The Power of 9

Chapter 1

"What do we have on the tour schedule?" Kara Davies asked coming in late, as Emily sat, checking their website. Adriane was talking to Storm who was out checking the animals.

"You're late," she said from the chair she was sitting on.

"You sound surprised," Was Kara's response. All she got was a death glare from Adriane.

"Come on, you guys!" Emily said, calling for order. The other girls looked her way. "Kara, in answer to your previous question…" She paused, looking at a list on the computer desk. "Wow…"

"Are we overbooked again?" Adriane moaned from right behind them, startling Kara.

"You need to walk louder!" Kara said.

"Yes, your majesty," Adriane mocked. Emily sighed.

"Cut it out guys!" she said. "We only have one tour today, and they should be here any minute."

Kara and Adriane exchanged puzzled glances. For the whole week they had nearly too many tours to keep track of, and now, on this Friday, they only had one?

"I dunno about you, but I feel kind of weird about this," Adriane said.

"Me too," Emily agreed. Before Kara had time to share what she thought, the doorbell rang.

"They're here!" The girls said at the same time. Emily got to the door first, and the other two were right behind her.

"Hello!" the redhead greeted three girls who were at the door.

"Hi," one said. She had light brown hair and dark brown eyes, and looked very excited to be there. The tour guides stepped out of the manor. "How about some introductions," Emily suggested. "I'm Emily, this is Kara, and that's Adriane." She pointed to each girl as she said there names.

"Nice to meet you!" the brown haired girl said. "I'm Rosalina. This is really cool, I just love animals!"

"Who are your friends?" Adriane asked, looking at the girl with black hair, like her own, and green eyes.

"I'm Carter," the girl said catching Adriane's eye. "And this is Ashton, Rosalina's sister."

"Well, now that everyone knows each other, let's get this tour started!" Kara said, clapping her hands together. The visitors followed the three guides along a path. Suddenly, there was a rustle in the bushes.

"Oh! Did you hear that?" Kara announced, with a very real-sounding afraid voice. Emily was back behind the visitors. Her rainbow jewel flashed as she contacted Ozzie, to make sure it was him. The same bush that had rustled before did it again, this time louder. Rosalina watched the spot intently. Ashton was looking a little frightened, and Carter was pretending she was uninterested.

But then, Ozzie hopped onto the path and she let out an "Oh!" not caring what the others thought anymore.

"Stay quiet, I might be able to pick him up," Kara said. A hint of a smile played across Adriane's lips. Her blond friend was really putting on a convincing act. But when it came time for her and Storm, she knew she'd do just as well.

Kara bent down to scratch her ferret friend behind the ears. "Do I have to do this?" he mumbled.

"Yes," Kara whispered back directly. "Now act cute!" She picked him up and showed him to the girls.

"He's so cute!" Rosalina exclaimed, looking like she was going to die from excitement. "Can I pet him?"

"Uh-huh," Kara answered, "just don't scare him off." Rosalina stroked his back. Then Ashton and Carter stepped up to pet the little ferret. When they had each had a turn, Kara put Ozzie back on the ground.

"Good show," she whispered.

"I need a bath," Ozzie responded. Kara only rolled her eyes as he scampered off.

"Don't worry, you'll probably see him later," Emily said, seeing the sad looks on the girls' faces. She had stepped up because it was time for her to do a demonstration with Lyra. Kara had contacted the big cat while the girls were fascinated with Ozzie.

"I think you're going to like what we've got next," Emily said, taking over the tour.

"Ooh, what is it?" Ashton asked.

"You'll have to wait and see," Emily smiled. Because Lyra's show was definitely something special.