Things Get... Crazy

The month of Ramadhan came and we had to perform sawm or also known as fasting.

Everyone in the house, including Mila, was in the bottom hall reading the Holy Qura’n. It was after Tarawikh prayer and we thought, why not read the qura’n? I looked around and nudged me cousin.

“What is it Insyirah?” Said Hannah who was sitting next to me.

“Yana isn’t here.” I told her, my face growing pale. Hannah looked around and looked back at me. She too was worried.

Suddenly, we all saw Yana walking around and about. When she was near the hall we were at, Hannah’s father, or Papa as I called him, called Yana.

“Yana!” He called. Yana looked at us. “Why not join us for our Qura’n session?” Offered Papa.

“I can’t.” Said Yana grimly. Before Papa could ask why, Yana suddenly showed her palm and suddenly, salt came out. She then chanted the same thing Hannah and I had heard. We were both holding hands in fright.

When she had finished chanting some weird words, she looked at Grandma grimly. At once, I had a very bad feeling about it.

No one said anything and Yana went away. Everyone stood their quietly, not saying a single word. Hannah and I wondered if they too saw the salt coming out of Yana’s hand.

“Mother!” Shouted Hannah’s mother, or Mama as I called her. Grandma had fainted next to her. Abah went to his sister without any hesitation and shook his mother. He was trembling. Grandpa had gone white.

“Mother! Wake up!” Shouted my father, his voice shaking. Grandpa had gone over to Grandma, saying, “Don’t go this way dear.”

“What are you all shaking her for? Bring her to the hospital, NOW!” Shouted Mother when she saw the three people trying to wake her up. Abah nodded and carried Grandma with Grandpa. Mama was shivering while being comforted by Papa.

Hannah and I exchanged glances. Suddenly Hannah nudged me and told me to look at the upper level.

I looked where she told me to and saw it; the black figure we had both seen. Somehow it looked even bigger this time. With its big red eyes, staring at us.

A cold shiver went down my spine and I began to sweat. I could sense that Hannah too, was sweating

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It has been 2 days since Grandma was in the hospital. And since then, some weird things have been happening.

Ryan’s mother, or Mamachu as I call her, is carrying Ryan’s baby brother, in her tummy. And I heard that Mamachu had scolded Yana for losing her earrings from India. Upon hearing this news, Hannah and I got worried. What would happen to Mamachu? Apparently, it wasn’t long before our question was answered.

It was a fine day when Mamachu asked Yana to make her a drink. “Oh I will make the best drink you’ve ever tasted ma’am.” Said Yana, giving an evil grin. She went into the kitchen and Hannah and I followed her.

There we saw the black figure and this time, it was holding a bottle that contained some weird stuff that we both couldn’t figure out.

We saw Yana putting the things into Mamachu’s drink and while she was doing so, she was chanting some weird stuff. It didn’t sound familiar. I guessed it was another one of her horrifying spells.

“Here you ggo ma’am.” Said Yana as she handed out the drink to Mamachu when she was done. “Do enjoy. It’s probably the best drink I’ve made.” She once again gave us an evil grin and looked at me and Hannah. I almost jumped when I saw the black figure behind her. Hannah held my hand firmly.

“Err-Mamachu, I wouldn’t drink that if I was you.” Hannah told her. Mamachu looked at the both of us weirdly.

“But why not? It has a delightful aroma. It’s sure to taste good.” Mamachu said and with that, she drank the water. Hannah and I stared in horror, holding each other’s hands. Praying that Mamachu wouldn’t die or anything. Who knows what the effects could be.

Horrifyingly, she finished the whole cup. Mamachu then said, “That was surprisingly delicious. You two should have tasted some.”

“Rather not.” I told her. She shrugged and went to the kitchen to put her cup. Hannah and I looked at each other.

‘Clang!’ We suddenly heard.

Hannah and I came rushing into the kitchen and found Mamachu lying almost lifeless on the floor.

“MAMACHU!” I shrieked. Hannah was shaking.

“Make yourself useful and call Achu.” Said Hannah. Achu is Ryan’s father.

I didn’t hesitate. I came running down the stairs, leaving clattering sound behind me. I didn’t care if I was making a tremendous noise; all I cared was about getting Mamachu to safety.

I arrived at the door, making a tremendous knock on it. I heard footsteps in there and the door opened. There stood Achu in his shorts and a grey shirt.

“Achu! Achu! You have to follow me-NOW!” I told him.

“Wha-Why? What’s going on?” He asked, not understanding the tense situation.

“Mamachu-She fainted!” I told him. His face grew shocked and pale.

“Ya Allah!” He said and I led him to where Mamachu fainted.

Once we got to the kitchen, where Hannah and Mamachu were, Achu carried his wife and raced down the stairs with her in his hands.

“Thanks girls!” He said as his voice faded as he went downstairs.

“Welcome!” Hannah and I replied. We heard the keys rattle and the door opened and then closed with a tremendous slam.

“We better not mess with Yana.” I whispered.

“You tell me.” Hannah said as she held my hand. Suddenly, Hannah and I heard a loud voice chanting something.

“What the…?” Hannah said.

“Come on now.” I told her as we both went into the kitchen were the maids’ room were.

We both found Yana in there. She was there with the black figure. And this time, they were talking in English.

“Did the old woman die?” Yana asked. Hannah and I trembled, we knew who the old woman was; it was Grandma.

“No… She didn’t. For her belief in Islam was big. Allah protected her…” Said the black figure. Its voice was horrifying, making my knees shake.

“Stop it idiot.” Hannah whispered to me.

“Sorry.” I told her back.

“You fool! I called you to kill the old woman!” Shouted Yana, almost making me jump. I’m a coward I told myself. “Ugh, will the pregnant one die?” Yana asked with a sigh. Hannah and I gasped. Please Mamachu, be strong.

“That… is not for certain yet…” Said the black figure.

“Well what’re you waiting for?” Said Yana, angrily. “Got to the hospital and find the woman! And kill her infant if possible.”

Hannah and I ran away, afraid of being caught by the black figure and what more Yana.

“I-I can’t live like this! We’re going to lose Grandma, then Mamachu then…” Before I could finish, Hannah slapped me hard on the face.

“Get a hold of yourself idiot! Don’t say that! You’re not the only one who’s scared! So shut up and get a grip will yah? You’re a coward.” She told me. I grew red with embarrassment.

“All we can do is pray for the best. And don’t you mention this to anybody, alright?” Hannah continued. I nodded. We both then went into the prayer room, praying with all our hearts for Grandma and Mamachu. 

To be continued in: Two Down-One Has a Story

Meeting Yana

I’m Insyirah. I’m an 11 year old girl, living with my parents in my grandparent’s house with my grandparents. In this house there is my quirky 11 year old cousin, Hannah, and her siblings, Aiman and Lidya, with their parents, my cousin Ryan with his parents, and my two trouble making siblings, Nadyne and Ihsan. Life was perfect, all until one day.

My grandma has two house maids and unfortunately, one of them ran away. She was a nice maid. Patient person. I would never forgive her I told myself. Grandma, upon seeing this situation, hired a new maid. Leaving the remaining maid, Mila, cooperate with her.

The new maid went by the name Yana. She was a woman whom I think was in her 20s. She had a scar on her cheek which made me squirm whenever I saw her. She had a look that I disliked very much. Yana was a quiet maid for a while, all until something sparked.

“YANA! Why did you break my favourite vase?! Ya Allah!!” Shouted Grandma one day. Yana came rushing to her with her hands playing around.

“Sorry ma’am. I didn’t mean to I…” Before Yana could finish talking, Grandma cut her off. And by then, Hannah and I had already hid behind the stairs, listening to every word.

“I got this vase from Shanghai I tell you! SHANGHAI! My husband is old and he possibly couldn’t travel back to Shanghai to buy another vase!!” Shouted Grandma again, with anger. Yana didn’t say anything.

“You stupid and foolish maid! PAH!” Continued Grandma. She made a tremendous rap on the table and left, stomping away angrily.

Hannah and I were still hiding behind the stairs, our faces pale. I was about to say something when suddenly, Yana chanted something. Hannah and I looked back at her and saw black smoke coming out from her hand.

My cousin and I stared at her, mouth wide opened. When the black smoke had finally came out, it transformed into a ghost-like figure. Yana looked grimly at the figure and chanted something, as if ordering it to do something.

When she had finished, the figure turned back and looked at the spot where Hannah and I were hiding. We both trembled. I was about to scream in horror when Hannah covered my mouth. I could feel her hands trembling.

The eyes of the figure were not dark, yet not bright red. It looked like the devil I thought to myself. After moments of staring, the figure vanished.

“What in the world did Grandma hire?!” I said, whispering once Hannah let go of my mouth.

“I don’t know. But whatever it is, I have a feeling that we must tell Grandma.” Hannah told me, grimly.

“Is Yana still there?” I asked, having the fear that Yana would come for us next.

Hannah looked at the place where Yana was standing and then said, “No. She’s not there. Come along to Grandma’s room.”

We both ran as fast as our legs could carry us and found Grandma in her room, sitting on her favourite chair, complaining to Grandpa about the broken vase.

“Come on dear, she’s a new maid. You don’t want her running away like the last maid, right?” Reasoned Grandpa kindly. Grandma gave him a fierce look and he backed away. He saw us and said, “Hannah and Insyirah are here.”

Grandma looked at me and my cousin with our faces still pale. “Oh what’s wrong dear? You looked like you’ve seen a ghost.” Asked Grandma as we both walked over to her.

Hannah and I poured everything we saw. And mentioned the horrifying figure as well in our story. Grandma only gave a laugh and said, “Oh you children. I wonder what you both have been watching.”

“What? Do you think we’re playing around grandma? Grandma, we saw these things happen! Don’t you believe us?” Hannah started, rather offended at Grandma’s response to the whole story.

Grandma only laughed and Hannah scoffed. “It’s true!” Hannah raised her voice. “Go on Insyirah, tell her!”

“It’s true grandma! I almost—“ Before I could finish, grandma cut me off.

“Go play your toys or whatever you play with and don’t disturb me please.” Said Grandma, quite firmly to the both of us. She then got up from her chair and to her bed.

Hannah and I walked out of Grandma’s room, upset. “Seriously, who does she think we are? Little kids like Nadyne and Ihsan? Thinking that we say stupid rubbish?” Hannah said, angrily.

“Maybe because she didn’t see it with her own eyes.” I told Hannah. “When you think it over, it is a story that seems like a fantasy, don’t you think?”

Hannah paused then grinned. “Yeah, I guess so. No wonder Grandma thought we were telling her rubbish.” We both laughed.

“But,” I said, being serious once again. “We have to convince her that we saw that figure. What do you think Yana could be holding? Some black magic you think?”

Hannah nodded and we both held hands, wondering what to do.

To be continued in: Things Get... Crazy

The Journey Comes to an End

I took hold of the knob that was on the wooden door. Syaima’ was trembling from top-to-toe non-stop. I felt like laughing at her but had to admit that I too, was trembling. With my trembling hands, I opened the door.

Inside there was a little room. Inside the room, was the old man or known as the wise man that, we had met at the beginning at this whole shebang. Syaima’ and I walked towards the wise man, he looked at us in the eye and said, “Ah, indeed I expected you both to be worthy. From the moment I saw you both, aye, you both were worthy.”

I had a feeling that Syaima’ was flushing with pleasure but said nothing. I grinned at him; we both sat down next to him. In front of the old man, was a crystal globe. As soon as Syaima’ and I sat down, the man rubbed the globe.

“Globe, oh globe, where should these two girls go to find their friend, Kimi?” Chanted the old man. Syaima’ and I listened carefully. Suddenly, the globe showed a picture. It was a waterfall. The globe zoomed into the waterfall and there was a little cave. In that cave, was Kimi, looking white with fear.

Syaima’ and I looked in bewilderment. So this was where Kimi was hiding?

“Where is this place?” Syaima’ asked promptly, her voice full with excitement.

“That, you’ll have to ask your friends.” Said the old man, sounding rather wise.

I then said. “But, they’re-they’re-“

“Dead? ‘Twill be a surprise to you that they’re actually,” said the old man, leaving us weirded out. “Not dead!” He continued. And with that, he snapped his fingers.

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A cold splash of water struck me on the face, waking me up.

“Oh gosh! What happened? Where’s Kimi?” I blurted out, as soon as I was awoken. I gasped. I saw Ameera, Safwa, Yusof, Azim, Azhan and Syaima’ around me.

“That did the trick.” Said Yusof, his hands holding a big chunk of ice.

“But- But how? You fell- But, wha???” I blurted, not being able to say a single word. How were they all alive?

“When we fell into the abyss, or either got drowned in a muddy pool,” said Azhan, grinning at Azim, “We were transported into this lovely meadow!”

I stood up, and saw that we were all in a beautiful meadow. I turned back to my friends, not believing that they were here. “Chill Nuha,” Said Syaima’, walking towards me form the crowd of friends. “I couldn’t believe it either.”

Tears filled my eyes as I hugged her. “How good it feels to see us back together.” She whispered to me.

“I know right?” I whispered back. We both laughed. We both looked at the group of friends, they didn’t understand why we laughed.

“Uh, ahem.” I started. “Syai did you tell them about the waterfall and the whole shebang?”

“She certainly did.” Azim said. “And we have a feeling that Kimi’s at his favourite place to think,” Azim continued as he looked at his two brothers. “At Mystic Waterfall.” They three said together.

“Okay seriously? Is everything in this realm called, Mystic, Fantastic or other weird names? I bet even the toilets are called mystery bowls.” Said Ameera, leaving us laughing.

“Mystic Waterfall you say?” I asked, once I stopped laughing. “Where’s that?”  

“Not far from here actually.” Said Azhan. “We just need to past the Forest of Shapes and The Field of Bugs.”

Safwa gave a squirm and said, “Ugh-Bugs.”

So with that, we all walked to Mystic Waterfall. Passing by the Forest of Shapes was a challenge, but the Field of Bugs was worst! With the roaches, spiders, beetles and all. Ugh, disgusting.

“I’m going to faint if I see another millipede!” Safwa cried, dramatically.

Finally after moments of walking, we came upon Mystic Waterfall. We needed to climb up into the cave that was behind the rapid gushing water. Seeing this situation, Azhan made a stone climbing path on the wall of the waterfall.

“Seriously Azhan? Rock Climbing? I did bad enough on the monkey bars of death! What more on monkey bars?” Safwa whined. Syaima’ giggled.

“Relax.” Said Azim. “If one of you happen to almost fall to your death, I’ll use my telekinesis.”

So with that, we all climbed one-by-one using the stones. Syaima’, Ameera and I did gracefully. Yusof and Azhan almost slipped to their death but was luckily saved by Azim. Not to mention Safwa; she barely made the first step!

When we all reached the top, we saw a breathing figure; a human boy. He suddenly woke up, and looked at us in shock. It was Kimi.

“How-how did you all find me here?” He began. Looking at us in amazement.

“The wise one told us where to go.” Ameera said bravely.

“Are you going to change into a ferocious dragon, again? Navy Blue?” I asked, afraid of what might happen if he did.

“Oh,” said Kimi. “So they know now huh?” I nodded towards him and Kimi gave me a heavy sigh.

“So… You guys going to kick me out of your Bandana Brothers group?” Kimi asked in dismay.

“What? No!” Azim said promptly. “We just need to find a way to take out that dragon DNA out of you.”

“Err… I think I know how.” Yusof said. “Lately, I learnt that I have that ability; To take out additional DNAs.”

We looked at him in amazement. Was he serious?

“Now, I just need all of you to wait at the bottom of the waterfall. It can only work if I’m alone with the person that needs the use of my ability.” Yusof explained.

Without any questions, we all climb down till the bottom of the cave. “Do you think it’ll work?” I asked Azim.

“It’s Yusof.” Azim said worriedly. “There’s a 20% chance that it’ll work, knowing Yusof’s clumsiness.”

Moments later, Yusof came down with Kimi using an ice path. Kimi looked well and was smiling while Yusof, looking at proud as he could look.

“So…? Did it work?” Syaima’ asked curiously.

“I’m Yusof!” Yusof said proudly. “Of course it did, didn’t it Kimi?”

Kimi gave a grin and said, “Yup. It totally did!”

We all smiled and Safwa said, “Well, I guess there’s only one thing to do now.” We four girls looked at each other and Ameera said “No, no, not now!”

“I’m afraid we have to.” I said, looking at the boys. “Well boys, it’s about time.” I held Syaima’s hand in mine and we both said, “Time to go home to our home: Earth!”

Azhan and Kimi looked at us in dismay and said, “Do you have to go? It’s only been a few days! We still have to visit the Forest of Sounds, the Forest of Dreams, And…”

“You four have been great travel partners.” Said Yusof. “But a handful!” He grinned and looked at his beloved brother Azim, who too was grinning at the word handful.

“Follow us!” Azim said walking a few steps away. “I know the way to the portal.”

So we all trailed behind him until we reached the heart shaped lake that we had seen in the very beginning of this thrilling adventure.

“So,” Kimi said, “I guess this is goodbye?”

“I guess so.” I said, smiling at them together with my friends.

“Taliho!” Ameera said as she jumped into the lake and vanished. “Err was she supposed to do that?” I asked, worried.

“Yup.” Azim said. One-by-one, we jumped into the lake. Syaima’ and I were the last ones to jump in. We looked at each other and held hands. We glanced back. And smiled.

“Ready Syai?” I asked Syaima’. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Was her reply. “1, 2… 3!”

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I woke up and saw my Uncle Anas hovering over me. The others were awake. Why was I always the last one to awake from a short sleep?

“Did you enjoy your journey in that realm?” Uncle Anas asked me with a smile.

“I loved it!” I said. I started pouring out everything together with my three friends; Safwa, Syaima’ and Ameera. Together, we four remembered the Bandana Brothers, Najla, Nurul and Faiqah the protectors of the realm and not to mention our hunt for Kimi when he was missing. All of the memories were spectacular.

When we had told him everything and had a few things to eat, I said, “It’s been an amazing adventure. The one thing we would want to go now, is home.”

So we all went into my car and zoomed off. After sending my friends back to their houses, I went back to mine. As I took out the car keys from my right pocket, I felt a piece of folded paper in it. I took it out, it read:

“Hope to see you, I mean the four of you soon!”

-Kimi, Yusof, Azhan and Azim. Technically; The Bandana Brothers! 

And with that, I gave out a little smile. 

Proving Worthiness

“I’m sure that one of these tunnels lead to a death path.” I said.

“You’re mistaken young one,” the old man told me in a wise way. “Only one leads the right way. While the other two, aye, a death path.”

Yusof’s face suddenly lit up, and he said. “Eenee meenie mine emo, catch the tiger—“

“Seriously?” Ameera cut him off. We all giggled.

“Stop wasting time youngsters.” Said the old man sternly. “Hurry and choose.”

“I say we got to the second tunnel.” Syaima’ suggested.

“Huh? But why?” I asked her.

“I’m born in February twenty fifth! And number two has always been my lucky number!” Said Syaima’ with a grin.

“What’ll happen if we go in the second tunnel?” Azhan asked the old man.

“’Tis a secret and fate!” Said the old man rather dramatically.

“Well what’re we waiting for?” Azim asked, running into the second tunnel, “’tis fate!!” he mimicked the old man, leaving us laughing.

The few first steps in the tunnel was a dark journey. Yusof had sworn that he heard a slithering snake somewhere. What a scaredy-cat I thought. After what seemed like eternity, something came up.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

“What was that?” Safwa asked rather scared at the tremendous sound.

Azim walked further and almost fell into what seemed like a bottomless abyss! Thank fully, he was saved by Azhan who pulled him by the collar.

“Watch your step!!” Azhan said rather worried.

“The sound came from a bridge that connects and unconnects every… err… let’s see… oh 20 seconds. And it’s a fast 20 second alright!” Azim said after his rescue.

“There’re seven of us. So we’ll go by three. Azim, Syaima’ and Ameera will make the first move. Each taking five seconds. After them will be Azhan, Safwa and Nuha. Finally me.” Yusof said, rather organized. We all looked at him, in amazement.

“Well what’re you waiting for?” Yusof asked sternly. “Time’s a wasting!”

We did as we were told. Azim took the first jump onto the bridge with Syaima’ and Ameera. Azhan, Safwa and me going next. Safwa almost slipped as she was at the end of the bridge but Azim used his telekinesis to save Safwa. Finally, it was Yusof’s turn.

Yusof got on the bridge in the nick of time. But…

When the bridge stopped, it connected to the other side with a hard knock, making Yusof lose his balance and before we of neither did he know it, he fell; rapidly! Too fast for even Azim to save him!

“Yusof!” Safwa shouted in horror, her voice trembled. 

“Don’t worry!” Yusof shouted back. “Just find Kimi and tell him I love him as a brother and a friend!!” Yusof’s voice faded into the abyss.

Our faces were ever so pale and Azhan gave out a sudden sob followed by Azim’s sniffs. “Come on.” Azim said with his red nose. “We have to find Kimi.”

With faces as pale as paper, we continued the journey. Everyone except Azim got over the fact that Yusof was lost in the abyss. Well, we didn’t really get over it but we just had to move on.

The next obstacle was a fire path. Flames would come unexpectedly out of the path. But Safwa was smart enough to see the patterns.

“Like a song!” Said Safwa. Without a second thought, she sprinted across the blazing flames, leaving us dumbfounded.

“Go right, left, then jump as high as you can!” Safwa shouted from the other side of the flame path.

Azhan went first, almost burning off his pants. Followed by Azim and Ameera. We all reached the other side safely. No losing another member. All was safe! The next obstacle was walking in muddy water.

Azhan gave an arrogant scoff, and said “How hard could this be?” And with that, Azhan and Azim went into the muddy water and started walking. All seemed well, until Azim felt something pulling his leg down into the water.

“Azhan!!” He shouted with a shaky voice. “Help… Me!!”

“I’m coming bro!” Said Azhan, swimming his way to Azim. Suddenly, I figured that his leg too, got pulled by something.

Before they knew it, they both were flapping the mud like fishes. We four looked at them in horror. Suddenly, the meek and shy Safwa wanted to jump into the muddy water and save the two boys. But Azim stopped her.

“No! You’ll drown!” He said hesitantly. Azim used his telekinesis to bring us one-by-one to the other side of the muddy waters. When Azim was going to use his powers to get me to the other side, it was too late, he had gone in the water. Azhan seeing the situation, made a stone bridge in the nick of time.

“Save and find my brothers, Nuha!” He shouted towards me right before he too went into the waters with Azim. I ran over the stone bridge and met the other 3 of my friends at the end of it.

“So,” Syaima’ said rather sorrowfully. “We’re the only ones left I guess.” No one said anything else. We kept quiet. The three boys, gone. Now it was up to us to find their brother, Kimi.

“Come on.” I said looking at them. “We’ve got this far and we’re not turning back! We promised to help the boys find Kimi and we shall keep our promise! Come on, let’s get a move on.” And with that, one-by-one, our courage came back to life.

After what seemed like forever, we finally came across two monkey bars. Both the same length and looked tremendously long. Safwa gave out a grunt.

“Ugh!” She grunted quite loudly. “I’ve always been the weak one when it comes to physical stuff! I can’t even pass five bars on a monkey bar!”

“Well we’ll be here to help you.” Ameera said affectionately.

“I think I know what to do.” Syaima’ said. “We’ll start off with the two toughest girls among the four of us, me and Nuha. Then, you, Ameera, will go with Safwa as you, have that strength to save Safwa in case if she falls.”

“Good thinking.” I said. “So what’re we waiting for? Let’s get swinging!” I said excitedly as I clutched the first bar hardly. And suddenly, I let go.

“Ow!” I shouted, but still felt thankful that I didn’t fall into the abyss that was below the monkey bar. “That bar is steaming hot!”

“Meaning that we can’t waste time holding onto the same bar for long.” Syaima’ said with her finger on her pointed chin. “Come on Nuha, you can do it.”

So with that, Syaima’ and I started the long swing across the hot bars. By the time we finished, my hands were as hot as fire and I was exhausted! I counted while I swung. There were exactly 150 bars! Could the other two of my friends make it?

Safwa took the first swing on the bar on the left; followed by Ameera on the right monkey bar. For the first 10 bars, they were doing heavenly. But suddenly, something terrible happened.

Safwa had taken a glance below and from 140 bars away, I saw her face growing pale. “Ameera!” Safwa shouted to her. Ameera was at the same bar as she was.

“What’re wrong Safwa?” Ameera shouted back. “Hurry! My hands are being cooked alive!”

“I can’t go any further!” Safwa said, almost in tears. “I’m scared!”

“No Safwa! I believe in you!” Ameera told her. “Let go of the bar and grab onto my leg! Quickly now before I become fried!”

Without hesitation, Safwa let go of her grip on her bar and tugged onto Ameera’s leg. But, in horror, Ameera didn’t expect such response from the movement as she shook, and suddenly… fell!

“Ameera! Safwa!” Syaima’ and I screamed in horror. I felt my knees shaking terribly at the view of my two best friends falling into the abyss.

“Don’t worry about us!” I heard Safwa say, with her voice shaking while crying. “J-just find Kimi and the other lost boys and tell them: we tried our best!” And with that, they were gone.

Syaima’ didn’t faint but she fell onto the ground right in front of the deathly monkey bars. I collapsed with her and hugged her tightly, tears filling my eyes.

“You awful, unearthly, horrible, cruel realm!” Syaima’ shouted in a shaky voice that echoed through the place. “We lost our friends to you you cruel realm!” Syaima’ said no more as there was a lump in her throat. A tear came out from her eye and before she knew it, she was crying on my shoulder.

“I-I just want to go back to our world!” Syaima’ said, hugging my hand. I too, started to cry. “You-You’re not the only one.” I told her. My eyes still flowing out tears. “Come on, we have to go.” I told her.

Syaima’ and I got on our feet and held hands and walked. Still sniffing, but knew that we had to be strong. After what seemed like a walk of sadness, we came across a wooden door.

“We made it.” I told Syaima’ with a start. “We made it Syaima’! We- we made it through the unearthly obstacles!”

Syaima’ gave me a weak smile and hugged me tightly. We looked at each other and Syaima’ nodded towards me. I nodded back. I knew what she meant. I took hold of the knob, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

To be continued in: The Journey Comes to an End 

Navy Blue

I woke up with a start and saw my friends, Safwa, Ameera and Syaima’ around me. Safwa saw me awake and said, “guys, guys! She’s awake!”

Ameera and Syaima’ ran to me with Safwa behind them and I just looked at them. They stood in front of me, quietly. I asked, “have you all found Kimi yet?”

Ameera, Syaima’ and Safwa exchanged glances before saying, “Not exactly.” I looked at them in confusion and asked, “what do you mean by ‘not exactly’?”

Safwa explained. “We found Kimi in the middle of the Forest of Voices with arrows in his chest. The protectors of this realm brought him to the Dungeon of Happiness science lab –“

“Wha-what? Why to the science lab? What’re the people there going to do to him?” I blurted out after hearing the word ‘science lab’. I remembered Kimi being the Navy Blue dragon that I had to keep a secret. What would happen to him if people knew his secret?

“They think that Kimi’s Navy Blue. Some mystical dragon that begin to appear last year.” Syaima’ told me. I felt like telling the three of them what I knew but secrets must forever be secrets. Loyalty gets the best of me.

“How long have I been out?” I asked them.

“For about 5 hours. That was a close call by the way. You might have had an injury for falling hard on the ground if it wasn’t for Najla.” Ameera told me.

“Wait but didn’t uncle Anas only say until today’s evening? Why’re we –“ I asked. There was so many things I still had to find out.

“Don’t worry. We’ve got that covered.” Said a familiar voice. It was Yusof.

“But… how?” I asked.

“We bandana brothers have our way.” Said another voice proudly. It was Azim.

“What’s the plan now?” I asked them.

“The plan is to find out whether Kimi really is Navy Blue.” Azhan said as he came out of the curtains.

As if on que, a guy in a lab coat came out of the door with a piece of paper in his hand. I suspected that he was a scientist. And I was right.

“Sorry to be coming in such a sudden moment but I have something important to tell you all.” Said the scientist and he turned to me. “Ah, I see the fainted one’s awake. Welcome back.” He said as he gave me a smile.

“What’s this so called important news Prof?” Yusof asked curiously.

“Kimi, he’s gone.” Exclaimed the professor. “We were doing DNA tests in another room while one scientists was in the same room as him to keep a look out. When we came back, the scientist in the room was sleeping while Kimi had vanished.”

“Ugh again?!” Azhan said in dismay while pulling his hair.

“But does his DNA matches Navy Blue’s DNA?” Ameera asked at once.

“Unfortunately yes. It does.” Said the professor while everyone except me had their mouths opened wide.

“So you’re telling us, that the DNA matches, but Kimi’s lost?” Syaima’ asked.

“Basically yes.” Replied the professor. “The protectors are still on the hunt for him. And when they find him, we have no other choice but to keep him in the mystic animal cage for a life time.” Said the professor.

Seeing our stressed out expressions, the professor left with, “Sorry for losing him… again. We’ll try our very best to find him.”

“Thank you Prof.” I spoke up.

As soon a sthe professor left, Azim’d face went glowing with redness, and he banged on the room window angrily. “Yet again they lost him! Useless scientists! Now we’ll have to go on a hunt for Kimi – again!” Azim shouted angrily making me almost jump. He turned around and we were all staring at him. His face slowly turned back to its original colour and he said, “sorry.”

“I think I know where to find him.” Said Yusof, quite sheepishly. We all looked at him. “People say that there’s a wise old man that lives on top of Memory Hill. They say he’s a fortune teller.”  He said promptly.

“Well, why didn’t you say anything before Harry Potter turned into Hulk?” Azhan asked jokingly as Azim gave him a good old slap on the back. Making Azhan almost fall.

“I only remembered after Azim did… that.” Yusof said.

“Well, what’re we waiting for?” Asked Ameera as she looked at me. “Nuha, you’re feeling jolly well already, aren’t you?” She asked me.

“Of course.” I replied with a smirk. “Always been.”

“Good.” Said Azim. “I guess we can head to Memory Hill then. I know exactly where the place is. Come along.”

And with that, the seven of us headed to Memory Hill. Where the so very wise man Yusof mentioned lived.

We reached Memory Hill after a long journey around the Dungeon of Happiness. We climbed up the hill until we saw a cute little house, smoking out smoke from its chimney. On the porch was an old man on his rocking chair. We all ran towards the man.

“Good day sire!” Azhan started gentlemanly. The old man looked up and looked at the seven of us. We all stopped running when we got right in front of him.

“And a very good day to you boy.” Replied the man as he slightly struggled to get up from his rocking chair. “What can I do for the seven of yah?”

“Are you the wise old man or also known as the fortune teller of this realm, by any chance?” Azim asked.

“Why do you all ask?” The old man asked, his voice turning serious.

“You see, one of our friends are missing and –“ The old man had cut me off.

“Say no more.” He cutted. “Follow me.”

The seven of us walked onto the porch. The old man didn’t open the door. “Excuse me.” Asked Ameera. “I don’t mean to be judge but, why aren’t you opening the door?”

The old man gave a scoff and said, “Truly you’re not patient young one.” Ameera turned red with embarrassment as the old man pulled his rocking chair to the front. The porch made walls in front of us and it slowly, and steadily turned upside down. Suddenly, it fell at rapid speed. Making the seven of us all but the old man, scream.

“Where in the world are we going?!” Yusof asked in a screaming voice as his face turned pale from the speed.

“Obviously down!” I said in a naïve voice. Yusof gave me a look and I laughed but at the same time screamed.

“We’re going down to my underground room.” Said the old man in a clear and calm voice.

“I see the light!” Said Syaima’. “Syai! No you’re too young to die!” I told her.

“No idiot. I mean there look down! I see a shine of light!” She bashed back. I turned red. Ameera and Safwa laughed at my naiveness.

The platform landed with a tremendous sound making us jump. In front of us was a mysterious wooden door. The glass walls that surrounded us while we were on the platform, disappeared.

“Follow me children.” Said the old man as he walked off the platform. We trailed behind him.

The old man chanted some weird words (which I think he thought was wise). And suddenly, the wooden door opened.

“Whoa.” I heard Azhan say under his breath. “This guy’s a wizard!” He said.

“He’s the wise one, not a wizard.” Azim told him.

Behind the door was something weird; three human-sized pathways in a cave. In each was a lit up torch.

“And this is…?” Safwa asked once she saw this view.

“You all have to prove that you are worthy!” Replied the old man dramatically. “He who makes it out, alive through the obstacles within each path, is worthy to seek my help. Aye, ‘twas much easier in the old days.”

“Which do we choose?” Ameera asked. We seven looked at the three paths. 

To be continued in: Prove Worthiness.