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Hejira: Crystalline Hall

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode 19: Hell Or High Water

Naomi, Gareth and Kahlera sit around Kina in a semi-circle. They meditate in silence, focusing on their talents, their hands glowing the vibrant color of their individual auras. Kina has taken it upon herself to train all three of them in their talents, helping them master their natural powers. Though Kahlera’s powers were ever present, they seem to have grown since encountering Gareth. Volaren walks by the group, taking a moment to stop and watch them. He himself has no aura talents to speak of, and is fascinated by the mystical light that radiates from the three.

After a moment, one of several companions taps him on the shoulder, gaining his attention. The party leaves the village and enters the nearby woods. They move carefully through the forest, following a game trail. The Feather Fingers are finally preparing to return to the south, having made several deals with the Blue Feet. They have traded supplies for valuable resources that may only be found in the north, and have spent more than a week camped on the road outside of the Blue Feet village.

Though it is still early fall, snow has covered the ground this morning, as it has several mornings previous. Volaren, Steve, and several others follow animal tracks through the white powder that layers the ground. The tracks wind through the forest and exit the woods, crossing over the road. As they follow the tracks, Steve notices something in the distance. He calls out to the others who turn and look. Lying in the snow over eight-hundred meters away, just over half a mile, are two figures.

They carefully and cautiously approach the figures, keeping their weapons at the ready. They move closer and closer to the motionless beings, they slowly come into focus. Lying side by side is a large, heavy-set human male, next to an athletic and attractive human female. The female is thin, with a large bust and long black hair twisted into a sloppy braid. The male has a thick, full beard, with long sandy blonde hair that is pulled into a ponytail.

“Who are these humans?” Steve thinks aloud.

One of the group shrugs and leans forward, feeling the man’s neck for a pulse.

“This one is alive, but very weak.” He looks back to his comrades.

“I think… These are friends of Gareth.” Volaren begins. “They fit the description that he has told me. This woman might be the sister of Naomi.”

“In that case, we need to take them back.” Steve comments.

“What about the hunt?” Another Sahvorai asks.

“We already have plenty; it was just an exercise of our skills, and this is far more important.” Volaren admits.

Slinging their weapons, the hunters pick up two humans and their packs, carrying them off. They move slowly up the slippery road. Kelly is hung between two Sahvorai, while Faye is carried over Steve’s shoulder. They bring them back to the Blue Feet village, interrupting Kina’s aura training. Naomi sees Faye draped over Steve’s shoulder and rushes toward them, tears of excitement streaming down her face. Kahlera and Gareth follow behind, dashing up to Kelly; Volaren and a companion set him down. They stretch out their backs as soon as they release him.

“Where did you find them?!” Naomi asks excitedly.

“So, these are your friends?” Volaren clarifies.

“Yes.” Gareth nods, kneeling by Kelly.

“We found them some ways down the road, over an hour’s walk.” Steve explains.

“So close?” Kahlera thinks aloud.

She kneels down by Faye, feeling her neck and wrist. She touches various parts of her body, quickly examining her. She turns to Kelly and does the same.

“Faye needs attention right away. She is very weak and near death. Kelly is stronger, but he needs herbal supplements. We must bring them inside and keep them warm.” Kahlera continues.

Sarvah notices the commotion and approaches. She stands by Gareth and leans over, looking at the two unconscious humans.

“Are these the ones?” She asks Gareth.

“They certainly are.” He answers with a smile.

Sarvah looks over Kelly carefully, resting a hand on Gareth’s shoulder.

“Hmph. I see. Well, I am glad that you found them.” She casually remarks as she straightens.

“Not curious about the strange new human male in town?” Gareth teases.

“Why would I be?” Sarvah shrugs.

She walks away, clearly uninterested in either of his friends. Gareth can’t help but notice that for all her talk about liking human males, he is the only one that she pays any attention too. Kina approaches the group and stands by Kahlera.

“How are they, daughter?” She asks her.

“You don’t know?” Gareth sounds surprised.

“I am a priestess, but my daughter trained as a healer and apothecary. She heals the body, whereas I may heal the soul.” Kina replies.

“They need attention right away, mother. I can make a potion to increase their strength, but they need warmth, food and water.” Kahlera answers.

Kina turns and heads for the great hall. Volaren, Steve, Gareth and Kahlera drag Kelly and Faye back to Kina’s home. Shortly after setting them down, Kina returns with Gishner in tow.

“I see your friends have returned…” Gishner says apprehensively.

“We all knew that they might at some point.” Kina adds.

“I will allow them to stay, as you are friends of the Blue Feet, and they are yours. There is a storage hut that they may use, once they have recovered enough to move on their own. Until then, they are under Kina’s care.” Gishner continues.

“Thank you.” Gareth replies, gratefully bowing his head.

Kahlera quickly begins mixing herbs in a large mortar and pestle as Naomi sits by her sister’s side, eager to help. Gareth exits the home with Volaren, Steve, Gishner and Kina. Gareth thanks Volaren and Steve, shaking Steve’s forearm and giving Volaren a manly hug. As they depart, Gishner turns back to Gareth, glaring at him.

“I hope you realize that I do not entirely trust your kind…” Gishner begins. “In the past, it did not end well for us. They are here only because you have done us a considerable service, and their invitation is valid so as long as yours is.”

“I understand. They will not cause you, or the Blue Feet, any trouble.” Gareth replies, bowing his head again.

“We shall see…” Gishner grumbles.

He turns and returns to his home, leaving Kina standing beside Gareth. Soon, he is out of sight and earshot. Kina turns to Gareth, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“I apologize for his behavior. Gishner is nearly five-hundred years old, and in that time, you may be the first human who is capable of earning his trust. Be patient and understanding; he is not an unkind man.” She explains.

“Well, how long did you say humans live again?” Gareth asks.

“Here, the oldest human I have heard of was four-hundred and fifty years old.” Kina replies.

“Then it looks like I have plenty of time to prove myself.” Gareth smiles.

“That is the spirit.” She chuckles.

They return inside, where Kahlera has finished mixing a potion for the two. Naomi sets aside other herbs, bandages, and medical tools. Gareth stands beside Kahlera, who sits on the floor beside Faye.

“Gare, help me give them this medicine.” Kahlera orders.

Without hesitation, he sits down on the floor, opposite Kahlera, following her instructions carefully and without question. Kina watches with a smile.

“So eager to obey.” Kina comments.

“I know better than to question her.” Gareth quips.

“Yes, he is a good boy.” Kahlera grins.

They keep a vigilant watch over their two unconscious friends the entire night. Faye groans as she turns her head, slowly opening her eyes. Kahlera gently presses a damp cloth against her forehead, dabbing the sweat from her brow. Sitting beside her is her sister Naomi, in the flesh. Seeing Naomi’s face, her eyes grow wide. She struggles to sit up. Kahlera reaches out, placing her hands on her shoulders.

“Be still! You are still too weak to move.” Kahlera urges her.

“Get your hands off me!” Faye growls.

“Faye, you might hurt yourself!” Naomi pleads.

“Gare!” Kahlera calls out.

“I need Naomi. I can’t wake up until I get her.” Faye mumbles.

Gareth quickly enters the room and forces Faye back down, keeping her flat on the ground. He holds her down as she wriggles. Her skin radiates heat like a furnace, sweat running down her flesh. Her fever is intense, and her body is weak.

“Stop struggling, Faye. You aren’t dreaming.” Kelly weakly speaks.

“How long do I have to dream… I just want… Wake…” Faye murmurs before passing out.

“What is wrong with her?” Naomi looks to Kelly.

Gareth turns to Kelly, noting the bizarre expression on his face.

“I think Faye has cracked… She… She’s done things… I think she believes that this is a dream, and there are no consequences. She keeps using these… Powers…” Kelly explains.

“She has aura talents too?!” Naomi asks excitedly.

“You mean…?” Kelly narrows his eyes.

Naomi lifts her hands, making her palms glow ruby red. Gareth makes his palm glow a deep purple, and Kahlera’s glow golden.

“And here I thought I was special…” Kelly laughs.

“Yeah, life sucks and then you die.” Gareth quips.

“You are special. You all are. Four newcomers arrive, and all have aura talents… It is unheard of.” Kina explains.

“Oh… Who are you? And how long have I been out?” Kelly asks.

“This is my mother.” Kahlera begins.

“We are at her village in the north; the Blue Feet.” Gareth continues.

“Blue Feet?” Kelly raises an eyebrow.

“You have been asleep for two days and three nights.” Naomi finishes.

Kelly sits up slowly, resting his back against the wall. He greets Kina, introducing himself. Kahlera tends to Faye while Kina and Gareth aid Kelly. Suddenly, Sarvah enters the home.

“Well, we are about to leave…” Sarvah speaks with a melancholy tone. “Oh… He is awake?” She asks, stepping up to Gareth.

“Yeah. He just came too.” Gareth replies.

“So you are one of Gare’s friends?” Sarvah asks while kneeling down beside Gareth.

Kelly nods his head in response.

“A friend of yours, ‘Gare’?” Kelly smirks.

“One of my best friends, actually.” Gareth smiles, placing a hand on Sarvah’s shoulder.

She grins, but quickly turns her head away as though to hide it.

“Replaced me already…” Kelly laughs.

“Well, you were probably dead, and I needed a best friend…” He retorts.

“You have no idea how good it is to see you again, Gary. I have been hiking with Linda Blair for the last few weeks!” He says through labored breaths.

Kelly’s expression suddenly changes, becoming very solemn. Something is clearly disturbing him. Gareth sighs, sitting down on the floor and crossing his legs in front of him.

“What’s going on, bro? Talk to me.” He asks.

Kelly rests his head against the wall. He stares at the ceiling as Kina hands him a small bowl with a rejuvenating potion. He takes the bowl, drinking the purple liquid.

“Heh… Kind of tastes like flat Seven-Up.” Kelly comments.

“Kel… Bro… Talk to me.” Gareth urges.

Kelly lowers his head and takes a deep breath. He seems to tremble as though he were about to cry. He is unable to hold back any longer, explaining everything to them. Kahlera, Kina, Gareth, Sarvah and Naomi listen in awe as he details their journey after the rock slide. Kelly mentions Tim, reveals Faye’s breakdown in detail, describes the defeat of the witch, the discovery of their powers, the encounter with the three bears, Faye’s massacre at Blackwater, the murder of the village child, the fight with the bounty hunters, and the horse. They have walked almost ceaselessly for weeks, as Faye refused to stop. They hiked the last four days without food, and one without water; upon awakening, they were nearly six days unfed and three without water.

Naomi can hardly believe her ears, looking to her unconscious sister. Kelly has never lied to her before, and Faye was clearly delirious when she was awake. Could it all be true? Is she really such a cold and vicious killer? Kelly finishes his rant, talking non-stop for over thirty minutes as they listen in stunned silence. Kelly rests his head in his hands and takes a deep breath.

“I just want to find this Crystalline Hall and get out of this place…” Kelly groans. “I want to go home and watch anime.”

“Don’t worry, buddy. I’ll help you get there.” Gareth replies.

“Wha-… Aren’t you coming too?” Kelly looks to Gareth.

Gareth looks to Sarvah, then back to Kahlera. She leaves Faye’s side, sitting down next to Gareth. She rests her arms over his shoulders, wrapping them around his neck and pressing her face against his. He slides an arm around Kahlera’s waist, looking back to Kelly.

“I’ll help you get there, but I’m not going back. There’s no room at the bottom where I’m from.” Gareth replies.

He turns, giving Kahlera a tender kiss on the lips. She rests her head on his shoulder.

“That’s deep, Gary… Fire From The Gods, right?” Kelly smirks.

“You caught me. Every powerful feeling and personal situation has already been written into song lyrics.” Gareth smiles.

“Well it didn’t take you all that long to go native.” Kelly sighs.

“He is staying right here with us.” Sarvah adds.

“That sucks… But if it makes you happy...” Kelly says in a melancholy tone.

Kelly leans back and slides against the wall, lying down on his side. He keeps his back pressed against the wall for support as he relaxes. Gareth and Sarvah help him get comfortable as Naomi watches Faye. Kahlera and Kina talk quietly at the far end of the home. Kelly fades in an out of consciousness, watching the figures as they become blurry. Sarvah leaves the home, followed by Gareth, Kahlera and Kina. Volaren waits outside for her. She embraces Gareth, then her friend Kahlera, wishing them good luck. Gareth holds Volaren’s forearm for a moment.

“Take good care of her, and yourself.” He says with a smile.

“I certainly will.” Volaren assures him.

“You uh… You be careful, Gare. You too Kahlera. Watch out for Faye.” Sarvah warns them.

She turns and leaves, returning to the Feather Fingers, who have already packed away their village. Kina turns to Kahlera and Gareth, a concerned look on her face.

“I know that they are your friends, but Faye is dangerous, and Kelly is still very weak. I must warn Gishner about this. When Faye is well enough to walk, she may be forced to leave. She may be a threat.” Kina warns them.

“I understand.” Gareth bows head.

“I will do what I can to keep her under control, mother.” Kahlera adds.

Kina turns, speed walking to Gishner’s home. Kahlera and Gareth look to each other. They embrace, holding each other tightly. This isn’t how either of them expected this to unfold. They head back inside where Naomi hand feeds Kelly stew from a small bowl. They sit beside each other atop their large bedroll, cuddling with each other. Kelly looks over to the couple and chuckles.

“So… How long has that been going on?” He quietly asks Naomi.

“Almost a month. They seem really happy together.” She replies.

“I kind of thought that wolf girl was his.” Kelly murmurs.

“Sarvah is… Complicated.” She adds.

“Harem plot… I get it.” Kelly closes his eyes.

“Yeah… We know how it goes.” She laughs.

“I got the feeling that the wolf was more his type though…” He continues.

“You can worry about my personal life when you are strong enough to walk to the outhouse by yourself.” Gareth suddenly quips.

“Oops.” Naomi smirks.

Kelly shakes his head as he silently laughs. He slowly lies back down. He awakens to daylight piercing the doorway of the log home. He sits up and looks around. Faye still lies unconscious, being tended too by Naomi and Kahlera, who gingerly administers the purple rejuvenating potion. He turns to see a Sahvorai male, sitting with Gareth, discussing something.

“Oh! You’re awake again. This time it was only a day.” Naomi smiles.

“Hey, Kel. Get enough sleep this time, or should I wake you up tomorrow evening?” Gareth jokes.

“Nah. I don’t really want my beard getting any longer.” Kelly quips. “Who’s your friend?”

“Who this? This is Steve.” Gareth points to the man beside him.

“My name is actually Polahn.” Steve interjects.

“It’s Steve now. Just call him Steve.” Gareth retorts.

Kelly looks over the man for a moment.

“Oh! I see it now! Hi Steve.” Kelly waves.

Steve lowers his head and sighs. Kelly slowly struggles to stand, but his knees buckle. He slowly pulls himself towards the center of the home, near the stone fire pit. Kahlera pours him a large bowl of stew, and sets out a clay pot of water. As he eats, Faye suddenly moves. She slowly awakens, looking around the room; her eyes land on Gareth, Kelly, Kahlera, and two unfamiliar Sahvorai faces. Faye struggles to sit up as Naomi brings her a bowl of stew. She looks to her little sister and lunges at her, holding her in her arms and nearly spilling the contents of the bowl.

“Woah! … Watch the food!” Kelly exclaims.

Faye laughs with delight as they hold each other. She tries to grip Naomi even tighter, but her fingers and arms are weak. Gareth and Steve move to either side of Faye, who looks to Steve in confusion.

“You look familiar…” She comments.

“My name is Polahn.” He replies.

“I call him Steve.” Gareth interjects.

“Oh yeah… I see it now.” Faye murmurs.

They rest her up against the wall as Naomi begins to spoon feed her older sister the stew. Kahlera brings another clay pot of water, setting it beside her. As Faye looks to her sister, she feels no rage. She is as calm as she has ever been. Gishner enters the home, greeting Kina and the others politely. He sits down beside Kina and begins to speak.

“I understand that both of your friends are now awake. That is good.” Gishner begins.

“News travels fast around here.” Gareth quips.

“I was sitting outside for a moment. Now that they will soon recover, I will tell you how to reach what you seek.” Gishner smiles.

“The Crystalline Hall?” Faye weakly asks.

“Yes.” Gishner nods.

“Is it really a way to leave this world?” Kelly asks.

“I honestly do not know. I only know that it’s the fabled home of our creator, Sahvath. If Sahvath is there, he may be able to return those of you who wish to leave.” Gishner explains.

Gishner carefully explains where the fabled hall is located, giving directions up the mountain pass. He hands Kahlera a small cloth patrol map; it is an ancient artifact of the tribe, drafted of parchment with colored dyes centuries ago.

“As soon as you have recovered, and have the provisions you require, you may journey north to the hall.” Gishner assures them.

Though Gishner doesn’t say it, Gareth and Kahlera believe that the chieftain hopes Faye and Kelly will leave immediately, without causing any trouble for his tribe. The chieftain takes his leave. Over the next couple of days, Kahlera, Naomi and Gareth nurse Kelly and Faye back to health, waiting on them hand-and-foot. Kelly quickly returns to normal, becoming more jovial as his strength returns. By the second day, Kelly is moving freely around the home. By the third, he explores the Blue Feet village. Faye is able to slowly wander, and tends to her own needs without much aid.

When they have the time, Kina continues to train Gareth, Kahlera, and Naomi in the use of their talents; as Kelly grows stronger, he soon joins them in training. When Faye has recovered enough to walk outside of the home, she sits on the porch and watches her friends meditating. Though Kina doesn’t wish to train Faye, considering her past actions, she offers regardless, so as not to arouse her suspicions. Faye sits in the semi-circle, charging her aura as she attempts to meditate. Her hands glow a brilliant orange. Naomi looks to her sister.

“How come you get to be a super Saiyan?” She asks.

Kelly and Faye can’t help but laugh; their auras fade as they lose concentration.

“Shows how much you know. That’s not their color.” Kelly snickers.

“True. I was too busy watching good anime.” Naomi retorts.

“Eye of the beholder, little sister.” Kelly grins.

“Ahem! ... Are we ready to stop acting like children and focus?” Kina sternly reprimands them.

They train for most of that day; after quietly meditating and focusing their power, they practicing using their talents against the hillside and old, rotting trees. As the daylight fades, they return to Kina’s home for a final meal. Once inside, Kina serves them cooked venison, fresh berries and baked bread. As they eat, Faye watches Gareth with Kahlera. She notes how close the two have become.

He treats her as though she were another human, playfully teasing her, and doting on her like a typical new boyfriend. She feels her stomach churn, though she maintains her composure. As darkness falls, Gareth and Kahlera claim their bedroll, snuggling with each other. They appear quite comfortable and content. Kelly and Naomi don’t seem to find it strange. Faye quietly walks out of the home, sitting on the steps outside. She looks at the night sky and sighs. She wonders why she is imagining Gareth with a beast-girl; his peculiarity never really bothered her, but this makes her feel uncomfortable.

“Are you alright?” Naomi asks, as she sits with Faye outside.

“Yeah… I’m just…” Faye pauses.

She looks back to the home and then to her little sister. She leans in close.

“I don’t trust the Sahvorai. They are as evil as they are inhuman.” Faye whispers to her.

“What?” Naomi laughs. “The Sahvorai have taken you in, nursed you to health, fed us, and are helping us on our quest.”

“You don’t know them like I do. You should have seen the ones that tried to kills us.” Faye continues.

“Oh, Kelly explained the whole thing.” Naomi interrupts.

“Then you do understand.” Faye sighs in relief.

“I understand that there are evil people of every species.” Naomi retorts.

“Some species are more evil than others…” Faye glares.

“Hm… Alright Mrs. Jones.” Naomi begins.

“What?”

“So, by your logic, humans are the most evil creature, since only humans have tried to rape and kill me, when I was traveling with Gareth and Kahlera. And it was more than the three bears.” Naomi quips.

Faye becomes frustrated. She wonders if Naomi has been brainwashed by the tribals, or if she truly believes that these beast-men could be as benevolent as humans.

“These ‘Sahvorai’ are just animals…” Faye whispers.

“That is fantastic racism.” Naomi remarks. “If they are animals, then they are animals with abstract thought, culture, feelings, and a comprehensive language. That’s quite impressive for an oversized house pet.” She continues.

“Then what about our quest? This Crystalline Hall we’ve walked for over a month to find. Don’t you want to get home to your computer? Electricity? A comfortable bed? Dr. Pepper?!” Faye interrogates her sister.

“At this point, I actually like it here. I don’t need to watch anime when I get to live one, and humans live longer here too. I’ve adapted well to life without electrical devices, and I survived Caffeine withdrawal; Gareth did too. As for the quest, for me it has been about bringing Kahlera back home to her people, and not about returning to mine, as if I really had one to begin with.” Naomi explains.

“Don’t you miss mom and dad?” Faye growls.

“Of course I do, but I’m happier here, and I think that they would rather I be happy here, than unhappy back home. I was just some geeky girl back home. Boys only talked to me because they wanted to get into my panties, and yes, even thin, mousy girls are picked on for not fitting in, since I don’t think you ever noticed.” She retorts.

Naomi stands up and turns back to the doorway. Faye sits there in silence. She shakes her head as she realizes that her little sister has changed, and possibly not for the better. She runs her fingers through her long hair, taking down her braid. She enters the cabin as Naomi lies down in her sleeping bag. Faye’s rage slowly builds at her sister’s rejection, but she believes that once she convinces her to return, she can finally wake up.