Touched

by Allegra Skye

  “This cannot be allowed!” the Shadows all hissed.

  “Take her out immediately! And take Cooper with her! Find them and chew them to pieces.”

  Senica cleared his throat as Darius roared on. Who was that girl exactly? He’d heard that the Indigo Children had been evolving the past hundred years, producing more intense forms of their breed. Could she be one of them? He’d also heard a strange and disturbing prediction that the Electric Child was expected in the next 25 years. This Electric Child on its own would completely alter the balance of the solar system in a special way. Darkness would disappear, the Shadows would lose all source of food. They’d end up writhing on the floors of their caves, returning to the dust they were made of. He didn’t know why he was thinking of this now. It was an old prediction, but he’d heard it again recently. There had been rumors. Thinking of it now made him shiver again.

  Darius was pounding his hand on the table as the Shadows hissed and howled.

  “Attention!” he yelled.

  They room grew eerily silent.

  “We must find out more about the girl who vanquished us and track her whereabouts. Cooper found her at Bertram High in Everstock. Her name is Keira, she has a twin sister Amanda, who almost died in the car accident we caused. Percy, stand up!”

  Percy, a young Shadow, tall and muscular, with intense hazel eyes, high cheekbones and searing black hair, stood up.

  “Percy, you are immediately dispatched to Bertram High. Seduce Amanda Blaine, the twin sister. Find out everything about Keira. Have Amanda call her sister and demand that she come home.”

  Percy smiled very, very slowly, exposing tiny teeth. Senica knew this was his favorite kind of mission. Percy had intense powers with women. He could draw the very life out of them, just by his glance, move them around like pawns on a chessboard.

  Senica wanted to accompany him, but could not say so. He wanted to get hold of both of these girls in his own hands, rip them away from Cooper. He still couldn’t comprehend why Cooper had escaped. He’d been given everything any Shadow Vampire could have wanted. What he was looking for? Could it be his mother? The thought of it devastated Senica. It was more than he could bear.

  Senica felt rage rise as Percy received his mission. When Senica was young, this was exactly the kind of mission assigned to him. It was how he’d met Cooper’s mother. And that was his only failure. She’d been stronger than him. His Shield had gone down. He’d felt love. Just that one time. And look at the horrible result! The outcome of their mating had to be completely extinguished on the spot.

  Percy grinned. “Nothing would give me greater pleasure, my master.”

  CHAPTER 4

  Cooper walked slowly down the road, away from the cottage he and Keira were resting in. He knew the letter from his mother was buried somewhere close by, that the time had come to find it. As he walked, he opened his senses, breathed deeply and let the whole world in. When he came upon a spot along the road that he felt held promise, he stopped, sniffed, and walked in tiny circles. It was an old vampire trick - to wake up the knowledge that was resting in that place and gain information.

  It felt so wonderful being here, under the trees so close to the lake, scouting the area, waiting for guidance. Finally, he was getting closer to the moment he’d been longing for, for years. The letter had been planted here, for him, waiting for the moment when he would be strong enough to be able to claim it. But first he had to let go of two things – his attachment to his father, and his fear of escaping the Shadow Vampires, of being caught and disintegrated.

  Letting go of his attachment to his father had been easy. They had so little in common. From the time he was a child, Cooper knew that his father’s ways were not his. His father’s tribe was foreign to him -their desires were not his desires - Cooper never wanted to hurt anyone. He knew he’d been born to a different mission, but had no idea of what it was. And he knew he could never mention that to his father. It would be considered heresy, Cooper would immediately be scalded in blazing iodine, mixed with crystals that would tear him apart.

  Cooper stopped walking in circles and moved on down the road. As he did, a large, smooth, oval rock caught his eye. It stood out along the side of the pathway, deep blue, shiny and soothing. It was heavy, planted and yet luminescent. Cooper felt as if it were beckoning him. He went over to it, leaned down and rubbed his hands along its sides. Since he was first born, he’d had an unusual relationship with rocks and trees, knew them intimately, and also felt he understood them.

  “Beautiful rock,” he whispered to it. As always, Cooper felt the rocks, trees, mountains, hills all listening when he spoke. They felt his vibrations and took them in. They loved being seen and appreciated. Humans didn’t realize that the entire world was alive, waiting to be recognized, waiting to be touched. “What an amazing blue you are,” Cooper went on. He felt the rock pulse under his hand. It felt cool and warm at the same time, as if thrilling to his touch.

  He stopped moving and waited to sense what called to him next. In a few moments he noticed a pile of mud behind a nearby tree. Surrounded by weeds, it was oozing, and seemed perpetually damp.

  Cooper went over to the pile of mud and gently flattened it. As he did, he felt something hard to the touch. Excited, he brushed more mud away quickly. Something was buried beneath it. He scratched at what was left of the mud fiercely and uncovered an old, gnarled wooden box.

  Cooper lifted the box from its burial place and, ecstatic, held it up close. The box smelled of pine leaves and musk. The wood was damp, almost rotting. It seemed to have been buried there for ages. It was beautiful.

  Cooper held it to his face and breathed it in. The wood held ancient secrets. The lid on the box was closed by a copper latch. He picked at it and it came undone easily. In a flash he knew this was what he was seeking. This box, its contents, belonged to him.

  Barely breathing, squatting under the tree, Cooper lifted the lid slowly. Inside was an old piece of parchment paper. He took it out with the greatest of care so that it wouldn’t crumple. Was this the letter? Would it lead him back home?

  He held it up and to his surprise, on the parchment was a faded image, of someone he could not make out. The picture was so old, so faint, he could barely discern the features. He turned it over, hoping for more, some message written just to him.

  There was no writing anywhere. The back of the page was completely empty. Cooper breathed a painful sigh. This was just a first step. Where to go from here?

  The late afternoon sun shone through the trees at that moment, warming and encouraging him. It amazed him that he could actually enjoy the warmth of the sun. Usually he hid from it, it burnt his skin. Since he’d been with Keira, though, he could bear the light and sun so much more. Was her human nature rubbing off on him? He smiled, suddenly wishing she could be besides him, enjoying it too.

  The wish to have her near, frightened him though. He knew the Shadows were on their trail. If he indulged these feelings, his Shield would go down and it would be easier for them to track and destroy them. Yet, the thought of Keira, a few feet away, sitting back in the cottage, gave him an odd strength and courage. He felt complete when she was close by. What was it about her that so gripped his heart? He didn’t know, and he didn’t like feeling this way either.

  Cooper folded the parchment paper into the box, and started back along the bumpy road to their cottage door.

  *

  When Cooper walked in, Keira looked up from the journal she’d been writing in. Her face had an odd flush and her eyes were glowing. She looked more beautiful than he’d remembered. He longed to rush to her side, hold her close, tell her all he was thinking. The longing struck so strongly, he forced himself to withdraw and raise his shield even higher than before.

  Safe behind his shield, Cooper just held out the box formally. It was as if he’d returned from a routine expedition and had an object for her to inspect. As he became distant and stiff, he saw the look of sadness cross her face. She lo
wered her eyes to hide a tear. It was the last thing he wanted. It killed him. But at the same time, he had to keep them safe.

  “I found this under a pile of dirt down the road,” he announced in a monotone.

  Keira stood up from the couch she was curled up on. Despite her sadness, she seemed curious and came closer.

  Cooper put the box in her hands. “There’s a photo inside,” he said. “I don’t know who it is. It’s very hard to make it out.”

  Keira took the box, opened it slowly, lifted the faded parchment paper and gazed at it for a long time. Her perplexed expression suddenly gave way to a one of certainty.

  “I see a woman,” she said.

  Cooper’s heart started pounding.

  “It’s your mother. The photo was taken 400 years ago”

  Cooper lurched forward, grabbed the parchment paper and stared. “How come I don’t see it?”

  “You need special vision to make it out,” Keira answered simply. “As I look at it with the desire to help you, I receive the vision I need to see what’s there.”

  Cooper shivered. He’d always had the powers he needed, didn’t have to depend on anyone else. It frightened him.

  “You’re separated from the Shadows now,” Keira said matter of factly, as though reading his mind. “This is a transition period. It’s part of the Grand Design.”

  Cooper stepped back. How did she know these details about The Grand Design? He was not only stunned by finding the image of his mother but, also at the way Keira was evolving in front of his eyes. It was like watching a bird leave the nest and learn to take flight in the vast sky. Obviously, they’d been brought together for a purpose. Were they going to fly in the same direction? Had their paths only crossed like this for a brief time?

  At that moment it became clear to Cooper that Keira had been brought to him to guide him. She was here to lead him home. And what was he here to give to her?

  “Tell me more about the photo,” Cooper took a tiny step closer.

  After a while, she nodded, with certainty.

  “I know where the letter is,” she said, as it suddenly came to her.

  He stared at her, shocked.

  “The letter you are searching for is down the road, to the left, up a hill and buried under an oak tree at the edge of the lake. The third oak tree that borders the lake.” Then she opened her eyes. “Go now,” she said. “Find it. Quickly. We cannot linger much longer.”

  “We?” Cooper said startled. Did she think she was going with him back to his mother? Did she think they were fated to be together forever? The thought of it terrified him.

  “Why do you say we?” he repeated.

  Keira gasped softly, took a few steps back and turned her back to him. For a moment he stared at her. How magical she looked in the fading light. Her hair fell like spun gold around her shoulders. He wanted to rush to her, put his arms around her and tell her that he wanted her to come with him. But then he felt dizzy and shook his head. No. These were just human feelings he’d never had before. He must not allow himself them!

  He turned swiftly and raced to the door, opened it and fled down the road.

  It seemed his feet lifted from the earth as he raced to the spot Keira had told him to go to. He had to stay focused on his mission, he had to put her out of his mind. She said to go to the third tree that bordered the lake.

  In less than a minute he was standing there. The light of the day had faded mostly now and the breeze from the lake blew harder and colder. Cooper swooped down at that tree and dug, the cold wind whipping his body. Then suddenly, he froze. Lying there in the dirt, untouched, unharmed and unprotected, was a letter.

  He pulled it out carefully and held it to his heart. His head flung back and his eyes teared. His heart pounded and he wanted to cry. All of this was dangerous. Should he read the letter alone now? Should he wait and read it with Keira? Would that only intensify their impossible bond? Holding the letter close to his heart, he realized how much he wanted to share it with her, hear what she thought. Cooper whirled around and practically flew back to the cottage, letter in hand.

  *

  When he walked in, Keira was standing at the far window, her back to him, looking out across the trees. She did not turn around when he came through the door. For a second he was frightened. Had he been too distant? Was she really hurt? Would she pull away herself now?

  “I found the letter,” he murmured.

  She turned towards him, her face wet with tears.

  He felt disturbed. “You can’t stand here alone, crying.”

  “Yes, I can, Cooper,” Keira said. “That’s what human’s do.”

  “You’re more than a human, much more,” he replied.

  She smiled wanly. “Yes, I know. But I’m still human too. I have feelings.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said then.

  She looked at him gratefully.

  “I don’t want to hurt you. Not ever.”

  “I know,” Keira said softly.

  His heart felt more at ease then.

  “I found the letter, but haven’t read it yet. Not without you. Like it or not, we are in this together,” he said haltingly.

  “But you don’t like it? she replied.

  “I don’t understand it,” Cooper said, “I’m not used to it. And I don’t know who you really are or where we’re both headed.”

  “Read me the letter,” Keira said, tautly. But she did not fly towards him as she usually did, just kept her distance as she spoke.

  That bothered him. How many times could he turn her away? he wondered. Perhaps she was realizing something about him, learning her role with him? He truly didn’t want it to be like this. He missed the connection, he liked being touched.

  Before he read the letter, Cooper went closer and reached his arms out for her. She looked at him tentatively, confused, like a deer caught off its trail.

  As he put his arms around her, she shivered. He pulled her closer, warming her, feeling the sweetness of her body. Then he buried his face in her perfumed hair.

  “Thank you Keira, thank you,” he murmured.

  She reached her face up to him to be kissed.

  He kissed her mouth lightly, electricity sparking all over him. He could not kiss her more deeply. This was all he could do. It was even too much now. They were too close again. He felt the danger.

  Without saying a word, Keira pulled away gently.

  “Read me the letter,” she repeated.

  Cooper lifted it and began to read.

  This letter has been waiting for you for hundreds of years, it started. It was destined that you would find it exactly at the moment you do. It is from your mother, who has never forgotten her love for you. And who has always known that her love would one day call you home.

  I know you have been raised in the Shadow Vampires, a tribe which knows nothing of love, which fears it, hates it and is dedicated to stomping it out - even the idea of love, the memory. But it your case, the call is too strong. Cooper, you were born hybrid – half Shadow Vampire and half Torch Vampire. The Torchs are Vampires dedicated to love, to helping the human race. That is your other side, Cooper. It is what you have always sought.

  Our coven is hidden behind a hill, separated by three golden domes. Most who come close do not see these domes-- only dark, slimy rocks. To those who belong and can enter the coven, the domes appear and allow them to approach.

  Come home, Cooper. This is your home. You belong with us. Time is of the essence. When you receive this letter, the war will be on, the world will be in crisis. The shift of the planetary balance between good and evil will be at its peak. We will have the opportunity to wipe evil out of our midst forever. But there is not a moment to waste. Come home immediately. We welcome you.

  Cooper stared at her. She stared back. Could he take her with him? Would she be welcomed? Would the domes appear, letting them in?

  As if hearing his thoughts, she spoke in a deep voice, gruffer than usual, jostling him.
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  “I’m not sure I want to go with you either, Cooper. Don’t think this isn’t painful for me.”

  He shuddered, hating the thought of losing her, worrying what would become of her now.

  “But, I must take you with me,” he suddenly said. “Whether you like it or not, it’s part of the Grand Design.”

  Keira desperately wanted to know who she was too, to find where her own powers came from, to figure out what her own mission was. But she also wanted to help Cooper. And she felt that somehow, wherever he led her, it would help her find out more about herself. After all, it was only since he’d come into her life that she had changed so inexplicably.

  She reached out and took his waiting hand, and knew she would stand by him.

  CHAPTER 5

  As night fell, darkness deepened and the cold winds became more bitter and rough, Keira and Cooper left. Like animals being hunted, they flew down the road from the cottage. Keira threw her head back and stared at the stars. They were sharp and sparkling in the dark autumn sky. She knew exactly where to go. They were to take a boat across a lake, which would lead to Cooper’s mother and tribe.

  “Follow me,” she called out to Cooper.

  Already right behind her, he came even closer. She could feel his body taut with excitement at the idea of finding his home. And what would she find? Keira had no idea. She had no idea any longer where she belonged or what her mission might be. She did know, though, that now it was her job to guide Cooper to where he belonged. And she knew as she did it, that she would receive whatever she needed in return.

  It was freeing to be out here in the wilderness with him. Keira suddenly was told, there was a motorboat docked, three blocks down behind the house, at the edge of a lake. She was to lead Cooper to it and they would take off. There was no time to waste. Even as the two of them stood close together, they were being hunted down. A flurry of bats had drifted overhead once or twice, but she hadn’t paid much attention. Now she heard the hissing coming closer. The Shadows were formidable enemies. She and Cooper ducked down between rocks, knowing that as they hid there, the bats would be temporarily diverted. And, of course, the waters themselves would protect them. Water disrupted their vibrations and scent. It would be difficult for the Shadows to track them, as they crossed the lake.