The Changeling Princess (27 page)

CHAPTER 49

Christmas was near and I was approaching my thirty-fifth birthday. Rounding up the Demons had taken a total of seventeen years. Time had passed quickly because I was always on the go. I still had my Changeling skills, but the Ivarr powers granted to me by the Supreme Entity were a thing of the past. I had no idea what I was going to do next.

“
Are you finished with your Demon hunting for good now?” my mother asked.

“
Yes, Mom, my powers are gone.”

“
Would you do it all over again if the Supreme Entity asked you to?”

I didn
’t have to think twice. “Of course I would. If you are chosen to rid the world of unspeakable evil, you simply can’t refuse when asked. The world is depending on you and you have to do what’s right.”

“
Now you know why you were chosen. And that’s why your dad and I are so very proud of you. You have given all the Changeling Clans a reason to hold their heads high with pride. You will not be forgotten, Janis, I can guarantee that.”

When I left the dinner table that evening, I went to my room feeling tired and worn out. I glanced at the prom pictures
on my dresser. I couldn’t help wondering if I would have married Wade if he hadn’t died.
It was a question that would never be answered.

I put on my pajamas, blew Wade
’s picture a goodnight kiss and got into bed. I looked up at the ceiling and smiled. I could still visualize Misty and Izzy flying around the room and playing there cute little game of rounding up the bad guys. I felt fortunate because I had so many wonderful memories of my precious little kitties. I was half asleep when I heard the familiar voice of the Supreme Entity.

You have done well, my child. You carried out your duties admirably because you captured every Demon on your list. No other Ivarr since the opening of the first portal has been able to accomplish that.

“What about Nessie? I didn’t capture her.”

Antista was not a Demon. As with the Ivarrs before you, you have the gift of compassion because you have kindness in your heart.

“Thank you for telling me. I wasn’t sure if I’d made the right decision or not.”

The time has come for you to visit the great hall that houses the Ivarrs of the past. I think you will be pleased with what I have to show you.

I wasn’t sure what was happening to me. It was as if I had become weightless and I was floating upward into the heavens. I wasn’t sure, but I think my spirit had been separated from my body.

I found myself staring at millions and millions of stars as I rose higher into the sky. I almost lost my breath when I saw the rings of Saturn up close and personal. I was awestruck beyond belief.

I felt myself accelerating as I was whisked out into the far reaches of space. I was racing past the stars at such a fast pace that they looked like streaks of light. As we picked up speed, the streaks of light diminished and I was surrounded by entire galaxies in all directions. I had never seen anything so spectacular in my entire life.

When we finally slowed down, I saw that I was approaching a beautiful blue planet that reminded me of Earth. I floated gently to the ground and found myself standing on a hill overlooking a large city. It was like looking at a page out of a history book because the city looked exactly like ancient Rome. I felt the presence of the Supreme Entity standing next to me, but all I could see was a vague outline of mist, swirling slowly in the afternoon Sun.

“This looks like ancient Rome,” I commented.

It is an exact duplicate of Rome. This planet has many cities, such as Babylon and Troy that were once centers of culture. The seven ancient wonders of the world are also here.

“You mean like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?”

That is correct.

“What you’re telling me is that you are using this world to record the history of the planet Earth?”

Correct again.

“Are there other planets like this that are used to record the history of other worlds?” I wasn’t sure, but I think I detected a chuckle from the Supreme Entity.

There are some questions that should be left unanswered.

I walked up the hill toward a beautiful rotunda, a circular building with a large dome, supported by large pillars. Above the arched entryway were large letters carved in stone that read, “History of the Ivarrs.”

I was holding my breath as I walked through the archway. The first thing I saw was two stone figures mounted on a pedestal. The names
“Ausue, the Changeling Ivarr” and “Jasma the Witch Companion” were carved below the stone figures. The statues were so lifelike they looked as if they could step down and walk away.

The first Portal of Darkness to your universe opened ten thousand years ago
, the Supreme Entity explained.
The portal was quite small at that time and only a handful of Demons attempted to cross over. Ausue and Jasma were the first to be chosen to defend your world. They were given the power of super strength combined with advanced skills of sword fighting. Any new skills they acquired were handed down to the next Ivarr, five hundred years later. For example, you have learned many new ways to use your energy beam. If earth is threatened again, those skills will be handed down to the next Ivarr.

I continued my walk from one set of statues to the next. I found it especially interesting that the Ivarr could be either a male or a female and they were always accompanied by a companion. I also discovered that several Ivarrs were Witches and their companions were Changelings. I figured it was a question of who was the best choice at the time.

I lost my breath when I came to the last set of statues. What I saw were statues of Wade and me, holding our swords and shields. I was wearing my toga and Wade was wearing the beautiful robe I had made for him. I was so choked up that I had to fight to hold back my tears. Wade looked so real that I wanted to take him in my arms and hold him.

I wanted to stay longer, but I found myself being lifted into the air again. As we picked up speed, I assumed that I was being taken home. I sighed because the trip had been such a wonderful experience.

* * *

I found myself lying on my bed, looking up at the ceiling. I was in a dream state and I was perfectly relaxed. I heard the voice of the Supreme Entity again.

Janis, you have performed you duties with impeccable taste and this will not go unrewarded. I have the power to grant what you have always wished for—a new life in an alternate reality that you can share with Wade.

CHAPTER 50

I felt as light as a feather as I floated endlessly through space. Suddenly, my eyes were open and I saw streaks of light that looked like stars racing by. My first impression was that I was traveling through a vast universe at light breaking speed.

When I slowed down, I found myself approaching a planet with beautiful blue oceans. As I approached the surface my thoughts became centered on a fierce battle taking place in the middle of a desert. My mind went blank as I floated down to the planet
’s surface.

* * *

When I came to a stop, I realized I’d been positioned between the Sun and the Portal. I glanced from side to side and for the first time I could see my wings. I had a feeling of complete bliss. I knew instantly that the Supreme Entity was guiding my actions.

I felt my entire body absorbing the energy from the afternoon Sun. At the same time, my powers were being elevated to their maximum strength. I sensed that my newfound strength extended all the way out to the outstretched tips of my newfound wings. My entire body grew brighter and brighter until I was as bright as the Sun itself. With my wings spread wide open, I became the cross of righteousness, filled with fury to be feared by all evil creatures. I channeled my light into a solid beam and directed it toward the Portal.
When the Portal weakened, I used all of my strength to exert maximum power. I watched as the entire structure exploded into a million pieces. The threat to mankind had been postponed for another five hundred years.

I fell to the ground completely exhausted. I morphed back to Janis French and crawled on my hands and knees to Wade. The first thing I did was dissolve the protective shield I had placed around him. Wade was smiling as I used the rejuvenation beam to increase his strength.

“I saw your wings, Janis. They were beautiful.”

“
Don’t talk, Wade, you’ve been hurt.”

“
It’s not that bad. I took a hard blow to the back of my neck, but I followed your advice and kept my collar up.”

“
Are…are you sure you’re not seriously hurt?”

“
I don’t think so. Why are you looking at me so strangely?”

“
If you want the truth, I thought you’d been mortally wounded.”

“
Maybe your imagination is working overtime. Things like that happen in battle.”

“
You’re probably right, but you had me scared to death. Can you stand up?”

Wade lifted himself to his knees and then he fell backwards on his rear end.

“You’re still weak, Wade.”

“
Okay, so I’m a little weak. I’ll be as good as new in no time flat.”

I suddenly felt the presence of the Supreme Entity. Wade sensed it too.

You have done well my children. Return to your homes and celebrate. I will contact you for your next assignment.

“
Next assignment,” I said. “You mean we’re not finished yet?”

I will explain when the time is right.

Wade looked at me. “Maybe he’s going to throw a party for us?”

“
I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor. Let me help you to your feet so we can get out of here.”

* * *

Mildred Wilson appeared as I was helping Wade toward the back steps. “Bring him into the living room,” she said as we entered the house. I laid Wade down on the living room sofa.

“
Wade was hurt, Ms. Wilson, so I used my rejuvenation beam. He appears to be a lot better.”

Ms. Wilson looked at the wound.
“It looks like his neck was bruised by some kind of energy beam. He’s lucky he had his collar up. He could have been killed.”

“
I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” I said. “The Supreme Entity told us that we were going to be sent on another assignment.”

Ms. Wilson paused.
“It’s obvious this new assignment will require you both to work as a team. That’s probably why Wade wasn’t killed in the battle.”

“
That makes sense, but I was sure that Wade had died on the battle field. I guess it was just my imagination, but it really scared me.”

Wade interrupted.
“I think I was spared because the Supreme Entity didn’t like the idea of losing someone with my sparking personality.”

I reached down and kissed Wade on the cheek.
“And don’t you ever change. You bring a lot of sunshine into my life, so don’t even think about dying on me.”

Ms. Wilson chuckled.
“I have a special Witch’s cream for Wade’s wound. He’ll be up and around in no time flat.”

“
I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, kissing Wade on the cheek again. I was one happy young lady because Wade hadn’t been taken from me.

* * *

I spent several hours with my parents discussing my adventures at the Portal of Darkness. “Weren’t you afraid?” asked my mother.

“
I didn’t have time to be afraid, Mom.”

“
That’s because Janis is a born warrior,” said my dad.

“
I guess I did pretty well because the Supreme Entity was pleased. Wade and I are waiting for another assignment.”

My mother gasped.
“Another assignment! What kind of an assignment?”

“
I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.”

My dad appeared upset.
“He’s asking an awful lot of an eighteen year old who just graduated from high school. I hope this will be the end of it.”

“
Me, too,” said my mother. “While I think of it, Sherri called you.”

“
I’ll call her in the morning. I’m tired and I’m going go to take a nap.”

Missy and Izzy had been comfortably resting by the fireplace. When I walked upstairs, they followed me and jumped up on the foot of the bed.

You weren
’t gone very long
, said Izzy.

Just long enough to get the job done. I
’m surprised I’m home so soon.

I knew you could do it
, said Missy.
I wish I’d been there to help. I would have shown them varmints they can’t mess with Super Cat and live to tell about it.

I picked u
p both kitties and hugged them.
I’ll tell you girls all about my adventures after I’ve had some sleep.

* * *

I stopped by later that night to see Wade. He was back to normal and all that remained on his neck was a small scar. “I’m glad you’re here, Janis. I’ve been granted a new power that’s really terrific.”

I think I flinched when Wade turned invisible.
“That’s amazing Wade, you’ve obtained the power of invisibility.”

“
Isn’t it great? I was thinking that it might have something to do with our new assignment.”

“
That could be because nothing else makes sense. I’m curious, have you tried to fly?”

Wade looked panic stricken.
“Uh no, the thought never occurred to me.”

“
Stand in the center of the room and see if you can levitate.”

Wade reluctantly walked to the center of the living room. He took a deep breath and then began rising into the air. When he was about three feet off the ground, he yelled out,
“How do I get down?”

“
You use the power of thought and will yourself down.”

Wade floated back to the floor and tried to relax.
“That was scary.”

“
I can see why. You must have been at least three feet off the ground. I would have been terrified.”

“
Funny, very funny.” I was giggling when we felt the presence of the Supreme Entity.

Your next assignment is to enter the parallel universe. To insure that the Portal of Darkness is never opened again, you must defeat the forces of evil in their own world.

“
Is that why I have been granted new powers?” Wade asked.

That is correct.

“Won’t we lose our powers if we pass through the Portal of Darkness?” I asked.

Not if you enter through a portal that has been designed especially for you.

“What else can you tell us?” Wade asked.

Let me begin by telling you of an advanced race called the Krods who lived in a faraway galaxy billions of years ago. The Krods developed an energy crystal that became the most powerful force in their solar system. When they found out they could not control its power, they imprisoned the crystal in the center of their Sun. The Krods eventually moved to another portion of their galaxy because their Sun was dying out.

“So what happened to the crystal?” Wade asked.

The Sun eventually became a super nova and exploded. The crystal was blown into outer space where it traveled for billions of years until it came to rest in the parallel universe.

“Is the crystal the reason we’re being sent into this universe?” I asked.

Yes. The creatures that now possess this crystal are increasing their powers at an alarming rate. In another five hundred years, their armies may be too powerful to defeat when the Portal of Darkness is opened again.

“
Then it’s our assignment to destroy the creatures that use the crystal for evil? Are we to destroy the crystal, too?” I asked

You cannot destroy the crystal. You must find a way to render it useless so it is no longer a threat. Time is short, so Wade must work on developing his new powers. You have one week to prepare.

The Supreme Entity vanished and Wade and I were left staring at each other. “I can’t believe what I just heard,” said Wade.

“
It’s a lot to comprehend. Do you realize we don’t have the slightest idea what life in a demon world is like. How do you prepare for something like that?”

Wade looked worried.
“What scares me is that the Krods were such an advanced race and we’re just a couple of teenagers. How are we supposed to solve what the Krods couldn’t? I only got a C- in science class.”

“
I love the way you always project a positive attitude. I’m curious, can you read my mind?”

We both went into deep concentration.
“You’re thinking of going to the mountain retreat tomorrow morning,” Wade said gleefully.

“
That’s correct. Now we know you’re a telepath. Do you have anything planned for the next hour?”

“
No, and I’m afraid to ask what you have in mind.”

“
I want you so come to my house and see if you can talk to my cats. I want to see if your power of telepathy extends to animals.”

“
I’m going to write that down in my diary. ‘Today, Janis asked me to her house to have a conversation with her cats.’ What’s next?”