NOTES: Sorry this took so long to update. I didn’t know if people truly wanted to read this story…for the lack of explaining and because it ties together other stories that are a) not finished and b) not posted…well so I decided to just keep going and see what it brought me.

Chapter 5

Four couples were suddenly deposited on a large hill where, to their astonishment surrounding another couple that had instantly went defensive. The four couples remained silent as they oriented themselves and took in their surroundings.

“Holy shit. Where the hell are we and how did we get here?” one female demanded, though she wasn’t entirely sure she would get an answer.

The ones in the center relaxed just a tiny bit and the female from the center replied, “You are on our world, which is called Corveer.”

“Who are you?!” the female demanded, while the male with her tried to soothe her anger by holding her close. But she was having none of it. She wanted answers and she wanted them now.

Before anything else could be said, five bright lights appeared and faded into human forms that stood around the couple in the middle.

Though nobody with the exception of two people knew what was going on, they all went down on one knee. They knew these new people were Gods.

“Rise now children.” one said. There were four females and one male god. This Goddess was standing regally beside the center couple. She had the greenest forest green eyes a person ever had and her waist length dark brown hair that hung loose down her back had twigs and flowers entwined in her hair and there was a crown made from ivy sitting upon her brow. Her long gown was deep green that matched her eyes and too had a few flowers on it as if the gown was made of the ground in which the flowers could grow and bloom in. Her gown dragged on the ground and though no one could see, she was barefoot. She complexion was lightly tanned and she stood no higher than 5’6. “I am Lady Nature, also known as Goddess Nasca on this world. You have each been called to this world to help my children save it.” She swept a hand at the couple by her side.

“But why us? What have we done to honor this duty?” a girl no more of 17 years asked. Her companion was a stallion unicorn and pressed against the girl as she asked her question.

The god and the only male by her side answered her, “You were chosen for your knowledge of magic and magical defenses. But as well as the knowledge on how to work and make do with what your are given in other worlds different from your own.” He replied. “I am Lord Universe for your alternate timeline Princess Kadris Star Allers. And your familiar, Balor Unicorn was chosen also for he is your familiar and you will need him and his own knowledge when the time comes.” He added.

A Goddess dressed in yellow-orange spoke up, “And my two Gods Chosen have been Chosen once before and they are two out of eight the most powerful mages of my own alternate timeline. Princess Master Mage Amethyst of the Streetfighters and now living in the Fire Stone Caves was picked for her special powers concerning mystical creatures, just as Princess Master Mage Shiane of the Deadly Shielded Forest and two Elven Clans was chosen for her unique telepathy powers and her knowledge of mystical creatures. I am Goddess Canvracalla, Messenger of the Gods of Tyrus.” She swept a small curtsey.

The Goddess next to the couple in which the young woman demanded the first questions said, “I am Lady Oceala, Goddess of the Sea. I have chosen Shanita Collum and her boyfriend Logan Jetsu for their powers of the Sun and Darkness. Together they will be of much help.” She said.

“And lastly, I am Lady Planet. The powers of my children in their own respected timeline are of the elements and I have chosen Myra Leafstone and Toli Ballineo. They are of Earth and they have a special bond that will prove useful to an extent that could and would help save lives.” The last goddess announced.

Shanita, still in Logan’s arms suddenly asked with a fierceness under her tone, “Why were we chosen?! Why were we brought here without our consent?! What happens when the people we left back at home find out that we are not there?!”

The one called Shiane answered her, “Because we were chosen to help save this world. It is because, as Themselves pointed out, of our own special powers. And Canvracalla told me and mine that when you were taken from your own times, a scroll was left in your place. So assume that it is a full detailed note to your loved ones.” She added.

Lady Oceala nodded in agreement, “Yes. Shiane of Tyrus is correct. We left a note saying where you were taken and why.”

“But now,” Lady Nasca started, her tone business-like, “You were all brought here to learn to work together, combine your strengths and overcome your weaknesses to defeat the enemy that plagues our world. For if it is not defeated here and now, the enemy on your own worlds will double in power and overcome you.”

When that was finished, the five deities disappeared just as the came—in a brilliant flash of light.

Shiane looked around at everyone as they all rose from the ground. “So, how about we reintroduce ourselves without the pretty titles some of our patrons used, much to our displeasure.” She frowned a bit.

A few of the others smiled, including Amy.

“I am Shiane, though Moonling among the majority of the elves in my timeline. I’m an honorary elf and I am also married to one.” The mage said.

Her companion promptly continued with the rest, “And I’m Amy, married to a dragon. Though I hate it, I guess I am a princess in a sense. My father had once been a prince.” She added.

“Well, my name is Kadris.” Another girl said, then patted the unicorn beside her, “And this is Balor, my familiar. I am a witch in my own right since it passes through the women of my grandmother’s family and I’m also a princess from her original world. I am a Mirror Apprentice. My two cousins and my twin brother and I travel to different worlds through a magic mirror.” Kadris added.

“I am Shanita. In my timeline I am a Warrior. A year ago we found out that our foremothers and fathers were great warriors and they had preserved their memories for future generations. I am Sun and the leader of the six women.” Shanita said with a touch of arrogance.

“I am Logan and Darkness, also leader, but of the six men. We know much about weapons, though we best in swords over anything else.” Logan said, releasing his tight hold on his girlfriend, but kept an arm around her slender waist.

“Cool.” Breathed Kadris, as well as Amy. Amy’s saying it caused all the others to look at her with the exception of Shiane, though she was not surprised at hearing it as the others were.

“How did you know that particular word? Don’t you come from the medieval times?” Kadris asked.

“Yes,” Amy replied, “But a little over a year ago, I, Shiane and two of our friends time traveled for five months. One of our friends is the Keeper of Time and Space.” She said. “We learned the tongue spoken in the farthest future we traveled to.” She added.

“But we are also fast learners.” Shiane added.

“Well, I am Myra,” said one of the now-appointed saviors. She had been silent since they had all arrived, just as her companion had. “My powers lie with the earth and I can also heal.”

The young man next to her then spoke up, “My name is Toli and I also have the same powers Myra does. But there is another power that we share. We are soul-bonded. Our powers can run together and we can feed off of each other.” Toli said.

“Oh!” Shiane exclaimed. “Me, Amy and our other friend Karah have a bond similar to that! I am a telepath and we have been together through so much and so long we have a telepathic union.”

“Yes, I guess it would be along the lines of your own bond.” Toli said, admiration in his voice.

“Well, I never thought my prayers would be answered so quickly.” The female of the last remaining couple that still stood in the center, though turning to wherever the conversation was going. “I had asked for help and now you are here. My name is Makita Windrunner. I am one of the last remaining mystical beings left on our world Corveer. I am half sprite, part elf and part fairy.”

Makita indeed looked like she was part of the creatures she said she was. She had deep blue, almond shaped eyes and her eyebrows arched gracefully. She had light blonde hair that half hid her pointed ears and hung loose around her shoulders and ended just a bit past her waist. Her complexion, all that they could see of it was fair and looked almost creamy. She looked to be about 5’5 and was thin as a reed just like the sprites and fairies were. And she wore a simple light green dress that ended at the knee and was short sleeved. The neckline was low, but not disgracefully low. She went barefoot and seemed to glide when she walked, but that came from being part fairy and sprite.

Her companion looked around again and then said, “I am Kole Healer. I am part elf and sprite and I am also a Healer. Apart from myself and Makita, there are only about three dozen or so mystical beings left on this world. But for now I think we should get to know each other better before trying to solve our problem.” He added.

Kole looked more elven than sprite. His eyes were light brown with green and they, just as Makita’s were, almond shaped. His straight brown hair ended about mid-back but was pulled into a loose braid, which revealed his pointed elf ears. He stood at 6’1, almost towering over his companion and he had dark bronze skin. He was lean but he was also lightly muscled. And he was as graceful as a warrior. He wore a very loose off white shirt and light brown breeches tucked into soft leather boots.

“Why are there so few of you?” Shiane asked curiously. All the young people moved in closer to Makita and Kole and then everyone sat down on the hill.

“The Enemy has been killing us off. We think it’s because if we had rallied together at first sight of the Enemy and pooled our magic together, we could’ve beaten it. If we had done so sooner when the Enemy had still been weak we could have brought the land itself upon them. But we were foolish and let it slide. My family had thought we were safe enough since at first the Enemy was only after only the humans, but later it went after the mystical beings.” Makita explained.

“How long has this been going on? How long ago did this Enemy arrive?” Kadris asked.

Makita looked at Kole and then replied, “Almost ten years now. Thousands of my people have been killed as thousands more of the humans as well.”

“Why now? Why call us now when it’s been going on for that long?” Myra asked.

Before the natives could reply, Amy spoke up, “The Gods always let their people solve problems among themselves, but they want to continue living too. It everyone on this world died, so would the Gods. They would fade from existence. And your world has become so desperate, the Gods of different timelines have conversed; the future of your world also reflects on all other worlds. Just as They told us.” Amy said with the wisdom that only came from being a Gods Chosen before and from all her travels.

“So we’re really their last hope aren’t we?” Myra asked quietly. Toli put an arm around her waist and she slightly leaned against him.

“Myra, we’re everybody’s last hope.” Shiane said gently.

“But how do we combine our magics? We’re from different places with obviously different magic.” Shanita said with a frown.

“We will figure that out along the way.” Amy said, with Makita and Kole nodding in agreement.

“But Amy, would our full powers work here?” Shiane asked, her tone quieting for her friend to only hear, but most of the others also heard and looked at each other wondering the same thing now (except for Makita and Kole). “Themselves didn’t exactly say anything about that.”

Amy looked at her lifelong friend and replied, “Well there is only one way to find out. How many shifts do you think you can do?” she asked.

Shiane frowned just a little and then said, “Probably a few since I’m at full power. What exactly do you have in mind? Illusion fun, but major along with shifts?” she grinned at her friend.

“So, what you are saying is that you are going to determine if you are at full power usage by performing some major magic?” Kadris asked, greatly intrigued at the notion.

“Yes,” Shiane and Amy replied in unison. “Apart from what you were told about our powers, we are two of the three known shapeshifters in our world.”

They got their most wanted reaction. A couple of them gasped and a few looked further intrigued.

“Well, I think I better move so I will have space.” Amy said as she rose from the ground and walked down to the bottom of the hill. When she was satisfied with the distance between herself and the others, she began to concentrate of her powers. Everybody watched as her tiny human form began to change and lengthen as well as grow larger and formed scales. Before long a giant black dragon trimmed in red and silver with deep violet eyes stood, her head stretching above the top of the hill.

“Well, I didn’t know you would do dragon first, but it sure was impressive.” Shiane remarked with a grin. Her grin remained in place as she looked around at her new companions. They were astonished and awed at Amy’s transformation.

Amy the dragon grinned a dragonish grin filled with teeth. She let out a roar and took off into the sky. She flew in circles around the hill, while the humans and non-, restored their balance. For when Amy took off she upset the winds around the area. Then the others looked at Shiane.

“Well, I may not be as impressive as that, but my shapeshifting skills are a little more exquisite.” Shiane said as her form started changing. But it did not change very much in form wise. Just in skin coloring and other things like that. Before long, where Shiane had once stood, there was a double of Kadris.

“Whoa! Are you some kind of regular shapeshifter as everybody else thinks?” Myra asked excitedly.

Shiane, though in Kadris’s form answered, still using her own voice, “Yes. I am able to shift into humans, animals and sometimes even inanimate objects.”

The real Kadris walked over to the mage and circled around her double. After two times around she curiously asked, “Are you able to reproduce the voices of who you shift into?”

“Yes,” Shiane said in the voice of Kadris.

Kadris looked at her surprised, but greatly pleased by such a con.

As the others watched again, Shiane shifted her body again, but into an animal. This time it was a very large predator cat with a sleek slender body and spots in her fur.

“You’re a cheetah!” Logan said, awed at her transformation.

Shiane the cheetah nodded her head and then projected telepathically to everyone, :I am indeed. But in a minute I will be shifting into something with hands or something of the like so I can have some more fun with my magic.:

The unicorn and the two mystical beings shook their heads and looked more closely at the feline.

Kadris looked over at her familiar and said, “Shiane, I don’t think that Balor liked you speaking to him in that way. Though that’s the way his people speak and that’s how he speaks with me, he says he didn’t really like you speaking to him that way.” Relaying his words. When he was finished she told him silently, “Well maybe you should transform yourself.”

:Fine, but after the magic play.: Balor replied into Kadris’ mind. The girl patted his flank and then turned back to Shiane.

Shiane sat on her haunches and concentrated once more, her form enveloping in a turquoise colored mist. Her body changed into a small black bear this time. And she sat on her bottom like she would if she was in human form. But since she remembered that the immortals did not like her mind talk she shifted back into her true form.

“Okay, illusion time.” Shiane rubbed her hands together with a grin. She pulled her magic together and once again her form glowed turquoise, but in greater extent. “Oh, Makita, Kole, by any chance do you know any good, lively elven tunes?” she asked glancing at the two.

They nodded their heads together and magically brought up a lute and a wooden flute. Without saying anything they began playing.

“Thank you.” Shiane said with a sigh of pleasure. She loved the elven music, and even though she had her own wooden flute that her adoptive elven brother Firesparrow had given her, with her, she would be too busy concentrating on her magic to play. Wrapping the music around her as well as her magic, she silently called Amy back and together they created a very large area of illusions.

The two took up the entire area around the hill and on it.

“Scene: Summer Solstice!” Shiane cried, spinning around in a quick elven dance.

The area they performed their magic in suddenly glowed purple and turquoise, blending with green here and there.

The other Gods Chosen were amazed and shocked as they wandered through scene filled with transparent trees and greenery. There were dozens of people, human and non-, throughout the whole of the scene. Kadris and Myra wandered up to Shiane, who had also placed an illusion on herself, wearing a long white gown, elven garb. Her long hair was unbound for the most part, since there were tiny braids through the top layer and one was entwined with a white owl feather. Her necklace hung in choker form and glowed turquoise with her power and so did her moon scar. The sleeves flowed around her arms as well as the skirt of the dress. And on her feet she wore thin hemp sandals that laced to the ankle. Upon her brow lay a silver circlet that had vines and crescent moons engraved delicately that matched her wedding band she wore on her left hand.

She stood beside an elf who held a small infant and she looked down at the baby with a mother’s warm smile.

“Is it a girl or a boy?” Myra asked.

“Boy. His name is fully Prince Nathan Winterowl Moonlight. But we call him Nathan Winterowl or one or the other. As of right now, he’s the only half-human, half-elf child. But my husband, Bravehawk and I are wanting more.” Shiane said, the air around her seemed to glow as she talked.

“He’s so adorable.” Kadris said, wanting to touch the infant’s tender skin.

Shanita walked up at that part and turned adoring eyes on the elf and child. “Oh, I wish I could hold him.” She whispered.

Shiane looked at the young woman, “Well, maybe when this is all over, maybe we can all find some way to see each other. I’m sure my friend would be able to find your timeline. And you could all meet the rest of my friends, who were Gods Chosen a few years ago.”

“Will you tell us about that?” Kadris asked, intrigued at the notion of a lot of good information.

Shiane gave a sheepish grin while replying, “Well, it would take so long to tell the story, I don’t know.”

“Too long to tell is the understatement of the year Shiane.” Amy said, using her real voice through the dragon’s wide mouth full of teeth. The dragon had walked on all fours to the group, but remained a good few human paces away in safety.

Shiane looked up at her friend, agreeing, “Yes. I know.” Then she turned back to Kadris, “Maybe when this is all over we’ll all sit down, you and whoever else wants to hear along with all of my friends and we’ll tell you. For it is also very complicated and involved.”

“I would like that. And if my brother was here, he’d want to hear it too.” Kadris replied with a slightly sad smile.

“Don’t worry.” Myra patted the other girls’ shoulder. “You’ll see him again.”

TBC

NOTE:

Okay, it feels like I’m going too fast. Does anyone have some pointers on how to slow it down? I don’t have any clue as how to slow down the story and I think I really need to.