The Thing About Religion
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Before we begin, don't read unless you have an open mind about religion. All persons and practices are not being insulted here, it is a work of fiction. You gotta leave a comment if you want to rate.
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Jade was an average vixen. She did her school work, had a normal family relationship, and was kind to the people she met. She lived in an open-minded community, but that made no difference. Open-minded towards other Christians, that is. She was a practicing Wiccan.
Jade was often tormented when she practiced, others would point and laugh when she danced in her circle or left an offering for the God and Goddess. For the most part, Jade was able to tune out the insults. Every once in a while, something would get to her. Whether it was a beating, verbal assault, or marking up her locker with insults and throwing everything on the floor, it didn't matter. She knew that it was going to happen.
One particular day, however, she was about to get a boost of confidence. It was a normal first period class. Jade was wearing an elegant slim body length robe, black velvet with a gold trim. One particular girl, Naomi, was a part of the Christian Alliance at school. She was a feline and a popular girl. "Oh, look here at miss fancy dress. Going to another one of your fake holidays, are we?" Jade looked away, afraid to tell her the real reason. "Careful people! She might cast a spell on us. Ahahahahahaha!"
Jade whispered, "Thrice round the circle bound. I don't cast spells to harm another."
Naomi was taken aback, "Ah! She's doing something to me!" She pretended to be put under a spell, "I am yours to command, master..." She had her arms stretched out like a zombie. Her friends were all laughing. All but one, a human named Nathan. He seemed frustrated.
"Shut up, Naomi. You are really starting to piss me off." he said. Jade thought the same things about him as everyone else. He was stronger than he looked, with broad shoulders. He was smart, but took a plumbing magnet so he could get into the school. During gym class, he was usually one of the best. He could hit a ball further than most of the baseball players and was excellent in almost every football position. Nathan never joined the serious group, he said that he prefered a laid back gym class. In reality, he hated someone telling him what to do.
Naomi quieted down almost immediately, because it was rumored that she had a crush on him. The teacher called for order and everyone went back to their seats. It was a long class, but Jade was fascinated by Nathan. He was different from any she had met before, and yet... there was something about him that allured her. Jade didn't hear a word that the teacher said, instead she stared at Nathan. No one ever looked at her, so she knew she was safe. Half way through the lesson, Nathan straightened up in his chair and shivered. He looked around as Jade shifted her attention to the outside.
The second period started the same was as the first. More insults and mocking and an almost unbearably long lecture. During lunch, she often spent time outdoors, staring at the sky and the tree. It was in her religion to respect nature. However, on this day she went to the library to read up on some new rituals to add to her spellbook. As she entered the doors, she greeted the librarian and went over to the shelf on religion. She was shocked to see Nathan taking a book then sitting at the only open table. Jade didn't feel like leaving, so she scanned for a book she would learn something from and sat across from him. "Who died?" he said without raising his head from the book.
Jade was puzzled, "What? Why would you think that someone died?"
He answered without hesitation, "Well, you are a wiccan and that is very formal clothing. Since there isn't a holiday, and you are wearing a black band around your arm, someone must've died." (How could he possibly know that much? And how did he see the band without looking?) she thought as she stared at him. "Sorry about earlier, I should have done something more." he set the book down, "How can I make it up to you?"
Jade was at a loss for words. She mouthed a few random sound before, "Uh... you don't have to do anything. I'm used to it, really."
Nathan pressed on, "Can't let you go like that. Against my gods. Tell you what, I'll escort you to the funeral or the wake or whatever your family is doing. Seriously, I don't feel like getting tortured any more today." Jade accepted his offer then asked him about the torturing. He kept his mouth shut about it and went back to reading his book. Jade decided to drop the subject and scanned the book for an interesting spell. She found a few and jotted them down in her own book.
Later in the day after classes were over, Jade went to her vandalized locker and took out her school books. It was the weekend, and the school liked to fumigate. Nathan met up with her, "You know, you really don't have to do this, if you don't want to. You may feel obligated, but you could help me study, or something." Jade didn't want him to see her family so he could tell his friends how weird they were.
"Yeah, but this is the only thing that'll let me get to sleep tonight. So, come on. It's time to face your loss."
Jade looked at him, "What do you mean? Did your grandma die recently too?"
Nathan chuckled, "No... no I'm just so used to death at this point in life that I understand how to deal with it." Jade thought that he was stranger than her, but still more popular. She just couldn't understand how that could be.
They walked over three miles in the blazing sun. Nathan wore sunglasses tinted green. People would glare at Jade for being different, but she was able to shrug it off. She felt her robe getting hot, but didn't open it. They arrived at Jade's house, which was pretty normal. Two stories, big backyard, lots of landscaping, really nothing special. Even so, Jade was nervous. She didn't want him to see her family, or their ritual dances.
Her mother opened the door, wearing a similar robe with pink trim, "Oh, good. I am glad that you made it back so quickly. And you brought a friend? The more the merrier, please come in. There is a terrible heat today." Jade shrugged and bit her lip, hoping for the best.
"Why thank you, misses?" she said her name was Gloria, "Ah, misses Gloria. This is a lovely home you have, and the landscaping is beautiful. I... am sorry to hear about your loss, but perhaps it is best not to let them leave knowing that their loved ones are suffering over them." Jade looked at him, more confused than before. It was almost as if he knew about her family. They went inside to the living room. All of Jade's family was there, and all of them were foxes. They greeted Nathan as they would any other, and he in turn would greet them kindly.
Jade went back into the kitchen, as it was her duty to cook food and make mead. She mixed all of her ingredients and started to bake and boil. It was a long process, almost an hour as she prepared some of it earlier. When it was finished, she filled glasses with her mead and placed the crescent cookies on a plate. She brought everything out to a coffee table while her mother poured some wine into her handmade glasses.
Jade's uncle spoke, "This is an interesting one, Jade. Where ever did you find him?" Jade explained that they went to school together. "Marvelous! Young Nathan here is quite proficient in his studies of religion. Apparently, he has even crafted one to fit himself. He is truly wise for his age."
Nathan blushed and said, "I wouldn't go that far. It's... more like a hobby of mine. I find religion an interesting topic, so why not learn about it? My own religion is a little fuzzy though, it may just be Fate and Destiny playing tricks on me." Jade felt as though she had missed a lot. But, (His own religion?! And he's still popular? How did that happen?) she thought as she sat down and ate a cookie. It was sweet, but not overbearing. She saw Nathan take a sip of her mead, "It's not bad for something that's homemade. My family has a drink that they make, I could never pronounce it and it smelt terrible when boiling, but it was lightly citrus and mostly whiskey. This is sweet and not heavy at all. Well done, Jade." She blushed, but it couldn't be seen through her fur.
After the light snack and the drinks, the family went to the backyard. Jade was happy that everyone enjoyed her cooking, for it was the one thing she was proud of. Nathan joined her family as they gathered in a circle. It was also Jade's duty to start the ritual. She retrieved her athame and created the circle. Throughout the entire ritual, Nathan participated like he was one of the family. He did everything but the dancing to build energy. "Come, young Nathan! Join us! You do not have to be a good dancer, just let the magick flow through you."
Nathan was embarrassed, "No... that's okay. I can't dance to save my life. You all go on, I'll join you shortly."
Jade was happy that her family thought that she did a fine job with her family's ritual. As her family began to leave, she bade them all a cheery farewell. Nathan was the last, "Thank you for coming. It was a pleasure to have you over for our funeral ceremony."
Nathan smiled, "It was no problem. Kinda fun, actually. You know, I thought about becoming a Wiccan myself. Too much work for me, but I like it's basis. Keep dancing." He walked out of the house, putting on his sunglasses. Jade couldn't help but be intrigued by him. He hung out with the popular crowd, had many pretty girls after him, and join any school group he wanted at a whim. So, (Why does he act this way towards me and my family?)
"He seemed nice, Jade. Maybe you should invite him over again sometime, huh?" Her mother smiled as she spoke. Jade smiled and nodded as she went back inside to clean the house. While she was putting glasses in the sink and straightening the blankets and furniture, her thoughts wandered back to Nathan. She wasn't attracted to him, that much she was sure of. However, how he could be the way he is and still be popular was a mystery to her.
It was a generally boring weekend. She sat around and read various books to pass the time, all while keeping the house clean. Jade never particularly looked forward to Mondays, since they usually meant that Naomi would be able to torment her once again. She cringed at the thought. No matter how much she prayed, Monday still came.
She wore a simple light green shirt with a pair of khaki capris and handcrafted sandals. She was proud of her clothes and didn't mind when people asked where she got them. They were always high quality, made by her aunt who was an expert tailor. Even Naomi was jealous of them. However, she didn't like to brag about it. It was against her ways.
First period felt as though the teacher slowed down time just to teach more useless material. Jade would daydream about being in her favorite part of the forest. It was in a small clearing with fertile trees and flowers all around. There was a tiny stream that ran through with clean water. All of her five senses were satisfied and she felt like she could stay there forever and just meditate. Of course, the bell rang and shot her right out of her happy place.
Naomi was standing in the hallway with a group of friends, chatting on their cell phones and giggle with each other. Jade gripped her books tightly and tried to sneak by, but to no avail. "Hey witch! Who'd you cast a spell on today?" They laughed. Jade kept her head down and walked forward. Naomi stepped in her path and grabbed her arm. Instinctively, Jade smacked her across her face. Jade blushed, unaware of what she had just done and kept walking. Naomi wouldn't tell a teacher because she would get a reputation as a snitch.
Naomi was so embarrassed that she didn't hear a single thing the teacher taught. She was so ashamed of herself, letting her anger get the best of her. It was unlike her, and she hated it. However, she didn't want apologize to Naomi and seem weak in front of her. (What have I done... perhaps I need to get punished for my actions. It is the only way i will e able to suppress my rage.) She thought.
It was lunch again, and Jade decided to go out to her favorite spot and gaze into nature. She needed something to calm her down, and this was as good as any. As jade gazed into the sky, she became aware of another presence around her. She turned her head to see Nathan in his sunglasses. He was calm, as if nothing was amiss. "Um, Nathan... what are you doing out here?"
"What? Can't a guy enjoy some fresh air every once in a while?" he smiled as he spoke. Jade shrugged her shoulders and went back to her little world. A gentle breeze blew by carrying a sweet scent. Jade sniffed the air happily, enjoying every bit of nature that she could. Nathan stood leaned against a tree in the shade and looked as if he was thinking deep thoughts. She didn't notice it and continued to meditate.
The rest of the day was a reflection of the first. She didn't pay it much mind and walked home alone. First, she went through a little walk in her favorite woods. Jade admired every tree and plant, everything was beautiful in her mind. A beehive was humming, the ants were scurrying around on the dirt for food. A small gust of wind rustled the trees just enough to make a soft whistling sound. Jade was in bliss. That is, until she came to her favorite part.
Someone had come through and trashed her secret little cove of the woods. Plants were torn up, rocks were thrown about randomly, and someone blocked up the stream with tree branches, causing it to dam up and deny water to the other side. Jade was devastated. She fell to her knees and cried.
After a few minutes, she collected herself and did her best to restore the cove. She removed the branches from the stream, moved the rocks back to their original places, but could do nothing about the plants. As she moved the final stone, she noticed a piece of paper attached to a tree. She removed it and read it:
Now we're even, witch. I hope you suffer and die a miserable death.
-Naomi :)
Jade's anger rose to the point where she thought she would vomit. She stormed out of the forest and marched home. As she entered the front door, her mother greeted her. However, Jade rushed up the stairs into her room and hopped on her bed before burying her face in her pillow. Her little sister, Natalie, was curious and tried to comfort Jade, "It's okay, big sister. I'm sure whatever it is can be fixed by the goddess. Okay? It will all be a-ok by tomorrow, right?" Jade smiled through her tears and patted Natalie on her head. She left the room hopping with joy.
Jade knew she was right, but still had trouble facing the truth. She wanted revenge, but she was afraid of the consequences. She stared for hours at her headboard before drifting off to sleep.
It was another painful morning at school. Naomi was bragging to her friends about what she had done, making sure Jade could hear, "...So I just completely demolished the place. I tore the place up until it was almost unrecognizable. It was a pretty cool thing to do. Don't you think so Nathan? Nathan?" Jade looked up. Nathan had left his seat and sat down next to Jade. Naomi looked like a truck just hit her.
"You did nothing wrong yesterday when you smacked her," he said, "Every once in a while the gods and goddesses need to use a follower to spread their message. Naomi deserved it, she actually deserves a vicious beating, but what you did will suffice. I know that it isn't right to enact revenge on someone as a Wiccan. However... my gods state that all wrongs must be corrected. They want excessive force, but I think some trickery will do." Jade looked at him like he was a madman.
Next period, Naomi's binder popped open, scattering all kinds of papers all over the floor. Jade was as confused as she was since she didn't see Nathan do anything. During the class, her pencil kept breaking at the tip, no matter how much she sharpened it. Even her pens ran out of ink (Okay, I haven't the slightest idea on how he did that) Jade thought to herself as Naomi pointed her finger at her. "Witch! I knew you were as evil as i was told! Fix what you did and release this spell, now! If you don't, god will send your soul down to the deepest pits of hell!"
"Why are looking at me?! I know what you did, and besides, I don't believe in revenge. I work with herbal magic and cooking. I wouldn't even know how to do all of this to you." Jade was defensive, but not unjustly so. She had no idea what was happening to Naomi. (Maybe karma really did catch up with her...)
During lunch, Naomi followed Jade outside, "Listen up, witch. I don't like you and your kind, but you are the only one who knows how to fix this. So, rid me of this curse and I won't bother you ever again!"
"Are you... asking for my help? I don't think so. I may not believe in revenge, but that doesn't mean I have to be your personal magic guard. It has been said that karma's a bitch. I guess you would understand that now." Jade was taking some pleasure in this.
Naomi was angry, but she knew that Jade was right, "Fine, I am formally asking you to help me. I'll do anything. I'll even carry your books until we graduate, I'll fix your woods, I'll be your best friend. Anything!" She was begging as her shoelace snapped near her toes, "Please! I don't have much time!"
Jade was unimpressed, "Fine, if it'll keep you from babbling about for the rest of the day. Meet me after school and I'll see what I can do." Jade felt something odd, like she was being watched. She looked around, but saw no one. Naomi freaked out and thought that the evil witch was watching her. She jumped at Jade and hugged her tightly, yelling 'don't let them get me' over and over as she trembled. Jade stood up and dragged Naomi to her feet, "Fine, come with me to my locker. I may have something that might protect you temporarily."
Jade led the terrified cat to her locker and pulled out her backpack. She pulled out a strongly scented vial of oil and her Book of Shadows. She tilted the bottle over and let a drop fall on her finger before seeling it again. She pushed the oil into Naomi's fur between her eyes and started to chant:
Oh, goddess of this earth
Please listen to my plea
Protect this innocent soul
Until her curse can be undone
Naomi was still shaking, but was not bothered by the scent. Jade put her book away hidden under a sheet of cloth and shrugged her shoulders, "Let's hope it works. Your soul isn't exactly squeaky clean. Meet me after school and We'll see what we can do." The shivering cat nodded her head and hugged Jade again before going to her next class.
Jade sat through her third period class wondering if Nathan had something to do with this. Even so, (How could she be this messed up over little things?) Jade pondered. It was another boring lecture, followed by another during forth period. As she went to her locker to get her things, Naomi came up to her looking like a train wreck, "You gotta help me! That spell is wearing off. All third period, I was fine. Then... then... we gotta hurry!"
Jade tried to keep her together, "Just calm down. If you are this stressed out you may end up hurting yourself in addition to the curse." Naomi stopped sniveling and tried to look as relaxed as she could. Unfortunately, she was about as calm as someone who just mainlined caffeine. Jade walked home with Naomi in tow, shaking and looking all around her for the person who put the spell on her.
Jade looked up at the cloudy sky. "Huh," she said, "looks like it's gonna rain soon." This made Naomi even more nervous. Jade kept her calm pace and eventually reached her home. Her family was out at one of Natalie's dance recitals, so no one else was around. Jade took her into the backyard and said, "Wait here. I need to get some things." Naomi had no intention of questioning Jade at this point. Jade ran up to her room and gathered so things she believed she would need, like her Book, some herbs and oils, a tiny cauldron, and some other materials. She met Naomi out in the backyard and set up an altar.
When she produced her athame, naomi jumped, but Jade calmed her down. She told Naomi to stand near the center of the altar while she began the spell. Jade walked in a circle, creating a bubble. She put a few of the herbs into cauldron and lit them on fire. They smouldered as she reached for a vial of oil. Naomi was made more nervous when Jade kept checking her book of shadows, "What... do you know what you're doing?!"
Jade stayed in her trance-like mindset, "Calm yourself, it has been a long whle since I learned how to do this. Be patient." Jade pushed a drop of oil between Naomi's eyes ((a different kind)) and started to chant the incantation. In the middle, she reached for another her and waved it under Naomi's nose, telling her to breathe it in. A mixture of smoke and scent filled the air around the girls as a small breeze blew by, mixing them together.
Naomi was relaxed, due to the effect of the herbs and oils. Jade ended the incantation and thanked the goddess for her aid. She spent a minute dispelling the bubble with her knife, then reached in her bag for some cookies that she made on Friday. "Oh, its done. You can go now." jade said as she bit into one.
Naomi was uncertain, "Are you... are you sure?" the scents had a mellowing effect, "Well... I guess I do feel a little better... thanks. I owe you... I owe you one." Naomi was in no condition to leave under her own power.
"Ugh... I'll walk you home." Jade took Naomi to her home, which was only a short walk away (I'm surprised that I've never noticed this) Jade thought. As she returned to her home, it started to drizzle. "Guess I'd better hurry or I'll get drenched."
She jogged on her way, but was stopped by a voice, "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" it was Nathan. He wasn't wearing sunglasses, and in natural light his eyes had a yellow tint to them. "She probably won't bother you any more."
"Wait, that was you that did that?" But, how? I didn't see you do anything."
Nathan laughed as the rain came down harder, "I'll tell you on the way." he joined her as they walked to her house, "First... the binder was easy. I just had to open the clips just enough so they wouldn't close and a sudden inpact would pop it. The pens were replaced with dead ones, and her pencils replaced with ones I bent in multiple places to chop up the graphite. Shoelaces... a tiny cut on the underside made a break inevitable. Simple stuff, really. Naomi has always been a very supersticious girl."
Jade giggled (He's right, it didn't take much effort to make her have a mental breakdown.)then another thought came to her, "You were watching us to make sure that this would all work out, weren't you?"
He shrugged, "Caught me red handed, I suppose. Like I said before, I make things right. Well, here we are. Have a nice day!" he wandered off in the rain, drenched to the bone and smiling like an idiot. Jade watched him as he left, curious as to what he believed in. (Huh, I think I know how he first got interested in religion.) She smiled as she shut the door.