Author's Note
Here are some things you should know
Gems-
Gems contain a power related to a certain element (like Fire, water, earth, air, rainbow, etc)
The Gems not only protect their owners, but provide certain abilities and advantages.
1). Blocks the scent of mystic blood from other humans.
2) Serves as a nutrition carrier-no need for the owner to eat.
3) Has the ability to release a power according to it's element.
4). Shows the owner's emotion- the brighter the stone- Excited, happy, joyful- the duller the stone- Angry, disturbed, any negative feelings.
If not worn:
1). The scent of Mystic blood is unlocked- making humans unable to resist hunt the owner-similar to how vampires loose control when thirsty-
Who gets these Gems, and where do they come from?
Gems are passed down from Mystic families- groups of magical folk who lived during ancient times-
As you read, you will know that mostly NORMALS will obtain these stones. The reason being is that they are given powers through blood- not radiation.
Stones to Know
The Rainbow Stone- is the most powerful stone. Holding the rainbow element, this gem/stone holds all of the elements in one. The owner of this gem is usually bright, joyful and spirited.
Astrid walked silently into the daycare. She could make out John Terifino working quietly with one of the volunteers. Astrid sighed. She shouldn't be here…but then again, it was partly her fault Mary committed suicide in the first place.
Astrid cleared her throat. "Um, John? It's me Astrid."
John and his partner looked up. John looked at Astrid for a moment, anger flashed in his eyes but then he smiled. He turned to the girl next to him and nodded.
"Be right back, Gabby" he muttered. He walked over and dug his hands in his pockets. His hair was long and red. His eyes were tired and puffy. Astrid blinked. He looked awful. Worse than Sam…. Sam. He hadn't spoken to her as much lately. After the cliff jumping incident and Mary's big poof- he had avoided her entirely. Astrid sighed again and looked directly into John's eyes.
"John…." She said softly. "I'm here. Put me wherever you need me"
John nodded to her but didn't make eye contact. "Sure…uh. Gabby could you come over here for a sec?"
Astrid followed his gaze. A pretty brown haired girl walked towards them. She had golden brown eyes and a sweet face. But as soon as she saw Astrid her face fell.
"What's she doing here?" she said quietly. She looked at John and narrowed her eyes.
John gave her an exasperated look. "Gabby, not now ok? Not in front of the kids."
Gabby nodded. Astrid noticed something. Gabby was taking orders from John. Since Mary had gone, John had taken Mary's role in watching over the prees. Astrid smiled at Gabby.
"Hi, you must be Gabby Foster. I'm Astri—"
Gabby held up her hand. "Yeah, yeah. I know who you are. Don't need to make a big deal about it."
She turned on her heal and picked up a small toddler and walked away. John looked at Astrid and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Astrid" he said gently. "She's just worried is all. Don't let her get under your skin"
Astrid shook her head. As John stepped away she put her hand on his shoulder. He turned and raised an eyebrow.
Astrid sighed. "John, I am so sorry for everything," she whispered. "About the lying, Mary… You have every right to hate me, but I just want you to know I'm sorry"
John just stared at her for a moment. Then he stepped forward and hugged Astrid tightly. Astrid wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close. Mary would have done the same thing.
"I don't hate you Astrid," said John softly, his voice muffled. He pulled back and let his arms drop. "I lied too. It's just your fault you know"
Astrid shrugged. "But a lot of it is, John. Lying wasn't a good idea. And now, all I want to do is something right."
"Good. You've come to the right place," John said. "Hey, Amber?" he yelled.
A red haired girl about fourteen years old stuck her head out of a room. She was holding a small toddler. She smiled.
"Yeah, John?" she called.
"Would you mind getting Astrid's sleeping bag from Quinn's? I need to show her around"
Astrid blinked in confusion. "John?"
John laughed. "If you're going to work here, you have to be apart of sleeping duty. We can't just leave the kids on their own, can we?"
"I guess that makes sense," said Astrid sadly. "What should I do with Little Pete?"
John thought for a moment. "Can't Sam take care of him?"
"No…Sam and I are having…issues," said Astrid glumly.
John smiled. "No worries. Actually, Amber's volunteering ends tonight. Why doesn't she watch Little Pete for you? Amber loves kids, and she'd be perfect"
Astrid frowned. "Are you sure? He's kinda a handful"
"A handful? Have you seen what we deal with every day?" John beamed. "Amber can deal with it. You'll be surprised with what she can do. Literally"
Amber skipped over and stopped next to John. She grinned at Astrid. "Hey, your Astrid right?"
Astrid nodded sheepishly. "Yes. Your Amber?"
"Yeah. So I heard you need like a nanny for LP, right?" she asked.
Astrid smiled. "Yeah. You wouldn't mind?"
"Girl, I love kids. No matter what their issues are" Amber smiled. "Now, I can go get him as soon as I'm done with the sleeping bag."
Before Astrid could speak, Amber was gone. John and her watched as Amber's red hair disappeared behind the door.
"Is she always that perky?" asked Astrid, bewildered.
John laughed again. "Perky? That's when she's in a bad mood!"
He and Astrid laughed some more. It was nice to lie back for a while. Astrid sighed. She wondered if Sam was still mad at her. He had moved out into Quinn's. He needed "space" from Astrid until things lightened up. Astrid shook her head at the thought. Things were never going to lighten up- they would just be surrounded by the Darkness.
Amber Joy Rainbow skipped down the street to Quinn's. Amber never met Quinn but she admired him for coming up with the fishing thing. She rapped lightly on the door. Then she remembered- Quinn was gone fishing… Someone else had to live here!
Her best friend, Joseph Barbara opened the door. He grinned at her. "Hey, long time no see!"
Joe and Amber had not seen each other for several days. She had been working at the Day care non-stop.
Amber shook her head. "God, I'm sorry, to bother you like this" she said quietly. "It's just that I need a sleeping bag"
Joe cocked his head. "It's ok. You look sad. What's up?
"I think I have a power," she said softly. Joe stared at her and let her in.
"Really?" he asked. "What is it? Tell me"
"Well, it started a couple days ago. I was walking by myself and suddenly some kids came up to me and said they were hungry"
Joe furrowed his brow. "A lot of kids are hungry, Amber. It's not surprising a kid would come up to people our age. It's natural"
"No. That's not it. They stared at me like…. I don't know how to explain it"
Joe raised his eyebrow. He pointed upstairs. "Lets talk about this in the living room"
Amber sat back and stared at Joe. He was finally wearing a T-shirt and jeans. His hair was long and hung over his face. His blue eyes were curious and cautious at the same time. He listened to Amber as she told her story.
"So I said to the kid "Well, that's your problem. We're all hungry- the kid looked at me and smiled. He stepped forward and took a deep breath through his nose. Now this was when things got weird."
Joe leaned back. "Was he smelling you?" he asked shocked.
"Yeah. So I asked him why he was doing that. He said, because you smell good"
Joe laughed. "Huh. I guess you must be the cleanest one here"
"No, Joe. It's not like that," Amber said sadly. Then she brightened. "Joe, get up"
Joe narrowed his eyes, teasing gone. "Why?"
"Just do it."
Joe stood up and stepped forward. Amber moved closer and looked at him directly in the eye. "Ok, now just inhale. You'll see what I mean"
Joe looked confuse but he obeyed. He moved closer and sniffed. Amber stiffened. Was this such a good idea? He sniffed again, but inhaled deeper. His hands rested on her shoulders and brought her body against his.
Then Joe came closer until his lips were at Amber's neck. She shivered.
"God, Amber," Joe breathed. "Why do you smell so...?" he was lost for words.
Amber nodded, but she felt a bit uncomfortable. "Good?" she guessed.
Joe chuckled. She could feel his breath on her neck. "No." he said softly. "You smell delicious"
Amber tried to push away but Sam held her firmly. "Ok, Joe. I think you should let go"
Joe stared at her then he seemed to realize what he was doing. He released her and blinked. He stepped back looking dizzy.
"Wow" he gasped. "Amber, what happened?"
Amber shrugged and shivered. "I don't know," she whispered.
She sunk to the ground. "So, that's my power? I smell good? How is that helpful?" she asked the floor.
Joe knelt down but kept his distance. "It was like a trance," he said dreamily. "I've never smelled anything like that before"
Amber looked up. Joe was looking at her curiously.
"Joe, when you smelled that, what were you thinking?"
Joe looked uncomfortable. "Uh… it's kinda embarrassing"
"Joe, I need to know" Amber said sternly.
Joe sighed. He stared at the floor and closed his eyes. "My mouth was watering…. It made me want to…want to…."
He paused. Then he raised his head. He stared at Amber and his eyes were hungry. Amber cringed back from his animal like expression. His nostrils flared and his body tensed.
"I wanted to eat you" he finished in a breathless voice. The room was silent for a couple minutes. Amber stood up, and Joe followed.
Amber shook her head in disbelief. "This is weird"
Joe nodded but his back was against the wall. Amber looked at him. "Why are you acting like that?"
Joe held up his hand. "Don't talk! It's too much!"
"What is?" Amber asked. She stepped closer. Joe stiffened and shook his head. His eyes were wild.
"Get away from me, Amber" he snarled. "I can smell you from here" he whispered.
Amber blinked.
Joe sighed and grabbed the table for support. "Amber, you're making me crazy. Please go…. I don't want to hurt you"
Amber gasped and ran out the door as fast as she could. She heard Joe curse as she slammed the door with a loud BANG.
She clutched the sleeping bag as she ran to the day care. She never looked back.
Astrid had just finished putting away some toys from the prees. John was asleep in his room. Gabby had gone out to get supplies from Albert. So Astrid was alone. The prees were also sleeping- so it was quiet. Her first day had gone well. The kids were sweet and gentle. No tantrums or injuries. John was kind to her- and Gabby…well Gabby was a bit more nice- but partly because John had told her to.
Suddenly the door opened. Astrid looked up. A sweet smell came to her nostrils. Astrid stared. Amber Rainbow was huffing and puffing. She was clutching a sleeping bag and looking like she had just seen a ghost.
Astrid stood up, a bit blown away by the amazing smell. "Hey, Amber" she smiled. "Are you alright?"
Amber nodded but didn't move. "Astrid? Do you smell that?" she gasped.
"I do…it smells good. Are you wearing perfume?" Astrid stepped forward but Amber held up her hand.
"Don't!" she ordered. "You'll be tranced too"
Astrid furrowed her brow. "Tranced. Is that even a word?"
"It's my power," moaned Amber. "Everyone who smells my scent will go crazy. My friend Joe almost lost it. Just stay back and I won't hurt you"
Astrid stood still. She watched as Amber sprinted into John's room. She woke him up and explained her power.
John sat up and blinked. "I have been noticing that," he said softly. "Amber, you have to tell Sam"
Amber gasped. "Sam? He'll burn me alive!"
"No he won't" said Astrid. "Sam's a good guy. Amber, are you sure this is a power?"
Amber shook her head. "I don't know. What about the prees!"
"Amber, I order you to go to Sam," said John angrily. "If you remain at the day care, the kids might become crazed. You need to think about your safety"
Amber let out a cry. "Oh my goodness!"
Astrid put her hand on Amber's shoulder but she held her breath. The sweet smell had made her a bit dizzy. "Amber, Sam's at the town hall. He won't be mad"
Amber nodded. "Ok, I'll go right now. Hey, when's the last time Sam ate something?"
"This morning. Why?"
Amber sighed. "Good. I need him to have a clear mind"
She ran off leaving John and Astrid speechless.
Sam got up on his feet. Someone was at the door. Sighing, Sam opened it. He was hit in the face with the most delicious smell he had ever experienced. He blinked and looked down. A pretty looking red haired girl was staring up at him looking tired.
Sam stared at her for a moment. "Is something wrong?" he asked. As he spoke the scent came up his nostrils as he inhaled. Sam stopped.
"What's that smell?" he asked. He leaned forward. Then he stopped. "Holy crap. You smell good," he observed.
The girl let out a wail. "That's why I came here!"
"What?"
The girl came in and Sam closed the door behind her. "What's this all about?"
"My name is Amber Rainbow," said the girl softly. "A couple days ago I realized I have a power."
Sam gazed down at her curiously.
"Any human who comes at least five feet from me instantly is entranced by my scent. Get it?"
Sam nodded slowly. He crossed his arms. "I think so. Keep talking"
Amber sniffed a small tear falling down her cheeks. "Sam, I don't know what to do. I can't leave because I'll starve. But if I stay here, kids are going to want to eat me."
"Eat you?" Sam seemed horrified. "Are you kidding me?"
Amber shook her head. "No. Even John and Astrid were dizzy by it. My best friend Joe almost attacked me. Don't you see?"
Sam sighed. He stepped forward. Amber stepped back. Sam cocked his head and furrowed his brow.
"Amber, I'm not going to hurt you," he said. "Stay here so we can figure this out"
Amber sniffed and wiped her teary eyes. "Ok. Just don't stand close"
Sam shrugged. "Ok. Sit down"
Amber sat on the couch. Sam stood up and stared down at her. "So, you say your smell is making kids crazy. Correct?"
"Yeah. I mean, I think if I let it go out of control, kids wouldn't hesitate to kill me."
Sam paced the floor. "But, you don't smell that strong right now."
"That's because I told you to stand over there," argued Amber. "If you get any closer you'll see what I'm talking about."
Sam stopped walking and locked his eyes on Amber. "Ok. Let's test it"
Amber held up her hand. "Sam, I don't think that's such a good idea" but Sam was already walking towards her.
Amber stiffened. She steadied herself and watched as Sam approached her. At first Sam's expression was confident. But as he got closer, Amber watched as his nostrils flared. He stopped in his tracks. He took a deep breath.
Amber panicked. Sam Temple had the power to shoot bright beams of fire out of his palms…What if he tried to burn her? He could kill her easily. Amber clutched the sofa as Sam leaned forward. She could feel his ragged breath on her face.
She stared into his eyes. They were bright with hunger…She watched in horror as his tongue licked his chops.
Amber moved fast. She pushed both hands out and pushed Sam away with all her might. Sam stumbled back but did not fall. Amber backed away until she was a safe distance away.
Sam's face was blank, confused. He blinked rapidly then he shook his head trying to clear his head. He stared at Amber in shock.
"Oh my god," he whispered. "Amber, I'm so sorry. I had no idea it would be like that!" Sam said softly.
Amber was crying now. Huge tears fell down her freckled face as she shook violently. She stared up at Sam with the most frightened expression.
Sam sighed. "Amber, I'm sorry"
Amber shook her head and stood up. "I can't stay here… It's not safe."
"No, you don't have to go!" Sam argued. "You just need to be careful is all"
Amber leapt to her feet. She glared at Sam with a mixture of hatred and disappointment. "If you can't resist, no one can!" she hissed.
With that she turned on her heel. She headed for the door but Sam grabbed her. She looked at him. She could see how he struggled to control himself.
He closed his eyes as he focused on his breathing. "Amber, don't leave. I'll make sure you'll be safe"
Amber sniffed. "No, Sam" she spoke directly at him. She realized her mistake. Sam's body suddenly shifted. His hands clenched into fists.
Sam opened his eyes. They were no longer hungry- but starving. They stared at Amber like a lion stares at a zebra. He narrowed his eyes and stepped closer. Was he losing control?
Amber blinked. She looked around. The door wasn't open.
Oh god…Sam raised hands and pointed them straight at her. Amber screamed as a beam of light shot towards her. She jumped to the right as the scorching heat incinerated a stool in the corner. Amber was about to go to the door but something heavy and fast hit her. She gasped. Sam was on top of her. He grinned down at Amber and licked his lips.
"Sam…please don't" Amber begged. Sam raised an eyebrow.
"But you smell amazing!" he complained. "I can't take it anymore!"
He lowered his face but Amber put her hand on his lips. His eyes zoomed onto hers.
"Sam, I'm telling you, stop it!" Amber hissed. "It's the freaking trance. Snap out of it"
Then Amber felt something wet and slimy on her palm. She drew her hand back and helped.
"Sam! Your disgusting!" she cried. Sam laughed.
Amber shook her head in anger. "By golly Sam, I will kick you in the balls so hard- I swear to the Jesus Christ!"
Sam raised an eyebrow. "But, then I couldn't eat you" he said.
"Ok, Sam." Amber snarled. "ON the count of three you'd better let me go. Or, I'm going to kick the twins as hard as I can! One…"
Sam shrugged. He leaned forward. Amber grabbed his head, and tried to push it away. Sam didn't stop. He pressed his dry lips against Amber's neck.
Amber prepared herself. "Two…"
Sam opened his mouth and Amber felt a piercing pain as his teeth attempted to sink into her skin. She let out a howl of pain. Sam didn't stop. He grunted with pleasure as the blood touched his lips.
"Three!" Amber raised her legs and kicked Sam's groin as hard as she possibly could. Sam screamed in pain and staggered back. Amber sat up. Something warm was running down her throat. There was a trickled of blood oozing from her neck!
Sam was standing up now. He towered over Amber with his eyes wide with terror. Amber saw that his eyes were normal.
"Amber!" he gasped. "I'm so, so sorry!" he cried.
Amber got to her feet. She shook with fear. "Sam, you tried to eat me"
Sam's eyes were even more shocked. "I did?"
Amber shook her head in disgust. "You don't remember?"
"All I remember is your scent then everything went blank."
Amber pointed to the blood on her neck. "Do you know what this is from?"
Sam just stared.
Amber sucked in a deep breath. "That's from your teeth, Sam. You tried to kill me"
"Amber…." Sam shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked hopefully.
Amber backed away. "Sam shooting beams of light at someone and biting there neck is a pretty good way of hurting someone."
"Oh my god" Sam covered his face. "Amber, I'm so sorry" There was an awful silence.
He looked up. "Amber?"
Then he realized. She was gone.