“Makes sense, Green.” Galadriel nodded. “I knew my brilliance would rub off on you at some point.” He smirked.
Jewel snorted. “Your brilliance, huh?”
“Hey, what can I say. Your brain is beginning to think like mine so, yeah- my brilliance.” Galadriel said.
“Yeah, okay.” Jewel chuckled.
“You said there is a spy helping Storm, correct?” Foster said to Steele.
Steele nodded. “I did.”
“Do we know for certain that this spy is one hundred percent on our side of things?” Foster asked.
“Storm seems to believe so, but my mind reading and mind controlling abilities don’t work unless I’m in close proximity to the individual, so I can’t be sure until we go there.” Steele admitted. “Why? What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking that the best course of action is what Jewel suggested. We go to Weatheropolis. We go and see if the spy is truly on our side. If they are, I think the group will be more than willing to leave Weatheropolis and put our energy on finding Malum. I think that we might also gain more information on Malum, himself, if we utilize your and Jewel’s mind reading and mind controlling abilities along the way. Dispatchers, Horde members, and anyone else that is following Malum. Perhaps someone will have some bloody information that we won’t otherwise gain.” Foster stated.
“That could work, but we would need to be very careful. I haven’t been in contact with Storm in a few days, and the secure phone lines are no longer working, so we would be arriving unannounced which may mean that the rebels will react first and more than likely in a violent way.” Steele said seriously.
“Then we prepare for that too.” Sage said.
“What about the Council?” Jade asked. “Can they help us?”
“Chocolate cocoa clusters. Did you not hear Spitfire explain that there basically isn’t a Council anymore?” Rain said snarkily. “They’ve split because of whatever these Transmuters have been doing while disguised as us.”
“I agree with Raindrop, Troll.” Jewel frowned. “The only two that might help us, and that might is a longshot, would be Alki and Callidora, but I have a feeling that they both have their hands full at the moment. King Jazere and Queen Nerissa have definitely switched sides because they believe that I am the enemy, so that rules out any help from the Djinn or Merpeople population. The Pixie King has a deal with Gertrude and tricked her into holding up her end of it, which I equally like and dislike him for, and the only other member of the Council is still an unknown factor for me. I never saw their face and have no idea what world they are even a leader of.”
“I don’t know about anyone else, but doesn’t it seem a bit fishy that the Transmuters are the one’s wreaking the most havoc for our cause when the leader, Alki, is supposedly still on our side.” Sage mused. “I just feel like either he no longer has control of his community or he isn’t really our ally.”
“Could be either one.” Jewel agreed. “The thought has crossed my mind, and it definitely wouldn’t be the first time someone has tried to trick me into thinking they’re an ally.”
“What about the Sirens, Green?” Galadriel blurted out. “Do you think they would help us if you promised to help them get their world back from the Djinn?”
“They might, and I think we should definitely try to make that deal, but first things first. We need to show the population that the Transmuters that are pretending to be myself and a few of us aren’t the real us.” Jewel said. “We need to show them that they are tricking everyone. It may help give us more allies, and it will definitely help stop some individual’s from jumping the proverbial ship.”
“But how can we know where the Transmuters are?” Jade asked.
“By going to Weatheropolis and having a chat with the spy. They may know something about that too.” Jewel stated. “We can link up with our group, strategize, and have the spy get as much intel about the Transmuters and Malum as possible.”
“Weatheropolis it is then.” Foster said aloud.
“Weatheropolis it is.” Jewel repeated, somehow knowing that this was going to be a turning point. What kind of turning point, she had no idea, but it was going to be a turning point, nonetheless.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Happily Ever Now
After speaking with Rayon and Brutus, the group came up with what Jewel considered to be a solid plan. It was simple really. Jewel and her group would travel to Weatheropolis, and Rayon and Brutus would travel to the surrounding magical communities, furthering the group’s attempt to gain allies and pertinent information that might help them find and defeat Malum and his followers. Easy peasy, except for the whole getting the plan’s details to work in their favor thing. But before they went anywhere, Jewel had excused herself to go and try and talk with Frost on her own. He still hadn’t returned, and by the look of pure exasperation on Zephyr’s face, it seemed that Frost was still in quite a mood.
Jewel had searched through almost every room on the floor when she finally found him standing on the balcony, staring out into the distance with a furrowed brow. It was obvious that something was weighing heavily upon him, and Jewel wanted him, for once, to not run away, but to talk to her. It was the only way to move forward, because Jewel had already promised herself that this would be the last time she went after him.
“Well, Snowman. Looks like we’re just about ready to head out.” Jewel said, joining him on the balcony.
Frost nodded, running a hand through his midnight blue locks. “I just need a few more minutes before we go- if that’s okay?”
“That’s fine.” Jewel stated. “Mind if I join you?”
He shrugged apathetically. “If you want to Gem, that’s fine.”
Silence descended upon the pair and Jewel couldn’t help but bristle the longer they went without talking. Maybe Frost and her couldn’t ever be in a romantic relationship, maybe they could never be anything more than friends, but they had been close once- super close as friends, and she missed it.
“Holey buckets, Frost. What’s going on in that head of yours? Talk to me. Tell me what’s bothering you, because right now I don’t know whether you are frustrated at the worlds or just tired and frustrated with being around me.” Jewel said honestly.
Frost sighed. “I could never be tired of being around you, Gem. And I could never be frustrated with you. Well- that’s not true. I definitely could, but that’s not why I’m so angry.”
“Then why are you? Because what you said to my Dad back there was completely out of line. You basically said that I’m the issue here, since I’m the product of my parent’s relationship and that’s what you were referring to as being the catalyst for this craptastic stuff we’re dealing with.”
Frost’s head dropped. “I shouldn’t have said that.” He shook his head. “I’m just so angry all the time, and I don’t know what to do about it. I took the vow of Protector out of respect for Winter and out of knowing that I needed a power boost to help protect you, but the cost was much higher than I thought it would be.”
Jewel winced as she heard the words that she already knew were the absolute truth. “I’m sorry Frost. I’m sorry I dragged you into this, and I’m sorry that you felt an obligation to become a Protector. I’d tell you to give your two-weeks notice, but I know that’s not an option.” She smiled sadly.
“It’s not that I don’t want to be a Protector, Gem. It’s actually pretty cool. But, I also, I don’t know- I guess I thought that there was something special between us. But then I see you with Trickster and honestly, I don’t know what to think, because you seem to have something special with him too and I might be irritated with him right now, but I know that he would do anything for you, just like I would.” Frost growled. “Which is another reason I’m angry. I got left behind, Gem. I get why, before you start explaining it, but it doesn’t change the fact that I got left behind. Again. I wasn’t there to protect you, and then these Transmuters have been running amok pretending to be you,
and at first, I’m not going to lie to you, Gem. I didn’t think the imposters were imposters- I thought it was you and some of the group that had just gotten to the point of lashing out. I thought that you had just tired of everyone treating you like garbage, and I didn’t blame you for that. But don’t you see…….there is no happy ending for us, Gem. It doesn’t matter how this whole thing shakes out. There’s no happily ever after for us. Certainly nothing like those characters in that sappy Sorcerers United book series of yours.” He said with a despondent expression, but Jewel couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
“You read my books, Snowman?” Jewel beamed.
Frost rolled his gunmetal eyes, but Jewel could see his mouth twitching as he fought back a smile. “That’s really all you heard just now, Gem? That I read that load of sap.”
“No. I heard the rest, but the best part is the fact that the great Frost actually read my favorite book series and call it sappy if you want, but you read it my friend. You are officially part of me and Raindrop’s fan club.”
Frost snorted. “That’s pushing it, Gem. But I will admit that I envy the characters. They went through Hell, but they ended up together.”
“And we can too.” Jewel said with no hesitation. “But only if we stick together and you stop running away or being mean every time things don’t go your way, or you feel down about something. You can always talk to me. No matter how big or small things might be to you, I will always be here to listen. But you can’t keep doing things to push me away. We are a team, and we need to start acting more like it, don’t you think?” She paused, before continuing. “And I’m not going to sit here and tell you that we will get our happily ever after, but instead of focusing on that, why don’t we focus on the happily ever now. Let’s enjoy being with each other, because we have no idea what we are going to be facing tomorrow or the next day. We have no idea how many of us will still be standing at the end of all this, and we have no idea what the future truly holds. But what I can tell you is that I care about you, and we can figure the rest out later. Okay?”
Frost gave Jewel a small smile and pulled her into one of his hugs that made her feel safe and cared about. He still smelled of snow and ice and fresh laundry. And listening to his heart beat instantly put Jewel into a relaxed state of mind. She had meant what she had told him. They would figure things out, but she didn’t want to lose her friend in the process, so for now, Jewel was content to treasure the moment, knowing full well that there was no guarantee for the next one.
*******
The group left the luxurious Hospitable Suites a few hours later and had now landed in a forest that Jewel didn’t even know Weatheropolis had, but at least the weather was relatively mild. Not that it would probably stay that way, but for now at least they hadn’t landed in the middle of a downpour or a blizzard. They made their way slowly and quietly towards what they believed to be the location of the safe house that Sage had been able to figure out through a complicated locator spell. All manner of protective spells had been put in place in order to keep the exact location a secret so that was unknown, but the surrounding area had shown up and they were hoping that someone they knew would spot them when they arrived and take them to the actual safe house.
One thing was for certain, however. The group was trying to get there quickly because they had no idea if they were being watched and honestly, both sides needed to be looked out for since everyone either wanted Jewel’s head on platter or they thought she had lost her melon- thanks to the Transmuters that Jewel couldn’t wait to deal with personally.
As Jewel made her way along a brush-covered path with Frost, Rain, Zephyr, Galadriel, Sage, Foster, Jade, and her Dad, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Sure, every step they took was a step closer to the biggest fight of their lives, but it also took them closer to being able to reunite with all the members of their group, and then Sage was going to get the chance to propose to Ambrosia. Frost’s words about the future being uncertain weren’t untrue or unfounded, but Jewel felt like it was even more reason to live in the moment so to speak.
“Stop right there.” A voice ordered from the foliage ahead of Jewel. The group immediately stopped in their tracks as a very large, uniformed individual who seemingly melted from a group of bushes appeared, his hands shooting sparks and his eyes ice cold as he blocked their path.
“We mean no harm. We’re just here to see Storm.” Steele said calmly, raising his arms, palms facing out as a show of being nonthreatening.
“Is that right?” The uniformed man said, before making a weird bird call noise. As weird as the noise was, though, it was effective, because dozens of armed individuals sprang from several different areas of the forest. They were all donning the same uniformed fatigues and even though Jewel should have been anxious at this point, she couldn’t help but be impressed that they had all blended in so seamlessly with their surroundings. They had probably been following Jewel and her friends for a while without them even knowing it, but the ring that Galadriel gave Jewel wasn’t buzzing- warning them of danger, so Jewel was pretty sure they were all on the same side.
“What business do you have with Storm and why are you traveling with her if you truly mean no harm?” The leading officer sneered as he looked in Jewel’s direction like she was something sticky on the bottom of his shoe.
“You will show my Daughter some respect, or we will end our conversation right now.” Steele growled, his arms crossing over his chest as his muscles visibly tensed.
“I show respect to those who have earned it, not to those who take it by force.” Another officer said as he approached Jewel and the group that had now taken a defensive stance together.
“Chocolate sauce.” Rain rolled her eyes. “They must be referring to the stupid Transmuters, Spitfire.”
“Agreed, Raindrop. If and when we ever run across them, we’ll have to show them what the real deal is all about, if you’re catching what I’m throwing at you.”
“Oh, yeah! And I’m with you on that.” Rain smirked. “You can sparkle it up and I’m going to lay them out like some white chocolate sauced berries in a row.”
Jewel chuckled. “Why white chocolate sauce?”
Rain shrugged. “Because that’s my very least favorite type of chocolate and the Transmuters impersonating us are on the same list as Ella right now, and I don’t think I need to explain to you just how bad it is to be on that list.” She said seriously with a glint in her eyes.
“What are you two babbling about?” The leading officer asked in exasperation, with the other officers looking more befuddled by the second.
“They’re talking about kicking some Transmuter gluteus maximus, because neither of them are responsible for anything that’s been going on, and the last thing they want to be dealing with is a whole bunch of attitudes from individuals who are treating us like the enemy when all we’re here to do is help.” Frost scowled.
“Here, here, Snowman.” Rain whooped. “That’s the scowling ice king we all know and somewhat like.” She teased.
“Watch it Princess.” Frost smirked. “I can freeze all your chocolate if you get too mouthy.”
Rain gasped, Jewel chuckled, and Zephyr groaned as he said, “Can you please not threaten her only true, unwavering form of enjoyment.”
“Oh, wow, Puff.” Galadriel chimed in. “Chocolate is Rainy’s only true form of enjoyment, huh? You must not be very good at kissing her then.” He burst out laughing, even gaining a few snickers from Foster and Sage in the process.
Steele rolled his eyes, but just shrugged at the officers who were now well and truly perplexed.
“We have a group here that say they’re friend, but I don’t know what to think, sir. They are asking for you.” The leading officer said into some unseen device as he tilted his head and pressed something in his ear. “Will do, sir.” He finished as his hand dropped away from his ear. “You will stay here until we can sort out who you really are.”
> “Well, fan-freakin-tastic.” Jewel threw her arms into the air. “By all means, let’s all just wait around here in the open until Gertrude or Shade shows up, then shall we. That sounds like the best plan in the worlds. Let’s just wait here for the enemy.” She said, her words dripping with sarcasm.
“Don’t forget the Council. Well, at least the one’s wanting our heads. I’m sure they know how to portal to our world, so they could show up at some point too.” Rain pointed out.
“And Malum, because he’s not going to sit in the shadows forever.” Galadriel added.
“And the Dispatchers.” Sage joined in jovially, despite the situation, which was probably because he was dying to see Ambrosia. “The Dispatchers could be hiding anywhere. Especially since we didn’t even know that these soldiers were out here.”
“Oh, that’s true.” Jewel smiled. “Anyone else we need to be worried about at the moment?”
“Well, let’s see, Gem.” Frost said, ticking names off as he spoke. “Malum, Gertrude, Shade, Dispatchers, part of the Council, and everyone else on their side- nope, I think we covered everyone.”
“Are they always this obnoxious?” The leading officer asked Steele and Foster who might not have been joining in on the banter, but who were smiling and chuckling, nonetheless.
“Only when they are being detained for ridiculous reasons, thus losing precious time in the process, and becoming sitting cruckets.” Steele said without hesitation.
“Good one Dad! Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Jewel smiled, gaining a wink from her Dad.
“Stand down.” The leading officer said abruptly as he snapped to attention. “The duck flies at midnight.”
“The duck flies at what now?” Jewel asked in confusion. “Is he the duck? Are we the duck? Who’s the duck?”
The Council Page 38
