Forever Changed

Chapter 1

         I’m at the bus stop waiting to go to school. The bus isn’t scheduled to be there for another twenty minutes. I am listening to music from a movie and enjoying the peace of mind it brings. I’m lost in a flute solo, full of trills, and slurs with notes from high to low, and sixteenth to whole note. I’m so focused on this solo, I don’t notice when a guy sits down next to me. “Hi there, what are you listening to?” he states casually, leaning toward me to try and see what’s playing on my device. I jump, startled and I can’t help but notice just how gorgeous this guy is. He has short, coal black hair with deep green eyes and tan skin. He smells kind of like vanilla, but with something else I can’t quite recognize. He is muscular, but toned and not bulky. His six pack shows through his tight green shirt. The shirt itself has a black cross band that forms an “X” across his chest. On his back, is a black quiver with a least twenty arrows, and a well crafted brown, old fashioned bow. His pants appear to be black tights, with a belt that holds a small pack and dagger. He is also wearing a pair of black woven sandals that conform to fit perfectly. I become aware that I have just been staring at this guy and have not said a single word of reply. So I say, “What business is it of yours? It’s just music that relaxes the mind.” I sigh, realizing that this guy deserves better. “I’m sorry. I’m not use to people startling me. I was just so absorbed in the music that I didn’t see you approach.” I state. I also become aware that the road is very deserted and it’s also way too quiet. I look at him and slide away from him, noticing a shadow lurking in his eyes, like he’s hiding something.
         “I wish there was an easy way to do this, but there wasn’t suppose to be any humans in the area when we made the cross. I’m really sorry about this.” he apologizes as he moves closer to me. I feel my body freeze up as fear courses through my body. His face moves so that his mouth is by my left ear while his left hand is on my forehead. I struggle to move, but only manage a whimper. He then whispers, “Sleep.” I feel my eyes grow heavy along with the rest of my body. He lays me down on the bench and walks a little ways away, probably thinking I have fallen asleep. I’m stubborn though.
         I can faintly make out what he is saying. “All is good to go on this end. There was only one unexpected complication that came up, but I have dealt with it.” He pauses, listening to the other end of the call. “Yes, begin operations immediately. It is time we heal our sister world.” I hear him move back towards me, and he sits down on the bench so that my head rests in his lap.
         “I wish they would have chosen someone else. I hate causing undue stress on those undeserving. The healing process is so excessive, I do hope every human survives the reeducation.” He sighs, sniffling like he has a cold. “I won’t be a part of this after today. This is orders and it’s the last one I will follow. I don’t even care if they exile me. They can’t hurt me.”
         He pauses, sniffling again, though it sounds different this time. I feel something hit my face. It’s cool and wet and I realize, he’s crying. I try to move my hand so that I might comfort him, but my body won’t respond. I try to say I understand, but my voice won’t work. I feel helpless to help this guy and yet, I don’t know what compels me to help him.
         “It’s time to open the portal. Some of my people will take you upon entering, to find out why you were here. I hope that you will forgive me the next time we meet. Farewell, may you find peace in this new world.” He mutters, almost to himself. He gets up, gently laying my head back down on the bench. The air starts to hum, almost vibrating with the sound of whatever he’s doing to open this portal. Then, a sudden silence, almost deafening. A loud pop and everything goes black.

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         I wake up in a soft, warm bed. I still feel a little groggy, but at least I can move. I sit up and exam the room where I’m at. It’s small, with just enough room for a bed, a night stand, and an empty chair next to the bed. There is no window, so I don’t know if it is day or night. Just as I start to lose some of the grogginess, I hear faint voices coming through the door. “What do you mean she’s still unconscious? His magic’s strong, but he would never put someone into this powerful of sleep! You must be mistaken doctor.” says the strange male voice. I hear footsteps stop just outside the door. “I do not make mistakes Damon. She is still out, and even when she does wake, it will take several hours before you can interrogate her. Now please, leave me to my work.” says the female voice, more than a little angered at the man Damon. “Fine. Alert me as to when she is ready.” Damon says, followed by receding footsteps.
         The man Damon didn’t even wait to hear the doctor’s response. “Yeah, I will tell you, over my dead body. That guy is not fit to run anything. I just hope things change, otherwise this girl will not make it through the interrogation.” The door to the room opens, and as the doctor walks in, she almost drops her clipboard. We stare at each other for a few seconds, before the doctor quickly closes the door. “You have finally awakened! We did not think you would awaken for another couple of days. Were you awake to hear that conversation?” The doctor asks me. “Yes. I'm still confused as to what happened. That guy came out of nowhere and he seemed to think I was asleep. Can you tell me what happened?” I inquire of the doctor.
         The first response I get from the doctor is a look of shock. Following that, the doctor asks, “You were conscious after he cast his spell?”
         “Yeah, though I couldn’t move or speak at all.” I replied. I made sure not to mention that the guy cried. I figured that he must be some hot shot, otherwise this doctor wouldn’t be so shocked.
         “Wow, to think that some human girl was able to resist his power when all others cannot. You must have a hidden power to be able to resist him. He is our only warrior mage. Finally, it looks like he will have some competition. Human competition at that. No offense, but for an elf to be out done by you, that is a pretty great feat.”
         The doctor continues to ramble on while I zone out, trying to process what she just said. Elves, magic, what is going on? And who was that guy that did this to me? Maybe this “doctor” will have an answer for me. Also, if the guy I met was an elf, what is this lady?
         I look again at the doctor and notice that in every aspect she appears human, until I look at her face. As she is talking, some of her movements make her skin shimmer and I see bright blue scales. What is she and how do I ask without seeming rude or offending her? “Um, excuse me doctor, could I just ask a couple of questions?” I ask her nervously.
         “Oh, sure. Ask away and do not think I will bite you if I do not like the question. Do you mind if I check all of your vitals while you ask?” She replies. Holy crap, can she read my mind? Never mind, I'll let it pass. “First off, what's your name?” I ask.
         “It is Sapphire. My parents thought it was fitting.” Sapphire replies.
         “Wow, that’s a unique name.” Yeah right, more like odd. “Next question. I hope this isn’t rude, but what are you? You look human, but your skin keeps shimmering, so I’m not entirely sure.” I reply, hoping she doesn’t hurt me.
         She is reaching for the stethoscope when she replies, “I am a dragon, thus the name Sapphire. We are always named for our color or what abilities we show upon our birth. Though I’m not surprised you can see the shimmer. Since you endured his sleep spell, it is only natural you can see the shimmer. All those mages with great power can tell us apart in a different form when we take it. We can become many things, from animals, to elves and dwarves, to humans. The fact that you are powerful, though untrained, means that Damon cannot conduct your interrogation. Looks like today starts out well for you.” Sapphire responds, looking relieved.
         “Well, everything for you vitals checks out, hopefully Headmaster Magnus isn’t too far away. He is in charge of the mage’s school and also conducting interrogations on mages. Do not worry though,” she says quickly, seeing a look of fear cross my face, “he is very kind. He will not hurt you.”
         She turns to the door, ready to leave when I yell, “Wait! I have one more question. Who was the guy I met at the bench? He never gave me a name.” I’m looking at her, hoping for the answer I want, but all she says is, “I cannot tell you. He will tell you when he wants. That is just the way he is and nothing can change that. I am sorry.” She leaves the room, closing the door behind her and leaving me to my thoughts.
         This is ridiculous! How can magic, elves, dragons, and all of that really exist? Why would I believe anything these people tell me? Then I remember him. I remember how he cried, and didn’t want any part of what he was doing. I remember him saying we would meet again. I guess I just need to go with it for now. Everything will be explained eventually, I hope. If not, I will get my answers any way I can. I also want to know that guy’s name and tell him I forgive him. Especially since he was just following orders. With these thoughts, I lay down to sleep some more.