“I’m afraid I am.”
“So we’re getting two new roomies?” Crystal asked, practically bouncing in excitement. “This is the best news ever! Do they love shopping?”
“Oh god, no,” Tristan said. “If we get another one like Niki, I’m leaving.”
“Please, no,” Shadow replied. “Two more is too many.”
Gail’s gaze intensified. “The way I figure it, the two I have can replace the two you’ve lost. It’s only fair. You’re not gaining extra, just going back to what you should have had in the beginning.”
“You have to admit,” Faith said, “she makes a good case.”
“Whose side are you on?” Shadow asked, frowning. “Besides, don’t help her…she doesn’t need it.”
“You’re being silly,” Gail said. “I can’t get into specifics, but I can only say that I have a strong feeling these two will be helpful in the grand scheme of things. The future is still dark. Maedara may have been the great danger I initially warned you about, but there are others waiting in the shadows and looking for their opportunity to destroy the world. These two could be helpful.”
“Fine,” Shadow replied, throwing up his hands in defeat. “I’ll take them.”
“Where are they?” Ellie asked. “Are they hiding?”
Gail smiled and shook her head. She raised her arm and brought it down suddenly. In a flash of smoke, two teens and two large boxes appeared next to her. “Allow me to introduce, Matthew and Lilian.”
The girl scowled and stepped forward. “My name is Lily, not Lillian. Lily. How many times do I have to tell you?” She brushed her blonde bangs out of her face. “Why do people always do that?”
The boy standing next to her smiled. “Maybe you could try wearing a nametag? Anyway, I’m Matthew, but I prefer Matt.”
“Nice to meet you, Matt,” Tereya said with a wave.
“Thanks,” Matt replied. “Also, Lily may come off as rude, but she’s really nice deep down.”
“So she’s not always this testy?” Niki inquired.
“Yeah, that’s what I mean.”
Lily narrowed her green eyes in contempt. “Hello, I’m standing right here!”
“I think they’re gonna fit in just fine,” Ellie said, smiling. “I’m Ellie, glad to meet you two.”
Lily moved forward and took Ellie’s hand. “Lily, but you know that already. But it’s nice to meet you too. I’m hungry, can I have some food?”
“Help yourself. Both of you.”
Gail beamed. “Well, it’s time for me to get going. If you need anything, Shadow, you know how to contact me.”
“Yes, I do,” Shadow replied. “And don’t worry – I’m sure they’ll fit in just fine. I’ll take care of them.”
“I know,” Gail said. “It’s why I’m leaving them with you. She gave a small wave, and then faded into a cloud of smoke.
Far away, in a cavern lit by wall-mounted torches, a demon sat on a throne. He was gazing down at an ancient book in his hands. It had taken him a while to get his hands on the tome but now that he did, he would finally be able to put his plans into motion. He was so engrossed in the book that he barely noticed a smaller demon entering his chambers.
“Lord Rokaii, I bring news!”
“What is it?” Rokaii asked, looking up from the book. “It had better be important.”
The demon paled. “The brats you told me to watch have vanquished Maedara and returned sunlight to the world.”
“Really? How pathetic…imagine being killed by a bunch of teenagers. And I thought she was strong. It seems that her abilities were overestimated. Still, it’s a shame.”
“My apologies for bringing you bad news, Master.”
Rokaii laughed. “It matters not to me that Maedara failed. She wasn’t the best nor the last card in my hand. But this news changes things…I’ll have to alter my plan. You’re dismissed.”
The demon nodded. “Is there anything else you require, Master?”
“Yes, actually. I need you to do two things for me – if you fail, you will be punished.”
“You can count on me, Master,” the demon replied. “I will not let you down.”
Rokaii smiled, flashing his prominent canine teeth. “First, you have to go to the vault and pull out the other tome – the special one. I think it’s time to give those kids something to really test their mettle. And if we’re lucky, kill them.”
“And the other thing, Master?”
“I need you to prepare my ship. I must go to Hyael. I believe they’re in need of a new king.”
About the Author
Michael Chulsky grew up in Long Branch, NJ. He has been writing stories and letting his imagination run wild ever since the fourth grade when his teacher taught him to write and channel his energy constructively.
When not writing, he enjoys listening to music, playing RPGs, collecting Funko Pops, and devouring every piece of cheesecake and bowl of ramen he can get his hands on.
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