The Rise of Nix

The excess water dripped over the side as she applied more pressure to the sloppy pulp. Her hands were tired and sticky from the process. This was her first time making paper, a thought she had after yesterday’s magical training. Years ago, a traveller had used her village as a rest stop before moving on, his strange habits entertaining the people. With him, he had brought strange contraptions from a land far from theirs as he had crossed the vast ocean, and Nix had been instantly drawn to him. The stories he had woven about cultures unknown to them had sparked the flame inside her as her mind opened up to what could be past their mountains. And on that day, she had promised to see it. One of the inventions that had glued her people to his silky words was paper—a piece of strange material made from trees that could be drawn on. The children had spent the whole day using their fingers to paint everything. Before, they had used rocks and tree bark for their creativity, always ending with minor cuts, but after that day, a few females had set out to produce the magical material. Nix had silently watched the process from afar, mentally taking notes as she had promised herself that she would try it one day. And that day had finally come.

As the magic flowed around her, whispers were spoken in her ear, guiding her as she learned to wield her new powers. One of the voices had suggested documenting her learnings. Deep down, Nix knew if she were successful in her path, more would follow, and the records she would make would guide them so that they might not struggle as she did.

Giving a final push with her remaining strength, Nix picked up the rocks beside her and replaced her hands with the heaviness. Watching milky droplets of water drip over the side, she moved to collect the pieces she had already crafted. The sun began to set, casting her home in a darkened state. Placing the paper on the table next to her, she quickly made a fire, providing warmth and light as she began. The first piece had failed, but as she continued, it became successful. Pulling closer a wooden cup filled with a dark liquid, she dipped the small wooden spear in ink before gently placing it over the paper. The second family she lived with after her demise had taught her to write. It was forbidden for females to read, but she had demanded the skill, glad now, for it was essential. Writing her name, Nix leaned back to appreciate her handy work. The black contrasted nicely with the pale material, edging her on.

As she replayed yesterday’s acts, she wrote down how to control the power, directing it to ones will. After a while, the four parchments of paper were full will still more knowledge to be documented. Her hand cramped as she placed the spear down, collecting the pieces. Tapping it on the table to align the edges, she looked around her spare hut, needing a safe place to hide the evidence of the new world she was a part of. Spotting a rug of dried animal skin in the corner, she wrapped the stiff material gently around the fragile paper, placing the bundle in the trunk that was still hiding her accident. Straightening the room, she left the one piece under pressure from the rocks in the corner as it had to dry out. Tomorrow she would continue making more parchment, covering it with her recount of events as she learned them.

She scrubbed her hands raw from the black ink by washing her hands in a bowl of water. Another trick the traveller had taught them. Grinding down burned bones and mixing them with water, the dark liquid became spreadable. The man described the village he had learned this technique from, the people a shade unknown to them with a language so advanced, the words sounded magical as they spoke. Of course, he did not understand them, but with physical motions, they taught their ways to the stranger, and in return, he taught them to others on his travel.

Drying her hands, she noticed a few dark spots on her skin, but try as she may, the discolour remained. Shrugging her shoulders, she ignored it, hoping it would go away after a few days.

Glancing back at her process, joy filled her. She was finally making progress in her life. Her new powers were becoming controllable, her friends were happy, and not only one but two men were interested in her. And both were accepting of her strange way of living. The only struggle was choosing one.

Exiting her hut, the night shocked her. Had she spent the whole day inside? Making her way to the centre, Nix looked up at the sky, enthralled by the full moon glistering against the darkened sky. The energy from it soaked into her as the noise from the village pounded in her ears. As usual, a massive fire drew the crowd as people huddled around the warmth with children running around, playing games. A flash of familiar red hair caught the side of her gaze, and smiling, Nix headed in that direction, sneaking up on Mary and Anne, their own families gathered around them.

“Having a good time?” Nix said as she stopped behind them.

Their heads shot in her direction, beaming happiness as they spotted her. Mary jumped up and stepped over the log she sat on. She grabbed Nix’s arm and pulled her into the group before plopping back down.

“And where have you been the whole day?” asked Anne. “With a certain gentleman, I presume.” she winked at her friend, trying to insinuate that Nix was with a man differently.

Laughing off her suggestion, Nix replied. “Wouldnt you like to know.”

“Umm, yes. Yes, I would.” Mary chirped in.

Their children played with wooden toys carved by a local in the middle as the men stood by the boar roast, the delicious smell of sizzling fat and meat wafting over them. A slight rumbling pierced Nix’s stomach as the aroma hit her. Filling her hunger became a priority.

“Well, you will have to wait.” Nix stood up. “I need food first,” she said to her friends before moving closer to the food, their disagreement with her leaving sounding behind her.

Smirking with victory for making them wait for the gossip, Nix nodded at the men, their dip in cup acknowledging her presence. She grabbed a plate and moved behind an older lady waiting in line for the delicious meat as she eyed the crowd. The familiar faces popped up, but there were a few new ones. Unknown children mingled with the kids from her village as they played, a female watching from the side, her form stiff as her eyes jumped between them. She had long, fine blond hair with pink in between the streaks. Her shape was petite, with a thin face and sharp nose. Nix was too far to see her eyes, but she noticed their lightness. Wondering if it could be Maverick’s camp, she frantically scanned the crowd, hoping deep down to spot his dark gaze on her, but none of the men or women was present. Only children and the blond. Why are the kids here and not the parents? Nix wondered. Maybe she would investigate after getting her food.

As the line moved on and the meaty scent from the boar grew, she gripped the wooden plate harder as anticipation for the meal grew. Reaching the front, she watched as the woman, Clare, cut a tender piece from the leg and held it out to her. The meat plopped on the wooden plate, the impact tearing the flesh apart as fat sprayed over her hand.

“Thank you.”

Clare smiled before cutting another piece for the person waiting behind her. Fighting the urge to dig in, Nix returned to her friend, sitting in the empty spot on edge. Without another word to them, She dug in, devouring the supple and juice meat, a few drops rolling down the side of her mouth and over her chin.

“You eat like a child,” remarked Mary as both women laughed at the sight.

Swiping away the fatty liquid with the palm of her hand, Nix swallowed the bite before responding. “If it is this good, how can I not.”

“True.”

Finishing the last of the juicy meat, Nix was tempted to lick the last succulent fluid left behind, but the eyes on her stopped her. Placing the empty plate next to her, she faced her curious-looking friends, both staring at her as they waited for her explanation.

Taking her time while enjoying their frustration, Nix cleared her throat, about to let them down in their expectations, when the high-pitched voice of her enemy came from the side.

“Welcome to the celebration.” Leela mocked as she approached them.

“The she-devil is here,” whispered Mary.

Nix stifled a giggle at her words, agreeing with her. Leela was irritating and entitled, and if she was coming to talk to them, there was some achievement she was gloating about.

“Good evening, Leela,” said Mary, smiling kindly as if she did not insult the woman behind her back.

Leela’s blond hair bounced as she closed in on them, an evil smirk directed at them. “I was wondering if you would show up, especially after hearing the news.”

Glancing back at Anna for some help, the woman raised her shoulders as her eyes widened in a sign of ‘I don’t know’.

“And what news is that, Leela.” Nix decided to play her game.

“Well,” began Leela, stopping in front of Nix with her hand on her hip, head tilted as she eyed her. “I hope this news won’t hurt you since I know you and Maverick spent some time together.”

“What does he have to do with this?” rolling her eyes as she lowered her head, Nix prayed that Leela would get to the point. The more time they spent in her presence, the more hair Nix wanted to rip from her scalp.

Giggling as she pressed her breast out, Leela replied. “The marriage arrangement between our two camps. I am to marry into their village, bringing us together.”

The color drained from NIx’s face as she registered the news. Maverick is going to marry Leela, of all people. He is doing this just days after he kissed her and confessed his desire for her. Like the rest, Maverick was a liar disguised as a gallant.

Forcing a smile, Nix congratulated Leela. The female looked victorious as she thanked them before bopping off.

“She must be lying.” Anne stepped up and rested a hand on Nix’s shoulder, trying to comfort her. They had heard about the scene between them, also confused at the turn of events.

“Why would she lie about something this important?” Nix defended her enemy. “Besides, he did not promise me anything. It was just a kiss between two strangers. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Yes, but-” began Mary, but Nix cut her off.

“But nothing.” spat Nix as she stood, the mood for a party over. “I am going for a walk.”

Nix stormed off, trying to leave before they could see her tears. Once again, she was betrayed by a man, and they wondered why she did not trust anyone. Their concern and the sounds of chatter wafted away as she headed for the trees. Going to her hut was not an option. The darkness behind the tree called her, and as she stepped deeper, Nix lifted her hand, calling forth the magic. A golden orb materialized as it lidded the path for her, letting the light guide her. With only one place in mind away from the worry, Nix made her way to the meadow, a comforting area to let her rage fly.

The trees became thinner as the clearing peeked through the branches. A sudden movement with a spark of light not coming from her orb flashed between twigs, and she slowed down, fearing she might not be alone. Careful not to make a noise, she moved closer, finally reaching the last trees standing between her and the open field. Closing her palm, the orb vanished, leaving her in the darkness.

Concentrating on the motion in the field, Nix’s mouth dropped open as she recognized the person moving swiftly around, a flaming sword in hand as he slashed the air. A branch broke beneath her feet, sending the sound echoing out. Deimos’s head shot in the direction of the sound as the flames suddenly disappeared, his hand holding air.

“You can do magic!” Nix burst into the clearing as she shouted, her heart breaking more at the broken trust.

Leaving them in complete darkness, she saw his shadow move to her, the moon’s silver rays casting a shadow over his gloomy features. “I can explain,” stated Deimos.

“Please try.”

“It is not magic that I wield, per se.” Reaching out, Deimos tried to calm Nix down, but she shifted away from him. His heart broke as he noticed her features’ shattered trust; her body recoiled from his presence.

Clouds covering the full moon drifted past, a white glow casting over their forms. Nix stood her ground, hands fisted by her side to control the anger she wanted to release as she stared down at the man who had repeatedly lied to her. The magic coursing through her body began bubbling to the surface, a jolt of energy gathering in her hands. She could bring him down with one flick, but first, he needed to explain why he lied to her, especially after what they had been through. Breathing deeply to calm her nerves, Nix looked down, noticing the faint hue of golden energy peeking through the slits of her folded fingers. With the release of a pend-up breath, she uncurled her hands, slightly shaking them to evaporate the power.

“Then what did I see?” demanded Nix, finally looking up at the betrayer. “And don’t try to lie. I know what I saw.”

Anger flared in her eyes as Deimos connected with her gaze; the sudden shift in composure combined with her magic dishevelled him, and he knew one wrong word could unleash her full potential. This is what he wanted to avoid, as the truth could shatter her mind. The revelation of magic and supernatural beings had shocked her, but learning that a real God was in her presence, might push her over the edge.

“The magic in your veins came from a being as old as time. Older than even this planet you call home. And I am one of those beings.”

“So, what are you then?”

Deimos paused, the word ‘God’ on the tip of his tongue. The Three had agreed to reveal himself to her, but it did not mean she would accept him. Fingers impatiently drummed against his thigh as she stared at him, her head slightly tilting as she waited for an answer. Flexing his fingers, Deimos gathered his strength before revealing his biggest secret.

“I am a God, sent here to train you.”

An owl hooted in the distance, breaking the silence between them as he waited for her response. She remained frozen, the expression on her face neutral. But suddenly, she smiled before laughing. The humour doubled her over as she slapped her knees, a cheerful giggle swamping the open field.

With a shocked expression, Deimos looked around awkwardly before gazing back at her, thinking she might have a mental breakdown. It was too much information all at once. He wanted to reveal his true self once she had mastered her magic, but he threw this humungous information at her just days after learning about the secret world hidden from humans.

“Are you alright?” asked Deimos, a hand slowly reaching for her, but she shot up, a grin greeting him.

“Of all the excuses you make, a God is what you choose. We both know they are a myth, fabricated by the cruel to justify their doings.”

Okay, so she is not mentally breaking down. She’s just not believing him.

“I am telling the truth.” defended Deimos.

“You want me to believe that the Gods look human and wander among us?”

“Yes and no. The Gods do not come to this plane. Instead, they watch from afar, choosing to observe their creations.”

Another giggle escaped Nix’s chest, the only reaction she could muster as Deimos spouted his fairytales. She had demanded the truth but received a story told to children at bedtime. She was still angry but could not help but laugh, for it was so absurd and far-fetched.

“So why are you here?” Nix asked, deciding to take this further and see what other ridiculous tale he is spinning.

“As I said before, I am here to train you.”

“Why me then, and why now?”

Sliding his fingers through his hair, Deimos knew he had to come clean even if she did not believe him. A weight was already lifted after he confessed what he was, and even though she did not believe him, he felt relieved. “As we watched humanity from afar and how you treat each other, the supernatural beings the Gods moulded fought between themselves. The war is breaching into your world. We needed a new species that could contain the balance to rectify our mistake. You were chosen as the first witch, and I volunteered to help you. If you are successful, the Gods will create more of you to uphold the balance of nature.”

Shaking her head, Nix inspected his features as the moon cast a shadow over half his face. There was no humour present as he stared directly at her, not diverting his gaze as if he was lying. Straightening up, she let go of what she knew of this place and its inhabitants. Her mind spun as theories invaded her. What if he was telling the truth? Before all this, she would have called him mad, but after witnessing a wolf, coming back from the brink of death and displaying power never seen before, what if he was telling the truth? She did not believe in the Gods, but it did not mean that they weren’t real.

Nix asked, “Why was I chosen?”

Of all the truth revealed, the one he could not tell her was that he had been watching her. Even the humans know that it is creepy, and it might just push her away from him. His love for her was even more remarkable for all they had been through, and losing her completely might break him. Since the human body experiences emotion far more significant than a God, he doubts he could survive heartbreak like that.

“From the countless human beings on earth, you displayed sympathy rarely seen these days. Your heart rules you, a trade you might hate, but it is one this world needs.”

Nix faltered with her follow-up question as his words sunk in. She had always known she was different, especially in thinking and acting. Most would call her weak, but being kind is a choice and one she would always choose.

“Okay, so I was chosen because I am nice, is that it?”

Deimos almost chuckled but bit it back. She still could not comprehend how amazing she was. Nice is not a word he would use but rather generous, caring, selfless, and more. “The short answer is yes.”

“Fine, let’s say I believe you. So you are a God sent down to train me.”

“Yes.”

“And I am supposed to save the world?”

“Not save, but show that there is still good in the world, that it is worth redeeming. You are the first of your kind meant to help humans and supernatural alike.”

All while he spoke, Nix felt lighter. The magic swirled over her body as she accepted it. Before, she had still fought for control of herself, to be the master of the power, but with the discovery, she knew that to reach her full potential, they had to become one.

“What is happening?” Deimos interrupted her.

Looking down, Nix saw the golden glow emitting from her body. The light breeze caressing them suddenly picked up as the wind formed a barrier around her, sending her hair flapping wildly around her head. Her head shot up, the intense gaze sending Deimos stepping back and away from barricading invisible wall. A bright light emitted from where her eyes should be as he watched her watching him, the wind picking up. While looking up at the sky, the golden hue covered her whole body as she opened her arms, welcoming her true self. Her feet lifted from the ground as she let go, and the power made her hover in the air.

“We are one,” mumbled Nix.

Covering his eyes as the light intensified, Deimos peeked through his fingers, unable to spot her through the blinding light, the frantic rustling of the trees blocking out his yells at her. This was not what the Gods had said would happen. Maybe he did push her over the edge with his truth, and she could be lost forever, the power engulfing her to the brink of death. Shooting out his right arm, Deimos called forth the flaming sword, a trick he had just learned. Bracing his arm over his face, Deimos prepared to push through the small tornado before him, but out of nowhere, the wind stopped as his ears opened up, the silence a relief from the thundering sounds. Lowering the protective arm, darkness swamped his vision, the only source of light coming from the flames in his hand. Clouds covered the moon once more, casting total darkness over the field. Holding the sword in front of him, he frantically searched for Nix, praying that she was not dead. A rustling to his left caught his attention, and turning in that direction, Deimos released the pent-up huff he held as movement between the flowers called him closer.

Nix sat up, soft grass tickling her palms as she pushed herself. Red flames neared as she looked up, a concerned Deimos sprinting towards her. Brushing off dirt from her behind as she stood facing the man, or God, as he had put it. Evidence of what just happened stood out as she looked around. Pieces of dirt covered with grass scattered around her, a perfect circle etched into the flattened plants.

Reaching Nix, Deimos stabbed the hilt of his sword into the ground to move closer, the flames lighting them up.

“What happened?” huffed Deimos as he reached for her, relieved as she stepped into his hold instead of flinching away. Smoothing away hair stuck on her face, he lightly tilted her chin as his thumb gently caressed her cheek. Wild eyes stared up at him as her plump lips parted slightly. “Are you alright?” asked Deimos since she remained quiet.

Her lips grew into a smile as her eyes twinkled, the usual hazelnut colour more vibrant with life. “I...I am amazing.”

“What was that?”

Reaching up, Nix wrapped her fingers around the nape of his neck, intertwining them with his hair as she grasped them and pulled. Letting her, Deimos followed her guide as he lowered his face, not moving unless she allowed him.

“I believe you,” Nix whispered right before she kissed him. The softness of his lips brushed hers, igniting the fire in her. Leading the way, her tongue snaked over his bottom lip as he opened them, inviting her in.

Their kiss became passionate. Deimos wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him, a low moan escaping as she rubbed her body against his, making him hard. This is what he has dreamed about for so long. To hold her in his arms as she held him, partners together in a mission. A mission slipped away, getting pulled apart as her lips moved in sync with his. Breaking away abruptly, Deimos could not believe he was the one stopping his dream from being a reality, but what had just happened was not expected, and she might not be herself. Taking advantage of someone innocent was not in his nature. With regret, he released her and stepped back.

“Why are you stopping?” Nix asked.

“As much as I want this,” he indicated between them,” and believe me, I do. We need to talk about what just happened.”

“Fine,” huffed Nix. Brushing a few strands behind her ears, Nix willed her heart to slow down as heat still gathered between her legs, the literal God setting her body alight. “To be honest, I am not sure. I know that after you told me who you are, something just clicked. I fought to control the magic all this time, but then I realized we were one. This is me now, and as soon as I stopped struggling, the power burst forth, and I became its partner.”

“I still don’t understand.”

Head high and shoulders drawn back, Nix eyed Deimos, a smirk on her lips. “I am a witch and can finally help those who need it.”