"Nelenima....nelenima glasa. Nelenima numuana...."

I sit up straight. Why are my dreams always delivered in an unknown language? I don't know much about French, but I know that's definately not it. Neither is it Italian. Ugh.

"Happy birthday, ketchup" how is it that I mysteriously wake up at exactly twelve? Like I just literally woke up immediately it was my birth date. "It's fate" uhun, sure it is. And where have you been? Oh, you also just happened to awaken when it's my birthday, huh. "Of course not. I'm always with you, Maraja" don't call me that. Who are you anyway?

There's a pause inside my very confused head. Brace for impact..."HOW DARE YOU ASK ME THAT?! YOU WHERE THE ONE WHO GAVE ME THAT LESS THAN RIDICULOUS NAME, YOU EVEN CONVERSED WITH ME FOR ALMOST A WHOLE DAY, AND YOU DARE ASK ME SUCH A QUESTION NOW?!"

"Ugh...okay, okay I'm sorry" another pause. Oh no...

"SORRY?! SORRY?! AAHHH!" My body tingles and I feel something leave me....

"AHHHHHH!" I seek for safety under my blanket.

"AHHHHHHHH! WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING!?"

I throw a pillow at the being in front of me. How dare it shout? It just popped out of nowhere, and it starts shouting as if it's the victim?

"Stop!" A pillow hits it and it's gold-encased body dissipates and reforms at another place.

"AHHHH!" I throw another pillow. I have no idea what my problem is at this point.

"Stop throwing the damn useless pillows, and calm down!"

I stop. That's right, they are useless, so why was I throwing them?!

"Finally" he visibly relaxes and ruffles his unkempt hair, gold specs emanating from his every move. I can tell it's a he. How? Because his voice is exceptionally deep....and also because I've calmed down and I can now take in his full appearance.

But still....I stutter. "Wh-wha-"

He chuckles, the sound sinking into my very subconcious. "What are you? Who are you? You're tryna choose which one to ask, am I right?"

I nod unconciously.

"As I thought. Ok so let me make this easy; I'm Leo"

"You.....Leo?"

His shoulders drop. "You know...Leo. Leonardo. The 'warmth' that engulfs you when you do the supernatural. The voice inside your head......ring any bells?"

"What?" My throat is dry. This is making very little sense.

His shoulders drop even further. "Damn, woman! You named me, for heaven's sake. So why in the Jurassic park don't you understand?"

"Jurassic park?"

He rolls his ever glowing eyes. "Yeah, no kidding"

"What?"

"Clearly, that's your favourite word. This is exactly why I came out"

"Really?"

"Oh you have other words too? Good. That's great"

His level of sarcasm is out of this world. "So you really think I'm dumb? That's why you left my head?"

"Firstly, I didn't leave your head. I'm fact, I wasn't even in your head. I'm your magic, Maraja. I am present in every part of your body. And secondly, no you're not dumb. I left your body because I wanted to see if it was possible" he takes a quick glance around. "Turns out it is"

"Oh..."

"Yeah...it's weird out here though"

"Weird?"

"Yeah, your body is much more comfirtable"

My insides liquify and I hug my blanket once more.

"Oh! Sorry about that" he scratches his hair slightly.

"So why are you golden? Is it because my magic is golden?"

"Silly, I am your magic"

"Oh...sorry. So why are you a guy?"

"Hmmm. Never thought of that before. I guess it's because you like guys more than girls?"

"Me?!"

"Yeah, you. Don't play dumb with me. I've been in your body long enough to tell the difference between black and dark black"

I chuckle. "Of course" I stare at him. My intense love for the colour black, I know a light shade of black from a dark shade of black. Mason believes that it's creepy. A yawn escapes my lips.

"Time for more sleep, huh? No problem"

Before I can speak, he morphs into mere specs of gold. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as he dissolves into me. My eye....the most brilliant gold I've seen. Golden tatoos cover my entire body. I feel reborn, charged, I don't know, but it's a wonderful feeling. It lasts less than two seconds, but the way I see it, it's the most mesmerizing moment of my life.

"Stop admiring me and go to sleep already"

"You?!"

"Yeah, me. You were looking like a love-struck teenage girl back there...now that I think about it, that is what you are"

"I was admiring myself and not you"

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Yes it is so"

~~~

"Yawwwwn!" I blink sleepily at my strange reflection. Strange because I'm not used to having almost straight hair. My hair has always been curly and black. But now, it's straight. Slightly curled at the ends. The shocking gold at the curled ends makes me feel nauseous. "Ugh...I need a shower. Let's see if this disaster can be redeemed"

I'm just not used to dyed hair. I never planned on dying my hair. Ever.

"Nu-uhhh. We don't do dresses, remember"

"I know right" I fling the white wrap-round dress on my bed, concentareting on the black jumpsuit in my right hand.

Leo's been veeery present these past few hours. He's the only one who'd say things out of point. "I can hear you, you know"

I let out a giggle. "Do you think I should put on a jacket?" I ask, tugging at the long sleeve of the cold-shouldered jumpsuit.

"Are you cold?"

"I'm always cold, Leo. You know that"

"I know. But the jacket would cover up the cute cold-shoulder thing" he pauses. "How bout this, every five minutes I'll warm you up"

My eyes widen. "You can do that?"

"Pshhh...I'm magic, your magic for that matter. We can do anything"

On impulse, the hidden good in my eyes surfaces.

"Now how bout the shoe, huh?"

"Nu-uhh, that ain't up for discussion. I'm wearing the white boot and that's that" I fish out my brand new white boots. Mum got it for me. Said she felt like getting me something. Up until now, her motives are still a mystery. I mean which parent would just buy a class-A white trainer for thier daughter....just like that. "Prefect, right?"

"Hmmmm. How bout this?" The white sole and lace of my whites turn gold.

"Woah..."

"You like it? I figured it'd go well with your now golden hair"

"Ugh....don't even remind me"

I take one last look at my crystal blue eyes before walking out of my room.

White balloons line the rails and ceilings. Black ballons in the shape of the number '17' are occasionally seen. Black and white ribbons as well as glitter leave a trail, starting from my doorstep. Should I follow it? Of course I should. I follow the trail, constantly looking over my shoulder. I mean the whole place looks deserted.

My right foot touches the ground after the staircase first and the whole place lights up. Ugh...great.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"

Christ this is too cliche. I try my best not to look too horrified.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart" mum gives me a kiss on both cheeks after hugging me.

"Thanks mum"

"Happy birthday, spells" dad gives me a peck on the forehead, and so on....

To be honest, I could've been okay without all of this. I'm fact, I would've been better without all of this. How did any of this happen anyway? I mean, the whole street was laid to waste and none of this was up by the time I went to bed. I'm so confused right now.

Despite my throbbing head, I spot my birthday mate.

"What the hell are you wearing, birthday boy?"

A radiant smile spreads itself on his glowing face. "Right back at you, birthday girl. I know it's your seventeenth birthday, but did you have to dye your hair?"

"Actually this was a mistake. I wasn't meant to be"

"So you accidentally got and mixed golden dye? Mistakenly dipped your hair in it? Along with straightening it out? Seriously?"

"Ummm...no"

"As I thought" he smirks triumphantly while taking a dip of....whatever's in his glass. "Don't worry, I understand"

"You do?" I scoff at the idea.

"Yup"

"If you say so. But what about you? What's with the skinny jeans and hooded sweat shirt?"

"What? It doesn't look good?"

"I didn't say that. I'm was just wondering, thought you where the shorts and shirt kinda guy"

"Yes, but guess what?"

"What?"

"These are your dads"

I gasp. "No..."

"Yes. The storm destroyed most of our things, so I woke up to find these next to me" he gestures to the clothes. "Oh, and I also slept here. Almost everyone present, slept here acctually"

"Well, it's nice to know that my house is now a five star hotel"

He let's out a deep laugh. "You look beautiful by the way"

"What did you say?" I stare at him in disbelief. "Angelo--"

"Mavis, darling!"

"Aunt Lauren, hi!" I believe my 'hi' was a little high pitched. Maybe it's because I can't breath well right now. I mean, what is it with adults and squeezing the air out of teenagers.

"Mavis, dear we where do worried about you. Your uncle Bray and I thought something bad might've happened to you"

"Oh, I'm okay aunt. There's no need to fret. I was also worried about you though"

"Awwn sweetheart, we're fine. Oh! I almost forgot dear, happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Mavis" wow. The ability for my dearest uncle Bray to not be noticed is just mind blowing.

"Thank you, uncle Bray" he gives me a wide smile. Angelo really takes after him.

"I hope your having fun. Angelo honey, make sure Mavis here is happy okay"

"Sure mum. But why can't it be the other way around? I mean it's my birthday too you know"

"Oh please" she gives him a dismissive wave. "She's the lady here. And besides, you're doing okay right? Or would you want me to call your brother?"

"Oh! No, no, no I'm fine. She's fine. We're fine. She's having a good time. You're having a good time right?" He drapes a hand over my shoulder and looks down at me expectantly.

"Uhhh...yesss. I am having a very good time with Angelo here"

"Wonderful! Well then your uncle and I will just be around okay"

"Okay. Thank you"

With one last peck on my throbbing cheek, they finally walk away. I heave a sigh of relief.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing"

"Angelo, speak"

"There's my little sister!" Mason gives me a bear hug.

"Mason!"

"Happy birthday, sis. You feeling okay?"

"Thanks, and yes I'm fine. Why'd you ask?"

"Because you practically swore you'd never dye your hair!"

"I didn't!"

"Oh, then what is this? Saw dust?"

"No," I cross my arms. This is getting exhusting. "It's a long story"

"Sure. Sup, man?" He gives Angelo a slap on the back.

"Man?! Seriously?!"

Mason lets out a hearty laugh. "Shut up. See y'all later! Gotta stuff ma belly"

"Get out of here" I answer with a roll of my eye.

"Sure thing, sis"

~~~

"Ugh..I dropped it. I freaking dropped it"

It's been what, four hours? Thissss 'party' is draining the little strength I have. So far, I've seen like three unfamiliar faces in this house and it's bothering me. Aerwyna and Azar wished me a happy birthday and then disappeared. Like I haven't even remotely caught a glimpse of them for like two hours. And I feel like I'm suffocating.....and that's why I dropped it. I dropped the glass filled with grapes....and now everyone's staring at me. It just slipped out of my hand. To be honest I was looking for chicken, I couldn't find it, so I picked up the bowl of grapes, stared at it, really stared at it, the next thing I know, it's staring right back at me with tears as wine. I feel dizzy.

"Mavis, what's wrong?" Mum assists me to the couch. I do not want to sit down.

"Alright, everyone! Party's over! Off you go! Please clear the premises!" Dad shoos the guests back to thier rooms.

"Mavis are you okay?" Mum's kind voice distracts me.

"No, mum. I'm not"

"What's the matter?"

"She wants the truth, honey" dad answers.

Woah, he really cleared everyone out already?

"Is that what you want, dear?" Mum asks. She seems to be shaking.

"Of course, mum"

"Okay" it's barely a wisper. "What do you want to know?"

I let out a laugh. "What I want to know? Maybe why the name 'Maraja' keeps tormenting me. Who the hell is that and why is everyone calling me that? Or why I'm being told I have magic. Also why two people come out of nowhere and start calling me thier highness. Have you met them yet? Aerwyna seems to know more about me than even I know! Why's that?! Why does it feel like I'm living a lie?! Can you please tell me?!"

"Right. Aerwyna..." dad comments.

"Mavis..."

"Mum, I just need to know the truth. I need to know what you've been hiding from me"

"Go ahead, Carla" dad sits next to mum and takes her hand, squeezing it reasuringly. "I'm here. It's okay"

With one last shaky breath, my mother begings to talk. "You're Maraja"

"What?"

"Your name is Maraja Aslan. This is not your home"

What's happening? "Here we go..." Leo?

"We are enchanteds. We belong in Allozan. Allozan: the home of the druids and the enchanted"

"We?"

"You and I"

"Mum, what are you saying?"

"Years ago, there was a war. A war among all supernatural races. Druids. Enchanteds. Dragons. Pheonix. Fairies. Centaurs. Benders, and so much more. The battle was deadly. It reduced all the races to nothing. Sometime after the war, the druids and enchanteds came together and found a land. They built on it and over time, the little of what was left of the races came, seeking shelter and alliances. So now, the lands have multiplied and so have the races. The-"

"I don't get all this, and neither do know how it has to do with me being this....Maraja"

"My mother and father where the rulers of Allozan. I had two younger siblings: Griffon and Calypso. As the first born, I was supposed to inherit the throne. I didn't want that. I didn't want a whole life of restriction and decisions. I wanted to be free.....so I left"

"You left your home.....?"

"Yes. I came here; America. I read a lot about earth before I left. I made sure I would be ready for anything that comes up, but I was wrong. There was so much that I didn't and could never find out in books...." she sneaks a glance at dad who was coincidentally staring at her lovingly. Jeez... "My mother was furious when she found out I left. She placed a curse on me"

"What the...?"

"Yeah. She...she..." she squeezes dads hand and he places another on top of it. "She made sure I'd never be able to bear my own child"

A horrified gasp escapes my lips.

Her eyes water. "They where the worst years of my life. That is when I found out about the reality of the curse. At first, I thought Calypso was just joking around, but it was...it was heart breaking. Some years later, Calypso helped me break the curse and..." she casts a nervous glance at my dad. "....and I was free. I thought it was over, but as I learnt here, problems are a part of life"

"No kidding"

"Back in Allozan, Griffon was next in line when I left. Every thing was set for the coronation and all, but at the last second, Calypso was chosen in his stead"

"Woah..." this is getting really interesting. Like a movie or something. If only I wasn't part of it..

"My parents thought his attitude wasn't fit for a ruler. He was so angry. Enraged even. So he fled. Years later, a war desended on the four lands. No one knew who led them or what thier grudge was. At that time, Calypso wasn't there. As the queen, she was supposed to give the orders. The armies where disorganised, unprepared for the sudden war. There was nothing but ruin when Calypso returned. She was hurt, angered and confused. There was one...one person who caught a glimpse of thier leader. Calypso's best friend. He found out that it was Griffon. Apparently he came back to destroy Allozan. Calypso left to find him, probably wanted to talk but that wasn't to be. They fought....really fought. She managed to destroy his physical body but she wasn't strong enough to destroy his essence. Therefore, he came back to life...."

"Cliche"

She looks away.

"So let me get this straight. I'm an enchanted...what does that even mean? And how come dad isn't as well? And Mason too"

"The enchanteds are a pure race of magic. Unlike other races, we have barely any limit in our power. I met your father here. He wasn't born in Allozan. He was an ordinary human before I brought him to Allozan..."

"So what is he now? A troll?"

"Seriously?" My dad deadpands.

"It's not my fault she made it sound like you'd turned into something horrible"

"He became a gifted"

"What's that?"

"When a human comes to Allozan, they choose a path. If you plan to leave, you're given a gift; a power. This makes you a gifted. But it's only possible if you're trusted by the elders. If you're not, you leave empty handed. The other path is the path of the elementalists. In this path, you come to live in one of the four lands. You will be given a power stone to be forged into any accessory of your choice. With the stone, you inherit the power of the land you chose to live in"

"Okayyyyy....?"

"You'll understand when you get there "

"What? Get where?"

"Maraja, you have to leave for Allozan at once. Griffon isn't done. He hasn't even started. If you don't stop him, he'll not only destroy the magical lands, but he'll come to earth as well and that will be the end of us"

"Maraja!? Leave?! Me, stop him?! Mum, do you even...do you...ugh! Mum!"

"My dear, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never wanted any of this to happen. Your dad and I merely wanted a simple life for you and Mason..."

"No, mum. I don't get why I have to be the one to vanquish this Griffon. I mean I don't even know the slightest thing about magic or anything supernatural" I get up and so do my parents.

"That's why you have to go to Allozan. You're the rightfull heir to the throne and you will be trained to face him there"

"Heir?! Heir to the throne?! I can't even comprehend what's been happening to me these past few days and you want me to travel to a place I don't even know?!"

"I know it doesn't sound easy, but it's what needs to be done. You see what's out there.." she points out the window. "The cracked grounds, withered trees, destroyed houses and desserted civilization...all that in just a few hours. That's just a grain of sand compared to what he's capable of"

"But mum...that doesn't explain why it has to be me!"

"Because you're the strongest of us all!"

"Well that's just absurd!"

"It's not! You where born for this! Your power is like no other! It radiates off you, even when you're not aware. Even the most experienced druids and enchanteds can not match your power. But it is raw. You have to use your magic, Maraja. Because if you don't, someone else will!" She attempts to walk away, but dad stops her.

"Are you angry at me?" I let out a scoff. "You're angry with me?! You're not the one who's been lied to her entire life. You where born in your home. At least you had the priviledge to see that it wasn't what you wanted! I on the other hand can't even wrap my head around half of the things you said!"

"I'm sorry" her eyes water. "I'm so sorry, my child" she hugs my trembling body and even if I'm the most confused person in the world, I have no choice but to lean into her. Because she's my mother and no matter what, I still love her.

"Why?" I choke. "Why mum? Why me?"

"Hush, it's okay, everything will be fine. I promise we'll guide you through this okay"

I shame my head and pull away from her. "I need time..." I walk off.

When I lock my door, my tears fall freely. Laboured sobs leave my trembling lips.

"What happened?"

Through the blur of my tears, I spot Mason leaning on my bed frame. Arms folded, watching me with concern.

I try wiping my tears away. "How did you get in here?"

"I was in here when you locked the door. You haven't answered my question"

"It's nothing" I move to my bed side.

"That's not possible"

"It's nothing"

"You really expect my to believe you're crying your eyes out for nothing?"

"If I told you....you wouldn't believe me"

"Try me" the bed dips as he sits next to me.

I let it flow. All the wierd and unbelievable stories and theories my mother told me come out like a running tap.

"So they lied to you?"

"Pretty much" I shrug it off, but Masons arms seemed to strain. I place a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. I'll be fine..."

"All this time...they've been lying to you. Just like they've been to me..." he stands up slowly, my hand returning to my side.

"Mason, let it go..." he stalks toward the door and unlocks it. "Please..."

He closed the door behind him. I wait a second...another second...I rush after him. There's no telling what he's capable of, at this point.

"Mason!" I reach the middle of the stairs and I see him....I know what he's going to do. No, no, no! "Mason stop!"

I hear his strained voice from the far end of the living room. "How dare you?! Do you always have to lie?! And here I was, thinking that I was the only victim"

"What are you talking about, Mason?" My mother's tense voice cuts through my heart like a sword. No, he can't do this!

I quicken my steps until I'm beside him. "Mason, that's enough!"

He ignores me. "No!" His hand fly up. "Did you think I would never find out? That you could keep your little secret forever!?"

"Stop!"

"I'm not your real child, am I?" He states in a rather, calm voice.

Tears stroll down my mothers cheeks as she approches Mason. "Mason, my son"

"Stay away from me! It seems like lying is to be your legacy. Among the few truths you managed to finally tell Mavis, it seems you left out the part where she was the miracle baby huh?! And I was just some consolation prize to keep you occupied until she arrived!"

"Mason! That is not true!" Dads authoritative voice booms. "Wether ot not you are our flesh and blood-"

"You hear that?!" He turns to me while pointing at our father. "From the horses mouth, Mavis. He finally spoke the truth"

"Mason, you have always been my son" mother cries her way to him. "You where, you are and you'll always be. I love you my child, please forgive me"

"Forgive you?! Tell me why you lied to me! Tell me why the fact that my real family could be out there and you kept it from me!"

"We where told that you had no family.." mother sobs on.

"We didn't want to loose you, son" dad speaks, holding mum.

"Well, you just did"

~~~~~