tonight. I was distracted. By what, I do not know. It drives me crazy that I no longer have the same control over my life as I used to.

“Jill, what time will you go to bed?”

My mom. She still treats me like a kid. I am already 19. I am a student in a prestigious university. I work part time in an ice cream parlor to earn extra cash. I come home each afternoon riding my bike. Yet, she still thinks I am some fourteen-year old kid in need of attention. I am fine without attention. I dislike being in the center of it. I’ve made that obvious once before.

“In an hour, mom. I’m not yet done with my assignments.”

Even as I said that, I knew that I would be hitting the sack soon. There’s no point in staying up late if I cannot even get anything done. I’ll just have to wake up extra early tomorrow morning and see if my mind is at peace once again.

As I got ready for bed, I heard something hit the window next to my bed. At first it was soft, then the tapping became louder and sounded more urgent. I stood still, crazy thoughts popping into my mind. Finally, I decided to check it out. It could be someone in need of help. I closed my door and headed towards the window. I opened the window and looked out. It was my friend, Jack.

“Can’t you use the front door?” I hissed. “You’re going to break the glass.”

“I can’t let your mom know I’m here,” Jack replied. “I need to tell you something.”

“Well, don’t speak too loudly if you don’t want my mom to hear you.” I warned. “I’ll grab a ladder. You wait down there. Quietly.”

I reached under my bed for the foldable ladder and put it down on the ground for Jack to use to climb up. The evening breeze gently swished past. It was freezing, yet inviting.

“What is it that is so important you decided not to pass the front door or the back?” I asked, a little bit impatient.

“I can’t tell you,” Jack answered, his eyes showing a hint of mischief. “I can only show you.”

With that, a strong wind entered the room and engulfed us in its power. I could feel myself being lifted up. The wind was going to take us somewhere, but Jack did not seem to be frightened. He smiled at me. I knew he was enjoying this moment when sheer terror revealed itself through my expression. I knew how much he wanted to laugh out loud that the fierce girl, Jill, has a confused and terrified look plastered on her face. I knew that. How I knew, I do not know.

Jack

I admit. It was a refreshing change to see that Jill was human. She was able to express different emotions other than her usual stoic features. I knew that they were right to have predicted her destiny. She was the one meant for this journey, no doubt about that.

We finally hit the ground after a few seconds. We were at some place with a lot of plants growing in different areas, in different directions. It seemed like a jungle, but I knew it was a house. Not a greenhouse. A house.

“Spill it,” Jill demanded. “Where are we and how did we get here?”

Back to the same Jill, I see, I thought. “You’ll find out soon, don’t worry.”

“If we don’t get out of here as soon as possible, I swear, I’m going to slice you into pieces. You forget, I carry my trusty Swiss knife with me wherever I go.”

“I didn’t forget.” I smiled. I knew she would not do it. She acts all tough, but she’s really thoughtful. She just does not show it. I know this because we have been friends since kindergarten.

As if on cue, the lights turned on and a slim figure came waltzing down the stairs. She was the most majestic of creatures I have ever seen. Too bad she isn’t mortal. If she were, she would have already been taken.

She stopped in front of us, gave a slight nod, and smiled.

“Jack. Jill. I am delighted that you have come. Welcome to my humble abode,” she said. “There is much you need to know, and much that you need to learn.”

“What do you mean?” Jill asked. “Who are you anyway?”

“Come.” She motioned for us to follow her. “I will not tell you. I will show you.”

Chapter 2