Heaven's Children (Earth Totem)

Hawk clenches his fists, sensing for reinforcements, calling on his ancestors and friend. This was a spiritual battle and he needed them more than ever.

The urge to throw her over his shoulder and run was strong, but he knew it was impossible to get back on his own. He trembled; frustrated that she was so close. He could almost touch her, and his skin burned in anticipation, he knew that if he did, she would bolt.

He feels another familiar squeeze on his shoulder. Hawk, she has a choice – free will. Hope soars through him again - Nevaeh had a choice? The air visibly changes, and the silence feels like they are in the centre of a storm. He took a step closer, and she looked at him fearfully, her foot hesitating above the ground. She glanced back at Mika for reassurance. Mika holds his hand to her and Hawk growls.

Sacred ones give me strength.

‘Nevaeh…come back, we need you - I need you.’

He saw her sigh; the sound was sad and reluctant.

‘…am home.’ Her voice is fading and her eyes dart from Mika to Hawk.

‘No, Nevaeh you aren’t,’ He takes a deep breath, speaking carefully.

‘Your parents need you, and I need you. I love you Nevaeh,’ he added.

She cries out then, her face tormented and Hawk takes another careful step. She doesn’t stop him. The happiness has disappeared, only confusion remains.

‘She doesn’t want to be with you.’ Mika hisses, stepping forward, making them both turn. Hawk hears Nevaeh gasp, as they both take in Mika’s white tunic and gold chest armor. He was dressed for battle and in his hand; he held a sword that glinted as it moved. Mika sneered, sweeping the sword in an arc, before pointing towards an identical sword at Hawk’s feet.

‘Time to return your bones into ash.’ Mika sneered. Nevaeh hovered between them and Hawk instinctively pushed her away.

‘And you have bones?’ Hawk shouted banging his shield.

‘I don’t want this, please.’ Nevaeh pleads. ‘I don’t want any of this.’ Mika continues to stare at Hawk, nodding his head in her direction. His green eyes flash in fury.

‘Look at her; you think you can force her? Why should she care about humans? I’ve shown her what you have done to our Mother. I’ve shown her why we need to start again. All you do is stink up the earth with your filthy totems.’

‘Time to finish this.’ Hawk mutters moving forward, his face grim.

Nevaeh panics, but Anna holds her back.

‘Nevaeh, this needs to be done, and then they will all understand that you are both true children of Nirvana, of Heaven – a son of Khaos and daughter of Gaia.’ Anna whispers, and Nevaeh shivers, feeling her madness.

Nevaeh pulls away and Anna paws the air between them, desperate to explain.

‘You don’t understand, you are formed from the originals. Together you will create a new Eden. I saved you, took you from the temple before Khaos himself could seize you. I saved you,’ she repeated. Her voice is high pitched and alerts Hawk. Even here, he thinks, in a place of sanctuary, her madness is still apparent. Mika is striding towards him and he bangs his sword on his shield, to alert her.

‘Is this what you want Nevaeh? You want me to fight for you? You have a choice, free will. Look at this place, this isn’t Eden, it isn’t Nirvana. They’ve created this place for you. They’ve deceived you. She’s tapped into Khaos and freed that thing. Now, see if he bleeds.’ He takes Mika by surprise, slicing at his arm. A fleeting look of alarm spreads over their faces and Hawk waves his sword.

‘Look Nevaeh, he can’t bleed, he’s not human. She’s summoned him from the depths of hell!’

‘Kill him!’ Anna screams, pulling at her hair. The scream galvanises Nevaeh and she runs instinctively towards them, her blood pumping, ignoring the raging behind from Anna.

Her side burns abruptly and her legs refuse to obey her, instead they weaken and she stumbles like a child before looking down in bewilderment.

‘Nevaeh,’ Hawk calls.

Only then does she feel the cold metal and looks down at the sword that has penetrated her side. She wonders if she can die a second time and like the first, she doesn’t feel any pain. Everything starts to blur, and as she falls, she notices the archway to the garden closing. The two guarding trees shimmering as they blend like watercolours.

‘So beautiful,’ she sighs unaware that Hawk has caught her until she looks up.

‘Nevaeh,’ he whispers, his voice hoarse, but she’s looking past him, her face frozen in horror. He flicks his eyes in the direction of his dropped sword. The reflection is demonic, distorted but the intention is clear - Anna is holding the sword above his head. Hawk is quicker, and in one movement, twists round, cutting off her shriek as he slams her onto the ground, cracking her neck. There she lays still, open and sightless eyes look out from her twisted face and they both look at each other. He strokes her face.

‘She’s dead Nevaeh, and is making her way through the veil, to the tree of life: em sentet en kshertu.’ Hawk places his hands on Anna’s eyes, then lifts his cupped hand to his lips and blows. She knows without explanation that he is blowing her soul to Nirvana, the real Nirvana.

‘Mika?’ She questions, struggling to speak. Hawk shakes his head, and she can’t help but feel grief stricken. Hawk shakes his head.

‘He disappeared when she died Nevaeh. She summoned him, and without her, he has no purpose. He is returning to the dark world of Khaos –look.’