Strangely Familiar

“Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” - James Joyce

“Any ideas?”

“I say we close the door and turn our backs.” Naina heard Mr. Kazmi’s strained voice.

Tia stepped a foot forward only to be yanked back forcefully by the ex-undercover agent.

“Grave mistake.”

“Why?”

“This world will disappear for you the moment you step inside the Median,” Naina explained, pointing at the edge. The skyline visible in front of her was gravitating in different shades of red, glaring at them for trespassing on their most treasured land.

“What about you?” Tia asked, curiously.

Naina did not understand Tia’s role in his play. Why would Lomhani seek her out was beyond her. Perhaps, she could help him become more compassionate? She snorted inwardly. That would be a sight to see.

“I’ve been here before.”

As if remembering something important, Naina whipped her head in the direction of the older man, “How do you know about it?”

“I’ve read about it. The Median, but before today, it was only believed to have existed in fantasy tales. They say no man alive can witness it.”

“They speak the truth.” Another voice loomed in. “Hard to believe mortals have some sense of imagination.”

The vision was dimmed by a foggy layer penetrating in parallel lines in front of the group.

“Brace yourself.” Naina could only mutter in a low whisper before the vision came to light but he heard her, revealing a lop-sided grin.

“Why, Akira, do I look that hideous?” Shaurya stood there, towering over their scared and stiffened forms.

Samraat, who stood next to Mr. Kazmi, visibly stiffened. The man he often saw in the portrait was right in front of him, in the flesh, with his arms crossed. Power and confidence radiated from him. Even as a mortal, Samraat could sense the intensity surrounding the Immortal. It was like one wrong move, and the person would end up dead. His looks were enough to seduce the world into war. His powers only fuelled it. Aruha once mentioned him as the leader - the commander-in-chief. She was not wrong in that accord. He shivered slightly, as cold waves attempted to pierce their way in, perforating through his loosely worn shirt. He brought his arms together to hug himself.

But more than anything, it was his dark presence that rang alarms within his head. Samraat knew the man in front of him was no hero. However, how much of a villain he could be was another question entirely. One that he does not intend on finding out.

Tia felt a volcanic eruption inside her. True to herself, somewhere in the deepest, darkest part within, she wanted to meet him, especially after coming face to face with the reality of the Mansion. She always felt an affinity towards the greyer characters since childhood.

His slender fingers and a wicked grin looked teasingly in Naina’s direction for some odd reason. She wondered if anyone else, mostly, Samraat noticed such an exchange between the pair of them. Tia does not know what form of chemistry has been circulating between them, but clearly, a lot has happened, and Naina hid a great detail from all of them. She couldn’t entirely blame her, she supposed. His attractiveness could break all records. It was inhuman like a page from a person’s most wicked desire came to life, but then again he was never a human.

However, she needed to remind herself, this was not fiction. The man was very much real and extremely capable of causing destruction. Her deductive mind started making quick calculations. It was either he was free to roam in their world, or they have been taken captive in his. Whatever it was, Tia only hoped they make it out alive.

Standing at the edge of the room, his shoes only an inch away from the land known as ‘The Median’. Never in his wildest dream did Rahil Kazmi wonder he would see it with his own eyes. It was the same land that was believed to be a myth. If the myth was true, he was afraid of the harrowing experience they might encounter with the terrible atmosphere and the horrendous beings on the land that awaited them.

Naina chose to keep her expression blank as she stood leaning against the door, locking her gaze on him.

The drop of blood did him wonder, considering she had never seen him on the Median before. She only ever visited when she felt lonely and misunderstood. This neutral ground felt familiar, encompassing the traveler’s needs. However, it was cold and dark, like the place had never seen sunlight in its life, and yet the trees grew, and the grassland survived. Perhaps, they don’t need light. That would be the most probable conclusion. To her, it felt like Earth without the sun, and as much as she craves sunlight, she always found the starlight relaxing. Three visits later, Naina began to understand, why Ayaan felt right at home here.

Shaurya Lomhani smirked, “Don’t tell me losing a drop of blood afflicted your hearing?”

He wanted her to answer the question. Naina thought it was only to make a point.

“I hear just fine.”

He walked forward, covering the distance between them. The other three only watched them curiously, anticipating the next move while trying to figure out what the hell was happening here.

“Well?” He toyed with her.

He was up to something, but she couldn’t pinpoint it.

“I don’t know how far will I manage to escape if I speak against Royalty.” She answered cheekily, plastering a fake smile.

“You won’t.” He responded in a straight voice.

Naina caught his expression. Her smile dropped instantly as she looked away. She seethed at the gravity, wondering why it started working sideways instead of downwards, consciously tapping her legs against the ground. It was either Shaurya Lomahani manipulating the elements, or her magic was processing and reacting to his. She shook her head, refusing to entertain such thoughts, reminding herself she only promised him her loyalty, not flattery.

Shaurya let her sigh with relief as his gaze shifted to the rest of them.

“Welcome!” He said in a loud voice. “Mortals, to the neutral ground of time. Why don’t you step in and grace us magical beings with your elemental presence?”

He shifted to make space, gesturing them to proceed.

“We can’t.”

Samraat paused his step at Mr. Kazmi’s response. Since he did not know anything about it, he let him take the lead.

“Why is that?” Sharuya asked curiously.

Naina wanted to roll her eyes and simultaneously knock some sense into him. Not that she can. He was playing with them.

“Time.”

“What does that imply?” Samraat was quick to ask.

“Mortal elements function when time shifts from one space to another moving only forward. Time, here, is neutral, but space shifts both forward and backward.” Shaurya answered him. His robes touched the surface as he walked briskly in front of them like a man in action. “It may cause some sustainability issues for your kind.”

“We die?” Tia’s voice was filled with horror.

His sharp gaze landed on her. She consciously stepped back, flinching a bit.

Shaurya narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering over something as if sensing her presence for the first time. He signaled her with two fingers indicating to come closer.

“Step forward.”

Naina’s eyes landed on Samraat, silently seeking him to say something. Ever since she swore her loyalty to him, she cannot raise her voice against him, his words, and his judgment. Her magic would flair in protest burning her insides in the process. It happened before when she conceived the truth about her father. Having no intention of going through it all again, Naina urged her brother to speak up.

Samraat returned her silent question with a nod, obviously wanting to do the same thing.

Tia bit her lips, unable to stop her legs as they moved on his command. It felt as if he was secretly controlling her movement, like a puppet. If only she had researched his inherited and acquired skills and talents over his devastatingly sinful appearance arresting one’s senses, she would have known he was notoriously known to possess mind-controlling powers. How many degrees of truth do those telltales hold? She was about to find out.

A hand reached in front of her, blocking the path entirely, breaking her trance. She shifted her foot back within the boundary, releasing a shaky breath.

Shaurya narrowed his gaze. “Step forward, Mortal. I insist.”

The cloud above him, blazing in red, suddenly roared with lightning flexing its way through its thickness, landing sharply and frighteningly closer to the entrance.

“I have several ways and infinite time.”

“She will die out there.” Samraat spats at him.

The man nodded stoically, and though his expressions remained hard, his voice found humor nonetheless. “She might. But that concerns me how, exactly?”

Samraat still wanted to protest even though painfully aware that he holds no power over him. Naina saw Tia placing a hand on her brother’s arm in reassurance.

She took one step and stood firmly in the land of neutral. For a moment, nothing happened as all of them held their breath in anticipation and fright, dreading to think they might witness something unearthly any second.

When nothing happened, Shaurya’s voice loomed. “Whose magic are you hiding, mortal?”

“N-no ones.”

“You mortals,” he looked in disdain, pacing around her in slow circles, “will never understand the true nature of magic. You never learn, do you?” He seethed, gushing the words out in contempt.

Firmly, Naina stepped out on her own, clueless about where the conversation was heading. Tia should have dropped dead the instant she stepped into the Median. Something must have shifted the elements of nature.

“She doesn’t have magic,” Samraat shouted from behind her. Mr. Kazmi squeezed his arms in warning, refraining from speaking further.

“Answer me.” The furiousness in his voice alone could move mountains. Naina whipped her head, startled. He never revealed this side of his to her.

“I didn’t steal it.” Tia hiccupped, trying to avoid his gaze.

His magic flared around him in a glare. Spreading his hands sideways, he released them in her direction. Horrified, Naina could only stand and watch as magic spiraled, making its way toward an unarmed Tia, who further braced herself, wrapping her arms around her face and chest and turning her head the other way.

It was like everything happened in slow motion. Shaurya’s magic bounced after contacting with her skin with such force that Tia fell to the ground. The magic spiraled around her inflicting no real harm before returning to its rightful owner. There were a few marks and blisters on her skin everywhere the magic felt its presence. She broke out in tears, covering her face.

Acting impulsively, Samraat moved towards her, but his legs floated in the air as Naina tried to block him out.

“Let go of me.” He pleaded with her.

“I can’t. Once you step in, there is no way back.”

There were several times they had sibling fights. It was mostly fun, however, the current scenarios crossed all levels. Naina could see the disappointment lingering in his eyes. She shut her eyes, concentrating hard, creating an invisible wall at the entrance. She promised herself that she would look after him no matter what.

Naina did not favor Shaurya Lomhani at that moment. Expecting decency from an Immortal imprisoned for several centuries was folly. She marched to where Tia lay covered in blisters and helped her onto her feet.

“Don’t you dare use your magic on her,” Shaurya said in a serious voice.

Her magic reacted to his command, obeying it.

Sometimes she hated him for asking for her loyalty. It was like she gave away her freedom.

They had a mini-glaring contest before she ducked her head down, though not in submission. The shift in his expression conveyed his displeasure, but there were several other important matters to deal with.

“Do you want another go, or are you willing to speak?” He asked, casually moving around them like a predator measuring its prey.

“Tia, listen to me,” Naina said, “please, tell the truth. He won’t give up, and you’ll end up severely hurt.”

Tia nodded vigorously and started parroting everything that had happened in the past few days. She began narrating how she was contacted by a woman in her dreams who asked for her help.

“What did this person want from you?”

“My hair follicle. Just one. She said she was trapped and needed help.” Tia spoke in pain.

Naina gasped audibly beside her. “You did what?”

“She negotiated with me. Said,” she passed a glance at Samraat, who had a look of utter disbelief on his face, “that I could have whatever my heart desires the most. Tell me, Naina, would you pass on such an offer?”

Naina stared at her blistered face.

“But I swear that was all before your parents disappeared. She never contacted me ever again.”

“She desired power,” Samraat spoke behind the invisible wall, heartbroken.

Shaurya Lomhani leaned next to the two of them as Tia visibly shifted uncomfortably, leaning closer to Naina, who was still petrified at her earlier statement, unable to get around the fact that someone as kind and humble as her could fall for something so foolish, only to be blinded by selfishness.

He grinned almost robotically, “Who was she?”

“I...,” Tia did not finish her statement as another flash of light covered her eyes. It didn’t hurt her as she expected. It was a moment later she realized that light came from within her. Her marks and blisters disappeared on her own.

“Aruha,” Shaurya whispered with such hatred you would think he would want her alive again just so he could personally kill her at ease, using every creativity known to the world.

Naina was shocked. Locking her gaze with her brother, who looked guiltily back at her, she understood they had been played.

Shaurya was shaking in anger. “Did you know?” He gritted.

“No.” Naina looked straight into his eyes. He held her hand the second she answered, locking gaze with her. Their interlinked fingers shone with bright blue light, a clear indication of utmost honesty, but neither tore their gaze away from the other. She felt him relax slightly, nodding his head in brief, taking a second longer before releasing her hand.

“So, it is true,” another voice caught their attention. “A healer mage is in existence.”

Every head whipped in the direction of the voice.

A man who looked closer to his early thirties sauntered closer to them. But everyone there knew better than to trust a book by its cover.

This powerful ancient man in a cloak held a captivating figure, commanding attention wherever he went. His cloak was dark and regal, flowing around him as if it held secrets of centuries past. With every step he took, an air of authority surrounded him, making it clear that he was not someone to play with.

“Looks like the curse is broken.” He commented casually as his vision landed on Shaurya Lomhani.

“But the war isn’t over yet, old friend or potential foe,” Shaurya said lightly, observing him. “The side you choose defines your allegiance.”

“Doesn’t it always?”

Despite his commanding attitude, there is a distinct streak of sarcasm that lingers in his words and actions. He possesses a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor, often using sarcasm as a shield to conceal his true emotions. It adds an intriguing layer to his overall demeanor, keeping others on their toes and uncertain of his intentions.

Shaurya observed him.

He turned his head to look at two girls and then at the entrance of the Median. “Quiet the chaos we have here.” His eyes landed on Shauya again, “The vibrations and the shift in Magee’s magic were felt all across the Median. Magical beings are interested to know what caused it.”

Shaurya Lomhani shifted from his initial position without losing an ounce of confidence. He signaled Naina to stand next to him. She followed his command willingly this time.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” the man, draped in a shawl around his left shoulder, wearing a peculiar set of robes, said, “I’m Cian, a Nova. Magical beings who are gifted to travel at the speed of light without exhausting themselves.”

Magic was his forte, and he was incredibly skilled in its practice. Even Shaurya admitted it. Though the two would make a worthy opponent for each other should they choose to fight.

“What’s a Nova?” Naina mouthed him.

The Nova continued, walking around leisurely. “And though I was surprised after the oracle proclaimed to have found a healer mage, I never thought I’d witness it someday.” Stopping right in front of her, he whispered, taking her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, healer.”

He causally casted a spell and light flooded above their heads. It was a display to prove his superiority over lowly Mortals. The spells he weaved were intricate and powerful, demonstrating his mastery over the arcane arts. It was believed that his magic was ancient, rooted in long-forgotten traditions and passed down through generations.

Shaurya gripped her wrist tightly, stopping her from speaking. Naina stared wide-eyed as the Nova continued to hold Tia’s shivering palms. The girl under his scrutiny was speechless.

She shook her head to deny it straight away. “I am not a healer.”

“Your blood reveals a different story, dear,” Cian responded with a lazy grin.

Naina wanted to clarify, but the grip on her palms only tightened, halting her movement. “Don’t force me to practice magic on you.” His voice floated in bare whisper closer to her ears, sending a tingling sensation down her spine.

Shaurya stared ahead with narrowed eyes, gauging the reaction, his mind already plotting the best possible strategy.

Tia looked at Naina for rescue, but the grip on her palms did not cease. She shook her head in dismay.

“I’m not magical and definitely not a healer,” Tia argued.

Cian laughed. “Well, you are standing on the Median and just cured yourself. The voices and actions that are said and done on this land echo throughout the end of time. You are fairly in demand, dear healer.”

He waved his hand, and suddenly she fell unconscious.

On the other side of the entrance, Mr. Kazmi held Samraat from acting stupidly. He was heartbroken, and a broken heart makes the worst decisions. For all he knew, foolishness on the part of any of them could be disastrous.

Cian smirked his usual devious smile as he turned to look back at Shaurya Lomhani. “I see you found her after all.”

Naina threw him a questioning look.

He ignored her. “What do you want?′

“Care for a wager?”