Seventh Sense or Supremacy

OLF

‘Why do we have to go to bed ever so early in SpiritClive Valley?’ I asked myself. I mean, I’ve never seen it grow dark in this place. Whenever I suggested staying up a little late, my parents laughed and said “Your only nine years old” and nothing else. Today, I decided I had had enough of this mysterious hush hush nonsense and see for myself what secret that is being hidden from me.

I tiptoed out of my now dim and shading bedroom, way after my parents put out the lights. It was so dark that I could hardly see; but that hardly mattered. I was so excited that I could hardly wait for the adventure to start as I walked out of our front door, triumphant.

OWL

Two ‘o’ clock, two ‘o’ clock. Time to go home, all those who want to save their skin. I’m an owl. Nonetheless, do not mistake me to be any ordinary owl. I’m the Guardian of the Passage. I soar at night, and my feathers play with the night sky, swaying whichever way I go. Even my colours play along. I got that power from the spirits as a gift. When night comes, I welcome the spirits into our world, and let them out some time before dusk. It’s not an easy job, but I cope.

Almost time. What? There is a rustling in the woods. Strange. No animal or human ever dares stray at night into the Deep Forest. Lets see what it is. I have never been interrupted in my work before. Heh, heh, this should be interesting.

OLF

I have always wanted to go to one place. This is the place where no one is allowed to go in, not even adults. It’s called the Deep Forest. It’s not really guarded so I came through quite easily. It’s not that scary; but there’s nothing to be scared about right? Come to think of it, there is something sinister about this place. No animals so far. Maybe they’ve gone to sleep too. No wait, there is something flying right towards me. No, right at me. Aaaah…

OWL

Found it. Found him. It’s not an animal. It’s a human. A boy. And he’s gonna pay for wasting my precious time. Getting nearer. My claws extended. Got him!!

OLF

Aaahh. I’m being carried off by … something. But I’m happy, and excited. It definitely feels like an adventure coming up to me, just like in the movies.

OWL

God, he’s heavy; and he looked so small. He’s screeched like a bat when I got to him. I’ll drop him in the Grand Clearing and deal with him after I let the spirits in. It’s about time!

OLF

He dropped me in the center of the forest clearing and I hardly know where I am. I can’t even sneak out because than I’ll get lost. I can see the flying creature flying funny, almost as if he’s lashing at something.

OWL

Time to open the Gate of the Passage. I will do the necessary movements and ceremonies and then the night’s job will almost be done.

OLF

He he hmph. The owl’s singing to himself. Although I must admit, it is a clever rhyme:

The night has come

And so have you Now do His bidding

But do no fiddling

For the night never stays dark

OWL

Oh the beauty of the spirits is dazzling. It’s a shame I never got to know them when they were alive. They must have been great people and animals. I admire their work a lot. They come into our world, go to people and animals that will die tomorrow and soothe their souls. A noble job. I was most honoured (and a little frightened) when the job was given to me through revelation. It was most enlightening. Pity the people and animals never know about it. Now, lets deal with that human boy whose been gawping at me for the past decade.

OLF & OWL

Olf, for that was the boy’s name, was feeling all eccentric and excited from the owl’s performance, was jumping up and down as the owl descended to the ground. “Who are you? What are you? What were you doing up there? Was it magic? Please tell me please tell me.” Without answering any of the questions the owl landed. That is when the boy realized that the creature was angry. The expression itself said everything. When the owl finally spoke it said, “Do you know what you just witnessed?” Olf, dumbstruck, shook his head. No one could blame him for that. After all, he had not seen the spirits, who were not visible to anyone in this world, safe for the Guardian. “Then watch me when I let Them out of the world, and heed the words that I say.” Olf, full of curiosity and anxiety at the same time, for he had started to feel a little sleepy, waited fro a long time, until a rush of feelings swept over him and he started to feel awake. Then he saw the owl flying to the top of the trees again, but singing a whole new song.

Oh spirits from the land of Pacify

You have done well

All those who you have helped

Will not deny

That you have helped mollify

Their hurt tomorrow

For those who saw,

But did not know,

Will be forgotten

For what you have done tonight

There are rewards;

Just pass through the barrier

And all your efforts shall work.

OLF

“Olf, time for breakfast.” I woke up with a start and then sat up to find myself in bed, in my bedclothes, and the sun all bright and shining through my window, as if it was teasing me. Then I tried to find out what was nagging me, and then I saw two scratches on my arm that had not been there before. When I looked at them more closely, I saw that they looked more like swipes then scratches. Suddenly, for no reason, I heard a ringing in my head, and then I forgot about the cuts altogether. “I’m coming mother.” I hollered, and leapt out of bed, to make up for the time that I had lost. In the distance, someone else was smiling in his sleep, and hooting softly ‘two two’.