Past the point of no return, no backward glances...
Yeah, I am so not sorry for the little song lyrics. My mind is a weird thing.
Anyway, we arrive at the deciding moment: Miada and the others step into a different dimension.
Once in the lab, they were surprised. Casimerin, Cindarin and Tahyrell were already waiting for them and were preparing the portal.
"What?" it burst out of Bayeen.
She stopped as if she had run into a wall.
"We saw it, too. It was clear to me what must be done now."
Casimerin sounded tense. Miada saw the memory crystals scattered around him.
"What are you doing?"
Gavani had approached him.
"I'm gathering all the important data. You're supposed to take the crystals there. The others are for me."
"And then what?"
Fenor began to take said crystals. Casimerin's expression turned grim. Miada saw the same expressions on Cindarin and Tahyrell.
"They will destroy it before Zefika can use it."
How she knew, she could not tell.
"He'll chalk it up as a victory for himself, you know that?"
With a hand on Casimerin's arm, Gavani looked
"That way he feels safe, and we have an advantage."
Sykova looked at the portal as he spoke.
"Won't he assume there will be copies of the data?"
Tahyrell's uncertainty was something Miada could understand. Questioningly, she looked at Casimerin, who smirked a little.
"Everything that is happening right now is not being logged by the system. If they check everything, it will look like everything was off since yesterday. That was a safety mechanism that Miada's parents had built in."
Casimerin's wide, self-satisfied grin was not something Miada ever expected to see, just as she never expected her father to have installed such a thing. Either he was a smart man, paranoid, or already knew where this was going. Whatever it was, it would save everyone now.
While Gavani set to work helping the others open the portal, Miada went to her locker and retrieved everything she had stashed there for just this moment. By the time she was back at the portal, the others had also retrieved everything. Her gaze went over all of them and lingered on Sykova. It was clear that he was thinking hard.
"Syo?"
"What's changed?" he whispered thoughtfully.
"Changed?"
Fenor had spoken only softly, but in the almost eerie silence even that had been easy to hear.
"For decades, I've seen this moment. This wasn't it."
Miada heard Gavani sigh heavily behind her.
"I know. This wasn't supposed to be it."
Slowly, Miada understood what his problem was. She knew from Lavynara that it had been imperative that Sykova's siblings be taken out of the family. She knew this moment here and now was fixed. There was nothing that could have prevented it.
Around her, the devices began to come to life. Bayeen checked her paramedic bag one last time. Fenor went through everything else, while Sykova looked steadfastly at the portal.
"We...," Miada spoke after minutes of silence.
All eyes went to her.
"What do you mean, little one?"
Miada almost wanted to laugh.
"What has changed? It's us. Sykova's siblings separating from the family was a fixed point, as was our transition. Until a few months ago, Sykova let everything happen..."
"But you stubborn one started changing things because you wanted security."
Sykova sounded close to a nervous breakdown.
"Is that good or bad?"
It was a wonder Tahyrell still understood what she was talking about.
"Good for now, because it gives us an advantage," Gavani explained hastily, "No seer is so powerful to perceive this change in such a short time. Even Sykova is surprised."
"And the ripple effect? If this is already changing so much, what about the future?"
With a questioning look, Bayeen looked back and forth between Gavani and Sykova.
"That's exactly our advantage," Gavani chuckled, "The conspirators will act on what the seers have seen for decades."
Casimerin pulled the last memory crystal out of the slot and looked around.
"You're telling me that Miada has triggered a butterfly effect that will benefit us now because the future is uncertain again?"
"That's exactly what they're saying."
Fenor smirked with a shake of his head as Miada looked to him.
"Has anything like this ever happened before?"
Questioningly, she looked to Gavani, who looked up, thinking.
"It happens all the time, but not on such a large scale, but that one is now because a huge number of people have been working toward the same goal....... Wait."
Gavani's gaze went to Sykova, who just looked at her with wide eyes.
"That's why they want us gone and have been working towards this moment to keep us together."
"Does anyone else understand what's going on?"
Bayeen had straightened up and looked around the room. The hum of the machines grew louder. Soon they were ready to use the portal.
"Miada is an unstable variable. There are always people like that, but because of her proximity to the councils due to her family, that makes her a disruptive factor in the conspirators' plans. Because she is unpredictable, everything related to her eventually becomes unpredictable as well."
"Then I should stay."
Hands on hips, Miada stood there. Gavani just looked at her pleadingly.
"Please, little one, not now. Even though right now it seems, and I do say seems, that's what our enemies want, it's also our only chance. You heard your grandfather."
Fenor, Sykova and Bayeen hugged her from the side.
"She's right. We are more help in the other dimension."
Slowly, she turned to Sykova.
"The moment we are back, whenever that will be, I will hunt down anyone involved in this knowingly."
Sykova's look was as serious, grim, and cold as it looked inside her.
"I will gladly help you in this, sinda."
"All right, you four. We can."
The way Casimerin looked at them, you would have thought they were his children, not his colleagues.
"All right, then. Everyone, take your bags. Check again that everything is there and properly seated."
Fenor had taken command without thinking about it. As the portal went into the final stages of preparation, everyone checked their backpacks and bags. Dressed in the most practical clothing they could find, they all stood there, ready to cross over into another dimension. Bayeen silently distributed the chains with the translator crystals.
The soft sound of the portal sounded amplified many times in the silence.
"Take care of yourselves," Gavani smiled.
Then they stepped through.
And now, the end is near, and we face the final curtain
(I am sorry if you immediately started to sing this in your head while reading.)
Anyway, the last parts of Miada's POV are to come. Have fun everyone.
Trigger Warning for: racism, government turned fascist, jailing government opponents
(Yeah, this is just going down the drain)
As best they could, they all tried to put out of their minds that this would be the last time they would see their families for a long time. They sat together, enjoying the company and the food, laughing at the shenanigans of Sykova's younger siblings. It made Miada grateful in a way that she would leave behind only Vivalka, who was already old enough to defend herself. How the others felt knowing they had to leave their younger siblings behind, she didn't want to know.
The evening progressed. The youngest had fallen asleep spread out on the sofas.
Suddenly, the emergency sirens went off. At the same moment all the phones rang with messages asking everyone to turn on the TVs and radios. Confused, Vivalka reached for the controls and didn't have to look far. All the channels were showing the same thing: a countdown to an announcement.
All eyes went to Orshez.
"Has there ever been anything like this before?" asked Gavani in amazement.
"When I was a kid...."
Orshez lips were pressed together. Whatever it was then brought back bad memories. Fenor's father cleared his throat.
"The last I heard of was the state of emergency due to the devastating forest fires that rolled across the land."
Orshez nodded even more grimly. The countdown ended and the emergency signal came. A moment later, Zefika appeared on the screen. The entire group took a collective sharp breath.
"My fellow citizens, a rift has gone through our society that no one could have expected. Many of you have surely already noticed that there are fewer and fewer dragons in the cities. No one knows how many are left, but it is a sad certainty that the dragons are planning an attack against the foxes in the next few days. To do so, they have even destroyed the magical barrier that protected us from invaders from other dimensions and secretly developed a device to open portals even without magic."
"That liar!"
The empty cake box caught fire as Miada became upset. Orshez and Gavani put their hands on her forearms and squeezed.
On the screen, Zefika paused. You had to hand it to him, he could play the concerned councilman perfectly.
"We have found the plant and will destroy it tomorrow morning. May the darkness be with us that they have not yet received outside help. All dragons still living in the towns and villages are under house arrest as of now. I ask every fox to report any violations to the authorities. Unfathomable Darkness be with us."
Zefika disappeared from the screen, and a list of new laws appeared, but no one paid attention to it.
Miada looked at Sykova, who only nodded. Bayeen and Fenor said goodbye to their parents.
"Don't worry, little one. We were expecting something like this. You do what you have to do, and we'll get ourselves and the little ones to safety."
Gavani smiled encouragingly, but there was clearly tension underneath. For a brief moment, Miada closed her eyes and took several deep breaths in and out. She had to keep her emotions under control now, or she would disrupt the portal.
After everyone had said their goodbyes, the four of them set off. While their way led to the laboratory together with Gavani, Orshez guided the others on their way out of the city. This was not how she had imagined it. Something in Miada had hoped they would just use the portal surreptitiously because they didn't get permission, and not because three power-hungry families in their cross-generational plan left them no other choice.
"I will make Zefika suffer for this."
She had only spoken softly, or more like rolled, but Sykova had overheard.
"No, that's what I'm going to do. He's my responsibility."
"We'll worry about that when the time comes," Gavani reminded them, "Even though I want a piece of that traitor, too."
With a slight glance to the side, she gestured Miada to come along. Automatically, the other three followed her outside.
"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Sykova barely outside.
It wasn't reproachful, rather it sounded depressed.
"Because I wasn't sure."
"Why are you now?"
"Have you seen the news?"
Questioningly, everyone looked at each other.
"What do you mean?"
Fenor had stepped outside the door so that no one could disturb them. Lavynara sighed. The knowledge of what was coming weighed on everyone's mind, despite the warm evening.
"The council is divided. What Syos and my family have done will leave a rift between foxes and dragons for a very long time. Zefika put together a council of only foxes, all this talk about dragons can't be trusted anymore."
"Can I guess?"
Miada could not and would not hide the cynicism.
"Yes?"
"All people from the three suspicious families."
"Half as far as we know. Your grandfather's been trying to figure out what's going on all along. But the point I'm sure it's going to be today is this."
Lavynara pulled out her phone and showed the group a photo. On it was how council members of the Dragons were being taken away as if they were criminals.
"How did this all happen so fast?"
Bayeen's bewilderment only reflected how Miada felt. Only weeks had passed, barely more than three months. No one was that fast.
"Because they've been preparing it for generations."
Sykova's voice was strained and contempt almost dripped from his lips.
"He's right. For as long as I can remember, Grandmother has spoken of the Great Day of Control.
What we see now is what they let us see. Not long, and they will treat the foxes who oppose them the same way."
"How can we leave now?"
Miada had almost shouted.
"Because you are our hope, my child."
Orshez stood behind Fenor and looked at her with an unreadable mine.
"What do you mean?"
She pushed past Lavynara and Fenor to stand in front of Orshez. He just put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed.
"Lavynara and Gavani have told me what they see, what possible twists all this can take. I've asked around. Every seer says the same thing: You four are coming back and those who come with you will decide how it turns out. You are our SOS out into the dimensions. You have the most important job of all: Find allies."
"But we should be here. Helping. Syo...."
As if he had been waiting for the cue, Sykova put a hand on her head.
"Mis, that's exactly what we're going to do."
"We must plan and proceed as meticulously as our opponents," Orshez explained, this time with a slight smile.
Miada looked over her shoulder at Lavynara and stared at her with narrowed eyes.
"Tell me you'll be safe."
"You can't ask her to do that," Bayeen interjected.
"She's right, it's not fair," Fenor agreed.
Miada broke away from her grandfather and Sykova and stood in front of Lavynara.
"Tell me you'll be safe."
There was something strange about the smile as Lavynara nodded.
"We will, as long as something doesn't change seriously. We have already brought about change with this now. You've already caused changes that couldn't have been predicted. From what I see at the moment, I can tell you that we will be safe. Please focus on what lies ahead."
For a moment, Miada wanted to flare up, but collected herself before her magic could begin to make itself known. She took a deep breath. A moment later, she collapsed. Fenor grabbed her and hugged her as tightly as he could, only to have that trigger a group hug.
"We can do this. You heard her. We'll be back, and then we'll clean up with these brain-addled idiots."
Bayeen's attempt to cheer everyone up sounded a little strange, but it served its purpose, making everyone giggle.
A few moments later, the hug dissolved and one by one, everyone except Miada and Lavynara went back inside. Taking a deep breath, Miada turned to Lavynara again.
"I'm sorry."
"I understand. This is no easy knowledge."
"No, it isn't."
They both looked up at the sky, where the sun was slowly setting, bathing everything in warm colors.
"Lavynara?"
"Yes, Miada?"
"We won't come back alone?"
"No, you won't."
"Good. I'm looking forward to the day when I can skin Zefika alive for all he's done. And then I'll move on to all the other foxes who helped start this madness."
Lavynara just shook her head and looked to the side with a smile.
"Let's get inside before all the cake is gone."
"That sounds like the best plan today."
"You haven't seen my siblings fighting over pie, have you?"
It almost sounded like a warning to Miada's ears. Seconds later, she realized it was just that. The sight of the horde of puppies fighting with Sykova over who got which piece was something she would probably remember for a while. Especially because the biggest pieces were secretly given to the smallest ones.
It's the beginning of the end... 🎶🎶🎶🎶
Yeah, as you can guess, there is no going back now. The final phase started.
No Warnings for this part
Tagging @ashen-crest @adie-dee @abalonetea @cometkov @chris-the-dragonslayer @contes-de-rheio @kainablue @viskafrer @vivian-is-writing
"We'll get through this, Mis."
As much as Bayeen tried to cheer her up, Miada couldn't shake the feeling that this would be the last time she saw her family for a long time. The way Fenor was acting, Sykova had clued them both in to how close they were to the point where everything would change.
"Don't think about what tomorrow or the day after tomorrow is," Fenor whispered in her ear.
A moment later, she found herself in a hug from him and Sykova.
"Guys, I need space."
Inevitably, everyone had to laugh. As best she could, Miada straightened her clothes and opened the door to her family's house. They all knew Sykova's siblings were there, but they hadn't been prepared for what they saw in the living room. For reasons no one could explain, Gavani was also there, as well as Fenor and Bayeen's parents. The triplets managed to knock Sykova over because he was also taken aback and didn't see them coming.
"Grandfather?", Miada turned to Orshez.
His smile was a mixture of sadness, pride and hope. It scared Miada.
"Gavani filled us in, along with Lavynara."
"Mom?"
Slowly, Fenor walked toward the dragoness, who only smirked.
"Don't be silly, Fen. Do you think we adults haven't noticed that the four of you have always stuck together? It's been obvious to me for a long time that there had to be something behind it. I never thought it would be this big, though."
The other dragons just nodded in agreement.
"How close are we?"
It was Bayeen's father who had asked the question that was on everyone's mind. Sykova looked to Miada, Fenor, and Bayeen. Miada put a hand on his upper arm with a smile.
"Today, right?"
Sykova just closed her eyes. Automatically, all eyes went to Lavynara. Mutely, she nodded.
"Today," ultimately confirmed Gavani, "After all I can put together, sometime tonight."
"And then?"
"That's no longer your concern," Orshez admonished, unusually sternly, "We're prepared."
"We're not going to let some idiots with power fantasies have their way," Bayeen's father laughed.
Slowly, Miada got a sense that Bayeen's optimism came from her father.
"Damn, you're on time today, of all days?" blurted Vivalka.
There were heavy bags on her hands.
"What are you doing?"
There was no mistaking the skepticism on Sykova's part.
"Cake!"
At the word cake, two hungry teenagers immediately stood in front of Vivalka.
"We'll help."
Miada had to laugh at the look Sykova gave his siblings, but slowly it became clear why he always took so long to choose something for himself.
"Leave some over while you help, though," Lavynara joked.
The plot thickens, my dear readers. There is no turning back now.
Tagging @ashen-crest @adie-dee @abalonetea @cometkov @chris-the-dragonslayer @contes-de-rheio @kainablue @viskafrer @vivian-is-writing
Dreamily, Miada watched Sykova check the last items. Right next to him sat Fenor and Bayeen, who were checking their own records. The planned two days had already turned into three, and none of them had been home during that time. Every single scientist was gripped by the fire of the new achievements.
"That's enough, everyone," Casimerin spoke from the center of the room.
Everyone looked abruptly over at him. He looked no less done in than anyone else.
"Is something wrong?" asked Gavani from the side.
"Yes, we all need a break. It's taken us decades, it can wait a few more days. We all need a hot bath, some proper food, and most of all, sleep."
As if on cue, someone somewhere yawned loudly.
"But...", Cindarin wanted to say something, but Casimerin cut her off with a warning look.
"No buts. We're ALL going home. I don't want to see anyone here until noon tomorrow. Preferably even later."
Silence fell over the lab. Time stretched out, and then the clink of a pencil falling on one of the metal tables sounded.
"Banned for at least 36 hours?" asked Tahyrell as a precaution.
"At least."
No sooner had Casimerin confirmed it, busyness came to the group. Sykova's laughter drew Miada's attention back to him.
"Basically, our boss is a big soft cookie."
"Don't say that too loud," Bayeen chuckled and began to gather everything together.
One by one, they all got ready for the necessary long end of the day. They were almost out of the lab when Sykova's phone went off. The initial confusion faded as he smiled.
"This is Lavynara. She asked if we had any plans for tomorrow."
"I think we are now."
Curious, Bayeen stretched.
"Who is meant by we?"
"I think all of us, including you. Provided you feel like surviving overzealous fox cubs."
"The pups can't be any worse than you."
Only the amused twinkle in Fenor's eyes showed he was joking.
"So we're all in. I think the more adults, the better."
The questioning look from all three that Miada got in return made her laugh out loud.
"What, we're still better than those hyperactive triplets that call themselves his siblings. Even for kids, they have too much energy."
"Who has too much energy?"
Vivalka had snuck up behind him and leaned on Miada's shoulder.
"Syo's siblings."
"Oh, the little whirlwinds. You were worse."
"I was only one, though. That's three of a kind."
"You're right again."
Laughing, the group began to move. Without giving it a second thought, almost all the scientists collectively left the lab and strolled across the grounds of the institute. It was strange to see so few people on the road, but it happened.
However, when they reached the street it became stranger and stranger. The question marks were almost visible overhead as everyone looked at each other in confusion. There were almost only fox demons to be seen, and many of them were looking at the group just as confused.
"I forgot all about that..." muttered Cindarin thoughtfully.
"The messages..."
Sykova had added quietly, but he might as well have been shouting. The total of four days they had all been holed up in the lab had left visible marks on the company.
Someone put his hands on Miada's shoulder. She leaned back a little to see who it was and looked at Gavani with a sullen look and compressed lips.
"Soon."
She didn't have to say more. Miada looked to Sykova. Judging from his stony look, he had the same thought. It was only a matter of days, if not hours, before they would leave everything behind. Even more than before, Miada was glad that they had prepared everything with Gavani and Casimerin on the side during the last days. If they had to, Miada, Sykova, Fenor and Bayeen could make the transition to the other dimension within an hour, and looking around her, there was a fear that that was exactly what was going to happen.
Oh yeah, it is coming along. The scientists get a first glimps of a different dimension now. I would be surprised if any reader knows what dimension and where they end up from the descriptions, but maybe you surprise me.
Miada watched in fascination as Councilor Misrin piloted the magical drone through the portal. The morning's tests went as hoped and everything worked within parameters, which alone was a reason to rejoice, but this was better. Through the electrode helmet on Misrin's head, the images she saw through the drone were transmitted to one of the screens. All the scientists gathered around the small screen and watched in fascination as the drone made its rounds over the large lake.
At first, it was a little unspectacular, as it appeared that the portal led into a cave, but close enough to the entrance to see the sky. Minutes later, the drone had been out and on the lake. During the countless rounds, you had seen the mountain range where the cave was, and also the settlements at the foot of the mountains. In the distance, you could see a large city that had been partially built into the mountain.
"Please fly as low as you can without drawing the locals' attention to you."
Casimerin had spoken only half aloud, just loud enough for Misrin to hear him. The dragoness nodded and steered the drone lower.
Never would Miada have thought that this little thing, modeled after a bird, could perform such feats.
"That's several species! Do you see that? That's several!"
Cindarin rejoiced like a girl on her birthday as they made out two different species. One was bluish in skin tone and had what looked like tusks and the other looked like fox demons without tails or ears and their skin varied from sand colored to a light brown. It inevitably reminded Miada of her vision.
"A third?"
Bayeen had leaned further forward. Inevitably, Miada and Casimerin copied the movement as those who sat directly in front of it.
"Wait..."
Miada blindly searched for her phone and started looking for something. For safety, she had packed everything they could find about the other dimensions on it. After finding the image she was looking for, she held the phone's small screen next to the monitor.
"Am I the only one seeing this?"
The people they saw through the drone clearly bore a resemblance to the representations labeled Vowiquima and Moikrahin. Only the group they saw second was nowhere to be found.
"That means multiple species have mixed into this dimension?" someone asked behind them.
"Probably through trade," Fenor mused aloud.
"Wait a minute..."
Miada walked closer.
"Misrin, could you get down a little further?"
Casimerin seemed to have seen it as well. A little bit the people came closer. The drone had to be hovering about ten feet above the group.
"There are four of them. They're bashat. There are demons there!"
Miada could not control her joy. If it was this dimension she had to visit to find her parents, some things would be easier.
"Is this the hidden land, perhaps?"
"What?"
Everyone turned to Tahyrell, who looked at them in confusion.
"There are always references in the history books that during the beginnings of the Interdimensional War, some retreated to a peaceful dimension because they didn't want to be part of what their peoples started. That right there could be as many different peoples as we see there."
Fox's ears twitched nervously as Tahyrell explained, which was probably more because everyone was looking at him.
"That would be the biggest find after the portals were developed."
"That means I can get it back?" asked Misrin with a laugh.
"Yes, you can. We have all the telemetry. It's going to take at least two days to evaluate all of that."
Casimerin's enthusiasm was contagious. It wasn't as if everyone wasn't almost vibrating with anticipation of finally being allowed to re-enter the other dimensions and be the first to research it.
Still, eyes remained fixed on the monitor as Misrin retrieved the drone. Elegantly, the little thing flew through the portal. Only a second later, Gavani closed the portal. For a long second there was absolute silence, so that only the hum of the apparatus could be heard, then cheers broke out. Casimerin rushed up to Misrin and took her in her arms effusively, which only caused the others to exchange amused glances. Whatever the next few days brought, they could be sure that they already had a historic breakthrough.
I regret all my life choice regarding this story. I already hate myself for it. This will be the longest thing I ever posted on Tumblr. You have to stay with me.
After the guests left, the busy work began. Casimerin had immediately ordered to examine everything for technical and magical devices that could have been hidden. That alone had taken several hours.
Most of them stayed on site overnight, so they could get there faster the next morning. It almost seemed as if time was on the backs of the others' necks as well, in a way.
Miada was standing outside at the entrance, enjoying the sunset. She had decided to stay as well and took advantage of the moment to get some fresh air. Fenor stepped up beside her with a mug of hot chocolate, which he handed to her wordlessly.
"Thanks."
"Thought you could use the energy."
"Bayeen ordered it?" laughed Miada before taking the first sip.
"And Cindarin. Those two are really similar in that way."
"I've noticed that, too."
For a few minutes, they just stood there, enjoying the hot chocolate. It didn't matter that it was actually already too warm for that.
"You didn't see it, did you?"
Fenor's question snapped Miada out of her thoughts.
"Saw what?"
A light breeze blew petals toward them. Fenor's grim face puzzled Miada even more.
"The threads. Casimerin and Atryn saw them too, but apparently no one else."
"Tell me about it."
Sykova's voice came as a surprise. He was back from his snack shopping and had several large bags on his hands. It almost seemed as if Fenor had to take selfsame courage, the way he inhaled.
"Colorful threads the thickness of an arm led away from the portal. Some were thinner, others almost faded as if too much sun had gotten on them, but all were cut. Whatever Atryn was doing, it was piecing the threads together."
"So you saw the dimensional threads?" echoed Miada.
"I think so."
"I'm sure of it," Sykova spoke seriously.
Carefully, he set the bags down and pulled out his phone. A moment later, he showed an ancient representation of the dimensions they once traded with. All of them were arranged around them and connected with different colors.
"This dimension map used to hang in the classroom back in the days when we had the pre-Barrier era as a study area, didn't it?"
Miada stepped closer and pulled his hand with the phone toward her.
"That's right, I remember it faintly."
"You think it also showed the dimensional threads?"
Even as Fenor asked the question, Sykova held it out to him. Silently, Fenor studied the illustration and nodded slowly.
"Yes, it does show that. But why couldn't everyone see it?"
Questioningly, the three looked at each other.
"Maybe it's like the seers with the foxes?" suggested Miada at one point with a shrug.
"That would make sense," Fenor agreed with her, "After all, it was always said that the most gifted portal mages were dragons. If they could see those connections, they always knew immediately when a portal wasn't safe."
Sykova's amused giggle distracted Fenor and Miada.
"Bayeen is going to hate that she's the only one who doesn't have a special ability."
"I wouldn't say that. Her empathy is strong."
It was cute how Fenor defended her, but Miada knew Sykova was right. Bayeen would want to smack Fenor silly for that.
"But...", Miada began and then paused for a moment, unsure if she should say it.
The looks on the other two's faces were wait-and-see. Sykova indicated with a wave of her hand that she should keep talking.
"But now we know that there is a special talent even among dragons. It just wasn't needed all this time, or didn't have a chance to be needed? Which of the two, actually?"
"In a way, both."
Laughing, Fenor took her in a hug with one arm.
"He's got a point there. We should go in, though. The food is getting warm and I think we could all use a pick-me-up."
Sykova pranced past them both. Whether it was intentional that he stroked his foxtail around Fenor as he did so or not, Miada couldn't tell. She wouldn't be surprised if it was intentional.
"Then let us begin. We only have this one shot," Zefika took the scepter.
The other council members looked at him as confused as the scientists. Only Orshez and Casimerin did not look confused.
They all stood in a circle around Atryn and Casimerin. Orshez joined them and formed the link to the rest of the group. It didn't really surprise Miada that her grandfather was the one who would channel the energy. It was well known within the family that it was his strongest attribute.
One by one, everyone joined hands and began to send their magic. The familiar feeling of humming in their veins confirmed that the nanobots of their tattoos had connected with the others and so now they all formed one unit and the magic flowed in a great stream to Orshez.
What exactly to do, Miada didn't know, but from everything she had learned in school about the barrier, they would be expected to use magic to open a portal. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. The large construct in front of them began to hum. The first warning lights came on. So they would technically open the portal.
She glanced sideways at Fenor, who was looking intently at the portal. Her gaze next went to Orshez, who only smiled. The feeling that he was causing this to happen came to her. As Miada began to think about it more carefully, it made sense. This way, no one could manipulate the portal while they were releasing the barrier, and it saved magic.
A new kind of hum spread through Miada's body. The questioning looks of the others told her that they felt it too. Slowly, a kind of pressure came to it, as if someone was trying to push her away.
"Stand your ground, that's the barrier's defense mechanism," Atryn warned her in a pressed voice.
The pull for more magic came right after that. Miada had to concentrate that not too much was sucked out at once. It wouldn't do anyone any good if she toppled over.
The portal entered its final phase. The great gate slowly began to erect the portal, as evidenced by the flickering of air in the space between. With a soft sound of running water, the portal stood all at once. Fenor and Casimerin took deep breaths at the sight, and Atryn also seemed surprised by something.
"Do you see that too?" whispered Fenor strained.
"What?"
Bayeen had answered.
"The threads..."
Miada wanted to ask what strings, but there was a pop. It rang in her ears, but the pressure on her chest was gone. Looking at Atryn and Casimerin showed movements as if something was being put together. Somewhere deep in her memory, something from class came up again. Some scientists suggested that the dimensions were connected to a limited number of other dimensions by some kind of spider web. If she compared this with what she had just seen, it was obvious that there was some truth in it.
The portal changed and sky, as blue as she had rarely seen it, appeared in the gateway. Satisfied, Atryn and Casimerin fell into the nearest office chairs.
"We did it?" asked Cindarin, hopefully.
"We did. This is the sky of another dimension."
Orshez had stepped closer. His mouth was open in amazement. Miada could relate to him what it must be like after all these decades to finally witness the portal being successfully activated.
Carefully and on shaky legs, she and Gavani stepped next to Orshez. Both placed a hand on his shoulders.
"Now we will bring her home," Gavani determined with a certainty Miada could not relate to.
At that moment, she could only trust that what Gavani saw all these years would come to pass, whatever it was. Sykova stood next to Miada and exhaled in relief.
"That's better."
"I know what you mean," Gavani commented.
"Do we want to know what you mean?"
The question sounded as uncertain as Miada felt. Sykova just shook her head and kissed her on the cheek.
"Just know that this sky means we're on the right track," he whispered in her ear.
She nodded, barely visible.
They were on the right path. Nothing else mattered now.
