Travelling through the village, the three found themselves walking over small bridges that spanned the various creeks that filtered through the town. Alice Springs took great pride in their water. They built pristine stone canals for each of the little streams that passed through the village. Much like a delta, the well maintained off shoots of water from the spring itself flowed through the town.
Eldin couldn’t believe that there was an actual spirit in Alice Springs. Everyone knew that spirits were things of myth and legend. That was until Adrok explained that a spirit could exist if they were an alien due to the effect of the energy orb that made up the core of the planet. He had never read anything about the core of the planet. Nor did he know that it was a mass of energy that allowed all living things the ability to control the elements. He thought that it was a natural thing that everyone could do and thus didn’t give it more thought. “How did you even learn about this orb of energy?” Eldin asked.
Adrok never smiled much. And when he did, it often creeped people out. Since he was in the front and his hood was up, neither of his impromptu allies could see his facial expressions. He vividly remembered the grueling but enlightening journey to the center of the planet. “I have seen it for myself. The maze-like system of tunnels that run through the Crater Mountains has a path that takes you to the center of this planet. There are also many strange and dangerous things living down there that have never seen the light of day. Many who have tried to map out the subterranean labyrinth never make it out. Any map you come across is incomplete no matter what the seller says.”
Lumina felt giddy thinking about exploring an unknown world beneath her fraught with peril and dangerous creatures. “If you’ve been there and made it back, don’t you have a map?” She asked.
Adrok used his right index finger to lightly poke his head, never once turning around to face them. “Photographic memory. I have the path mapped out in my head. Now then. I hope you’re ready. We are here.” He exclaimed as he stopped on the edge of an unearthly fog settling over the spring that Alice supposedly haunted.
Normally, Adrok would have entered the mist, captured the spirit and be on his way. But helping Lumina to be able to control energy was more interesting. It not only would further his knowledge, but also his plans. He had grand designs for the future of the world. With Lumina nearby, he could gather incredibly valuable data that would further his goals. Though all of it rested on the whether the young Fereece figured out how to control it.
Stepping to the side he motioned for Eldin and Lumina to enter the mist. “I am curious to see how you will deal with a spirit. Hopefully interacting with one will help you figure out your unique ability.” He stated calmly as he watched the two bravely stride into the fog and followed behind not wanting to miss any details.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
As soon as they entered the unnatural mist, all of them could feel an odd and sinister presence start to scrape off their skin. Trudging through the almost palpable fog, Lumina’s ear twitched and then naturally rotated to the source of the sound. A low moan that devolved into a groan quietly reverberated slightly to the right. When she looked at her companions, neither of them had any recognition of the noise. Pointing in the direction of the quiet groan she changed their course slightly, causing the group to follow behind.
As they continued through the mist, Lumina paused when she felt her foot dip into water. The moans were now loud enough for everyone to hear. “I think we are at the spring.” She whispered, taking a step back and putting her foot on dry ground.
The fog was even thicker over the water making it impossible to see more than a few feet in front. “I hear the creepy sounds further in.” Eldin noted as he started walking across the surface of the spring, creating frozen platforms on top of the water whenever he took a step.
Following along behind her friend, Lumina noted that Adrok was following too, though he didn’t use the provided ice, instead it was as if he was walking through the air. She didn’t know how he did it, but the fact that he managed it so easily made her stare in awe.
Taking lead, Eldin continued moving across the surface of the lake. He also found Adrok's ability to walk on water incredible. He wanted to ask questions, but the current situation had his mind on high alert. Like the eye of a storm, the small group found themselves in the central area of the spring. The large area devoid of any mist or fog, a singular ethereal looking figure floating in the middle of it. The normal light of the day dimmed by the overcast of clouds.
The visage of the floating figure was a woman in a long flowing the robe that ceased to exist near the bottom with ethereal feet standing just above the surface of the water. Her face was soft and emotionless. She didn’t budge or move or turn her head when the three clearly came into view.
Eldin gasped when he saw the spirit. He didn’t know what to expect, but a beautiful woman garbed in robes wasn’t even on his mind. He found himself staring, an odd sensation begging his body to keep walking forward.
Lumina had despised every moment once they had stepped into the fog. Every step she took, especially crossing the water, filled her with unknown terror. What bothered her the most was that she didn’t even know why she was terrified. Only that it greatly intensified when she saw what she assumed was Alice floating above the water.
Adrok couldn’t help but grin. An actual spirit was in front of him. He couldn’t wait to test his theory, hoping that this ghost was indeed a foreigner to their planet who had died on it. However, more important things needed to be done. If his designs were to come to fruition, he needed Lumina to awaken and control her power first.
