Under the Sky

Prologue

Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the heated battle of the Pegasai. Through the sound of thunder, yells could barely be heard, orders were lost and screams of the dying were muted across the battlefield.

Lightning flashed again and through the light it cast, the Lord of the Sky Guard leaped towards his enemies, his silver eyes flashing as his sword was raised to slice through wing and bone.

Chapter 1

A scream rent the air as thunder boomed and lighting flashed, “Yaya!” a small child cried out who was no more than four years old.

More thunder boomed across the air, causing the windows to rattle, the little girl scrambled out of bed and ran towards the hallway and turned to her Yaya’s bedroom. As she ran into the room, her long silver blonde hair, held back in a braid, flew behind her like a horse’s tail.

Opening the door, the girl saw her Yaya, a wizened old woman sitting in bed, her eyes glued to outside until the door opened.

The little girl hesitated in asking if she could come in, Yaya enjoyed her own space and would often scold her for intruding. But in her hesitation, thunder boomed, shaking the room harder and she instantly dove under her the old woman’s covers.

Hearing a small laugh, she looked up as Yaya drew the little girl into her arms and onto her lap, “Lyrica, you have nothing to fear,” she chided softly.

“But it’s so loud!” Lyrica cried as fear shivered down her spine as another bolt of lightning flashed across the room and thunder boomed instantaneously. She burrowed deeper into the covers and hid her face into her Yaya’s neck. Lyr had no reason to fear lightning or thunder, but it always caused pain and anger to arise within her.

Yaya smiled indulgently and stroked Lyr’s cheek, “Yes child, but again, it’s nothing to fear. It’s nothing more than the echoing battles of the Pegasai as they fight the traitor Cornelius. They must take back the Kingdom he has stolen so the rightful ruler can return!”

Lyr stared in rapture at Yaya’s righteousness, she very rarely saw the old woman show any kind of strong emotion. “What are they?” she breathed softly, almost reverently, her lavender eyes as big as half dollar coins. She had never heard of the Pegasai before but deep down, her heart fluttered at the words.

“Pegasai, my little Lyrica, are the Pegasus people of sky and land. They hale from a realm called Azipherilia where the sky is so clear that you can see for miles across the land down below. The earth is so fertile that the plants and people thrive from the nutrients. They can live up to two hundred fifty years because it’s so pure. Of course there are other species that live there but the Pegasai rule supreme,” Yaya said, her eyes glazing over as if she was day dreaming about being there.

Lyr frowned as she tried to make sense of what Yaya had just told her. Brightening up, Lyr looked at Yaya and smiled, “So they’re like Rainbowdash and Fluttershy?”

Yaya shook her head as her head fell back to earth and she looked at Lyr, where in the world had the child come up with that? But then she closed her eyes and wrinkled her nose in disgust, “Why did I ever let you watch that show?” she grumbled.

Lyr giggled and snuggled closer before giving Yaya a mischievous grin, “Because it kept me busy and out of your hair!”

Yaya snorted out a small laugh and shook her head, “No Lyr, they are not like the ponies in that show. They are big majestic people with wings that can carry thrice their weight. The young are trained to hone their fighting skills while in flight, but they are mostly a quiet and peaceful people. “

Lyr grew quiet as she thought about what Yaya said and leaned back against the older woman, her thoughts centering on winged people. Looking up at Yaya, Lyr noticed the older woman gazing back out the window as it continued to thunder and lightning though it was further off than before. “Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked softly, anger still thrumming in her blood.

Yaya hugged Lyr closer and laid her down, gently tucking the covers around her, “Yes my little princess, sleep and dream of the cool air across your face and the rolling hill that open up into wide open fields, think and dream of the Kingdom of the Pegasai.”

~Ten Years Later~

Lyr walked out the doors of her school with a happy smile on her face. It was her fourteenth birthday today and Yaya had pulled her out early to celebrate. It was a good day because very rarely would Yaya do such a thing.

“Your education is important, even if all they teach you is silly stuff like their history and science!” she would say and spit on the ground in contempt.

Bouncing down the steps and into the taxi that was waiting at the curb she hopped in and smiled at Yaya, but the older woman didn’t say anything or even glance at Lyr as the taxi started to move. Instead, she was looked out the window and up at the sky, her eyes glazed once again and soft mutterings came out of her mouth, “It’s time,” or “She’s ready” could be heard but everything else was too low to hear.

“Yaya?” she asked softly and watched the older woman blink and then turn towards her, the older woman’s eyes bright with excitement, “Where are we going?”

“It’s your fourteenth birthday and I am taking you to a very special place. I think you are quite ready for this next step in your life.” Giving a chuckle she told the taxi driver the address.

Lyr noticed that the older woman could barely sit still and her muttering started up again. Instead of pushing for the answer, she looked out the window and wondered what Yaya meant for the next step in her life. Lyr wondered if afterward they would go shopping, she had been on the computer back at the school and had come across a cute top that was only available in stores. Maybe she could convince Yaya to get it for her.

As they went through the city, Lyr would glance over at the old woman and see her staring up at the buildings and she’d catch Yaya commenting on the size of the building, “Not tall enough” or “Too short.” Frowning in confusion, her own eyes swept the rooftops and wondered what Yaya was wanting to do, many of the buildings were apartments that were still being built or office buildings for convenient walking distance. Some of the buildings they passed were high end restaurants and a thought clicked, “Are we going out to eat?” she asked in excitement.

Yaya had always gone to higher end restaurants without her and had told her that when she got older, she’d be able to come along. Was she finally old enough to join Yaya? “Maybe afterwards,” Yaya said and added on, “it’ll be easier on you if you have an empty stomach.” Lyr frowned as she started to become nervous. Yaya was acting weird, had been ever since the year started. She would pace around the house, muttering and grumbling, she had been extremely short with Lyr whenever she did something not proper or if she displayed too much sass for the older woman’s liking. Lyr feared that she was to lose Yaya before she even turned eighteen.

As they pulled up to a curb, Lyr watched Yaya get out and look up at a building. “Yes, this will do nicely,” she said with appreciation. Jumping out of the taxi, Lyr looked at the surrounding buildings as Yaya paid the driver and wondered what the old woman wanted to do here.

The building was new, no tenants had yet to move. Summer Ridge Apartment building, it was a pretty building that looked to be brick but as she got closer, it was just outer paneling to make it look authentic. Looking up, Lyr had to guess it was about thirty stories high with many bay windows to bring in as much light as possible.

“Follow me,” Yaya said excitedly which caused Lyr to jump in fright and watched the older woman walk into the building. Again, nerves bugged Lyr’s stomach. What was Yaya up to? Was she going to buy an apartment here in the city? Was that to be the surprise? She couldn’t understand why the woman had dragged her here. Their house was perfectly situated on five acres of land with woods surrounding their home.

Sighing, Lyr went into the building and stood beside Yaya who had been waiting at the base of the stairs for her, “Yaya, I don’t think we’re allowed to be in here. The building looks unfinished as it is!” Tarps were laid on the ground and across walls, installation was still bare in many spots and some wiring was not hooked up.

“Come Lyrica! We won’t be long, and I will answer all your questions when we get to the top!” Yaya said excitedly and started to climb up the steps. Lyr groaned at the thought of going up the stairs, but glancing over at the elevator, saw that it was out of order and closed her eyes in agony. This was going to be worse than gym.

Girding herself, Lyr started up the steps after Yaya, her eyes never wavering from the old woman. She wanted to make sure Yaya wasn’t getting dizzy but as they continued to push forward, Lyr was impressed with how much stamina Yaya was excluding. Already, Lyr was huffing in air like it was a limited resource whereas Yaya was breathing evenly and without strain.

When they reached the top, Lyr was leaning over, her sides hurting from keeping up with Yaya and she heard the old woman breath in deeply, “Do you smell that Lyrica? Its fresh air!” and looking up, Lyr saw Yaya make her way to the door that led to the rooftop.

A ‘No Admittance’ sign was stuck to the door and Lyr shook her head, “Yaya this isn’t a good idea!” she wheezed out, “We could get into a lot of trouble if someone was to call the police!”

“Come Lyrica,” was all Yaya said as she pushed the door open and stepped through. Lyr looked back down the stairs and sighed, whatever was going on with Yaya, she couldn’t leave the old woman by herself. Taking in a deep breath and went to the door way. She gaped as she watched Yaya dance around as if the old woman’s bones were never an issue before. Her laughter ringing out like bells, Yaya looked younger than she ever had before and it amazed Lyr to no end.

Stepping away from the door, Lyr looked out across the roof and saw nothing special but a patio with a bench and several air vents situated on the far side of the building. Rubbing her arms as goosebumps riddled her skin, Lyr continued to look around while she tried to make Yaya see reason, “There was an alarm on the door when you opened it. The police will come and we’ll get into trouble. Please, Yaya, can be just go home?”

Looking back towards Yaya, Lyr jumped out of her skin as she came face to face with Yaya, “We’ll go as soon as you fly,” she said seriously, and before Lyr could even comprehend what she had said, Yaya grabbed her wrist and started dragging her to the side of the building.

Crying out in fright, Lyr tried to drag her feet and felt herself skid as the old woman pulled her with more force than what she should have had. Yaya let go as they got near the edge and looking over, Lyr shuddered at how high they were truly up.

Giving a small whimper, Lyr looked back at Yaya who stood breathing hard but not from exertion but from exhilaration, “To fly, you simply have to fall back and your wings will catch the air and expand out!”

Lyr giggled hysterically, “I’m so glad it’s simple!” she cried out and then looked at Yaya, “People can’t fly! I can’t fly! Yaya, please, can we just go home? I’ll get you some help and we’ll be fine and happy!” she cried, already thinking that she would certainly have to give this woman up to a nut house. It seemed, in her old age, she had finally cracked.

Yaya grunted in disgust and crossed her arms, her lips pursed as she said, “No we are not going home yet, not until you fly. And of course humans can’t fly. If they did, they would destroy the air as much as they have destroyed their land!” Yay lifted finger and winked, “But Pegasai can fly and I am going to teach you how today!”

Lyr cried out as Yaya came closer to her, “Those were just stories! Pegasus people don’t exist! None of those kinds of creatures exist!” She couldn’t help but look behind her and felt a small bit of relief when she saw those flashing red and blue lights. The police were here but she could also see many pedestrians gathering around and looking up. She didn’t want Yaya to see them otherwise the old woman might act rashly.

Instantly Lyr whipped her head back around. Yaya was not in her right mind and taking her eyes off of her could be a fatal mistake. As it was, she saw Yaya’s face in a snarl as the woman spat out, “You stupid child! I was teaching you the history of our people! Oh if only your mother was here to see how disgraceful you have turned out to be! The shame of the Pegasai people in having you as their next ruler!”

Lyrica felt tears collect in her eyes at the acid Yaya spat and felt dizzy as the woman’s face went from evil to horror, “I’m sorry my princess! Please forgive me! I am just going crazy with wanting to go home. News has reached me that it is about safe for you to return to the sacred lands. And I wanted to prepare you so we could finally go when word came!”

Lyr sniffled as a tear ran down her cheek, sorrow for the older woman in her eyes, “Yaya, I’m not a princess. You have deluded yourself into believe these ridiculous tales. My parents died while hiking up in the mountains, this you told me!” she cried.

“No! Your mother and father were the Queen and Commander, Queen Adrea and Lord Osirus, may they rest in the Cradle of the Great Pegasus himself. They were killed by your Uncle Cornelius so he could obtain the throne. He believed it should have been him to Command the Land and Sky Guard, him to rule and to have married your mother! But it is you and your betrothed who are the rightful rulers now! Ezra is fighting on your behalf to take back the lands and the people. He does it for you! What truer love could there be?” Yaya said in sweet agony. Lyr could see that the old woman truly believed these made up stories.

“Yaya, I want to go home,” Lyr pleaded, “If I fall, I will die! Do you want me to die?” she asked the old woman softly.

Lyr watched Yaya’s face soften, “You will not die my Princess. You will fly and we can then go home! Home to Azipherilia where you will be reunited with your betrothed and the people will rejoice!”

Lyr closed her eyes in despair and shook her head, “You’re mad!” she cried and did not see Yaya’s face turn ugly with rage once again. She felt the woman’s hands shove her and crying out she fell to her doom, except at the last possible second, Lyr was able to catch the edge of the building and hold on. Though her wrists were scraped she had a steady grip but wasn’t sure how long she’d be able to hold on. Years of gymnastics certainly helped.

Hearing noise, Lyr looked up to see Yaya peering over the edge and when she saw Lyr hanging on she scowled, “Just let go princess and your wings will come out! You’ll feel such freedom and then we can go home. Let go Lyrica!” she said softly and grabbed at Lyr’s hands to start plucking fingers away from the ledge.

Lyr screamed out as she lost her grip on that hand and terror made her choke as Yaya turned towards her other hand. But suddenly, Yaya disappeared as an authoritive voice called out, “Halt! Walk away from the ledge and the kid!”

“Wait officer, you don’t understand. This is the Princess of the Pegasai. I am teaching her to fly so we can finally go home! You humans always interfere with the dealings of other nations. Go away!” Yaya growled.

Lyr cried out as she felt her hand slipping from the edge and heard scrambling over her head. Looking up, she saw the officer look over the ledge and grabbed her scraped wrist. He had curly blonde hair that some would say looked like it had been touched by the sun, a face that was just as sun-kissed as his hair and silver eyes that felt as if they would cut her. “Can you fly little girl?” the officer hissed as he pulled her up and away from the building.

Lyr whimpered and shook her head, fear engulfing her as she looked into those evil green eyes which seemed to have an inner glow to them. “Please, pull me up! I can’t fly!” she cried, was every adult crazy?

The officer smiled a malicious grin and shook his head, “Down you go, Princess,” he sneered and flung Lyr away from the building to fall.

The Six o’clock news said that Lyr’s guardian had a psychotic break down. Yaritza Varlay would be sent to a mental hospital while Lyrica Sciatha would be sent into the foster care system.

At the time of the fall, Lyr hadn’t known that she would land in a giant net that the firefighters had set up. All she had known was the terror of falling to her death. Afterwards she had asked to see the blond police officer that had flung her off the building. She was told that no such officer was around and the report said Lyr had lost her grip and fallen.

So that they wouldn’t think she was crazy as well, Lyrica let it go but would never forget the murderous green eyes of the officer.

Lyr was later placed in the home of Nick and Susan Meadows, her new foster parents. They weren’t bad but neither were they good. With three children of their own and fostering four other kids besides her, they never really had time for just one kid.

When Lyr turned sixteen, she became emancipated and stayed at a woman’s shlter while she worked two jobs and finished high school. Afterwards, she went on to college and got her Master’s degree in Cryptozoology, the study of mythical creatures. She studied abroad after schooling and went onto to learn legends about all sorts of creatures around the world. But never did she find anything with concrete proof of being real.

After many years of studying, Lyr returned to her home town and became a professor at the University. The one thing she never did was leave solid ground, she never flew, and she never would.