Fablehaven: The Enchantment of the Mermaid Whisperers

Chapter 26

"No!" Kendra screamed as she saw Hermia's hand fall to the ground and Gavin writhe against the leaves, then rest back against the earth.

Scrambling to move to Gavin, tears started to burn in Kendra's eyes. Finally reaching him she sat and hovered her hands over him, not knowing if she should touch him or not. Bracken was quickly at Kendra's side, grabbing her shoulders to hold her steady from the sobs that began to wrack her body. Kendra's skin shown brightly, fighting back the night as she lied her head and arms on Gavin's stomach and sobbed.

In that moment Bracken felt extremely awkward, what was he supposed to do? He couldn't heal the dead...or else he would in a heartbeat. Not to mention he didn't even know or particularly like Gavin much. I mean he was an alright guy...Bracken thought uncomfortably. Another loud sob escaped from kendra and he held her tighter.

Abruptly, Kendra lifted her head, "Can't you heal him?" Her voice was soft but full of pain and she looked with tear glazed eyes down at Gavin. Bracken followed her gaze and observed him. His face was completely peaceful, unlike the distressed look he always seemed to wear. In fact he even looked younger.

Sighing, Bracken finally answered, "I can't heal the...the dead." He tried to say it as gently as he could bt it still struck a chord inside of Kendra and she began to weep again. s Bracken weaved his arm around her shoulder in comfort, a wild splashing noise errupted from the pond. A blinding light covered the shore, causing Bracken to cover his eyes. Kendra hadn't noticed and was still crying against Gavin. Opening his eyes, Bracken saw Seth, a girl with black hair, a girl and boy that looked alike, and another guy with platinum blonde hair sitting on the beach.

The guys simply wore shorts, Seth red, the twin cream and the blondy apple green. The girl with black hair wore a white dress and the other wore a silvery metalic one. Bracken guessed that these were mermaids turned human.

"Seth!" Bracken called.

Seth's head shot up and he immediately scooped up the girl with black hair in his arms. Bracken was surpirsed, was Seth really that strong? He shook off the thought as Seth approached him.

"Bracken what happ-" Seth started, but stopped when he saw Hermia and Gavin.

"Oh"

"Yeah," Bracken simply replied. Changing the subject, he asked, "Who's this?"

Seth looked down at the girl, "Oh this is Snow." His eyes were full of admiration and she softly smiled up at him. She did not look healthy, but she looked happy.

Seth spun around, "The twins are Annabelle and Terrance and the other guy is Ash."

They gently greeted Bracken with gestures, for they looked ill as well. "Let me help," and with that Bracken healed the four mermaids-turned-human with ease. After making sure Snow was ok, Seth carefully approached Kendra.

"Kendra?" he delicately asked, "Are you ok?" he knelt down beside Kendra's shaking frame.

"Oh God, Seth!" She abruptly threw her arms around his neck and cried harder, "I've missed you so much! We've all been so worried about you!"

Seth tucked his sister's head into his chest, protecting and comforting her, "It's ok Kendra, I'm ok. Kendra" Pause "I might be able to heal Gavin."

Her head shot up and she stared at Seth with hopeful and pleading eyes. It was like telekinetic comunication and, nodding, Seth laid his hand on Gavin's arm. If he could save Snow, why wouldn't he be able to save Gavin?

But nothing happened.

No memories, no sensation of another soul present in is body. It was all just blank.

"Kendra something's wrong," Seth stated worriedly, "I can't seem to find him. This is unusual." he furrowed his eyebrows in thought.

Realization hit Kendra like a rock, "He doesn't have an essance." Her tone was flat and no more tears escaped her eyes.

She was out of tears believe it or not, shock consumed her mind. Kendra had lost Gavin...AGAIN! But this time was different, this time she wasn't about to give up that easily. "There has to be something we can do!" She said sharply through gritted teeth.

She pried herself away from Seth and stood. Kendra began to pace, her mind deep in thought. Subconsciously fingering the locket at her neck, the heat began to burn the pad of her thumb and forefinger. As Bracken lured Scarlet out of her unconscious state and Seth tended to the mermaids, an idea slowly formed in Kendra's busy mind.

"Bracken!" she shouted as she spun on her heel and jogged toward him, "What powers do stars have?"

Bracken looked taken aback, but slowly answered, "It depends what color-"

"Indigo!" She immediately interjected.

Suddenly Bracken had the same idea as Kendra and realization crept it's way onto his face, "Healing, indigo stars heal."

Wasting no time Kendra pried open her locket and hastily removed the bright indigo star. It shined blindingly in her hand, reducing her hands size in comparison. All eyes were on Kendra as she ran and practically collapsed next to Gavin.

Hope and adrenaline coursed through her veins, her heart pounding at having found a solution, "What do I do Bracken?" she asked surprisingly calmly.

"Just press it into him," he responded blankly. Clearly something was bothering him but she would find out later. Gingerly, she placed the star on his chest, then pressed. It was as if the star wasn't even between her hands and his chest, it sunk in that easily. Abruptly, gavin's sandy eyes flew open and he deeply gasped. His left hand gripped the leaves beneath him as his right hand grasped the hilt of Hermia's dagger. In one swift pull, he removed the knife like it was nothing, but the deep red, raw whole remained. Kendra watched in awe as he took in his surroundings.

"Gavin!" She squeeled in relief and threw her arms around his neck just as he was beginning to sit up. Kendra's weight forced him back onto the ground, but he laughed and returned her tight embrace. Her tears were back, but they were different, joyful. As Kendra's tears hit the ground, wild flowers began to bloom from beneath the leaves, creting a flower bed around the two.

"Oh Gavin I thought I had lost you." Kendra whispered hoarsely. Gavin could tell she was worn out just from her voice.

Kendra could hear the smile in his voice, "T-T-Trust me, I'm not g-going anywhere."

What hot flames, my lovely readers! I did not expect that haha. I would never REALLY kill Gavin, sillies! I only did it to make Kendra love him more because bracken had the upper hand. I must level the playing field! Oh and any character request I get from now on will be added to a possible sequel...if you guys want one :3 Well sorry if this chapter was kinda bleh, it's 2:45 AM, that's right AM and this is what popped out of my brain. The next we meet again will be in chapter 27!

Love peace and axel grease,

Linsey!