by J L Lawrence
Xander pulled Kate in close and kissed the top of her head. She reached up and brushed his cheek. She took his breath away. He squeezed, and she sank against him, letting the world slip away. Before everyone else arrived, he intended to enjoy some alone time with her.
* * *
When Xander had first recommended a movie night, the memories of Gregory and Roxy threatened to overwhelm Nikki. Her emotions were still raw after speaking with Storm this morning. She wanted to be with him but didn’t see how they could overcome the obstacles. He was angry because he thought she didn’t want it badly enough to find a way.
She couldn’t even visit with him unless Kate or Xavier escorted her, and even then, she only had an hour or so. She needed more. They’d also tried to meet in the dream world, since she could dreamwalk. The best they could do was to see each other. They couldn’t touch. The situation had become hopeless, but neither could let go. Both still harbored a lot of anger for the past. It beat within them like a ticking bomb waiting to explode.
Initially, she wanted to reject Xander’s request and go to her room. Then she realized he was creating the night for Kate to give her a break. She needed a dose of normal. Maybe they all did. She rounded up everyone, and they headed to their home away from home. She missed her house and her room and her comfy bed. Roughing it like humans didn’t suit her. She wanted to like the new recruits for Kate’s sake but mostly they annoyed her. She sure hoped Kate knew what she was doing.
The movie turned out to be a great idea, not that she’d give Xander all the credit. Kate brought in pizza and Angie made sweet tea. For two hours, they got to pretend they were normal friends hanging out on a Friday night. She’d always dreamed of a life like this. She envied the humans’ ability to enjoy the moment and not have the fate of the world crashing into their every thought. And that’s why Kate feels guilty all the time. The humans would never be able to embrace normalcy for the remainder of their lives. They’d always look over their shoulder, wondering what was next or what could be lurking in the shadows. They weren’t wrong. Part of her wanted to say welcome to my life.
After cleaning up, they sat for a few moments in silence. Each one afraid to break the spell that’d given them a brief reprieve from reality. Angie snuggled against Xavier, and he squeezed her tightly to him. Her baby brother deserved happiness like Kate and Xander’s. Someday, she wanted to tell them how much joy their love brought into her life, but her own current pain distracted her. Mixed with a little jealousy, too.
At least her brothers and friends had a shot at a beautiful future together, however brief or long. Eventually, she’d say goodbye to Storm once again. Living half a life wasn’t any better than being alone. Storm kept telling her it was enough for now and to trust that Kate would find the way. She’d let go of that hope long ago. It hurt too much.
Kate covered her hand and leaned against her. “We know how much you love us, and how much you suffer. I’ll do everything in my power to find a way for the two of you to be together.”
Angie came and sat on her other side. She’d never understood the concept of true friends until she’d met them. Despite their differences, they’d embraced her completely. That in itself had been a miracle. It also served as a reminder to give the recruits a fair chance.
“Thanks. It’s hard to believe the last time we all sat down to watch a movie, Gregory and Roxy were here with us. Rowena said they chose to enter the in-between or Ghost Realm instead of crossing over to the Eternal Realm. I don’t understand why. Have they tried to contact you?”
“No but the in-between is tricky. I guess they felt there might be a chance for them to contribute somehow. Or maybe they wanted to see how the battle ends. Every once in a while, I think I hear Roxy reaching out to me. I haven’t figured out how to connect yet. Rowena said it’s difficult dealing beyond our current reality. I’m not sure how much they can see or do. Once I finish my quest and understand my powers, I’m hoping to speak with Roxy. It may be painful, but worth a try.” Nikki didn’t point out that she’d only mentioned Roxy and not Gregory. That betrayal still stung too much.
Angie stayed quiet. She’d buried it deep, but Gregory’s actions still greatly affected her, too. She loved Xavier with all her heart, yet she’d loved Gregory, too, as a friend. He’d also tried to slip her a potion to take away her free will. So she hadn’t been able to speak his name since his death.
Kate patted Angie’s shoulders and met her eyes. She knew Kate was sending her comfort and support. She envied their bond. Eternal friendship and sisterhood. No matter how close she became with them, she’d never have that total loyalty and devotion. She wasn’t that close with her own sister, but she had been with Storm.
“Do you really think it’s possible that they can help in any way?” Xander stretched and walked around the small room.
“Not likely, but one thing I’ve learned in your world is to be prepared for anything. So, we’ll try when the time is right. Tonight, is for those of us still here. We’ve accomplished so much and built amazing friendships. Once we figure out this quest stuff, we’ll be one step closer to kicking Braxus’ ass. That’s my intentions anyway.” She lifted the spirits of everyone in the room.
The night had allowed them to grieve and let go. To reconnect the bonds of trust between them. In these moments, she believed they had a real chance to win. Maybe that was the point. Hope lived inside them all, but they had to conquer despair to let it shine. With Kate radiating her golden glow, she couldn’t help but believe the future belonged to them.
They joked and laughed for the next hour talking about any small topic that came to mind. She told them stories about her brothers. Kate and Angie shared memories from their past. Xavier laughed, and it warmed her heart. She’d begun to fear he’d never have happiness again, but Angie had given him a second chance. Xander danced around with her like when they were children. Magical.
Kate stood suddenly and froze. Xander rushed to her side and joined her thoughts. Both turned pale and met each other’s eyes. Slowly, they moved toward her. This couldn’t be good. Her brother blocked her from his thoughts, but he hadn’t blocked Xavier who now resembled a ghost. Angie looked down at her feet. What were they hiding?
“Nikki, have a seat. Stay calm and listen.” So not happening.
“Why? What is it? Tell me Kate.”
“There’s been an accident in the Shadow Realm. Zane has asked for me.” She didn’t need to ask who had been hurt. Tears flowed down her face. It felt like a knife had been jabbed through her heart.
“Storm. Is he alive?” She fell to her knees sobbing. She couldn’t lose him.
“Yes, he’s alive. Barely. He tried to use some of the new portals they’ve been creating to escape the shadows. The pure light he funneled cloaked him like a fire. Zane has requested our assistance. We must leave now. Keep it together.” She felt the push from Kate to tame the emotions running rampant.
She took Kate’s outstretched hand. She couldn’t focus her thoughts, so Xander picked her up and carried her through the portal Xavier had created. Her mind raced and heart pounded. Panic filled her every breath. She couldn’t lose him. He couldn’t die. He’ll be okay. Kate will make him okay. Storm was her world, and she wouldn’t live in it without him. She held onto Xander tightly and let Kate take more of the pain away.
The instant drop in her emotions and energy helped her regain focus. Lying in the center of the room, an unrecognizable body turned his head toward her. Tears poured down her face and horror filled her heart. She dropped to her knees by his side, but couldn’t speak. She couldn’t touch him.
His skin had been nearly burned off his body. “Nikki, I had to see you. I’m sorry to have caused you pain. I love you.” He was letting her go.
She finally found her voice. “Stop. You didn’t cause me anything but my own fear. I love you. Let Kate heal you.”
“I’m not sure I want her to. If I die, we’re both set free. You could find happiness again. A re
al future.”
“My happiness is with you. If you love me, let Kate heal you. We’ll find a way, but death isn’t the answer. I’ll grieve for eternity. Is that what you want for me?”
“No. You are everything I want.” He slipped out of consciousness.
“Heal him, please,” She pled with Kate. She couldn’t hold herself together much longer. Xander pulled her aside and held her close, and she turned her head against him.
Kate waved a hand over Storm’s face, and he woke up groaning in pain. “I can heal you. Do you give me permission?” She didn’t wait for his response. Instead, she started repairing the blackened flesh. It sizzled as the new skin began reforming.
He screamed in agony. “Of course, you can heal me, torturous wench,” he hissed between clenched teeth.
“You’re one to talk, crispy critter.”
He tried to smile, then passed out from the excruciating pain.
Chapter 4
Kate rocked back on her heels and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Storm would have a few scars on his back where nothing had been left for her to rebuild, but he’d soon be back to his cantankerous self.
Nikki lunged forward, throwing herself on top of him. Their love would save them or kill them.
In order to give them some time together, Zane flashed Nikki and Storm to his room. A few moments of peace followed by an explanation of why he acted like a damn fool would also be required. She’d like to know that one herself. Maybe pride was the culprit. Nikki only had a little time left so she sent her a warning to use that time wisely.
“What happened?” Xavier demanded.
Zane shook his head and threw up his hands. “The idiot is obsessed with escaping this realm. He loves her and is terrified she’ll cut him off again. He won’t admit it, but the rest of us can see the desperation inside him. His fear has become his greatest weakness, followed by pride. My brothers and I almost missed it. He doesn’t want to wait for Kate to find the answer. The fool thinks he can find it on his own.”
No pressure or anything. “We’ll find the answer. The visions have been accurate so far. I see no reason for that to change. I don’t think it will be easy.” Nothing else had been.
“You’re more right than you know.” That didn’t sound good.
“Meaning?”
“I’ve been going through the archives and all the journals from my ancestors, including my father’s. It appears the amulet represented more than I originally thought. It wasn’t created for the Shadow Warriors, but entrusted to them to help maintain the balance of power.”
And? “Okay, so what does that change? Restoring the amulet is still the key.”
His piercing golden eyes nailed her when he forced her chin up. The weight of nearly losing his brother still clung tightly to him. “Listen, Mystic. The amulet didn’t provide our power. We only protected it. From everything I’ve read so far, this amulet represented the light of a Mystic. You have to restore it in order to gain your final power. At least, that’s what the archives lead me to believe. I have more to decipher, but it’s fair to assume you’ve found your quest. Repair the amulet or die.”
Holy hell. She had to figure out how to put the magic back into an amulet that was thousands of years old.
Where do I start with that?
“If that’s my quest, the Council will have little information. It’s been a part of your world for centuries.”
“I’ve only begun sorting the archives. I’ve read them a million times, but focused on the wrong things. It’s not about us recreating anything. It’s about repairing the balance that should have been. We can’t do that trapped in the shadows. My belief is that this is the first step to our freedom. Helping you gain your power. Prepare your humans. We’ll meet again once I complete my review of the documents. I hope to have everything sorted in a week to two weeks. My instincts tell me that’s the deadline.”
“So do mine.” He’s on to something. Otherwise, her spidey sense wouldn’t be tingling. She’d wait until she had all the information before meeting with the Council. Amidst the chaos in her head, came relief. For the first time in weeks, she’d taken a step forward in her quest for the light. She wouldn’t win the Rising without it.
They grabbed Nikki and headed back to Alaska. She had one or two weeks at most to train these recruits to fight creatures they’d only seen in movies or nightmares.
Playtime’s over boys and girls, the war’s a coming.
* * *
The training facility smelled more like a doctor’s office full of disinfectant than a gym. Kate held her laughter on the inside. Her magical friends were actually afraid of getting germs from the humans.
The main level opened into a wide room with padding on the floor and walls. She closed her eyes and remembered her own karate dojo. Sometimes the memories felt like a lifetime ago.
The recruits had paired up and began hand-to-hand tactics. Most believed her to be more fluff than a warrior. The mouthpiece for the war. Today’s lesson would begin there.
Might as well let them get adjusted to magic while I’m at it.
She stepped into the center and used her power to alter her clothing into tight black athletic pants and a royal blue tank top. Her tattoo stayed hidden. She allowed her eyes to become the bright blue swirl. Some cowered and some puffed up to cover what they actually felt, but they were all afraid.
Magic wasn’t what they needed at the moment. They had to master the fear rooted deep inside and their belief of reality. Time to stoke the fire within them.
She pointed to one of the recruits and motioned him to take the floor. He faced her. His movements were quick and he was light on his feet, but his tactics were undisciplined.
She swept his legs and delivered a heavy blow to his chest. He rolled off the mat, gasping for air. Two others entered. She threw them off the floor, even before she broke a sweat.
A female warrior built like a tank stepped in front of her. She possessed strength and speed. Kate let her linger slightly. She ducked a punch and blocked a kick, knocking the woman backward. She immediately jumped back up to face her. She’s got courage and stamina. Neither would save her. Kate caught her jump kick and threw her into the wall. This time, she stayed down.
Working her way through the recruits allowed Kate to assess their abilities first hand. She ignored Xander’s warning to lighten up. They had two weeks at best to turn these humans into slayers. In one last attempt, several of the men surrounded her. No stranger to this game, she moved to the left and spun to the right, taking down several men as she leveled the playing field.
I haven’t even used any of my powers yet. Good sign or bad?
She jump-kicked one and broke his nose. Then she plowed her leg into the side of another, cracking his ribs. Several hit the padded walls and others rolled off the mat in agony. Pam waited patiently to the side, healing them. Angie joined in the fight and within minutes, they’d cleared the floor. Many recruits still lay on the pads, groaning. She wanted to feel sorry for them, but they hadn’t even scratched the surface of pain yet.
Chris, Randy, and Teri stayed in the stands. Walking over, Kate sat beside them while Xavier, Pam, and Nikki healed all the recruits. “Didn’t want to join the fun and test my skills a little?”
“Didn’t want to get our asses kicked is more like it.” Randy bumped her shoulder. “We couldn’t take you, before all the power shit. Why didn’t you use any of the abilities we’ve seen?”
Chris shrugged his shoulders but didn’t contradict Randy.
“That’s not what they needed to see yet. I fought as an above-average human with extreme tactical training. Look at them. They’re already using what they’ve learned from our sparring after one lesson. We don’t have time for a slow build. Sometimes, the subtle but harsh approach is best.”
“Subtle, huh?” Angie joined them and crossed her arms. “I don’t remember kicking recruits assess being on the morning agenda. Do you?”
“Maybe I ha
d a slightly different lesson in mind.” Taking the hint, she backed off. Her part with the warriors came later. She had her own battle to prepare for. She’d begun writing down all her visions and studying them with Rowena. The one she’d experienced all her life hadn’t stopped once she became the Mystic. Standing on the Cliffs of Moher, she could still feel the wings of the phoenix sucking her in. She knew the purpose of her quest and the starting point, but so many other variables still didn’t make sense. However, the pieces were beginning to fall into place.
Jeff and Marco stepped on the mats to begin the training. Xavier and Angie joined them, along with several others who’d come to help prepare the new warriors. She watched for a while. By the end of the first day, she’d seen their skills advance, but the knowledge of their enemy hadn’t. Maybe she could find a way to help them see.
“Do I even want to know what’s in that head of yours? You’ve got that scary look of intensity again. I thought the first day of full training went pretty well.” Xander waited for her to agree, but she worried that they didn’t understand what they were learning or why it mattered. How could they?
She sat down on the small sofa and leaned against him. “They didn’t do bad. My concern is their lack of knowledge. When Angie and I began training, we were running for our lives but knew our enemy. Learning how to defeat them became our number one priority fast to survive. I think that’s missing here. They fear me, not the demons.”
“Since I see the wheels turning in that crazy head of yours, what’s the plan? Give me the easy-to-digest version if you don’t mind.” He smiled, but she saw the sincerity in his eyes. He still carried a lot of weight from his torture and wanted time to relax more than anything. That’d have to wait for a while. She reached up, then kissed his lips softly. His swift intake of breath amused her. Their chemistry and desire still maintained epic levels. Once this battle was over, she intended to find a deserted island and have her way with him for weeks. For now, she had to stay focused. His arm draped around her shoulders and she relaxed against him.