by M. J. Sewall
John and the others made it back to Lucas’s converted garage. His parents still weren’t home, but he warned them that the last text he’d got said they only had an hour of privacy left. John looked through the books they’d taken before the brothers’ rental house burned down.
“What about those books?” asked Ariana.
John replied, “No. As I feared, these books are useless.”
Cody said, “But they displayed them like they were important.”
“They suspected you were disloyal, so they used decoys,” John said. “These are old leather bound books on horticulture.”
“What?” asked Katie.
Ariana answered, “Flowers and stuff.”
Lucas was impressed with her knowledge and gave her a smile. She smiled back.
“Now we need a final plan,” said David. “They will come for us.”
“Can we use other spell books?” asked Zacke.
“The Amartus don’t use magic. I was only hoping to keep the books out of Zamma’s hands. Magic is of the Rageto, that’s how they become corrupted.”
“So when you say battle, you mean we may have to actually kill people? I’m not okay with that.” Ariana crossed her arms.
“It’s self-defense if they come for us,” said Zacke, “no one wants violence.”
John said, “It will come down to us or them. We must all be prepared for that.”
“I am,” said Lucas.
“No! I’m not killing anyone,” said Ariana. “Maybe we just made it worse, made them angrier.”
“They would come for you no matter what. If we hadn’t saved David, they would still hunt us. They know that none of you can be turned now.”
“I’m just glad the plan worked,” said Cody.
John turned to face Cody. “You played a dangerous game when you left the beach.”
“I had to save my dad,” Cody said. “I can work out how pissed off I am later. You needed info on where they were.”
“You’re a good actor. I was fooled,” said Lucas.
David said, “It was still too dangerous, Cody. After all those years with the brothers, I’ve seen what they can do.”
“I saw those articles, those trophies,” added Cody. “I looked up some of those ‘accidents’ online.”
John nodded, “They’ve killed hundreds of thousands of innocents trying to get to people like us.”
“Why didn’t you tell us that?” Katie asked.
John answered, “I suspected, but it’s hard to prove it. Natural disasters happen. Some of them aren’t natural. Now you know how far they’ll go to destroy breakouts. They are cowards at heart, hiding behind their magic.”
Zacke asked “How are we supposed to know what to expect, since Cody and me are first timers, new births?”
John said, “You are the mysteries in our equation. We know Cody has talents, one has something to do with electrical energy. We still don’t know what your main talent is, Zacke. Because you’re a new birth, we won’t know until it appears.”
Zacke didn’t respond. He felt guilty not telling them what he could do.
“You can’t speed up this process? Activate us sooner?” asked Ariana.
John shook his head. “No. I’ve done all I can. Being around each other this much, using your talents, it should have sped up the process. But it’s like some of you are holding back. There’s something I can’t see.”
Katie snapped, “Holding back? We’ve done everything you told us and we’ve almost been killed four times. My sister got hurt. Remember? Because of me.”
David spoke up, “It’s not John’s fault. He’s been trying to help you. I’ve seen these men do evil up close. None of the blame rests with us. If one of them pointed a gun at your best friend and said ‘don’t move or I’ll kill them,’ and then you flinched, would it be your fault that he shot your friend? No. The man holding the gun is responsible. They are our enemy, and they will come for all of us.
They all went quiet, imagining the next fight.
David looked to John. “We’re running out of time. The brothers told stories of warriors linking. Could we attempt that?”
“No.” said John, “It’s always ended in disaster.”
“What is linking?” asked Zacke.
John rubbed his bald head. “In theory, if the circumstances are just right, some warriors can link. They feel each other’s talents. Legends say they can even share them for a short time. But I’ve never heard of it actually working.”
“There are seven of us, only two of them.” David reasoned, “If we could link, we’d be unstoppable.”
“You don’t understand!” John shouted, filled with a bitter old memory. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. I saw three warriors try to link once. In China, in the 1540’s.”
They were all startled. The old date and place made their situation real.
John continued, “They were the best; clear headed, fully activated, experienced. They linked. At first, they were fierce beasts, defeating ten foes each. Then, one by one, they bled from the eyes. They died screaming before their foes cut them down.”
The stark story brought home what they were up against. No one knew what to say.
“Those warriors were the best, and they failed. We must rely on our numbers; seven against their two.” John shook off the old memory. “They’ll make one last attempt. They’ll give the choice again: join, or die. When we say no, they will try to wipe out this whole town.”
“Everybody we care about,” Katie whispered.
“Yes,” said John. “You didn’t ask for this to happen to you. I know. I don’t want this responsibility either. I’ve seen too many warriors fall. But if they wipe us out this time, that’s it. The balance will be forever tipped their way.”
Ariana thought of her family. She stood up. “Then let’s end this.”
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT - THE DAY BEFORE
They’d heard nothing from the brothers for days. John suggested their elder had pulled them half way across the world through the mirror. They needed time to heal and get back for the final fight. That was true for everyone.
They all agreed to stay in their homes where it was safe. David reasoned it would recharge them and hopefully a small rest might be what they needed to finally activate. John hated waiting around, but David took over nursing duties and told John he needed to rest and heal from his injury.
David had hoped Cody would come to their hotel room so he could finally explain why he’d been absent from his son’s life. But three days in, no Cody.
Before they knew it, it was Friday afternoon, only one day before the dance. They’d made a tentative plan, but it felt flimsy to Zacke. He would have to trust John and his lifetimes of knowledge. He still felt guilty, especially after what John had said about one of them holding back. He knew it was him.
There was a knock at Zacke’s door. Two men stood on the porch. He recognized one of them from the academy. “Hey Officer Jack.”
“Hey Zacke. This is Detective Jenkins.”
Detective Jenkins said, “Hi, Zacke. I’d like to ask you a few questions. Since Jack here is your sponsor at the academy, he asked to come along.”
“Sure,” said Zacke. “Come on in.”
They did, and his father was concerned until they explained that they were investigating the two men at the restaurant.
His dad asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about this Zacke?”
“Well, you were…” Zacke looked at the officers, “…busy. It’s been kind of crazy lately. Besides, when those two guys came in, I ran out the back.”
“You didn’t see anything else? How about the car? Did you see what they were driving?” asked Jenkins.
“No, they parked in front, I went out the back. Sorry.” Sorry I’m lying to you. I hate this, but what else can I do? he thought.
Jenkins took notes. “What did they want? What did they say to you?”
“I have no idea what they wanted,” said Zacke. “They didn’t real
ly say anything. They came in and went behind the register. I thought they were robbing the place.”
“Witnesses said they seemed to be looking for you and the friend you were talking to.” Jenkins consulted his notes, “Cody Nichols.”
“He was there. But I don’t know him very well, just from school. He ran out the back with me when the guys came,” said Zacke.
Officer Jack added, “Zacke, are you sure there’s nothing else going on?”
Zacke felt a thin layer of perspiration appear. “Not really. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.”
“Alright.” Jenkins handed Zacke a card. “Here’s my card and that’s the case number I wrote on the back. I’ve already spoken to Cody and Victoria Masala, your shift manager. Call me if you remember anything else.”
“Okay,” said Zacke.
As they left, Officer Jack said, “See you tomorrow at the academy. The fire guys are showing off their new camera system.”
Zacke had nearly forgotten. He was planning to spend all day getting ready for the big fight. But he still had a life, and he was determined to keep things as normal as he could. If that’s even possible.
His dad looked at him when they were gone, “You weren’t telling them everything. What are you holding back Zacke?”
“Nothing. Just drop it Dad, please.”
“You want to be a cop, and you’re lying to them? You’re better than that, Zacke.”
“You don’t know me! You haven’t talked to me in months without slurring your words!” Zacke yelled, surprised at his own outburst. His dad stood and took it.
“Dad… I’m sorry…”
“No, Zacke. I’m sorry. Mom leaving has been hard. I didn’t handle it well. I’m the dad. Well, I haven’t had a drink for a few days. I’m working on it.”
“It’s alright. I’m sorry, Dad. Things have just been hard lately.”
“Everything’s tough when you’re a teenager. What can I do to help?” asked his father.
“Nothing Pops. Just typical teenage stuff. Mostly.”
“Hmmm. Well, if you change your mind.” He put a hand on Zacke’s shoulder. “Zacke, you can tell me if this is about your mom, the anger I mean. It’s no one’s fault she went off the deep end with that church. I know she tried to make it about you, and I think someday she’ll ask us to forgive her.”
Zacke dodged. “Yeah. Ok. Well, I got homework and stuff.”
“I thought school was out this week?”
“It is. I just have to keep up on my reading for next week.”
Dad nodded and Zacke went to his room. Locking his door, he closed his eyes. “Mom wanted to make this about me?” He thought. It is about me. I’m the reason mom left.
***
Lucas had been eating like a pig all week. He wondered how many calories his ancient required. Before his parents got home, he’d walked to the neighborhood convenience store for some junk food, a splurge, since mom was trying to buy fewer sugary treats. He’d gone the long way around to avoid walking by Billy’s new house.
It was frustrating that he couldn’t become the warrior at will. There were still flashes, and a few shards of ancient memories. He thought about what John said; someone holding back. He knew it was him. He was thinking about the past year as he rounded the tall shrubs.
He was ambushed by Billy and two of his buddies. Before Lucas could react, his arms were behind him. His bag of junk food spilled on the lawn. They took him to a grassy strip between two houses.
Billy had his typical cocky tone, “Hey Lucasfilm, we never finished that conversation.”
“That’s because you were covered in puke.” Lucas was laid on his belly by Billy’s two friends. The friend laughed as Billy sat on Lucas’ back. Billy used one of his hands to hold Lucas’s wrists.
He used the other to punch Lucas in the kidney. “Talking back these days? That’s cute.”
Lucas kept quiet. I could take all of you, right here, he thought. But old feelings rushed back. He felt helpless, ten years old again, when Billy first started bullying him.
“I saw you with some new friends. The black one looks pretty hot. You finally got your first boyfriend? I know you wanted it to be me, but sorry, I’m straight.”
Control, Control.
Billy’s maddening arrogance continued. “I’ve always been curious; do you shower in between doing each other? Do you watch gay porn to get in the mood?”
Lucas tried to sound casual, “Yeah. I watch tons. I saw you in a couple. You’re even smaller than I thought you’d be.” He got another punch in the kidney for that.
“Okay, that was kinda funny,” Billy admitted. “Frankie, I’ll bet you have to take a leak, right? Piss on Lucas’ head. Just don’t get any on me.”
Screw control. He tightened his muscles, ready to slide out from under Billy. He was just about to bite the inside of his mouth, when the shouting in his mind began.
CAN YOU HEAR ME? YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS, AND NOW YOU KNOW SOMETHING ELSE I CAN DO
It was Derek’s voice. Every word in his head was like a wire hacking at a raw nerve. Lucas yelled, still pinned under Billy.
MY BROTHER AND I ARE THROUGH PLAYING. YOU WILL SURRENDER TO US TOMORROW AT 8 O’CLOCK OR WE WILL KILL EVERYONE AT YOUR LITTLE DANCE
Lucas screamed louder. Billy’s excitement grew, assuming the yelling was because of him. At first, it made all the boys laugh, but they could tell something was wrong. Lucas writhed on the ground.
“What did you do to him?” asked Jonesy.
Billy shouted, “Nothing. He’s faking.”
His other friend Frankie looked around, “Better let him up Billy.” Billy finally got off Lucas, but Lucas stayed on the ground.
Lucas put his hands to either side of his head as the excruciating mental message continued.
ALL FIVE OF YOU WILL BE THERE, OR EVERYONE DIES. BRING PENTOSS, AND EVERYONE DIES. BE LATE, AND EVERYONE DIES.
Billy towered over Lucas. “Freak. Grab his shoes, Frankie.”
Frankie pulled Lucas’s shoes off and began tying the laces together
“Hey, what are you doing over there?” said one of Lucas’ neighbors.
“Oh, sorry ma’am, just helping a friend,” said Billy, “I think he’s sick.”
They left quickly, as the woman got to Lucas. He was still moaning on the ground. When the talking stopped inside his head, the pain began to recede. He cleared his eyes, and looked around for the boys. They were gone.
“Are you okay, Lucas?” asked his neighbor.
“I… Yes,” Lucas managed, getting to his feet and realizing that his shoes were gone. “Thank you Mrs. Patel. I’m fine.”
She looked at the boys far down the block now, “You want my pellet gun to take care of those pests?”
Lucas tried to smile, but the adrenaline that had been building up was starting to wear off. “No. But thanks for the offer.”
He saw his shoes dangling over the telephone line, and walked away in his socks.
Lucas didn’t go home. He walked in the opposite direction of Billy, straight to his psychologist’s office. He felt his phone vibrate and saw the group texts.
Zacke: Did you hear that?
Katie: Yeah, I think we all did
Ariana: Hurt my head. What do we do?
Lucas didn’t engage in the conversation. He looked up and saw that Dr. Mason was just locking his office for the day.
Mason said, “Hey, Lucas. We don’t meet today.”
“Doctor,” Lucas looked straight into his eyes. “Sam. I need an appointment right now. A special one.”
“Are you going to actually talk to me this time?” the doctor smiled. “I have enough model ships.”
“Yes. I’ll talk. I’m ready for hypnotherapy.”
The doctor stopped smiling. “Okay. Why don’t we just talk first?”
“You can ask me anything you want, and I’ll have to answer. I’m tired of holding back. Sam, I need this.”
The doctor unlocked the offi
ce. “I can’t pass that up. You sure about this?”
“Yes. But you have to do something for me. Regress me as far back as I can go. It’s important.”
“Early childhood memories? What are we looking for?”
“You’ll know when you hear it,” said Lucas as he thought, I hope this works.
***
Cody and David sat on the bench in center of the hotel courtyard. They were surrounded on four sides by the three-story hotel, while they listened to the fountain just behind them.
Cody spoke first, “Thanks for meeting me.”
“I’m glad you wanted to meet. I know how angry you must be with me, and I need to explain what happened.”
“John came to my house and told me that the brothers grabbed you. But I’d already decided to save you,” said Cody, arms folded, staring at the glass elevator as it moved up and down. “But it doesn’t explain why you left in the first place.”
David took a deep breath. “I thought I was doing the right thing, to keep you and your mom safe. But I was an idiot.”
“Yeah, you were.” Cody shifted on the bench. “We would have been safer together.”
“You’re right. I realized that, and was headed back. That’s when I was taken by the brothers in a train station. They kept me prisoner and used my talents to find people like us.”
“But I saw that lightning storm you made. Why couldn’t you get away? Even just to make a phone call? Anything to let us know what happened.”
“When we were hunting around the world, I was tightly controlled, chained most of the time. They beat me down for years, until I had no hope. The thought of you and your mom being safe, and away from all this craziness was all I could hold on to. But I had to bury that deep, so they couldn’t use you against me. I was afraid to use my talent, for fear they would make me use it on others. Elder Zamma is very powerful, and very cruel. They made me wear that damned necklace. There was a powerful spell so I couldn’t take it off myself.”
“You had no idea that I would have these talents, powers, whatever?” asked Cody.
