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  Dark Dawn

  J.J. Medina

  

  Story Merchant Books · Los Angeles · 2018

  Dark Dawn

  Copyright © 2018 by J.J. Medina. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author.

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9981628-4-3

  Story Merchant Books 400 S. Burnside Ave. #11B Los Angeles, CA 90036 http://www.storymerchant.com/books.html

  Dark Dawn

  Prologue

  · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

  WHERE CAN I HIDE? THE cluster of red trees ahead will do. I swing up and climb the intertwined branches. I’m halfway up one of the tallest trees in the kingdom in record time. Sitting, I pluck a Jon fruit from a branch. Its tangy juice fills my mouth, squirts down my chin. I wipe it away using the hem of my dress while I take in the view of the capital city, Avondale, miles away. It’s mountainous and majestic; its soaring pillars lost in the sky.

  A Lorkin bird lands in front of me, blocking my view. All three of its eyes are trained on the fruit I’m scarfing down. I toss the pit. The silly bird flies after it.

  There’s no one around. Maybe I lost her. I mutter a floating spell as I leap off the tree, unleashing my magic. My open-toed sandals hit the tall grass. Arms encircle me and fingers start tickling. I squeal. Can’t stop laughing.

  This is our first mother-daughter day in a while. She’s been away for weeks helping people who’ve contracted the Lyric Plague. Hundreds of thousands have died from it. Despite her queenly status, she’s always stuck to the vow of the royal guards—protect and serve. I hope to have that kind of courage when I’m older.

  I spot the Lorkin a few feet away at the edge of a stream. Is it gagging?

  “Silly bird. Did you actually try eating the seed?” I pull away from Mother and walk over to it.

  It keels over, motionless.

  “Oh, crap.”

  “Watch your language, young lady,” Mother says.

  “Sorry, I think this bird’s dying because of me. I can help it.” I bend over and mumble a spell that creates a tiny wound on my index finger. I just learned this a few days ago—here’s to hoping it works. Chanting, I press a drop of blood into the bird’s mouth. Its head twitches as it coughs up the seed. Disoriented, it flaps its wings and chirps before taking off.

  “Where’d you learn that spell?” Mother asks.

  “An old woman at the market showed me. Cool, right?”

  “No, not cool. Blood magic is dark. Unpredictable. Forbidden. You know that, Aria.”

  “But shouldn’t all magic be explored? Especially when it heals?”

  “Not blood magic. It can turn you into someone you’re not. I forbid you to dabble in it. Do you hear me?”

  “Okay, sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise.”

  I hate letting her down. I should’ve known better. She takes magic and its teachings seriously. Sometimes too seriously.

  Mother takes a deep breath. “I’m sorry I snapped, Aria.” She pulls me in for a hug.

  Just like that, I know we’re okay again. I don’t get it, though. That magic saved the bird’s life. Magical rules stress me out.

  We sit by the stream. I lay my head on her lap. She strokes my hair, sings.

  “No matter how long I stay or bad a day, I’ll always be with you.

  No matter how far I stray or rough the waves, through darkness I’ll guide you.

  It’s why I sing this song to you.

  Why my heart will never desert you.

  Yesterday, today, always—I’ll forever love you.”

  It’s a lullaby she always sings to me. I’ll never be too old for it. It makes me feel safe, like nothing can hurt me. I sing with her as I start to drift. She smiles. This is the best day ever.

  “Kassandra, I’ve been looking everywhere for you and Aria.”

  Ugh. Spoke too soon. If it isn’t my father, King Cadmus, the killjoy. Bye, bye, relaxation. Wait, what’s the Royal Light Guard doing with him? Something’s not right.

  Whoa! Two camouflaged guards appear out of the bushes. They’re focused, like they’re ready to take someone out.

  “Everything’s clear, King Cadmus,” one says. He’s a highly decorated guard covered in branding. One of his tattoos catches my eye. It’s of our planet, Crothinia’s, battle shield with five flags. It means he’s saved at least one person of high ranking from each of the five kingdoms in battle. I hate it. It reminds me that we’re at war, even though no one wants to admit it.

  “What’s wrong, Cadmus?” Mother says.

  “We’re heading to investigate an energy ball that was found in the market square. Luckily, it was spotted before it detonated.” Father turns to one of the guards. “Take Aria back to the castle.”

  “Why can’t I help?” I say.

  “You’re too young, Aria,” Father says.

  “I’m nine. I can take care of myself.”

  “Aria,” Mother warns. “You’ll be safe at the castle. Now go.”

  Before I could argue further, two brown Havlas—winged beasts with leathery skin— shoot down from the sky. Fire gushes from their mouths, slams into the ground, separating me from my family. One of them grabs me in its clutches. I squirm but can’t get loose. It drags me a few yards away.

  Mother looks furious and determined as her dark hair flaps in the wind. She blasts the Havlas with energy balls. I crash into a flowery bush. They slam into the ground, dead.

  “No one messes with my family,” Mother says.

  I rush into her open arms and she holds me tight. I hear laughter. A fiery image appears out of the burning Havlas.

  “Dagon,” Father says. “How is this possible?”

  “You will never be safe,” Dagon says. “I will destroy the soul of this kingdom by attacking it from within. Then I’ll take what is rightfully mine.”

  He looks at me. I can feel him trying to dig into my soul, wanting it. Strange symbols carved into his skin are glowing. My skin’s tingling.

  “A light born from the dark will reign.

  Out of the shadows will come dissension and fright.

  Forever cursed, she’ll fight the dark’s sweet call, to write her own path.

  With four by her side, a covenant of love will succumb.

  For the dark will reign. But only the Dawn will know if she’ll show her true light.”

  He vanishes.

  “What did he mean?” I say.

  “He was just trying to scare us with a foolish prophecy,” Mother says. “He’s a madman. You’re strong. Listen to what’s in your heart.”

  A flash of energy bursts behind Mother. She jolts. Blood trickles out her nose.

  “Mother….”

  “No matter how far I stray or rough the waves, through darkness I’ll guide you,” she whispers.

  Mother falls lifeless into Father’s arms.

  “Hail Dagon,” cries a branded soldier just before he’s tackled to the ground by guards.

  My mind goes blank. Numbness takes hold.

  My mother’s dead.

  One

  · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

  “SHIT. SHIT. SHIT!” I TRY to fight the panic rising from finding myself confined in a pitch-black box, folded up like a contortionist. I take a deep breath, push the fear back, breath out. I kick and bang the smooth, hard surface. That just makes me sweat, which makes my clothes stick in weird spots I can’t reach. “Someone get me out of here!”

  A sheet gets pulled away.

  I look up thro
ugh a glass box at two scantily clad females. Dad would kill me if I dressed like that. Kill me dead. Of course, I wouldn’t be caught dead or alive in that much glitter. That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about, Father. A bleached-haired man flips a latch and opens a door. He’s leaning in way too close. I get a whiff of whatever cheap cologne he’s wearing. I cough as he helps me out.

  “Where am I?” I brush my long, black hair from my face and crack my neck to loosen the tightness. I adjust the harness-like vest over my kandar suit—white leather that molds to my form trimmed with red-gold lace. There’s a big crowd of people watching us. A few are muttering something about hot dogs. If I wasn’t physically and emotionally drained, and my legs weren’t wobbling like jelly, I would find this funny. Scratch that. Nothing about my situation is funny.

  “Times Square, kid.” He looks at me as if I’d asked him the dumbest question ever. “How’d you end up in my cart? Where’d you come from?”

  “Crothinia,” I say, mostly to the neon flashing lights and giant steel structures around me. People are everywhere, swarming like bugs. They’re chatting, laughing, swearing. Horns are blaring. Vehicles are racing by. It’s like a clip right out of the films I was forced to watch in Earth Studies. It’s just as crazy as they portrayed it. Of all the places he could’ve sent me…. Exhaust fumes are filling my lungs with each breath. I wonder if I’ll ever experience the beauty and warmth of my native land again.

  “Hey, Caldwell,” a burly guy says. He has a giant cross etched on his right cheek, flowing down his neck, ending under his shirt.

  I cringe as I envision the needle sliding in and out of his skin.

  “You promised a cart of hot dogs. What kind of hack magician are you?”

  He knows magic? Did Father choose him as my guide?

  “Caldwell the Great always keeps his promises,” the “magician” says. He shoves me away. “Go, kid. You’re ruining my rep.”

  “Wait, are you my guide?” I ground my feet to a halt.

  “Guide…? What? Get outta here.”

  All right, Aria, calm down. He’s a nobody, not worth the trouble. I gotta get away from this madness. I smash into an overly cheerful plump woman. Dressed head to toe in I ♥ NY gear, she’s having her picture taken with someone in a dirty rat costume.

  “Hey you, X-Men wannabe. Get your Storm ass off my corner,” says a scratchy male voice from within the rat suit. He reeks of cigarette smoke. “And away from my customer.”

  He bumps me to the side and starts sweet-talking the woman, wanting five dollars for the picture.

  Who does this moron think he is? I get in the rat’s face. “I. Am. Royalty.”

  He chuckles. “Royalty, huh? Well, I’m Mickey from the Magic Kingdom. If you don’t want a picture, get out of my face.”

  “That’s it, you’re gonna get it.” I fling my right hand up to blast him with a stream of energy. I can already see him on his knees screaming in pain, begging for me to stop. Nothing comes out.

  I forgot…my magic is gone. I stare at my lame, unmagical hands.

  The woman’s staring at me. I recognize a look of pity in her eyes. I don’t need anyone’s pity. I’m going to get out of this mess. Prove to Father he was wrong.

  “Am I supposed to be scared?” The rat laughs so hard he’s snorting.

  I turn away, push aside the loneliness creeping up, and step off a curb.

  Bad plan.

  The horn is so loud it makes my lips vibrate. A double-decker bus is heading straight for me. Boom! A front tire blows. It screeches to a halt. I trip and fall backward onto the sidewalk. I watch in fascinated horror as the bus stops inches from me.

  “Welcome to the crosswalk of the world, Aria,” says a soft voice.

  I look up at a woman with warm, brown eyes and curly, dark hair.

  “I’m Selene Brewer.” Smiling, she helps me up and embraces me. “Your guide.”

  It’s about time. “Can we leave? I want away from all this craziness.”

  Selene ushers me away from a growing crowd of people who are screaming at the bus. I’ve created quite the mess.

  “It’s not easy traveling through a portal,” Selene says. “How do you feel?”

  “You mean besides absolutely worthless without my powers? I have a pounding headache and feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”

  “That’s all normal.”

  “Maybe. But that isn’t,” I point to a disheveled man urinating on the side of a building. He’s rambling on about being a Wall Street god. I avoid the trailing line of pee and step in what can only be described as gunk.

  “Ahh, come on, really?” I wipe my shoe on the edge of the sidewalk.

  “Despite its imperfections, New York will grow on you.”

  “Well, it sure sticks.”

  “So, what’s the latest from Crothinia, Aria?”

  “It’s on the verge of war. Father sent me away when I’m needed the most. How do you know him, anyway?”

  “I was a top official in Crothinia’s parliament before coming to Earth.”

  “So was my mother before she died.”

  “I know. She cared deeply about Crothinia. And you.”

  “She would’ve never sent me here, powerless, putting my life at risk.” I miss her more than anything. My life sucks right now.

  Selene veers down a flight of stairs into a dim cave-like structure.

  I stop.

  She looks back and smiles at the baffled expression on my face. “It’s the subway. A brave warrior like you has nothing to fear.”

  A group of girls pass us. The expression on their faces is so carefree. I want that feeling. It’s not easy being royalty—having the weight of a kingdom on your shoulders. Sometimes I wish I could be someone else. Snap out of it, Aria. No time for sulking. I try to remember what a subway is but can’t. My brain’s fried. I’m too tired.

  The subway’s like a dungeon. Trashcans are overflowing. Rats are scurrying around the tracks. The light above is flickering. A loud rumble shakes the platform. A steel contraption with blaring bright lights zooms out from the darkness.

  Selene chuckles. “Relax. It’s just a train.”

  “I’m glad you think I’m so funny,” I mutter just loud enough for her to hear.

  The doors open. I take a step forward and peek in. Yuck! Why does it small like armpits in here? The doors begin to close but retract as soon as they touch me. A voice blaring from an overhead speaker reprimands me for blocking the doors. Everyone’s staring. Is it possible for me to draw any more attention? Here come the doors again. I jump in and fasten my hand to a steel pole in front of Selene. Gross, what slimy thing did I just touch?

  “Where’s this thing taking us, Selene?”

  “To my home in Brooklyn. It’s in a charming area filled with artists and musicians.”

  “Sounds nice.” I wonder if she can tell I’m lying.

  “Your father told me you’ve become quite the singer and performer.”

  “I’m surprised he has a clue. He’s only missed pretty much all my performances over the last sixteen years.”

  “Come, sit.” Selene pats the seat next to her. “Let’s talk.”

  I look at the seat, at the smudges all over it. “No thanks. I’d rather stand.”

  The train turns sharply, jolting me into the empty seat. “On second thought….”

  “So, tell me a little about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes?”

  This whole getting to know each other phase is a waste of time. “When do you think I’ll regain my powers so I can return to Crothinia? Help end the war.”

  “Shh….” Selene glances at a woman sitting next to her. “She has such a vivid imagination.” Turning to me, she whispers, “Be careful what you say. Many wouldn’t mind having the Princess of Crothinia in their clutches.”

  “Whatever.” I look around. Half the passengers are staring out into space, afraid to make eye contact with anyone. It’s the same look people had at my mother’s
funeral. Everyone in shock, telling me things would get easier, that I’d be stronger after what happened. Nothing’s been further from the truth.

  The emergency doors slide open. A skinny, bald man enters, singing “Stand By Me.” His voice is smooth and deep. His clothes are worn and his shoes scuffed, but he holds his head high as he walks through the car.

  “I know I can’t do justice to Ben King, but does anyone have money for an old man trying to get something to eat?” He holds out a stained hat.

  That kills me. No one should have to beg for food. If I had my powers, I would conjure him a feast.

  Selene reaches into her bag. Pulling out a dollar bill, she places it inside the hat.

  Everyone else in the train acted like he didn’t exist.

  “God bless you. I wish there were more good people like you in the world.” He looks at me. “Why so glum, sweetheart? Shake the hard times by turning a frown upside down.” He exposes his pearly whites.

  I can’t help but smile.

  “That’s more like it.” He sings his way through our car and into another.

  Must be nice, being able to shrug your problems off like that.

  The train shrieks as it goes above ground. The majestic skyline that comes into view captures my attention, lit steel structures shooting up through the darkness. So unlike Crothinia’s rolling hills and waterfalls. It’s different. I should hate it, but it’s strangely beautiful. I stand to get a better look out the train’s window.

  “There’s no other place in the universe like New York,” Selene says. She comes to stand by me.

  I can’t help but wonder if she’s right.

  Two

  · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

  Twenty-four Hours Earlier

  “I’VE NEVER SEEN YOUR FATHER this mad,” Leung says.

  I see her through my floor-length mirror pacing around the room, twirling her red hair.

  “Relax. My real problem is this crater of a zit on my nose. I’ve tried five potions and it’s still there, torturing me.”