Micah nudged me.
I snapped out of it. "Oh, yes. Well, I hope there is something left to teach you. You seem to have mastered…" I looked around, frantic to find a compliment. "…the gardening aspect of it."
"Indeed," Clay muttered.
A sizzling pop in the sky broke the tension.
Micah started walking toward it. "The Fires are at it again. Another challenge. I'd better go make sure it doesn't get out of hand."
"I'll come—"
Micah cut me off, "No, no. You stay here, get acquainted. I'll be right back."
I watched him recede. A small figure darted after him—the Fire I’d caught watching Susan's water weaves.
"Now why wasn't he with his group?" I wondered out loud.
"Who?" Clay followed my gaze. "Uri? The kid sneaks away when he can. Spends a lot of time with all the other groups."
"Huh." I turned toward Clay, who was now bent over getting his garden back in order. "Does Uri have abilities with the other elements?"
Clay shrugged. "I doubt it. He's probably just curious. Besides, the other Fires pick on him. He just needs a break every now and then."
"Are all Fires like that?" I tried not to imagine Bee as an adult, spending time with that group, constantly having to defend herself.
"Are you like that?" Clay asked, pushing at my legs and feet so he could replant an uprooted cabbage.
"Huh?" I looked down and moved aside. "Oh, sorry. No – of course I’m not like that."
"Then no, not all Fires are like that."
"But I'm not a Fire."
"You're not?" He paused with his digging. His fingernails now matched his toenails.
"Well, technically no. Or wait – I guess technically yes." I looked down at him. "Oh, for crying out loud. Let me help."
I kicked off my shoes and peeled off my sweater. The soft dirt felt good in between my toes. The soil crackled with energy.
I picked up an uprooted turnip, turning it over in my hands, inspecting it. Recalling some of the gardening techniques Mama taught me, I walked down the row, looking at the rest of the turnips. "These turnips will grow better if you thin them out. They need to be about four feet apart from each other." I picked up some of the compost lying on top of dirt and smelled it. "What is this?"
"Leftover tea leaves, collected from the kitchen every morning." Clay stood, eyebrows raised.
"Good – but it's too much. It's increasing the leaf growth, causing the roots to be too small."
"You're right; we couldn't figure out why the turnips weren't getting any larger. Me and Zola didn't grow turnips on our farm."
"You're related?"
"She's my sister. We ran the family farm together; the fifth generation."
I began pulling up every other turnip; they were at least large enough to be used. "Why did you leave it to come here?"
Clay retrieved a basket for me. "Our farm isn't there anymore – we were losing money, had to shut it down." Clay came over and helped tear up the turnips. "Government policies favor large corporations. This is horrible for everyone! We use sustainable farming techniques – not pesticides. We were a part of our community. We cared about it. Our green space was torn down and industrialized."
"I'm sorry."
He shook his head. "It's happening all over. Last conference we went to, back in 2005, the U.S. was losing independent farms at a rate of one farm per hour. I mean, can you imagine?" He stopped working, and rubbed his nose. "The majority of what we eat is dictated by large corporations only interested in money? They don't care about what we're feeding our children, don't care about the economy, and definitely not the ecosystem." Clay squeezed the turnip he held in his massive hand.
I put my hand on his shoulder. "We'll change it."
His mustache moved up slightly. I think he was smiling, but couldn't be sure.
"I don't think it can change. The corporations are hard at work lobbying politicians to protect their bottom line profit. They prevent regulations requiring permits for releasing waste into local water systems, and their air quality isn't appropriately monitored." He shook his head. "We gave up. Sold the last of our belongings, donated the money to a permaculture organization, and came here."
"What's permaculture?"
He bent over the next row, picking a ripe onion. "Sustainable, organic farming that attempts to model a new form of agricultural systems from natural ecosystems."
"That was a mouthful."
He looked at me under his bushy eyebrows, taking a bite out of the onion. "It's working with nature, rather than against it. And it is the only thing that will save us. We were hoping to work toward such a thing here, but…"
He drifted off as we heard the gate to the garden open and close again. We turned as Micah made his way toward us.
"But what?" I asked.
He lowered his voice to the point I almost couldn't hear, "This place is not quite what we expected."
"I'll say," I mumbled back as Micah approached. I glanced at him and almost squeaked. "Your shirt is singed!"
"Huh? Oh." Micah twisted his tee around him, making sure there were no embers.
I looked in the direction of the Fires, taking a step and arming myself with flame. "Those reckless, sons of b—"
"Kaitlyn, stop!" Micah pulled my arm, halting my forward momentum.
I swung around, my hand swiping his shirt. It caught fire at the hem. Flames raced up the material, licking at his face and neck in a matter of seconds. He dove to the ground and began rolling over the entire row of turnips we had just replanted.
Clay and I both looked on helplessly. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at me, "There is more fire in you than you think."
Chapter 35
A Plea for Help
"Why wasn't Team Two in place on time?" Shawn asked, almost yelling into the phone in the hotel's business center. Several events had been planned that were supposed to look like causes of the Indian continent drought. But one had not been executed as planned, sending money, time, and months of careful planning down the drain. Shawn banged his fist on the table. "No we can't attempt it again, dumbass. It doesn't work like that!"
What he really wanted to do was throw the phone through the computer screen. Instead, Shawn tucked the phone between his ear and his shoulder, and rubbed at his temples. "Just prepare for the next phase. I'll let everyone know when. Wait for my call."
"What's the next phase?"
Ahi's voice made Shawn jump.
Shit – how long was she standing there?
He hung up the phone and turned to face her. "My team is trying to track down the two men that escaped here."
Ahi sat in the only other chair the tight space could hold. Shawn swiveled his seat, watching her movements for a telltale sign of what she was thinking.
"Why do you need to track them down?" Ahi asked.
Shawn took a deep breath, let it out, then answered, "They have Kaitlyn."
Shawn and Ahi had met several times now, mostly about rebuilding the stores and shops on Avenue Tekema. Ahi was always guarded but Shawn didn't miss the fact she clammed up anytime he mentioned Kaitlyn.
This time, Ahi didn't even flinch. "How do you know?"
"I have…informants."
This was it, moment of truth. Ahi had to buy his story.
Shawn clasped his hands together in front of him. "I need your help."
Ahi narrowed her eyes. "What kind of help?"
I’m losing her.
"We need Elementals for a rescue mission," Shawn said.
"Can you get proof that they have her?" Ahi asked.
Shawn caught her meaning. What she really needed was proof that the people who had Kaitlyn were the bad guys.
"Of course." Shawn straightened his back. It had been difficult placing his own people at the Chakra, and it was even more difficult communicating with them. Alex was like a watchdog on steroids. "If I give you proof, you'll back me with Elementals?"
"I'll turn it
over to the people – those who want to help can go." Ahi's large, brown eyes bore through Shawn.
Does she ever blink?
"What about you? Will you help?" Shawn asked.
Ahi crossed her arms. "Depends on what you show me."
"Fair enough."
Ahi swiveled in her chair and stood. "Well, back to work."
"Wait, I’ve been meaning to ask you something." Shawn turned so Ahi wouldn't catch the tightening of his jaw. "I'm almost done rebuilding the café, but the previous owner died in the storm. The family doesn't seem to want to continue running it. Do you know anyone that might be interested?"
Ahi stopped at the door to the small business center, and turned her head. "I might be interested. It'd be better than working on the tour bus every day."
Shawn smiled to himself.
"I'd want to get the families permission first, of course."
"Of course," Shawn said, thinking of the several hidden video cameras and microphones in the café. He’d been betting on her interest. If Ahi was there every day, he could really keep tabs on her.
Ahi left, but not before Shawn saw her mouth turn up at the corner. First time she'd smiled since he’d met her. Shawn stood, locking the door behind her, then picked up the phone and dialed. "Start increasing the atmospheric pressure over India. This drought needs to be historical."
The voice on the other end of the line said, "The Ministry of Environment and Forests have already reported higher than average crop yields."
"So? If the drought doesn't produce results quick enough, we'll just burn half the crops down."
"Yes, sir."
"Don't call me sir." Shawn hung up the phone, annoyed, and turned back to the computer. He had five more building permits to apply for today.
Chapter 36
The Merge
Lights from the Chakra had all dimmed. Outside was inky black, except for the small flickering flames on each candle, which seemed to reflect the stars. The gathering was already at least fifty strong, and the Fires had yet to join us.
Susan and Micah stood with the Waters, passing around their candle, sharing their flame. Micah ushered the Airs back away from the rest of us. Having just finished an exercise, some had yet to get their powers under control. Strong, sporadic gusts blew out everyone else's candles over and over again. I stood in the middle of the makeshift circle holding Bee. No candle necessary. I had Fire in my hands already.
As soon as I noticed the Earths approaching the group, I made my way to them. Shifting Bee to my hip, I extended my arm to Clay's sister. "Hi. I met your brother earlier today. I'm Kaitlyn."
She shook my hand. "Yes, he told me about the…" She looked me up from head to toe. "…turnips."
"Yeah. Sorry about that."
The awkwardness continues.
Zola turned her attention to Bee. "And this would be why we're all here tonight."
Clay leaned into me. "She gets grumpy when called away from the garden."
I nodded.
Zola took Bee's hand and shook it formally. "Nice to meet you."
Bee just stared at her, fascinated.
I did too. I wasn't going to be winning them over with Bee's dimples; at least not as easily as I was able to on Easter Island.
Micah stepped up beside me, putting his arm around my shoulder. "We're almost ready to begin; just waiting on the Fires." He looked in the direction of their camp. "They’re late, as usual."
I glanced at Susan setting up a foldout table in the middle of the circle with a few items on it, and looked back at Micah. "Want me to go get them?"
"No," Micah said, "I think they're coming."
Pops and sizzles started to appear over the top of a grove of trees blocking our view from their camp. Laughter came next. They emerged as one, rowdy group, taking turns lighting each other's candles with their power. A few misses, intentional or not, caused some minor flames on shirt sleeves.
Micah grumbled at my side.
They approached the group, nudging their way between the Waters and Airs. I narrowed my eyes.
Bee is one of them?
Susan clapped her hands twice. "Ok, people. Settle down. Now that everyone is here…" She made a pointed glance at the Fires. "We can begin."
She gestured for me to join her. The crowd of people went silent, and everyone looked at me expectantly. Micah put his arm through mine, and stepped forward. I went with it.
We approached the table with its assortment of boxes, a bowl of salt, an old-looking chalice of water, candles, and incense. I looked up at Susan.
She smiled at me, "Ready?"
"Sure…I guess."
She held out her hands to take Bee, and my baby obliged, leaning into Susan willingly.
Susan started, "We join together here tonight—"
Several snickers from the Fire group interrupted her.
Micah started toward them, but I put my hand on his arm to stop him. Someone from the Airs, someone with control, extinguished the Fire's candles alongside the entire right flank of the group. The Fires’ jovial mood instantly turned aggressive. A shoving match broke out between the groups.
"I can't take this," I heard Zola say behind me. "I need to get back to the garden."
I turned to watch Clay try to convince her to stay. The Waters just looked to Susan for guidance. Bee took the opportunity to spit up on Susan's shirt, distracting the Water's fearless leader.
This was Bee's Wiccaning; her introduction to the world. Better yet, the world's introduction to her. And it had all gone to shit within a matter of minutes.
"No – not like this."
Micah bent his ear down to me. "What?"
I shook my head. "It can't be like this."
I detached from his arm and took a step forward. "Stop it!"
The shoving match between the Fires and Airs had grown louder. No one heard my command. I pushed aside the boxes on Susan's table and hoisted myself on top of it. My balance was off. I began to fall. Hands caught my backside and I looked down to see Micah righting me. I smiled down at him, gratefully.
Taking my place above the crowd, I tried again. "Stop!"
A few of the Fires and Airs at the front of the group turned their attention toward me, but they were pulled back into the fray as the entire mob surged forward.
That was it. Time to give them a demonstration. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and centered myself to absorb the Earth's energy. I pulled it into myself, letting it expand. It tingled throughout my body, from my head to my toes. I released it back into the Earth, and the soil below us first bubbled, then rolled and pitched at the disruption of its stability.
I cast a wary glance at Clay and Zola. It had at least stopped her in her tracks. In fact, they were concentrating on me. But that was why I had chosen Earth. Had I alarmed any of the other groups by using their element, I'd have had a much larger force to reckon with; maybe too large.
I winked at the Earths, hoping that would be enough to tell them I was no threat. Without waiting for a response, I did it again. Absorbing the energy, then sending it back. The earth trembled a little harder, causing people to stumble.
Immediately, the ruckus between the Airs and Fires ceased, as they looked around, wide-eyed.
I took the stage. "This is not how your powers work. They are not meant to be grouped in mass." Now that I had their attention, I hopped off the table and walked over to the Fire group.
I took a candle from one of the men standing in the front row. "A small flame is controllable, useable. And given the chance to grow…" I collected several more candles, holding them together to create a larger flame, "…it can give us our heat, our food, light."
I turned back to the table and tossed all of the candles onto one of the cardboard boxes sitting on the ground. Most of the candles went out during the short flight through the air, but one caught hold, setting the box on fire. I saw Susan's face go white out of the corner of my eye. But I was on a roll. I couldn't stop now. "Left un
checked, fire is devastating."
Before any more boxes went up in flame, I flicked my hand behind me, drawing in moisture from the air and spraying the flames with wind and water until they went out. I took the momentum of the wind and directed it to the group of Airs. They stepped back at the sudden gust, all of their candles going out and their hair flying back.
"Same with air, or water, or any of the elements. Too much of any one of them creates natural disasters; sends the planet and the ecosystem into imbalance."
I looked back at Micah and Susan, checking to make sure they followed. Susan, with Bee still on one hip, desperately checked the other boxes. She seemed to find what she was looking for; her shoulders sagged in relief. Micah gave me the nod of encouragement I was looking for.
I turned back to the group, tapping my chin, and thinking. "We need to reorganize. No more camps." I looked around. "Alex?"
He came out from between the group of mixed Fires and Airs. The only one without magic powers, and he was the only one to charge straight in once they started to fight.
"Start pairing them up. Groups of four; one element each."
He saluted and began shouting orders, his voice deep. For the first time I saw the military man in him come out. With Bee still on her hip, Susan helped, pairing her Waters with each Fire/Air set. Since there were only two Earths, the groups wouldn't be even until we found more Elementals.
Once everyone had a group, Alex sorted them into a circle around me.
"Good. That's good." I nodded appreciatively at Alex, then addressed everyone else. "From now on, this is your group. We may make minor adjustments as more join us – or as your powers become more stable."
Or less, my mind supplied.
I continued, "Tonight you sleep in your camps, but it will be your last. From tomorrow on, you sleep, eat, practice, and do whatever else you do, with your new group."
Lots of looks of disdain, sideway glances, and grumbles greeted my announcement. I crossed my arms. No one spoke out.
"Good. Let's try it."
"Try what?" Susan asked.
I turned to her. "Akasha. We are going to invoke Akasha."
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