by Debbie Behan
‘Glad to hear that! The gods will eat them alive if they dare argue with them.’ He searched the room and spotted Caitlin. ‘How did you go with the feisty one today?’
‘I’ll try again tomorrow. Cait put a lot of heart into the training session today but still needs more work. Is this how she’s been over the past few months since I saw her?’
‘Worse.’
‘Mmm, thought so!’
Axon shrugged. ‘Shouldn’t be a problem if you need her again tomorrow. I‘m sure Nigel would love to help out and do a shift or two for her.’ He grinned. ‘She tells me you had him on duty today; interested to know how you got him to do that. He has been with me for too many years, and I have rubbed off on him. He can be one stubborn cookie to handle if he doesn’t want to do something.’
Woody laughed. ‘Thought I’d have to hog tie him to the chair he gave me so much cheek. ‘Where is he?’ He laughed heartily. ‘Butler or not, I’m having a beer with the funny man.’
Woody snapped his fingers. Nigel looked up while still serving drinks and smiled.
‘Get over here you!’ he commanded and ruffled his knuckles on Nigel’s head when he got to him. It was then the team relaxed and during the night saw what Woody meant in his gruff voice, when he said, “you work hard, and I’ll show you wimps how to party.” And, did they party, all but Caitlin. She volunteered to go on watch. The day had been exciting for her, but the session with Woody the next day was on her mind. She hoped to get some clarity and give him something other than a dumbfounded look this time.
It was just before sunrise when Axon joined her. He had showered, and his light aftershave lingered as he passed her to check the activity within the planets. Chatting to her, Axon scanned the solar system. While searching the surface of Pluto, he told her of its ruler Hades and the role he played, as God of the Underworld. She shuddered at how cruel he could be and out of all the Rulers, he was the one she least looked forward to meeting.
Next, he focused on Jupiter, the ruler of this planet being Hades’ brother, Zeus. Caitlin asked many questions about Zeus. He, being the King of the Gods, fascinated her.
Last was the eldest brother Poseidon, ruler of Neptune and God of the Sea. The titles of all three brothers were overwhelming enough, without the fact that she and her team were now the peacemakers to these ancient lawbreakers.
‘Axon, are you sure we have the clout to control such divine characters?’
‘Not the way you are, Cait, and I assume you look to rectify this by your offer to do the night shift. I hope it gave you time to reflect on your upcoming appointment with Woody. But just know I’m here for you and will be beside you every step of the way, helping any way I can. As for the planets, if we are to have any kind of peaceful outcome, we need to do this as a team, with you in prime form.’
‘I agree I need more tweaking if I want to be anywhere near as good as Cassie. So yes, it was the reason I chose this shift, I did need to think. I also gather from what you have said so far, it was Hades’ brothers who put the hit out on our farms. If this is true, it means we’ll be facing these gods head on.’
‘Correct.’
‘And you honestly believe that I’m to the planets what Cassie is to the stars. That… my friend… is a big call. I just hope I don’t let you down.’
‘Caitlin, as unwell as you’ve been, it was you who felt something was wrong and that fear alone, forced my hand into bringing the team here, hence saving their lives.’
Her eyes widened and she raised her nose in an uppity pose. ‘If that’s so, I believe they’re all indebted me.’
‘Maybe I should have kept that quiet.’ He found her amusing. ‘I can only imagine what they will have to do to make it up to you.’
‘Mm, yes, they will be at my beck and call, that is for sure!’
‘Okay, I can see this is not going to go down well with Rory, but your call.’ He grinned. ‘In the meantime, Woody’s waiting downstairs for you. Just remember what I’ve said and why it’s imperative to let him into your psyche. Allow his magic to make right what is needed. Then you will be a force to be reckoned with young lady and will need none of us to give you the confidence you currently seek. But in saying that, these immortal men are ruthless, yes, but don’t forget, they are just men. That power we seek is just a weapon and should only to be used as a last resort. Work just as hard sharpening your peacekeeping skills, and I’m positive you will have them wrapped around your little finger in no time as you have me. No magic needed.’ He pulled her to her feet. ‘Call me when you’re done.’
Axon breathed out as the door closed behind her. He had started to wise up that she had a power that was unlike anything he had come across. It was the scent of a goddess, aromatic and delightful. This morning, however, it was exceptional. He closed his eyes and groaned. The aroma still lingered and his will against her charms, the fight inside to keep their relationship platonic, had weakened further. Stay tough! his mind warned. She has a stronger connection with Rory and will leave you.
* * * *
When Caitlin arrived downstairs, Rory and Bree were in the kitchen cooking breakfast while Woody sat at the table sipping coffee. His hair was ruffled, and his usual spark, flat. Caitlin hadn’t slept but felt better after her chat with Axon. He had a way of uplifting her spirits which put her in a cheery mood. Her smile lit up her face as she grabbed a chair to put next to Woody.
The chair squealed on the tiled floor as she dragged it closer to him making Woody grunt. ‘Sore head, shh,’ he muttered.
Rory put a plate of food in front of her. ‘Here, cooked this especially. The boss told me you’d be down about now.’ He took both her arms and, treating her like a puppet, he moved them so she could pick up her knife and fork. This had her and Bree in stitches. Caitlin had missed him and the games he played to have her eat whatever he cooked.
Woody leant on his arm and watched, fascinated.
Rory shrugged and grinned at him. ‘Unlike the rest of us, Cait has little interest in fine cuisine and I guess has plain taste buds. She’s been like it since we met her.’
‘What, not a lover of herbs and spices, Cait?’ Woody asked.
She swallowed down a big mouthful of food with a gulp and poked a fork towards Rory. ‘I eat what they cook for me.’
Woody glanced at Rory who smiled. ‘We look after our own, Woody, and it’s not an issue for us. Cait asks for nothing and gives us much. To cook for her is a delight and the least we can do.’
Woody watched Caitlin devour breakfast and then glanced at the pleasure on Rory and Bree’s faces as they looked on. Making a meal she enjoyed was their way of showing her how much they cared. By enjoying it, she reciprocated their love. This was much like what Cassie did for their team, only this was in reverse.
Chapter Sixteen
A Friend in Need
Woody said nothing until he found a spot outside where they could be alone. As they stretched out on the grass, he moved his head from side to side and cracked his neck.
‘You okay?’ Caitlin said. ‘I know all that rah rah and party boy you showed us last night was to reveal you’re just like us. We get it, though, you have a job to do and we did need a good kick in the pants. But have to admit it was fun and glad you let them locks down and dropped the tough guy act for a bit. You fully won them over.’
‘And you?’
‘You’ve always had my respect, but now I know you are fun too. It’s made me like you more.’ She nudged him and grinned. ‘I dig your style big Red.’
‘Don’t miss much do you, little one.’
‘Nope, and one more thing, I bet after you finish with me, the session yesterday will feel like a walk in the park, right?’
‘Mmm, maybe too astute.’ He gave her a grin. ‘You know then, that you exhibited cracks in your magic during training.’
She nodded and put her he
ad down.
‘If I don’t fix it, the planet Rulers with their godly powers will identify your weakness, single you out and target you, possibly try to kill you. So yes we have a bit of work to do. Now quiet.’
‘Yes sir.’ She saluted him and sat up straight, ready for whatever exercise he was going to get her to do.
She was surprised when he requested hush and, turning her chin, stared into her eyes.
With her full attention, Woody was now able to create a bridge between them so his magic could search and find the grief of yesteryear. She had blocked him last time but he hoped to peel more layers from those walls this session and release her hidden fears, turning them into positives. He allowed his magic to flow from him to her. It gave her a sense of peace. Caitlin flopped backwards, eyes closed, but her mind far from quiet. Her forehead wrinkled with worry.
‘Talk to me,’ he said.
‘I stuffed up.’
‘Yes.’
‘Can you fix me?’ She squinted at him.
‘Shush now. Let me see what’s going on.’ He moved his hand above her, and a blue flash was the last thing she saw as her eyes slammed shut; her mind his.
* * * *
Woody was almost in panic mode when her lashes fluttered. He had put Caitlin in a deep trance, the hypnosis needed to unlock the past. The secured bond of secrecy stayed dormant in a mind that had held firm. He was relieved when the comatose body, that had been out of it for many hours, finally moved.
‘What happened?’ She woke, refreshed.
‘I had to go pretty deep to bring out what was troubling you. Do you recall anything we spoke about?’
She shook her head and shrugged. ‘Nothing.’
‘You will.’ He dusted off leaves that had blown on his trousers as they had been there so long. ‘I’m here for a few days, so if you are up to it, I’d like to try again tomorrow.’
‘So we’re finished? That was easy. Can I go?’ Her energy levels had spiked and she wished to go use some of it up. ‘I feel great.’ She was bursting from within.’ Lifting her arm, she checked the time, and her eyes widened as she stared at him. ‘What! We’ve been out here all morning.’
‘Yes, it was an exhausting session and after, you slept for a very long time. But no, we have not finished. How do you feel?’
Caitlin stretched. ‘Like I’ve just been reborn, so energised.’
‘The mind can forget, but the experience stays. I have set off a seed of truth in your memory. The magic in the seed will seek out hidden truths. After you recall that which upsets the flow of your power, it will dissipate and it won’t bother you to mention it in the future.’
‘So you can magically wave away the pain of the past that I can’t even remember yet.’
‘Yes!’ He smiled. ‘Now young lady, I have to see what this session uncovered.’
‘Another test!’
He put a hand to her forehead. ‘Cheeky! Now close your eyes and relax.’
She did as he commanded, still under this very powerful man’s control, and she heard him communicate with her team. ‘Zeke, is that you on watch?’
‘Sure, what’s going on?’
‘Ignore the explosion you will see shortly. Cait is ready to power up and do an exercise for me.’
‘No probs; will alert the others.’
A grin spread across Woody’s lips. ‘Ready.’
‘Ready.’
‘Caitlin, you have the power to do many things, but today I want you to launch a rocket-style projectile into space.’
‘What! Are you serious?’
‘Concentrate. This exercise, Cassie can do without thinking, so now focus on my orders and quit the negativity.’
She breathed out heavily. Woody knew stirring her up about Cassie would change her tune. Both so competitive. He grinned at her sulky expression.
She closed her eyes and let his words flow through her. ‘Twist the top off the invisible casing I know you can see and fill it full of your own magical explosives. Secure the top with a tight turn before sending it out to the desolate sky to the right of us.’
Caitlin completed the task in her mind. When ready she opened her eyes and picked the target. The powerful bomb shot out from within her hands as she held them out. First, it was like a silver flash of light, and as the beam whizzed through the air and at a certain height it began to illuminate. Once the glow of the beam dulled the magical weapon moulded into the perfect shape of a rocket. By this time, they were both standing while Woody held her. The backdraft alone was incredibly powerful as it whistled towards its target.
‘It’s easier to fire these off when I’m on my horse,’ she had to yell so he could hear her over the noise.
‘Our rides sure are resilient, I know,’ he shouted back.
As it hit the mark, Woody let her go. ‘Better cover your ears Cait.’
‘Won’t need to— watch!’
Worried about the power she had stored and the damage it might cause, she ignored his last instructions and filled it full of something a little less harmful. Woody squinted, his lips squeezed firmly, realising she had strayed from what he asked. Caitlin giggled at the look he gave her and made him laugh when she pushed him. The glow from the exploding fireworks that popped and shrilled through the air, a total crowd pleaser, softened his mood towards her.
Lisha and Bree heard the sound of fireworks and knew their friend was putting on a show for Woody. Both girls appeared on the balcony above, jumped around and high fived each other while they took delight in the colourful display.
Woody smiled. ‘Not what I asked for, but very creative.’
‘Can I go now?’ Caitlin itched to join the girls and have some fun with them. With so much energy she wasn’t sure where to put herself.
Woody touched his ear pod, and listened to Nathen. ‘No, that’s not us. Our session is over.’ In one swift movement, Woody had snatched up Caitlin and put her down facing the stables. ‘You’re up Red; you aren’t going anywhere. There’s trouble coming. Which stable is your horse kept in?’ He looked around at the twin barns big enough to house twenty-five horses at a time. ‘I have to get you up in the sky, pronto. This is not a drill, now— move it!’
Caitlin ran in front towards the barn on the left.
‘Quick!’ He hoisted her up and then fitted the golden bridle securely over Shargan’s head. Her horse transformed, her armour cool against Caitlin’s skin. A new outfit replaced her shorts and top as Shargan stretched out her massive white wings. The armour was decorative and bright in colour, and she patted him while waiting for Woody. His black stallion showed its age when shaping. The white wings were tinged with grey and the armour colours had faded. She could see they had been together a very long time.
Zeke was nearly out of breath as he, Bree and Lisha got to them. He talked fast as the girls raced to get their horses. ‘At first, we thought it was you guys mucking about. The explosive matter slipped past Zoren’s team, and we didn’t pick it up either until it was in sight. It looks like a comet heading straight for us.’
Hearing it was so close, Woody and Caitlin headed off in flight while the others bridled their horses. The three riders still on the ground mounted quickly and were only seconds behind them. Caitlin could hear Woody as he communicated with the tower below, her ear pod cutting in and out from the power she built. She did get, however, that Nathen and Rory had to stay until relieved by Axon who had just arrived. Nathen headed down to get the horses ready while Rory waited in the tower, anxious to mount up and join his team.
Rory talked fast, leaving the channel open so his team could hear what he said to Axon. ‘They must be tampering with the satellites, for us not to pick up anything. The only chatter at the minute is coming from Pluto and Jupiter. Hades and Zeus are following it, we’re sure of it.’
Woody broke in. ‘Can you hear what they
are saying?’
‘No, they’re talking in an unfamiliar code, and it crackled so much we only heard parts, but it’s being taped. Zoren is attempting to decipher it. We should hear from him soon.’
‘Hang on Woody.’ Silence.
‘Okay, we’re on our way. Axon has decoded some of the words, and it’s not favourable. He’s reasonably sure they are calling it a Dwarf Nova, so we’d better get up there quick smart to help.’
‘Orders!’ Woody tapped hard on his ear pod.
‘Caitlin is to destroy it if she gets a clear shot. But tell her she will need everything she’s got. Axon thinks it’s too unstable to try and move it from the solar system, so it will have to be blown up.’
‘Caitlin.’ Woody’s voice was firm. ‘The rocket exercise I just showed you, give it a shot. Has more grunt than what you have been using and this one is huge and needs something big.’
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and concentrated hard while the explosive magic began to take form in her mind.
Woody turned from her. ‘The rest of you, get into position. Cait’s already used a lot of power in the exercise. It could shatter and shoot out in all direction. Get ready to clean up the mess before it hits other Home Worlds.’
Zeke spoke to Woody. ‘Counting you, Woody, we have four of us. Without Cait, we leave the fifth quadrant exposed.’
‘Rory and Nathen are on their way, so until they do get here we will have to manage.’ said Woody.
Zeke nodded in agreement. ‘Just hope Cait’s got something left to help until they reach us.’ He knew how dangerous it was to drain Caitlin’s powers entirely. He could already feel her straining now they had been connected correctly. He nodded to Bree and Lisha who could also feel it. ‘You girls know what I’m thinking.’
They both nodded and put thumbs up.
‘No use learning something if we can’t use it when we need to.’ Lisha was impatient to get started. They had been training for just this situation, although they had never used it. Being Rory’s sister, she knew he would approve. It was he who came up with this manoeuvre to get more power from their spin. Instead of cleaning up just one spot at a time, they were possibly able to stretch the circumference to cover the entire cluster of debris at once.
