Chapter
17:
a/n: Mezmeric is Nicole's witch name
After
several hours of driving, Nova's midnight Impala pulled in front of
a battered, old shop. "Here we are," Nova announced, "3425 N.
Oak."
"Thanks Nova," Nicole replied as she got out of the
car.
"Wait, aren't you coming with us?" Tyler asked, trying
to hide his awkwardness with the building.
"Nope sorry, I have a
big Amendments exam today," Nova said exasperated, "But call me
when you want me to pick you guys up. Also send Nana Gem my love."
And with that, she drove away as Nicole and Tyler entered the
building.
"Nana Gem," Nicole called out as she walked to the
counter where a register stood.
"I was expecting you,
Mezmeric," an elderly voice answered. A few minutes later, an
senior aged woman in several colorful scarves appeared through a
beaded entryway.
"Nana Gem, meet Tyler, my…er.. Boyfriend."
Tyler blushed a pale pink.
"Ah," Nana Gem spoke coming closer
to Tyler, "He's a handsome one." Nana Gem patted Tyler's
cheek as if he were a pet.
"We seek your knowledge, Gem,"
Nicole stated indignantly.
"In the scar that is on Young
Tyler's hand, may I ask so?" the elder replied, holding Tyler's
hand to her face.
"Yes. What does it mean?" Tyler asked
slightly nervous.
"Come children…to the Pagan Sanctuary we
go," Nana said leading them back through the beaded passage
way.
They were now sitting around a table in a dimly lit room
where the only light was coming from the crystal ball on the table.
"Your hand, Tyler," Gem said meekly. He extended his arm and let
her see the palm of his hand. Her face grew blank and slightly
worried. "This is the sign of the Pagan sign for war. Pagans used
this to mark their enemies to know who to kill in war."
"So,
what does that mean exactly?" Nicole asked scared. Suddenly, the
crystal ball began to glow brightly. Gem stared deeply into
it.
"Tyler is the messenger meaning that this scar was not meant
for him, but for someone else."
"Who?"
"Reid," Nana
said looking deeply at them, "The Pagan warlord wants Reid's
powers when he ascends on the next full moon." Nicole and Tyler
looked at each other then back to the elder woman.
"The thing he
cares for most will be taken away by his immortal enemy and the only
way to win it back is to battle with the Pagan beast." Nicole
looked at Tyler once more.
"Do you know what he cares for
most?" Nicole asked Tyler. He shook his head. Suddenly, the thought
struck her. "Nova," she whispered, "Tyler, we have to
go."
"What why?" Tyler said confused.
"Something bad is
gonna happen. I can sense it." Nicole quickly said, grabbing
Tyler's hand, "Thank You Nana."
"Anytime Mezmeric," Nana
replied before gazing once again at the crystal ball.