Chapter Two - An Invisibility Deception
Having gained access to the building, the Seat of the Axis, it soon became evident to Wot, Nott and Kakuri that it was as strange on the inside as on the outside. The structure, consisting of only the one large room, had walls lined with the same shiny material as on the outside. In there, at ground level, they felt no sense of the building fazing in and out, except for when they looked through the blasted out hole, that is. From their perspective, looking through it, it was the world outside that was vanishing and reappearing. When the world outside faded from sight it was replaced by a blackness, an incredibly unsettling blackness. The building had a strange feel to it, a feeling that neither Wot, nor Nott or even Kakuri were able to explain.
When they had first spotted the structure, from atop the ridge, it was quite clear that it was a building of great size. From within, however, this did not ring true. Yes, it was roomy, but the interior somehow felt smaller than that which its exterior promised. This strangeness did not stop there. The difference in perception of size was only the beginning; there were many other strange things happening within the Seat of the Axis, some more apparent than others...
Suddenly, an object that could only be the Axis of Perpetual Time itself caught their attention. Dominating the entire room, it was huge, reaching almost to the ceiling. The Axis, an immense circular disc mounted on a vertical shaft within a circular cage, was in effect a giant gyroscope. Moreover, the colours generated by its spinning disc were spellbinding. The Axis, its disc spinning fast yet in complete silence, balanced on a rod, a pedestal of sorts protruding from the floor. The top, free and unhindered, swayed this way and that.
“This, this machine controls time in Onisha,” said Wot. “But how does it do it – and more importantly why? Do you know anything about it, Kakuri?” he asked.
Answering, telling him that she had heard mention of it a long time ago, Kakuri unfortunately admitted that she had no idea how it worked.
“We have come all this way,” said Nott, pointing at the Axis, “to fix this, this thing. But – and correct me if I am wrong – it does not appear to be broken.”
Neither Kakuri nor Wot answered; they were as confused as Nott by the spinning contraption before them.
Suddenly, the Axis shaking violently upon its pedestal showed them that something was most definitely wrong with it. The rotating disc slowed and all of the fantastic luminous colours it had been generating faded. Banging and clattering noisily, swaying back and forth upon its pedestal, the Axis jumped clear of it.
“Look out!” shouted Wot, “It’s going to come crashing down!” The three friends scrambled away, seeking cover.
“No! It’s okay now. It’s stopped, look!” said Wot, pointing at it. “It’s settled down, back to normal.”
The Axis, returning to its former state, span silently as if nothing had happened.
“Well, at least we can see what is wrong with it,” said Nott. “Does anyone have any idea what can be causing it?” he asked hopefully.
Shaking her head, Kakuri said no.
Approaching the Axis, Wot inspected the mechanism at close quarters. Leaving him to it, Kakuri and Nott hoped he might gleam some inspiration from the curious machine.
Wot studied the mechanism for a considerable time, so long his friends grew tired of waiting. Retiring to a corner of the room, they sat down and rested, chatting. While seated there, Nott told Kakuri that someday, if he ever found a woman with enough patience to put up with him, he hoped to settle down and marry. Kakuri laughed on hearing this. She told him that if they succeeded, and if everything returned to normal, she wanted to become a teacher of the old ways, the Mystic arts. “I want to educate our children,” she said, “so they will value their heritage. Then, this – Miafra and all that he stands for – will never happen again.” Their chatting slowed. They were tired, the day’s activity having drained them of energy. Sitting, propped against the soft wall of the Seat they soon fall fast asleep
In the centre of the room, up close and personal with the Axis, Wot was still very much awake. He had studied, inspected and pondered the machine in every way imaginable but the root of the problem evaded him. The Axis appeared quite normal insofar as his limited knowledge of the matter informed him. As it quietly and speedily rotated before him, its luminescent colouring reminded him of the dragonflies of Ogbo Island. He thought…he thought...he thought... “Perhaps their brilliance is the way to the answer,” he whispered. Thinking some more, he whispered even quieter, “I think...I think the abundance of vibrant colours in Ogbo island, how it was in all of Onisha, is how I must see it...” Speaking louder, he said, “The luminescent colourings created by the Axis and those of Ogbo Island are one and the same, they are inked – I am sure of it!”
In a flash of pure inspiration, it then came to him. “The colours...” he said, speaking louder, stronger, “…they faded! The powers alive in the Axis are the very same ones as those in the Mystics, be they alive or dead! Without the Axis, all will be lost. If it were to stop spinning time will also stop, with no hope of restarting. In so doing, the first part of Miafra’s plan will come to fruition!”
Understanding that Miafra’s power was interfering with the Axis, Wot realised that it had not yet actually stopped. “There are immense powers involved,” he said. “This was the reason why the Axis is still running. However, with each new assault upon it, changes occur, changes that alter time and space – perhaps forever. If the Axis falls off its pedestal, time will be no more. Although time has appeared to stop,” said Wot, whispering again, “all is not lost, not yet... The process of stopping time has to run its due course. There is still hope...”
“These interruptions have to be stopped, but how is that possible?” he said. Then he had an idea. “Hmm, if we could shield the Axis from Miafra and his influence, perhaps time will return to normal! I wonder...”
Fast asleep in the corner of the room, Kakuri and Nott did not hear Wot’s deliberations; they were blissfully unaware of the many trials still awaiting them.
“But how can we shield it from him, the madman,” Wot mused, “when he knows where it is? If the Axis is to be shielded, it must be done in such a way that he does not know it is so.” Sitting down, Wot pondered the possibilities further…
Far away, in Onisha City, a dragonfly having returned to its original size and form returned to Miafra. Perched upon his outstretched, gloved hand it listened to the emperor’s new orders. Miafra whispered, “You have failed me, little one. You allowed the interlopers to pass into the Seat of the Axis.” Waving his free hand above the loyal insect, Miafra said, “Go back, back and stand guard, for the Protectors are coming. The interloping Outlanders and the traitor girl will pay dearly for their interference.”
The light shining through the tall, narrow windows changed from white to black and back again as the building slipped in and out of reality.
When next he stood up, looking through the high, tall windows above him, Wot saw black alternating with black, “It must be night time in Onisha,” he said. Walking over to Kakuri and Nott, he shook them, saying, “Wake up, wake up! I have a plan, to save the Axis!”
“Hmm, what did you say?” Nott mumbled, rolling over, trying to get comfortable again. “Leave me alone, I’m tired.”
Sitting up, yawning, Kakuri asked, “How is it, the Axis?”
“It’s the same as before,” Wot replied, glancing back at it.
“Did you say you have a plan to save the Axis?” Nott asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
“Yes, I did. Well, at least I think I have...”
“You either have or you haven’t,” Nott snapped. “Which is it?”
Ignoring his curt remark, Wot continued, “We can’t stop Miafra, at least not for the moment, so we must hide the Axis from him.”
“Hide the Axis?” Nott barked. “It’s as large as a house! What do you intend doing with it? Dig a hole and bury it, maybe?”
“Hush,” said Kakuri, annoyed at his unhelpful interjections.
“We must hide it,” Wot insisted. “There is no other way. We can do it,” he said, “by creating a crack in the dimensional barrier between our two worlds.”
“The dimensional barrier?” Nott barked even louder than before. “What do you know about such a thing?”
Casting Nott a glance so sharp, so severe it would have curdled butter, Wot stopped him dead in his tracks. “Sorry,” Nott whimpered. “Please go on.”
“It is not as hard as it might sound,” said Wot. “We already know that we are occupying the same space, but in different dimensions. All that we need is a door, like the one in the Christmas card.”
“You might have something in that old buddy, go on,” said Nott, listening intently, intrigued by what he was saying.
“Well, if we can create this door, and if we can open it, if only for a brief moment, I am sure we can transport the Axis – and the entire building it is in – to safety. Thus removed, it will be safe from Miafra’s touch, at least for the moment...” Wot continued, though sounding less confident, “The only thing is...the Axis is needed to regulate time and reality...” Lost for words, his voice trailed off. “However,” he whispered, finding new ones, “if the Axis was transported to Earth, but its power was left in Onisha...that would solve the problem!”
“Hmm”, said Nott. “If only we were quantum physicists.”
Waving her arms, looking very excited, Kakuri said, “Perhaps this can be done. I remember my father once telling me a story, a legend, about how the ancient Mystics transported objects. With the right Mystic Rhyme,” she said, “and if the intent is honourable, an object can be transported, this is fact. If,” she continued, “we were are able to go one step further, giving the appearance an object was deliberately transported, when in reality it is still there, we might, just might pull it off, fooling him!”
Wot looked interested. Nott appeared confused. Kakuri continued, “Instead of transporting the Axis to Earth, and having to deal with all the problems this entails, we can instead give the appearance that we have done it. In reality, it will be in exactly the same place as before. Is that clear?”
“Not really,” the two Outlanders answered.
Despite their confusion, Kakuri continued, “As long as Miafra thinks the Axis has gone he cannot touch it. Time will be safe, albeit temporarily. That is all we need, time!” The two Outlanders, coming round to her way of thinking, asked her to explain further. “It’s easy, believe me!” she replied. “All that we need are two Mystic Rhymes; the first to transport the Seat of the Axis through the Dimensional Barrier, to Earth, where it will remain for a split-second.” Kakuri was so excited she could hardly contain her enthusiasm. “At the exact moment the building disappears, the second rhyme will cut in to preserve the scene, without it. On the Seat’s return, the second Mystic Rhyme will cut in, concealing it. ”
Nodding their approval even though perplexed by what she was saying, Wot and Nott agreed to her plan. Kakuri continued, “Though, I have to admit the second rhyme, the one to preserve and conceal, will be hard to create. In effect, one rhyme will be trying to cancel out the other.” Turning, facing Wot, she said, “But I have faith in you, Wot. I am sure you can do it, create the Rhymes.” On hearing this, Wot tried to convey his doubts as to how he might do it, but Kakuri began speaking again, she said, “Now that we are agreed, I think we should get some rest… It’s late; we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
29th December
Black, white, black, white shining in through the tall windows; it was morning. Kakuri was the first to awaken. It was with a feeling of hope that she did so, but also some trepidation. Having no intention of conveying these feelings to Wot and Nott, for they had enough to contend with already, she sat cross-legged upon the floor, staring at the black, white, black, white outside. She knew only too well that her plan was a big gamble, that their lives might well depend upon its success. Suddenly, the loud grinding noise the Axis had made the previous evening began again. It was under attack! The noise, growing louder by the second, bore out Kakuri’s feelings of trepidation. The shimmering, spinning apparatus vibrated, shuddered, shook so violently, Kakuri feared it might jump off its pedestal at any moment.
The two lads waking with a jolt, seeing the Axis grinding, shuddering, devoid of all, were helpless to do anything but watch. Swaying wildly, erratically, the Axis jumped off its perch. They were sure it was in its fatal, final moments, but then it stopped, returning to its former way. This time, however, the alternation rhythm of black and white outside was much faster.
Although this attack upon the Axis was more severe than the previous evening, the three friends were able to deal with it positively, for they now had a plan. They would save the Axis, or die trying.
“Wow!” said Nott, trying to cover his nervousness with jest. “That sure was something!”
The three friends, walking over to the Axis, to see if there was any damage incurred, saw nothing to speak of, apart from a few scratches and marks on the pedestal it was intact.
“Is anyone hungry?” Wot asked (food being his way of dealing with the tension).
“Yes” said Kakuri, “now that you mention it I am. However, I don’t think the little people are anyway near.”
“I realise that,” Wot replied, producing three items from out of his pockets. “I have some fruit,” he said. “See? I picked them yesterday. Do you know what they are, Kakuri?” he asked. “And, more importantly, are they safe to eat?” He presented the fruits for her inspection.
Seeing them, she smiled, replying, “They are fizzing fruits, and they are very good to eat. Children love them.”
“Fizzing fruit, you say?” he asked. “It’s a strange name for a fruit!”
Laughing, she said, “Go on, try one.”
Gazing down at the fruit, Wot inspected them in detail. They were golf ball sized, circular and dark brown in colour. The exterior had the appearance of polished wood, like fresh conkers, and it was soft and pliable. Undecided if he should bite it, break it open or simply peel it, Wot hesitated.
Laughing again, Kakuri said, “Begin at the top. Peel off some of the skin... Make a small opening.”
“Is this the top?” Wot asked, showing her the fruit.
“Yes, it is,” she replied. “After you have made the opening, lift it up to your mouth, then squeeze it and drink the juice.”
Following her instructions, Wot peeled off a small portion of the skin, revealing a rich purple coloured interior that consisted of large fleshy seeds. Raising the fruit over his upturned mouth, he squeezed. FIZZ. The juice dripping out from the fruit tasted incredibly fizzy, like a million bursting bubbles inside his mouth – and they so good. Laughing again, Kakuri explained, “When you squeezed the fruit you caused a chemical reaction within it, creating a natural soda pop drink. What do you think of the flavour?” she asked.
“What do I think of the flavour?” Wot replied, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s fantastic! It’s stupendous! It tastes like chocolate, mango and vanilla! Wow, wow, wow!” Giving it another squeeze, Wot enjoyed a second drink of the wonderful liquid. The taste was so incredibly good he was sorely tempted to keep the remaining fruit for himself. However, his good nature prevailed and he offered them to his companions.
On sampling the fruit, Nott found himself wishing for more. He said, “If I had this fruit, back home, I would make millions of pounds, selling them.” Pulling his fruit apart, he said, “I will save the seeds and bring them back with me, so I will.” Watching his crazy-mad antics, Kakuri laughed again.
Refreshed from their fruit tasting experience, the time had arrived to create the Mystic Rhymes necessary to carry out their plan. “It’s up to you now, Wot,” said Nott, urging him on. “And the best of British luck,” he added just for good measure.
Sombre and tense, sitting cross-legged upon the floor in one of the c
orners of the building, Wot cleared his mind of all thoughts bar one. It looked smaller than on the previous evening. With the fabric of time and space eroding things, so, Wot knew that he had to work fast. Closing his eyes, he opened his mind to the words he would need…
Fully refreshed after a good night’s sleep, the words flowed freely into Wot. Words, however, were not enough. He had to choose the right ones for the job…
Words, words, words, time, conceal, unique, good, honour, heal. Words, words, words, so many different words…
Finally, after much thought and consternation Wot felt he had chosen the correct words from the many hundreds that had entered his brain in those few short minutes. Withdrawing his little book, he wrote down the following…