Everlife Trilogy Complete Collection: Firstlife ; Lifeblood ; Everlife

by Gena Showalter

  “Very well. We’ll get down to business.” He wipes an invisible piece of lint from his shoulder. “Normally we wouldn’t send a trainee into the field, but a unique case has come to our attention, and you, Tenley Lockwood, are the only one who can do the job.”

  “Also, we would never send a Conduit into the field when our only other Conduit is MIA,” Meredith adds, her voice now brittle with tension.

  Trepidation flash-freezes my Lifeblood. I can guess where this is headed. The girl Meredith mentioned before the welcome party. The one infected with Penumbra.

  “The princess isn’t missing,” Levi informs us. “The Secondking spoke with his Generals this morning. Myriad has placed a large bounty on the princess’s head. Unwilling to risk one of our own people turning against her for personal gain, the Secondking has hidden her, as we suspected.”

  I’m disgusted by Myriad’s daring, but relieved the princess is safe.

  Levi pins me in place with a hard stare. “As for the case. The worst has happened. A day so many feared. Myriad has successfully infected a human with a disease known as Penumbra.”

  Knew it!

  Gasps of horror rise from the others.

  “It’s real?” Reed asks.

  “This isn’t a drill?” Kayla seems to crumble into herself and shrink.

  Levi nods and continues. “This information goes no further than our circle. Understand?” After everyone verbally agrees, he adds, “You’re the only one who can stop an outbreak, Miss Lockwood, which means I have to give you a crash course in the field of…everything. We’ll also work on your quirks and help you grow through every problem you encounter.”

  Grow through, he said. Not just go through. I like it. “But I’m just a girl. One girl, newly dead. How can I—”

  “All you lack is the proper motivation.” A shrewd gleam enters his eyes. “Perhaps this will help. Killian Flynn has been placed in charge of the infected girl’s care.”

  I jump as if I’ve been hit by a freak bolt of lightning. Catching my breath is suddenly impossible. My blood heats. I’ll get to see Killian, speak with him…fight with him?

  Wah, wah, wah. Way to ruin a mood. We’ll be on opposite sides of the war, with far different goals.

  “Why would you pair me against him?” I ask.

  Expression grave, Levi says, “The importance of this mission…the consequences if you fail… I will do anything to ensure you do everything you can to save us. If you can convince Mr. Flynn to help us, even better.”

  My stomach twists. But no pressure, right?

  “Train me,” I tell him. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  A glint of approval. “Meet your teammates. The ones you’ll be working with directly. Everyone has a different specialty, and I believe you’ll complement each other well, despite the lack of experience. Like Archer, Victor spent time with Killian before he defected. And considering Killian helped you rescue Kayla and Reed from Many Ends, they’re the least likely to attack him and the most likely to aid you. Clay and Meredith love you and will guard you with their lives.”

  No one will be giving up their life for me ever again!

  “Why don’t you go ahead and say goodbye to your teammates, too. Killian will murder us all—with your help, I’m sure.” Elizabeth enters the coliseum and approaches the circle. “Whether you’re witting or unwitting.”

  I glare at Levi. “What’s she doing here?”

  “Hey! Numbers!” she snaps. “You don’t talk to a General that way. Even children know—”

  He glares, and she goes quiet. “Elizabeth is a member of your team, Miss Lockwood. Grace period or not, antipathy, rancor and malice always come with a price.” He doesn’t raise his voice, but his irritation is clear. “The two of you will learn to work together, to trust each other, or you’ll fail your charges when you’re in the field.”

  I toss my hands up. “So why even risk it?”

  “If you can’t overlook your emotions with each other, how will you overlook your emotions when something else goes wrong? And something will go wrong. We risk you by not teaching you to transcend what you feel.”

  “I will never trust you,” Elizabeth spits at me. “I’d rather spend eternity in Myriad’s Kennels than work with—”

  “Enough, Miss Winchester,” Levi snaps. “You’ve already been warned. As a graduate, you are an example to trainees. Be a good one.”

  In a surprising display of respect, she lowers her head.

  I’m in no position to gloat over her chastisement. I’m already struggling with the reality of what I’m supposed to do, what I need to do. Now I have to deal with Elizabeth, too? Wonderful.

  The past can’t be changed, and her opinion does not—will not—define my reality. A judgment rendered is an affirmation of the judger’s character, not mine. But I need this girl to work with me, not against me.

  “I can’t defend Killian’s past,” I tell her. “He did what he did, just as you and I have done what we’ve done. You’ve asked for second, third and fourth chances, I’m sure. Shouldn’t he receive the same? Shouldn’t I?”

  She glowers at me, and mutters, “Go count yourself.”

  Um. I’m…not sure what to say to that.

  “All right. Let’s get started.” Levi taps the top of his hand, and a blue glow appears. He types into the glow, and a few seconds later, a Shell materializes beside me. A Shell created to resemble me. “Everywhere you go, veteran Laborers will be securing the perimeter. You will never be without an armed guard. They’ll be able to track you through the Shell.”

  I barely hear him. I’m too busy marveling at the Shell itself. She—it—has straight black hair and no brands, the only real differences between us. The eye sockets are empty and clear, but that will change the moment my spirit is inside. Humans and spirits alike will see my real eyes.

  The eyes are the windows to the soul, after all.

  The Shell even has—Hey! “Was the pimple really necessary?” I demand.

  “The key to blending in,” Levi replies, “is actually blending in.”

  “Wow. Such wisdom.” Humans won’t know I’m a Shell unless and until I’m physically touched; Shells produce no body heat.

  Not that the truth will register even with contact. Until I got to know Killian and Archer, I’d had no idea I was interacting with Shells, and blamed their cold flesh on a glandular problem.

  Oh, the power of rationalization.

  “Archer’s Shell was perfect,” I grumble. “Meaning, without flaw, in case you need the definition.”

  Levi arches a brow. “Pimples are not flaws, they are pimples. People come in all types, shapes and sizes. Are you forgetting the time Archer used Bow?”

  Bow, a rotund female Shell and my first introduction to a boy who would change the course of my Everlife. “No.” I’m still grumbling. “I’ll never forget Bow.” I took showers in front of her/him.

  To Archer’s credit, he always used the time to marvel over his own breasts.

  “Archer knew how to blend in without trying to blend in.” He claps his hands. “Now. Every Shell comes with three cases for weapons. One each for swords, daggers and guns. They are called Whells—Weapon Hull with Enhanced Link and Load—and if you acquire a different type of weapon, you’ll need to have a custom Whell made. Whells are useless until you anchor inside the Shell. In conclusion, if you want to fight with a sword, your Shell needs to be clutching the Whell meant for swords. Understand?”

  I nod, even as my head spins. “What about swords of fire?” Like I saw the day I died.

  “Pyres do not require a Whell. When you decode your Key, you’ll be able to create a Pyre of your own. An outward manifestation of your Light. Until then… We’re moving on.”

  “Wait! Myriadians produce Pyres, too, but they have
no Light.”

  “A cheap perversion, I assure you. Their swords are called Glaciers and they smoke because they are made of something akin to frozen carbon dioxide. Now. A spirit cannot interact with humans without a Shell,” he says, “which means lesson number one is vital. Staying inside the Shell.”

  Sounds simple enough.

  He motions to my Shell. “Go ahead. Give it a shot.”

  Confident I’ve got this, I walk into mine, as if I’m walking into an elevator—and I’m immediately ejected, propelled by a great force. Frowning, I try again, walking into it and—

  I’m ejected.

  My audience experiences different reactions.

  Deacon remains stoic.

  Clay grins. “Had the same problem myself.”

  Meredith and Victor cheer me on. “You can do it!”

  Kayla and Reed regard me worriedly.

  “Give up, Numbers,” Elizabeth calls. “You’re going to fail, and we all know it.”

  Levi doesn’t correct her. “Don’t ask yourself how you anchor,” he tells me. “Ask yourself why you haven’t already anchored.”

  Is he freaking kidding me? “Just so you know, my class evaluation will read, totally sucked.”

  Others snort, but he rolls his eyes. “What is explained is often forgotten. What is experienced is remembered forever.”

  Fine. Why haven’t I anchored?

  To anchor. A verb. To secure, fasten, attach or affix. So… I haven’t secured, fastened, attached or affixed my spirit to the inside of the Shell because…I haven’t tried to secure, fasten, attach or affix my spirit to the inside of the Shell?

  I square my shoulders and lift my chin.

  “There she is,” Levi says with a smile. “The warrior I know and sometimes like.”

  My fingers curl, preparing to dig in as I walk forward. My third attempt. The third time is the charm. My determination acts like glue, a suction developing between the animate and the inanimate. A suction that doesn’t last more than a few seconds; I’m ejected, but I don’t care. I did it once. I can do it again.

  Levi’s grin widens. “Next time you’re in, slap the top of your hand. A one-handed keyboard will appear. My address is preprogrammed into your database. Send me a message.”

  Shall I pull a rabbit out of my butt while I’m at it? “What do you want the message to say?”

  “Anything you’d like. This is your one and only chance to tell me off without repercussions for disrespecting your superior.”

  I bat my lashes at him and for the first time since my death, I’m without even the minutest hint of despondency. “Is that because I’ll be your superior one day soon?” He’s a General, yes, but a Conduit outranks him. A fact I think I’m going to enjoy. A lot.

  He looks up at the exquisite heavens, a sky of dappled water that surrounds the entire realm. “Take me into the Rest! Please!”

  “She’s definitely Archer’s recruit, isn’t she?” Meredith asks with a chuckle.

  The pang of grief returns to my chest.

  “Miss Lockwood,” Levi says and pushes out a heavy breath. “A single thought can lead to absolute destruction or ultimate victory. Close your eyes and imagine staying inside the Shell. If you can see it, you can do it. So repeat after me. See it, do it. See it, do it.”

  “See it, do it. See it, do it.” To humor him, I picture my spirit remaining inside the Shell…to my surprise and delight, a bolt of power hits me. A tide of determination and excitement buoys me. I can do this! I can stay inside the Shell.

  I step into my Shell…and this time, I stay put.

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: T_L_2/23.43.2

  To: L_N_3/19.1.1

  Subject: rwat trey

  Soed

  A

  S

  S

  Seow gpc/ehceo fo e y echd iiiii

  EOC.SOECC EPOS.Sdl clwo dowleo wos w w ro.s

  kr.

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: L_N_3/19.1.1

  To: T_L_2/23.43.2

  Subject: Your message skills—or lack thereof

  Wow, Miss Lockwood. You really know how to insult a man. Too bad I haven’t learned to read complete gibberish. But keep practicing. You (obviously) can’t get any worse.

  Light Brings Sight!

  General Levi Nanne

  PS: I usually end my transmissions with Light Brings Sight! For you, I’m ending with: Bend or Break!

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: T_L_2/23.43.2

  To: L_N_3/19.1.1

  Subject: Tesy Tesr Test

  Yo cab shove yor light ip tour add.

  But srrioualy. hiw ia yhis??//?

  General-in-training,

  Twn Lockqood

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: L_N_3/19.1.1

  To: T_L_2/23.43.2

  Subject: Yawn!

  I guess you’re ready to admit Killian isn’t the right partner for your Everlife. Obviously you don’t want to see him again. And perhaps that’s for the best. At this rate, the reunion will happen when you’re both in your six thousands. A diaper is never a good look.

  Light Brings Sight!

  General Levi Nanne

  MYRIAD

  * * *

  From: K_F_5/23.53.6

  To: T_L_2/23.43.2

  Subject: Tenley Lockwood

  This is a test. Try to ace it.

  ML, KF

  MYRIAD

  * * *

  From: K_F_5/23.53.6

  To: T_L_2/23.43.2

  Subject: Some days I think I hate you

  But only because I miss you more with every breath I take.

  Never forget your messages are monitored. Do not reply to this.

  You’re probably wondering how I contacted you. Archer gave me a Troikan comm before he died. And don’t worry. His rep won’t suffer. The action was approved by his superiors to help us help you.

  I’m awesome. You like numbers, you get numbers.

  I know you had trouble with your dad, but I also know you’re the forgiving type. Something I’m grateful for only when it applies to me. But. You’ll be happy to know he’s being treated with nothing but respect. On the flip side, your mother requested a court date, hoping to defect to Troika, and she’s currently in hiding. I have friends seeing to her protection every second of every day. No harm will come to her, you have my word. You will, of course, owe me big-time, and I will, of course, expect payment. I’m sweet like that.

  You said you’d always trust me. Never forget.

  Guess who gets to mentor Sloan? I’ll give you a hint. He dreams about you every night.

  You are the best friend I’ve ever had. I miss looking at you, talking to you, laughing with you. If I could sneak into your room and watch you sleep, I would. Screw the creep factor.

  The next time we’re together, we will fight. There’s no way to avoid it. Be ready.

  143

  ML, KF

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: T_L_2/23.43.2

  To: K_F_5/23.53.6

  Subject: o miss you top

  1) Thank you gor caring dor my mother.

  2) I am heafed to land of Harvess—I will see you therr and thank you properly.

  3) What does 143 mean/

  If it’s your way of telling ne we’re over, sorry boyo, but it’s not going tp work out for you.

  Conduit-in-training,

  Ten Lockwood

  TROIKA

  * * *

  From: Mailer-Erratum

  To: T_L_2/23.43.2 K_F_5/23.53.6

  Subj
ect: THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN DEEMED UNDELIVERABLE

  A report of this exchange has been sent to your superior, General Levi Nanne.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  * * *

  “What you seek, you will find. Good or bad.”

  —Troika

  For over a week, I practice with my Shell, a plethora of Whells/weapons and my teammates at all hours of the day and night, driven by unwavering determination. Several Generals stop by periodically to watch my progress, or lack thereof. Alejandro, who I’d swear was an Italian model in his Firstlife. Luciana, who is short, curvy and covered in adorable freckles. Shamus, who is the epitome of a Scottish warrior. And Ying Wo, who is as graceful as a sunbeam.

  Each of the Generals oversees a different part of Troikan security and well-being. Everything from war planning to communications to the well-being of our citizens. They are the leading experts in their fields.

  But no pressure for me to perform without error, right?

  Every day Levi says, “Take my hands. Send a stream of Light to me through the Grid.” Every day I fail, and frustration is riding me hard.

  In what little spare time I have, I read the Book of the Law. If there’s power in knowledge and strength in consistency, I’m going to be the strongest, most powerful girl ever to live!

  Confession: half the time I don’t understand what I’m reading.

  Page one states: The law does not define your life. The condition of our heart does that. You can only walk in the Light you know. Never violate your Light.

  So the laws aren’t as important as our intentions…or the laws are just as important as our intentions, but if we mean well, we’ll be forgiven for our mistakes? And how do you violate Light? Doing the wrong thing when you know what the right thing is? Or simply doing the wrong thing?