Naqi's Story

“A few months back, I was a test subject for Professor Ziqah. Prof. Ziqah wanted to see if her potion would work. She had made a potion that could make humans turn into any animal. But of course, the potion would ware off in an hour or so. So, as I went into the potion room, she inserted the potion into the air and so, I breathed through it. After a few minutes, Prof. Ziqah opened the door to the potion room. And yes, I managed to turn into an animal which was a snake. But, suddenly, I became unstable. I began growing bigger, and started changing into a human and back into a snake continuously.” Naqi stopped for a while as he saw Syaima’ looking through the lab. Seeing the situation, I took Syaima’ by the hand and dragged her right next to me.   

“After a few days, the changes never stopped and Professor Ziqah decided to put me in the potion room for a one more week to see if the changes would stop. After a week Professor Ziqah went to check on me but I had disappeared. During that one week, the potion became so unstabilized that it made me have the ability to transport. Because of that, I transported to somewhere far away from the kingdom. Since then, people came up with theories that I fell into the magic river and many more. And soon, I was named ‘Nahaqi’.” And with that, ended Naqi’s story.

“You’ve been through a lot.” I said.

“Well he wouldn’t have to worry about turning into Nahaqi anymore because all of the potion essence are in here.” Azim said as he showed us a bottle filled with red goo.

“Eww.” Syaima’ and Amira said. “Ooo!” I said enthusiastically.

“Thanks Asim.” Said Naqi with joy. “Anything for my bro.” Said Asim with a smile.

“Let’s celebrate!” Said Amira. “Yeah!” We all shouted.

2 days later…

A huge celebration was held at the castle. There was food, singing and all the other fun stuff you could have imagined.

As I was celebrating with Amira, I saw Syaima’ at the foot of the castle stairs. “I’ll be back in a sec.” I said to Amira.

I walked to Syaima’ and asked here, “Is something the matter Syaima’?”

“We’ve been in this world for days now. All I want is to go home.” She said. She was right actually. I never realized that we had been in this kingdom for days. “We’ll go after the celebration, okay?” I said.

Syaima’ smiled from ear to ear. “Come on, let’s go celebrate.” I said.

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Hours later the celebration ended and the people started leaving. As I was enjoying the view of the kingdom, Syaima’ then patted me on the shoulder and said, “Now can we head for home?”

I was in a silence for quiet some time and said, “Yeah. Yeah I think we should go.”

We both got on our feet and headed inside the castle.

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 “Queen Aleesya…” Syaima’ said.

Asim, Amira, Naqi and Queen Aleesya looked at us. “We’ve been thinking about it and, we think that it’s about time Syaima’ and I go back to our world.” I said.

The four of them looked at each other. “Are you sure?” Naqi asked.

“Very sure.” Syaima’ said.

“Follow me everybody.” Asim said as he walked outside the castle.

As soon as we got outside, Asim clapped his hands, “Clap, clap! Clap, clap!” And with that, two elevators came down from the sky.

“Naqi, Nuha and Syaima’ follow me in this elevator while Queen Aleesya and Amira go in the other.” Instructed Asim. And with that we did as we were told.

As the doors of the elevator opened, we got inside. As soon as they closed Asim said, “Take us to clear lake.”

“Clear lake? Not rainbow forest?” I asked.

“No, no. Rainbow forest is where humans arrive in our world. Clear lake is where humans go from this world to their world.” Asim explained. And with that, the elevator started moving.

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After some time the elevator landed near a mirror shaped lake.

The doors of the elevator opened and we all came out. Next to us I saw Queen Aleesya and Amira. “Here we are.” Said Naqi.

“What do we do?” Syaima’ said.

“You two have to jump into the lake.” Amira said.

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Yup.” Asim said.

“We’re going to miss you.” Said Amira as she gave us a tight hug.  Queen Aleesya also did the same.

As Syaima’ and I walked towards the lake, I looked back for the last time. Asim gave me one of those army salutes. I did it back.

When Syaima’ and I were right in front of the lake, Syaima’ asked me, “You ready?” My I dwelled up with tears. I help them in my eyes. “Yes.” I answered.

We held hands. We looked at each other. After sometime, we dived in.

“Come back soon!” Shouted a voice. I recognized it; it was Naqi. And that, were the last words that we heard from that bizzare world.

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I woke up. Seeing myself on the bed while Syaima’ on the floor. “Was that a dream?” Syaima’ asked as she woke up.

I didn’t say anything for a while until I said, “I don’t know.”

Suddenly, Syaima’ went through her pocket. She took out something. It was a note. She read what was inside. She smiled. She then gave it to me. I read it. It said:

Because of you, we the people of fantasia can now live in peace. Thank you very much. We will always remember your kindness

-The Queen, Asim, Amira and Naqi

 The end

Nahaqi's Secret Finally Cracked

A bright shine of light came out as Naqi turned into the creature known as the Nahaqi.

“Run!” Shouted Asim as he ran with all his might.

“Sssssssss…..” Hissed Nahaqi as it begin chasing us.

We began running with all our might, trying to escape from Nahaqi. We all ran. Unfortunately, we reached a dead end and went face-to-face with the Nahaqi. Again, it hissed ferociously.

“Naqi! Snap out of it!” Shouted Asim.

“Naqi! I know you’re in there!” Said Amira.

“Ssssssssssss…..” Hissed Nahaqi.

“Somewhere!” Continued Amira.

Nahaqi took its eyes off Amira and Asim and set its eyes on me and Syaima’. Now, Syaima’ was trembling in fear while I was just shaking like a crazy person.

I looked at Asim and he gave me hand signs. And straight away I knew what it meant. It meant…

“Syaima’, remember, don’t move a muscle.” I whispered to Syaima’.

“I….. I’ll t…. tr… try.” Syaima’ whispered back.

We both tried with all our might not to move. Just then, Nahaqi brought its head down to our head level. ‘Not this again!’ I said to myself.

It went right in front of my head and hissed loudly. I just closed my eyes not wanting to see its hideous face. Once it was ‘satisfied’ hissing at me, it went to Syaima’.

‘I hope that she doesn’t move or scream like last time!’ I said to myself.

“We are doomed.” I heard Asim said.

“Ssssssssss………” It hissed.

Syaima’ this time was surprisingly quiet. She looked into Nahaqi’s eyes like it was nothing. Like it was just a toy! A few minutes passed by and Nahaqi lifted its head and stayed back. A few minutes later, a bright shine of light came out and Nahaqi turned back into Naqi.

In a flash, Asim took Naqi by arm and said, “We have to get Naqi to the lab… fast.”

“I drive.” Said Amira with a sly smile.

As soon as we all got in the jeep, Amira started driving like mad.

“I’m getting sick…” Syaima’ said sarcastically. I then elbowed her playfully.

When we got to the palace, Asim dragged Naqi out of the jeep and into the lab. One the way there, we all came upon Queen Aleesya. “What in the world are you all doing to Naqi?”

“No time to explain my majesty.” Said Asim without looking at her.

“We’ll explain later.” Syaima’ said.

From a far I could see the look on her face. And it was a face that I never thought I’d see on her; confusion

As soon as we got in the lab, Asim put Naqi in a tube, put a bottle like figure in the bottle slot and activated the tube.

“Did you two know all of this from the start or did you all just know this?” I asked while looking at the tube.

“I know nothing about this whole thing.” Said Asim as he stared into space.

“Amira?” Syaima’ asked.

“Naqi told me that he wasn’t sure if it was him.” Amira confessed. “He said that sometimes when he talks and he pronounces the letter ‘s’, he would be hissing unexpectedly.” Amira continued.

“Then why would he even set up the cameras when he knew that it was him?” I asked.

“Like I said, he wasn’t sure. He thought that it was just a habit that he kept on hissing and thought that Nahaqi was just another creature waiting to be discovered.” Amira explained.

“Asim, you’re his brother. Shouldn’t you know more than Amira does?” Syaima’ said.

“I know, I know. Since the day that I became the head of the knights, I seldom met my family.” Said Asim.

The door to the tube suddenly opened and out came Naqi. “So it was me all along.” He said.

“All this time, thinking that the Nahaqi was out there somewhere, who knew that Nahaqi could actually be me?” Said Naqi.

“Um… Naqi, Nahaqi not so hard to figure out by the way.” Syaima’ said. I elbowed her.

“How did you even become Nahaqi?” I asked.

“Well…” Naqi started.

To be continued in: Naqi’s Story.

Cracking the secret of Nahaqi

“Why? Scared of the past Asim?” Asked the figure as it cracked a smile with white teeth.

The figure begun walking until we could see what it was. It was just a normal human being.

“Everyone, this, is Queen Aleesya’s sister, Syirah.” Said Asim in disgust.

“Why is Asim supposed to be scared of you?” I said.

“Because… I once tried to kill Queen Aleesya and take her place as queen.” Said Syirah with a wide smile.

“Oh I’ve heard about you. You’re the one who tried to drag Queen Aleesya into the forest of mysteries in the act right?” Asked Naqi.

“That’s right.” Said Syirah energetically.

“What are you here for?” Asked Syaima’.

“As usual, up to my own mischief.” Said Syirah.

“Like what?” Amira asked.

“Like destroying the cameras you and your cousin Naqi set up.” Syirah said as she gave out a laugh.

“What?!” Naqi said in surprise.

“Here you go. Haha.” Said Syirah as she gave Amira one of her cameras. Too bad it was smashed into pieces.

“Good luck finding Nahaqi now!” Said Syirah as she walked away from us. “Run if you want to live young one.” Syirah whispered to me. She ran off.

I looked at her running away and said in my heart, ‘What does she mean?’

“Great! Now what?” Said Amira frustrated.

“There must be other places you guys suspect the Nahaqi may be hiding at.” Syaima’ said.

“Yeah, just a few. Come on, letsssssss….” Said Naqi.

“I mean, let’s get into the jeep.” Said Naqi as he walked to the jeep.

I narrowed my eyebrows at Asim. Asim didn’t respond.

As soon as all of us got into the jeep, Naqi drove off. Naqi took us to Mystical cave, Magic forest and Camouflage cave. But, Syirah had smashed all the cameras.

“Why is Syirah doing this?” Asim asked.

“Just for the fun of it. You know, typical Syirah.” Amira said.

“Come on, there’sssssss…..” Said Naqi.

“Excuse me. I mean there’s one more place we haven’t checked yet.” Said Naqi.

Again, I narrowed my eyebrows. Asim also did the same thing.

We all got into the jeep and Naqi drove off. “Where are we going now?” Syaima’ asked.

“Mystery cave. That’s the only place Amira and I suspect.” Naqi said as he drove.

It wasn’t long till we reached Mystery cave. “We’re here.” Amira said.

We all walked in. As we walked, I noticed Naqi’s eye colour and shape changing. I sensed something that I would have never thought of until now.

The same thing. Syirah had smashed the cameras.

“Syirah has gone too far!” Shouted Naqi.

“Relax Naqi…” Amira comforted.

“No! I can’t relax! The ssssssssss………” Said Naqi as a bright shine of light came out.

‘I knew it.’ I said in my heart.

To be continued in: Nahaqi’s secret finally cracked. 

Finding Nahaqi

“My brother.” Mumbled Asim.

“What? Really? He looks really different from you.” I said amazed.

“That’s because he had plastic surgery.” Joked Asim.

“Haha… Very funny brother.” Said Naqi sarcastically.

“We were just made this way.” Said Naqi.

“Cousin Asim!” Said a young lady in black who came out of nowhere.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“I’m Amira. The cousin to Naqi and Asim. I’m also the assistant knight to Asim.” Said the young lady in black.

“Big family you have here eh Asim?” Syaima’ said.

“Yeah…” Said Asim.

“Why are you two here?” Queen Aleesya asked.

“We’re here to crack the mystery of Nahaqi.” Said Amira.

“Interesting…” I said while my hands were around my hips. “It is. Do you all want to join us?” Said Naqi. “Totally!” Syaima’ and I said enthusiastically.

“I’m in.” Said Asim.

“We’re settled then. Come on, let’s go.” Said Amira.

“Wait, now?” I asked.

“Yeah now. We want to crack this case as soon as possible.” Said Naqi as he began following Amira.

Asim, Syaima’ and I followed Naqi and Amira till we got out of the castle. We saw a jeep outside.

“What not jet?” Asim joked again. Naqi only rolled his eyes while Amira said, “Whatever!” in a girlish way.

“Get in girls!” Said Amira to me and Syaima’. Amira got into the back seat with me and Syaima’ while Asim and Naqi sat in front. Naqi in the driver seat while Asim next to him.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” Said Naqi as he started driving.

Naqi kept on driving until he reached a cave. “We’re here.” He said as he got out of the jeep.

We got out too. “A cave?” I asked.

“Yeah. Amira and I have suspected that Nahaqi’s secret hideout is here. Because of its clean surroundings this might be the place.” Explained Naqi.

“Come on!” Said Amira as she walked into the cave.

“Naqi and I have set up cameras around this cave.” Said Amira. As we walked, it got darker and darker.

“How did you two manage to put the cameras up in this dark area?” Asked Asim.

“Long story.” Said Naqi.

“I can shorten it for you.” Said a sweet voice. We stopped walking.

“Who was that?” I asked. Syaima’ started shivering again.

A sound of someone jumping off the top of the cave was heard. “Me.” Said the voice again as a pair of beautiful eyes appeared.

"No, no it can't be." Said Asim as he shook his head in fear. 

To be continued in: Cracking the secret of Nahaqi.  

On the other side of the mirror 2

As we were running, I suddenly felt like the ground was shaking.

We stopped running and the alarm stopped making noise.

“What was that?” Syaima’ asked.

“Don’t move a muscle….” Said Asim.

“Why?” I asked.

“Just do it!” Whispered Asim.

Without another word, we stopped moving. Loud footsteps could be heard as the ground shook harshly.

Syaima’ whimpered in fear as I just looked at her in pity.

A figure suddenly came out from over the trees. A giant snake like shape came out. With its long tongue hissing.

“I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die.” Whimpered Syaima’.

“If you say that you will die!” Whispered Asim to Syaima’.

The snake lowered its head to my head level. I closed my eyes as it moved its head closer to mine.

“Sssssssssssssss…..” It hissed right in front of my face.

‘Keep yourself together Nuha!’ I told myself in my heart while trying hard not to scream.

The snake went to Asim. I guessed that Asim had training before he became a knight because he seemed so relaxed when the snake came to him. Lastly, it went to Syaima’.

The snake lowered its head to Syaima’s head level. Syaima’s face was giving me an unhopeful look.

“Aaaaaaaaa!” Syaima’ shouted in fear at last.

“Syaima’!” I shouted.

“Sssssssssssss!” The snake hissed loudly as it lifted its head.

“Run!” Shouted Asim as he ran. Syaima’ and I ran for dear life as the snake chased us from behind.

We ran till we reached the doors of Queen Aleesya’s castle.

“Get in! Go, go, go!” Asim shouted. We ran into the castle as fast as we can. Asim closed the door as soon as we got in.

“Bang!” The door went.

The snake was hissing from the outside as loudly as it could. “What was that?!” I asked horrified.

“That, is Nahaqi. In this world, that means the mysterious.” Said Queen Aleesya who came out of nowhere.

“Where did that thing come from?” Asked Syaima’ who was still shivering from head to toe.

“The name explains it. It’s mysterious which means that we don’t know where it came from. One day it just suddenly showed up in the forests.” Said Asim.

“Do you at least know what it is made out of?” I asked.

“Rumours have it that a man fell into the magic-river and became what it is now.” Said Queen Aleesya.

“Bang, bang, bang!” Went the doors.

“It’s breaking in!” Syaima’ shouted as her shivering got even worse.

After a few more bangs on the doors, the door finally opened. Instead of a snake, a man came in. He was dressed as an archer with arrows and a bow behind his back.

“Who are you?” I asked the man.

“I’m Naqi.” Said the man.

To be continued in: Finding Nahaqi

On the other side of the mirror

As soon as the doors of the castle opened, there, Syaima’ and I saw a fair and beautiful lady sitting on her throne.

“Asim!” Said the lady on the throne.

“Queen Aleesya…” Said Asim as he bowed. Syaima’ and I followed.

“Who are those two ladies behind you?” Asked Queen Aleesya.

“This is Nuha and this is Syaima’.” Said Asim.

“Why, welcome! Welcome!” Said Queen Aleesya.

“It’s an honour to meet you Queen Aleesya.” I said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you girls too.” She said with a lovely smile.

“Asim, why don’t you show them around the castle?” Asked Queen Aleesya.

“It will be my pleasure.” Said Asim as he bowed.

“Come on ladies. Follow me.” He continued as he walked. Syaima’ and I followed behind him.

“Bye girls!” Said Queen Aleesya.

“Bye!” Syaima’ and I said.

“She’s awfully friendly.” Said Syaima’.

“Indeed she is.” I said.

“Here, we have Queen Aleesya’s flying horse stable.” Said Asim as he pointed to a stable where there were horses with wings.

“Oh so cute!” I exclaimed jubilantly as I ran to hug one of the horses.

“This one’s the cutest.” Said Syaima’ as she pointed to a red and orange horse with maroon wings.

“I like this one.” I said as I pointed to a navy blue horse which had ocean blue wings.

“Which one is the queen’s one?” Syaima’ asked Asim.

“I’m glad you asked.” Said Asim as he smiled, “Follow me.” He continued as he walked.

Syaima’ and I squealed of excitement as we followed behind him.

Asim stopped in front of a field which had fences around it.

“I don’t see no horses with wings.” I said.

Asim smiled, and said, “Look above you.”

I looked up. What I saw made me gasped.

A cotton candy coloured horse with red wings was flying above me.

“It’s beautiful.” Said Syaima’ as she enjoyed the sight of the majestic horse.

“Queen Aleesya lets only her horse fly in an open field.” Said Asim.

“You can tell that this is her favourite horse.” Said Syaima’.

“Yeah no kidding…” I said as I was still looking at the elegant horse.

“Follow me to the next place ladies.” Said Asim as he walked away from the field. We both followed.

Asim took us too many other places in the castle such as the maze room, the land of candy, the animal room and many more.

As we were walking back to the main entrance, Syaima’ and I chatted away.

“I liked riddle field the best.” I told her.

“That was a living nightmare. We had to figure out the riddles in order to be able to get out of the field. Luckily you were there.” Said Syaima’.

“Surprisingly, Asim didn’t know how to answer any of them.” I said as I giggled.

Asim who overheard us said, “I wanted to give you guys a chance to play around in the field.”

“Yeah right.” Syaima’ said as we both laughed.

As we were laughing, a sound of an alarm went on.

Syaima’ and I stopped laughing at once. We saw the look on Asim’s face; it didn’t look like good news.

“What’s going on?” I asked Asim.

“No time to explain! Just run and follow me!” He answered in a shouting way as he ran. Without another word, Syaima’ and I too ran.

To be continued in: On the other side of the mirror 2

Magic mirror 2

“Wow.” I said.

“What? What?” Syaima’ asked excitedly.

We found ourselves in a forest. Where the trees were filled with many coloured trees. There were blue trees, pink trees, red trees and many more. And the forest wasn’t dark. It was peaceful.

“Where are we?” Syaima’ asked curiously.

“You two are in the rainbow forest.” Said a voice. Syaima’ and I turned around. There was a tall young man dressed in an archer suit on a branch of a tree. He jumped down.

“Who are you?” I asked the young man.

“I’m Asim. The head knight of all knights in this kingdom. Call me Asim” He said as he bowed.

I smiled and giggled then giggled.

“You two are not from here aren’t you?” Asim asked.

“Yeah we’re not.” Said Syaima’.

“Come on then. Follow me. I’ll bring you to the queen of this kingdom.” Said Asim.

“Clap, Clap!” Went his hands.

“What was that for?’ I asked.

“You’ll see.” He said as he gave us a smirk.

An elevator came down from the sky.

“How do we get to our destination using an elevator?” Syaima’ asked.

“You’ll see.” He said again as he again, gave us a smirk.

The doors of the elevator opened. “Ladies first.” He said.

“What a gentlemen.” I praised.

He gave us a smile.

“Take us to Queen Aleesya’s castle.” Said Asim to the elevator.

Without another word, the elevator got up into the sky, above the trees and flew off.

“Wow!” Said Syaima’ and I as we looked down and saw the view below us.

“Beautiful isn’t it? Below us is colour-river. Not only is it colourful but each colour has its own flavour! And yes, the water is clean enough to drink. Like the red river. It has the flavour of strawberries.” Explained Asim.

“Cool!” I said.

“Splendid!” Said Syaima’.

“By the way, I haven’t gotten your names.” Said Asim.

“Oh. She’s Syaima’ and I’m Nuha.” I said.  

Minutes later, the elevator stopped. Then, suddenly, it slowly went down.

“Why is it going down?” I asked.

“We’re at our destination.” Said Asim.

“You mean Queen Aleesya’s castle?” Asked Syaima’.

Asim nodded.

Syaima’ and I squealed. “How do you think she would look?” I asked Syaima’.

“I don’t know!” Said Syaima’.

“I bet she’s beautiful.” I said.

The doors of the elevator opened. Asim went out first then followed by Syaima’ and me. Asim walked while we followed him.

As we were walking, we saw giant statues of animals such as rabbits, eagles, tigers and many more.

“Why are there statues around this place?” I asked Asim.

“Legend has it that these giant animal statues used to be alive and roamed the earth. Then one day, they fell into magic-river. In that particular river, you can turn into a stone or anything!” Explained Asim.

“Amazing.” Syaima’ said.

When we reached the doors of the castle, Asim said, “Open o open doors of Queen Aleesya’s castle!”

And with that, the doors opened…

To be continued in: On the other side of the mirror.