Greener Here: The Book of Knowledge
Characters
(Me-sha) Misha - A Lion
TBOK - A Book
The Owl
Part Two
After entering the library, which was quieter than usual, Misha headed straight for the enormous double doors. It was the same room where he had seen The Book Of Knowledge on his last visit. The inside was nothing but a hollow tree trunk and a snake-like set of stairs.
"Talk about the stairway to heaven. Whatever that means."
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:REVERT:
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On all fours, he races up the set of stairs. His blood is pumping faster and heavier as he is nearing the top. Finally, he thought to himself. What felt like years of waiting to get his chance to ask his questions. Misha's journey was about to end, and there wasn't anyone in his way—none to lecture him on his choices and beliefs in life. No one was around to question the decisions and actions he took. He finally felt accessible upon reaching the top of the stairs.
It was a giant book floating in the middle of the room. Natural moonlight shines down the open roof as if lighting the way for him. The book looked very old at first glance, and in the center of the cover, there was a symbol. Or, as some people would say, "The Mark of the Boy." It almost looks like the sun. Each animal has them. Misha was always curious about that, as everyone was born with it.
Upon walking toward the book, a dark shadow approached him and called out.
"So, you've come back even after my warning, young lion."
It was The Owl. He is known as the oldest living animal in The Garden. A very respected animal, you could say he watches and guides things from the shadows. While The Fox and Rabbit manage and run The Garden, he maintains and passes knowledge down to each generation.
"I... I just wanted…."
"It's alright. You are from The Garden, so you may read the book and ask a question. But since you are not God, a curse might overcome you. As one requires God's blood, granted, we all have a little bit, but not enough. Since you carry the symbol that gives you the right, so young lion, are you prepared for the consequences?"
"I would like to ask one question, is that such a bad thing?"
"It is not, but when you ask one question, you are likely to ask more, am I correct?"
"What you say is true, but one question is all I need."
"Very well, you may ask. But I warn you to ponder what you want to ask. Think very carefully, young lion."
Misha couldn't believe what he was hearing. Before, they were more restrictive of him reading and asking the book questions. Now, they suddenly warn him but say he's always been able to do it. And what are the consequences that he'll have to face? He walks towards the book but hesitates.
"Why do you stop, young lion? Have you had a change of heart?"
"Not at all. But I do have a question for you, Owl."
"You may ask."
"Why are you letting me use the book now and not before?"
"This was an order. Not by The Rabbit, but The Fox. After all, he is the head in charge."
"And here I thought you would lie to me."
"Don't be ridiculous. Here in The Garden, there are no lies, and we happen not to speak of these matters. We want to keep the peace, as we were assigned to do so many eras ago."
"I see."
"And have you thought of your question?"
"I have."
"Then say the book's name as well as yours. And ask your question."
"Book of Knowledge, I am Misha of Fern Lily, and I have come to ask you a question."
Suddenly the book begins to unlock itself. The individual locks that seem to be bound with magic slowly shined yellowish red. The front covers were made from wood and minerals; they opened. Misha slowly walks closer and suddenly stops to look around. Where is The Owl? He was nowhere in sight. He looks back at the book. The inside shines brighter, and then the light fades. There was nothing written inside the book.
"Is this some joke? Owl, where are you? Owl!"
There was no answer. What was Misha to do now? The book was empty, and now it looked just like an ordinary book. A blank, wordless book. How was he supposed to ask the question he wanted?
"No wonder they allowed me to come here. Probably knew this would happen. What a waste of time. Darn it, after all the trouble I went through!"
Misha looks at the book once more.
"Well, I might as well go home. It's not like I can ask you a question. Can I now Book of Knowledge?"
[SFX]
*SHhhehs*
A bright light shines, and words begin to form inside the book. They began to write on their own. Misha's eyes grew in amazement as his jaw dropped close to the floor. Misha fixed his attention on the book that it felt like he hadn't blinked for hours, and that was due to this seemingly never-ending slight pause. There it was, yes, plain as day. There is something written there.
"You, Misha of Fern Lily, may ask any question. What is your next question?"
Misha was so speechless that the only word he could get out of his mouth.
"Really?"
"Yes, Misha of Fern Lily. What are your next questions?"
"My next questions? But I haven't asked my question yet."
"Yes. So far, Misha of Fern Lily, you have asked two questions. Along with your most recent, which now makes three in total. Do you have more questions?"
"Hey, that's not even fair. Those don't even count."
There was no answer or, instead, no words written this time inside the book. Was it perhaps because I didn't ask a question? He thought to himself. Misha decided to ponder longer before he asked his next question. He didn't want to make another mistake since he was still figuring out how the book works.
After moments of dotting and wandering around, Misha finally approached the book again, and he'd have to be careful with the question he wanted to answer. So, Misha cleared his throat and brushed his mane a bit, finally ready.
"My question to you, Book of Knowledge, is there a way out of The Garden? And I'm not talking about the guarded entrance."
[SFX]
*SHhhehs*
"Yes, there is another way to get out of The Garden beside the main entrance. Do you have any more questions?"
"What! But I want you to tell me how."
Nothing appeared inside the book pages. Misha's eyebrows flinched a little showing his frustration.
"How can I get out of The Garden without using the main entrance?"
"It is not recommended for animals to go to the outside world. As it is unsafe, you asked a question, and I shall grant the answer to you. The answer lies in the mark you bare. The animals from long ago referred to it as "The Mark of The Boy or The Symbol" this is a family crest. A family crest the boy foresaw in a vision he once had. To leave The Garden, you must concentrate your magic on the mark until it is filled and bright. You will then tell the mark where you want to go. Note that the mark is your key to come and go into The Garden. Did that answer your question, Misha of Fern Lily?"
"I see. So, it's similar to how we can Revert. And just by focusing our magic in our cells to read the history of our ancestors."
"I am glad I could fully answer your question, Misha of Fern Lily. Have you any more questions you'd like to ask about this topic or the outside world before you travel?"
"I get more questions?"
"Yes, you, Misha of Fern Lily, may ask as many questions you wish."
Misha thought about the offer but hesitated since he'd already asked more than one question. But in the back of his head, he felt the urge to keep asking more until one question came to him that made him ignore all his worries.
"The boy, yes, the boy. Who is the boy who created The Garden?"
"I am sorry, Misha of Fern Lily, but I am afraid I do not know myself. That knowledge seems to have not passed to me. I am very sorry that I cannot answer your question."
"Ah, come on. A book called "The Book of Knowledge" if it doesn't even know that question?"
"Again, forgive me. Are there any more questions you have, Misha of Fern Lily?"
"Unfortunately, no. I've lost interest. I'm heading out of The Garden now."
The Book of Knowledge closes without typing more words on the blank pages. The locks latch, and the book returns to its pedestal. All magic radiating from the room had disappeared, and it was quiet now. Misha stood there with dissatisfaction. Perhaps, he'd lost interest in asking more questions. But his disappointment only lasted for a minute or two as Misha remembered his reasoning for coming here. At least he got his answer and a way out of The Garden.
Misha began to walk home but later decided to head to the meadows instead. He stood on top of the hill, looking down at his hometown of Fern Lily. It wasn't too far from The Gardens capital Aliceseal, but to him, it was just as beautiful. His eyes looked deep beyond The Garden, and the trees reflected upon them. They slowly made their way to the bright Blue Moon. "This might be the last time I see such a night for a while," he said. Finally, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was telling himself that it was time, and it was time to go and explore the world beyond The Garden.
Misha had always followed instructions and completed them flawlessly and carefully. He could quickly fill the mark with his magic just as The Book of Knowledge had instructed him. Soon enough, his eyes glowed green, followed by a little whisper that echoed through his head.
"I see, so that's what it's called."
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: GARDEN: GATE:
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Just then, branches appear out of thin air. They rapidly grow and intertwine with one another to form a perfect circle: leaves, flowers, berries, and other types of vegetation sprout from the branches—a pure light sparks green. Within the middle until the Garden Gate is stable. It was a portal. Misha stood there with his eye fixated with amazement. "Just how many types of magic are there?" He'd thought to himself. As fascinating as it was, he quickly snapped out of his amazement. Just before he entered the portal, he turned around one more time.
"I hope you'll forgive me, Fray."
And with that, Misha disappeared along with the portal itself. Leaving nothing but green sparkled light where the portal once appeared. Within The Garden, all was quiet, but a figure watching from afar stood in the shadows. The Owl watched the young lion leave The Garden. A huge sigh overcame him as he shook his head. He slowly faded with the darkness as he flew away into the night. A significant downfall was upon them.
End of Part Two
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