Chapter 6 - Transformation Day
“My, my, my, I'm so happy. I'm gonna join the band.”
- Celebration Day, Led Zeppelin
Sunlight filtered into the guest chambers through the skylights in the ceiling. The light hit Amethyst's eyes, and he blinked them open. He yawned and sat up, stretching all his muscles. He looked around and remembered that he was in Thyatira. He sat there, thinking about the events of the previous day. The false charges. His arrest. Being brought to the court of the Queen. He was still a little upset about that. Amethyst did not like to be falsely accused of things he had not done, especially if they were acts that he would never commit. But then his disposition brightened. He remembered being found innocent. That was a big relief. And he remembered being with Kani the day before. She was so nice, so sweet, and, he had to admit, beautiful. Most humans would not be able to see the true beauty of a bird. But, somehow, Amethyst was able to see her beauty. Then, he remembered that the queen said she was going to do something with him. Just as he began to think about what that might be, he heard a familiar voice at the door.
“Good morning, Amethyst.” said Kani, smiling at him. “Did you sleep well?”
“Oh boy, did I ever! That's probably the best sleep I've ever had before.” Amethyst said with a smile. He stood up and stretched once more, and then walked over to Kani. He gave her a hug. “It's good to see you again, Kani.”
“Yes, I feel the same.” she replied, feeling happy in his embrace. “Now, Queen Saria has sent me to get you. It's time.”
“Already? Wow, that was quick.” said Amethyst, breaking the hug. “ I just hope whatever she's got planned isn't too bad.”
“Don't worry, I think you'll like it.” said Kani with a grin. I think I'll like it too, she thought. “Come, let's go to the Queen.” Kani extended her wing and looped it through Amethyst's arm.
“Lead on, my dear.” said Amethyst in a Sean Connery voice. Kani just giggled and tightened her hold on his arm. Kani much preferred flying to the throne room, but because Amethyst had no wings, she accommodated him by walking. Soon, though, he'll have wings of his own. Soon, he'll be just like us, thought Kani as she led him to the throne room. It was another hot, sweaty day, and the light pouring in through the windows felt quite hot.
“Are you okay, Amethyst?” asked Kani. “You seem to be getting wet all of a sudden.”
“Oh, that's just sweat.”
“Sweat? I've never heard of that.”
“It's what our bodies do naturally when it's hot. It's the body's way of cooling down.” explained Amethyst. “But I guess since you're a crane, you probably don't sweat.”
“Huh...you humans have weird bodies.” said Kani with a smirk. “Skyah truly has a sense of humour.”
“Hey, that's not fair! It's just the way our bodies are...who is Skyah?”
“Surely you know Skyah. He is the creator of all living things.” Kani said matter-of-factly.
“Oh...you mean Jehovah.” said Amethyst in a correcting tone. “Jehovah is God's name.”
“If that's what you call him. We call him Skyah. He is the maker of all, and he is the protector of all birds. He loves all us birds, and he created each kind of bird out of his great love. And besides, some birds can venture high up into the sky, almost up to Skyah himself, and therefore we have a strong link to him.”
“Well...” Amethyst said with a smile. “I'm not sure if that is possible. But anyways, let's not argue. I believe the Throne Room is just up ahead.”
“Yep, we're here.” said Kani. She and Amethyst stepped into the throne room. Queen Saria was sitting patiently on her throne, surrounded by her eight counselors. Also, many other high-level cranes from the city were assembled there. All heads turned to look at Amethyst. He walked uncertainly into the center of the room, feeling uncomfortable with all of their eyes on him. He turned in a circle, looking at all of the cranes. He then turned and faced Queen Saria.
“Good day, my queen.” said Amethyst with a bow.
“Good day to you too, Amethyst No-Name.” replied Saria.
“No-Name? What's that all about?” he asked. “My last name is Crane.”
“True, your human last name. But in the realm of cranes, human last names are not recognized.” said Saria. “Besides...I don't know how much longer you will want a human surname.”
“Huh?” said Amethyst, confused. Saria motioned to Kani to come over to her. Saria whispered something into Kani's ear. Kani nodded and flew off. Amethyst watched her disappear down one of the other corridors. “What's...what's going on, Queen Saria?”
“Patience, and all shall become clear to you.” said Saria sagely. A minute later, Kani returned, a fruit in her mouth. She landed beside Saria and handed the fruit to her. Saria took it and held it up in the light of the room for all to see. All of the cranes murmured knowingly. Amethyst stared at the fruit, scratching his head.
“It's...a fruit? Okay...” said Amethyst. “How is that supposed to be clear to me?”
“Yes...it's a fruit, Amethyst. But not any normal fruit. It is a fruit that only one man has ever eaten before. And now, you shall be the second, my dear lad.”
“Well, I am quite hungry.” said Amethyst staring at the fruit. The more he looked at it, the more it seemed to glisten and glow. Amethyst could not help staring at it. Saria moved it back and forth, and Amethyst followed it with his eyes.
“Just as I expected...it is irresistible to humans. No wonder Skyah had such a problem with them.” said Saria to the assembly. “Amethyst...this fruit is very special, and it will make you light and free. Eat it, and be set free.” Saria held the fruit out to Amethyst.
“Alright.” said Amethyst. He walked up to Saria, and he took the fruit from her wing. He looked it over. “Hmm...seems pretty fresh.”
“Yes, just picked early this morning.” said Saria. “Go ahead, eat.” Amethyst looked at the fruit some more, and then turned to the queen.
“Is this...is this a trick of some sort? I mean...what'll happen if I eat it?” asked Amethyst. “This isn't going to kill me, is it?”
“No, Amethyst, it's not going to kill you.” replied Saria with a deep sigh. “Why should I want to do that to you? Besides, you are innocent of those charges that were brought against you yesterday. Please, just trust me. Eat the fruit.”
“Okay...here goes.” said Amethyst. He took a big bite out of the fruit, and chewed it slowly. His eyes lit up. “Wow! I've never tasted a fruit this good before!” Amethyst continued to eat it, enjoying each bite.
“So, it is good then?”
“Yes, absolutely. What kind of fruit is it?” asked Amethyst, continuing to eat away at it.
“It's called a cranefruit. It's a favourite fruit of cranes, and it gives us plenty of strength.” replied Saria.
“Man, is it ever good.” Amethyst finished off the fruit, eating it right to the core. “How come we humans have never seen this kind of fruit?”
“Because...because it is not meant for humans.” replied Saria. “It is meant for cranes to eat.”
“Wha? Then...why did you just give it to me?” asked Amethyst. All of a sudden, his vision grew blurry. He staggered backwards slightly. Amethyst squeezed his eyes shut.“Woah...I...I feel weird. What's happening?”
“The fruit must be working on you, Amethyst. It's changing you right now.”
“Changing me? Into what?” Amethyst cried out in pain. He feel to his knees, his hands on his head. “Aah! I feel so weird...it's spreading through my body!”
“Relax, Amethyst. Do not fight it. The change is taking place.”
“Tell me!” yelled Amethyst, swaying from side to side. “What's happening?!”
“You're going to be our brother very soon, Amethyst. Just accept the feeling.” said Saria. “Once it is all over, you will be free. Free of that human body.”
“You mean...” Amethyst said, in a daze. “...that I'm turning into a crane?”
“Exactly.” said Saria. It was the last thing Amethyst heard before he blacked out.
* * *
Slowly, the world came back into focus. Saria and Kani were by his side, kneeling next to him. He raised his head dizzily, looking at them. All the other cranes stood looking on happily. He sat up, shaking his head.
“Kani...Saria...” he said. His mouth felt odd. It felt different somehow. He raised his hand to feel it...but he didn't see a hand. Instead, he saw a wing. Startled, he jumped back. He looked at the wing. He looked to his other hand, and saw another wing. He moved one to his mouth...and felt something hard.
“That would be a beak, Amethyst.” said Saria, watching him with amusement.
“I...I feel so...different...so...light.” said Amethyst. He stood up shakily, still a little dizzy. He looked down and saw that he was definitely no longer human. He was a crane. He didn't know whether to be shocked or excited. So the reaction came out a little of both.
“Do you like the new you?” asked Elder Ke-ash, speaking up from his seat.
“Yes...very much. I'm so happy. This...this is like a dream come true. Wait...this means that I can fly!' exclaimed Amethyst happily, this wonderful realization dawning on him. Amethyst spread his wings, and flapped them excitedly. He was caught unawares by the sudden lift and went flying wildly to one side of the throne room. Almost instinctively, he put his wings back and moved his tail feathers. He landed just short of the wall.
“It seems you might need some practice with flying, Amethyst.” said a familiar voice. He turned quickly, and saw that it was Lieutenant Rak.
“Rak? You dare to come uninvited?” asked Queen Saria.
“Sorry, my queen, but when I heard what you were planning, I just had to see this for myself.” said Rak.
“Well...alright. But next time, please do not just invite yourself.” Saria said with a sigh. She turned to Amethyst. “Rak is right. You do need some practice for flying.” She turned back to Rak. “Hmm...you are a good flier Rak. Maybe you should take him out for some practice. Just keep him in a safe spot. I'll not have another crane death.”
“As you wish, Queen Saria. I'll help him get his wings.” Rak replied with a bow. “Come on, Amethyst.” said Rak, flying out of the House of Royals. Amethyst turned to look at Saria.
“Well what are you standing looking at me for? Go, go with Rak. He'll show you what to do.”
“Yes, my queen.” said Amethyst. Amethyst flew awkwardly after Rak. |
Submission Name: Story of Amethyst, Ch. 6
