3 The Awakening

'Wake up Red. Wake up!'

'My queen, we await your return. Wake up now, wake up!'

Voices. Voices from everywhere whispered in a steady hush that augmented in volume. Drowning. She was drowning, her ears full of static buzz.

'Wake up now my queen.'

Calmness set upon her. This voice, she knew who it was. It was a man's voice. Soothing and reassuring amongst the chaos of the others.

'I have been waiting. And the long wait will soon be over.'

She was about to utter his name when suddenly all she could see was darkness.

Red jolted and woke up to a sky outside that had already turned deep blue. The dream she just had was unsettling, yet at the same time calming. That last voice calling out to her. Who was it again? She can't quite remember. The full moon illuminated her dark room, and she could smell grandmama's cooking from the kitchen. Mmm…

She looked at her pocket watch; the only memento she had of her deceased parents; 6:01PM.

The hands emanated an iridescent soft glow, displaying an intricate work of art. The mechanics were antique gears meshing in clockwork manner, accurately moving forward making the changes in every tic irreversible. The body had an engraved emblem of a flower bud with elaborate vines surrounding, forming a loop with tiny detailed leaves and rosettes unfurling at an asymmetrical pattern.

She made her bed and saw that the flowers had closed its blooms.

Fascinating.

But even when they were closed, their saccharine fragrance still lingered inside the room.

Red closed the window and pulled the curtains as she went to a tiny cabinet where a long mirror showed her reflection. Unlike in her dreams, in this reality she only looked like a normal corporate slave. Not an ethereal 'queen' as what the voices said over and over.

Red had inherited her father's built and her mother's facial features. They were supposedly on an expedition when their plane crashed. The wreck was so severe bodies retrieved were barely recognizable. She didn't have much fond memories of them. A bit on the short and petite side, she was oftentimes called 'Little Fairy Princess' by da.

Her eyes were a cold turquoise which were a distinct feature of the Springfield's lineage. Her left eyebrow was in between a birth mark that looked like a colon symbol same with her ma. People often mistake it for a tattoo as if deliberately inked at the tip where her brow begins to arch.

She quickly changed into comfortable clothes and went to grandmama just in time she was about to call her out for dinner. She tied up her curls into a messy bun and went on to help set the table.

"You were talking in your sleep sweetie." She noted. Tonight's menu is roasted whole chicken with seasoned baby potatoes and coleslaw for sides. The dessert were corn muffins paired with rootbeer.

"Oh? What did you hear in particular Grandmama?" asked Red as she dug into the juicy chicken.

"I really can't make out the exact context dear. You were talking gibberish!" she laughed.

"You just suddenly shouted 'Salvatie eme u arikyer!' I nearly thought you were possessed." The old lady jokingly said.

"I have no recollection I was talking in my dream at all but you were right, I did talk gibberish!" They laughed together and ate a hearty meal. By the time Red was about to wash, their dishwasher didn't work.

"I should call the Tech Support Department, maybe the system in this machine has gone haywire." Muttered Red as she went to Grandmama's antique telephone. She dialed but all that came thru was just static.

"Grandmama! Is the telephone still working or is this broken already?" she called out.

"Sweetie try dialing again. Sometimes it's just the weather acting up and messing with the signal." Grandmama had started knitting in her favorite lounge chair near the fire.

But the weather was fine? Red looked outside the window and everything was calm.

"Grandmama it's a clear evening. I don't think it's the weather."

"But it's raining outside right now Red." Replied grandmama. "Are you sure your fully wake?" she teased then continued on with her knitting. Grandmama is turning 87 coming 6th full moon but Red doesn't think she's mental yet.

Red was utterly confounded. She decided to check out the weather outside and hopped on to the elevator. As if her hands had a mind of their own, she pushed the button for the rooftop. Her ears rang as she rose higher.

Arriving at the top they popped just as the elevator's bell rang and she clasped her ears, protecting them from the loud ping. The doors opened and she stepped outside. This was the last floor the elevator will take her. To get to the rooftop, she would have to pass the abandoned greenhouse towards the stairs. To her left, the only unit with a soul in it was quiet.

How Archer was able to live in this level was both amazing and horrifying for her.

She braved herself and went out to the end of the hallway. Each step clicked and echoed which only made the walk a lot scarier. The greenhouse with its moldy glass walls, what was inside there, and the horrors people talked about did little to appease Red's disconcerted mind.

Too many times the owners had tried to renovate the said area but each time they tried, something ominous would stop them.

Slow paced, she reached the end of the hallway and ascended the stairs leading to the rooftop. The whole level was dimly lit and the stairs were no exception. She finally reached the apex of the building and there she stood trying to understand how grandmama insisted it was raining when all she sees is the calm twinkling of the city lights with the full moon somewhat hidden in the clouds.

"It seems that you are not yet fully awake, my queen." A familiar voice said. "I have heard your call. Here I am to serve."

Amidst the plain skies, a flash of lightning danced and the heavens roared. Red knew who the voice was. She turned and opened her mouth as she uttered the name,

"Arikyer?"