by June Leung
“Oh… None of that sounds good,” Lia said. But Adrian said he had wiped the collector’s memory. That being said, they still didn’t know who was paying the gang to kill her.
“I will try my best to keep you safe anyway. There are few I can’t beat,” he said, his eyes narrowed in determination.
“For example?”
He cleared his throat awkwardly. “I mean… there’s always the unknown out there. Better not to be too confident.”
“Ah, sure. I see.”
After they cleaned up, they headed to the arena. Helen was already sitting on the bench, scrolling through her phone.
“Patrick and Eric are out doing things, so it’s just us today. Helen, you go first,” William said as he pushed some buttons to adjust the settings on the panel.
Lia walked up beside him. “Can I skip today? I got tired playing with Helen yesterday.” Her heartbeat quickened, hoping he wouldn’t find her suspicious. There was no telling whether she would be OK today after what happened yesterday.
“Sure. You shouldn’t rush it after the operation.” He pressed the start button and targets started to appear. “Healing up well?”
Lia’s hand instinctively ran up her side, touching the scar that was slowly fading. It sent a tingle down her body, she could faintly remember the feeling of Adrian’s warm hands on her, and the rush of magic that healed her. There was a small flame inside her. Was it wrong to want Adrian around? It had been a while since she had seen him. She bit the inside of her mouth, thankful William couldn’t read minds. “Yes, I don’t feel pain anymore. Although I’m still a bit tired at times. I guess I need some time to fully recover.”
“Good. You had me worried.”
Down in the field, Helen was blasting and strangling monsters with her magic. Lia took deep breaths, trying to keep her mind from wandering to things she didn’t want to remember. It would be great if she could tell William everything, but she was still worried about what Adrian told her; she couldn’t forget how William burned that woman alive.
“It seems Helen’s been stressed recently. Any idea why?” William asked with a frown on his face. Lia shuddered, breaking away from her thoughts.
“I don’t find her stressed. Maybe she was trying to cheer me up. But she mentioned having a hunch of something bad happening,” she said, running her fingers through her hair.
“Really? Helen has hunches that are quite accurate.”
“I’m also worried. Who knows what’s on the horizon.” Lia shrugged, keeping her eyes on Helen.
Probably has to do with me, anyways. I’m not even sure whether the gang is the one after me, or if there is someone else.
Finally, Helen shot down the last of the monsters. William and Lia walked down to join her. Helen was grinning, wiping the sweat off her forehead. Lia handed her a water bottle and she took a sip, letting out a relaxed sigh.
“Is it your turn now?” Helen asked Lia.
Lia shook her head. “I’m a bit too tired after playing with you yesterday. Maybe next time.”
“Oh, do you want to go out for a walk with me then? We can go to our tree and spend the afternoon there.”
“Um… I prefer staying in. My video game has a time sensitive event I have to beat.” Lia said without hesitation. She already made it clear to Helen that she wasn’t going out anytime soon. What was Helen doing asking when William was around?
Helen reluctantly nodded. “Fine, maybe next time then.”
Lia let out a silent sigh of relief within her. Luckily, William knew nothing about video games and wouldn’t care as long as it didn’t interrupt training and cases. She also had been skipping things, so he probably wouldn’t find it suspicious. He soon excused himself, leaving them in the arena.
As soon as the door of the arena clicked closed, Lia smacked Helen in the back. “Must you ask me to go out with William here?”
Helen winked. “You could’ve agreed to go with me. It would save you the trouble.”
“C’mon… I really have no interest seeing him anytime soon.” Lia frowned deeply. He had to be waiting somewhere, and she didn’t know what to say if they met. Deep inside, she wanted to hug him and ask him what was on his mind. But she was the one telling him to stop pretending to care about her.
Helen’s smile faltered. “Are you sure you aren’t going outside anymore because of him? If I go with you, maybe he won’t show up.”
“No way. He’s not afraid of you. Maybe only if I go out with Eric or William, he won’t show up.”
“Yeah… I guess. I was hoping to grab ice cream together.”
“You know the shopkeeper there is his man.” Lia glared at her.
“There is more than one ice cream shop in the world.” Helen rolled her eyes.
“You may be right, but I really don’t want to take the risk. You know I will be very happy to go out with you if…” Lia trailed off, giving Helen’s shoulder a squeeze.
“That’s fine. I know where you’re coming from. I’m sorry. I just hope things will get better.” Helen gave Lia a warm hug and a pat on the back.
“Before it gets worse, I am happy with where we are now.” Lia sighed, hugging Helen back.
Chapter 6
Helen
Helen walked down the stairs, stuffing her hands in her pocket. After failing to urge Lia to go for a walk with her, she gave in, deciding to get them ice cream from the grocery store instead. At least they could finish it cuddled together, watching a movie.
The sky was clear, despite the remaining heat from the morning sun. Helen walked out of the clan, heading to the parking lot a block down the street. She picked an alley as a shortcut. As she turned into it, she could hear someone else, their breathing sound faintly echoing the alley. In the shade, the smell of magical power tinkled her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. Helen snapped her head up, looking straight through the alley, but no one was there, probably hidden in one of the back doors to a building nearby.
“Come out, will you?” Helen shouted. It was the familiar magical tingle around. Adrian wasn’t doing a good job concealing himself, or he intended for her to find him.
Adrian walked out of a back door. He was in a black jacket, his hair dishevelled, and his head hanging low. Helen raised her brows. “This is why Lia refused to step out of the clan, knowing a creeper will always be watching.”
He ran his fingers through his hair as if trying to tidy it. “I’m not looking for her. I’m looking for you.”
Helen took a step back, summoning her magic. “What? Hold me hostage to make Lia show up for you?”
He snapped his head up with wide eyes. “Is this what you think of me?”
“Who knows what you devil will do. If you are not trying to capture me, why are you here?” Helen sneered at him, staring daggers. He averted her gaze, flicking his eyes to the ground.
“How’s Lia?” he asked. Helen could barely hear him.
“Why don’t you go ask her directly?”
He sighed heavily, leaning onto the wall in the alley. “You know she shut me off… There’s no way I can reach her without pissing her off further.”
“She finally did the smart thing, don’t you think?” Helen snorted a humorless chuckle.
“Yes… She did. That was the smart thing to do.”
Is he really pained by Lia ignoring him? Isn’t he the one who always pushed her away?
“I don’t understand. You keep pushing her away, but you look like you really care about her.”
“I… it’s more complicated than you think…” He trailed off, his gaze distant. Helen stared at him. Now that he was closer, she could faintly smell the alcohol on his clothes. “I hope Lia is alright…”
She gulped, a fire of rage simmering in her. You break her heart and you are here wishing her well? Really?
Before she could stop herself, she slapped him in the face in a swift motion. He stumbled half a step to the side. Her eyes widened, poising her magic in case he fought back. He stra
ightened and rubbed his cheek as he stared at the ground, his face blank.
“Stop pretending to be the victim here. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.” Helen glared at him. He returned his hand to his side, nodding. “I can’t believe Lia would care about someone like you and actually cry because of you.” Adrian remained silent, leaning on the wall, his eyes glistening.
Really? He had nothing to say in response?
“C’mon Adrian. I’ve talked to you before about this. Do you want Lia or do you not? Be honest before I kick you in the pants.” Helen scowled, marching a step closer to him. He backed up to the wall.
He smiled wryly. “Is this even a question? Of course I want… even keeping in contact with her would mean the world to me.”
What is happening here? No wonder why Lia is frustrated. What is he doing?
“Why the heck don’t you tell her? She thought you never cared. If you want to try something with her, you should have told her much earlier. Instead of her crying, thinking she has been imagining things.” Helen poked his chest with her finger.
“I already told you, it has nothing to do with what I want. The world doesn’t exist to fulfil my want,” he sighed, rubbing his eyes.
Lia probably didn’t know. Other than making Benjamin talk to Adrian, Helen also met him once, around the same day. Maybe she was stepping on lines, but she needed him to make up his mind. Nothing came out from the chat, he was a bit too stubborn.
“I don’t have all the time in the world for you. If you are just here to bug me, I’m leaving.”
Helen turned to leave and Adrian took a step to block her before reaching out a fist, gesturing for her hand. Helen glared at him, reluctantly reached out for what was in his palm. It was a small piece of amber the size of her thumb. Despite him holding it, it was cold. Something magical in it tickled her hand. She raised her brows at him.
“I doubt she wants to see me anytime soon. If her power runs over her again, stick it close to her skin. It’ll drain some of it away so she’ll be safe. You will take care of her, right?” His face twisted in pain, staring at Helen with pleading eyes. Helen faintly nodded, slipping the amber into her pocket before walking away.
Within steps, Adrian grabbed her shoulder, turning her to face him. She gulped, summoning her magic and slamming a leaf blade in his face. He ducked away. He held onto her and asked, “Please tell me how Lia is? I really need to know.”
“I don’t see why I should tell you about her personal life. You are just her mentor, right?”
He frowned, a sob escaping him. “I have my reasons…”
“What? For her to go back to her life later? C’mon! Even if this is really what you believe, I am sure you’ve never told her, huh? You are hurting over this, and you still don’t want to let her know.”
“Please… Just tell me how she is?” he growled, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Helen winced as his grip tightened. He flinched, letting go of her. “I’m sorry… I don’t mean it.”
“She’s alright, except sometimes crying over you and never wanting to leave the clan. You haven’t killed her yet.”
“Thank you. Helen, one more thing. The gang is not the only people after Lia’s life. Please really take good care of her,” he said with a serious face.
Helen froze, her mind blank. “Who else is after her?”
“Someone very strong. I don’t know how she would feel if I told her this. I’m worried she’ll think I am making things up to keep her by my side. I swear this is real and I am not lying. If something comes up, you have to tell me, please?”
“OK… I guess on the front of keeping Lia alive, we are still on the same page. If you want to know something, message me. As you said, I am not sure whether she wants to see you just yet.”
“Thank you.” He beamed, letting out a relieved sigh.
If only he wasn’t mysterious and kind of a jerk, maybe we could actually be friends.
He stared at her for a moment too long, his smile faltering. A glint of sadness flashed through his eyes, she shivered at the intense gaze. “What’s that look for?” she asked.
He shook his head, zipping up his jacket. His eyes glistened with tears. “I think I actually envy you. If only I were just an Elements’ magician…” He rubbed his forehead. “It doesn’t matter anyway. That would never happen.”
“You mean, if you could give up the dark magic, you would?”
“Without a blink of the eyes, yes. Maybe in a world where Lia also didn’t have it.” He shrugged, looking up at the sky despite a tear rolling down his cheek. He wiped it off with the back of his hand.
“You love her?”
He looked briefly at her before returning his gaze to the sky. “She made her choice.” He turned away from Helen, walking down the alley with his head low. “You take good care of her. My words still stand. If anything happens to her, I am not letting you live.”
Helen stared at his retreating form down the alley and frowned deeply.
But you forced her hand…
Chapter 7
Lia
While Helen was out buying ice cream, Lia retreated to her room, locking the door. She rolled on the bed, hugging her wolf plushie tight. After she caught herself dozing off, she sat up straight, shaking her head to clear her mind.
Maybe she could try working on her power. If she kept working on it, maybe it would be better than letting it bottle up.
Rubbing the comforting fur on the plushie, she closed her eyes, slowly calling up the dark power within her. Breathing in and out rhythmically, the warmth of the power surged up in her. Lia willed ice magic instead, focusing her mind to create an ice wall by the door, giving her power something to do.
It did make her stronger than before. When she learned more, maybe she could finally keep people around her safe.
Busying herself with holding up the ice wall, the warmth of the new power slowly faded. Lia opened her eyes, releasing a relaxed sigh. It wasn’t as strong as yesterday; she’d probably used up quite a bit and it needed time to recover. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the towel on her bedside table.
She remembered how she moved the man with her mind in the gang’s base. She set her plushie in front of her, locking eyes with it and ramping up the power inside her, but it didn’t move a single bit. She shook her head, rubbing her chin. She tried to focus on it again, but her mind seemed to wander too much for her to stay focused. She pointed at the plushie with her finger, frowning deeply. The plushie seemed to shake when a loud knock came from the door. She jumped, pulling the blanket up, knocking the plushie face down on the bed.
Helen was grinning at her. “I got us tacos and ice cream for dessert.” She tugged Lia’s arm, pulling her to the lounge.
“Thanks.”
“You’ll get them much more frequently if you would actually step out… I mean if you would tell me.” Helen didn’t sound as happy as she looked.
“Did something happen?”
“Nah, I still don’t think you’ll go out with me despite me asking. Just don’t want to spoil the fun.”
“Oh, that’s OK. William sure is happy I am here, though.” Lia gave her a reassuring smile.
Pushing open the door to the lounge, Eric was on the couch, watching a movie. The paper bag of tacos was on the coffee table in front of him.
“Oh, didn’t expect you here.” Helen rolled her eyes.
“I was guessing these are yours. I was about to dig in if no one came for them.” Eric chuckled, patting his midsection. He moved to the side so they could take a seat, turning off the movie.
Lia took her taco, opening the wrap. She turned to him as she found his gaze on her.
He said, “I’m happy. It feels great to be like the old times when we hung out together.”
“Well, you Elders don’t really hang out with us.” Helen dipped her nachos in the spicy sauce.
“I always think you don’t enjoy an old soul like me.” Eric let out a hearty laugh, c
hewing on his chocolate bar. “But still, seeing you playing together is great. You don’t know what you’re missing until you actually lose it.”
Lia almost choked on her soda. It felt wrong that her mind pulled up Adrian’s face at once. I think of him more when he is not around. Don’t think of him, will you…?
Lia quickly busied herself with her taco, the cabbage crunchy in her mouth and the spicy beef was always the best. Luckily, the others were oblivious to her thoughts.
“How’s William doing recently? Is everything good for him?” Helen asked.
Eric let out a sigh, tidying his dark brown hair. “He seems to be very keen on finding out whether dark magicians are out there. And trying to find out who is after Lia’s life. While I agree we should find the murderer, I don’t know about the dark magicians.”
“What do you mean by ‘don’t know’? What will happen if they exist?” Helen asked.
“I’m reluctant to find out. Out of sight, out of mind? I kind of worry what the dark magicians will do when they know we know about them. Of course, I will try to destroy them, but there’s no telling what they are up to if they have been hiding all these years. Maybe I’m just avoiding the fact.
“But William is not wrong. If they are somewhere, we have to know. They will always plan to eliminate us, at least both William and I, just as we do.” Eric frowned deeply, gripping the edge of the couch.
“They sound dangerous,” Lia said.
“Indeed, we can’t let the devil walk the earth. They will try to kill everyone.” Eric gritted his teeth. The tension in his body was visible.
“Then you really should help William and let us help if needed,” Helen said.
“I am more focused on finding the one behind Lia’s attacks after William takes on the other part. But all the traces of evidence are gone…” Eric shook his head, his shoulders slumped.
So, William and Eric are really on the same page and both are no wiser. Great. Lia sighed silently to herself. All this hiding behind each other’s backs…
