Second Sight (Hollows Ground Book 1)

by J. A. Culican

  Luka shakes his head and pulls me up his stairs without giving me a chance to respond. Not that I have anything to say. It’s clear I’m going nowhere. Luka would make sure of it. For I am to be sacrificed in order to keep his home safe. A home I question whether or not is worth saving.

  Back in my temporary room, I watch as Luka replaces the screen and shuts the window. “Promise me you won't run again.” Luka looks over his shoulder at me. “I don’t want you to feel like a prisoner in my home by putting a lock on the window.”

  “With or without a lock, I am a prisoner,” I say with a sigh. “I won't run.” It was stupid to think I could get out of Hollows Ground unnoticed to begin with.

  “I’m going to go finish making dinner.” He walks to the door. “Tomorrow, we will start your training. I promise everything will work out. Once I show you how amazing Hollows Ground is, you won't want to leave.” The door clicks shut behind him.

  Alone. Once again.

  Luka wakes me just as the first rays of sun filter through my window. The window that effectively bars me in this room for the night. Shaking off my failure to escape, I prepare myself for my first official day of training.

  Luka had commandeered some new clothes for me and I pull them now out of the plain brown bag he had presented me with after dinner the night before. Inside is a pair of black pants and a black shirt; the clothes match my mood, that’s for sure. I wash up quickly and dress before quietly opening my door. Noise from what I assume is the television drifts in from Luka’s living room and I tiptoe down the hall toward it.

  Luka sits on his brown leather couch eating a bowl of cereal, his eyes glued to the T.V. He rakes his hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up in all different directions as he shakes his head at whatever he’s watching. It’s strange to see another person in their home, doing something so normal. The last time I was around anyone as much as Luka was when I was a child, back with my family.

  Luka shifts on the couch and meets my eyes. He smiles and places his bowl on the table. “About time,” he chuckles, showing off those dimples I'm beginning to like. “Grab a bowl and help yourself.” Luka points to the counter. “We’ll head out in a bit. I have a big day planned for you.”

  Nodding, I grab a bowl and some kind of sugary cereal and join Luka in the living room. He is watching what looks like the news, only the information the newscasters discuss is nothing that I’ve ever heard before, about a seer breaking the western portal.

  Clicking the television off, Luka turns to me. “I want to start with hand to hand combat today. My guess is you’ve never fought a day in your life. Am I right?”

  “I’m more of a runner than a fighter. But what does that have anything to do with controlling my visions?” I ask confused.

  “In order to be a true warrior, you need to learn to fight with your body, not just your magic. Once you’re able to control your body, your magic will be an added bonus,” Luka explains.

  I shrug. “If you say so.” Not so sure about that.

  “Finish eating.” Luka points to the bowl in my hands. “I’ll grab my bag and we can head out to the training center.”

  I finish my breakfast and place my bowl in the sink. I look down at Luka’s dishwasher but I have no idea how to use one, so I just rinse my bowl and leave it there.

  “Let’s go,” Luka calls from the front door.

  Luka has a large duffle bag thrown over his shoulder and has changed into a pair of blue basketball shorts and a gray shirt. His hair curls around a blue baseball cap. He pushes his door open and holds it for me, gesturing for me to go first.

  Once out on the sidewalk we head back toward the Great Hall. Luka is talking about different forms of martial arts, something I have little interest in. I nod as he talks, taking the time to get to know my surroundings a bit better. Again, Luka’s street is empty, as if Luka is the only resident here. As soon as we turn off his street, people are everywhere. Crowds of people stand in line at similar food stands we saw yesterday as others head into buildings for what I assume are their jobs. One stand sticks out over the others. I watch in wonder as a man uses his hands to move a huge ball of fire around his grill as he cooks. With a puff of air from his mouth, the fire goes out. Incredible.

  The sky above the stand looks more purple than blue today as if the purple swirls from yesterday had completely bled into the blue. The moon that lit the sky is now covered by blackish clouds, only letting a bit of solemn light through.

  “You haven't heard a word I’ve said, have you?” Luka breaks through my thoughts.

  “Umm . . .” I tilt my head his way. “Sorry, I was watching that guy over there make eggs.” I point to the stand where a line now extends around the corner.

  “Best eggs you’ll ever eat. That’s Roman, he has the power of pyrokinesis. You should see him roast a pig.” Luka laughs.

  “Does everyone here have a different gift?” I ask, realizing I've only met one of each.

  “No. However, others who hold the gift of pyrokinesis have more or less control than Roman. It all depends on the amount of magic one wields. So, no two people are the same who hold the same magic but they do share the same gift.”

  “So, everyone is different?” I ask still a bit confused.

  “Yeah, I guess they are.” Luka watches Roman as he begins a new order. “Anyway, we're here.” He tilts his head to the building beside us. “This is the training center. It’s a safe place to use your magic. The building has been charmed to make sure no one can get hurt. Some magic is very strong and those who wield it need to learn to control it. This is where they come.”

  I follow Luka through the wide glass doors into an open foyer. Luka walks over to a desk and swipes his finger on a scanner and another set of steel doors in front of us open. Once through the second set of doors we enter a large, open room. On one side, a boxing ring is set up and two individuals are fighting. Neither one touches the other as they seem to fight using wind that encircles them both as they throw it at each other. On the other side are shelves full of knives and swords.

  “We’ll start small today.” Luka walks over to one of the shelves. “This whole rack is full of training knives.” He picks up a smaller knife and bends the blade over. “They are meant to feel like the real thing, but the blades are made of rubber. Once you're comfortable using these, we will switch to the real thing.”

  “I thought no one could get hurt here?” I ask as I glance around the gym at others using their magic.

  “From magic. No magic can hurt you here. What we’ll be doing today is considered mortal training.” He grabs a few other knives as he talks.

  “Mortal? But you aren't immortal, are you?”

  “Of course not, just as you aren't.” Luka laughs. “It’s what we consider humans with no magic. Mortals. Here hold these and follow me.” Luka hands me a variety of knives and even a sword.

  We walk to the back of the gym where a blue mat is set up in one of the corners. Luka drops his bag by the wall and gestures for me to place the knives on the table next to him. Luka hands me some pads for my arms and shins and I quickly put them on.

  “There are many forms of martial arts and we are going to take a look at different aspects of each. I want to first work on your form and coordination. Once you’re comfortable in fighting stance we will then move on to the actual techniques to throwing kicks and punches, and most importantly for you, blocking.”

  “Just a heads up, I’ve done nothing physical since I was a kid―”

  Luka places his hand over my mouth. “I figured as much. We’ll go at your pace. But be prepared I will make a warrior out of you. No way will I let Kasik kill you. Understand?” Luka asks.

  I nod as Luka continues to show me how to place my legs, bend my knees and hold my hands up for protection. I feel like a fool as we bounce around on the balls of our feet with our hands up in front of us. Luka keeps reminding me of the importance of mobility and being quick as he shows me what I'm doing wron
g and sometimes even right.

  “You're doing great, catching on quickly. By this time next week, we might be able to spar,” Luka states as he shows me how to do a cross punch.

  I mimic him and find myself flat on the ground. Luka reaches down and pulls me off the ground with a quiet chuckle.

  “Keep off the heel of your foot. Remember mobility. Get on the balls―”

  “You actually think you can make a fighter out of her?” Luna’s cackle comes from behind us. “You better hope father goes easy on you when she fails. You know my vote already.” With a shake of her head, Luna moves to the other side of our mat.

  I watch in awe as Luna spars with another person. She follows each punch or kick by sending some sort of flying object at her opponent's head. It seems her partner shares the same gift as he is able to stop many of the objects, but is too slow to throw any of his own. It’s clear who the stronger of the two is within seconds. In a matter of minutes, the other guy is on the ground, tapped out.

  Luna looks back over at us. “Your girl can't even throw a punch. She’ll never be a true Shade.”

  “I disagree,” Luka counters. “Ela is just untrained. I will make a warrior and a Shade of her.”

  “You don't have a chance.” Luna grabs a towel off the table.

  “Your constant negativity with Ela won't help the future of Hollows Ground.” Luka walks over to Luna. “Let's make a wager.”

  “I don't ever lose, Luka. What could you possibly have to bet with me?” Luna sounds intrigued.

  “A fight. You and me. I win, you leave Ela alone,” Luka states.

  “And when I win?” Luna asks.

  “You can continue to mock her and me, and I won't say or do anything about it.”

  “Stupid boy. You know I can beat you in a fight. And what exactly do you think you can say or do to me that would make me stop?” Luna steps closer to Luka.

  “You haven't fought me since we were kids. Are you scared you'll lose?” Luka taunts with a lift of his eyebrow.

  “Those there are some fighting words, Luka.” Luna pushes Luka back and stares at me.

  Something tells me that no matter what, Luna will win.

  Luna steps into the ring with her head held high. An aura of arrogance surrounds her. Either way, Luka will lose regardless of who the actual winner of this match is, that's for sure.

  Luka enters from the other side, facing off with Luna. His face is stone solid and his eyes are missing the warmth I’m used to seeing. He’s determined to win. Slowly, they bounce toward each other until they are face to face in the middle. A standoff. No words. No movement.

  “Last chance. I won't completely demolish you and your little friend if you chicken out now.” Luna smirks, breaking the tension.

  “I'm good.” Luka smacks his fists on top of Luna’s and backs away in a dancing bounce.

  Luna shrugs her shoulders just as the weights fly off the rack behind Luka and race toward him. Luka looks over his shoulder at the weights and back at Luna. Luka rushes Luna, sweeping her feet out from under her. They both hit the ground with a thud at the same time the weights crash into the wall behind Luna. The room instantly fills with energy as every being within hurries over to watch the match. Hooting and hollering echo off the walls as each picks their side with excitement.

  “I see you're still relying on your magic to win a fight. Not much has changed,” Luka jeers as he stands back up and bounds around Luna, punching his fists in the air.

  “Go with your strengths. Wasn't that what we were taught?” Luna responds as the rack that used to house the weights begins to rattle behind Luka.

  “Always have a backup, in case your magic fails,” Luka sing-songs as he circles Luna.

  “My magic never fails,” Luna sneers as she jumps to her feet.

  The shelf begins to separate from the wall as Luka kicks Luna in her back and she blocks a punch to her head. They continue to exchange blows as the bookcase shakes itself loose from the wall and hurdles toward them. Just as the case is about to smash into Luka’s back, he spins Luna around to switch places with him. The bookcase explodes around them with a puff of smoke, sending pieces rocketing through the air. My hands fly to my face to shield myself from wood and plaster.

  “No!” I screech as I fall to my knees, ducking from more debris.

  Scrambling to my feet I run toward the ring of smoke. Just as I’m about to break through the cord that encircles it I see Luka pin Luna to the ground, her blond hair tangled beneath her as energy whizzes around them, causing my own hair to stand on end.

  “There is much more to this world than magic. It’s the one truth you never believed in,” Luka stammers through harsh breaths.

  “Down here, magic is what matters. Those without are harmful to us all. Those with little are dangerous. That is the one truth you’ve always ignored,” Luna counters, pushing Luka off her and standing.

  “Give her a chance, Luna. Her magic is stronger than it seems. I know it. I can feel it.” Luka looks up to Luna as she towers over him.

  Luna pierces me with her emerald eyes. “She has much to prove. I’d be a fool to rely on your feelings and nothing more. You’ve been wrong before,” Luna states as she stomps out of the ring in a trail of dust.

  Dusting himself off, Luka finds his feet and ambles toward me. He leans on the cord as he watches Luna depart. I fear his death will be on my hands when I am unable to perform the way they need me too. The way he needs me to. I look around the gym at the mess the two created with their fight. Wood splinters scatter the ground and there’s a huge hole in one of the walls, weights littering the floor below.

  “It will be alright. This is nothing compared to some of the messes we’ve created here before. This place was made to be destroyed and put back together again, over and over and over,” Luka explains with a shrug of his shoulders.

  “How’d you win? I mean―”

  Luka chuckles. “It’s okay, I understand.” Luka places his finger under my chin guiding my eyes to his warm brown ones. “There is much more than magic when you fight. It’s something Luna has never learned. However, I did use my empath gift to win. I could feel her anger, her disbelief that I’d actually attempt to fight her. Her hatred toward you as an outsider. I used that knowledge against her. I also used her own magic against her; every move she made was predictable. Not to mention I’ve fought her so many times I’ve learned her techniques.”

  “You honestly think you’re going to be able to train me to defeat someone as powerful as Luna? That I will be able to help the Shades?” I question as I watch the room begin to put itself back together in awe.

  “Yes. You will learn to control your visions in a way to defeat your enemies just as I defeated Luna. Your gift of precognition is very powerful once it’s trained.” Luka jumps out of the ring and grabs my hand.

  “What if I don’t?” Luka drags me over to where his bag still sits.

  “I trust my gut.” Dropping my hand, he begins to throw stuff back in his duffle.

  “I don’t think I’m strong enough. I’m scared, if I fail, you fail. Your fate is on my shoulders. If I leave, runaway, maybe they’ll go easy on you―”

  “Stop.” Luka grabs my hand once again and squeezes. “No one is running.” Luka drops his shoulders. “It’s futile anyway; Kasik has your scent. He’s been in your head.” Luka drops his head and stares at the ground.

  “What exactly does that mean?”

  Luka gazes back up at me. “It means that no matter what, he will always find you. You belong to Hollows Ground now.”

  I yank my hand away from Luka and step away. “You brought me here knowing I could never leave.” My body shakes with anger. Or is it fear? “Why would you do that? You didn't even ask.” My voice drops in defeat as I rub my clammy hands down the sides of my pants.

  Luka sighs as he watches my hands. “I need to show you something.”

  I shake my head. “I’d like to go take a hot shower and lay down.” My min
d is racing, I'm stuck here.

  Grabbing his bag and throwing it over his shoulder, Luka guides us out of the training center, which has almost completely healed from the fiasco of the fight just mere minutes ago. No one pays us any mind as we walk out the glass doors or even congratulates Luka for winning. They must all feel the black cloud that hovers over us.

  We make our way down the street. The sky has changed to an even darker shade of purple and the streets are almost bare. Negative energy simmers around me in a suffocative field. I have two choices. One, become the warrior the Shades can trust and rely on, or two, die. Both fates are no choice of mine.

  The sidewalk beneath me turns to dirt as I realize we’ve been walking the wrong way to Luka’s house. Trees sprout up on either side of us as we continue down the path in silence. The glow of the moon in the dark sky is the only light. Luka’s jaw ticks as tension radiates off him the further we go. I want to ask where we’re going, but at the same time I don't want to talk to Luka.

  We crest a hill that overlooks a large, gray building on the edge of a lake. The water is quiet, with no more than a ripple. Small lanterns built into the ground light the way to a sterile white door. Seeing something like this makes it hard to believe we are actually underground.

  “Where are we?” My voice sounds loud after the silent walk.

  Luka swallows, contemplating his next words. His eyes are distant as he overlooks the calm water. “I’d like to show you something. I’m hoping it will help you understand why I brought you here. Why I know you are the one who can save us.”

  I nod as Luka hooks his pinky with mine and squeezes, melting a bit of the tension between us. We walk side by side down the lighted path to the large, white doors. Luka swipes his finger against a pad and the doors open with a loud creak. Inside, we’re met with an empty, white hall.

  Our steps echo down the hall as we pass countless closed doors with nothing but numbers on them. Luka stops in front of a door with the number 46-15 on it. I tilt my head as the familiar numbers register. They’re the same numbers on Luka’s door.