A/N So here it is finally! Sorry it took sooo long! But I am finally graduated from high school and on summer break, though I still have a lot of things to do to get ready for college. Anyway this chapter is like double my usual chapters, so I hope it makes up for taking double the time! :P
Thank you to all people who read, followed, favorited, and reviewed this story! Especially thanks to those who reviewed on the last chapter: chinaluv, Sunset17, MermaidsForever, Nicole 13, and rosencuttere.
Chapter 10: Confrontation
Emma's P.O.V.
I woke up at about 6:00AM, early as usual, and I would have been happy if I didn't remember what I had to do that day. I dreaded every moment as I slipped out of my pajamas and into new clothes, working as quietly and quickly as I could. I didn't want to alarm anyone, the house was completely quiet. It was Saturday and everyone was still sleeping. I purposefully left my hair down this morning, though I planned on running to the Juicenet. Ever since I realized I had that mark there I've been a lot more self-conscious about it, if anyone else saw it I'd have a lot of explaining to do …
I wrote a quick note and posted it on the fridge explaining that I went out for a run and not to worry. I also reminded them that I would be staying at Cleo's house tonight, as I remembered tonight was the full moon, apologizing for if I didn't return between now and then. Then I was out the door and running, well more like jogging, to the Juicenet Café. I wanted to get there as soon as possible, hopefully before Ash or Garry, but there was part of me just dreading the confrontation that was going to ensue. I wasn't really thrilled meeting up with Garry now that I know so much about our past.
As I approached the Juicenet I slowed my pace as Garry Hennings brooding figure came into view. Thankfully though, the Juicenet seemed completely locked up, I don't think Ash had gotten here yet to open it up. That at least gives me the perfect excuse to move the meeting to the beach.
"Mr. Hennings," I greeted when I came close enough to him, putting on a fake smile, hoping he would believe that my memory was still gone.
"Princess," He returned, bowing, "Have you considered my offer?"
"Why yes of course I have considered it." I responded vaguely, "But there doesn't seem to be anyone here and I haven't got a key. Would you mind moving somewhere else?"
"Do you have some other establishment in mind?" he asked curiously.
"Not quite, but I do know a relatively quiet and secluded part of the beach that would do just as well," I replied, "What do you think?"
"I don't see a problem with that, but you could always just sign the papers right here and be on your way if you would like," He suggested.
"No, I think I would like to do things the formal way, this is an important matter," I reasoned, trying not to anger him or make him suspicious of foul play, "And if you don't mind, I do still have a few questions I would like you to answer."
"Oh, no trouble at all, it is only natural to be a bit curious," he replied, and offered his arm to me, "Shall we?"
"Sorry," I said turning down his offer, really not at all comfortable being that close to him, "But I am still not quite comfortable with all these formal gestures. That is not how things are done usually around here."
"Ah, tis no matter, once you sign these forms there will be no need to get comfortable with such formalities," he commented as we started off towards what has come to be known as Lewis' secret fishing spot (though the girls and I probably use it way more than him).
"It is only about a ten minute walk away," I told him as I lead the way.
"So what kind of questions do you have for me?" He asked after a few minutes of awkward silence.
"Well," I started, searching my brain for a good question, hoping it would appear that I have so many I don't know where to start, "What was I like when I was little on the island? Were we close?"
"Oh we were very close indeed, but that is a tough question, it was so long ago," he began thoughtfully, I quickly found that this was a good question to ask, "My father was a well-respected military agent for your parents, a guardian if you will, like his father was before him and so on, and as the oldest son of course I was expected to follow in their footsteps. I was about thirteen when you were born and had already begun training, most of which from then on involved guarding you around the castle, we grew very close indeed I would say. You were quite the wild child as I remember, literally from the time you could crawl, do you know how many times I had to keep you from getting yourself killed? I couldn't keep my eyes off of you for a second. You were quite the independent child, no matter what I, or your parents even, warned you not to do, you always had to try it out before you would believe me and your brother would follow. I swear just one week with you two and I was over-prepared for guardianship …"
He really got into this topic that I don't even think he noticed that he slipped and revealed something I was sure he had purposefully left out when we first met.
"I have a brother?" I interrupted, and sure enough he looked just a bit startled.
"Oh yes, but that is not important," He covered.
"What was his name?" I persisted, "Older or younger? Why isn't he next in line to rule? Can I meet him? What was he like? Did our parents abuse him too? Where is he now?"
"Eh, well, um," He stuttered bombarded with these new questions I bet he never thought he would have to answer, "His name was Lewis, and he was your twin brother, but you are next in line because the lineage is passed primarily through the female line. I-I'm not sure if he was abused as well, like I told you before I only found out what was happening to you when I found you in the basement that time, I never witnessed anything with him, though I wouldn't doubt it. I have not been in touch with the island much since the incident, but whether he is still there or has escaped, don't you think you owe it to him to sign over the island to me so I can give your parents what they deserve?"
"I suppose," I answered thoughtfully, though obviously not giving the suggestion much consideration, "But I would really like to find and meet him, make him part of this decision. I would like to make sure he is fine and after all, the way I see it this kingdom is as much his as mine."
"No," he replied just a bit too quickly, "I mean, that would be impossible, I have no idea of the prince's whereabouts."
"But isn't there some way you could find out?" I insisted, though I could see his frustration growing. I am just glad we were getting close to the spot.
"I do not believe so, and there is not enough time," He stated, "Besides, I've already told you that this is completely your decision, you are the next in line and you have the power to turn the kingdom over to me. Besides, if you must know, you two weren't that close anyway, always competing for your parents' attention and fighting. You're better off not knowing him, really."
At that point I was pretty sure he was willing to say anything that would assure I would sign those papers for him, too bad for him my mind was already made up. Luckily we had just reached the spot, and with one quick, discreet gaze around I could tell we were pretty much surrounded by hidden guards and I grew more nervous than ever, hoping he wouldn't notice as we came to a stop.
"This is the spot I was talking about," I turned to him.
"As good a spot as any I suppose, shall I bring out the contract?" He said holding up his case.
"There will be no need for that," I forced as much confidence into my voice as I could muster, "I can't – I won't – sign over my kingdom to you!"
All at once our surroundings came alive as several strong men appeared as if out of nowhere, surrounding us. I recognized Lewis and some of his "brothers", like Lenny and Larry, in my peripheral vision, all bearing some sort of firearm, but my eyes never once left Garry's as I witnessed shock and rage pass through as he took in the entire scene around him.
"Freeze! You are surrounded! Come with us peacefully and no one gets hurt!" I heard Lewis shout, and I didn't have to look at him to know he was practically yelling at me in his head to get the hell out of there at once, but I was frozen stiff, in shock. I didn't expect firearms and part of me, the dominant part of me apparently, feared that movement would get me killed. I had no control, I didn't know how to react.
"Oh I don't think so," Garry replied pulling some sort of rock out of his pocket, and as suddenly as the army had appeared a force field came up between us and them. This time I did look around for Lewis, to find him not too far off, pounding against the force field furiously, and I was scared out of my mind. When he noticed I was looking I could tell he was yelling, though his words didn't reach me. My mind suddenly filled with his shouts 'Move! Get away! Go!', but I couldn't comprehend it at first, the force field covered all around us, I was trapped. Where could I go?
"And you my dear princess" Garry spitted out, glaring down at me, "are coming with me. You will sign these papers and you will pay for your incompetence!"
While his one hand gripped that stone his other reached out to grab me around the neck with a grip so tight I screamed. A shock, very strong and seemingly coming from my marking on the back of my neck, forced him to let go of his hold and pushed him to the ground. That spark was just what I needed to force the shock off enough for mew to notice that the force field didn't cover the ocean side and, now reacting on instinct, I quickly sent of bolt of my ice magic back towards him before running off into the ocean, confident he would not be able to follow me once I was in, and that was all that mattered.
The cool waters of the ocean never felt more inviting and safe as within ten seconds I got my tail and sped off as fast as I could, not daring to look back …
I headed straight for the only place I knew I would be safe, the Mako Island moonpool. There was no way he would know to find me there, and even if he did I was more confident than ever that the great magic of this cavern would protect me. I never felt more relieved as I pass through that underwater entrance.
I came up to edge and took some time to just catch my breath and slow my racing heart. Then I went through all the events that had just come to pass. Two things became clear. One, Garry Hennings had magic, and it has something to do with that stone he had pulled out. Two, Lewis had spoken to me through our minds, we had made some sort of mental connection that could be of great use. I must use it as soon as possible to inform him of my safety.
Since it was terribly hard to concentrate while trying to keep myself afloat I pulled myself fully out of the pool and onto the sand. On a hunch, based on the fact I knew my powers are supposed to be increasing and expanding, I focused on warming up and drying myself off. It actually worked pretty quickly, surprising but not shocking. I sat up, back against the rocky, yet smooth, cavern wall, crossed my legs, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath as I tried to picture Lewis. I focused, trying to remember him as he was when I saw him through that strange barrier. To my surprise though, it really didn't take that long for the image to come clearly, and not only that but the barrier was gone and he was moving towards me, though he did not seem to see me.
"Lewis!" I shouted, shocked as I opened my eyes to the dark cavern of the moon pool. It had seemed so real, he was right there! However, reality hit when I opened my eyes and I quickly reasoned that this is all just part of the magical craziness that has become my life and closed my eyes again. This time once the image came up I didn't freak out, but listened in.
"Lewis he could have gone anywhere, we have no leads, are you positive the princess is safe?" One of the guards asked.
"I know my sister she will know a safe place to go," Lewis assured, but I could sense the doubt in his mind.
'Lewis,' I thought to him, 'I'm safe at Mako, moon pool' I saw him relax his features and I knew he got my message.
'Good, he just blocked your blast at him and after you left, he disappeared, we don't know where he went yet,' he replied.
'I thought you told me he did not have magic?' I asked.
'Yeah, that was unexpected, we are looking into that as well,' Lewis replied, apparently as confused as or even more so than me, 'Either way it is not safe now. Stay at Mako until I tell you it is safe.'
'Sure I can't help?' I asked, feeling useless and not at all sure what I would do in the moon pool for who knows how long.
'No! He is very dangerous, even more so than we previously thought, and you still haven't been properly trained. Stay where you are until we are sure it is safe and we can protect you' Lewis replied.
'Okay fine,' I told him and our conversation ended there but for the sake of entertainment, plus the fact that I didn't want to be left out, I kept watching him. It would be interesting to see what he does when he doesn't think I am watching him.
Lewis's P.O.V.
"The princess is safe, and honestly I have no idea how we will be able to find Garry, it has been years since anybody has had contact with him,' I informed my men.
"Then what do you want us to do sir?" Robert, one of the top men present asked.
"For now I think a brief sweep of the city is called for," I announced, "The guard will split off into different directions. Search without drawing attention to yourself, enter buildings only if you have a strong feeling he will be in there. If you find him, capture him, bring him back to the house, and inform everyone, if not, all meet back at the house at noon and send one man as a representative to give me the report. I will find the princess and be at the Juicenet. If he is not to be found, which is very likely, then we will just have to increase guard around the princess 24/7."
I didn't think Emma would like that very much but it is necessary. So I divided and sent off the men, except Felix, who has become my personal guard, before heading to the Juicenet Café, which should be open by now. I know Emma is safe at the moon pool, honestly I don't think any place is more safe, especially at a time like this. She can't stay there forever though I know, we have to keep this all a secret from the others, it is too dangerous, and staying there all day would be too suspicious, and boring. I will let her know to come closer to noon. At least that will leave some time to see if Garry shows up anywhere.
As I came up to the building I noticed the one thing that couldn't mean anything good, the "Closed" sign was still on the door at it was nearly 10 o'clock. It didn't help my nerves that the fresh fruit, delivered every morning to the Juicenet, was sitting outside on the wooden tables. Usually the people who deliver take them right into the freezer … uh oh. I slapped my forehead when I remembered what had gone on last night … we never cleaned up after that did we? Dammit.
"Stay guard out front, I will be fine inside," I told Felix so I could go in alone.
I worked through all the problems and possible questions in my head before putting on a fake face and walking straight through the beaded entrance.
"Can't you see the "Closed" sign!? We are not open tod-" cried Ash from behind the still iced over counter, having heard the telling jangle of the beads, "Oh Lewis! Thank God it is you! Can you help me bring in those fruits from outside?"
"Yeah sure, no problem," I replied feigning naivety, "You alone this morning?"
"Amber was supposed to open with me but I called her early telling her we weren't opening today due to flooding," Ash asked, picking up one of the crates, "Not far from the truth, didn't you see the counter?"
I picked up a crate and followed him in.
"Well yeah, but I just thought you were trying a new setting on the thermostat to keep all the food fresh," I joked, but I could see he wasn't buying it.
"Everything is frozen solid! The only way I could see how it happened is Emma, her powers … but it just doesn't make sense. I don't know why she would do this, or if she could even do it to such a great extent," Ash informed, sounding genuinely confused, "You were here last night weren't you? When she closed? Did you see what happened? By the way, watch your step, it's slippery."
We carefully maneuvered around the counter towards the freezer, Ash was right, the floor was really slippery, still mostly ice though it was evident by looking around that some of the ice was beginning to melt.
"Emma's been feeling a little off lately, you know? With all that has been happening," I tried to explain without going into too much detail, I didn't know how much she had already told him, "It was probably just a mistake. And hey, it is the full moon tonight, that whole ordeal always puts the girls powers out of whack."
"I guess you must be right, I don't know why she wouldn't have told me though," Ash stated setting down the crate and heading back out, I followed suit, "You know I tried calling her at least five times this morning but she hasn't answered … Do you think she is alright?"
"Yeah, I'm sure she is fine," I said, not wanting him to worry too much, though there definitely was reason to, "She probably just went out for a morning swim or something. You know, there is no service at Mako."
"Yeah I suppose I have just been a bit worried about her lately, you know, with all that is going on. She's kinda been pushing me away recently," Ash admitted, "I get it, but sometimes I wish she was just more open with me, you know?"
"Yeah, I understand, the girls can be pretty closed off sometimes, but I'm sure she'll tell you when she's ready," I tried to assure him.
"I know this is a bit of a reach, and I don't mean to impose," Ash began as we picked up more crates, "I just know there is something she is not telling me, and she tells you everything."
"Well not everything," I tried to reason, "We've just known each other forever, we're like … siblings. Yeah, she has told me some things of the recent events, but I am sure she has already told you all you need to know."
"I just wish she would talk to me more, I hope she knows she can trust me," Ash replied.
Emma's P.O.V.
"Yoo hoo! Earth to Emma!" came a familiar voice that I did my best to ignore and regain focus on Lewis again, but I couldn't ignore when the cool water droplets hitting my bare arms and legs.
"Rikki! Seriously!" I cried jumping up and diving into the moon pool water before I transformed. I was reluctant to come back up though, explaining to Rikki and Cleo was going to be hard. I had already agreed with Lewis that there were some things that I couldn't tell them. However, I couldn't just leave so I swam back up.
"What's up guys?" I asked as nonchalantly as I could.
"What were you doing?" Cleo asked confused.
"Just meditating," I lied.
"Since when do you meditate?" Rikki stated.
"Since this morning," I affirmed looking pointedly at Rikki, smiling to let them know I was joking around, "And it was going well until I was disturbed! I was this close to inner peace."
"You looked like you were about to fall asleep," Rikki laughed.
"What are you two doing out so early?" I changed topics.
"I don't have work this morning so we decided to go on an early swim," Cleo replied, "We called you, but you didn't answer, we can see why now."
"Hey, wasn't today the day you had to meet up with that guy," Rikki recalled, "How did that go?"
"Not great," I replied honestly, "But it's fine now, I told him I wasn't going to sign anything and got away, that is all there is to it."
"Oh no, you are not getting off that easy," Rikki joked, "I need details woman, details!"
I giggled at Rikki's insistence, partially due to the way she said it but also partially as a form of distractions as I tried to think of what I should tell them.
"Well I went to meet him at the Juicenet, but it was closed so we moved to the beach, around Lewis' secret fishing spot so it was secluded, though I guess in the early morning seclusion wasn't much of a problem since no one was around really anyway," I rambled, still trying to dissect what I should and shouldn't reveal, "I asked him a few questions about my family and all … but I could tell he was mostly lying to me and he refused to allow me to meet anyone before making a decision. On the beach I told him I wouldn't sign the papers and he got really angry, grabbed my neck up the mark somehow shocked him away and I ran into the water.
"When I looked back he had disappeared, and I came here because I knew I would be safe here," I sighed, confident knowing all I said was true but nervous knowing it was only part of the whole truth and I worried they would notice.
"He just disappeared? How?" Cleo asked, "Does he know your secret now?"
"I don't know, I just didn't see him anymore, I have no idea where he could have gone," I answered honestly, "I don't think he saw me as a mermaid, but that is hardly my greatest concern right now …"
"He sounds psycho! He grabbed you around the neck? You should have had Cleo and I there with you then he wouldn't have even thought to cause any harm. What is one mere man to three fabulously powerful mermaids?" Rikki proclaimed, "Tell me you used your badass mermaid powers on him."
"Well …" I smirked, letting my face give her the positive answer she was looking for, though I doubt she expected to get.
"That's awesome! He would just be dumb to try to mess with you again, I think you're safe," Rikki assured, bringing up my mood.
Honestly I don't know what I was worried about anymore, already after five minutes of just talking with my friends I felt like the three of us could take on anything the world would throw at us. I wasn't even that worried about what Lewis and Ash were talking about now that I couldn't spy on him anymore.
We talked for at least half an hour, well mostly Rikki talked, detailing what we could and would do to Hennings if he ever turned up again. Sometimes I couldn't tell if she was joking or serious, but it helped all the same. Then we got to talking about other random topics, I don't even know how they came up. Like Rikki's odd choices in food combinations she insisted we had to try or Cleo's obsession over her new tank of fish. Anything I was worried about earlier, the crazy events, all the secrets I had begun keeping from them didn't seem to matter as we all just lounged in the magical cavern that had become our sanctuary.
I was so thankful that they had come, I don't know what I would have done for those hours Lewis wanted me to wait there if I had to be alone. However, it seemed like no time at all that I heard Lewis' familiar voice in my head.
'It's safe now, meet me at the beach, spot closest to the Juicenet,' He thought to me. I closed my eyes and concentrated, hoping it would only take a second, that Cleo and Rikki wouldn't notice. I found Lewis in a likewise position on the beach, sitting legs crossed and eyes closed on the sand just outside the Juicenet Café. Not far off I recognized Felix standing guard, his back to Lewis. Once he was sure he made contact with me though I could tell it didn't take him as much concentration to keep up the contact as he opened his eyes and got up, staring at the ocean.
'Cleo and Rikki are with me, is Juicenet cleaned up yet?' I asked cautiously, really hoping that I wouldn't have to admit to my friends how recklessly I used my powers the evening before …
'All good, I have more control on my powers, melted the ice and a little Dimenticum, and we are all good to go,' Lewis replied positively as I watched him turn towards the Juicenet, which was currently open for business and filled with customers. I felt bad that Ash felt he had to give me this day off because of the full moon. And at least now I guess I won't have to explain how I froze everything over or clean up after that uncontrolled outburst of magic.
"Want to go to the Juicenet, my treat," I said opening my eyes, breaking the connection with Lewis and earning myself a strange look from both Rikki and Cleo, I think I interrupted something. However they seemed a bit understanding that I would be a bit distracted because they shook off the strangeness of my sudden request pretty easily.
"Good, I'm starving," Rikki exaggerated and I lead as we dived under and headed to the beachfront café where I was sure Lewis would be casually waiting for us with some excuse prepared for Cleo and Rikki.
Needless to say I wasn't surprised when we approached and found him sitting on a rock with a fishing pole and fishing gear lying next to him.
"How is it that we can never seem to get away from you since you returned?" Rikki asked, trying to sound annoyed at his constant appearances though it was obvious she didn't really mean it as a total negative.
"What, I like fishing! Just a weird coincidence I suppose," He replied, though I caught his wink in my direction.
We all dragged ourselves onto the part of beach that was shielded by nearby rocks, and I stopped myself just in time from drying myself off in front of my friends and instead waited for Rikki to use her mermaid magic to dry us each off.
"Going in for a juice, want to come?" I casually offered Lewis, knowing that if I didn't he'd come along anyway.
"Well if you're offering," He said, quickly and easily packing up any fishing gear he brought out.
We all headed into the Juicenet Café, and everything seemed normal. The place was actually quite packed, and nothing was frozen over, thank God. Plus, our usual booth was empty and ready for us.
"Emma, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ash asked suddenly, grabbing my shoulder and stopping me from following my friends over to our booth, and he did not sound happy. I exchanged a nervous glance with Lewis before swallowing down the lump in my throat and turning to face Ash.
"Yeah, what is it?" I replied casually, following as he grabbed my hand and lead us to a free space behind the counter to talk.
"You closed up last night, correct?" Ash asked.
"Yes …" I replied hesitantly.
"Well I had a lot of trouble opening up this morning, and I think you know why, care to explain?" Ash accused, and while I was expecting him to talk about this, I wasn't expecting him to be so blunt about it, especially since we weren't exactly in private.
"I am really sorry!" I tried, and failed, to come up with an explanation without actually talking about the magical events that took place due to the large crowd around us.
"I couldn't find anything! The knives were on the opposite side of the counter, the blender was tucked away in a cupboard we used to only use for cups, which I've now found in a separate cupboard, and I have yet to find the extra straws we had stored away, thankfully we haven't run out yet, along with countless other items," Ash sighed exasperated, "Emma, you know how I like to keep everything organized in a certain way. Now I can't find anything … If I had to guess I'd say you did his because you actually wanted to work today."
I laughed. I couldn't help it. I was just so relieved! I had completely forgotten about my nervous rearranging of the café supplies, and what Ash would probably think of it. He was just as stubborn about things being organized a certain way as I was, I threw his system off balance, but the solution was simple.
"It's not funny," Ash stated confused at why I was laughing.
"No, you are right, it isn't," I said, looking him in the eye, "But it is cute. Look, I'm sorry, I just had a lot on my mind last night, I was nervous, so I organized a bit. Everything is still here, but if you needed my help, all you had to do was ask."
I gave him a peck on the lips before heading to the back room to change into my Juicenet uniform.
Lewis' P.O.V.
'There is no reason that Dimenticum wouldn't work,' I thought to myself as I observed out Ash and Emma's conversation out of the corner of my eye, praying it had nothing to do with the ice of this morning. However, it was only when she gave him a kiss that I realized it was all good and my thought was right.
So I turned my attention back to our booth. I was sitting next to Cleo, on the side away from the wall, and Rikki was sitting opposite of Cleo. They were already in a conversation about something I couldn't quite catch on to. I wasn't able to make any remarks though before I took notice of Felix waving me over. So I got up, thinking they wouldn't miss me.
"Where are you going?" Cleo asked before I got too far.
"Bathroom," I lied looking into her eyes, putting on a fake smile, before turning away and heading toward where the bathroom was, sneaking out the back door when I knew I was out of sight. I wasn't surprised when Felix followed soon after.
"Robert just came up, there has been no sighting of Hennings sir," Felix reported.
"Okay, then we will have to increase the guards around the princess," I told him.
"Yes, Robert has brought Benjamin, Patrick, Liam, and David along with him to help," Felix stated.
"That is good, then have them station themselves around the café, I have a feeling we are going to be here a while. A couple people may enter the café itself, but remain inconspicuous, okay?" I ordered, "And when we leave, follow her, but again try to remain hidden."
"Got it," Felix nodded to show he understood and then went off to report the orders to Robert as I re-entered the café and returned to the booth like all was normal.
Emma's P.O.V.
I have a good memory, so I remembered where I put everything and ended up working the rest of the day at the café, promising Ash I would stick around a bit after to help him re-organize the place to his standards. Rikki, Cleo, and Lewis understood, and simply hung out in the café for the time being. I went over to talk to them whenever I got the chance. Then at about an hour before closing Rikki and Cleo decided to go to Cleo's house to start preparing for the full moon. Lewis stuck around a bit however, I think he was waiting for me.
Thankfully the customers cleared out pretty early this evening, both Ash and I knew I would have to get home well before the time of the moons rising. Since they cleared out early though, I had just enough time to help Ash put everything back in place and I could tell he was very relieved when we finished.
"See, all better," I said, as I closed the last cupboard; the café was ready to close for the evening. I gave Ash another kiss, and afterwards happily saw him smiling like an idiot, knowing I was probably doing the same. It had been a while since we hung out this long, all through work.
Then he looked up at the clock, "You better get going, I think you've got maybe a half hour until the moon rises. Sorry about that."
I sighed, "It's not your fault the moon rises. I had a lot of fun though, we need to hang out more once this whole drama gets sorted out." The drama pretty much being my whole life right now.
"Yes definitely," Ash replied right away, "You have to get going right now, I'm sure that is what Lewis is still waiting around for, but if you ever need anything, just know you can always talk to me, at any time, my phone is always on."
"Ash –" I began, trying to think of how to kindly tell him that there are some problems of mine he is better off not being bothered with at this point, but he cut me off.
"I'm serious, any time, even at like 3 AM," Ash smiled taking my hands in his own, "I swear I can handle any problems you have. You don't have to tell me everything now, but I need you to know that you can trust me."
"I know," I replied, looking deep into his eyes, and we shared a deeper kiss. Then I looked at the clock and frowned, I only had about 20 minutes until moon rise now and when I looked I recognized the urgency behind Lewis' otherwise casual gaze. Suddenly I felt like Cinderella as she watched the clock counting down to midnight.
"It's okay, go on," Ash whispered to me, letting go of my hands he laughed, "And you might want to invest in some gloves, your hands felt so cold!"
I laughed with him, my hands being cold wasn't a new thing. I actually found many times since I got my mermaid powers that my hands would be quite cold, though it never bothered me. However, I did kind of miss the warmth of Ash's hands after he let go of mine.
I gave him one last kiss before going to the back room again to quickly change back into my other clothes, coming out to find him with Lewis by the door, ready to lock up.
"Are you guys sure you don't need any help with the full moon?" Ash asked concerned.
"Don't worry about me, we've faced so many full moons we are more than prepared," I assured, even though we all knew the full moon was unpredictable.
"Okay, if you say so, goodbye," Ash replied, "See you two tomorrow, hope everything goes well tonight!"
"Goodbye Ash," Lewis and I surprisingly said at the same time.
Then together we went off in the opposite direction from Ash, towards Cleo's house.
"By the way, don't be alarmed, but we are surrounded by guardians," Lewis whispered into my ear.
"What?" I asked confused, we seemed to be alone, besides Felix, who I always recognize by Lewis and has just caught up to walk behind us.
"With Hennings on the loose you earned yourself a 24/7 watch," Lewis smiled, "Robert is ahead, by that tree, Benjamin around the side of that building, Liam is sitting casually on that bench not too far away, and Patrick and David are bringing up the rear a ways behind us."
As inconspicuously as I could I looked around and spotted all the aforementioned guards.
"So are they just going to follow us?" I asked.
"They are going to follow you," he replied, "They are your guards now, like Felix is mine."
"Why do I have five and you have one?" I asked.
"Because you are the bigger target," He shrugged smirking.
"So are they just going to hand around Cleo's house all night?" I asked, feeling bad for the boys who didn't seem too much older than myself.
"Yes, they are well trained so they will be fine," Lewis addressed my concern, "If they get too tired they can call in for replacements, there are a lot of guardians back at my place, even more than you saw this morning."
"Okay," I replied, "So how long do we have until moonrise?"
Lewis checked his watch, and from the face he made I could guess there wasn't much time left.
"Race you to Cleo's house," Lewis said with a mischievous look, taking off at an inhuman running speed before I could even comprehend his strange request.
"Wait up!" I shouted, laughing as I took off after him myself, putting all my energy into my run, surprisingly finding that I went so fast the wind was whipping my face as trees, houses, etc. sped by around me and I easily caught up to Lewis. Only faintly feeling bad about the guardians we were leaving behind, sure they will catch up in no time. Cleo's house was only a ten minute walk away anyway.
I caught up to Lewis pretty easily, and we shared a genuinely gleeful look as we fell in pace with each other. I winked at him before turning forward and pushing harder to pass him up and beat him to Cleo's house. Unlike him, I have a background of training, and especially running. I beat him by literally like 5 seconds with the speeds we were both going at. We cut the walking time to get here at least in half. We were both in fits of laughter as we tried to catch our breath, entering the house, unlocked as usual.
By the time I was able to catch my breath I took in my surroundings, all the windows were taped shut, then I checked the clock, ten more minutes. I immediately got the feeling that whatever happens tonight once that full moon rises is going to be unforgettable.