Angie stood in the porch of the main house.
Staring into the afternoon sky, she wondered on how she could get through
to Karen Swallowtail, who had given her a bit of a hard time since her
arrival at the reservation earlier that day.
Victor soon joined her and stood beside her.
"You okay, Angie?"
Not realizing he was there, she became a little
startled. "Oh, uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking."
"I know you want to be accepted, but some
people are nearly impossible to convince of your good qualities.
Karen is one of those people."
"All I want to do is just communicate with
her a little better. I mean, even if she can't accept me completely,
that's okay. I just want to be able to talk to her, help her understand
I really want to be a friend."
Victor patted her on the shoulder. "You're
a gentle person who cares about others, even when some won't understand
about you. You're always willing to try to resolve a problem peacefully.
Karen is a person who has a hard time acknowledging someone of the outside
world because she has seen thousands of tourists in her lifetime, and you're
probably the first one who has noble intentions, not trying to create problems.
I wish there were an easy way to get through to her, but I just don't know
of one right now."
"That's okay," the female magician said with
a smile. "Mrs. Swallowtail has a right to stand for her beliefs,
but all I want is to be a friend to her."
"I've got some chores to work on right now,
but would you like to go for a horseback stroll later on just before dinner?"
"Yeah, why not? I've learned it's easier
to get places quicker on a horse. I do have to cook for tonight,
though."
"Oh, and there is one more thing I need to
tell you: Ananda, Michael, Khenta, and I want to help you deal with
the stress you've been having lately. Seeing it's only your first
day here, they want to give you time to get used to the area. How
about right after dinner tomorrow, we'll sit out on the porch and talk
about your anxiety?"
"Okay," she said with a nod. "I will
definitely be there."
When Victor left her alone, Angie felt a little
confused. "What…what is this?" she whispered. She then held
her heart with both hands. "I feel so…strange." The strange
feeling soon disappeared, and she continued looking into the clear blue
sky.
Closing her eyes to feel the air around her,
she spoke with her calm inner voice. Kindred brother, please hear
my thoughts. I need some helpful advice.
Back in Electro City, Ace had finished up a
good practice for the show on Monday evening. "Nice work, Angel.
The hologram of Angie is perfect."
"With the improvements done since that Raptor
XII problem," the AI noted, "the holographic program should work without
a problem for the show. Duke Paparazzo should be fooled very easily,
unless he tries to touch her."
"He touches her, he's gonna have a fat lip!"
Cosmo shouted.
"Relax, Cosmo," the Magician said in trying
to calm him down. "Remember, Angie will 'perform' on stage only.
She won't be anywhere away from the stage. In fact, in the grand
finale act, I'll have her disappear completely."
"Ooh, clever, dude. This way, everybody
will think she's safely somewhere else. Sorry for overreacting."
"It's okay, Cosmo. I wonder how Angie's
doing anyway."
It was just seconds later when he heard her
inner voice reaching out to him. "Angie," he whispered. He
stood up and closed his eyes.
"Is she calling you?" Cosmo asked curiously.
"Yes. She seems to be troubled by something,
though."
"Angie's more than 200 miles away, and you
can still sense her?"
"Hmm, it seems another aftereffect of that
planetary alignment is our bond becoming stronger." Ace then communicated
with her by thought. Something's bothering you, Angie. What's
the matter?
I can't get through to someone here on
the reservation. She thinks I'm out to do something bad, yet this
is not true. It's not right to force her to change her attitude,
but I just want to be friends with her.
Is it Karen Swallowtail?
Yes, Angie answered in surprise.
How did you know that?
Khenta told me just how difficult Mrs.
Swallowtail can be. I met her a couple of years ago, just before
you came along. I was donating money to help them start a school
and open a playground. Karen thought I was trying to be too kindhearted
toward her simple way of life. I needed a little time to explain
to her, and she still didn't accept me completely. I was content,
though. Have you told her you're training under me?
I haven't had a chance to say much of anything
to her. I already saved her life today, but I just don't know what
to do. I know I can't force her to change, but what can I do to at
least get through to her?
Ace withdrew his thoughts for a moment.
"So she wants to get through to Karen peacefully." His intense thinking
led to a possible solution. Why not try the universal language
of music? You can play the flute; use the music you've learned to
help her understand who you are, a person who cares and has respect for
other cultures.
Yeah, she concluded. I mean,
I don't think she knows I can play the Native flute. Music
always has a way of getting through to people, so maybe playing the piece
I played before may make the difference. I mean, if not completely, hopefully
we can come to some understanding. Thanks, Ace.
Anytime, Angie. I'm only a thought
away if you ever need me for anything. In the meantime, we're all
set for Monday night here. Your hologram is ready.
I can't wait to see the performance then.
Good luck.
And same with you.
When the link between the two magicians faded, Angie
looked at her watch. "Oh, dear, I need to start on the cooking for
dinner."
She came into the kitchen and quickly gathered
everything she needed to make her dish for the evening.
Khenta then entered. "You need some
help with that?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry, Khenta. I was
communicating with Ace."
"I know. I think the idea of using the
flute is a good one. You can at least help her comprehend you're
not the 'typical tourist' she's making you out to be."
"I hope so. I just want to be friends
with her, that's all."
"I think you may get through to her with your
musical ability. In the meantime, how about I take care of those
chicken wings and legs?"
"Thanks, Khenta. I'll get to work on
the broccoli."
By 5:00, Angie and Khenta had everything ready
for dinner, so Angie, on Lilyflower, took off with Victor and Soaring Eagle
for that late afternoon horseback stroll while Khenta finished grilling
the chicken.
"I came into the house," Victor started, "and
I could already smell your cooking. I think it's going to be scrumptious."
The female magician blushed. "Well,
maybe. I mean, it is to the best of my ability with two hands.
That's the way Mom taught me to do things."
"Your parents raised you well, didn't they?"
"Yeah, ever since they got on to me for taking
that TV Guide from the convenient store when I was five."
"You were only five years old when you did
that?" the older of the Raven brothers asked in laughter.
"It's true. I did it. Mom and
Dad set me straight afterward, though. I understood the importance
of being responsible, which also meant I didn't have to place the blame
of everything that went wrong in my life on myself."
"Ah, yes. There are things in life that
you can't control, and you shouldn't be angry with yourself. Is that
what happened to you most of your life?"
"Getting picked on and beaten up in school,
yes. I never sought revenge because I didn't want to be like those
other kids of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, where a gun was often
used to get even, but I did place the blame on myself because I
just wanted to learn."
"You shouldn't have been upset with yourself
for having the desire to learn. You are a gifted young woman, Angie,
and I know your parents would be very proud of you because you use your
gifts to help others instead of out of selfishness."
She then turned away for a moment as that
strange feeling she had before suddenly returned. What's going
on here? Why is this feeling back again? I don't understand
what this is.
Victor looked at her and became a little concerned.
"Are you okay, Angie?"
Turning to face him quickly, she answered,
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm okay, really." She then heard her stomach
growling. "Oops. Looks like my internal warning system is telling
me to eat something."
"I agree," he said heartily. "Let's
get back to the house and have that dinner. Khenta should be finished
grilling it by now."
"Okay, um, what do I do to get her to go a
little faster?"
"Push your legs against her sides. That'll
tell her to gallop."
Angie did what he told, and soon Lilyflower
started going a little faster. "Hey, I think I got it!"
"Good for you, Angie. Normally Mike
and I will race each other back to the stables, but considering your situation,
I won't race you back."
"Thanks. After what happened earlier,
I don't want to chance anything at this point."
Within a few minutes, they parked their horses
at the stables and came into the house ready to eat dinner.
Khenta put the grilled chicken on the table.
"Okay, everyone, time to dig in."
As the group began eating the dinner, Angie
said, "I hope you like what I've done."
Karen took a bite of the chicken and found
the taste very appealing. "My goodness. Miss Jacobs, you are
a great cook. I never expected one who lives in the city could take
cooking so seriously."
Ananda quickly defended Angie. "She
does take cooking to heart, Karen. She believes in doing things naturally,
not with chemicals or preservatives."
"Yes," added Khenta, "which is also why she
is the cook and chef of the Magic Express."
"Magic Express?" asked Karen curiously.
"Wait, I remember that. That's the home of Ace Cooper, the Magician,
isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," Angie responded calmly.
"I live there now."
"How did you come to live there? He's
world-famous, and—"
"One of the best friends I've ever had in
my life. He's more than a celebrity to me."
"Well, I hope he didn't send you to be overly
sympathetic towards us simple folks."
Michael stood up and angrily said, "Mrs. Swallowtail,
Angie's been gracious enough to cook for us, so why don't you cut her some
slack and stop being like this to her?"
"No, Mike, stop." Angie held his shoulder.
"She is within her right to express her opinion. Let's just finish
dinner."
Michael soon calmed down and sat in his chair
again to finish dinner, which went completely silent from that point.
Angie looked out the window of the guest room
into the starry night sky and looked at the nearly full moon.
She then turned and saw the flute on the night
table. "Maybe…"
Taking the flute, she held it close to her
heart and whispered to herself, "Mr. Whitefeather, may your spirit guide
me and my playing."
Holding the blow to her mouth, she started
playing the flute once more, feeling the warmth and comfort she had when
she first heard that music years earlier.
Karen was in her room preparing to go to bed
when she suddenly heard a harmonious sound. "Why…that's the Native
flute."
She quickly walked out of her room and came
to Michael's. After he answered, she asked, "You're not playing the
flute, are you?"
"Nope. I wouldn't be playing at this
hour. Who could it be?"
The two went all over the house trying to
locate the source of the music.
After passing by Angie's room, Karen said,
"Wait, hold it. The music is coming from here." She opened
the door and saw Angie playing the Native flute.
Michael found himself surprised. "No
way! Angie can…play the Native American flute? I thought it
was a mini-disc."
"So…did I." Karen soon became enthralled
by the harmony.
She then closed her eyes and soon began to
envision the female magician's life before her. "Her life…full of
pain, sadness, and loneliness. She has always felt alone because
she…is not like those of her society. Her heart is full of love,
kindness, and compassion. She has lost those closest to her…her parents.
She was a shy, quiet, and very timid soul, afraid to talk to anyone…because
she was different. However, there is something else within her which
made her further different…her power of magic. The spirits have blessed
her with this power because of her heart. Someone else…a close friend,
very wealthy, yet more satisfied within the soul. Treats this one
as a soul sister. Their friendship…so tight nothing could ever break
it.
"Now, another friend…Ace Cooper himself.
He has helped her open her heart and…unlock the magic within her soul.
Their powers united…two hearts and two minds, together as one, bonded in
friendship and understanding for each other, kindred brother and sister.
She cherishes her friends as a second 'family'. She cares for them
so much with all her heart and soul."
Karen then noticed one other friend in this
vision. "No…I don't believe it. It's John Whitefeather!
He is the one who introduced her to our culture and taught her to play
from her heart. Angie does know about our way of life. She
has knowledge about our heritage. Now I understand there are people
who do respect others' ways of living."
Angie finished her piece within another minute
and again held the flute close to her heart.
Karen opened her eyes and looked sad.
"Angie?"
The female magician quickly turned to face
her. "Mrs. Swallowtail. I didn't know you were—"
"Your life…I saw your life."
"How?"
Khenta entered the room and peacefully answered,
"Music, especially Native music, can allow her to see the truth about an
individual. She saw the sadness you had for most of your life before
you met Ace. She also noticed the love and concern in your soul,
the love of your family and friends."
"May I see that flute, please?" Karen asked.
After being handed the instrument and a close examination of the markings,
she said, "This flute belongs to John Whitefeather."
"You…knew Mr. Whitefeather?"
"Yes, I did. He was a close friend of
our family, and I know his granddaughter Keely. When his spirit passed
on several years ago, Keely told me someone of another culture received
the flute his family had kept for generations. She explained how
appreciative the individual had been for our way of life. That individual
must have been…you."
"I never forgot what happened when I arrived
at that reservation that summer. I was a little apprehensive at first,
but they soon welcomed me with open arms. That experience is one
I will always remember because it did introduce me to a whole new world."
Karen looked sadly at Angie. "I'm sorry,
young one. I got the wrong impression about you mainly because I
thought you were just like those of your culture, a…tourist."
"Well, I admit, I sort of misjudged you, too.
I believed this little stereotype about Native Americans: The elders would
always
look down upon those not of their way of life. I knew Mr. Whitefeather
was an exception, but somehow I carried this for a long time. Another
label I had was that every tribal nation had high unemployment rates, but
that's not the case, either. It's saddening to know stereotypes still
exist in this day and age."
"You speak the truth. I had the stereotype
that all those outside would threaten our heritage."
"Actually," Angie noted seriously, "you have
had history against you, considering what the government did in the 19th
century. It's hard to let go of that typecast because of the past."
"One person cannot completely change my mind
about how I feel about your culture, but I am content to know at least
someone has respect for our way of life. I'm also very grateful to
you for rescuing me earlier today."
"I would have done it for anyone because even
though we appear different, we are all human beings." Angie
then put out her right hand. "All I want is to be a friend, nothing
more. I know even the best of friends will not always agree on things."
Karen came up to her and shook hands.
"You sound just like John. You are a truly special person, Angie,
gifted with a great power within your essence. We are only two people,
and a stereotype is hard to stop, but—"
"We have to start within ourselves to make
the change possible, and even that takes time." Angie's heart became
warm once more because of what she was able to accomplish. Thanks,
kindred brother.
You're welcome, Angie, she heard from
Ace in thought.
"After the musical performance you've given
tonight, I've learned more about you and what you are truly like.
I welcome you to sleep here for the duration of your stay."
"I appreciate it. I've learned more
about you because of what you stand for: Keeping your heritage and
history alive. That's what is important to you, and I truly respect
your ways."
"Thank you, Angie," Karen said with a smile.
"I think I can sleep comfortably now. Good night, all."
"Good night, Mrs. Swallowtail," Angie said
as Karen started to leave the room, "and thanks again."
Michael, Khenta, and Angie all looked at each
other.
"You did it, Angie," said Khenta happily.
"Ace's idea was brilliant."
"Yeah," Michael commented. "I had no
idea you could play so well."
"I guess from the first moment I heard the
music, it never left me."
The Phoenix patted Angie on her shoulder.
"You had a wonderful teacher and friend in John Whitefeather, and he seems
to be with you now, in spirit."
"I'll never forget him and what he did for
me." After she let out a yawn, she said, "I think I need some shut-eye.
It's been a rather hectic day."
"I will, too," Michael noted. "There's
a lot of work to do tomorrow. Oh, and if he finishes his tasks, Victor's
heading rock climbing just after lunch."
"Really? Where?"
"There's a popular spot about three miles
north of here. In fact, the International Rock Climbers Association
has its tournament there every year, and this year's contest is coming
up in about a month."
"Cool. It's too bad I'm not good at
rock climbing myself, but maybe I can see him do that tomorrow."
As Michael and Khenta left Angie's room, Khenta
started wondering about Angie.
"Michael, have you noticed she's been asking
a lot about Victor lately?"
"Yeah, I'm beginning to wonder if…"
"I know. I've been sensing something
unusual within her heart, a feeling she's never experienced before.
It's almost like she's frightened of this feeling."
:You're not alone, Khenta,: thought
the shifter known as Marshall. :I, too, have had a strange sensation
coming from her. Will Angie be okay?:
**That is one we cannot answer. The
answer must come from within Angie herself.**
:I understand. I wonder if
Ace knows about this.:
**He probably does know but does not want
to inform Angie until he's positive of the feeling.**
:I guess I won't have to tell him
what's going on, considering how strong their bond is.:
**Agreed. We'll just have to wait and
see what happens.**
The link faded quickly. "Let's get some
sleep, Michael. We've got a long day ahead of us."
"Yeah," the younger Raven nodded, "no time
for joking around tomorrow. Lots of chores need to get done."
The two shifters parted ways themselves and
went to bed for the night.
The next day, everyone worked vigorously around
the reservation, doing various chores to maintain the area's beauty.
Angie and Victor worked together on brushing
the horses' manes.
"How's that?" she asked as she stroked carefully
on Lilyflower.
"That's perfect," he said happily. "You've
gotten the hang of this."
"I'm glad. I hope I can ride horses
more often."
"Okay, now, let's get the feed and make sure
they don't go hungry."
The two placed the feed into the special long
bucket, allowing the steeds to reach over and eat to their hearts' content.
They finished their chores prior to lunch,
which was perfect news for Victor.
"Great! I can go rock climbing this
afternoon after all." He then turned to Angie. "Would you like
to see the outcropping?"
"Sure. Michael told me an international
competition is coming up there next month. Is that true?"
"If he mentioned the IRCA, then he told you
right. We get a lot of revenue from that competition every year,
which helps fund the school and the teachers. I'll also be competing
for the championship."
"All right, I'm in."
As soon as they finished lunch, they took
off on their steeds for the outcropping.
Ananda yelled to both of them, "I want you
two to be back here by 5:00. I don't want you to be late for dinner."
"Don't worry, Mr. Greyleaf," said Angie, "we'll
be back on time."
After a quick gallop, the pair arrived at
the rock formation.
To Angie's dismay, it was well over a mile
high. "That's the rock for the competition?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"It's awfully high up. You sure it's
safe?"
"Don't worry, I'm an experienced climber.
Which is why I also have the safety equipment here with me. I use
it to make sure if I do fall, I won't crash to the ground and kill myself."
"Okay. I guess I'm going to watch you
from down here, right?"
"Right. Now, I'll let you help me get
into the climbing gear."
After they dismounted, the female magician
helped Victor into his helmet and harness.
At the base of the rock, Victor began his
climb. "I'll be okay, I promise. Just keep an eye on me, though."
"Okay, but please be careful."
She remembered her best friend, Ashley Brighton,
being experienced herself when she had her near deadly fall during their
senior spring break vacation. It was then her magic had been unleashed
at full force to save Ashley's life.
About half way up the formation, Victor waved
at Angie.
As Angie waved back at him, she suddenly heard
the distant sound of thunder. "What the—"
She looked to the west and noticed the skies
rapidly darkening. "Oh, no. Ace warned me about sudden storms
popping up this time of year out here. Maybe I need to tell Victor."
She then looked up at Victor and yelled, "Storm approaching! You
need to get down!"
When the winds suddenly started to pick up,
Victor was unable to hear her. "What did you say?"
Angie was struggling to keep steady against
the hard wind as dust started kicking up as well. "I said you need
to get down!"
Victor could not make out what she told, so
he continued climbing up.
Angie looked up and saw him making his way
higher up the rock. Victor, what are you doing!? He must
not be able to hear me over the winds. What can I do now?
Suddenly, lightning struck the top of the
rock formation, causing some pieces to come off and down the sides.
Angie had to take up a curled position quickly
when the lightning struck but soon was able to get back on her feet.
When she looked up at Victor, she noticed a rock the size of his head falling
towards him rapidly. "Victor, look out!"
When he was able to hear Angie scream, he
turned his face upward just as the rock hit the top of his head!
He then started falling because he had not set up his tether line on the
next stop properly!
"NOOO!" Angie yelled in
fear.
The feeling in her heart returned again, far
stronger than ever. I don't have time to figure out what this
is now; Victor needs help fast!
Putting her arms out and closing her eyes,
she felt her power coming to her once more as her body illuminated in her
light-blue aura. "Let my heart guide my power!"
With her powers growing stronger within her
heart, her eyes began to glow again as she used her magic to slow Victor's
plunge. Able to levitate him safely on his back and to her feet,
Angie quickly kneeled down and saw the cut on his head.
Quickly cupping her hands together, she created
a bandage and magically wrapped it around his head to stop further bleeding.
"That'll slow down the process, but I need some help fast. I can't
leave him here."
She then came up to the two horses, Soaring
Eagle and Lilyflower. "Quick, go back to the reservation. If
anyone sees the two of you with no riders, they'll know we're in trouble.
Now go!"
The two stallions quickly took off to seek
help.
Next, rain started to fall down on the area,
making Angie concerned for the possibility of flash flooding. "Too
much rain at once. I've got to get him to safety for now, but where?"
She noticed a small cave the southwest side
of the rock. "Any porthole in the storm…" Knowing she could
not lift him in her arms, she concentrated her powers on levitating Victor
again so they could at least get to the cave and safety from the storm.
They made it into the cave, which ran about 200 feet inward. Going
to the end of the cave, Angie lay Victor down flat on the ground.
She then found a stick large enough to support
a flame of light. With her powers once more, she lit the stick and
placed it into a small enough opening to keep it from going everywhere
in the cave. "I just hope we get some help and soon."
At the Magic Express, Ace was in the middle
of practicing his grand finale trick when he sensed a powerful feeling
within his kindred sister. Her heart. I feel her heart…grave
concern for someone's safety. He stopped his trick in midstream
and clutched his head.
Cosmo was quick to notice and remembered how
strong the bond between Ace and Angie really was. "Dude, what's wrong?"
"I sense…concern, danger, agony. Angie
must be in trouble where she is right now. Yet, there is something
else I sense within her."
"What is it?"
"A strange feeling, one she has never had
before. She is baffled and terrified of this feeling within her heart."
Closing his eyes, the Magician soon visualized the situation in which Angie
was trapped. "She is with someone else…inside a cave, safe from a
thunderstorm. Who is that with her, though? He looks just like
Michael Raven, the shifter." Going deep into her mind, he got the
name. "It's…Victor Raven."
"Wait a sec!" Cosmo exclaimed. "Mike's
older brother is out there, too?"
"Yes. Angie's very worried about him.
She saw him get hurt while he was rock climbing, but she saved him with
her powers. They're okay for now. However, I don't understand
this mysterious feeling she has in her heart. I've got to try to
reach out to her."
Concentrating with his heart and soul, he
tried to contact her telepathically. Kindred sister…
Back at the reservation, Karen noticed the
approaching storms. "We need to take shelter quickly."
Ananda agreed with her. "Yes.
Into your homes, everyone! This one looks bad."
All the people in the area took refuge in
either their homes or any sturdy shelter.
Michael moved the horses to the inside of
the stables when he suddenly noticed two horses galloping but with no riders.
"Soaring Eagle and Lilyflower? But…where are Victor and Angie?"
He soon brought them into the safety of the
stables with the other stallions but soon grew worried about his older
brother and Angie. "Victor's probably been careless again with his
rock climbing, but I'm usually out there myself with him. I've got
to find out what's happened to him and Angie, know if they're all right."
Touching Victor's horse, he used the shifters'
ability of merging awareness with an animal. "What's happened to
my brother, Soaring Eagle?"
The steed inwardly told him of Victor's accident
while climbing, and Angie saving his life with her powers. He also
told Michael about Angie telling him and Lilyflower to return to the reservation.
"Good move, Angie," he said to himself.
"She knew what we would do if the horses came back without their riders."
He then considered telling Khenta what was
happening, but decided it might not be the best move. "No, she'd
make me stay here. I've got to find Victor and Angie."
Next, he came up to his own horse, a beautiful
black mare named Shadow Wind, the horse Victor had given him for his birthday
a couple of years earlier. Petting it at the chin, he sadly said,
"I wish I could take you with me, but I'm afraid the storms out there will
spook you. It may be too dangerous for you. I only have one
choice left."
A mere thought was all he needed to transform
into his shifter true-form of the raven. He took off into the stormy
sky, bent on reaching the rock formation to save both his brother Victor
and his friend Angie.
Meanwhile, in the cave, Victor still lay unconscious
after being hit over the head with that rock.
As Angie held his left hand close to her heart,
she became gravely concerned for him. "Please, Victor, be all right,"
she whispered softly. "I'm scared right now."
The strange feeling returned once more, making
her more confused. "What's happening to me? I don't understand
this. Just what is this I feel?"
Kindred sister, she heard in her mind
from the Magician.
Ace? she responded by thought.
I'm here.
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm okay. I'm inside a cave
about three miles north of the reservation. Victor's been hurt badly.
Nice job in putting the bandage on him
to stop the bleeding. Will you be safe in that cave?
Looking around carefully, Angie replied, I
think so. We'll stay here until the storm passes, but the rain's
coming down hard out here.
Ace then mentioned the subject about which
he was most curious. Angie, I've been sensing something else troubling
you. What's wrong?
I'm not so sure. I've got this weird
sensation in my heart, but I don't quite know what this is. I have
never felt like this before. What is happening to me?
Ace sensed a feeling of warmth within his
kindred sister's heart, especially when he noticed she held Victor's hand
very close to her heart. Angie, I don't know if you're going to
believe what I'm about to tell you.
Why? Do you know what's going on
with me?
Unless I'm mistaken, Angie, I think you
have…feelings toward Victor.
Huh? Feelings toward him? I-I
don't get it.
I'll put it to you straight then.
I think you are falling in love with Victor.
Angie gasped completely in fear as she pushed
Victor's hand away from her heart and screamed, "NO!
I can't have these types of feelings, I can't! How
can this be happening to me!?" She fell to her knees and held her
head in confusion. "I cannot fall in love with anyone!"
What do you mean you cannot fall
in love? Ace thought to her in worry. Didn't you have a crush
on anyone while you were growing up?
No, I didn't. I devoted the time
to studying. I never had time to even have a crush. Besides,
most of the guys I had to deal with either lacked common sense, picked
on me, or beat me up. There is no way I can fall in love.
The only type of love I'm used to pertains to my family and friends.
Soon tears began to fall from Angie's eyes.
Angie, there is nothing wrong with falling
in love. This is one of the most special feelings you can have.
Ace soon discovered Angie had put up a mental shield against him. What
are you hiding from me, Angie? I'm your kindred brother. You
have nothing to fear from me.
No, I can't tell you. I'm sorry,
I just can't tell you!
Why? Is it a painful memory you've
kept suppressed within your soul, something which caused you to become
frightened of falling in love?
Please, Ace, don't force me to remember.
I don't want to remember!
Angie, you don't have to be afraid of the
truth.
No! Just leave me alone, please!
I don't want to remember this!
Ace withdrew his thoughts. "Angie doesn't
want to recall something that happened to her in the past."
:I could tell,: Marshall
stated in concern. :Maybe Khenta can get through to her.
I can let her know what's going on so maybe she can help.:
Good idea, Marshall. Someone's got
to get through to Angie, and Khenta may be the only one who can.
Meanwhile in the shelter cave, Angie continued
to cry in uncontrollable sobs because of the bad memory she did not want
to let anyone know about. However, she felt a strange new presence
in her mind. "It's not Khenta, Marshall, or Ace. Who could
it be?"
Calming herself down and closing her eyes,
she focused her mind on envisioning the presence. She soon noticed
a large black bird. "A raven, in this part of the country?
I—no, that's Michael! What's he doing out in the storm!?"
The female magician tried to warn him telepathically.
Michael,
why are you out in this storm? It's way too dangerous!
In his avian form he continued flying towards
the rock formation in the very stormy conditions. He then heard Angie's
inner voice. ^Angie, I have to find Victor. Is he all right?^
Yes, he is for now, but he's unconscious.
He's also got a bad cut on his head from a rock hitting it. I've
already bandaged it up, and we're safe in this cave. You shouldn't
be out, though. You could get hurt.
^It doesn't matter to me right now.
I have to make certain you're both all right. I—^
The link suddenly went dead. Michael?
Michael, are you all right? Michael! Michael, please answer
me! Concentrating on the raven's thoughts, she soon saw Michael,
back in human form, on the ground, less than a mile away from where she
and Victor were. "Oh, no! Michael's been hurt now, too!
He must have hit a microburst which forced him to crash to the ground.
He can't stay out there for long, either! What can I do now!?"
Back at the main house on the reservation,
Ananda, Karen, and Khenta were safe, but they were also worried about Michael,
Victor, and Angie.
"Where is Michael?" asked Karen. "The
last time I saw him, he was getting the horses inside the stables.
What could have happened to him?"
"I don't know, Grandmother," Khenta answered
gravely, "but I'm also worried about Victor and Angie. I need to
get to the stables and find out for sure."
Ananda told her, "Be careful. This storm
is a serious one."
"I'll be all right, I promise." She
then ran outside and reached the stables.
To her surprise, she found Shadow Wind, Soaring
Eagle, and Lilyflower all safe in their holds. "The horses are here,
but where are the Raven brothers and Angie?"
Lilyflower suddenly neighed at Khenta.
Coming up to her, the Phoenix petted the mare's
chin and used merged awareness to learn the answer. "Oh, my God!
Victor's been hurt, but Angie is with him. However, that doesn't
lead to where any of them are right now."
Suddenly, she heard the voice of the Raven
within her mind. ^Khentura,^ he thought weakly, ^help me.^
**Michael, where are you?**
^I'm close to where Angie and Victor are
at the rock formation, but I was in avian form when a sudden gush of wind
forced me to bump into the ground. I can't stay out here for long.^
**Okay, hang on. Angie, can you hear
me?**
Angie was frightened because both Raven brothers
had been hurt and then heard Khenta. I can hear you, Khenta.
Michael's been hurt and—
**I know. He's about a mile away from
the rock formation. Are you and Victor there?**
Yes, but Victor's hurt, too. We're
in this cave right now.
**Michael is about a mile away from where
you are. Can you sense him there?**
I can. I warned him not to fly in
this weather. However, I lost contact with him.
**He's okay. Angie, can you use your
powers to get him to the cave?**
I think so.
The female magician left Victor sleeping at
the end of the cave as she ran up to the opening and focused her energy
on finding Michael and getting him to the cave safely. "Magic Force
within my heart," she said calmly as she began to glow in her light-blue
aura once more, "please help me get my friend Michael here safe and sound."
Where Michael lay asleep, he felt a warm energy
coming from somewhere, a Power. "Angie, thank you," he whispered.
He soon lifted into the air and went northwest towards the cave.
Angie was able to get him into the cave and
lay him next to his older brother. "Michael, are you all right?"
"A…little weak, but I'm okay. What should
we do now?"
"Wait in here until the storm lets up."
"Is Victor all right?"
"I don't know. I haven't checked in
about 20 minutes." She took his left wrist and checked for a pulse.
"He's still unconscious, but his pulse is okay."
She then contacted Khenta. Michael's
okay now, but I'm worried about Victor as well. I don't know if he's
really okay or not.
**I'll be there as soon as I can.**
Khenta ran back to the main house to tell
Ananda and Karen the situation. "I have to get out there now.
If I don't, Victor could die from his injuries."
"Just…be careful," Karen said in concern.
"I will. Now, I must be off!"
Her eyes glowing in orange, she soon converted into a winged creature with
glistening red-gold feathers tinted with blue, purple, and white in the
outer areas. **I will return with all of them safely, I promise.**
She then took off into the stormy sky, determined to save her friends.
