Chapter 18 The Girls
The next Day I was thinking that Jenny and the girls have been dragged along from one madcap adventure to another with out hardly a thought given to them. But I really don't know that much about them. So I am going to sit and talk with each one and find out their tale. I know the most about Jenny so she is who I will start with.
I found Jenny working with Angel as usual. I said "Got a few moments to talk Jenny?" She looked up then at Angel who smiled and nodded.
She said "I guess a few moments from this paperwork wont be bad. What do you need?"
I said "Let's go outside and find a place to sit for a bit I brought some tea. I just want to talk. See how you are doing."
She looked at me a bit funny but nodded. We found a bench outside the Crystal Hall and sat. I poured the tea while I thought of how to start this. I said "You know it was you passing through the mirror that first time that my life started to speed up. But I don't really know that much about you. I know some things because we are friends but I just wanted to know Your Tale in your own words." I took out a note book and pen.
She smiled "Well to start I will start with the basics. My name is Jenny Belle Fey. I have red hair and gray eyes. I am Five foot two inches tall and one hundred and five pounds. I was born in Seattle. I am a only child to parents that should never had kids. I have been left with sitters of one type or another for my whole life. Once I was old enough I was shipped off to boarding school. This is my third one." She smiled a sad smile " I get to like one then my parents would find one cheaper and off I would go. I have hardly seen my parents since My birthday when I was eight. That is when I was told I would be going away to school. I am fine about it now but I was very mad for a long time. They just pay the bills and leave me to be me. Pretty much the schools raised me. I even stay at the schools during the summers. Last summer is the only time I had left the school since I got there." She took a sip of tea "I was drawn to you because you had the same feel. While I had my studies you had your tales. Two peas in a pod. Different yet alike. I loved your tales and somehow hoped they were true. As I found out that day, they were. I have loved the ride so far and hope to keep going here forever. Sanctuary is my home the only real home I ever had. Working for the Queen and watching you do your thing really makes me happy. I don't miss my human parents because they never gave me a reason to get attached. The school is my parent. It is always there for me." Took another sip of tea "Well is that what you wanted to know? I should get back to work."
I said "Yes, thanks for telling me this. It helps to understand you. I will see you in school tomorrow. Thanks again." I hurried off. Looking for the others. I ran into Tina by the artisan housing. She was just sitting there looking over lists. I smiled Tina was the only one of our group that was smaller than me. I said "Hi Tina got a few moments to talk?"
She smiled and patted the bench next to her offered me a drink then said "What do you want to talk about? I have lots to do but nothing that can not be put off." She really had a charming smile.
I said "I wanted to ask you about yourself. I know Jenny pretty well but you, Jessie and Tara not so much. So I came to get your tale right from you." I took out my notebook.
She looked at me for a few moments then said "Well you can see I am very small. My mother died in childbirth. I was a born too early they told my father I would not live a week. I showed them all. I did come very close to death four times before I was six. I made it to twelve before they told me that I would never get any bigger. I learned to use my smallness. I got my way a lot. Then last year my father got remarried to a real Pain. She was not into kids. So off I went to boarding school. I have not been home since. My Dad was a artist before she got her hooks in him. Now he is a wage slave. I have seen the drawings my Mother did she could have been great. There has been almost no contact since I came here. The were actually glad to hear I would not be coming back for the summer. So they just pay for the school and send me a few bucks on my birthday that's about it for them. When Jenny told me about magic being real I jumped right in. Dragging Jessie as always. You might not know this but Jessie and I are lovers. By the way what are the rules about same sex weddings here?"
That one caught me off guard. I said "You would have to ask Angel but as far as I am thinking it would be great."
She smiled "Well that is still a ways off yet, maybe next summer. She and I are still talking about it. I will talk to the Queen some time. Well I need to stop putting off these tasks. I hope you got a good idea of my past now. Thanks for asking." She got up and waved as she went off to do her work.
I went to the entertainment zone and found Tara dancing with four guys at once. There was a harp and flute playing in the background. She was something to watch. She did not give any of the boys any chance to get tired she kept them all moving. I just watched for a bit then got a idea. I called the crystal from the ground and wove it to flow around her to change her simple pants and shirt into a lovely flowing gypsy party dress in a deep red crystal silk. It took a lot of my magic but it was worth it! Everyone gasped at the change. Tara didn't even pause just upped her dance to a level seldom seen! The boys moved back and she flowed from one step to another. It was one of the best dances I had ever seen. The music ended and she flowed into a very low curtsy facing me. Everyone turned and bowed or curtsied when they seen it was me. I nodded and they all went back to what they were doing. Tara flowed over to me and smiled "You did this? It is Lovely. Do you need something?"
I smiled "I am talking to the Six trying to get their tales. I want to know more about the people I have forged such a bond with. I have talked with Jenny and Tina now it is your turn. I would like to hear your tale in your own words." I took out my note book.
She moved a little and the dress flowed around her while she thought. She smiled "Mother told me I was a Dancer before I could walk. All I know is I love to dance. I tried many styles looking for one that was me. I still haven't found the one that is really me. My father had left Mother and me early on. He was just not the family type. Mother worked hard as a Entertainer to keep us in good areas. She was a singer. When I won this Dance contest I used the money to go to the Academy. I thought it would just be for a year. I was just trying to give my mother a break from trying so hard. Then Mother got sick and died, I was alone. If it was not for a Aunt I did not know I had coming to the school and paying for my schooling till I graduate I would be on the street. All my Aunt asked is I keep up my dance training. Every once and awhile I get cards from somewhere exotic with some money in it. Other than that no contact from her. When I found about a new land with unknown dances I just had to go. I love several of the dance styles I have found here. I am going to start a dance club in the school soon. I am talking with the gym teacher about it. Does that sound like what you want?
I smiled "I love your telling is it true?"
She looked away "Every word is true. I am no longer alone though. I have the Six now so I am happy."
I put my hand on her arm "And we have you so we are happy. Yes I got what I need so I will leave you to your Dance. Enjoy the dress." I headed off to find Jessie.
I found her by the lake thinking. I smiled and walked up. I said "What you thinking about so hard?"
She smiled "So it's my turn to tell my tale?" At my look she said "I talked to Tina. She said you would be around. From what time it is I must be last. That seem to be my lot."
I said "I did not plan it just worked out that way. If it is too late we can do this tomorrow?"
She shook her head "No it is fine there is not much to tell. You see I have amnesia, I can't remember anything before I was found by some cops during a raid on a drug den. I was in a cage. They had been apparently using me to test new drugs. I was told there was four others I was the only one to survive. Someone took pity on me and I was sent to the school instead of a someplace worse. I don't know who is paying but I get a allowance each month and the school paid for. Awhile after I got here I met Tina we fell in love and it has been good ever since. I followed Tina to Sanctuary and found a home. I still can't remember but it does not matter as much. That help you out?"
I said "Yes I thank you. I know more about you all now. It settles my mind on some things. Well it is getting late and we have school tomorrow. Goodnight." I grew my wings and flew home.
In the morning I got ready for school. I was thinking of the tales I heard and Jessie's was the most heart wrenching of them all. That is because there was so little of it. I walked to have Breakfast with everyone.
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This next part is from Cryss's point of view.
Meanwhile souring above Cryss is thinking. "Mother is going to see the others. Why can't I go to school with Mother? If I was Human I could. Would Mother like me as Human? I need to talk to Great Grandmother." Cryss went to the house and into the bedroom she looked around then opened a portal in the vanity mirror. Jumping through Cryss is at another place. Cryss had been there before. She shook herself. Going through portals ruffled her feathers. She went looking for Great Grandmother. She found her in the den. Cryss landed on the perch and whistled to get her to notice Cryss.
It took a few moments Then Great Grandmother turned. She said "Cryss what are you doing here you should be watching Ember for me? I see you have something on your mind. Do you want to write it or try to talk?"
Cryss screeched "Want to be Human." Cryss was very proud of how it came out. "Then go school with Mother!"
Great Grandmother smiled "You are speaking very well today. Good job Cryss. I do have a spell that will let you change into a teenage human, well sort of. You would still at heart be a dragon so you will have some of your abilities. I can not tell you what ones will work or be changed. The spell would last for twenty fours. That is the best I can do right now. It will of course cost you. Are you willing to pay the cost?"
Cryss Squawked "Yes" Great Grandmother reached into a drawer and handed Cryss a vial. Cryss snuggled without letting go of the vial.
"Don't use that till you are back at Sanctuary." Great Grandmother warned. Then waved her away and turned back to her book.
Cryss flew back to the mirror and opened a portal back to Sanctuary. She jumped through and landed on the bed on the other side. She quickly used a claw to open the vial and she drank it. With a shudder she passed out on the bed.
She did not know how long she had been out but she felt strange. She sat up. What sat up! she looked down at herself. She was human. a naked human girl. For some reason that felt wrong. She got up it was so strange to be so tall. She looked in the mirror and found a pretty girl with white crystal hair. Sapphire eyes and a look of total surprise on her face. The door opened and Mother walked in. We stared at each other for a moment Then Mother said "Who in Blue Blazes are you and why are you naked in my bedroom?" I was at a loss as how to answer her. She only said things like that when she was mad at me.
I took a chance "It me Mother, Cryss. Please don't be mad I was just wondering what it would be like to be Human for a day." She notice the vial on the bed. She strode over picked it up and looked at it carefully. Her eyes narrowed at the label.
Mother said "I know this writing this comes from Grandmother! How long have you had this and why have you used it now? This is not a game this is serious magic! Your going to mess up your growth cycle. You should have came to me first! Well did she tell you how long it will last?"
Finally one I can answer "Twenty four hours. Yes it is from Great Grandmother. I have had it for awhile. It seemed like the right time to try."
Mother seemed to be calming down. She said "Let's get you dressed then we will talk. You have disappointed me Cryss. I am going have to Talk to Grandmother about this!" She walked over to a I think it is called a wardrobe. She pulled out some things and handed them to me. I looked at them wondering what to do? I knew it was a dress and some other things but how do I put them on? Mother sighed and took the things back. Began instructing me in what each piece was called and how it was worn. Clothes are such a bother. As soon as I was dressed she turned me to the mirror and I seen a pretty young girl in a pretty dress ready for the day. When I looked at Mother she and I looked alike. Different hair and eyes but otherwise the same. Was this the cost Great Grandmother talked about? "Cryss what are you thinking?"
I said "I am thinking I look like you Mother. I think I like that."
Mother said "Yes you do look like me except for hair and eyes we could be twins. I want to know why you have done this? You had a good life so why?"
I said "I wished to go to school with Mother. To be the same as most around me. To be taken seriously with out fear. I wanted what Mother has!"
Mother sat down and looked at me. "I never knew you felt this way Cryss. I will try to help you through today then we will see how we can treat you better. Do the brood feel like this? I should have been more aware."
I said "The young ones have not told me of these type feelings. We are all different so it might not come up. I am hungry but it is too soon to be hungry?"
Mother said "Humans eat more often than dragons. Let's go down and have something to eat. Then maybe go for a walk? I would like to check your magic if you look like me maybe you got magic like me. Would that be nice?" Mother led me down stairs it was hard to walk, then stairs were a nightmare. Mother called out "Sasha come here please."
Her maid came rushing out to see what was the matter. Sasha stopped in her tracks confused seeing two of her Mistress? "Miss, I am confused. There seems to be to of you. May I ask what's going on? Am I going crazy?"
"No, you are not going crazy." The one with normal hair said. "This is Cryss she has been playing with magic. Thanks to my Grandmother Cryss has a Human body for a day. A body that looks like mine. Except for the hair and eyes. Will you make us a light meal and tea?"
Sasha said "Yes Miss" Off she went to do just that. I looked at Mother she seemed amused by the reaction oh her maid. We walked into the dinning room and sat. Mother corrected the way I sat. We continued to talk while waiting for our meal.
Mother said "First we will fly over to the Hall of Magic an I will give you a full testing. Then I would like to have Janis look at you. Then a good dinner and some sleep. We will see if you have changed back by morning. I know that as a dragon you are mostly magic but in this form things may change."
I said "Yes Mother, we will do things your way." I did not want to upset her any more. Sasha brought out a plate of sandwiches for us. She then got the tea. I copied Mother on how to eat the food and drink. When we were don we left the dishes for the maid and went outside. Mother grew a pair of wings then looked at me to copy her. I reached inside to find the way and grew the wings. Flying this way was different. We did make it in good time. There was several double takes as we entered the Hall of Magic. Darla came up to us. She curtsied with a raised brow waiting for a explanation.
Mother said "This is Cryss, She has been playing in Grandmother's magic. Don't worry it is only for a day. I am going to test her to see what her new body can do magic wise. Do you want to watch?"
Darla smiled "Yes, I think I might just do that. I see by the wings she has some control. What are you going to try first?"
Mother turned to me "What do you wish to start with Earth, Air, Fire or Water?"
I said "I like fire Mother. I can do much with it as a dragon. Grandmother said that my abilities may be changed or not work at all. So I think I should use a magic that I am used to." She nodded and set up a candle in the far corner of the room for me light. I pulled in my magic and opened my mouth and breathed out and Nothing happened. I tried again, Nothing! I brought my wings together with a clap that exploded with fire that blackened half the room. I said "Oops, I think my fire has moved to my wings."
Mother looked at what remained of the candle and shook her head. She went and got a target and set it up where she had the candle. She said "Try to use your hands to direct the fire at the target." She moved back waiting. I took a breath then concentrated on creating a ball of fire in my hand. It was hard to hold onto but I managed to form a ball then thrown it at the target. I smiled though I was sweating. She smiled "Very good, a fireball is a good use of fire. You could use a little practice aiming though. Lets move on to Water." She put a gallon jar of water on the floor in front of me. She backed off again. I looked at the water thinking. I had an Idea I pushed my magic into the jar holding the shape as I slowly lifted the water out of jar. Now the water was out of the jar hanging about three feet above the floor. I shaped it into a wing shape and flung it at the burning target. It was very hard and I missed but it was the thought. Mother said "Again very nice but you need to try to aim more. Shaping both fire and water gives a clue to follow. "She brought in a very large rock. "Now don't try to use the element as a weapon just try to shape this rock." I looked at the rock and felt the crystal in it I tried to pull that out and let the rest flow into a image of a hand holding the crystal in the form of a staff. I was pushing it really hard. After a few moments I smiled as the form was complete.
Darla said "Of course she would be able to shape crystal. Look who her Momma is. The hand is not to bad either." Mother went over and looked at the rock hand and crystal staff real close. She was smiling.
Mother said "I think we can draw a few conclusions from this. I think you do have some untrained element based magic but I think you main magic is in shaping. That is a good combination to have. By the way you are seating we will take a break here except for one last thing." She went out then came back with a tray of crystals. I would like you to try a crystal weave. She showed my how first then had me do it. I found working with crystals easy and relaxing. I wove a pair of gloves. I found doing the fingers a challenge but that just made it that much more fun.
Darla smiled "That clinches it, she is her Mothers daughter all right. Cryss you are a Crystal Mage."
A voice from behind us said "Was there any question? She dose take after the family line." I turned to see Great Grandmother there. I was happy. Mother was not!
Mother said "Darla will you put Cryss though the cool down exercises while I have a word with Great Grandmother." She did not wait for a answer to take Great Grandmother outside for a talk. I was scared that they would start to fight. I turned my mind to the exercises. They came back as I was looking at my new staff. It was nice that they did not seem to be fighting.
Great Grandmother said "Cryss it seem you are having fun being a Human for a while. Would you like to stay that way a little longer?" I nodded "Well in your current form you can not. I would need to change you a bit. Make you younger than you are now. About eight years old then I could give you a month." I thought about it for a bit then handed Mother my staff an nodded. Great Grandmother handed me a bigger vile. I opened it and drank it down. I don't remember falling down.
I woke up in a house but everything was bigger than when I went to sleep. I sat up. That's good still Human. I am smaller and shaped different. Is this what Great Grandmother meant? I pushed off the bed I was very much smaller. I looked around on the table were the gloves I made. I went over and picked them up. They were so much bigger than my hands now. I will just have to reweave them. I reached inside where my magic was and found very little. The place that was overflowing was now nearly empty. What has happened? At that point Queen Angel came in I tried to curtsy but this body is so clumsy I nearly fell. The Queen caught me and said "Easy there little one. You are not a big girl now. Take things slow till you get used to that body. Yes, Ember told me all about your experiment. I think it will be fun to have a little one around for a bit."
I said "My magic it is almost all gone why is that?"
From the doorway Mother spoke "It is because you are eight most don't awaken to magic till ten or older. That you have any at all is remarkable. You will have to learn to fan the flames of your magic and make it grow. Maybe by the end of your time in this form you will know something of the truth about magic and a lot about the human condition."
I said "Mother What do you mean? Was this what Great Grandmother meant by cost? I do not understand at all." She came over and hugged me. It felt good.
She said "I will be here to help you. During school you will be staying with Darla learning to bring out your magic. After school you will study with the Six. One each day. Sunday is a day of rest. I have Mondays, Angel has Tuesdays, Tina has Wednesdays, Jessie has Thursdays, Jenny has Fridays and Tara has Saturdays. Three hours each time with the Six. You will not have time to get into trouble. I only have you in this form for a month so we are going to make the best of that time. This will be your room for as long as you are in this form." Angel opened the wardrobe and there was a lot of clothes in there. I will help you till you learn to dress yourself. We will have every morning and evening together. I wish I could spend all day every day but I have school and work so I set up this system. You will almost never be alone except for sleep for the next month. Since tomorrow is Thursday you will be with Darla during school and Jessie in the after school time."
Angel said "I am here for a little ceremony. Ember will you do the honors. Out of Ember's bag she took a large white crystal holding it in her cupped hands she put her magic into it. Slowly it began to become a weave that flowed and became a crown just a hair smaller than hers. The new crown shown with the purest white crystal weave. She took a breath and handed the crown to Angel. Angel took two steps and placed the crown upon my head. "Welcome Princess Cryss to the line of Skyflower.
From the doorway was heard "What is this? We have a new Princess in the family?" Ember smiled seems it is visiting day.
Ember said "Hello Mother how is Crystalis? Yes Cryss coming from me makes her my daughter. As such she is in line as Princess of both Sanctuary and Crystalis." Mother came in and looked over Cryss in her new form. She broke out into the biggest smile.
Queen Aslila said "I always wanted a Granddaughter I just did not expect one so soon." She turned to me "We will have to talk on who the father is sometime. But now it is time for a celebration." Ember and Angel took out their crowns and put them on. Grandmother frowned. "I did not bring my crown with me." She looked at Mother who dug in her bag.
Mother said "I was waiting for you birthday to give this to you but now is a good time. She brought out a wonderful two layer crown made out of crystal weave. With the four of us crowned we went down stairs. While we were waiting for the other two to go down Mother clasped a bracelet on my wrist. She whispered that I should tap the big stone on it. I did and I was wearing the most gorgeous white silk gown. She grinned and tapped her bracelet and she was in her wedding gown. We smiled and went down together. of course Grandmother was mad. Angel just tapped her bracelet and was in her best Queen outfit. Grandmother was fuming till mother clasped a bracelet around her wrist and took her finger and tapped the stone. The gown she now wore was truly fit for a Queen. so now we all were dressed in our best and our crowns. I was wondering what we were going to do now? Staying home to party seemed a little anticlimactic. Mother turned to Grandmother walk around back of her and said "Pardon me!" And gave her wings. We all walked outside and took to the air. Grandmother was a little shaky till she got the hang of it. We landed at the Island just by the bonding circle. I caught sight of Jessie and Tina coming this way. Darla was coming from the other way. Jenny and Tara were already on the Island watching us. I waved them to us all the major players but Great Grandmother. Of course that's when she came spiraling down her wings wide. That' it everyone was here. So we can begin. This Idea was so much like one of mothers it was scary. We all formed a circle in front of the statue and took hands. I looked at Mother for help but she just smiled at me. They all were smiling at me. So I said the first thing that popped into my head. I said "By Fire, By Water, By Earth, By Wind, and by the Great Dragons of old I call on the Great Ones to bless this circle and these friends as we lift the vale and pear beyond tomorrow. For today We have took a step into Tomorrow. Let it be known as of today I will be known as Her Highness Lady Cryss Rosetta Del La Silver Skyfower-Starstone, Princess of the Great Hall of Crystalis, Princess of Sanctuary and Lady of the Crystal Dragons! I ask all here to help me live up to this name and titles as I make my way here in Sanctuary!" I was spent That took all I had.
Each one by one Said "I will help you Princess, Blessings be!" and the naming ceremony was complete. That is when Everyone started to show up and a grand party was held.
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Back to Embers point of view.
I was watching my daughter dancing with each of the ones that were in the circle. I can't believe I am a Mother of a eight year old at fifteen. Wow how life has taken me some strange places. Hmm I think I will try to slow down a little. Now that Cryss has done it I am sure the rest of the Dragons would like a chance to live the life for a bit. Cryss danced up to me and said "Dance with me Mother! Oh please dance with me." No how can I refuse that. So I danced with her. Her eyes were shining like the stars. After a bit I caught Tara's eye and she cut in and I went back to watching.
For once nothing went wrong and we all had a great time. I carried Cryss up to her room and helped her get changed for bed. I put her in the bed and pulled up the covers. With a kiss on the forehead I left her to her dreams. I went back to my room and got read for bed. The party was great but I have school tomorrow. Even as out of it I was sleep did not come right away. My mind just kept going over the ceremony and how it all felt so right. In every way my life was coming together. If only Ben was here it would be perfect. I finally fell into a light sleep.
In the morning I got up and dressed. Then off to dress the little one. I woke Cryss and got her ready for her time with Darla. We went down stairs an Darla was already there having a cup of tea. After we all had breakfast we went our own ways Cryss with Darla and me off to meet the others for school. I was feeling pretty good till we got to school and found a bunch of newcomers at our table. They were boys and did not want to give the table up until Angel pulled rank on them. By then it was almost time for classes to start. Dang it they played us. I was surprised when a new transfer student was introduced and it was Ben. There was a seat right next to me and he took it. This is great with Ben going here we could live together as a married couple should. The teacher asked "Would you like to tell us about your self?"
Ben "I am the Captain of the Royal Guard of Sanctuary. I am also married to a very lovely lady I switched schools to be with." He reached over and took my hand and said "This is my lovely wife Ember. Ho and my name is Ben." I was smiling ear to ear while holding his hand. His smile was quite bright. We parted after the first class and did not get back together till lunch. I was just glad he was here at all. Classes went well till the usual study hall. Ben was in this class. Ms. Teller had to take care of something and we had a sub, Mr. Rogers he was the boys PE teacher. He and I have crossed paths a few times and we did not like each other. Sara was going to ask a question and Rogers practically shouted her down with No Talking! I glared at him. When Sara slunk back to her table the jerk actually looked proud of himself. The smug look on his face was really getting on my nerves. The headmaster came in to talk to me and Ben. I turned the screws a little more when he sat up and was going to go off. I asked what the Headmaster would do to any teacher that was found to be abusive to a student. That gave Rogers pause. I would fire him or her on the spot. Do you know such a teacher? I was about to say no when Rogers started to deny it before I could! He said some very unflattering things about me. Ben got up he was bigger than Mr. Rogers. He walked over and said quietly "If I was you I would take back what you said about the young lady."
Rogers had a testosterone flare and said "What's it to you bub you nailing her or something?"
While Ben was getting his temper under control the Headmaster said "Three things one Your fired, two you just insulted his wife Princess Ember of Sanctuary, Three He is the Captain of the Royal Guard of Sanctuary and she is the Grand Mage. That means If he does not kill you She will either turn you into something useful like a chamber pot she will exile you. Oh did I mention that the Queen of Sanctuary watched the whole thing and the Princess is her sister. So simply you got the three most powerful people in Sanctuary mad at you." Ben was about to pulverize the chump. I decided to step in.
I said "Ben stop. I wont have you killing on school grounds. Give me a moment" I strode up to the mirror and opened a portal "If you will Ben." Ben grabbed the jerk and through him into the portal. Of course I was not going to leave it there I touched him as he went by infecting his clothes with a cloth eating spell. Then I closed the portal. In a few moments he will be completely nude.
Ben asked "Where did you send him?"
I smiled "Jerico springs that's bandit controlled so he will be a slave by tonight."
The Headmaster said "Why did you touch him as he went by?"
I grinned "Cloth eating spell about now he is totally nude. I really did not like him." Ben took me in his arms and kissed me. Damn I missed that.
After the kiss Ben and I sat back down and the Headmaster went to the desk and called for a replacement. Soon Ms. Bell was there and the Headmaster headed out. I got up and went over to Sara and said "Are you all right? That jerk came down on you pretty hard. What was your question?"
Sara said "I was just going to ask if you two were really married but after that kiss I can see you are. You two work very nicely together. You must really love each other. I'm all right. He got what he deserved. I was just surprised is all. On to happier subjects, Well we talked about the Dress but what about the Ceremony?" So I spent the rest of the hour describing the Walking the Circle ceremony to them. Every detail was went over and talked about. Ben even put in some from his point of view. Ms. Bell did not interfere just listened like the rest. So we ended the school day.
Ben and I went home. Home what a nice feeling. We spent a lovely after noon doing homework and just being together. Then Cryss came home And I reintroduced her to Ben and Ben to her. It was fun for me and weird for Ben. I was proud of my daughter. Soon we had dinner as a family.
After putting Cryss to bed I sat with Ben on the porch for awhile. We talked about what went on while he was away but mostly about Cryss. After he was brought up to speed he thought for a moment then said "I like the I idea of having a child I just did not think you would start without me." He smiled to show he was joking. "Having a daughter for a month will be nice. I think Cryss makes a very pretty princess as does her Mother." I smiled and kissed him, The sparks flew but everything here was made of crystal weave and would not burn.
I said "Well I hope you like being a Daddy because there are six more waiting in the wings to take their turn as Humans. And they will be even younger."
Grandmother came up and sat down saying "You better trust that it will happen. I have the potions right here. I just thought I would drop them off before I go home. You choose when to give them to the dragons." I smiled at her.
I said "Looks like we will have some munchkins running around for a bit. Thank you Grandmother for bringing them to me and not each of the girls. We would have six very smart six year old's running around. I am not ready for a house full. I will give them out one at a time." She smiled after giving me the vials. I noted that there was seven and one was black. "Grandmother what is the black vial?"
Grandmother smile weakened "That one is if Cryss wishes to remain in this form and grow up as a human and live as a human forever. I will leave it up to you if the two of you give her the choice. I will say no more on that subject. With that I will bid you both good night.
After that night nothing worth writing about happened till almost a month later, a day before the change back day.
I had been on the fence about the black vial. Should I give it to Cryss or not. Ben was no help he said it was up to me. Now it was almost too late and tomorrow would be change back day. Grandmother had visited several times but had said nothing about this. I finally decided to let Cryss decide for herself. I walked down to her room and opened the door. Cryss was brushing her hair. I smiled "Honey I need to talk to you. Will you come sit on the bed with me for a bit?" Of course she got up and followed me to the bed and sat.
She said "What is it mommy you look so serious. Have I done something bad?"
I smiled "No honey, you are a good girl. That's what I want to talk to you about Tomorrow is change back day and I wanted to know what you thought about it?"
She had a sad smile "I wish I did not have to change back at all! I love Being Human and being your daughter. Can't you or Great grand mother fix it so I didn't have to change back. I know I am really a dragon but I love the way I am Right Now!" The forcefulness in the way she said it made up my mind.
I said "Then don't change back. Take this and you will grow up human and live as a human for as long as you live." I handed her the black vial. I have to let her choose. I got up and her hand was on mine stopping me from leaving. she locked eyes with mine and opened the vial and drank it. she fell back on the bed. I straightened her up them covered her and smiled and went to bed. I had this overwhelming sense of completion.
Later that night I was dreaming I knew I was dreaming. I was floating. Wasn't I here before? There was no pain just floating in the nothingness. What happened? Did I die again? I tried to sit up but there was no up. Then I was not alone. I don't know how I knew but I did. A voice said "You have done well The worlds of man and dragon have changed! Forever this night will spark hope in the descendants of all involved. You have done what was asked of you. Now is your time do as you will. In thanks we give you this gift." I felt something touch my belly. "Go back now your time to be here has not come. Go back and live for you!"
I woke up feeling better than I had ever in my life. I smiled as I looked over at Ben who was still sleeping and smiled. Life was full and good I was me an we will see where that takes me.
To be continued in Book 2 Beyond the tales. See you next time.
Comments
A nice ending to Story Book
A nice ending to Story Book one. I am rather happy that the jerk teacher got his butt in a wringer by his crude and very obnoxious attitude and manner. He definitely did not belong anywhere being a teacher. Imagine getting into a student's face simply because she wanted to ask a question. I mean really??? Isn't education all about asking and solving questions? What a maroon, or is that buffoon? Either way, I certainly hope he enjoys his new nude lifestyle and possibly his new status as a slave of some criminal group or gang.
*sniffle sniffle*
gotta love happy endings!
quidquid sum ego, et omnia mea semper; Ego me.
alecia Snowfall
Really?
The guy gets a life of slavery for being a mean bully? That seems a little like overkill. Amazing story, can't wait for the follow up.
nomad
*sniff*
So book one comes to a very nice ending. I can but speculate on the gift Ember got, but I shan't share that. It might be a spoiler. I think the bully got his just deserts.
Very nice. I look forward to book two
Joanna
OK...
So that explains why none of the Four miss their families and apparently vice versa. (Though there's still Tara's aunt, and some suspicion that Jenny doesn't really know her whole story, between her last name of Fey and the claim that she was at the Academy because it was cheaper than previous locations. There's also Jessie's amnesia and her mysterious benefactor.) Thank you for the info.
Between Angel and Criss the stage seems to be set for human/dragon hybrids. (And add Ember, who spontaneously created Criss from crystal and animated her without an explanation originally.) "The worlds of Man and Dragon have changed" -- true enough for the Other Side, but it's less clear about the Earth half. Reinstating the feudal system of government on Earth with mages and dragons at the top -- to say nothing of hereditary aristocrats -- would seem less than ideal for the rest of us.
And of course there's still Ember's immaturity to worry about: is a teacher bothering you? Strip him and send him someplace where he'll become a slave. Due process? No need for that in Sanctuary, right? Extraordinary rendition as a way of life, and no need even to keep it a secret.
(I may need to clarify here. The above isn't a complaint; it can be refreshing when a protagonist, especially a teenager, has flaws in her character -- especially when it's clear, as here, that those behind the scenes don't think she's ready, so to speak, for prime time yet.)
Eric
excellent story
Found the story with author search and read it straight through. It is tremendous story line and depth of characters, Ember, Ben, Angel , mother and grandmother, plus all the other supporting characters. All characters developed to such a great extent. Can't wait for the continuation of the characters.
J Schade
Ember and bullies
Yeah, Ember might have been a little impetuous, but not as much as it may seem. More than a few lives have been lost due to the actions of bullies. The teacher was not only a bully he was powertripping. It's an open question wondering how many growing lives and minds he has already destroyed, and how many more would be destroyed in the future. Its really kind of hard to feel much sympathy for him. He made his own bed now he gets to sleep in it.
The power structure has changed and only a fool starts trouble without learning the lay of the land. Ember had already had at least one semester to learn what the PE teacher was like. Her actions only seemed hasty from the outside, in reality this confrontation had been coming for awhile. This is no longer a democracy, and a feudal society operates under different rules. In such a society keeping your enemies around just means more trouble later. T'were done t'were best done quickly.
I went outside once. The graphics weren' that great.