Chapter 11 Our time together
Days turned into weeks. I was growing impatient at the rate that I was healing from the poison. It had been fun the first time, where I only had to watch how the girls created the arena for capture the flag and how they got their lessons from Caleb. But I quickly grew bored. I wasn't allowed to train as a Guardian, I wasn't allowed to practice my swimming and even during P.E. Cornelia would make sure I wasn't overexerting myself. Granted, I was still easily winded, but I really disliked being mothered. Sitting still was also never my virtue.
Nevertheless, I obeyed. I knew they had suffered about as much as I had when I was knocked out by the poison. I was surprised they forgave me for it. Perhaps they used my time-out as a way to silently punish me for my crazy idea. Arguing about it wouldn't help. They were backed by the doctor's orders and so, I remained silent.
The arena was built the next day. I hadn't wanted to return to Meridian so quickly – we've been there three days in a row according to them – but once we heard that we had a total of three weeks, not counting this one, before the trip to Redstone, I felt we didn't have a choice. I wanted to see this plan work before three of us left. Our training would probably be cut short for the weeks that they were there. Redstone was after all at the other side of the country, creating a big enough time-gap that training would be difficult. And neither Irma nor I were looking forward to waking up really early to practice.
Our first capture the flag training happened a week later. With my stubborn green lips, I sat on one of the balconies, keeping my notebook open and a pen ready. We decided that I should make the teams. We also set a few rules. The flag had to be visible at all times, teletransportation to the opponent's flag was forbidden, they were not allowed to use their power to simply take the flag – as this would give Cornelia an unfair advantage – and they were not allowed to listen in on the other team's telepathy. Other than that, they could go all out. And, in the spur of the moment, I decided to give them a little initiative. The person who lost most of the fights, could end up as my martial arts training partner. I was certain they should handle my hits when in Guardian form, but it was obvious none of them seemed to be looking forward to that. I also wasn't really planning on doing that. But it was a good thing to see them motivated to win.
The first battle was Hay Lin and Taranee versus Irma and Cornelia. A terribly combination, the latter two, but they would have to pair up one time. And I thought putting them together for the first try was perhaps a good idea. It came as no surprise that Hay Lin and Taranee would win. I hadn't doubted that Taranee would possibly be the better strategist out of the four of them, which was obvious as the fight progressed. She used Irma and Cornelia's rivalry to her advantage, along with Hay Lin's speed and mobility. Irma and Cornelia, despite them promising each other to work together, spent most of the time bickering and complaining about the other's lack of concentration. When the realization struck that they were close to losing, they got over their differences and tried a last minute effort to get the other flag. It was then Taranee's flaw popped up. Hay Lin, who had been racing for the flag, decided it was better to aid Taranee in her defence. Taranee panicked as her plan fell to parts and was prone to getting irritated. It took her a fire wall to keep Irma off and a loud shout to get Hay Lin to turn around. With a surprise gust and some invisibility did she manage to get past Cornelia, who chose the wrong moment to edge Irma on. And thus the first battle ended with a victory for Taranee and Hay Lin.
I made sure to write down what kind of tactics they used, along with whatever strengths and weaknesses I would find. It was good way for me to keep track of these things when we would face another mission. It wasn't exactly a fun recap for the girls. I relayed my observations, but they weren't all too happy with me pointing at their shortcomings. As I mentioned the positive things, I had an inkling of a feeling they were repressing my mentioning of their shortcomings. Oh well, I wasn't going to forget them. I just had to wait.
The second match was Taranee and Irma versus Hay Lin and Cornelia. This, I almost thought would be an unfair combination. By all means, Hay Lin and Cornelia should have won this. Cornelia could mount a nearly perfect defence while Hay Lin could work on a relentless offense. I was proven wrong. As I observed before, Taranee liked to use Irma's relationship with Cornelia to her advantage. She did so this time again. Only this time, Irma enjoyed the plan. Cornelia and Hay Lin had started out like I'd expected. A great defence and preparing for the offense. Instead of Irma defending, she took the field. Taranee heated the area around the flag enough for Hay Lin to keep at bay. And all Irma had to do was taunt Cornelia. Cornelia did seem to have learnt something from her previous match, but the moment Irma started to question the perfection of Cornelia's defence, a cord was struck. And another mud sling contest ensued. I believed I was looking at a stalemate, when Hay Lin showed an extraordinary moment of clarity. Unfair of me to say it like that, but it surprised me. She stopped her attack, knowing full well she wasn't getting anywhere with Taranee heating the air she used. Instead she made her way to Cornelia and they switched. Without any conversation or discussion. I had to guess it had occurred through telepathy. Hay Lin did know how to calm Cornelia. Irma wasn't done with Cornelia and abandoned her attack on the flag. She stopped halfway, glaring darkly at Taranee, before resuming her attack. Cornelia could breach Taranee's fire with ease, but so could Irma do with Hay Lin's air. Hay Lin was pelted by the ice she helped create – a clever move by Irma – while Taranee could only burn away the plants but had to duck for the rocks.
This fight ended in a draw. I learnt that both Hay Lin as well as Irma had tactical insight while Cornelia was quite a problem once provoked. However, she could also quickly regain her composure and focus on the task at hand. The latter I knew, though sometimes felt she made it extra difficult for me just because she could. I also learnt later on that Taranee had quite a colourful language. She and Irma had had a telepathic argument when Irma left her post. An argument that had been pretty heated by the way the two acted afterwards. It took a full week to get the two to act normal again. Before that, they would glare at each other. If a word passed between them, it would be a spiteful remark. Good to know that fire and water didn't mix that well.
The third match was at the start of the last week we had together. My birthday would be on Friday. For that sole reason I got many, many request of doing the practice on Monday. I had a foreboding feeling that yet another party was being planned, but I was at a stage where I could no longer complain. And thus, the final match happened.
Cornelia and Taranee, versus Irma and Hay Lin. This match was a beautiful example how careful planning could ruin any endeavour. Taranee had talked to me about a potential strategy, one she had fleshed out with Cornelia. Cornelia would defend, Taranee would attack. While keeping Irma or Hay Lin distracted – it didn't matter which one would defend – Cornelia would use a vine and sneak the flag away. It was a good plan, but I kept my lips sealed. There were some glaring holes in the plan. And all of them came to play during the fight. Arrogance was a flaw of both Taranee and Cornelia. They were certain of their victory and thus, heavily underestimated Hay Lin and Irma. These two were aware of this and used it to their advantage.
Hay Lin stood guard, Irma attacked. So far, Taranee's and Cornelia's plan seemed to work. What was quite an interesting first attack was the creation of rainclouds by Irma. It seemed harmless and a minor irritation to Taranee, but I watched from above and could see the reasoning behind it. Not only could Irma pull water from anywhere on the field, Hay Lin could freeze it at any given time. Beginning with freezing the ground around the flag under the cover of her air wall defence. It was done stealthily and in great harmony. I knew those two were quite an undefeatable team, something they would proof to Cornelia and Taranee. Taranee found herself stopped by Hay Lin. Much like the previous fight, they couldn't break through each other's defence. Irma was at Cornelia's door. Water wasn't really effective against the plants, Irma had to cut through them. The rocks weren't a challenge, as her water jets packed enough punch. The moment Irma was enwrapped in vines, it was clear that Cornelia believed they'd won. Taunting ensued, but due to that, her own defence dropped. Just like the two had been waiting for. On Irma's cue, Hay Lin created a large vortex, blowing Taranee away. With a speed only she could achieve did she arrive at Irma's side, using the winds she rode to freeze the water that clung to Cornelia. Cornelia froze over and Hay Lin had taken the flag before Taranee could even react.
As I'd watched these fights, I noticed they were using their Guardian powers primarily. Now I knew we were new to things like glamouring and teletransporting, but I felt like those tricks could have been used just as easily. Especially seeing how teletransportation was even mentioned in the rules. I wondered if they thought about it.
Anyway, the arena had been quite a success. People came to watch after the first fight and soon it became rather packed. There was even a disappointment when we announced we wouldn't be practicing for a few weeks. The soldiers made good use of the arena as well. Often we found some leftover weapons in the ring. We learnt this when Cornelia had picked up one of them through telekinesis and nearly pinned Irma against the wall. Dangerous things. About that. Broken bones, burns, frostbite, hyperventilation and different kinds of plant poisoning were results of the battles. Which caused Cornelia to heal quite a lot every single time. I had to aid her, as she did not possess the energy to heal everyone after a training. Meaning both of us were drained, and I didn't even fight!
But the days were slowly crawling forward. The school was readying itself for the departure of about 20 students. I was readying myself for my birthday, which crawled closer and closer. It would be the last day before Cornelia, Taranee and Hay Lin would leave for Redstone. And as the girls tended to go silent when I came closer, I was mentally preparing for yet another party I did not particularly want. This mental preparation was interrupted when we got a call from Kandrakar. It was Wednesday. The final bell had just rang. My hands were already on the steer of my bike when the necklace started to buzz. I quickly covered it with my hand, let out a telepathic message and within a few minutes we arrived at Kandrakar.
Halinor was there to greet us, as per usual. She didn't seem to be too bothered, so I guessed we weren't in trouble. We didn't say a lot. She merely greeted us, bid us to transform and lead us to the Congregation Hall. There we were met by the thousands of frowning faces. The sentiment of dislike was still heavy within the room and I could say the feeling was mutual. If it weren't for Meridian, Elyon, Caleb and the idea that we actually did some good, I would have left this job long ago.
"Guardians, thank you for coming."
I bowed to the Oracle. I was certain Irma was trying to bite back the same remark that rang through my head. Like we had a choice. The Oracle smiled at me, as if he knew what I was thinking.
"We have asked you here to help a friend of yours fulfil a contract with us."
It took me a moment to figure out what he was talking about. I first was afraid Matt had made some promise he'd forgotten to tell me. But then Elyon came to mind.
"We want you to collect the Prince Phobos and Lord Cedric. Their trial will commence soon and as per ritual, they will have their time to think over their sins in the Tower of Mists."
I cocked an eyebrow. I'd never heard of this Tower. The Oracle had gestured to a particular building you could just make out from the window. I believed Nerissa had half destroyed it during her first attack. Now it stood as pristine as the rest of the fortress. I wondered why Kandrakar had a prison. It was certainly not to lock away any inhabitants of this realm. Maybe we were supposed to deliver every villain here? I didn't bother to question the Oracle. The order was easy. It was about time those two got a proper sentence.
We bowed, as I acknowledged the order. With that, a fold opened next to us and we found ourselves once again in the familiar interior of the throne room of the Meridian palace. Elyon wasn't in her throne, but instead looking over multiple papers on the table, with Raythor, Julian, Lyonak and her adoptive parents around her. I reckoned that Caleb and his crew were with the soldiers.
Our arrival caused them to look up. Whereas Elyon was usually happy to see us, she this time did not approach us with a smile and a hug. We never arrived in Guardian wear. If we did, there was only one reason. We meant business. Maybe also because Lyonak was standing close by – when did that guy visit Kandrakar anyway? – she bowed to us.
"Guardians, it is an honour to receive you. May I ask what the reason is of your visit?"
It was incredibly stiff and I was certain that if Lyonak wasn't near, she would have ran up to us and showed more emotion. Now I just had to give Irma a short and clear glare to keep her from laughing out loud. Cornelia spoke up, taking a step forward as she did.
"We've come to collect your brother and his advisor, as per agreement with Kandrakar."
As she spoke, I could see her glare foully at Lyonak. The man seemed to be pleased with this formal encounter and I was certain he was muttering praise to Elyon. Elyon in her own right ignored the man completely. She nodded and turned to Raythor.
"Raythor, would you be so kind as to aid the Guardians? I have other matters to discuss."
The way she said the latter sounded so forced, even I had to hide a smirk. I coughed and hid it behind my hand. Lyonak didn't seem to approve, but I doubted he approved us anyway. Raythor bowed to his Queen, before leading us away from the room. When we were certain we were out of reach, Irma burst into laughter.
"My apologies. The Queen cannot afford to disrespect courtesy with that stick in the mud around," Raythor said as he walked us to the entrance. "She already got one warning for 'skirting her duties in favour of personal affects'. You should've seen her when Lyonak presented the warning. I was certain she would shoot him through the roof. Lost a good bit of coin on that wager."
I snorted, whereas Cornelia reacted in outrage. Somewhere, I understood Kandrakar's asinine jurisdictions. They would aid Elyon further down the road of being a Queen. But they were quite ridiculous if you knew that she was only strengthening her bonds with us, which was almost the same as strengthening bonds with Kandrakar. Even so, I wasn't going to argue. Cornelia would do that for me, along with Irma ridiculing how bizarre the whole situation was.
At the entrance of the palace, we teletransported, leaving Raythor behind. Mostly because I didn't want to hear Cornelia list off all the reasons as to why Kandrakar was treating Elyon unfairly. Another part wanted me to spare Raythor from a ride. The guy was old and his escape from the hole I first kicked him in, followed by his service to Nerissa and imprisonment afterwards, hadn't been good for his health. I wanted to spare him a little. As an apology for framing him.
We arrived and found Vathek keeping watch.
"Guardians! What are you doing here?" he asked.
"We've come to collect Phobos and Cedric, Vathek," I said.
He nodded grimly at us. He opened the gates to the prison and we were guided through the Infinite City. We arrived swiftly at what once was the Mage's quarters. To think we were tricked by Nerissa for so long still gave me shivers.
We moved through the waterfall, once again arriving in the prison constructed closely after the first fall of Phobos. And up in one of the highest chambers, were the two prisoners we came to collect. Phobos was the first to notice us. He sat near the bars of his prison, looking down lazily. An arrogant smile formed on his lips.
"Guardians! What an honour. Tell me, is my sister once again a prisoner of an evil hag?"
Cornelia muttered a few curses under her breath. Irma didn't let the insult slide.
"What? You expect us to help you again, after you got eaten by him?" she said, pointing at Cedric in the adjacent cell.
This certainly diminished the fun Phobos seemed to have in ridiculing his sister. He frowned and raised his nose, but said nothing. Cedric hissed quietly, as if laughing.
I looked around the prison, feeling slightly uneasy. There was a sense of fear lingering around which I couldn't fully understand. Multiple Lurdens had backed away when they'd seen us, hiding in the darkness of their cells. I felt bad for them, in a way. They seemed to be nothing more than bipedal animals. Simple minds for simple creatures. And usually following the strongest tended to give good results. Now they were stuck here.
I moved my gaze from the Lurdens to the two other occupants aside from the ones we came to pick up. Frost was pacing in his cell, grunting occasionally and not giving us even a moment of his time. Miranda, who was separated from Cedric, eyed us wearily. I still didn't fully understand how she could develop a relationship with Cedric, but it was perhaps not one I wanted to delve into. She moved back into the shadows once she saw me look.
I nodded at the girls and flew up. We hovered in front of Phobos' cell. The man looked at me with a lazy kind of interest. One of his blond eyebrows was lifted and his arrogant smirk curled his lips.
"Phobos, we've come to collect you and Cedric in the name of Kandrakar. You will be judged there," I said.
The words I spoke had an immediate effect on him. His eyes widened and his smirk fell. It was obvious he had not expected this. I had to give him credit, he didn't stammer when we dropped the bars. He just stood there, as if something had knocked him out. Cornelia made handcuffs, securing him tightly. All the while, he stared at me. It looked as if he wanted to tell me something, but I didn't wait. I opened a fold to Kandrakar and nodded for Hay Lin and Taranee to take him there. I did not want to risk him escaping.
"So, Kandrakar finally sends its lackeysss."
I frowned as I turned to Cedric. He seemed less perturbed by our arrival. Instead he sat back, almost in a leisure fashion. I smiled wryly at him.
"Yes, so sorry we have to part you from your love," I said as I prepared to drop his bars.
Cedric hissed another laugh, shaking his head ever so gently.
"My dear Guardian. That would be the least of my concerns."
He didn't elaborate. Instead he looked at us, extremely pleased as we only eyed him in confusion. He too didn't bother to fight back. I made a mental note to ask Elyon about this. Both were being way too docile. But I wasn't going to question it now. I made a new fold and guided Cedric through it, along with Irma and Cornelia.
Upon our arrival in Kandrakar, we were immediately met by two knights in white armour. It was the first time I'd seen them. It took me by surprise and I went to stand in front of Cedric, sparking in warning. Irma and Cornelia acted accordingly, flanking Cedric and readying their magic as well.
"Stand aside, Guardian. We'll take the prisoner from you," one of the men said.
I was ready to argue with him about it, when Taranee and Hay Lin approached from behind. A quick telepathic conversation ensured me that they spoke true. I stepped aside, slightly irritated, and the two knights took a hold of Cedric. As he was dragged away, the snake couldn't resist to look back at us once more. A smug grin formed on his lips, one I did not like.
"The Oracle wants to see us before we go back home."
I nodded absentmindedly at Taranee, still looking at Cedric's retreating back. I really disliked that man. I pulled my attention away from him and the five of us made our way to the Congregation Hall. A silence ruled as we entered. I was almost certain I could read some disdainful approval. At least it was better than the looks of disappointment we usually got. We took our position in front of the Oracle and waited.
"Guardians, you've done well. The Prince Phobos and Lord Cedric will be confined in the Tower of Mists until their trial," the Oracle said.
I nodded, glad that we were finally done with those two. If they escaped here, they wouldn't get as far as they would on Meridian. And they wouldn't be capable of doing a lot of damage either.
"As for the trial, Kandrakar wishes that you provide any evidence to support either their guilt or innocence. The two criminals shall be punished according to the material that is found."
I closed my eyes for a moment. I should have known we weren't done yet. Some indistinctive groans came from behind me. I let out a deep sigh and looked up.
"Until when do we have to gather all the evidence?" I asked.
The Oracle smiled at me. This was one of those moments where I really despised his smile. From my current disposition, it looked like he knew that we had no other choice but to obey him and he seemed to enjoy that.
"You have a total of seven weeks to prepare. I shall await your evidence with zeal."
I made a quick count in my head. Seven weeks would probably be with this one included. Cornelia, Taranee and Hay Lin would be gone for three weeks, we still had that royal meeting thing of Elyon a week after they returned. That left us with three weeks of gathering information. I would say that was enough time to figure things out.
I nodded and bowed to the Oracle. He nodded in return and gestured us to leave. We silently turned around and left. This time a random member of the Council guided us to the Folding Chambers. His face was rigid all the way to the chambers. I had the feeling he didn't like us a lot. I didn't mention it. I merely nodded my head gratefully before he left us and we took our leave.
After leaving the fold we now stood in the slightly damp and warmed basement of the Silver Dragon. Above the clattering of cutlery and dishes was intertwined with the almost melodic vibrations of the many voices of the guests.
"Seven weeks is quite a lot. Do you think they actually kept our schedules in mind?" Cornelia said.
I shrugged.
"Be as it may, we got the time. We might as well use it," I said.
"Speaking about time, isn't your birthday this Friday?"
I froze. I had wanted to leave, but now my hand dug into the banister. A weak smile formed on my lips as I sheepishly turned around. Irma stood there behind me, crossing her arms and grinning at me. Cornelia cocked a bemused eyebrow. Taranee was too busy cleaning her glasses while Hay Lin was already jumping up and down. A deep sigh left my lips.
"Just promise me it won't be something big like you did last time. I won't be fooled again."
"You and me both," Irma said, glaring at Cornelia, who innocently shrugged.
"It's not like you didn't enjoy yourselves," she said.
It had started to rain outside, the drops tapping loudly on the small basement window. I glanced up for a moment, sighing deeply. Of course I didn't bring an umbrella.
"You didn't have to clean it up," Irma said.
A new fight was about to come up, when Hay Lin jumped in. She hugged the two closely while staring at me with a big smile. The rain outside seemed to lessen slightly.
"Don't worry Will! I got them under control. Just us, Matt and Caleb will be there," she said.
I smiled weakly. I wasn't certain how well Hay Lin could control those two.
Days passed. My most dreaded day – my birthday – arrived. My mom gave me an unreasonable amount of cookies to hand out. And complaining about it wouldn't lessen the amount. However, there was no big spectacle at school. Matt surprised me with a small present – a bracelet – and a kiss. The day continued. And as school ended, I could just go home. The girls promised they would see me tonight. I could only shake my head and make a mental note that I would organize my own birthday next year.
At home, I was greeted by my mother and Dean. My mother was supposed to be working, but had taken half a day off to spend the day with me. Dean was there because… Well, I wouldn't know why, but I did enjoy his company weirdly enough. He had a surprising good taste in music and made quite a cake. The gifts weren't bad either. I'd been dying to get a new cell phone. Just because all my appliances could talk, it didn't mean they couldn't die. My cell phone stopped working after perhaps the 600th time I dropped it. He could still talk to me, but I couldn't call with it, or use the screen. So the shared gift of my mom and Dean was a new smart phone. One which I would try to keep whole. I hoped.
My day seemed to progress as normal, when a surprise visit of Serena caught me off guard. I'd been busy installing and getting to know my new smart phone (a male I called Henry, who was surprisingly good-natured and had a knack for puns) and hadn't even realised the door bell rang. When my mom alerted me for the third time, I got up, surprised that the girls were early. Instead, Serena stood at the door step with a smile.
To be hugged by my very soon-to-be stepmom was always awkward. Even more so when my real mom was watching. I glanced at her, but I could see she was really trying to hide any hostile feelings she had for Serena. I could tell, because I could feel them. She smiled and gave Serena the customary handshake before Serena turned to me.
"So. Ready for your party?"
My eyes widened. I looked at my mother, who now smiled a little guiltily. I looked back at Serena, who probably mistook my silence as cropped up anticipation. Her hand grasped my arm and I was pulled away. I could hear my mom and Dean call after me, telling me to enjoy today. I kept silent.
Serena drove me to my dad's apartment. During the car ride, she tried to make small talk, asking me how my birthday was till now and if I liked my presents. I answered as nicely as possible, firing into a full blown explanation about my new phone. I finished just as we arrived in the garage of the building. During my explanation, I also kept an eye on any new messages I might get, but the girls remained stubbornly quiet. I just hoped they read my message that I was now at my dad's.
Serena helped me out of the car and after some persuasion, I ended up with a blindfold. She guided me through the building. I thought the blindfold to be entirely unnecessary. I knew the building and it wasn't like my dad would have a lot of presents. The fact that he missed years of my birthdays wasn't something he could cover up with celebrating it today. I wasn't going to blame it on him or complain. I've learned that my family is a little messy, and no one can take the blame for that.
"Ready?"
The brimming excitement I've been feeling from Serena ever since we left the car was now clearly audible in her voice. A lopsided smile formed on my lips.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I said, trying to keep my annoyance out of my voice and failing to do so.
I heard the door open and I was pushed slightly to enter. I huffed as I finally removed my blindfold. At first I had to get used to the lights. As I blinked the first light away, I noticed excitement all around me. A second later, my eardrums were nearly blown out by a loud 'Happy birthday!'
It was obvious Hay Lin hadn't managed to keep Irma and Cornelia under control. Amongst the people gathered I recognized the swimming team, Martin, Nigel, Eric, Caleb, some girls with whom I saw Cornelia talk every once in a while, Alchemy and Matt. My look of betrayal was enough for the girls to be the first to hug me. Mostly to ask for forgiveness. My answer remained unspoken as my father was quick to congratulate me, before the rest came up and did the same. I made a lot of forced small talk, made a bet with a girl from my swimming team about the next match we had and received a ton of presents, including a new watch from my father and a promise that Serena and I would go on a shopping spree. I wasn't particularly happy with the latter, but I could see she desperately tried to get some sort of bond with me. And after me mistaking her for Nerissa, I felt like I owed her that much.
Finally finding some rest from the people and the music, I found the girls. All smiling smugly, I couldn't help but reply the gesture. I rolled my eyes and sighed.
"No big party, huh?"
Sheepish smiles were the reply. Cornelia flipped her hair and crossed her arms, clearly not believing she did anything wrong.
"Oh, don't complain. You got more presents than you would with the usual band," Irma said with a wink.
I rolled my eyes. I didn't particularly like celebrating my birthday. I didn't do it for the gifts anyway. Most of them were bath stuff anyway, or some frog trinket. I liked frogs, but I only had so many options where I could hang my new keychains on.
"Speaking about presents, Caleb has something he wanted to give you without everyone else standing around you. I'll go get him."
With that Hay Lin shot away, looking for Caleb amongst the small crowd of people in my dad's apartment. I looked back at the others, to see Cornelia frown a bit. Probably annoyed that Hay Lin knew something about Caleb she didn't. She saw me looking and smiled, raising a glass.
"To Will, sixteen years down, many more to go!"
A good distraction as any. The other girls raised their glasses. I felt a blush rushing up as I too raised mine. After the toast I could hear my dad talking to Serena. Only a short moment, as his temperament flared up for a moment, catching my attention.
"I told you, I'm certain of it. That man has been having luck with his fishing for a few good months. I can invest in him without it being a risky gamble!"
"Tony, please. Think it over for a few more days. Promise me," Serena said.
I admitted, I didn't believe that Serena would convince my dad. I'd seen this scenario play out a dozen of times with my mom and dad. He would promise her and still do it anyway. And just as it went with my mom, so did this little play continue with Serena. He took her in his arms, kissed her forehead and promised her he would think about it. I pursed my lips together and looked away. I got angry just by looking at it. Making a promise you would break anyway, was making no promise at all. I sighed deeply before trying to tune in to the conversation between the girls.
"You okay?" Taranee said.
I noticed her looking at me, mildly concerned at my obvious irritation. I smiled at her and shook my head.
"Just a trip down memory lane. I'm fine," I said.
"And I'm telling you, my dad has never seen so many missing children reports in his life. He reckons some child slavers are taking advantage of the quiet harbour and infrequent controls."
I frowned. I'd noticed one or two missing child posters through the city. It was unnerving to know that kids were taken away. Especially as some were my age. It wouldn't take long or my parents, or the parents of the others, would make a hassle about getting home before dark, or not being allowed to travel at home.
"Don't tell me. My mom has forbidden me to walk the streets when it gets dark. She's the one picking me and Nigel up from the party," Taranee said.
A bemused smirk formed on my lips. Of all the kids that could get kidnapped, the five of us were the ones who would be the safest. Our parents didn't know that, but it was obvious that the worried parenting was a little annoying for some of us.
"Come on Taranee. What would you do if those kidnappers attacked you and Nigel? Wait until he is unconscious before whipping out your flames? Or just scare him along with the attackers? You know he is not going to hide while you fight them off," Irma said, with the same smirk on her face as me.
Instead of glaring at Irma for the remark, Taranee's cheeks turned a tint of pink. She looked almost guiltily at me as she pursed her lips.
"Well…" she began. "I was thinking…if you all agree, but perhaps…It's a good idea to let our boyfriends in the know?"
I grimaced at the idea. There was no way in telling if their relationships would last. And what if they broke up and the boys got vengeful enough to tell others? Granted, they would look like crazy people, but they could very well just warn our parents whenever we went off world. And if that happened, our parents would find out. And…
My thoughts were quickly turning into a jumbled mess as I stared at Taranee. She didn't look at me anymore. Instead, her glass seemed to be oddly interesting to her.
"So you and Hay tell your guys, and I still can't tell anyone? That's not fair!" Irma said.
Cornelia cocked an eyebrow. "Who do you want to tell it to?"
For a brief moment, I could see Irma's eyes wander away to the group of boyfriends in question. Matt and Caleb were missing, but Eric, Nigel and Martin were still standing there, talking about something or another. Irma huffed and crossed her arms.
"I'm just saying, it's not fair that you all have someone to share this with and I'm stuck with you guys," she said.
"I'm sorry?" an awkward male voice said.
I looked passed Irma, seeing Matt, Caleb and Hay Lin standing behind her. Hay Lin had missed the conversation, but hugged Irma nonetheless, telling her she wouldn't let her best friend down. Both boys seemed to be slightly confused. Matt approached me and gave me a peck on my cheek, while silently asking what he missed.
"You don't have to apologize Caleb, Irma is a little cranky," Cornelia said, kissing him on the cheek.
"I'm not cranky. I just want it to be fair!"
Before anyone could reply, I stepped in.
"Well, then you get to choose one person as well," I said.
The looks of disbelief I got were hilarious. I wouldn't be surprised if a list of complaints was being formed in their minds. So I raised a hand and continued.
"But. Keep in mind that the person you tell, will keep our secret. You have to be certain that, whatever may happen in the future, this person will not tell it to anyone. No matter what fight you might get, our secret remains safe. Don't believe that everyone will think of them as crazy when they speak about magic. You are giving them the key to our normal lives. The moment our secret is out, our normal lives are gone."
As I finished, an uncomfortable silence fell. Hay Lin and Taranee both looked at each other, now less certain about what they wanted to do. Irma too didn't seem to be so eager to share our secret. I couldn't blame them. When Matt knew, I was so happy. It was a burden that left me. But a lingering worry remained. The same one I mentioned. Only now that he is a Regent, that worry disappeared as well. Because we both know that if one of us spills the beans about the other, the other will repay in kind.
"I…"
I placed a hand on Hay Lin's shoulder. She looked worried, her eyes going from Eric to me and back.
"Think about it. If you are certain, alert the rest and tell them. For now, let's enjoy today."
With that I hugged her, hoping to wipe some of her worries away. I smiled at the others before turning to Caleb. Best thing to do now, was to erase the topic all together.
"Caleb, Hay Lin said you had something for me?"
Caleb, who'd been looking at the group for a moment, his eyes thoughtful, lit up. He shook his head briefly and caught my glance. What I liked about him, was that he knew how to manage a group. He only had to share a short glance with me to know what I was doing. So he erased the stern gaze he had and formed a more joyous one.
"Yes. My Q… I mean, Elyon wished to give you this, but couldn't attend due to obvious reasons."
With that he handed me a large rectangular package in brown paper. As Cornelia said something about the wrapping, I quickly ripped it away. Underneath it I recognized the crimson binding and the golden letters. This was the book I was flicking through on the day of our last mission to Arkhanta. The letters gleamed in the light of the room and I smiled broadly at Caleb. Irma frowned, while Taranee had already moved to take a better look at the book. I gave it to her to look through.
"Thank you, Caleb. Are you certain Elyon won't miss it?"
He shrugged. "She told me you can have it. She has a copy of it anyway. And currently studying old Meridian so she can continue with the next book."
"Good to know I need to study a language if I ever want to read the sequel," I muttered.
"A book? Elyon gave you a book? What for?" Irma scoffed.
I gently took the book from Taranee's prying fingers. A soft cry of dislike left her lips. I slammed it shut and showed the title to Irma. A groan left her lips.
"To practice, of course," I said with a smile.
[A/N] A final chapter before the new year. Sorry for the long wait and I hope you all enjoyed it! See you lot in the next year and don't forget. I live on reviews. xx