The Cure to Mortia

The Cure to Mortia

By Grace Kafka

Minora sat on the steps of her house in the countryside, toying with her long dark-brown hair. At least it used to be her house. She had been evicted as soon as her parents had died. They had caught the fatal disease, Mortia, and left their daughter, formerly known as Minerva, behind. She was only three years old when they passed away, and she stayed in the care of a loveless guardian who called her Minora, a name which meant “Insignificant.” That's how she felt now, at the age of fourteen, sitting on the front steps of her old, abandoned house. Her parents' gravestones stood in the yard nearby. Her bright green eyes welled up with tears.

Suddenly Minora heard hoofbeats in the distance. Her ears perked up. She almost never got to see animals, as her guardian loathed them. She searched for the source of the sound. Probably a horse, she thought. She was right. When she could finally see it, she noticed that it was pulling a large black box-type thing. She stared at it, trying to make out what it was, when somebody jumped out of it. He was a tall, lanky boy of about fifteen, with messy dirty-blond hair and large hazel eyes. Minora was shocked to see such a strange contraption with someone in it, and the boy must have sensed her surprise, for he said: “What's the matter? Never seen a buggy before?” Minora was too baffled to speak, so she just shook her head. “Well, I guess I am not surprised. You live out here in the countryside.” Minora raised her eyebrows and inquired, “Who are you?” The boy grinned and said, “Corbio's the name. I know who you are, Minora. Mind if I call you Min? Easier to remember, and all.” Minora, still more than a little surprised, responded, “I guess you can call me Min, if you want. What are you doing here?” Corbio grinned and answered, “I'm here to take you to boarding school!” Minora was now completely dumbfounded. “Boarding school?” “Yep, boarding school,” answered Corbio. “It's all been arranged by your guardian, Mortia.” Minora cringed when she heard the name. It was bad enough that her guardian hated her, but the fact that she shared a name with the thing that killed her parents made it somehow worse. “But why?” Minora asked. “Why didn't she tell me?” Corbio shrugged. “My guess is as good as yours,” he said. “But come on! You'll be late for your presentation!” He grabbed her wrist, jumped into the strange contraption, and they sped away.

As Minora and Corbio bounced in the “buggy,” as Corbio had called it, Minora's head filled with questions. “What is this school called?” was just one of them but was the one she chose to ask. “Vlarmo Academy,” answered Corbio. “Vlarmo?” inquired Minora. “The name of the head schoolmaster,” Corbio said. “I'm his apprentice, y'know. I'll be runnin' the place someday.” Corbio, who didn't look prepared enough to be a lunch server in a school, let alone the head teacher, nevertheless looked extremely proud of himself. Minora stifled a laugh, then asked, “How did you get the job?” Corbio looked confused, then replied, “I don't really know. I was sorta... chosen, y'know what I mean?” It was now Minora's turn to be confused. “What do you mean, 'chosen'?” Corbio shrugged. “Don't really know. I don't remember it much.” Minora raised her eyebrows, looked out the window, and screamed. “What is it? What's the matter?” asked a startled Corbio. “I—it's not important,” replied a flustered Minora. There had been a face in the window, ghost-white and silver-haired. Something—she didn't know what—told her not to tell Corbio, or anyone else, about it. Corbio leaned forward concernedly, his brow furrowed. “You okay, Min? Can I get you anything?” Minora nodded and said, “I'm fine. Thought I saw something, that's all.” Corbio shrugged and said, “Okay, then.” Minora looked back out the window. The face was gone. For some reason this unnerved her more than it being there in the first place. “I'm fine. Thought I saw something, that's all.” Corbio shrugged and said, “Okay, then.” Minora looked back out the window. The face was gone. For some reason this unnerved her more than it being there in the first place. “Hey, Corbio,” she said suddenly. “What was that you said about a presentation?” Corbio grinned and said mysteriously, “Oh, you'll see.

Half an hour later, Corbio and Minora arrived at Vlarmo Academy. Minora gazed up at the towering building, made of gray stone from bottom to top. Presently, a man appeared on a balcony. He was dressed all in black, with ebony hair and beard to match. His eyebrows were thick, and his eyes a blazing shade of blue. “Who is that?” Minora whispered to Corbio. “That's Vlarmo,” He hissed back. “Now shh!” Vlarmo. His name sent odd shivers down Minora's back. Suddenly he started to speak. “Welcome, students!” his booming voice called out. “I am Vlarmo, head teacher of this school, Vlarmo Academy! I understand some of you have attended this school before,” Minora saw a nearby girl smile arrogantly, “And so I shall ask all of said students to help our newer pupils.” Vlarmo continued, “It is my aim to make this term highly fundamental to your full education. Not only that, but I also hope that it is entertaining and amusing. Please note, however, that severe punishment will be given to those who do not abide by the school's rules and regulations. Said rules are posted on the board in the Front Hall.” After Vlarmo's speech, the students were dispatched to their rooms. Minora was confused and didn't know where she was going. Corbio had disappeared. All of a sudden Minora was knocked down by the students rushing by. “Here, let me help you out,” said a voice. Minora gladly took the hand that was stretched out to assist. When she got back on her feet, she saw her benefactor's face—and gasped. This was the same ghostly face that had appeared in the carriage window, with one odd difference—the girl's eyes were the same blazing blue as Vlarmo's. If the girl noticed Minora's gasp, she didn't show it. She simply smiled and said, “I'm Willow. What's your name?” She had a strangely high voice, but it was pleasant. Minora introduced herself, then queried, “Have you gone to this school before?”  Willow smiled again and nodded. “Last term was my first,” she said. Just then the girl who had smirked during Vlarmo's speech stroll by. “Hello, there,” she said, as though seeing the other two for the first time. She turned to Minora. “I'm Bellonna. And you are?” “Minora.” “Ah, yes,” said Bellonna airily. “The new girl. Well, there are some things you should know about this school. First, I and I alone am the head teacher's favorite, so only I am allowed into his office without direct instructions.” “That's not true, Bellonna,” Willow said irritably. Bellonna ignored her. “Second, you are new, which means you must attend a special presentation to Vlarmo. It is quite the experience. And finally,” here she dropped her voice to an audible whisper, “Don't socialize with ghosts.” Minora raised her eyebrows. “Ta-ta!” Bellonna said and strode away. “What was that about?” Minora asked. “That's Bellonna for you,” Willow answered, “Complete snob.” “What did she mean by 'don't socialize with ghosts'?” Willow sighed. “It's a long story. I'll tell you after your presentation.” “Okay,” Minora said. “When is that, anyway?” “It starts about...” Willow checked her watch, “Two minutes ago! We've gotta hurry!” She grabbed Minora and rushed toward the building.

A few seconds later, Minora and Willow reached the large wooden doors of Vlarmo's office. Willow knocked on the door, and it swung open. Minora thought she heard Willow say, “Best of luck, Minerva.” Minora glanced towards her friend, but she was gone. Nonplussed, Minora nevertheless went into the office boldly. Inside, Vlarmo was speaking to a group of students. He paused when Minora entered. “You're late,” he remarked. All heads turned towards Minora. She blushed. “I'm sorry,” she began, but before she could say another word, Vlarmo raised a hand to quiet her. “No need, child! No need! Now, tell me: what is your name?” Minora took a deep breath. “My name is Minora.” she said. “Ah, yes,” Vlarmo said, “Minora. I was just telling the others who their roommates will be. Yours is Bellonna.” “Oh, no!” Minora exclaimed. “Please, can't Willow be my roommate?” Vlarmo arched an eyebrow. “Who?” Something told Minora not to elaborate, so she replied, “Never mind.” Vlarmo smiled and continued to address the entire room. “Now, here at Vlarmo Academy, there is something all new students must go through. Please close your eyes.” A murmur of confusion passed through the room, but all the students did as they were told. “Now, when I tell you to, open them again. Ready? Open them now!” Minora, along with the other students, opened her eyes and looked down at her clothing. She was dressed in a long, thick black dress. That's strange, she thought. She had no memory of putting this garment on, yet it felt natural that it should be on her. Vlarmo started to speak again. “This is your school uniform! All students are required to wear it at all times.” One small boy raised his hand and asked, “Do we have to wear them in bed?” The students giggled. Vlarmo smiled and leaned forward. “Your name is Luco, isn't it?” “Yes, sir, it is.” “And how old are you, Luco?” “I am exactly twelve years and four months old,” he responded boldly. He was extremely small for his age. “Well, Luco, I do not usually permit any person younger than myself to speak out of turn.” Luco blushed behind his spectacles. “To answer your question, you do not have to sleep in this uniform; however, you may not leave your room unless you are wearing it. Are there any other questions?” The students stayed quiet. “Well, then, you are dispatched to your rooms, where your roommates will lead you to your classes. Goodbye!”

Outside Vlarmo's office, Bellonna had been waiting for Minora impatiently. “Oh, there you are!” she cried. “I've been waiting for you! Come on!” She dragged Minora out of the building and into another, where doors lined the hall. “This is our room,” Bellonna said when they reached the third door on the left side. She opened it and skipped in. Inside, there were two beds, a large wardrobe, and a small window that looked out toward a pond. Minora sat down on one of the beds and looked around. This room was almost as bare as her room in Mortia's house, with the exception of the oddly elegant wardrobe. Minora opened it and saw rows and rows of thick black dresses exactly like the one she wore now, and four black silk nightgowns inside two drawers at the bottom. Minora went back to the window. She marveled for a long time at the pond, which seemed to glow. Suddenly she heard Bellonna speak sharply. “Well? Are you coming?” Minora whirled around. “Coming? Where?” “To your first class, of course!” Bellonna said impatiently. “Mathematics! Come on!” She ran out the door. Minora quickly followed.

In mathematics, Minora solved the problems quickly, but kept getting sidetracked. She stared out the window at the pond, which was right outside the window. She heard a rapping on her desk. “Minora? Pay attention please!” She glanced up at the teacher, a tall, sharp woman named Izi, staring keenly down at her. “I'm sorry, Izi,” Minora said. Izi nodded curtly and went back to her desk. She thought she saw Willow giving her a thumbs-up out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned her head, Willow was gone.

In between classes, the students had free time. Minora used hers to sit by the lake and admire it. She watched as other children jumped into the crystal water. She smiled sadly. She had never learned how to swim. Just then Willow appeared at her side. “Beautiful day, isn't it?” Minora looked up. “Who are you?” she asked. Willow sighed and said, “You want the whole story?” “Yes! Please tell me what's going on!” Willow closed her eyes and began, “It started with my mother. She rules a world called Etherea. It's a beautiful place. Everyone there has their own skill. Mine is vanishing when I don't want to be seen. Anyway, my mom fell in love with an unusual man in this world. They got married and had me. A few years later, my mother got very sick with Mortia. It was the second time.” At this Minora gasped. “That's how my parents died, too!” Willow smiled. “Oh, but she didn't die. She had found a cure, but it put her in a very deep sleep so she could heal. My father thought she had died, though. Her breathing was almost imperceptible, so he buried her.” Minora gasped again. “Alive? He buried her alive?” “Yes, but she didn't die. She knows that when she's in danger, she can instantly transport herself to Etherea. She stayed there for a long time to be with her family and old friends, but when she returned, my dad was convinced she was a ghost. He hid himself away and forgot his old life—forgot me.” Willow smiled sadly. “I'm known as Ghost-girl here, not just because of my appearance, but also because the teachers don't seem to know I exist. And now my dad is obsessed with trying to find a way to be with my mother again.” “Who is he?” Minora asked tentatively, thinking she might know the answer. Willow opened her blazing blue eyes. “Vlarmo.”

*****

That night, Minora couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned in her bed, trying to think of a way to help Willow—to help Vlarmo. Finally, she got up and walked outside. She sat near the pond and thought. The water seemed to be telling her, jump in jump in jump in. “I can't!” she said aloud. “I don't know how to swim!” Jump in jump in jump in. “I want to, but I just can't!” JUMP IN JUMP IN JUMP IN! “Fine!” she cried. “I'll jump in! Just don't blame me if I drown!” She walked onto the wooden plank above the water, readied herself, and jumped. It was unlike anything she'd ever experienced before. The cold water tickled her and lapped against her as she sunk. Soon she started to panic. I'm going to drown. This was a terrible idea. I'm going to drown. But as she sunk, she felt, somehow, increasingly calmer, as if she was decreasingly in danger rather than the opposite. As her head slipped beneath the water, her eyes closed. When she opened them, she gasped! She was standing on a cloud, the sun was up, and there were people everywhere. It was beautiful. This must be Etherea, she thought. “Indeed, it is!” she heard a voice say. She whirled around. There stood a plump, cheerful woman in green. “Oh, I'm sorry to startle you,” she said, “It's my skill. I can hear people's thoughts.” “What?!” asked a shocked Minora. “Oh, I'm so sorry,” said the woman, “In Etherea, everyone has their own skill. Mine is one of the most unusual. What's your skill?” Minora, still taken aback by having her thoughts heard, said shakily, “I-I don't know.” The woman smiled and said, “That's all right. Your age is the perfect time to not know. You can explore all options!” She raised her arms toward the sky and spun around. “I'm Amarya. What's your name?” It was strange. This woman looked middle-aged, yet she had the wide-eyed wonder of a child. “I'm Minora.” Amarya smiled once again. “Oh, no, you're not! Your name is Minerva.” Minora raised her eyebrows and asked, “How did you know?” Amarya tapped her head and said, “Special skill, remember?” For the first time since her parents had died, Minora felt like herself. She felt like Minerva. Suddenly a bright light shone. “What's happening? What's going on?” Minora asked. “It's the queen!” responded Amarya. “The queen of Etherea!” A woman in a long white dress came into view. Minora gasped. This was the face she'd seen in the carriage window! The queen walked up to her and nodded. “Welcome to Etherea,” she said. Her voice was oddly high, like Willow's, but pleasant just the same. “I am Phantine. You know my daughter, Willow, I presume?” Minora just nodded shyly. Phantine smiled, but then looked sad. “What's wrong?” Minora asked. Phantine looked up and replied, “I wish I could be with my daughter. She is prevented from traveling back to Etherea, for that would put us all in grave peril.” “Why?” Minora asked. “If she returns, Vlarmo could lose all control of himself and put all around him in danger.” “Why would that happen if Willow leaves?” “Willow is the only thing that is keeping him sane. He doesn't remember her, but he sort of... subconsciously knows of her existence. If she doesn't stay in that world, he could lose the little knowledge he has of her and stop trying to control himself.” Minora was frightened. “And... what would happen if he does?” Phantine looked mournful. “He will try to invade this world and take me from it.”

*****

The next morning, Minora woke up in her room at school. Bellonna was snoring in the bed next to her. She quickly slipped a dress on and walked outside. Luco was there, crouching near the pond, looking intently at the water. “What are you doing?” Minora asked. Luco didn't even flinch. “I'm trying to see what's under the water.” “Why?” Minora asked. Luco looked up. “Because I saw you jumping in last night,” he responded. Minora was shocked. Luco smiled at her dropped jaw and said, “I know who Willow is. So, tell me: is this how you get to Etherea?” Minora, though still stunned, regained control of herself and asked, “How do you know about all this?” “My grandfather is from Etherea. I didn't know until I came here and saw Willow, but then it all fell into place. Granddad told me stories about Etherea before, and I didn't quite believe them until now.” His brown eyes shone beneath his too-large spectacles. Minora noticed that his cheeks got rosy whenever he mentioned Willow's name. “Well, to answer your question, yes, this is the way to Etherea,” Minora said. “Yes! I knew it!” exclaimed Luco. “I've been inspecting this pond for quite some time now. I knew it! I knew it!” He did a little dance of celebration. Minora laughed and said, “Would you like to visit with me?” “Would I!” cried Luco. “Yes, yes, yes!” Together they jumped into the pond. In seconds, they disappeared beneath the water and reappeared in Etherea. There was an elderly man standing near them. “Granddad!” Luco exclaimed. “You're here!” The man smiled and said, “Of course, Luco! Where else would I be? And who's this?” Luco introduced Minora, then said, “Granddad, could you take us on a tour of Etherea? Please?” “Why, of course, my boy! Of course! Follow me!” He started walking quickly across the unreal landscape, too quickly for his age. Things are certainly not what they seem here, Minora thought as she rapidly followed. They walked past buildings that looked like clouds, sunset-colored trees, and oh, so many people. As Luco's grandfather was explaining to them about his skill, horticulture, Phantine appeared. “Nikolaus!” she cried. “I need your help! Please come to the palace.” “I'm on my way.” His voice had taken a serious tone. “Come on, children. Hang on tight to me.” They fixed a firm grip on his clothing and closed their eyes, not knowing what was about to happen. “Open your eyes, children,” Nikolaus said. They did so and gasped. They definitely were not in the village anymore. They were inside a grand building made from some sort of marble substance, but it was soft, cloudlike. Phantine was sitting majestically on a throne. “Welcome to my palace,” she said. “Nikolaus, I am in dire need of your services. I require a crop of life grass as soon as possible. I may have gotten Mortia again.” All present gasped. “No!” Minora exclaimed. Phantine quieted the crowd. “Don't worry. I have survived Mortia twice before. There is no reason I shouldn't now.”

Out in Nikolaus's garden, while they helped him work, Minora noticed that Luco's face was pale and panic-stricken. “What's the matter, Luco?” she asked. “This is the third time the queen has caught Mortia. If my research is correct, this is the last time that is possible.” “Well, that's good news, then, isn't it? She'll never get Mortia again!” Luco shook his head. “No. The third time one catches Mortia, it is impossible to cure. I'm afraid the queen will...” He trailed off. He couldn't finish the sentence. Minora gasped with a realization. “Die?” Luco nodded. “And there's nothing we can do?” Minora asked urgently. “I'm afraid not. All we can do is see how it plays out.” “And that's it?” Minora felt the anger growing in her.“We're just supposed to sit back and watch Phantine slowly die? I know what it's like to have a close friend—close family—dying in your arms, and you think that there's nothing you can do, but there is! You don't just sit back and 'see how it plays out,' you try to find a cure, even though you know it's impossible, even though you know they're going to die, you still try to save them, because maybe, just maybe it is possible, and you know that there is the slimmest of chances that they will survive! We are going to look for a cure, and we're going to look for it NOW!” Luco looked with amazement and a little fear at Minora, who was breathing heavily, her hair disheveled. She calmed herself down and said, “Please help me. For Willow. This is her mother we're talking about.” Luco took a deep breath. “Okay. For Willow. How can I help?”

The children had to find the recipe for the medicine, and to do that, they were going to visit the physician, a woman named Lila. “Granddad,” Luco said, “Me and Minora are going to explore more of the town. Is that alright with you?” “Of course, Luco! Just be back in time for supper!” They didn't have to go far to get to Dr. Lila's. Luco knocked, and a tall, gangly teenage boy with a red cowlick answered the door. He reminded Minora of Corbio. “Can I help you kids?” he asked. “Do you know if Dr. Lila is in?” Luco asked. “Um, yeah, she is!” the youth said brightly. “Come on in!” The building was unlike anything Minora had ever seen before. There were clocks all over the walls, a quilt on the floor like a rug, and a velvet couch, on which the most curious and eccentric person Minora had ever seen was sitting on. She wore a very long purple and yellow robe over a teal top, which was tucked loosely into shocking-pink Capri pants. Her long, black hair hung in a messy ponytail, and on top of it was a bright-red fedora. “Oooh, visitors!” She exclaimed. “Thank you for bringing them in, Bren!” Bren beamed, nodded, and went away. Dr. Lila—for that was who she was—beckoned the children to come sit by her. “Now, since you're here, I have reason to believe that you are not feeling well. Tea?” She offered them tea out of a backwards teapot, out of which the tea poured through the handle. They all drank some. “Cookie?” She passed around a plate of upside-down cookies, with the frosting on the bottom. They all ate some. “Actually, Doctor, we both feel fine,” Minora said. “It's the queen. She's dreadfully sick, and we need to find a cure as soon as possible. Could you help us?” “Of course, I can! What is she sick with?” Minora and Luco looked at each other. “Mortia,” they said in unison. Dr. Lila gasped and dropped the teapot. It bounced out of sight. “Mortia? But she's already had it twice!” “We know,” Minora said, “but we still need to find a way to heal her.” Lila shook her head. “Can't be done. I'm so sorry, but it's impossible.” Minora felt the anger growing in her again, but Luco placed a hand on her shoulder. She took a deep breath and said, “That may be so, Doctor, but it is my full intention to at least try to save the queen. Please, do you know the recipe for the cure?” Dr. Lila thought for a moment, then smiled and said, “Follow me.” She got up, lifted the quilt, and revealed a set of stairs going down to a tunnel.

Inside the hidden tunnel, Dr. Lila scrutinized a bookshelf, muttering to herself. “Let's see...Mombies...Mopeys...Mortia!” She lifted a heavy book covered in dust off the bookshelf and blew on it. Dust flew everywhere. Luco coughed and sneezed like mad. “Sorry,” he said, straightening his disheveled glasses, “Allergies.” Lila opened the book and turned to a chapter entitled, “How to Cure.” “Here is the recipe for the cure to Mortia. I have all the ingredients except one.” “Which one don't you have?” Luco asked. “Lifegrass,” Lila answered. “Well, that's alright!” Luco said cheerily. “My granddad is growing lifegrass in his garden right now!” Lila shook her head. “Lifegrass takes a very long time to grow. It will be too late by the time the crop has grown. Unless...” “Unless? Unless what?” Minora asked urgently. “Well...” Lila said hesitantly, “There may be a full moon during the crop's growth. The light of the moon will help it grow faster, maybe even enhance its abilities.” The children let out a cheer. Lila quieted them. “I'm not completely certain,” she said. “Let me check the calendar.” She went to a rolled-out paper on the wall and checked the state of the moon. “Yes!” she cried. “It is a full moon!” All three cheered happily. “Now, I must warn you,” Lila said solemnly, “It might help the lifegrass grow quickly, but only might. Don't get your hopes up too high.” The children nodded. They all went back upstairs. “Thank you so much, Dr. Lila,” Minora said. “My pleasure,” replied the doctor. The children bid farewell to Lila and Bren and went on their way.

*****

Back at school, Minora could hardly pay attention to her lessons. She was too busy thinking about Willow, and how she would take the news that her mother was fatally ill. As soon as the students got a break, she sought out Willow and found her in a tree. “What are you doing up there?” Minora asked. “Nothing! What are you doing down there?” Minora laughed, but then grew solemn. “Willow, I have something to tell you and you're not going to like it.” “What?” Willow's face had fallen at the sound of those words. “Come down here so I can tell you,” Minora said. “No,” Willow replied, “You come up. I don't really want to move.” Minora rolled her eyes goodnaturedly and climbed up. “Willow, your mom... she...well...” Willow looked a little frightened at the mention of her mother. “Is my mom in danger?” Well...” Minora took a deep breath. “Yes. Yes, she is. She caught Mortia again. The third time.” Willow gasped and burst into tears. Minora gave her friend a big hug and comforted her. “It's alright. You can cry. It's alright.” Willow straightened, wiped her eyes, and said, “No. It's not alright. And I shouldn't cry. Crying doesn't help my mother. I just need to put on a brave face and... and...” She started crying again. “Crying may not help your mother,” Minora said, “But it can help you. Besides, me and Luco are trying to figure out how to cure it.” Willow glanced up gratefully and said, “Thank you. Thank Luco for me, too.” “I will,” Minora smiled. “I'm sure he'll like that.”

That evening, Minora and Luco met up at the pond to discuss Willow's reaction to the news. “Is she okay?” Luco asked. “Yes,” Minora responded. “She cried a little, but I told her we're working on a cure. Oh, and by the way,” she added casually, “She says thank you.” Luco smiled and blushed a little. “Well, tell her you're welcome.” “Tell her yourself next time you see her,” Minora responded. Just then, they felt an odd chill. “Did you feel that?” Minora asked. “Yeah...what was it?” Luco answered. Minora felt pain on her cheek, the same pain that she felt whenever Mortia struck her, which happened often. A figure stumbled out of the shadows and fell down. “Corbio!” Minora cried. She ran to his side and tried to help him. Luco came up behind her. Corbio looked up weakly. “Min... don't let her get you.” “What are you talking about?” Minora asked. “Mortia...she's coming...run.” He collapsed completely from the effort. “Luco,” Minora said warily, “Something's wrong. I'll stay here to try to figure out the problem. You run.” “What? No!” exclaimed Luco. I'm not leaving you here alone!” “Fine, just be ready to fight if the need arises.” Just then, another figure stepped out of the shadows. She had long, auburn hair, arched eyebrows, and a thin mouth. “Mortia!” Minora cried. “What are you doing here!” “Oh, Minora,” Mortia said, “Where else would I be?” “What are you talking about?” Mortia smiled. “Willow never told you, did she? But then, I suppose she didn't really know herself. Vlarmo isn't insane. He's being controlled by none other than myself.” “You? You're controlling him?” Minora asked. “And his helpers,” Mortia responded, gesturing towards Corbio's limp form. “I had him choose this one because he looked strong. Turned out he got a little too strong. He tried to break free of the spell. I'm going to have to dispose of him. It's a shame. I always liked him.” “But why? Why are you doing this?” Luco asked. “Why, boy? Why?” Mortia said seething. “Because I was an outcast in Etherea just because of my skill, because I can't be with the man I love, and all because of my sister!” “Your sister?” Minora asked. “Yes. My sister Phantine!” “What? You're Phantine's sister?” Minora said. At the same time, Luco said, “You're Willow's aunt?” “Yes! I am!” Mortia responded. “And she cast me out of Etherea, simply because of my skill!” “And... what is your skill?” Minora asked. Mortia smiled again. “You didn't really think I was named after the disease, Mortia, did you? No, quite the opposite. You see, my skill is death! My schoolmates teased me for it, but I got back at them using the object of their ridicule.” “You..you killed them?” Luco asked. “Of course, I killed them!” Mortia replied. “My prissy princess of a sister thought I was too dangerous to stay in Etherea—she had no idea!” Mortia let out a laugh, a laugh that sent cold shivers down the children's spines. “Now, Phantine is dying of Mortia—not the disease, but me! There is nothing you can do to stop me! Phantine will die, and I will become the queen of Etherea!” Just then, yet another figure jumped out of the shadows. “Never!” he cried. The children were startled to see that it was Vlarmo! “Jump into the pond, children!” he said. “Quickly! Go to Phantine!” They didn't think; they just obeyed. They found Luco's grandfather and asked him to take them to the palace. “Of course!” he said, startled. As soon as they arrived, they asked, “Where is the queen's bedroom?” “Just upstairs, the first door to the left.” They ran quickly upstairs and turned to the door. Minora quietly turned the handle and went in. Willow was inside, kneeling at the side of her mother's bed and silently crying. “Willow!” Minora said. “I thought you weren't supposed to be here!” Willow looked up. “They lifted the barrier spell when it started getting really bad. What are you doing here?” “You know, I don't really know myself,” Minora replied. “Did you know you have an aunt?” Luco piped up. “Yes, I know. Why?” “Did you know she's evil?” Luco asked. “Yes...is something bad happening?” Willow asked warily. “Your dad's fighting her back in the other world.” “Wait, what?” Willow said. “I'll explain later,” Minora said, “Right now we need to go!” “Go? Where?” Willow asked. “To help your dad!” Minora exclaimed. “Come on!”

*****

When Willow had transported them to the other world, Vlarmo and Mortia were still mid-fight. “You don't have to do this, Mortia!” Vlarmo was saying. “Yes, I do!” Mortia retorted. “I'm going to put the spell back on you, and you are going to love me for as long as you live!” “That's not love!” Vlarmo shot back. “It's not love if it's forced!” “I don't care!” “Wait!” Minora said. Both of the adults paused and looked at her. “Get back, Minora!” Mortia spat. “This doesn't concern you!” “My name is Minerva, and it very much does concern me! Mortia, you don't have to kill your sister for love. Family is more important than love or power. It's hard to let go of a loved one. Believe me, I know. But you don't have to get revenge.” Minerva turned to Luco, but he wasn't there. Suddenly, he appeared out of thin air with a small bottle, his face screwed up. “How did you do that?” Minerva asked, astonished. “I just did what Willow did,” he answered. “It was hard! Anyway, I have the cure now. I found a little crop of full-grown life grass and followed the recipe.” “Why didn't you give it to Phantine?” Minerva asked incredulously. “Because it's not the cure to Phantine. It's the cure to Mortia!” With that, he jumped up and fed the contents of the bottle to Mortia. She screamed and fell to the ground. “What's happening to me?” she asked. “You're being stripped of your power,” Luco said. “It was the only possible way to keep Phantine alive.” “How did you know to give her the potion?” Minerva asked. Luco shrugged sheepishly. “I didn't. I just...went with my gut.” Vlarmo crouched near Mortia. “Are you alright?” he asked. Mortia nodded. “I don't know what came over me. All those years...” She shook her head. “I think I need to get to bed.” Vlarmo picked her up and carried her away. Just then, Corbio woke up. “What happened?” he asked woozily. “Corbio! You're okay!” exclaimed Minerva. “Hey, Min!” he answered. “The Min is short for Minerva now,” she said. Corbio shrugged. “Fine by me. I didn't really remember your other name anyway.”

A little while later, Vlarmo came back. His head was hanging. “Mortia has died,” he announced. “The heaviness of the antidote was too great for her. She went peacefully.” Everyone was shocked. Suddenly Luco gasped. “This is all my fault! I gave her the antidote, I, I--” “It's okay, Luco,” Willow said. “You didn't know, how could you know?” Luco looked up at her. “Thank you.” Willow smiled. “You're welcome. Now let's check on my mother!”

They all arrived in Phantine's bedroom. She was stirring. “Phantine? Is that really you?” Vlarmo asked, kneeling at her side. She opened her eyes. “Vlarmo. What happened?” Willow gasped with delight. “Mother! You're alright!” She turned to Luco and Minerva. “Thank you so much!” She gave Minerva a big hug and kissed Luco on the cheek. He touched his cheek and blushed brighter than he ever had before. Minerva laughed. “Luco, you look like Lila's hat!” “Who?” Willow asked. “It's a long story,” Minerva said. “Maybe I should write it down for you.”

And that is exactly what she did.

The End