Episode 11

**Episode 11: Trials of the Atlantean- Athame’**

Finding nothing out of the ordinary from her test, weeks have passed, and with them hope comes as Athame’ passes her expected due date of birth. Not only adding to the possibility of her surviving the birthing process of her and Brandis unborn child; but getting stronger in mind, body, and spirit as well as she trains with the aided assistance of Rynth, the Elvin people; not excluding Trysta and Vaqui- her healer, who monitors her daily as she trains. Each session becomes more dangerous than the last as she struggles at first but then surpasses with flying colors in further attempts. She is first conditioned mentally with magic and knowledge of nature and things around by studying variety of herbs, plants and spells to create remedies, elixirs and potions. Many of which she are familiar with. The knowledge is studied and mixed to apply toward her mental toleration for birthing a drake. As well as her mental side with the study of runes, charms, enchantments, and various hand signs to enhance her mind. She is then trained using her new information with physical training for her body endurance and resilience, which proves the hardest. She has burst of strength only when angry or frustrated and loses control of her magic when stressed; not to the point of a power surge like before but instead physical exhaustion causing her to become too fatigue to execute anything magical or physical based. The Elvin people then attempt many physical trials which have limited effect. They attempt to teach her weapons such as dual daggers, the sword, spear, archery and basic staff; but like before, in times of stress she either gains too much strength, speed and power or loses it and becomes fatigue. So they return to her training in magic, something natural for her but she stays in a fatigue state. Vaqui takes her inconsistency as a sign something isn’t right and to run more test on Athame’. After a day of training the two meet in her lab one morning.

Vaqui: Sit. So… your constant fatigue and power surges are nothing uncommon. However…they are growing more consistent each day… I’m going to run some test starting with blood work then another full body scan and ultrasound for the baby.

Athame’: Didn’t we do this already?

Vaqui: In a normal human pregnancy these are routine test…something done every month. But yours is a special case.

Athame’: Sorry…just getting a little frustrated… I’m as big as a house, my feet hurt…and just really tired of being pregnant…

Vaqui: Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re past the point of where you need to increase your survival of you and the baby. Not by much, this is true, but a little does help in every way. Patience though. (saying as Athame’ sits and she attempts to draw blood)

Athame’: I know it’s just… I’ve got through the mental aspect of the training… Why is the physical harder? My strength…tiredness…it’s like I’m getting slower or something. (saying as Vaqui continues to attempt to draw blood)

Vaqui: Well it’s expected I mean you are pregnant and the mental aspect proved easier because you’ve done it…all… your life (stuttering as she continues to fail to take blood due to the syringes breaking on Athame’s skin) so magic and all it intel’s comes second nature… was basically like fixing a bulb in a light fixture that had gone out… was there… just needed… (Breaks another syringe) Athame’ you’re still taking the elixirs right?

Athame’: Yes, every day as instructed by Whitley, why?

Vaqui: Stand up for me (Athame’ does so and Vaqui physically examines her) hold still.

Athame’: Is everything ok? Something wrong? You’re starting to worry me.

Vaqui: Nothing is wrong… trust me (saying as she runs a small body scanner over Athame’ and the baby) Give me a second to read this scan.

Vaqui then reads over the scan and Athame’ tries to make sense of it from a distance. Vaqui only has a shocked expression as she turns and addresses Athame’.

Athame’: What is it?

Vaqui: I need you to sit down. We have to talk and I need 100% clarity.

Athame’: You are not helping my worry right now.

Vaqui: Relax. I just need to know…when you use the Elvin weapons how do you feel?

Athame’: I told you… tired. Like I’m getting winded or feeling flushed out.

Vaqui: I know… but physically what happens?

Athame’: I feel like I can’t breathe… then I get really hot like my skins on fire… my heart starts to pound fast and I fee light headed.

Vaqui: Like you’re going to faint?

Athame’: Yes… Vaqui what’s wrong with me, is the baby ok?

Vaqui: This… (shows her a hologram of her body scan) this I your body scan weeks ago…shortly after you got here, remember?

Athame’: Yes…ok you said all was fine then…

Vaqui: Was is the key word here. This (showing her new body scan) is now. (Athame’ stares at both in comparison) The blue spots are your mystical aura. As you can see it’s gotten 40% increase compared to the first scan…but that’s not what I’m speaking of currently. The red is your internal and genetic make-up…the green your physical…both have increased almost 80% since scan. (Athame’ looks at her with small tears) I’ve only seen scans like these in a metamorphic state…superhuman to be exact.

Athame’: Vaqui…please just tell me what’s going on?

Vaqui sits down next to Athame’.

Vaqui: You’re changing Athame’… on a genetic level. I tried to puncture your skin with a syringe… each one broke each time on attempt. So I scraped skin cells off…looked at them under the microscope to be certain…. Athame’ you’re evolving into a drake.

Athame’: That’s not possible… I am an Atlantean.

Vaqui: Genetic make-up of your Atlantean side is still there…but it’s bonding with this new side of you somehow.

Athame’: No you’ve got to be wrong…Brandis… I mean all drakes are allergic to metal so…

Vaqui: And we are but as a defense mechanism, I guess you can call it, pregnant drakes develop a sort of a second skin. Protects them and the baby from outside harm from such things as metal. It’s why I can’t puncture your skin like I did before.

Athame’: And the baby?

Vaqui: Healthy…look (showing her a hologram of her ultrasound) the barrier around him is the force that released when born. It’s small at first but packs a punch like a concussive nuke when it’s broken on birth. Its mystical properties are off the chart. (Turns off hologram) I think the elixirs Whitley gave you…the green strands of hair…the strength….all traits and side effects to turn you to at least some park drake. This is remarkable….I’ve never seen it done. Drakes are usually born…not sure of any of this but will contact Whitley to be sure. I promise. But the bright side of this is…your survival rate definitely higher…I’d say more than likely actually.

Athame’ smiles, sighs and wipes tears away.

Athame’: So what do we do now?

Vaqui: Well one things for sure… you can’t train like an elf anymore. They have their ways of training... drakes have their own as well.

Vaqui turns from healing to teaching Athame’ all Whitley taught her as a drake in physical combat focusing on her strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility and senses; everything Drakes study for their entire life. She has Athame’ climb hills with large tree trunks on her back, increasing the weight each time to increase and control her strength. She helps Athame’ gain balance by walking ledges at first then ropes over shallow surface (like creeks) then large ravines. She improves her senses by having her hunt and watch things in the wild to observe their habits and movements. She practices holding her breath in depths of water and standing in high heat to increase her endurance and lung capacity. She increases her reflexes by having her dodge or deflect objects like rocks, arrows, and various small debris. She increases her flexibility with long stints of stretching take hours. She learns to balance her strength and power within by self-control and use of her magical talents by combining all she learns in test as she gets better. As time passes she teaches Athame’ the many martial arts styles Drake’s learn rolled into one with an assortment of weapons. She teaches her elements of muay thai, jiu-jitsu, kung fu, boxing, ninjitsu and various others. When she’s ready she start weapons training. First the bo staff, then escrima sticks. She then has her graduate to spears, the nunchuck, daggers, sword throwing knives and finally archery. With each lesson she struggles at first but seems to adapt fast over the course of months. One early morning, to test her skill and courage she doesn’t tell Athame’ who or what she’s up against but instead takes her to a part of the forest and places her in the center with only one goal; capture the flag on top of the highest mountain, Vaqui and the Elvin guard run interference for any complications of nearby dangerous creatures. Athame; sits in a meditative state for several hours. In her mind she sees her fears and even her own inner darkness of using her magic to hurt others or worse, become like Brandis, which causes her to break focus. The temperature changes and forces her to meditate again. In her mind she’s able to move through the forest with a type of mind sight and see the high mountain, and on top of it, a torn garment fluttering like a flag in the wind attached to a wooden staff. She opens her eyes immediately and starts to run like a wild animal breaking 30 then 40 then 50 and not long 60 miles an hour in stride. She jumps to the trees, flipping and swinging with ease as she makes her way up the mountain side then runs more as she dodges any plant life that gets in her way. She eventually comes to the top of the mountain. Making her way to the flag she is stopped by a thrown knife, seen seconds after a masked figure appears and vanishes. She attempts to take the flag again and is attacked by the silent figure. The two battle fearlessly matching each other blow for blow, strike for strike, and skill for skill. The figure eventually draws a sword, and Athame’ makes her way to and pulls the staff with the flag from the ground in defense. Once again they are match blow for blow. With a swift maneuver of an illusion cast and strike, Athame’ beats her opponent and unmasks them to reveal her friend, Rynth.

Rynth: Well done my lady…

Athame’: Rynth?! It was you?

Rynth: Yes, my lady, Vaqui insisted I help in your training this way. She believed you ready…I agree in her decision… you were and are. (saying as she bows and gestures to the flag that was in Athame’s hand)

Athame’ removes the flag from the staff and smiles proudly. The two friends then walk and talk as they make their way back to the red leaf.

Rynth: I am impress with my lady, your skills have improved a great deal in these last months. I imagine you former love Brandis would be one of proudness toward you.

Athame’: yes…I imagine he would.

Rynth: Apologies. I was not intending to disrespect.

Athame’: No…it’s okay. Just… never mind. I know I’ve been wrapped up in all my training with Vaqui, to which I am grateful….sorry I have not been able to check on you in some time.

Rynth: Apologies no required my lady. I am understanding of your current situation and as previously implied very impressed with your progress. You have come far in these month in what many have attempted in years.

Athame’: Thank you. Tell me how have you been these last few months…among your people?

Rynth: Well actually my lady… (Mozamoe jumps on her shoulders randomly as they pass through trees).

Athame’: I see you and Mozamoe are well (chuckles).

Rynth: Indeed, we are my lady. He has become a dear friend.

Athame’: Tell me about him… we have much time on this walk.

Rynth: Well… his mother was of Felion origin. She bargained herself as payment to a goblin for a powerful weapon of protection.

Athame’: A weapon? For against what?

Rynth: The coming tied of darkness… the bargain was for the felion to fashion the goblin a son to which he himself would have protection in the coming tied.

Athame’: Goblins are clever when it comes to alchemy and forging weapons…unfortunately what they forge they usually cannot wield due to their height.

Rynth: Yes my lady and because of this I assume they make bargains to stay alive when odds are increased against them…

Athame’: Possibly…

Rynth: Well. Mozamoe is such a bargain.

Athame’: Really? What happen to his parents?

Rynth: From what I am told his parents were agreed but later got all and nothing the bargained for, leaving Mozamoe abandoned for what he was.

Athame’: Half goblin half felion…I’m sorry… however it does seem like you both have a great deal in common though.

The three walk through a portal which leads them back to the Red Leaf doors instantly.

Rynth: If you are referring to the abandonment of our parents then I agree (saying as the walk through a corridor) How is the unborn child within you womb my lady?

Athame’: Good actually. I do wish he would come out soon…I mean I know the longer he’s inside the better off our chances are but…I just can’t wait to meet him. I don’t know….I just feel a bit lonely (saying as she and Rynth are interrupted)

Trysta: Pardon me Princess Rynth and lady Starfire…

Rynth: Please reframe from addressing me with such a title.

Trysta: Correct…apologies again, I mean no offense. I have come to you because you talents are needed.

Athame’: Mine?

Trysta: No (nods at Rynth).

Rynth: What of mine?

Trysta: We came upon a group of refugees in the woods during Lady Starfire’s test…humans it would appear.

Athame’: Are they ok?

Trysta: They do seem to be injured, which is why I have come to you my…apologies…Rynth.

Rynth: What is it that I am capable of doing that you are not?

Trysta: The injuries are extensive… we are unable to move them from one place to other with great distance without inducing further harm.

Athame’ You want Rynth to move them using her shadow skill to here?

Trysta: Correct my lady…but not here, the infirmary.

Rynth: I am unaware if I am even capable of moving a large group. It’s has never been attempted by one such as me.

Athame’: How many is it?

Trysta: Three. And time is of importance….they are in dangerous territory and the few elvin warriors will not hold off the threat much longer.

Athame’: You can do this Rynth…these people need you.

Rynth gives an unsure look.

Athame’: I will go with to make sureyou are ok.

Trysta: I would advise against that my lady.

Vaqui over hears the conversation as she enters it.

Vaqui: She’s right. That baby inside can come at any time now and last thing we need is delivery issue in the middle of a dark forest.

Athame’: Where did you come from?

Vaqui: I came searching for you when I sensed you arrive into the leaf an overheard the conversation….congrats on your recent trial test passed by the way.

Athame’: Yea…we will have to talk about that soon…

Vaqui: That we will until then meet me in the infirmary…we have three humans to save and little time. I must gather a few things.

Trysta: Rynth, come with me. You’ll need further protection if you are to survive this.

Rynth follows Trysta, and Athame’ trails behind Vaqui to a supply closet in the infirmary for medical supplies.

Athame’: I don’t get it… you said longer I’m pregnant the safer I and the baby are upon birth, so why exactly can’t I come?

Vaqui: I said it could increase your chances of survival, not make you safe, and previously stated the child can come at any time now. Human females can go into a stress oriented labor if provoked. The dark forest near here holds more than its share of stress, trust me. Plus, I need you hear. Get three beds ready for the injured, and as much water possible that you can gather.

Athame’: Anything else? (saying as Trysta and Rynth, who has a few new pieces of plate armor on her shoulders, stomach chest and legs, arrives)

Vaqui: Sit….and wait. (saying as she opens a portal and the group walks through)

Feeling annoyed to be left behind, Athame’ puts the beds together with bandages, water and various other medical supplies should they be needed. A few moments pass and soon Vaqui, Trysta and a couple elves return, through shadows in the floor, with 2 humans that are injured instead of three. Rynth is left behind and Athame’ begins to worry when she doesn’t see her emerge from the shadows as well.

Athame’: Where’s Rynth?! (she screams in the loud commotion as everyone scrambles to attend the injured people) Where is she?!

Trysta: She pulled us through just in time, my lady! (saying as she helps the other Elves with the injured humans) But we had retreat and leave them!

Athame’: Vaqui! Where is she?! What happened out there?! (saying as Vaqui examines a near by dead human male)

Vaqui:It was an ambush. A fucking ambush!

Athame’: What?!

Vaqui: Wood Gnomes! Small in height but vast in numbers! They’ve hated our kind for centuries! The used the humans as fucking bait! Rynth…she stayed behind to give us a chance to escape…

Athame’: But she’s right behind you right?! She’ll be ok?!

Vaqui: I don’t know…a glorious death in battle would be ideal for her… better than what the gnomes would do to her!

Athame’s worry turns to alarm and she storms to grab a spear from one of the injured Elves.

Vaqui: What are you doing?!

Athame’: I’m going to help my friend!

Vaqui: No! It would be an army against one! You wouldn’t survive! Look I know you care for her but she’s gone! Accept it!

Athame’: No…She’s not… (saying as she looks forward blindly with her Atlantean sight) she’s still fighting… and she’s scared. I’m going to help her!

Vaqui: You don’t even know where she is!

Trysta: I do my lady…

Athame’: Will you help me Trysta?

Trysta: She is my princess…my queen….I would die for her.

Athame’: We can get to her faster if you allow me to read you mind.

Trysta nods in consent. Athame’ places her hands on Trysta’s head and sees Rynth’s location through Trysta’s eyes and mind. She turns, her eyes glow a magenta color and opens a portal to the same area and sees Rynth fighting several gnomes while protecting the third injured humans. Trysta runs through and is followed by Athame’.

Vaqui: No!

And the portal closes behind her.

As Trytas joins Rynthin battle Athame’ checks the human male that is injured only to recognize his face.

Athame’: Oh my…. Patel?!

She soon finds herself fighting hard, as she is attacked by a gnome fending them off as they come to her one after the next. She uses a combination of magic and fighting combat, hardly breaking sweat. As more gnomes attack they are soon joined by Sticks and the increasing odds grow against Trysta, Athame’ and Rynth with a fatally injured Patel.

Trysta: We must retreat! My queen can you aid us with your shadow technique once more?!

Rynth: Unlikely. I am unable to gather the energy needed. Lady Starfire a portal perhaps?!

Athame’ creates a cloud of lightning to draw cover for their escape and then summons up enough energy to open another portal but strains to keep it open.

Athame’: Hurry! (She says as Trysta runs through with Rynth. Athame’ then attempts to telekinetically move Patel but the strain of the combined mysticism is too much as the portal starts to close in front of her and the cloud diminishes)

Suddenly help comes from above in a loud thud and small trimmer as a large dragon swoops down and lands with a force of strength and power. It yells a loud growl and streams fire from its breath setting a blast most of the gnomes and sticks in the area. It transforms into, no other than Whitley, as she picks Patel up with one arms quickly and runs into the portal with Athame’ by her side. She sets Patel on a gurney and Athame’ passes out moments as the portal closes behind her.

Hours pass and Athame’ awake in the infirmary with Vaqui watching over her.

Vaqui: You’re awake?

Athame’: Yes…What happened? Where am I?

Vaqui: You’re in the infirmary. Recovering. You passed out from stressed induced magic. Over exceeding yourself. Luckily that’s all that happened.

Athame’: My Baby!

Vaqui: He’s fine. Still alive. Unborn and healthy. Which is short of what I’d say for you.

Athame’: What do you mean?

Vaqui: I mean, are you crazy?! Or just plainly insane? Were you not listening to what I said before? No stress! That means... do not go running into a battle! And especially portals or battle placed magic’s! Could you imagine what would have happen to you if those things had gotten to you or your baby? They’d be picking you out their teeth and fighting over scraps left over!

Athame’: I’m sorry…I just… I had to help!

Vaqui: For what? A couple humans who shouldn’t have been out in these parts in the first place? You know,., we lost two of them due to internal injury! (Shock comes over Athame’s face) Yea, they bled out before we could even sight any incantation or healing method or magic to stop it.

Athame’: …

Vaqui: Was it worth it? Was it worth risk of your child?! What were you thinking?!

Athame’: I was thinking I needed to help my friend! She was scared and fighting for her life! It’s what he would have done….it’s what Brandis would have done... (Calming down) No life is more important than the other… (She says covering her face as she cries).

Vaqui: You’re…you’re right. Look… I’m sorry young one. It’s just you’re… can you please just be more careful going forward?

Athame’ nods as Vaqui starts to walk away and leave her alone.

Athame’: You said there were two that passed? What of the 3rd human?

Vaqui: Not sure of his name… but the one with the glasses that was last to come through with you…he’s alive…rest now…but alive. (saying as she leaves the room)

Athame’: Then yes… it was worth it (saying to herself as she dries her tears).

Vaqui walks to her small study where she finds Whitley meditating.

Whitley: Sounds like everything is well, correct?

Vaqui: She’s strong…stubborn. But strong. But you know that.

Whitley: Yes… reminds me of someone else I knew growing up (Saying as she gazes at Vaqui then goes back into meditation) I am surprised that she is still alive though…baby intact.

Vaqui: Surprised? I figured you knew.

Whitley: Excuse me? (coming out of Meditation but still sitting)

Vaqui: Well you did come to her aid in the forest… that couldn’t have been a coincidence.

Whitley: Actually, on contrary. I was off to visit and see if things had progressed and if not how they were. Fate it seems stepped in on my fly here to the girls aid.

Vaqui: You sent that poor girl to me on a limb of hope she would survive… knowing what I’ve been through with my own mother?

Whitley: Yes actually. But more so given you experience to make sure that what happen to your mother didn’t happen again I felt you were more capable of handling the situation than I am. You’ve built your life and studies around making sure that what happen to your mother…never fell upon another am I right?

Vaqui: Really? That’s your take? Using my dedication to our kinds practice and medicine? While we are on the subject, when were you going to tell me about you little drake elixir and its ingredients? How you somehow absorbed and manipulated the energy that killed my mother into a basically magical prenatal vitamins?

Whitley: I do apologize for that. I should have told you a long time ago but I didn’t want to burden you more than you had endured. You’ve been through enough in your life… you mother…she was a good soul. I did all I could to make sure her sacrifice was not in vein and so should you. After all… a piece of her lives on and not just inside you but the girl as well. Your mother only wanted to make sure you had a loving family if she passed on… I gave my word you would… and you do would you not say so?

Vaqui: … (Whitley stands and places her hand on Vaqui in comfort as she wipes her tears away) It’s uh…It’s changing her you know?

Whitley: What is changing who?

Athame’: Athame’… the elixir’s changing her on a molecular and genetic level. She’s still Atlantean but a small significant amount of her has mutated into…well one of us.

Whitley: Really? I had no idea… (saying as Vaqui looks at her sarcastically) Well I didn’t . I mean I knew it’d help her just didn’t know how….

The two look from a far as Athame’ has made her way to Patel’s infirmary bed and wakes him up. When he awake he sees her and smiles.

Patel: Hey…It is you…heh…I found you.

Athame’: Yea… yea you did (she says with a smile)

Patel: We looked for days…. Are you… are you okay? Are you hurt? Where’s …?! (groaning in pain as he tries to sit up)

Athame’: Easy…easy… you have several stitches and a concussion….possibly a broken clavicle too it says here… but you’re going to be ok….

Patel: So are you like a nurse now or something working in a….ancient infirmary ward? (saying as he looks around)

Athame’: No…more of a glorified associate of the doctor here.

Patel: Where is here?

Athame’: An elvin safe house… sort to… speak. (Saying as she starts to get winded)

Patel: Elvin safe house? Should have known…I mean we followed your signature far as possible until we had to track you differently… just lead us lost into the woods eventually… your parents will be very happy you’re safe…

Athame’: My…. Parents…. (labored breathing starts to intensify)

Patel’s words fall to silence ear as Athame’ collapses to the floor and begins to have more intense labored breathing. Patel calls for help loud as he can, and Vaqui and Whitley have already entered followed but Rynth who rushes in from the waiting area outside. Vaqui checks Athame’s vitals quickly and determines she’s going into labor.

Vaqui: Get her to the operating room NOW! Go!

Rynth and Whitley attempted to pick Athame’ up but are stopped by Patel.

Patel: No Stop! She’s not going anywhere with you! I recognize you from the hollow vids! You’re the drow who kidnapped her! Got her into this mess! If she’s sick she’s going home! (saying as he tries to stand up and in the way, collapsing slightly)

Whitley: She’s not sick! Now move or I will move you!

Patel: Then do it! (saying as Whitley’s eyes glow and angry green and Patel’s face grows pale with fear)

Rynth: Lady Starfire is with child human! She require immediate medical assistance in this moment! Now remove yourself!

Patel: A…a baby? (saying with a confused look as he moves and is passed by Rynth and Whitley carrying Athame’)

Hours pass and though she is in safe surroundings and under best machines of magic and science combined Athame’ has fallen into a state of catatonia. Vaqui grows worried of her and the baby as she sits nearby with Rynth and Whitley.

Vaqui: I don’t understand what’s going on. All signs from and without the machines indicate she’s in labor…but she seems to be just stuck in the catatonic state. Like a spell or something.

Rynth: You have managed all you can.

Whitley: Rynth speaks true. Even in my hundreds of years I have never seen this…human nor drake birth or any other.

Vaqui: Could it be the elixirs?

Whitley: I don’t know… first of their kind remember? Never been tested. So they could be… or not.

Vaqui: We have to figure something out…she has to be conscious to give birth to the baby…. If we don’t she’ll die and the baby will too.

Whitley: Maintain hope my child… nature will reveal with time… (Saying as Patel makes his way stumbling in on wooden crutches)

Vaqui: What’s he doing here? You should be resting.. (saying as she walks over to take Patel back to his bed)

Patel: I came to see if Athame’s okay…and the baby…what’s wrong!?

Vaqui: Nothing of your concern now remove yourself, head back to bed and let me do my job.

Patel: Wait! Wait! (saying as he desperately looks over to Athame’) Her eyes…her eyes are open but she’s not responding to anything right? Steady breathing but elevated heart rate? I know what’s wrong! (screaming as Vaqui continues to escort him out)

Whitley: Let him speak Vaqui… (saying as Vaqui stops taking him away)

Patel still stumbling over his crutches to Athame’ checking all the machines) Yea…steady breathing, heart rate faster than normal….eyes open but no response….clammy sweat…..she’s in a state of sea-euphoria.

Vaqui: Sea-Euphoria?

Whitley: We are not aware of this term…explain?

Patel: I’ve seen it in expecting Atlantean mothers in labor. It’s rare. They go in a type of cataonic shock that’s a combination of fear and bliss…like I said it’s rare but it does happen in like 1 of 1,000 Atlanteans. But if does happen you have to act fast. How long has she been like this?

Rynth: Hours…

Patel: That’s too long she’s sedated? We have to get the baby out now or risk damage of the mother and child, we have to perform an emergency c-section!

Whitley: Not possible…

Patel: What do you mean?! She could die!

Vaqui: You aren’t aware of all the facts here, there is more to this birth that I am not allowed to share. I thank you for your help but you must leave and return to rest!

Rynth: A type of shock he says…so perhaps a state of mind in the subconscious perhaps?

Whitley: It must be….

Rynth: Why do we not just wake her?

Whitley: You mean like a jolt of some kind?

Vaqui: We can’t it would or could bring about cardiac arrest or worse…

Patel: Not if you do it psychically! Like bringing some one out of a dream… (Vaqui lets Patel go)

Vaqui: Maybe but we have no one here capable of such a talent.

Whitley: Actually my child… I am capable.

Vaqui: What? How?

Whitley: I’ve learned a vast amount I skills in my time… this is one of many…

Vaqui: You never told me….

Whitley: It never really came up. I picked it up from centuries ago from an old guru in the east. It’s a simple technique…allows you to jump into someone conscious and speak to them.

Vaqui: And doing this should pull her out?

Patel: Yes…I mean it should but options are low and time is really critical…

Vaqui nods.

Whitley: Then we must proceed, I need someone who she has a bond with…it will help tether me to her and out easier.

Vaqui: I’ll do it… she’s like is like my little sister…

Whitley: I understand that my child… but I need you here ready in case anything goes wrong and especially to extract the baby need be….and do what’s necessary to save both the mother and child. Rynth…I ask of you.

Rynth: What of me?

Whitley: Your friendship with her is deep… deep enough to connect me to her there… and here.

Patel: I’m going too.

Vaqui: No, you’re the only one here who is an expert of Atlantean physiology. I need you here in case something goes wrong.

Patel: But…

Rynth: She is correct… you must assist her while we make attempt in her revival.

Whitley: I need you to relax you mind….remember where we are at all times. All you see will only be thoughts, memories…dreams. None of it will be real so it can non hurt you.

The two join hands over Athame’ to enter her mind. Whitley chants in drake for a few moments and then grows silent as she and Rynth project into Athame’ mind. While inside it seems like an endless white void until they meet a little girl, in the form of Athame’ herself. She wears a pink robe and has shorter dreads and is about ten years old. She simple giggles and runs away and they follow. They venture through Athame’s memories growing with her family. Her strict father, sport loving brother and very busy mother. They venture forward to her first teachers day at the Merlin Academy and winning teacher of the year. They go further and see an adult Athame’ leave Atlantis for the first time with her friend Inferno. They soon run into her memories of when she first meets Brandis. Whitley is marveled at the sight of the brave, selfless and strong willed version of her brother she never knew. She even cries as she sees the time he shared with Athame’ of them falling in love and his fall into darkness only to rise a hero and die as one. The two eventually climb through the dreams of city of Atlantis. The prairie fields Athame’ shared with Brandis in her dreams and reality. They soon make their way to the root of Athame’s conscious and current state of Sea-Euphoria. Athame’ is caught in her great fear, a loop of the baby turning evil like his father. She cowers, chained up while watching an over-sized giant version of her child rain fire and blood on the Earth over and over. Rynth and Whitley make their way to chained up Athame’ and even though she doesn’t believe it is really them at first they convince her it is not only them but that she is dreaming and stuck in a nightmare inside her own head, that it’s her greatest fear and not a vision of the future like she thinks. Whitley convinces her further that she will be the baby’s beacon of hope and bliss because she carries the best part of Brandis inside her, and that even though Whitley herself abandoned her family and regrets ever doing so that she will always have family and so will the baby. The reassurance pulls Athame’ out of her fear and as her dreams quiet she touches hands with Rynth and Whitley and all three awake, Whitley collapses from the strain of pulling all three out.

Athame’ takes a deep gasp and goes into full blown labor as the baby dilates and seconds later begins to crown. Patel assist Vaqui as she does her job to deliver the baby. Rynth helps Whitley as she recovers from the psychic travel. As the baby starts to make his way out, tremors begin to shake the area more and more.

Vaqui: Whitley! Rynth! If you can I need you two to get as many Elves to take cover!

Rynth: Are you able to walk?!

Whitley: I will be okay! Get me outside so I can contain what’s coming! Get to your people, now!

After Rynth helps Whtiley outside the room, the area’s tremors get worse and are met with pulses of energy that are so loud the pressure pushes on the ears. Rynth leaves Whitley and begins to help other Elves along with Trysta, she is even met by Mozamoe who jumps on her back. Whitley retreats to the infirmary and cast hands signs to a negative space in front of her. The space glows as she reaches in and pulls out a large urn. The energy and tremors grow stronger as she draws a few symbols in drake on the urn and around it and begins to chant and go into a trance.

Meanwhile back at the delivery area.

Vaqui: I need you to find cover!

Patel: No I’m staying!

Vaqui: Look kid! If you value your…

Vaqui is cut off by a pitched high scream from Athame’ in pain and shortly after the sight of time slowing down all around her as a large concussive force of energy pushes outward from the center of Athame’ and a concussive force of energy so strong it shatters and breaks everything around is it passes in all directions, and knocks Patel several feet into the nearest wall, knocking him unconscious in the process. Meanwhile Whitley sits in the infirmary chanting in her trance and urn and channels the entire force of energy from the birth into it, which nullifies some of the effect it has on the Elvin people who are taking cover with Rynth’s help. The elves only witness the last of the tremors as the energy is absorbed finally. When all is quiet the only thing heard is the faint sound of a new born baby crying in the distance. Rynth makes her way back to the delivery area and sees Vaqui on her feet holding the new born. Whitley enters seconds later with the urn, as it glows with mystical energy. Catching her breath, Athame’ opens her eyes and sees her baby being held by Vaqui who hands him to Athame’. Her eyes grow tearful with happiness as the baby stops crying and she smiles. Vaqui, Whitley and Rynth stand close and smile with her.

Vaqui: Is that? (looking at the run)

Whitley: Yes…it is…for next time in case it is needed. I will teach you how to do this…perhaps you may come to a better with time and your extensive research?

Suddenly a machine rapidly starts beeping, the heart monitor, as Athame’ goes into cardiac arrest. Vaqui takes the baby and hands him off to Rynth who leaves the room with him.

Vaqui: Shit…Whitley… help me!

She says as she frantically tries to help Athame’.

The two act fast. They do everything medically possible but Athame’ flat lines. To revive her, Vaqui takes multiple does of what is left of Athame’s elixir and combines it with adrenaline to her heart to attempt to revive her as she begins to panic. She begins heart compressions immediately.

Vaqui: No! Not now! Come back…Athame’! Come back!

Athame shows no response as the monitor continues to flat line.