Chapter Twenty-Six

"I do not condone this."

"Just keep sulking in the corner. He knows about everything else so I don't see the big deal."

Alex raised his hand, "I'm honored that you trust me but can you stop talking to your ghost? It kind of freaks me out because I can't see him. Can you at least gesture to where he is?"

"He's standing next to the dresser, pouting. What he doesn't understand is that I can't keep this to myself. I have to share it with someone," I explained.

"I swear I'm cool, uh—?" Alex looked at me.

"Logan," I answered.

"Yeah, Logan. Even if I wanted to tell anyone, no one would believe me. I'd probably be locked up if I went around yelling 'my best friend is a reincarnation of an ancient space person and she has to stop the universe from colliding!'"

"He's got a point,"

Logan just huffed. I rolled my eyes for like the fifth time today. He was such a pain. I plopped on the bed next to Alex with a big sigh.

"You're all caught up. I'm training my butt off but I feel like I'm left in the dark about James's plan. Chase can't be his only follower so how many Travelers are my enemies?"

Alex patted my head. "You kind of know one thing for sure. His power source is based on natural elements."

"Yeah, but how much power has he collected? What is he using so far?"

"Why do you gotta be such a downer? Focus on the positive!"

"I can't!" I huffed and rubbed my temples. "Learning to use a weapon is only going to prepare me for the battle, but it's more than physical. James likes to use emotional tactics and plays mind games. The Center and the Travelers are his domain. I'm just an outsider still figuring everything out."

"Then, stop acting like an outsider and play dirty! He's balancing his villain work while running the Traveler world so there's no way he has it all memorized. He's writing it down and stashing it somewhere. You just gotta find the stash."

I sat up. That was actually good advice. "Logan did say Shane had tons of books with his research. James must have found a piece of it one day and it inspired him to try this spell."

"No."

"No?" I turned back to Logan. I was caught off guard by his angry expression.

"I destroyed everything that my brother left in his workshop. Unless James can reanimate ashes, he did not use my brother's research," Logan argued.

"How do you know that? Shane knew you didn't trust him. He must have hidden his most important notes in case you tried to stop him," I shot back. "The smallest piece could have sent James on his own wild hunt for the ritual."

"So, where does this James fella keep his precious stuff?" Alex asked.

"Probably his office. I think Chase mentioned it was like his sanctuary or something."

"Cool, we'll just sneak in."

"WHAT?" Logan and I exclaimed.

Alex shrugged, "That's the only thing you can do. Just sneak into the office, look for any evidence of the ritual, and take pictures on your phone."

"No. No. No." Logan marched up to me. "You will attempt no such thing. If you're caught, it will jeopardize everything. You will be punished for entering a Leader's space without permission. James will interfere with your training and even worse, his suspicions could encourage him to put you through the Removal."

I relayed the message to Alex. "Logan is right. All this work will be for nothing. I'll just make it easier for James to win. I have to play it safe."

"Playing it safe is getting you two nowhere," Alex argued. "If James really knew who you were, you wouldn't have gotten this far. I don't think he'll expect you to do anything since you've been on the down low for like eight months."

"I don't know…"

"Didn't you say Serena left a scroll with the prophecy? That could be useful, so who do you think has it?"

My eyes widened. I'm so stupid. I never bothered to ask Logan where the scroll had been when we first met. Since he never gave it to me, I guess I assumed he no longer had it or knew where it was. When I glanced back at Logan, his face was twisted in concern. This war started without me, but like hell, if I wasn't going to fight back.

"Having Serena's message is more than enough. If we can get more info, then maybe this is the best plan." I gripped my arms kneading my fingers into my skin. "But how am I going to get in? Chase won't tell me when his father is in there. I need a good chunk of time to search—shit, what if he has a security system or locks everything? Who am I kidding? I can't do this. I'm going to fail and everyone is going to die and the universe will collide and—"

Alex grabbed my shoulders and shook me. "Stop! You're spiraling! You are Alexis Josephina Ramirez! You punch bullies in the face. You can stay up for thirty-six hours before crashing into a coma. You made out with a snow queen. You are the next Universal Savior and you are going to act like it! So what are we doing?"

"Br-breaking into James's office?" I asked. I was dizzy from all the shaking.

"Yes! You'll study his movements. You'll figure out when he'll be gone and how to get in. Take your time. Find an ally."

"That's—actually a good plan. When did you get so smart?"

He gave me a smug grin. "Thank you for finally noticing my superior brain."

I shoved him and we both laughed. I turned back to Logan, and he lowered his eyes but didn't protest again. Even if he didn't want to admit it, we both knew this was the right thing to do.

"I'm sorry Logan, but I have to do this even if I do it alone."

"You won't be alone," Alex assured me. "I'm coming with you."

Step One: Make a friend on the inside.

After declaring himself the team leader, which annoyed Logan to no end, Alex insisted I had to find a connection to the Council. Only one person came to mind when Alex handed me his checklist of objectives. I appreciated Katrina's effort to welcome me, so I didn't want to use her. But Katrina made herself available in case I needed anything, and she had all the information about the Council. Also, something told me she wasn't the biggest fan of James either. Anyone against him was definitely a good friend of mine.

It took a while to track her down. I didn't bother to ask Chase so I could keep James off my trail. Instead, I made small chat with people around the Center. The friendlier Travelers gave me her favorite locations and her office in case of an emergency. After stalking the hot Katrina spots, I finally made contact. Honestly, it was too easy to convince her that I needed to know more about my history and some tips to become a well-rounded Traveler. The way she lit up in enthusiasm made me feel worse about my deception.

But I needed to do this. To keep her and all of our people safe.

Playing it cool, I let her do most of the talking. The perks of this mission were awesome history lessons and exclusive tours of the Center which meant a better layout and having the knowledge to my advantage. Of course, I had to pay back the kindness, and somehow I ended up with Boris, telling him details of Arendelle without giving away anything important. He was more interested in the villagers' customs anyways.

I waved at Boris as Katrina and I left his office. "Thank you for the lesson."

"Thank you for the details. I hope to hear more as your memory improves," Boris responded.

I followed after Katrina as she escorted me back to my guard. "And thank you, Katrina, for these opportunities. I really appreciate them."

Katrina smiled. "I am honored to aid such an eager learner."

"It's more than that. I've missed so much because I wasn't raised like everyone else. I know I'm advancing fast but I feel like I'm not a real Traveler. That's why meeting all these important people and learning my history—it makes me feel like I belong."

Katrina's hand touched my shoulder and held me in place. I looked up at her.

"You belong here. No amount of training or history deems you worthy. Remember that."

I nodded. "Thank you. That makes me feel better. Do you know when we can meet again?"

"I will send word for you once I have free time. The Council will be meeting all week starting Monday."

I grinned. I would definitely keep that in mind.

Step Two: Find an opening

I watched from a distance as Chase locked up the door and slipped the key into his pocket. After stalking him for the past couple of days, I spied something good, but it only confirmed my worst fears. Chase was working for his father. Why else would he have a key to James's most private space? With a small sigh, I slipped away and hurried back to our usual meeting spot. He showed up changed into his usual exercise clothes and his bag slung over his shoulder. If his regular clothes were in the bag, the key might be in there too.

During our break, I headed to my bag which I purposely left next to his. I checked behind me and saw his back turned. I started to rifle through his bag until I felt a case. When I opened it, the key sparkled as if it was waiting for me to rescue it.

"What are you doing?" Chase asked.

"I can't find my water bottle," I said. I stuffed the key back into the bag. He might notice if I took it.

"That's my bag."

"Crap, I'm so sorry." I lifted my hands and backed away. I pulled my actual stuff towards me and retrieved the water bottle. "I'm so tired. I didn't even pay attention."

"Hey, it's okay." He peered at me. "You're a little red. We should end early if you're feeling that tired."

"No, I just need to sit and cool down."

Chase offered food or a cool compress. Why did he act so caring when he knew he had to turn against me? I forced a smile and told him whatever he thought was best. He made me drink most of my water before getting me a refill. I guess his kindness was his weakness because as soon as he left, I shoved the key into my training bra. The water station was nearby and I didn't have time to hide it in my bag.

When he returned, he still didn't trust the color in my face. Ending the session early, he escorted me to make sure I got home safe. I prayed during the whole walk that the key didn't slip out of my shirt.

Step Three: The getaway car

Much to Alex's disappointment, there were no special Traveler cars that fly through the stars. But we still needed a way in and out of the Center. Since Logan refused to teach me to use my powers, he had to let me add one more team member.

It kind of freaked me out to see Natalie out of her uniform, lounging outside of a coffee shop, and scrolling on her phone like she wasn't an interdimensional being. I stood a block away not too sure how to approach her. It looked pretty stalker-ish even with my lame excuse. I heard her talking about this place with her friends and I knew it was only a town over from mine. But it was still going to be weird. I hadn't talked to her since the secret training paused to get this plan going. No, it's only been a month and a half. I'm sure everything would still be cool between us unless she was mad about losing out on some extra cash.

Okay, I needed to move my butt before she recognized me and realized I was staring at her. That would only hurt my case. Also, I was not going to waste a thirty-minute drive. With my best smile, I stopped in front of her table.

"Natalie? Hey, it's good to see you!" I said.

She looked up and through the reflection of her sunglasses, I was relieved to see that my face didn't appear as terrified as I felt. She smiled back.

"Hey, girly. Strange to see you here."

"I'm heading home and thought I'd stop for some coffee. Small world!"

"No kidding," Natalie nudged the chair across from her with her foot. "Why don't you sit with me after you grab something? Or are you in a rush?"

I shook my head, "Be back in a sec."

For an hour, we sat and caught up after I apologized for going MIA on her. I was trying to focus on the small talk wondering when I could bring up my proposition. The big Council meetings started in two days. I needed to make sure I could get into that office before Chase noticed his key was gone. Once that happened, he would know I was the very obvious thief.

Natalie smirked. "So, do you need me to do another secret job for you?"

I laughed nervously. "I feel bad for saying yes, but I do need a favor. I need you to help me bring my non-Traveler friend into the Center."

"Shouldn't be too hard. Just let me know when."

I blinked, "Really? No price?"

"Just one. Tell me the real reason why. I kind of want to be in on the secret this time." Natalie leaned in, ready for the juicy details.

I bit my lip. A list of lies ran through my mind, but something about Natalie told me she could see if I was feeding her bullshit. With no interjection from Logan, I said, "James took something from me and I want it back, so my friend is going to be the lookout."

"Badass. Must be important to break into the Leader's office."

"Let's just call it a family heirloom."

Alex stretched next to me as we waited for Natalie. Performing a few jabs and kicks to the air, he was clearly enjoying the new outfit Natalie gave him. The easiest way to move throughout the Center was to be dressed like the Guards. I was afraid he wasn't going to give it back once this mission was done. However, it did look natural on him. What a comforting thought. Had Alex been the one with the powers, I wouldn't be here freaking out about the thirty-five complications that already popped into my brain.

I faintly heard my name, but when I looked at Alex, his voice sounded like white noise compared to my internal screaming. My throat tightened. I can't do this. Nope. I have to call this off right now before I ruined everything. With trembling hands, I took out my phone, but Alex grabbed my wrist and plucked it away from me. There wasn't enough time to fight him because a flash of light blinded me. Natalie appeared before us.

"Ready?" Natalie extended her hand. Excitement bounced in her eyes.

"No," I said. I took her hand and held on tightly to Alex.

In another flash, the three of us stood in the Traveler Guard Quarters. Alex wobbled a bit and I caught him before he fell. He gave me a weary smile.

"You weren't kidding about the dizziness." Then he perked up, "But that was awesome! That took like what? A second?"

"Sh!" Natalie hissed. "No drawing attention. The meeting just started so we need to move now."

As planned, Alex and I covered our faces with bandanas and marched behind Natalie. We followed every movement, trying not to draw attention despite no one caring and they kept going on with their lives. As we got closer to James's office, Natalie stationed Alex at one side of the hallway and hurried over to the other end. With the coast clear, she signaled me to go.

In front of the door, I banished any doubts and commanded my hands to stop shaking. Turning back was not an option anymore. I shoved the key into the door and it glowed before swinging open. I glanced at Alex and Natalie one more time before stepping inside the office. A click separated me from the world.

Analyzing the space, every single item was ordered in a pristine, specific way. I was too scared to move from the door. I needed to strategize before I touched anything. There were too many trinkets on the shelves that could fall so it wouldn't be much help to look through the books. I tip-toed to the cabinet, but the handle wouldn't budge. I turned to the desk. Inside a drawer, a neatly stacked pile of paper, so I inched it back in place.

"Ugh, what am I going to do? He'll know if I touch something."

Focus your energy. The scroll should give off energy meant for you.

I nodded and sucked in a deep breath. C'mon on mystical prophecy powers. Just give me the smallest sign you can and narrow down this search. My hand warmed as my symbol began to glow. A similar light appeared on the top of the desk, but it did nothing when I touched it. I guided my hand under the desk and felt a tiny button with my palm. A compartment popped up in the center of the desk.

"Smart," I flipped open the top to find the scroll, "but not smart enough."

I stuffed it in my satchel when I heard Natalie.

"Good day, Council Leader!" she spoke loudly.

"I apologize, but I am in a rush."

I didn't know whether to vomit or faint or maybe both. I knew this would happen. Oh god, what if Chase knew I took the key? That's why James came to hunt me down, ignoring Natalie's attempt to distract him. At least, let her protect Alex once I'm dead. My eyes searched for any escape options and landed on a shimmering wall. That was new. Did my mark do that? I touched it and my hand phased through it. Let's hope I didn't get stuck in another dimension or fall directly into a volcano. I jumped through it just as I heard the door moving. I braced for any deadliest situation and ended up body slamming the floor.

Groaning, I rolled over on my back. Thousands of white crystals glittered in the dark space. The ceiling and walls showcased a light show from the pulsating glow. I rose from the floor, noticing the Traveler symbols on the architecture. This had to be a room somewhere in the Center.

"What- is this?" I asked.

I don't know. This room did not exist during my time.

I walked over to the wall and tapped on one of the crystals.

You should refrain from touching them.

"But can't you feel it? That energy is familiar." I dragged my fingers across the wall.

We need to find Natalie and Alex.

Right. These were distractions. The two of them were probably freaking out about me. Before I turned, I saw my family name on a plaque. I pulled out the two crystals underneath it and stuffed them into my satchel. I ignored Logan's complaints as I snuck out of the room and tried to figure out my way back to our group.

"Look, we can study them later. Just trust me."

After a circle or two, I eventually found the Guard Quarters and retraced my steps back to—

Alex bear hugged me, "You're alive!"

Natalie stormed up to us, "What the hell! You couldn't text or call that you escaped!"

"Why was he back so soon?" I asked.

"He forgot some documents. Now where the hell were you?"

I pulled out a crystal and Natalie's eyes widened. She shoved my hand back into the satchel. Her eyes searched the area. Without a response, Natalie gripped Alex's and my shoulder. One flash later, we were back in my house.

"Okay, I know you said family heirloom, but a Removal Gem? That's more than insane, girly."

"Wait, they remove our powers and put them in here?" I studied the crystal.

"If you didn't know, why did you go and steal it from James?" Natalie asked.

The scroll felt heavy in my bag. I lied, working off the top of my head, "My parents just mentioned that their crystals were in custody. Whatever they were, I knew I needed to get them back. I guess now the next challenge is trying to tell them."

After assuring Natalie that I wouldn't tell anyone she helped us and owing her coffee in the future, I sent her back with the guard outfits once I pried them out of Alex's hands. Then, we headed to my bedroom so I could explain what happened in James's office without my parents accidentally overhearing. I hid the Removal crystals in my drawer not ready to face them about it yet.

I returned to my bed and pulled out the scroll. Alex glued himself to my side, waiting to see the secrets we fought for. The prophecy and the answers I needed were finally in my hands. Hopefully, it led us to figure out exactly what James had been up to this whole time. I unfurled it to find nothing on the paper.

"Oh please don't tell me I grabbed the wrong thing!" I cried. I shook it, held it up to the light, and pressed my mark against the paper. "No! No! No! This can't be happening!"

A feminine voice filled the room, "Do not fret, my child. It seems my husband's impatience was passed on to you."

I searched for the voice and found Serena floating near my bed. Her feet a few inches above the ground and she appeared almost opaque like smoke. My mouth fell open.

"Lex, there's a ghost lady here," Alex whispered.

Wait, he could see her too? Before I could question anything, she extended her hands to both of us. I glanced around my room wondering if Logan had manifested. His wife was here! Why wasn't he using his spirit powers to at least see her? Could he only use my eyes? I accepted her hand hoping Logan could feel it too. Following my lead, Alex took the other.

The room melted into a dark space, nothing but blackness for miles. Serena, Alex, even my body was consumed by it. One by one, a spotlight landed on an object or a person until they all surrounded me in a massive circle. The people looked pained. Their mouths moved with silent words, screams, or possibly prayers. I couldn't move to help any of them and tears flooded my eyes because this suffering was happening right now. Suddenly, James towered over me. Frozen in place, I trembled feeling so vulnerable. This couldn't happen when the time came for the battle. Choking on intimidation would lead to my death

"Words only provide so much," Serena said. She now stood by my side. "I hoped showing you, guiding you, would help you with your journey."

Serena flicked a hand towards James and she created a space between him and I. Logan's sword flew into the scene. The tip aimed for a strike against James's chest but did not pierce him.

"You must destroy James in order to protect everyone. However, remember these words. The prophecy is a prediction, not a promise. You and anyone involved are not promised to survive this attack. You are also not promised to succeed in this mission. If you don't…" Serena's voice faded.

The sword disintegrated into a pile of ashes on the floor. James raised his arms and every spotlight gave off a burst of energy that directed toward his body. Gathering the power inside him, the energy shot into the sky and exploded. I shielded my eyes from the blast, but when I lowered my arms, the environment changed into a total war zone. Creatures and humans locked in bloody battles from every direction. Barely dodging a blast of magic, I ducked behind a scorched tree.

I screamed for Alex's name, but no answer. Some eyes snapped towards me and I ran. I didn't want to look at the lifeless bodies on the broken ground. My attention trained forward, leaving the killing behind me. No one followed. I slowed down and tried calling Alex again. Where the hell did Serena send us? A little more searching and I found a crumpled paper hammered on the bark. The Traveler symbol crossed out in a bloody X. Serena's voice entered my mind, silencing the yells in the distance.

"When the dimension barriers fall, it will only be a matter of time when tense relations will end in destruction. Species, magic or not, will take their sides, but they all agree on one thing. The Travelers destroyed their peace and they will be hunted down to extinction."

I touched the warning sign, "Without separate dimensions, there will be nowhere to hide."

As if it never existed, the entire world disappeared from my fingertips. I wasn't sure how this was supposed to guide me. All I felt was suffering and overwhelming defeat because the stakes soared above my reach. No one wanted the fate of the world on their shoulders.

I sunk to my knees, "Out of everyone in this whole world, didn't I seem the least qualified?"

"I did not choose you. The stars recognized something inside you," Serena answered.

"What do they know about me? From everything I've seen and heard, I'm destined to lose and die."

I began to wonder if that's why my life rushed together in a span of months. Figuring out my powers, falling in love, and finding a sense of belonging. Experiences that I needed to have now before I didn't have a chance at all.

Serena lifted my head so I could meet her eyes. "Destiny is funny. It's a river breaking off into different currents. Each outcome is meant to come true, but not in one single reality. There are realities where you don't have this burden thrust upon you. Others where your powers never existed at all."

"I kind of wish I was living in one of those alternatives," I muttered

"I scared you and I apologize for doing that. You were not ready for such intensity. These visions were not meant to discourage you, but to understand how many people need your protection. You may feel like there is only defeat in your future, but you can create the current that leads to victory."

The darkness faded away and we returned to my room. My emotions were still twirling in a traumatic blender. I was terrified out of my mind, yet somehow Serena's words brought strength. Small, but present. Alex's arms wrapped around me and I leaned into his embrace. He whispered that he saw and kept apologizing like it was his fault, but it was mine for bringing him into this.

"I don't want to fail," I whispered.

Serena took my hands into her own. I wished Logan was in my place right now. How long had they been separated as his soul searched for mine? Could at least see her? One of Serena's hands cupped my cheek and I felt a warmth explode inside my chest when she smiled. I was able to smile back knowing that feeling was my answer.

"You will not fail," she said. "With my husband and the many allies you have made, I know you will succeed."

"Even if I…" I couldn't finish the thought.

"Death doesn't mean defeat. While the prophecy does not promise life, your sacrifice may be the key to your triumph. I know you will do what you can. Just remember I believe in you, Universal Savior."

With her last words, her spirit dissolved. She left me in the arms of my best friend with a scroll in one hand and tears falling down my face. At that moment, the sorrow of a mourning husband and a terrified girl had transformed into one spirit for the first time.

A/N: Maybe I can keep up with once a month updates. Wish me luck!

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princezilla: I'm not sure if it will be done in time, but whatever happens with the sequel will not affect my story. There's canon material that I don't include, but I drop in little easter eggs. So I'll probably include elements from Frozen 2 if I like them.